| Subject: The New World - Part #37 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 04:44:44 06/24/03 Tue
PART #37
When Peter told Catherine he could let it be known the plantation was for sale, she thought for a moment then asked, “Is there a way for the plantation to make some money?” Peter said, “You might try to get some more people to work in cutting and selling lumber. There are numerous housing projects going on, and good lumber is needed. Of course, that would mean you would have to pay out salary to the workers.
It is also time for the cotton to be picked, so you could have a cash crop of cotton, but you would have to see that the cotton is picked, baled, and taken to a cotton mill for processing. That, too, will require workers.
Catherine said, “I can see I have many decisions to make. I am going to have to think about all this, and see if I can come up with a solution. Thank you for taking your time to talk with me, Mr. Dunkirk.” She stood, and Bow stood as well. Peter extended his hand; and shook Bow’s hand, then did the same with Catherine. He said, “Again, I am so sorry to have to give you this bad news, Catherine. If there is anything at all I can do to be of a help to you, please let me know.”
When Bow and Catherine walked out of the law office, Peter stood at the window watching them cross over to the carriage. He shook his head, and wondered how a lovely woman like Catherine had gotten mixed up with a man like Joshua Sallier. Wasn’t it just like Joshua to get himself killed, and leave all that mountain of debt to his widow? If she decided to stay in Lake Charles, she had better be one shrewd businesswoman. As Peter thought of that possibility, he realized he didn’t know a woman he would consider up for the task that was set before Catherine.
As Bow drove Catherine back to the plantation, he saw that she was extremely quiet. He wasn’t sure he should break into her thinking, but finally he asked, “Catherine, do you have any idea what you are going to do?” She said, “Bow, I really don’t know what to do. This is all so foreign to me. I have never known any type of business other then the silver business. I know nothing about cotton and lumber. I really don’t know what else I can do but sell the plantation, and hope there will be enough money to pay off the debts.
Bow said, “It is difficult to believe one man could go through so much money.” Joshua has been on a collision course for sometime. I guess all this was bound to happen sooner or later, but it is still upsetting. I am just sorry all this was dumped into your lap. I don’t want you to think I am trying to tell you what to do, but I believe the first thing you have to decide is whether or not you do want to stay at the plantation. If you do not, then we will simply get it ready to sell. But, if you want to stay, then you will need some operating capital. I can help you with that for I have been putting money away for a steam- powered ship. I have waited this long, and I can wait a while longer. Catherine said, “Bow, I can’t ask you to put your money into the plantation.” He said, “Just a minute Catherine! You didn’t ask me to put my money into the plantation; I offered. There is a decided difference you know.”
Bow asked Catherine if he could share some family history with her. She said, “Yes, if you care to tell me, I will be glad to listen.” Bow said, “Catherine, I have some feelings for this plantation too for it has been a part of my family since the beginning stages of the plantation. My mother was a sister to Joshua’s mother. I have spent many hours here as a child, and even after I became an adult. I was very close to Joshua’s father, and I knew him well enough to know he would want this plantation to stay within the family. I am in a position to help with that, and I would appreciate it if you would let me help.”
Catherine looked at Bow, thought for a bit, then said, “Here’s my suggestion. If you insist on putting money into the plantation to get it back on its’ feet, then you will be equal partners. I will have it no other way. Actually, you are more entitled to the plantation then I am; because I don’t have all the family memories here that you have. I only knew Joshua a short time, and was married to him only four hours. That hardly seems fair for me to inherit the LeBleu plantation.”
To be continued...
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