Page 2 of Witch
“The others were busy, Gajon. Did you get what I asked?” she persisted.
“Yes, Grand-mére. I got what you asked for, and Miss Hebert was a lovely woman. She said to tell you that she agreed with you that our families would be connected for a very, very long time.”
“That’s lovely to hear,” she nodded.
Gajon knew it wasn’t the end of the conversation, but when his grandmother closed her eyes, leaning back, the carriage rocked her to sleep. Belle Fleur was a good half-day’s ride from the city, and she’d done it all by herself, no doubt coming the night before and staying at a hotel.
When they arrived at Belle Fleur, the workmen were busy with the new additions, while others were working on the new docks at the end of the long tree-lined entrance.
“Mr. Gajon! It’s so good to have you home,” said Hattie. Hattie had practically raised Gajon. She worked in the big house with Grand-mére, helping with meals, cleaning, and other tasks. She was a part of their family.
“Hattie, it’s so good to see you. I brought something for your grandchildren. A bag of sweets,” he smiled, taking the bag from his valet.
“You spoil ‘em, Mr. Gajon,” she said, laughing.
“They’re good children. Are they keeping up with their lessons?” he asked. Unlike many farms and plantations of their day, Belle Fleur wanted everyone to have an education. They taught all the children to read and write, as well as a little history of the world outside Belle Fleur, although no one was to know about it.
“They are. They appreciate the use of the library and all the books. It’s a wonderful gift you’ve given them.”
Inside the big house, he noticed his grandmother seated in the parlor, staring at the fire that burned in spite of the warm day outside.
“Grand-mére, are you sure you’re alright?” he asked.
“I am, my sweet boy. But those people were right. I cannot keep showing myself without endangering me and others. I believe it’s time.”
He stilled as he poured the whiskey, then turned to face her. A life without her would be terrible. She was all he had after the death of his parents in a flood.
“Grand-mére, please,” he started.
“Gajon, I won’t go far. We’ll build a small cabin for me out in the bayou. Something somewhere that others won’t see, and I won’t risk being seen. I’ll come here now and again to check on the gardens and all of you.”
“I won’t let you go alone,” he said.
“I’ll go with her,” said Hattie.
“Hattie, no! Your children and grandchildren live here,” said Gajon.
“Yes, they do, and they’ll know where to find me. Your granny is right, Mr. Gajon. It’s becomin’ dangerous for her. Me too. I just hide better than she does,” she smirked. “We’ll build a nice house on one of the islands and live out our days there.”
“How long?” he asked quietly. “How long do I have with you?”
“Gajon, you knew this was coming one day. I can’t live forever. I might look like I can, but I can’t. My time is coming soon.”
“I’ll be alone, Grand-mére. Don’t leave me,” he pleaded like a child.
“You won’t be alone, my sweet boy. A young woman has lost her way and needs your help. You’ll find her wandering the fields in the northwest corner. Go. It’s your time.”
True to her vision, he found the young woman exactly where she’d said. His heart nearly exploded at the vision before him. He was losing his first love, his granny, and finding his final love, his Marie.
A year later, when their first child, a daughter, was born, it was the beginning of more magic to come.
“What shall we name her?” asked Marie.
“I’d like to name her after my grandmother.” His wife nodded, smiling up at her husband.
“I think that’s perfect. Welcome to the world, Martha.”
CHAPTER TWO
