by Maggie Ryan
“Is something the matter, Lady Forrester?” Captain Hewitt asked.
“Not at all,” Willamina said, giving him a smile. “I’m just worried that if I continue to consume all this delicious fare, I’ll soon not be able to fasten my gown.”
Beaming, the captain reached out to pat her arm. “I know. Our cook is the envy of the seas.”
With an entire fish, complete with its head and tail staring up at her from her plate, Juliette almost said that she was quite sure the fish of the seas would prefer if he looked elsewhere for his protein. Instead, she lifted her glass and took another sip.
“I suppose the sea air assures everyone has quite hearty appetites,” Mr. Bingham said, already forking a bite of fish into his mouth.
“I dare say the long voyage assures very hearty appetites,” Ophelia stated. “For all sorts of delicious pleasures.”
Suddenly the wine in her mouth threatened to spew across the linens as suspicion flooded through Juliette. Swallowing led to a coughing fit which led to Captain Hewitt’s hand pounding between her shoulder blades.
“Than-thank you,” she sputtered, twisting a bit to keep his heavy hand from leaving bruises. “I’m fine, just um, swallowed too fast.”
“The secret is to savor the taste, allow it to fill your mouth before you swallow.”
Feeling her cheeks heating, she looked at the woman to see a twinkle in her eyes and a smile on her face. When the woman lifted her glass to her lips and gave Juliette a wink, her suspicion became fact. She’d not only seen this woman occasionally throughout the voyage, she’d seen her as recently as the previous night.
A steak, a rack of lamb, or a roasted chicken would have been wasted on Juliette that evening. She barely tasted the food as her mind whirled. What on earth had drawn the woman to seek the company of the two men? Having spent weeks being condemned by her own father, she couldn’t imagine what the woman’s sister and uncle would think if they’d discovered her exploits. If she’d been asked what had been discussed during the meal, Juliette would have been unable to answer.
“Are you sure you are all right?”
“What?” Juliette looked up to see her grandmother looking at her with concern. “I’m fine, Gram. I just need a breath of that air we discussed earlier.” Standing, she addressed their host. “Thank you for a lovely dinner, Captain.” Walking around the table, she bent and gave her grandmother’s cheek a kiss. “I’ll be in to read soon.”
“Take your time, my dear. I’ll save you a slice of cake.”
Thanking her, Juliette gave the other guests a nod and then left the room.
***
“You’re not considering jumping are you?”
Juliette turned from the rail to find Ophelia behind her. “No, I’m afraid the residents of the sea would be quite unwelcoming once they discovered how many of their brethren I’ve consumed.”
“I know what you mean. I have serious doubts to exactly how talented the cook is. I’d give my right arm for a thick steak,” Ophelia said as she moved to the rail to stand beside Juliette. “I need to apologize for my behavior…”
“You don’t need to apologize. If anyone needs to apologize, it’s I. I shouldn’t have… um, I should have left the moment I saw you… I shouldn’t have watched.”
“I was actually speaking about teasing you at dinner. It was quite obvious you didn’t recognize me, at least not at first. I wanted to thank you for not making mention of what you witnessed.”
“Oh…” Juliette floundered and then took a deep breath. “I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you.”
Ophelia’s laugh was delightful though a bit shocking to Juliette given the subject. “How could you? I was not only stark naked; I wasn’t exactly acting like a lady.”
“Depends on the lady,” Juliette quipped and then felt her cheeks heating.
“Ah, not to be offensive but I thought men had to use a pry bar to part the knees of ladies of the ton.”
Her statement did not offend Juliette; it had her giggling as she imagined such a scene. “Believe me, once vows have been said, legs part easily enough until a proper heir and a spare have been produced. After that, well, I can’t say you’re wrong. I’m gathering that you don’t approve of the ton?”
“I neither approve nor disapprove. I’m simply not one born with a silver spoon in my mouth.”
