| Subject: The New World - Part #31 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 08:03:04 06/16/03 Mon
PART #31
Bowregard had been able to hire some men to work on the ship. Ten men had shown up looking for work the morning after Bow put out the word he was looking for workers. Bow interviewed each man, and than hired six men from the ten. Thankfully, they were seasoned men of the sea. He told them he was looking at buying a steam-powered ship as soon as his business picked up enough to do so.
Joshua and Catherine had been gone for a period of ten days. He had really expected them back in eight days, so he was beginning to get concerned about them. Most nights he had slept little because of his concern for Catherine. He had wished a thousand times he had never suggested that Joshua take Catherine to Jennings with him. He was beginning to wonder if he would ever be able to sit down, and focus on something besides his concern about Catherine.
Bow was on the deck of the ship when he saw a horse and carriage coming alongside the ship. He looked to see who was driving the carriage, and recognized Joshua’s butler. The man waved at him; and said, “Mr. Bowregard, I must talk with you.” Bow waved at him, and told him to come on board the ship. He could see the man was upset. Bow said, “Manobo, is something wrong?” Manobo said, “Mr. Bowregard, I came to tell you that Mr. Joshua is dead.” “Joshua is dead? You must be mistaken, Manobo,” said Bow. “I’m not mistaken. Miss Catherine told me; and said I was to come, and let you know.” Bow asked, “Where is Catherine?” Manobo answered, “She is at the plantation, and she has an urn with Mr. Joshua’s ashes. She told me to tell you to come to the plantation so she can talk with you.”
Bow told his crew he was going to be gone for awhile. It was necessary for him to go to the LeBleu plantation. He assigned them certain duties, and told them there would be freight dropped off in an hour or so to be put on the ship. He climbed into the carriage, and he and Manobo drove the carriage towards the LeBleu plantation. As they rode along, Bow asked, “Manobo, do you know what happened to Joshua?” “No, I do not know. The driver brought Miss Catherine to the plantation, and carried her luggage into the main house.” Bow said, “That seems strange, I figured she would be going to the hotel in Lake Charles.”
Eventually, they arrived at the Plantation. Bow walked into the main house, and found Catherine in Joshua’s study. He said, “Catherine, I am glad to see you are all right. Is it true about Joshua?” She looked at him; and said, “Yes, Bow, it is true.” “How did Joshua die?” asked Bow. “I’m afraid he was shot. I have a written report here that was made up by the doctor who tended Joshua, and the sheriff who arrested the man who shot him,” she said. “You may read the report. If you have any questions, I will try to answer them.” She handed the papers to him; and he sat down to read what had been written.
Bowregard read for a period of time, and shook his head. He said, “I was afraid there would come a day when there would be trouble because of the card playing.” Catherine said, “Then you knew Joshua was a gambler?” “Yes, Joshua has gambled most of his adult life in one way or another,” said Bow. He finished reading the report; and then said, “Catherine, I would appreciate it if you would tell me what happened.” She said, “Bow, I believe most everything is written down, except for the fact I went to the jail cell, and talked with the man who shot Joshua. He told me Joshua was mocking him; and he became angry, and pulled a gun hoping to frighten Joshua. That only made him taunt him more; and the man pulled the trigger, and shot him in the chest.”
Bowregard said, “Catherine, I’m sorry to say this does not surprise me too much. Joshua was one to live on the edge. In his own mind, he probably felt the man would not have what it took to shoot him. He lived on a different plain than most people.” He said, “Why are you here? I figured you would be in Lake Charles at the hotel.” Catherine’s eyes went to the floor, and she said, “Bow, this is my home now.” Bow had a puzzled look on his face; and he asked, “What did you say?” Catherine said, “Bow, Joshua and I were married in Jennings.”
The papers that Catherine had given Bow to read fell to the floor. Bow felt like someone had put a knife into his heart. Joshua must have guessed that he loved Catherine. He did try to ruin that for Bow. Even in death, Joshua had managed to hurt Bow deeply.
Bowregard tried to stand up, and found his legs were rubbery. He stumbled with words as he asked, “Catherine, how long were you married?” Catherine answered, “We were married several hours before Joshua was killed.” Bow’s head popped up, and he said, “He was playing cards the night of your wedding?” Catherine blushed, and responded, “Joshua was killed four hours after the ceremony. He left our hotel room not long after our marriage for there was a high stakes poker game at the local saloon. He told me he didn’t want to miss the excitement of the game.”
Bow had to get out of the room. He was seething with anger, and it wouldn’t do to explode in front of Catherine. He was curt, as he said, “I must leave for awhile. I will come back as soon as possible; and he hurriedly walked out of the house. Catherine could hear him mumbling, but could not make out what he was saying as he left.
Bow walked outside; he didn’t know where he was walking, but he walked for an hour cursing Joshua under his breath. He knew Joshua had not loved Catherine; he only married her to spite him. He was still playing that stupid, senseless game right up to the time he died. What a waste! Knowing Joshua as he did, he could visualize him consummating the marriage as soon as possible. Bow also knew that Joshua had very little respect for women. He had watched Joshua lure women with his charm only to use them, then cast them aside later. That is exactly what would have happened to Catherine if Joshua had not died. Thankfully, she would not have to deal with him ever again.
To be continued...
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