| Subject: The New World - Part #52 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 20:30:30 07/02/03 Wed
PART #52
Bow felt compassion for the young man; and said, “Don’t worry yourself, Jean Pierre, you will recover; and be back to your old self in no time. You’re young, and strong.” Jean Pierre reached up, grabbed Bow’s arm, and said, “Promise me, you’ll take care of my wife and son.” Bow saw the agony in his eyes, and said, “I promise you I will take care of your family.”
It seemed to Bow that Jean Pierre had steeled himself to stay alive to get a commitment from him regarding his family. When Bow promised he would care for his family, he looked up at him, mouthed the words, “Thank you,” and died. Bow closed the young man’s eyes, and folded his hands across his chest. He went outside, called for some of the servants to come inside, and prepare the body for burial.
He went back into the house; and called for Manobo to go to Lake Charles, and fetch Marguerite Boudreau and her infant son, Jean Baptiste. He was to tell her that her husband had been hurt; and was at the LeBleu plantation, then he was to bring her to the plantation. He told Manobo to instruct Marguerite to bring extra clothes for herself and her son.
After Manobo left, Bow went back to Catherine’s bedroom, and knocked on the door. “Catherine, are you awake?” he asked. She said, “Yes, I am awake and reading.” He walked into the room; and she asked, “How is Jean Pierre doing?” Bow answered, “He died about fifteen minutes ago.” “Were you able to talk with him before he died?” asked Catherine. “Yes, I found out what happened to him, and who shot him,” answered Bow.
Bow told her about the shooting, and how Jean Pierre had somehow managed to get himself back to the plantation to talk to Bow. He explained how Jean Pierre had begged him to care for his wife and child if something happened to him. Bow said, “His Uncle Bo Cameroon sent him to me because Jean Pierre wanted to get out of pirating. Bo Cameroon has worked for me on my ship for a number of years. He told him he thought I would help him.
Catherine said, “What are you going to do about his wife and child?” Bow said, “I sent Manobo to fetch her from Lake Charles. I told him to tell her that Jean Pierre had been injured, and to bring extra clothes. Would you please be available when Manobo brings her back? She is going to expect to see her husband, and I would like for you to be present when she is told he has died. Catherine, I am going to invite her to live here at the plantation; perhaps you can find something for her to do to give her some work and income.”
Catherine said, “I am sure we can find something for her to do. I just hope she will be willing to stay.” Bow said, “I have every intention of telling her that is what her husband wanted for her and little Jean Baptiste. He was so concerned for her welfare Catherine, and I made a promise to him that I would take care of his family. I don’t plan to break that promise.”
A few hours later, Manobo brought Marguerite and her son to the plantation. Bow went outside to meet Marguerite, and helped her get down from the carriage. He told Manobo to put the horses and carriage away, and then carry the luggage into the house.
Bow helped Marguerite into the house where Catherine was waiting. She greeted Marguerite, and could see that Marguerite was worried. Catherine asked if she might hold the baby for awhile. Marguerite handed the sleeping child to Catherine and asked, “May I see my husband now?” Bow said, “Why don’t you sit down for a moment Marguerite. I want to tell you something about Jean Pierre. You know he was injured today; actually he was shot by Michelle Doucette at close range. He had told the Doucettes he wanted to get out of pirating, and Michelle felt he knew too much about their operation to live. So, she shot him.
Marguerite asked, “Is he hurt badly?” Bow answered, “He had lost a lot of blood
by the time he arrived at the plantation. I worked to remove a bullet that was lodged next to one of his ribs, and was able to do so. He talked a lot about you Marguerite; you and Jean Baptiste. He asked me if I would see to it you were taken care of should something happen to him. He loved both of you very much.
Bow could see by the look on her face she feared the worst. Catherine said, “Marguerite, why don’t you sit down, and I will have Cook prepare some tea for you.” Marguerite said, “I am not here for tea; I want to see my husband.” Bow placed his hand on her arm; and said, “Marguerite, your husband has died.” Her eyes snapped; and she said, “I want to see my husband.” Bow asked, “Are you sure you want to put yourself through this?” She looked at Bow; and said, “I want you to take me to see him.” Bow said, “If that is what you want, I will take you to see the body; follow me.”
To be continued...
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