| Subject: The New World - Part #19 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 18:27:40 06/07/03 Sat
PART #19
The next morning Joshua was upbeat and happy. Bowregard could hear him whistling as he dressed, and went to the kitchen for some breakfast. He asked about the food that had been packed, and saw that everything was ready for him. He left final instructions for the servants, and carried his things out to the carriage house. The driver was already there, and ready to leave as soon as Joshua appeared. He had hitched up the horses, and dusted out the carriage so the young lady’s clothes would not become soiled. Of course it wouldn’t take long for the dust to accumulate once they got out on the road to Jennings.
Joshua had wrapped the painting carefully, and placed it with his things inside the carriage. He smiled to himself when he thought of the money he would be getting for the painting. Money was extremely important to Joshua, and nothing pleased him more then when he was increasing his coffers.
Joshua climbed into the carriage, waved at Bowregard; and said, “I should be back within a week. Bowregard waved at his cousin, and stood watching as the carriage pulled away from the carriage house. After the carriage was out of sight, Bowregard saddled his horse, took his satchel of clothes, slung it over the horn of his saddle, and pointed the horse toward Lake Charles.
When Joshua pulled up in front of the hotel, he was surprised to see Catherine out on the front porch waiting for him. She was seated in a white whicker chair, and looked lovely as always. Her luggage was on the floor beside her. She said, “It is such a beautiful day, I decided to wait outside for you.” The driver went to her side and picked up her things, and carried them out to the carriage. Joshua said, “Have you got everything you need?” Catherine smiled, “I have checked and re-checked so I am absolutely sure I have everything I will need.” Joshua extended his hand and helped her into the carriage. The driver clicked to the horses, and they were on their way.
Joshua chatted to her about the plantation and his business, and about his family which had consisted of his parents who were now dead. He told her of being an only child, and how he had spent many lonely years by himself with no playmates. He could see this was playing on her sympathy. He talked about his father who had always worked so hard but never had any time for his wife and son. His father had been killed in a logging accident, and he felt his mother had died of a broken heart.
He told Catherine how he had longed to find a woman who could love him, and who would be his wife. He needed someone who would be the mistress of the plantation. He had just about given up hope until he had the privilege of meeting her. He said, “I know this must be too soon, Catherine, but I have fallen madly in love with you. I want you to become my wife.” I do hope you will give my proposal every consideration. I would give you everything my dear. You would never want or lack for anything. I am a man of considerable wealth, and I would gladly lay it at your feet if you would consent to marry me.
Catherine sat there with her mouth ajar, and looking stunned. She was speechless. She had never suspected that Joshua cared for her. This was too sudden. Joshua could see the uncertainty on her face and in her eyes. He talked so sweet, so gentle and loving to her, and he thought, “I can sway her. Before we return she will be my wife. That will show Bowregard a thing or two.”
Catherine said, “Joshua, I am highly flattered by your proposal, but I am merely a visitor in this country. My home is England. All my family and friends are in England. I am supposed to return in a short period of time.” Joshua looked so sad when Catherine told him that. He even looked as if he might weep. He looked very forlorn as he said, “Catherine, there is nothing that says you would have to return to England. I know I could make you very happy if you would choose to marry me. We could invite your family to come to visit, and if they should like it here, I will arrange for them to live here so you won’t have to be separated from your family.”
Catherine said, “Joshua, you are so very kind, but our family’s silver business is there. My family has developed an international clientele. I know there would be no way my family would want to leave their place of business, and start up anew in the Americas.
Again, Joshua looked so sad. Catherine was feeling badly for having to tell him these things, but she knew it would be hopeless for her to even ask her family to consider a move to the Americas. She patted Joshua’s hand, and said, “Please give me time to think about your offer.” He reached for her hand, kissed it; and said, “At least you haven’t turned me down. I still have hope I will win your heart.”
To be continued...
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