by Lucia, Julie
# # #
“Where is she? What have you done with her?” David grabbed Malcolm by the shirt and slightly lifted him up.
“I don’t know. She was supposed to meet me here last night,” Malcolm pulled himself away from David. “I got delayed and she never showed up.”
“Where is she staying? Have you tried there?” David continued to interrogate Malcolm.
“I did. They said she never showed up last night, her friend is very concerned about her safety.” Malcolm said as he straightened his overcoat that David had now let go of.
“If anything has happened to her,” David didn’t finish his sentence. He glanced at Preston. “Preston, could you go there and wait to see if she shows up.”
Preston nodded in agreement and left hastily out the St. Charles Hotel door.
“This seems to be about a lot more than just some military plans to follow her here, should you let me in on the secret?” Malcolm asked David.
David looked at Malcolm with contempt and never answered his question.
“What kind of escort are you? Why did you bring her to New Orleans? You know the Colonel would never step foot here. Unless he wants to leave the Union and that is not happening while Virginia is still part of it.” David asked.
“I only follow orders and Lee said to bring her here. What does she have in her possession that you didn’t get from her in South Carolina?” asked Malcolm.
David considered telling Malcolm hoping he would just leave her alone once he got the map from her. David knew that Malcolm wouldn’t stop especially if he could hurt David in any way.
“This telegram just arrived for you,” the hotel attendant handed it to Malcolm.
“Thanks,” he read it and then smiled at David. “I guess I will get to her first,” Malcolm tipped his hat. “Good day.”
As Malcolm left the hotel David turned to Jacob. “Jacob, follow him, I have to find out what happen last night. I need to know if she is safe.”
# # #
“What is she doing here?” Clarice asked Rene. “Are we taken in strays now?”
“Miss Lee is here as my guest, and I advise you to keep your voice down, she should be coming in any time now.” Rene ignored his sister’s question.
“Please tell me you’re making jest. You aren’t seriously into her? You can do so much better, you have many times.” Clarice continued.
“Oh Clarice, don’t be vulgar,” Rene snapped.
“Do I have to remind you her parents fled to Paris in financial ruin and left her here alone, destitute,” Clarice recapped.
“All the more reason she needs friends,” Rene defended her.
“Friends, please Rene, you can’t be just friends with women. Especially that one! She is a Lee.”
“Her uncle is well respected, a West Point graduate,” explained Rene.
“And a Union one, she is a traitor! We have a traitor in our home,” announced Clarice. “I won’t have it. I want her out by morning.”
“We only left the union a week ago,” said Rene with one raised eyebrow at his sister’s ranting. “Clarice you are being emotional. What do you have against her?”
“What do I have against her you say? She ruined all my plans for engagement to the most handsome man I have ever laid eyes upon. He left my party looking for her.”
“Such nonsense from you, you couldn’t be engaged as much as I,” laughed Rene. “We are alike Clarice. There is no one that could entice us enough to only want one lover forever.”
“I thought maybe he could be,” she laughed, “well at least he could be fun for awhile.” They both smiled.
“Well, maybe that is how I feel about Johanna,” said Rene. “I am actually having fun trying to win her heart.”
“Why do you care to win her heart?” asked Clarice curious now.
“She is mesmerizing. I can’t seem to get her out of my mind,” confessed Rene.
“Rene, I am not wasting another minute talking about someone who won’t matter to you by tomorrow,” Clarice ignored his comment. “Listen, my soldier has sent me a telegram and is coming here today, I need her to be out of the house, and I don’t want her to distract him from me.”
“How could anyone be distracted with you in the room?” asked Rene.
“Well, I am sure she will find a way,” said Clarice pouting. “She is a devil that one. She just wants to hurt me.”
“She has too much class to worry about you. She is an angel,” Rene exclaimed sighing.
“Oh Rene, I hardly thinks so,” said Clarice surprised by her brother’s new infatuation. “You need to get her out of here. I don’t want her here, understood?”
“Okay, I will take her out for the day, but she is staying as my guest for as long as I want,” explained Rene.
“Fine, just don’t be here when he gets here,” said Clarice frowning as she thought about them together and left the room.
Johanna approached Rene missing Clarice all together.
“Good morning, I pray you slept well.” Rene said as he sat at the breakfast table holding a chair for Johanna.
“I did, thank you Mr. Beauregard,” she smiled.
“Oh, are we using formal names again? I thought we were friends,” Rene asked a bit disappointed.
“Do you have any idea how I can get in touch with my uncle?” she ignored his comments.
“Actually I sent a telegram this morning to my father letting him know that you were my guest and to contact Colonel Lee.,” replied Rene.
“Oh, thank you, Mr. Beauregard,” Johanna said relieved.
“It is my pleasure to serve you,” he smiled delighted he could make her happy. “What happened to Malcolm? I thought he was escorting you to Arlington?”
“He was, I was supposed to meet him at the hotel, he never showed up,” explained Johanna as she took a bite of her biscuit.
“Well that’s no way to treat a lady,” Rene said.
“No it’s not,” Johanna concurred.
“Why were you in the basement of the hotel anyway?” Rene asked.