Juliette cocked her head and allowed her eyes to roam from the woman’s slippers to the top of her head. “If you’ll allow, I’d have to say that you could fool me. You would fit right in at any of the balls I’ve attended. You are very beautiful.”
“If you’ll allow, let me say that I am intelligent enough to know that I’d never be accepted. I don’t suffer fools well. You have no idea how much the men who flash their titles and demand proper decorum in their homes become far less stuffy in a different setting. From the way they complain about their wives, I have to wonder if there is a single couple in England who are actually happily married.” When Juliette didn’t respond, Ophelia sighed.
“Pardon me. Stephen is constantly telling me that my mouth is going to get me in trouble.” A loud guffaw had her slapping her hand over her mouth and giving a strangled moan that had Juliette shaking her head and giggling.
“Well, you can’t spend every hour with your mouth, what did you call it—savoring the taste?”
The two women laughed and any remaining attempt to ignore the previous evening’s incident disappeared when Ophelia continued and Juliette learned that last night was not the first time she’d sold every part of her body. The sun dipped low in the sky as they continued to talk. She learned that Mr. Bingham was of no relation nor was Amelia.
“Traveling with our ‘uncle’ allows us at least an air of propriety. Amelia and I can don the clothing but we don’t have the manners nor knowledge of rules or expectations that those born into high society have drummed into them since birth,” Ophelia explained. “Stephen agreed to escort us to New Orleans.”
“That was very gentlemanly,” Juliette said.
Laughter pealed once more as Ophelia said, “He’d find that description amusing seeing as how his condition for his protection was that we make sure his bed is not cold every night.”
“You mean… I’m sorry. It’s none of my business.”
Ophelia waved her hand, dismissing the statement. “I mean exactly what you are thinking. He has some business to attend to as well, but having his bed partner change nightly is a benefit he certainly couldn’t forego. From what we’ve managed to earn on this voyage, it will take just a few weeks in New Orleans before we have enough to travel on to California.”
“Why California? Are you going to mine?”
“Heavens no,” Ophelia said. “Can you imagine me up to my neck in mud or standing in a cold river panning for gold? No, it will be far more comfortable and rewarding to earn my gold both giving and receiving pleasure. We’re hoping to find an establishment in San Francisco that will allow us to ply our trade without taking ninety percent of our profit. From what I’ve heard, we’ll have several choices.”
Juliette nodded, her mind working to assimilate all she was hearing. Her silence had her companion speaking. “I hope you don’t think too poorly of me or Amelia. Perhaps if we’d been born into a different family, we’d be true ladies like you and your grandmother.”
“I have nothing but respect for you, actually,” Juliette said. “Believe me, I’ve learned that titles do not speak for morality. While my grandmother is definitely a lady worthy of her title, mine only comes from luck of birth. I’ve learned that family does not guarantee happiness and that men are far more free to do as they wish than women. I admire your strength to not only do what you want, but to make plans for your futures. Few women believe they can make it through life, much less enjoy the journey without a man at their side. It’s quite refreshing to meet two who think otherwise.”
“Well, men are a rather important factor in our choice, but I thank you for your words. H
owever, I feel as if there is a rather interesting story hidden within your compliment,” Ophelia said. “If you ever need an ear, I am a good listener.”
“I think I’d like that,” Juliette said. “I’m glad we’ve had a chance to talk. It’s refreshing not to filter every word before I say it.”
“Then we’ll talk again,” Ophelia assured her. “However, for now, I must go.”
“Below?”
“Not tonight. Amelia is probably on her way to entertain the crew but I’m sure that Captain Hewitt is wondering where his naughty dining companion is.”
“The Captain!”
“You don’t seriously believe the cook’s offerings are all the man wishes to enjoy on these ungodly long ocean crossings do you?”
Juliette giggled as she threw any filter away. “Then you’d better hurry. You might have gotten those crew men to pay you extra last night, but I don’t see Captain Hewitt doing the same if he spanks you for being late.”
