Page 63 of Master of Paradise
"Sexual jealousy is an ugly, self-defeatingemotion that makes a woman petulant and sullen. A man tires easilyof such a woman." It was a warning, plain and simple. He wanted themessage to come through loud and clear. "Maggie, I prefer arelationship with no strings. I don't like the feeling of beingowned. I thought that was the kind of relationship we had."
She smiled at him. "It is, Nicholas. I pleadtemporary insanity. Come, you need a cool drink and a refreshingbath. You came for relaxation and pleasure and that, sir, is whatyou shall have."
Later, when he reflected back upon it, thenight had been disappointing. It didn't begin to approach theeroticism of his dreams of late, and he decided the liaison had runits course.
Amanda was disappointed when Nicholas hadn'tarrived in time for dinner. Jennifer wore the red gown to displayall her golden loveliness for Beau Hampden. Amanda viewed hercritically and was relieved that Nicholas had not allowed her towear the gown. It was vulgar, blatant, and cut far too low for arespectable young lady.
Throughout the meal Amanda was amused to findBeau's eyes tray in her direction repeatedly. He had never evenlooked at her before, but now that Nicholas Peacock had marriedher, she had taken on a desirability that affected every male shecame in contact with.
Aunt Billie's beady little eyes took in thesituation avidly, and quick little nods accompanied her privatethoughts.
"Has Nicholas not returned fromCharleston?"
"He was delayed, Beau, but he'll be herelater tonight, I'm sure."
"It's our poker night tomorrow. Perhaps weshouldn't bother this week," he offered politely.
"If Nicholas is expecting you, he will make apoint of returning home." She caught sight of Jenny's mocking eyesand added, "In spite of diversions in the wicked city."
The following afternoon Amanda was relievedwhen Jennifer announced she was going over to see Brandon and wouldlikely dine over there. Nicholas hadn't returned and Amanda wasdownright annoyed. She knew the young men would be coming for cardsand there would be no host to greet them.To hell with it. I ama married woman. They will be guests in my home. I will play thehostess!
Amanda went off to consult with Samuel andfound him in the library cum games-room filling the decanters withliquor. "Samuel, the game hasn't been canceled, but there's no signof my husband."
"Miz Mandy, y'all leave everythin' t'me.Masta Nick be home sho' nuff, yo' see."
"They won't be here for dinner, will they?"she asked anxiously.
"No, ma'am, but here at Paradise we allusprepares lots o' food an' drink fo' poker night. Dem boys sureworks up an appetite."
"Well Samuel, I've decided to play hostessuntil Nicholas gets here. I've known these boys since I was achild. If he doesn't bother to return, it won't matter in theleast."
Samuel eyed her, knowing trouble was brewing.The master left the little filly with too much time on her handsand she was in danger of becoming bored. There was no greaterpotential for trouble on God's green earth than a bored female.
As Amanda wandered about the library,checking the decks of cards, the decanters of liquor, the crystalglasses, her ears were cocked for the sound of horses approaching.In the distance she heard the throbbing of a drum and rememberedlast year after the cotton was in, the slave quarters came aliveevery night with dancing and music. The slaves indulged in a formof superstitious religious rites that were most fascinating.Tomorrow I'll visit the Jackson slave cabins and talk to Jessie.Maybe they will let me join in their celebrations, or at least letme watch.
Her attention was diverted by two noisy youngmen who were arguing at the top of their lungs.
"Christ Almighty, King, even when I beaty'all fair an' square, you won't admit it!" Duke Vickers swore.
"We agreed to race to the stables at Paradiseand my horse was in a stall before yours," King argued.
"That's a goddamn technicality, and y'allknow it."
Samuel issued them into the library, whereKing spied Amanda. "Mandy you tell him. We raced over here and Ihad my mount stabled at Paradise while he was still outside."
"If you two think I'm settling disputesbetween two brothers crazy enough to shoot each other, you'remistaken."
Duke argued, "Well shit... I mean shoot, it'sgot to be settled. He's got to pay me what he owes."
"What were the stakes?" she askedinnocently.
They both hesitated and went red. Dukeadmitted, "Can't tell a lady."
"Oh hell, I'm married now, but never mind."She held up her hands and handed them a deck of cards. "Cut forit."
They both drew aces and the argumentcontinued. "Well hell, any damn fool knows the ace of spades beatsthe ace of diamonds," King argued.
"The only damned thing the ace of spadespredicts is you're gonna be a dead brother if y'all keep thisup."
