Page 55 of Master of Paradise
Samuel said, "Ah'll escort Aunt Billie andMiz Jennifer directly." In his way he was giving the couple amoment of privacy before their chaperones arrived.
Nicholas arose to meet her. "I thought itmight be cooler to dine out here tonight."
"I've never dined outside in the evening.Won't we be eaten alive?"
"No. We burn these torches made of pine knotsdipped in tar. It keeps the mosquitoes away. Even during the sunnyhours, this is a nice cool spot." He indicated a hammock strungbetween two trees. "I had that hung out here, but never found timeto use it. Perhaps you'll get some enjoyment from it."
Mandy admired the rattan furniture with itsdeep, soft cushions in a cool green and white pattern.
It seemed to Nicholas that Samuel returnedmuch too quickly with Aunt Billie on his arm. "Miz Jennifer sendher regrets an' begs t'be excused. I'll see she gits a trayupstairs."
When Nicholas raised his brows, Amandaexplained, "She's recuperating from a battle of wills."
"Who won?"
"I'm delighted to admit that I did. A smalldisagreement regarding Cleo's duties. As mistress of the house Isoon straightened it out.
Nicholas hid a smile and seated Aunt Billie.He poured her a double bourbon, straight up, and saw her rolls offlesh jiggle with silent laughter. She was used to pleasing men andgiving them what they wanted. She would oblige Nicholas and doze inher chair as soon as she had eaten her fill, executing her role aschaperone with the least pain to all.
The food laid out was cold, eliminating theneed for servants. There was sliced ham and turkey, salad, andplatters of fruit. Strawberries, three different types of melon,and chunks of fresh pineapple made a colorful centerpiece.
To cover a momentary shyness, Amanda said, "Isaw wild geese landing on the lake this afternoon."
"Really? That's early. The geese don'tusually arrive from Canada until the cotton has been shipped. Ihaven't finished ginning it yet. Amanda, there's such a busy timecoming up, I hope you won't be lonely here."
"Of course not. I know how busy you are,especially now that you're looking after both plantations."
"If you want to go somewhere in the carriage,we'll get Ben to drive you. He's the youngest field hand, your ownage I think. He won't frighten you."
"Thank you, but actually I won't be receivinginvitations for at least six months because of our mourning. Ithought I'd make a herb garden like the one you told me you had inEngland. I've been learning all about herbs and their healingpowers from Jessie. It's a fascinating subject to study."
"Jessie? Is she one of the house servants youbrought?"
"No. Jessie lives in one of our slave cabins.She's married to one of father's field hands. All the women know somuch about medicine and healing. I want to learn everything Ican."
"A herb garden is a wonderful idea. You canuse some of these bricks," he pointed to the patio floor. "They'remade right here at Paradise by Jason. He's a wonder with bricks andtile. I'll get him to lay out the brick walks and make you two orthree dozen squares where you can plant your herbs. Just rememberto keep the peacocks out of it." He laughed.
"I can't take Ben and Jason, you'll need allyour hands to get the cotton baled.
"I have to keep you busy so you don't getinto mischief," he said with a grin.
"I'll find diversions," she repliedmysteriously.
"Speaking of diversions, I'm having a swingput up for you on that big live oak by the rose garden."
"A swing?" she challenged, wondering if hereserious. "Nicholas, you persist in treating me like a littlegirl."
"Nonsense. Why even an old man like myselfcan still enjoy the fun of a swing." He pictured her laughing inthe moonlight with her hair floating out behind her.How am Igoing to keep away from her tonight? I want to lift her in my armsand carry her up the staircase.But he knew if he began to kissher, he would be begging her to stay with him. He took a deepbreath and said huskily, "Would you like a glass of wine-- anightcap?"
"No thank you. I couldn't manage anotherthing. I think I'll go up now. It's been a long day, but a veryhappy one, Nicholas."
I can't bear to part with her."Comeon then, time for an old married woman like you to go up to bed.You must be worn out."
She glanced over at Aunt Billie and raised aneyebrow.
"Samuel will see that she gets upstairs."
Amanda hummed as she prepared for bed.I'mgoing to enjoy being Mrs. Nicholas Peacock excessively. Thisbedroom furniture is so beautiful. It must be hand-paintedcypress.She ran her fingers over the pale green wood decoratedwith cabbage roses and tiny wood violets. The wardrobe and dressingtable matched the bed that had a curved foot and headboard designedin the shape of a sleigh.