“You know, by the time I left last night, I’d forgotten I’d said I expected extra,” Ophelia said, shaking her head. “This is why I need someone to handle those little details. They were both so… so appreciative and sweet that I simply forgot to charge more. Besides, at the risk of shocking you further, I find a bit of spanking enhances my pleasure!”
“I am finding that I’m not anywhere as easy to shock as I was just a few months ago. I feel as if I’ve been going through life wearing a veil.”
“All it takes is the opening of your eyes and ears to receive an education you won’t get in any of those fancy finishing schools,” Ophelia said, linking her arm with Juliette and bending a bit towards her to continue. “And, my new friend, I absolutely guarantee that the homework is far more interesting.”
The two women laughed and walked inside together. Juliette turned towards her own cabin to retrieve the novel for their nightly reading. For some reason, she was sure that if the two women ever wrote a book about their lives, it would be far more salacious than that scene in Jane Eyre.
The two women did speak again, often joined by Amelia. The three enjoyed tea with Willamina; the older woman never questioning her granddaughter’s new friendship though Juliette had an idea she was aware of far more than she allowed. When her grandmother was napping, the three younger women would walk about the deck or sit around a table, playing cards but far more often just talking. Juliette shared that she’d left England under a cloud of scandal. After she finished, she realized that her scandal suddenly seemed very minor when considering the two women’s tales. It was truly eye opening to hear stories of men she’d seen in her father’s home or at parties as she’d grown up. She was extremely grateful when neither woman spoke of ever meeting her father! Even if it would prove he was a hypocrite as well as an unforgiving man, she certainly didn’t wish to hear he enjoyed any of the very naughty, kinky things she’d learned others were quite willing to pay a tad extra to experience. Who in the world would have guessed that some men actually enjoyed receiving a strap across their buttocks instead of giving one?
Juliette didn’t allow her fascination with her new friends to keep her from visiting her older ones. It was with a feeling that was a combination of excitement and sadness the day she handed out the final little cakes and treats to the children.
“I’m going to miss you,” she said to Mrs. Miller.
“I’ll miss you as well. You’ve spoiled the children so.
“No, they are all so sweet. They deserve far more than a few cakes… oh, forgive me, I didn’t mean…”
“I know what you mean, Lady Juliette. Providing a better future for them is exactly why we have worked so hard. Their father and I will make any sacrifice to assure they will grow up with better opportunities.”
Juliette hugged the woman and pressed an envelope into her hand. “Please, don’t read it now. I’m having a hard enough time holding back the tears. You have a beautiful family and I pray your beautiful dream comes true.” She left the family, stopping to wish the best to all those who’d made her trip so enjoyable. Making her way up to the deck, she joined her grandmother who was hugging Ophelia. After giving her own hugs and feeling a bit awkward when Mr. Bingham pulled her in for a bear hug as well, she said that she hoped to see them again.
“Lady Forrester has extended an invitation to visit,” Ophelia informed her, linking her arm through Mr. Bingham’s.
“We’ll be sure to come by before we leave for California,” Amelia promised, giving a final wave as the trio made their way towards the gangplank. Once they were out of earshot, Juliette turned to her grandmother.
“That was very sweet of you, but, um, I’m not sure if Grand Uncle George would be as inviting.”
“Nonsense, dear. You deserve your own friends. George may be at death’s door but I assure you he appreciates meeting people, especially beautiful young women.”
“Um, Gram, I need to confess…”
“That your friends are painted ladies?”
Juliette blushed even as she nodded. “I wasn’t sure if you knew or if you’d approve.”
“Juliette, as I said, you’ll find New Orleans quite different than London in many ways and yet the same in others. It doesn’t matter if you are some Duke, own a plantation, are a banker, business owner or whatever; as long as there are men, there will always be a clientele for such women as your friends. As far as I see it, your friends are plying their skills in a business that is as old as time itself.”
“You are a remarkable woman, Gram.”
