Page 20 of The Scandal of the Deceived Duchess
When four footmen, dressed in the finest livery, cleared the plates, Amelia couldn’t help the question that had formed on her tongue. “Why do you have slaves, Jonathan?”
He sipped his wine in thought. Jake and Anna exchanged nervous glances. “Well, it’s the most efficient and profitable way to run a plantation of this size.”
“And what about their human rights. I mean, are they allowed to leave this place if they wish to go somewhere else?” Amelia already knew the answer to her question, but she wanted to hear him say it.
“No, they cannot.”
“Why?”
“Because they are my property,” said Jonathan seriously. It was obvious that he did not appreciate the way in which the conversation was unfolding.
“Don’t you find that antiquated and cruel?” asked Amelia.
“Maybe, but there is nothing I can do about it.”
“Why not? I don’t see how paying them wages and giving them freedom of choice would change much.”
“Sure, it wouldn’t if you could keep it a secret. But if word got out around here, Jonathan would have the county breathing down his back. And it damn well wouldn’t be a peaceful visit,” said Jake. The expression on his face was an angry one.
“I didn’t mean to pry. I, I…” Amelia stuttered. Jake looked as if he was about to fly across the table with fists flailing.
“Sure, you did. You think you can come over here and tell us how to run things – well, you are wrong. Ask anyone of these people whether they would rather be at ‘Upton Downs’ down yonder or at ‘White Oaks.’ You’ll see what they will say.”
Amelia pressed her eyebrows together. “First of all, I will have you know that I did not come down here for some crusade, but I was coerced by your taking of the British ship upon which Anna and I were taking passage to Canada. Second, I don’t see the problem with asking a few innocent questions about the way things are done here.”
“Let’s all calm down, shall we,” said Jonathan. “Amelia, I think that you and I should go for a ride tomorrow morning.”
“Apart from the pleasure of the exercise, I don’t think that I want to be in the presence of a man who treats people as chattel.”
“That’s it. I can see why she drives you mad, Jonathan. By all means, this topic can be discussed. By God, Jonathan and I have done it on more than one occasion, but never during dinner. Don’t they teach you English women any table manners?”
Jake got to his feet and chucked his napkin on the table. “If you’ll excuse me, Jonathan (who nodded), Anna (who looked shocked and at the same time proud).” Finally, he turned to Amelia and he shook his head in disappointment. “I’ll be checking the slaves’ quarters if you need me,” he said, adding extra emphasis on the word ‘slaves.’
For the first time, Amelia was almost speechless. “I, I only tried to…”
“It’s all right,” said Jonathan, placing his hand on hers. “For the next time, if you have such things to discuss, please come to me in my study. There is a time and a place for everything.”
She looked into his deep cerulean blue eyes that reminded her of the sea. They drew her in. “But it’s wrong, I just thought that…oh, I don’t know.”
“Shuuuush. It’ll all be fine tomorrow. Jake does not hold a grudge. Even if you think us traitors and pirates, just remember, Jake and I both put our lives at risk for a cause we both believe in. After all that tension of trying to keep our boys on board ship alive so that they can see their wives and babes again, he does not want to come home and be criticized by someone who has barely been here a half a day – can you understand that?”
Amelia nodded reluctantly. “I am sorry, Jonathan.”
“You ladies are tired. I suggest we resume in the morning. Amelia, I will show you around so that you can make a more qualified judgment. Remember, if you have anything you wish to discuss, please talk with either Jake or me at a time other than breakfast, lunch or dinner.” He frowned. “Oh, Anna, I suggest you leave Jake be this night. When he broods, he needs to be alone or with the people he loves…Good night ladies.”
As Jonathan walked away in the direction of his study, Amelia thought of his last words. ‘The people he loves’ –did he mean the slaves?
Chapter 10
All About Mitchell
Fair Weather Heaths’, Virginia, United States of America, December 1813
Amelia and Jonathan just crested the hill furthest away from the mansion. The redbrick structure glimmered like a lone ruby in the snowy landscape below their position. Even at this distance, the homestead was sprawling.
As Jonathan rode on ahead, Amelia brought her mount to a halt and let her gaze wander. She frowned. There were more buildings further to the west. The small cluster of houses looked like a small village. She asked herself whether this was the closest town. But it seemed improbable because Jonathan had mentioned during breakfast that morning that his estate comprised all of the land to the north, south, west and east for many leagues.
She looked on ahead. Jonathan had dismounted from his black stallion and examined the ground. His horse moved about on its hooves restlessly behind him. Although Amelia was an accomplished horsewoman, she was grateful for the more docile chestnut mare she had been allotted by the groomsman. Seeing the stallion’s temperament the entire ride to the hill, she had come to appreciate her animal’s sweet nature.
