| Subject: The New World - Part #60 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 20:25:18 07/08/03 Tue
PART #60
Catherine thought about the marriage proposal from Bow, and his thoughts of getting married soon so the child would have his name. She said, “I do think it would be best for the child if we were to do this. If you are sure you want to marry me now, then it is all right with me. We both know how we feel about each other.” Bow said, “Good, let’s do it right away. We can go tomorrow if you like.” Catherine said, “I do prefer to keep this simple for I don’t want to go through a lot of hoopla at this time. I do hope that is all right with you.”
Bow came around the desk, took Catherine in his arms, and kissed her. He looked down into her face; and said, “Don’t you know I would be happy to marry you wherever you like, and however you like?” She smiled and said, “You’re quite a man Bowregard LaFaye.” He laughed down at her, and said, “And don’t you forget it Miss Catherine.” She said, “I am not likely to forget; for I have a feeling, you will be here to remind me.”
The next morning Bow and Catherine drove the carriage into Lake Charles, and were married. They picked up some needed supplies for the plantation, and Bow checked around to see if there were men he might contact to begin work at the saw mill. When they returned to the plantation, they made the announcement to everyone they had gotten married. Bow had even managed to find a ring for Catherine. He told her it would have to do until he could find one that was more proper for an elegant lady. She laughed, “Bow, I am far from an elegant lady.” He said, “Catherine, you will always be an elegant lady to me. Now, come here wife, and give your husband a proper kiss.”
The next day Catherine talked to Marguerite about working on the books for the plantation, and later the saw mill when it was up and running. Catherine asked her if she had ever done anything like that. She responded, “No, I have not; but I promise to learn.” Catherine sat down with her and began teaching some lessons in bookkeeping. Bow said he was going to see if he could round up some men for the saw mill, so he would be away most of the day.
Catherine found that Marguerite was a quick learner, and she was pleased with the progress she was making. The women were working on the front porch, and Jean Baptiste was sleeping in a basket beside his mother. Catherine thought he was such a good baby; she only hoped her child would be the same once it was born. How she wished the child she was carrying was a child conceived by Bow. Somehow, she was going to have to work through all those emotions. She knew the child had not asked to be born. Her pregnancy was a result of a foolish and too-quick decision on her part. She determined she must never let her ill feelings for Joshua have an effect on raising the child she was carrying.
Marguerite said, “Catherine, it looks like someone is approaching in a carriage.” Catherine, without looking up, said, “Oh, it’s probably Bow.” She thought for a moment; and commented, “Actually, he said he was going to be gone most of the day.” She stood up to scan the horizon; and saw the carriage, but did not see the person in the carriage well enough to determine who it was.
As the carriage approached, she could see the person inside the carriage was waving. She realized it was her cousin, George. She waved back furiously, and started across the porch, and down the stairs. When the carriage stopped, an elegantly dressed man in his thirties stepped down. Catherine threw her arms around him; and said, “Oh, I knew you would come.”
Marguerite was watching the scene from her position at a table on the front porch of the house. Catherine was leading the man up the steps, and they walked towards Marguerite. She said, “Marguerite, this is my cousin, George Sheffield. He has come from England for a visit.” George looked at Marguerite, and was struck by her dark beauty. Marguerite extended her hand; and said, “Welcome to the Americas.” Jean Baptiste awakened and began to stir. Marguerite reached down and picked him up, then excused herself to take care of the baby.
Catherine and George walked into the house; and Catherine wanted to know about his trip over in the ship. He explained the sea was rough in some places, but all in all, it was not a bad trip. Catherine said, “I wondered if you would come, but I thought you would like the adventure.”
George looked around; then asked, “Catherine, what are you doing here? She said, “George, I am married to a man by the name of Bowregard LaFaye. This is our home.” George said, “This is really quite a home.” Catherine said, “Let me take you around to see everything.” As they walked through the house, George happened to see the silver punch bowl. He got a puzzled look upon his face; and he asked, “Catherine, I thought that punch bowl was sold to someone named Joshua Sallier.” Catherine said, “That is true; this was Joshua’s home. He and my husband, Bow, were cousins. Joshua was killed a few weeks ago, and since Bow was the only living relative, this is now his home. You might say the silver punch bowl has stayed within the family since I have married.”
To be continued...
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