| Subject: The New World - Part #61 |
Author:
Wanda
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 06:35:32 07/09/03 Wed
PART #61
Catherine took George on a tour around the plantation; and she found he had many questions. He asked, “Catherine, does this marriage mean you are not coming back to England to live?” Catherine said, “It probably does mean that, for this is our home. It does not mean I will never return. My husband has a shipping business, so I could return for visits.” George asked about the beautiful woman that Catherine had introduced earlier. “Who is she, Catherine?” Catherine smiled for she knew George had been taken by Marguerite’s beauty. “Marguerite is a recent widow. Her husband was murdered a few days ago by some pirates. They have the one child you saw when you were introduced. His name is Jean Baptiste. Marguerite will be living here at the plantation now, and I am instructing her in bookkeeping principles.”
George had a puzzled look on his face. Catherine said, “George you look as if you are puzzled.” He said, “I guess I am puzzled; tell me why Marguerite would be living here at the plantation.” Catherine said, “Her husband, just before he died, asked Bow to take care of her and the child. Bow wanted to honor the dying man’s wishes.” George said, “Your Bow must be quite a man to take in another man’s wife and child.” Catherine replied, “George, she will work for her keep. There is nothing lazy about Marguerite. Both Bow and I think she is a special person. She helped to save lives here at the plantation yesterday.”
George said, “Now I am curious; what did she do to help save lives?” Catherine told George about the raid on the plantation by the people who had killed Marguerite’s husband. She told how she and Marguerite had taken positions at the upper floor windows to watch for pirates who were attempting to invade the house. Catherine went into full glowing detail sharing the events of the prior day. She could see she had George’s interest piqued. When she finished talking about all that had happened, he said, “I see it is true what we hear about the Americas. This is a wild new land. Does everyone carry a gun here?” Catherine laughed, “No, George, everyone does not carry a gun. The guns that are here at the plantation are kept locked away in a gun cabinet. Not all people go around carrying guns. This was a criminal invasion; and of course, they are going to be carrying guns.”
Catherine said, “George, we have talked quite a bit about the plantation, and all that has been happening in my life. I want to hear news about the family, and you. What has been happening in your life?” George answered, “Well, the business is growing. Production of silver products has increased. That makes your father and my father extremely happy.” Catherine said, “I am surprised the elder Sheffields were willing to let you come to the Americas for a visit.” George replied, “Catherine, they knew there was a need for me to take some time away from there. I actually think they were relieved to see me leave.” “Has there been some problems developing in the family?” Catherine asked. George responded by saying, “Catherine, the business has grown; and I have tried to convince them we need to modernize to accommodate the extra business. They are so stubborn, and they are determined to do everything the old way. I was getting frustrated; and it was really best that I leave for awhile.”
Catherine had a feeling she might hear something like this from George. She remembered how George could act when he thought he was right. She smiled; and said, “George, how would you feel about settling here in the Americas?” George looked at her and asked, “Catherine, what on earth would I do here?” Catherine said, “I am looking for someone to run the saw mill here on the plantation.” George threw back his head, and laughed loudly, “Catherine, what on earth do I know about running a saw mill? I have never worked anywhere but in the silver business.”
The door to the main house opened; and Marguerite walked out carrying a tray to the table where Catherine and George were sitting. She placed some glasses and lemonade in front of them, and turned to walk back into the house. Catherine said, “Marguerite, come sit with us for a while.” George got up, and brought another chair over to the table. Marguerite agreed to sit for a few minutes, but said she had to get back to check on Jean Baptiste who was taking a nap.
George said, “Marguerite, Catherine tells me she is giving you some lessons in book keeping.” Marguerite said, “Yes, she is a good teacher.” George said, “Catherine knows bookkeeping inside out, so you will learn from one of the best. Did she tell you she had kept books for our family’s business in England?” Marguerite said, “No, she didn’t tell me that.” George inquired about Marguerite’s family, and listened intently as she told him she was recently widowed. Catherine could see that George was quite taken by Marguerite.
Catherine said, “George, Marguerite will be tending the books for the saw mill once it is up and running.” George asked Marguerite if she had any experience with saw mills, and she answered, “I had three brothers who worked at a saw mill. Also, my father managed a saw mill in his younger years. So, I do know a few things about the operation of a saw mill because of that.”
Marguerite said, “I do believe I hear the baby whimpering; please excuse me so I may go check on him.” She rose to leave, and George stood up in a courteous way. Marguerite smiled; and said, “George, please sit down, and enjoy your visit with Catherine.” His eyes followed her as she walked back into the house.
Catherine said, “George, I know you have a penchant for beautiful ladies. Without a doubt Marguerite is beautiful, but her husband was killed just a few days ago. I would not get too excited about a relationship just yet. There is a possibility she will not be interested in a relationship with another man.” “Has she expressed that to you, Catherine?” asked George. “No, she hasn’t thought that far yet; she is still reeling from the shock of Jean Pierre’s death,” responded Catherine.
To be continued...
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 