| Subject: The New World - Part #17 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 19:24:02 06/04/03 Wed
PART #17
Bowregard put the money back into Joshua’s wall safe exactly the way he had found it; then he locked the safe, and pushed the painting back over the front of the wall safe door. Taking the key from his pocket, he walked over to the door, unlocked the door, and then returned the key to the desk drawer. He stood, and looked around trying to decide which paintings he would have his men steal. The paintings, when sold, would provide the money he had promised the men for their work in stealing the money that would be returned to Catherine.
Bowregard walked out of the study toward the kitchen. Manobo had the sandwich ready for him, so he sat down and ate, then walked out to the stable once again. He had to come up with a workable plan. He heard the sound of horses, and looked out the door of the stable to see Joshua returning home. Bowregard wondered where he had gone. He had a look of self-satisfaction that probably meant he had sold some of the pirated articles, and had made money on the deal.
Joshua pulled up at the stables, and stepped out of the carriage. Bowregard walked out of the stables and said, “I saw your carriage and horses were gone, so I figured you were out for awhile.” Joshua was quite excited when he said, “Bow, I have sold the Monet. I thought I wanted it for myself, but I couldn’t turn down the money I was offered.” “Where will the Monet be going?” asked Bowregard. “The Monet will be going to New Orleans; it is to be delivered to Jennings as soon as I can get it there,”He responded. “I will be met there by Curtis Vizier who will take the painting to New Orleans where it will be delivered to Hiram Calcasieu, the buyer.
Bowregard said, “I have a feeling that Catherine would enjoy an outing. She has time on her hands, perhaps you could take a picnic, and ask her to ride along with you.” Joshua smiled, “Does that mean you are giving your permission for me to take Catherine on an outing? I can’t believe you would even suggest that I take the lady with me. You do realize we would be gone at least a week, don’t you?” Bowregard answered, “I would offer to take the painting to Jennings myself, but I have to get some work done on the ship, so we will be ready to sail shortly. It would not be possible for me to go now, but she might enjoy it if you asked her to go along with you.”
Bowregard could see the gleam in Joshua’s eye. He hated himself for suggesting he take Catherine with him. Just the thought of her spending time with him made his skin crawl. Still, this was the best plan. With Catherine gone, Joshua would not suspect her. Joshua knew that Bowregard would be working on his ship; and of course would not suspect him for he had no clue that Bowregard knew he had taken Catherine’s money. There was still one thing that had to be accomplished, and that was to get all the servants out of the house. He would have to come up with something later.
He walked back into the stables, smiling at the way his plan was coming together. He wondered how long it would be before Joshua left for Jennings. Knowing Joshua, it would not be long. He would probably send a message to Catherine right away, and then plan on leaving in a day or two at the most.
Bowregard really wished there were some other way to get the money back for Catherine, but the more he thought about the situation, the more he realized it would have to be this way. He resigned himself to what might come out of this whole situation. At least he would know that the money would be returned to her. As he thought of Catherine with Joshua, his stomach churned. He hoped Joshua would at least have the decency to hire a driver so that Catherine would not be alone with him all that time. He wished there were a way he could warn her of this man’s evil charms.
Joshua had returned to the main house, and entered his study. He took up a quill, and penned a note to Catherine. He called for Manobo, and told him he had a message to be delivered into town. Manobo said he would see that the message was delivered right away. “Be sure you bring a message back from the young lady at the hotel,” said Joshua. “I will take care of that Mr. Joshua,” said Manobo.
When Manobo walked into the stables to get a horse to ride into Lake Charles, Bowregard asked him where he was going. Manobo said Mr. Joshua had asked him to deliver a message to a lady named Catherine at the hotel. Bowregard said, “How would you like for me to take that to the hotel for you Manobo; I’m going into town anyway.” Manobo smiled, “That will certainly save me a trip, Mr. Bowregard; I sure do thank you. Mr. Joshua said I was to stay until Miss Catherine wrote a reply to bring back with me.” He handed the message to Bowregard, and left to return to the main house. When he was out of sight, Bowregard opened the envelope; and read the note that said, “Dearest Catherine, I am leaving on a business trip to Jennings tomorrow, and would very much like to have you travel with me. Because of the distance, we will be gone at least a week. Please send a reply back with the messenger. If you would like to go, I shall pick you up at the hotel at 9:00 A. M.” The note was signed, “Affectionally yours, Joshua Sallier.”
Bowregard climbed back on the horse, and started for Lake Charles. As he rode back toward the town, he wondered what he could say to Catherine when he saw her. She still believed he had stolen her money. He would have to remain quiet about what he knew for the time being. Nothing must prevent Joshua from leaving tomorrow, and taking Catherine with him.
To be continued...
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