| Subject: The New World - Part #58 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 05:12:46 07/08/03 Tue
PART #58
After Michelle Doucette confessed to shooting Jean Pierre Boudreau, Sheriff LeHavre, took her and her brother, Salvadore, as prisoners back to Lake Charles where they were to remain in jail until their trial date came up on the Judge’s calendar.
Two of the deputies stayed at the plantation, and helped load the men who had been killed into a wagon to take to Lake Charles for burial. The women and children were allowed to come down from the top floor, and disperse to their respective dwellings on the plantation. Catherine and Marguerite dragged the guns back down to the study, and locked them away in the gun cabinet. Catherine said as she locked the cabinet, “I hope we never have to use those guns again.” Marguerite laughed, “You and I had better watch ourselves or someone will be coming along wanting to hire us to be gun slingers.” They both laughed, and Catherine realized it had been awhile since she had laughed with another woman. It did feel good; she had missed that more then she had realized.
After the deputies left with the bodies of the pirates, Bow teased the women about being afraid of them. He said, “I hope you two realize this is not the way a true woman of the south acts. We must keep those guns away from you before you gain a reputation as a couple female gun slingers.” Catherine said, “I believe we can manage to keep this our little secret, don’t you think Marguerite?”
Catherine looked at Bow; and said, “We have one less worry now that the Doucettes are behind bars. We can begin to focus on getting the saw mill up, and running once again. I should be hearing from George very soon. Since there has been no word yet, I am hopeful he will be coming in person. She turned to Marguerite; and said, “I think you will like George. He is a person who loves adventure; that’s why I think he won’t be able to resist my invitation to come visit the Americas.”
Marguerite said, “Catherine, I must go to bed. I am exhausted after all that has been taking place around here. I also need to check on Jean Baptiste to make sure he is still sleeping.” Both Bow and Catherine told her “goodnight” as she walked toward the stairs. Bow looked at Catherine; and said, “Are you all right?” She smiled; and said, “I am doing well.” He said, “Manobo told me you were taking charge on the upper floor. He said he had never seen two women who could shoot a gun as well as you and Marguerite.” Catherine said, “Bow, Marguerite is an excellent shot.” Bow laughed, “I hear you are a pretty good shot yourself. I’m glad we have both of you here at the plantation to protect all of us.” Catherine reached out, and smacked his shoulder.
Catherine said, “All of a sudden, I am very tired. I think I will be going up to bed. Do you have plans for tomorrow? He said, “Yes, I need to go into Lake Charles, and make sure the work is going well on Captain LeFebvre’s ship. I promised him I would keep an eye on the work that is being done on his ship, if he would take my ship out for me; and deliver the freight. It is possible he will also bring back some passengers.
Catherine asked, “Do you suppose it would be possible for George to be on the return trip?” Bow answered, “I’m not sure if you have allowed enough time for George to get here. You know how long it took for you to cross the ocean, and I don’t think there has been enough time for him to have received your letter; and made the decision to travel, and then to cross the ocean.”
Bow said, “Catherine, there is one thing you have proven to me tonight.” “What is that?” she asked. “You have proven to me that you are no helpless female; I have gained a whole new respect for you. I don’t know that I have ever met a woman like you.” She laughed, “I hope this does not spoil the image you have of me.” He pulled her close and said, “Not at all; in fact it makes me love you all the more.”
Catherine walked up the stairs to the bedroom, and wondered about the things Bow had said to her. She knew many men would be threatened by the fact she could take charge; and handle herself in a situation mostly reserved for men. She did not want to out step her boundaries as a woman, but there had been a need. She knew she was fully capable of handling a gun. Did that make her any less a woman? Bow seemed to be impressed by her ability. She thought, “Only a man secure in his own abilities would be impressed with what she had done.” She smiled for Bow had revealed something to her in the things he had just told her.
To be continued...
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