“No, I’m just too old and have seen too much hypocrisy to waste energy in judgment. Not a soul on this earth has the right to do so. Take a person out of his comfort zone, remove the safety net of a title or force a woman to seek a means to provide for herself and her children, and I, for one, can’t fault their choice as long as it brings no harm to others.”
Looking out towards the dock, watching people moving about as cargo was unloaded and passengers disembarked, Juliette linked her arm with Willamina’s. “I’m very proud to be your granddaughter and still say you are remarkable. Thank you for being the woman you are and thank you for giving me a moment below. I know you are anxious to see Uncle George.”
“George wouldn’t dare pass without seeing me and you probably won’t see the Millers again. Tell me, how much did you give them?”
“Nothing gets past you does it, Gram?” Juliette gave her grandmother a shake of her head. “Not nearly as much as I’d like to, but hopefully enough to help. They are such a wonderful family. It is amazing to watch them together. The love they share is so strong I have no doubt that they will succeed.”
“Well, I love you and I know you’ll love George. Shall we?” Nodding, the two walked down the gangplank with Mabel.
Placing her right foot onto the ground, Juliette paused and smiled. “Doesn’t feel different than England and yet I feel as if every step I’ll take will be guiding me towards a new life; a fresh start.”
“That’s how every journey begins,” Willamina said, giving her hand a squeeze, “with that very first step.”
Chapter Seven
Juliette had spent hours conversing with Willamina about the city her brother called home and yet actually seeing it was an education within itself. From the moment they’d climbed into a carriage, Juliette felt as if her head were on a swivel. The horses’ hooves clattered loudly against the paving stones as the driver expertly maneuvered through the crowded streets. Congestion thinned as they left the wharf behind.
“Oh, is that one of the streetcars you told me about?” she asked, pointing out the window.
“Yes, they are quite popular,” Willamina said. “I’m sure you’ll find them a convenient way to travel about in your explorations of the city. George lives in the French quarter which isn’t far from Jackson Square. The St. Louis Cathedral is quite magnificent so we must make sure to visit.”
Upon their arrival at her Grand Uncle’s residence, Juliette found the wrought-iron work quite
beautiful. The townhouse was much smaller than her family estate and yet the moment they stepped inside, it felt far more like a home. They were welcomed by the housekeeper, Mrs. Douglas, who immediately informed Willamina that her brother would be thrilled to see them. Juliette was relieved to learn that Uncle George hadn’t perished before their arrival but it didn’t take but a moment to see that he was far from healthy, though he did his best to pretend otherwise.
“It’s about time you came to see me,” George said, lifting a hand from the counterpane and beckoning for his great-niece to step closer. “Why you are as beautiful as Willy was when she was your age.”
“Willy? Oh, you mean Gram. If I’m as beautiful as she is when I’m her age, I’ll consider myself very blessed.”
“Ah, not only beautiful but sweet. Exactly how I like my women.”
Hearing Willamina give a huff, Juliette smiled. She’d been worried that the visit would be hard on her grandmother and yet seeing her scold her brother for being so forward, had her smiling. It was obvious the two were thrilled to see each other again despite the circumstances of the reunion. After placing a kiss on his cheek and promising to return for a proper visit, Juliette left the siblings to catch up.
Her room was on the second floor. The bed was high, requiring a stool to get onto and the four posts rose almost to the ceiling. Blue pillows on the bed and chair accented the cream colored walls. A thick blue rug would keep her feet warm though she was beginning to wonder if the city ever cooled. With that thought, she opened the French doors and stepped out onto a balcony. The iron railing reminded her of the ship’s rail and she leaned over, looking in both directions. Evidently, she wasn’t the only one wishing to enjoy whatever breeze there was as she saw a man two balconies over. When he raised his glass in greeting, calling out ‘Byenveni nan New Orleans’, she gave him a wave. Though she hadn’t heard it phrased quite that way before, she understood enough French to be pretty confident he was welcoming her to the city. His friendliness and his curious accent had her smiling as excitement coursed through her at the marvel of possibilities the city seemed ready to offer.
