| Subject: The New World - Part #36 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 07:31:40 06/23/03 Mon
PART #36
After Bow made his decision, he felt a certain amount of peace. He could really see no other alternative at this time. If he were sure Catherine did care about him, he might be tempted to stay. He knew he did not want to rush anything, and end up closing the door forever on a relationship with her. He did wish he could declare his love for her, but there was too much fear in his heart to do so at this point.
The next morning Bow stopped at Peter Dunkirk’s office to set up an appointment for Catherine to come in, and start the process of settling Joshua’s estate. Peter told Bow to ask Catherine to bring the written report of Joshua’s death so that he could put that with the estate papers. Catherine was to come to the office that afternoon, and Peter asked Bow if he would come along with her. After Bow had set up the appointment, he drove out to the plantation. When he arrived, he climbed out of the carriage; and carried the satchel of money into the main house.
Manobo went to find Catherine, and soon she appeared. Bow thought she looked lovely in a deep green dress that looked very European. It was a warm and humid day, and she had pulled her long curly hair back at the nape of her neck. He noticed a silver necklace that she was wearing; and asked, “Catherine, was that necklace made by your family?” She smiled and said, “Yes, Bow it was made by my father.” Bow said, “It is very nice; I do like the craftsmanship of the locket.”
He told her she had an appointment to see the lawyer in the afternoon, and that he had brought her money for the silver punch bowl in the satchel. She said, “I guess I really should put the money in the safe until I go into town. I will take it into the bank, and have them make up a bank draft to be sent to my family.”
Bow asked her if she had thought anymore about her options. She said, “Yes, I have. I have decided to contact my cousin, George, and ask him to come for a visit. I thought I would see how he liked it here, and then we will go from there.” She looked at Bow, and asked, “Have you thought anymore about what you are going to do?”
Bow looked down at the beautiful woman standing so close to him, longing to touch her; and to kiss away the worried look on her face, but knowing he dare not. He said, “Catherine, I think at this time it would be best if I return to the sea. My ship is loaded with freight, and it must go out. I do have that responsibility to those on the other end to deliver their freight to them.”
Did he sense sadness in her eyes when he told her that? She said, “I can understand you do have responsibilities you must fulfill.” He said, “I will stay long enough to help you to know what must be done here until I return. Please don’t think I am leaving for good. I will be returning. After all, Catherine, my home is here in Lake Charles.”
Bow wondered if he had seen a glimmer of hope on her face? Catherine listened to what Bow had said, and noticed he did not say he would be gone for good. He told her he would return. She wished she could tell him how she felt, but that would make her look like a forward and aggressive female. Her husband had just died days ago, and already she was thinking about another man. What was wrong with her anyway? Did she really want to enter into another relationship at this point? Of course not; it was too early. She could survive somehow after Bow left. It was time to show some maturity. He had told her he would help her get settled at the plantation, and would show her what had to be done before he went to sea. She thought she had better be a quick study. If the ship was already loaded with freight, he couldn’t stay long.
That afternoon Bow drove Catherine to Lake Charles. They carried the money to the bank, and asked the cashier to prepare a bank draft to be sent to England for the Sheffield family. When they had taken care of that matter, Catherine sent a letter to George inviting him to come to the Americas for a visit. She asked him to reply as soon as it was possible.
When they finished their business with the bank, they went to Peter Dunkirk’s office. When they walked into Peter’s office, he rose and extended his hand to Catherine; and expressed his condolences upon her husband, Joshua’s death. He said, “Please have a seat both of you, and we will go over Joshua’s estate.”
Catherine had said almost nothing, for she felt so out of place in settling Joshua’s estate. She had known Joshua such a short time, it didn’t seem right somehow she would inherit all that Joshua had. She felt some guilt about the whole matter.
Peter said, “Catherine, I hope it is all right if I call you Catherine.” She shook her head that it was all right. He said, “I am afraid I have some rather bad news for you. I know that you do realize that Joshua was a gambler. I will tell you his father left him a sizable estate, but he has gone through the money, and has many debts against the plantation. If things are not turned around soon, the plantation will have to be sold to pay the debts. I tried a number of times to talk to Joshua about this, but he would never listen to me. I am so sorry to have to tell you this.”
Catherine’s mouth fell open with disbelief. She said, “But I thought Joshua was a wealthy man.” The lawyer said, “Catherine, Joshua was a wealthy man a few years ago, but he has gambled away all his inheritance. He was borrowing money using the plantation and its’ land and timber for collateral.” Bow said, “Catherine, I did not know how bad this situation had become.” Catherine looked at Peter and asked, “Whatever shall we do?” Peter answered by saying, “If you are planning on staying on at the plantation, you are going to need some money soon to keep creditors off your back. Otherwise, you will find it necessary to get everything ready for a sale. We could let it be known that the plantation is for sale, if you wish to return to England.
To be continued..
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