“I thought Malcolm was down there,” said Johanna. “I was led by some woman dressed in a cloak.”
“You followed a woman in a cloak to the basement in a hotel?” Rene questioned Johanna’s sanity.
“I know. Not a very intelligent decision,” she slightly laughed. “I guess I just got caught up in all the cloak and dagger secrecy stuff. My uncle insisted I not trust anyone. I had to learn this lesson the hard way.”
“Well, you can trust me,” Rene smiled and Johanna returned the smile.
“Now that I am here in New Orleans, I don’t know how I am ever going to get to Arlington?” said Johanna.
“Don’t worry. We will think of something, even if I have to take you myself.” Rene reassured her as he patted her hand. “Meanwhile, let’s have some fun today. How about I show you around my city? Have you ever road a street car before?”
Chapter 14
J
ohanna met Rene in the tea room in the Beauregard’s home. His gaze locked onto the garden before him with a troubled look on his face.
“What is it ? You seem perplexed,” Johanna asked.
Rene looked out into the horizon as he spoke, “Oh, it just that I feel that I am overwhelmed by life’s stresses and under whelmed by the joy it gives.”
“One must find joy within oneself first to be able to see it anywhere else,” Johanna assured him.
Rene smiled. “Yes, I know, you are right.” They sat in comfortable silence.
“My sister is here. I apologize for her already. She is in one of her moods again,” said Rene.
“No need to worry. I have a lot of practice dealing with your sister and her moods,” Johanna smiled.
“You and her have some kind of falling-out between you?” he asked.
“You could definitely say that,” Johanna said not wanting to elaborate.
“Well, I hope she doesn’t spoil our evening,” Rene frowned.
/> “I hardly believe she could,” Johanna tried to reassure him.
“Would you like to tell me what it is?” he asked trying not to pry.
“Why your sister and I don’t get a long?” she asked.
“Yes,” said Rene curious.
“Oh, I was dear friends with someone long ago who had the unfortunate loss of having to find out her love was secretly courting your sister in New Orleans. It seemed Clarice knew about my dear friend, but my friend did not know about Clarice,” Johanna sighed. “She just got empty promises of love and marriage and Clarice got the man.”
“Ouch. Well, I am sorry she was caught in the middle of my sister’s love affairs. Unfortunately, she doesn’t count any man off limits,” confessed Rene.
“My friend was devastated at first,” Johanna continued. “She was young. She thought she could trust everyone. It was quite humiliating for her. It seemed she was the only one not in the know.”
“That is usually how it works,” explained Rene.
“Yes. That is true. But, you know, after she stepped away from the situation she realized how thankful she was that she was protected from an awful, loveless marriage. She also finally figured out that happiness doesn’t come from someone else,” Johanna explained.
“It takes a few heartaches to understand that sometimes,” Rene agreed.
“Yes, that is also true,” Johanna now surprised at Rene’s observation.
“Whatever happened to him?” Rene asked.
“He got what he wanted and got what he deserved,” Johanna explained with sadness in her voice.
“He got my sister and good taste of his own medicine,” Rene figured out.
“Yep, your sister didn’t want him anymore once she got him. Clarice had moved on to someone else,” said Johanna.
“Did he ever try to get in touch with your friend, you know, to make amends?” asked Rene.
“He wrote a letter to apologize. But, sometimes we have to realize that God has a better plan for us. Whatever people might do to hurt us, it really doesn’t matter. God can make things turn out for our good,” Johanna smiled. “She married a fine man who adores her and gave her four beautiful children.”
“Well, in your case, you are safe with me. We don’t believe in courting family here,” Rene laughed.
Johanna laughed right back, “Well, I am glad of that, Mr. Beauregard.”
Rene smiled looking on Johanna fondly, “Enough of this serious talk, let us have tea.”
# # #
“Mr. Graystone! I thought I would never see you again,” smiled Johanna genuinely happy to see him.
“Miss Lee, I am so sorry for the confusion. I hope you are all right.” Malcolm approached her and kissed her hand gently. “Please forgive me.”
“I will only if you can you explain yourself? Where have you been this whole time?” Johanna asked a little perturbed at Malcolm’s absence.
“Trying to find you, I am afraid. I had gotten word that we were to meet your uncle at the boat docks. I sent a telegram to inform you to meet us there, but it must not have made it in time,” said Malcolm.
“No I did not receive any message,” said Johanna.
“When I went to the hotel I asked around and someone recognized your description, but wouldn’t tell me anything,” said Malcolm. “Especially that it was Rene who had saved you from an awful situation.”
Rene’s smile widened.
“It seems the townspeople are all fond of him for some reason,” said Malcolm. “They thought I was collecting a debt or something and sent me in the wrong direction a few times.”
“I think it is you who now are indebted to me, Malcolm,” Rene laughed.
“Shut up, Rene,” Malcolm smiled but wouldn’t take his eyes off of Johanna.
“All right Mr. Graystone, I will forgive you on one condition,” said Johanna.
“And what is that?” he asked returning her smile.
“You take me to Virginia, no more delays,” said Johanna.
