VoyForums
[ Show ]
Support VoyForums
[ Shrink ]
VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, [4] ]


[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 05:13:38 07/11/03 Fri
Author: Wanda
Author Host/IP: 216.51.254.249
Subject: The New World - Part #77

PART #77

George and Marguerite drove leisurely into Lake Charles. They conversed with each other about the beauty of the area. George told Marguerite he was surprised at himself, but he had really come to love the cypress forests and the virgin pines. They spoke of the growth that had been taking place in Lake Charles. Marguerite said, “George, a saw mill will surely do well for there has been a demand for finer homes in the Lake Charles area.” She laughed as she said, “Although the town does not have any real carpenters of significant artistic ability, each tries to out build the other with elaborate fretwork and Victorian decorations.”

Once they reached Lake Charles, they drove through the town; and she pointed out the fancy spindles, newel posts, solid paneled doors, all made of pine. She said, “George, look around these are some of the products of the local saw mills.”

They drove through the business area, and Marguerite pointed out to George stores that sold imported fine linens, china, furniture, and all kinds of household goods. Marguerite said, “George, I have no doubt you will be able to sell your silver products as they are made. When you consider that Lake Charles has been growing by leaps and bounds, that tells you there is a demand for nice merchandise.”

Marguerite had known about a building that was available for leasing; and they found the owner who gave them permission to look it over. George walked carefully through the building, looking at the quality of the construction. He was very quiet as he walked back and forth, and finally he turned to Marguerite and said, “I think this will serve me well. Let’s see if we can bargain with the owner.”

By the time George had finished with the owner, George had talked him into selling him the building instead of leasing it. Marguerite had remained in a state of awe as she listened to the two men wrangling over the price. George may not have understood saw mills; but he knew his business, and he went after what he wanted. She smiled inwardly for George did remind her of Catherine. It was obvious they were much alike in their personalities.

On the way back to the plantation, Marguerite asked George, “Are you going to continue to live at the plantation once you start up your business?” George said, “I thought perhaps I would fix up something in the building, and stay there. I probably will be working some very late hours; at least until I can get the business up and running well.” Marguerite had a sad look on her face for she knew she would miss his presence at the plantation. She certainly understood the wisdom of what he was saying, but she knew she would miss him. She thought of Jean Baptiste who smiled each time he saw George. He would miss him too.

George sensed the sadness, and it pleased him that his leaving caused her concern. He knew she must care for him if she was concerned about him leaving, and moving into Lake Charles. He reached for her hand, and said, “Marguerite, if it is all right with you, I would like to come, and call on you. I will miss seeing you each day, and I will certainly miss Jean Baptiste.” She looked at him, and quietly said, “I would like that very much.” George continued to hold her hand, and the color was raising in her cheeks. She felt guilty because Jean Pierre had been gone such a short while, and she had feelings for George. She felt as if she were being unfaithful to his memory. Was there something wrong with her having feelings for George? She knew she longed to be held again; she was lonely for companionship. It was so difficult to go to bed at night, and the one side of the bed was empty. She would awaken, and imagine Jean Pierre was there beside her. There were times she called out to him in her sleep. What was wrong with her?

Marguerite pulled her hand away from George. He looked over at her, and saw tears sliding down her cheeks. Both Bow and Catherine had warned him not to rush Marguerite. They had tried to tell him she needed time to work through her emotions because she had truly loved her husband. He felt like an idiot, and immediately apologized to Marguerite by saying, “Marguerite, I am so sorry. I had no right to hold your hand. I know you are still in a state of grieving for Jean Pierre. Please forgive me.” She tried to smile through her tears, and the sight of her crying tore at his heart. He said, “I do care about you Marguerite, and I would rather cut my arm off then hurt you in any way.”

Marguerite finally managed to say, “George, please give me time. There are so many emotions I am trying to deal with at this time. You are a good friend, but sometimes I feel guilty about our friendship. I don’t want to push forward in a relationship until I am sure I can handle it emotionally. Can you understand that?

He smiled; and said, “I do understand with my head; my heart is the problem. I will really try to back off, and not push you in any way.” She smiled once again; and said, “Thank you, that means a lot to me.”

To be continued...

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]



Replies:





[ Contact Forum Admin ]



Forum timezone: GMT+1
VF Version: 3.00b, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2019 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.