Page 104 of Master of Paradise
A recruiting sergeant rode through the countysigning up volunteers and was even recruiting black men. Nicholasmanumitted his field hands and told them they were free to go orstay, as they wished. Brute chose to stay with his wife Cleo andnew baby. Jason decided to stay at the brickyard with Solange, butVulcan and Lance, the two rivals, joined the Confederate Army.
Next day the two brothers, Gold and Silverwent missing. They'd received an offer from Aunt Billie to help heropen a brothel in Charleston. The same day Sugar and Candy werenowhere to be found, and Mammy Lou didn't bother to look too far.Later, Samuel confirmed they had been spotted at Madam Billie's.All news eventually filtered down through the black servants'grapevine.
Lady Pamela had more brains than to joinBillie in her venture. She could hardly snare a rich gentleman fromthe hallowed halls of a whorehouse. Instead she chose to stay atthe Jackson Plantation with Jennifer until an opportunity presenteditself.
Nicholas was uneasy about the number ofrag-tag soldiers passing through on their way to Virginia, soprovided Brute with a rifle and ammunition to prevent any lootingof Paradise. He gave Samuel a pair of pistols and asked him to keepthem loaded at all times to ensure Amanda's protection.
He saw that there was gold in the safe, andagain told his wife that if he was detained and the householdneeded money, she was to contact Gabriel DuBose, his Charlestonbanker.
The day before Nicholas left for his lasttrip to England he arose early and inspected the fields. Since thecotton would be ripe before he returned, he left Brutus in chargeof gathering the crop and storing it for the future.
As he returned to the house, he spied Mandyon the upper gallery. She had come out into the morning sunlight inher nightgown, and he was held in thrall. He came and stood beneathher. "A true Goddess of the Dawn."
She laughed down at him.
"I want to spend the whole day with you, butdon't get dressed yet. I'll be right up."
Thinking he wanted to make love, she obeyedhim implicitly and stayed where she was.
He came out onto the gallery and swept herinto his arms. As he carried her into their bedroom he whispered,"Will you indulge me in one of my fantasies, Mandy?"
She brushed her lips across his mouth. "Youknow that I will."
"Wear that pale green batiste dress, butdon't put anything underneath it. When I look at you, I want toknow that you're naked beneath your gown."
She laughed. "Is that what men fantasizeabout?"
"Yes," he told her softly. He watched avidlyas she pulled the filmy material over her bare breasts and let itfall over long, slim legs.
"Let's go down to the kitchen and pack apicnic basket." She took his hand and led the way. Like thievesthey raided the larder, guiltily realizing food was becomingscarce. They stole corn bread and smoked ham, two peaches, and asweet-potato pie.
Mammy Lou spied them on their way out thekitchen door. "Y'all better take yore parasol for protection."
Mandy favored her handsome escort with asidelong glance. "I'll need more than a parasol for protectionagainst him."
"Ah mean de sun. It sure is hot today."
"Don't worry Mammy, I'm dressed verycoolly."
Her husband's arm stole about her to capturea soft, round breasts as they strolled toward the reflecting lake.He helped Amanda into the flat-bottomed boat, then he poled themfrom the shore.
She lay back beneath her parasol and watchedhim. "You do that very well."
"I had lots of practice on the Thames with areal punt. They are pigs to steer and hell on the ankles."Heremoved his shirt and sat down to row them to the far end of theornamental lake.
Her eyes wandered over his bronzed skin. Thesunlight reflecting from the water turned him golden as it rippledover his muscled torso. His maleness cried out to the female inher.
They passed under the bridge and glided intothe secluded wildlife refuge. They were very still, only the plashof the oars gently dipping disturbed the solitude.It's sobeautiful here, it's otherworldly.
As she watched a white egret with delight,Nicholas gazed at her beauty. He saw her breath catch as a heronflew up into a cypress, and saw how the ruffled dress clung to thecurves of her body. He clenched his hands on the oars to stop themfrom removing her gown.
He rowed out into the Ashley and along thebank to a small cove that formed a leafy bower. There he lifted herfrom the boat onto the grassy bank, then went back for the basketof food.
She stretched yearning arms wide to him,shuddering her great longing.
His blood surged as he stooped and caught herin his arms. His warm breath touched her throat and he could feelhis great love for her trembling in his heart. His hand found itsunerring way beneath her skirts to stroke and caress each barethigh, and what lay between.
"Sweet, darling love, I want you so."