“You have a deal. I have already secured a steamship for us. We are to leave by morning. And now that I have found you,” Malcolm was cut off.
“Thanks to me,” Rene chimed in.
“I will never leave your side again,” finished Malcolm. His smile now showing his dimple, he put his hand on her cheek.
“Hey, none of that,” Rene interrupted.
Johanna faced Rene, “Mr. Beauregard, how can I ever thank you for your hospitality?”
Rene added, “And for saving your life?”
Johanna laughed, “Yes, and for saving my life.”
“I don’t know I will have to think it over and let you know,” Rene joked.
“Okay, sounds good,” Johanna smiled.
“I hear you rode a street car for the first time today?” asked Malcolm trying to keep Johanna engaged and eyes off of the handsome Rene Beauregard.
“I did. It was very exciting,” said Johanna smiling. “New Orleans is a beautiful city.”
“She was so nervous I held her hand the whole time,” Rene rubbed it in.
“I am sure you did,” Malcolm said with distaste.
“Dinner is now being served,” said a servant who interrupted their conversation. “Please follow me.”
“I am afraid I can’t stay,” admitted Malcolm. “I have to secure our departure for the morning.” He kissed Johanna’s hand once again. “I will send for a carriage to pick you up and take you to the harbor. I will meet you there. You are almost home.” Malcolm eyed Johanna.
Johanna pondered the word “home.” She had been in so many places in the past month she didn’t even remember where home was.
“That’s okay Malcolm she will be in good hands,” Rene grinned. “I will take good care of her.”
Malcolm frowned, “I am sure you will.”
“Thank you Mr. Graystone,” Johanna ignored Rene’s insinuation. “I will see you soon.”
“So much for not ever leaving your side,” Rene quipped.
“Oh, don’t you worry I wouldn’t miss our trip for anything.” Malcolm looked at Rene. “Besides, on the ship Rene won’t be around to interrupt us anymore!”
“Ah, and to my chagrin too,” Rene smiled at Johanna.
While Malcolm disappeared out the door, Rene held his arm out to Johanna.
“Are you ready for dinner?” Rene asked.
“Yes. I think I am ready,” Johanna smiled up at him.
“I must tell you how absolutely enchanting you look this evening,” said Rene in his charming accent.
Johanna blushed. “Thank you, Rene,” Johanna used his first name in recognition of their friendship.
Rene smile brightened, “I am getting closer.”
“Closer to what pray tell?” Johanna questioned him.
“Closer to you falling in love with me, of course,” Rene smiled.
“Not quite yet,” she laughed.
“Oh, I forgot to mention,” Rene continued as they walked toward the dining hall, “we have a few guests coming. I hope you don’t mind.”
“What do you mean a few guests?” Johanna questioned him but they had walked into a room full of guests sitting at a large table.
Johanna gasped as she surveyed the guest list. To her utter surprise David was sitting next to Clarice. Clarice’s hand was resting on his shoulder. She smiled at Johanna in a protective tiger kind of way.
David smiled up at Clarice not looking at Johanna until he followed Clarice’s gaze.
Johanna was surprised that David wasn’t shocked by her appearance. He nodded in recognition and then carefully looked back up at Clarice.
“I see, it seems you can’t quite keep away from my dear brother,” Clarice said with a sly smile.
“Hello Clarice,” Johanna looked at her and then once again at David.
“You haven’t met my David, have you?” she asked Johanna, smirking. She had sat down and was now leaning into David proudly showing off her new possession.
Johanna h
ated Clarice for calling David hers. It made her insides hurt. She stared them both down. She felt such conflict, it clouded her judgment. So in a voice that was cold and calculated, she said, “no I have not. Is he one of your new pets?”
Clarice laughed at Johanna’s observation. David smiled.
“Miss Lee,” Rene interrupted, “did you notice our other guests, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins?”
Johanna turned toward Abigail. “Oh, it is so nice to see you again,” she smiled.
Abigail smiled back with a quick squeeze to her arm. Johanna sat next to her getting the hint.
“Lovely party,” Abigail said, “Don’t you think?”
“It’s lovely all right,” Johanna frowned looking once again at David.
He was lost in conversation with Clarice. She tried not to study his new clean shaven face that only enhanced his good looks. She tried only to focus on her anger toward him for being involved once again with Clarice.
Clarice was enjoying Johanna’s glances and played up to them. With every once in awhile caressing his cheek, whispering in his ear closely, and laughing at everything he would say.
Johanna watched what looked like an intimate conversation between David and Clarice. It was like a knife that continued to stab her over and over every time Clarice touched him.
“I am so glad you are here,” Abigail said to Johanna trying to distract her.
“It was so nice of Rene to invite you and your husband, John,” said Johanna realizing her error in letting David’s affection toward Clarice bother her.
Johanna than turned to Rene, “Thank you so much for such a lovely day.”
“Did you enjoy yourself, Miss Lee,” Rene asked smiling.
“I did very much,” she smiled back at him.
She felt David’s gaze upon her, but she refused to look in his direction.
“You should see what I am planning for us tomorrow?” said Rene.
“I truly look forward to it,” said Johanna.
