Authors: Mercedes Keyes
He wanted to give Manny time before
imparting the news of his children’s visit and their time spent there.
Chuckling, Manny persuaded Gaitsu to let Ruby cook as she had done so before, and he could come and see to him and his bath; lay out his clothes and fix him one of those herbal teas that he’d come to enjoy – finding that they did indeed calm and relax him was something he needed right then.
Cora and Ruby stood in the kitchen listening as the men left, then looked at each other. “I sweah, that man leave home, an’ ever time he come back, its wit’ somethin’, or somebody.”
“
Ain’ that the truth; now a china man. Eva’thang gone be livin’ on Websta’ Field fo’ long.” Cora added.
“
Em hm.” Ruby agreed turning back to preparing Manny’s meal.
Two hours later Jordan returned with Leon, Henry and Jean. Manny had soaked, bathed and eaten, feeling refreshed he was ready to meet with Jordan, as he’d arranged, curious about the reason for his father’s peaceful passing. They all met in the drawing room. Manny was glad for the company …but thought the gathering of the others to be a bit strange, yet he trusted that there must be a reason, so went along with it. As Manny made himself comfortable sipping more tea, he noted a definite difference in Leon since their return. There was something about the way he looked at him.
“
What’s going on?” Manny asked setting his cup down, a feeling of dread washing over him, reading something in the look on Leon’s face.
Jean sat forward getting his attention. “There was good reason Jordan wait t’tell you why Masta’ Morris so happy in his las’ day. You see – he got t’see yo’ babies again. He got t’make right – all his wrong from so long ago.” She informed him softly. Manny was taken aback, staring at her a moment, digesting that bit of information; he then snatched his eyes from her to Jordan.
“
What is she saying?”
“
Manny, this pas’ Christmas…yo’ son come home, Michael.”
“
What!?!” Manny sprang to his feet.
“
Michael, yo’ son come home, he wasn’t alone neither.” Jordan continued.
“
What!” Manny repeated standing in the middle of the floor.
“
He come home, Manny. Tall, strong an’ lookin’ like you if ever. An’-…” Jordan stopped and gulped deeply, followed by a long inhalation, and then blurted out the rest. “An’ he bring yo’ baby girl back wit’em. Hope – Manny…he had Hope wit’em.”
“
What?!”
“
Michael Ramsey Webster – an’ yo’ daughter, Golden Hope Webster; they come lookin’ for you; lookin’….fo’ – they mama.”
“
Nooo.” Manny slowly groaned. Leon sat quiet, letting him absorb it all. He couldn’t believe it himself; an overall sadness had robbed him of his zest. He’d missed Mike…Hope as well; he fully understood and shared Manny’s anguish.
Manny sank back to his seat, elbows to his knees, hands gripping his head, which lay forward in utter disbelief. He felt suddenly sick to his stomach.
“
He married now, Manny.” Jean went on. “He got a real pretty lil’wife…an’ – five chillin’s.”
Manny couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He suddenly felt his life was turning into nothing but a joke, or a long drawn out punishment he was being forced to endure.
“
I’m chasin’ my bloody tail.” He muttered in misery. “How can this be? How can this possibly be?” He looked up at them with tortured eyes. “Why didn’t they stay?! Why didn’t you make them stay?! Why didn’t my father make them stay?!”
“
Manny…Mike say he can’t stay. He say he got duties to others t’see ‘bout.”
“
Duties to others?!!” He bellowed. “I’m his bloody father!! This is his bloody home! He came – he should have stayed!!” Manny was livid, hurt and more frustrated. “What about Hope - why didn’t she stay? This is her home – she belongs here!” He raged and then his eyes widened.
“
Lena! You said they were looking for Lena?! How can that be? Hope was with Lena – she was...” With a groan he resumed his position of worry, sitting with elbows on knees, hands gripping his hair line.
Now, Jordan, Jean and Henry told him everything. What Hope had remembered and told them how the two siblings had found each other, and their joined determination to find Lena…to find him.
Manny listened - thinking, realizing every time he moved, he either missed or lost someone. So when did one know, when to move, or when to stand still?
His son had come home, bringing a wife, his children and his little sister. It was a long night as they all sat around talking.
After the initial shock had worn off, Manny was proud to hear how his father handled seeing them, welcoming them as his grandchildren. He learned also that Morris had given Mike, the property in Lake Charles. He was further startled to hear how Morris, with Charles’ aid, had re-registered his birth rights, making Mike to all who might check, Manny’s little brother.
They joked about that late into the night. Manny ribbing that he’d always wanted a little brother; he didn’t know he was the one who had to make him though. One joke after another was cracked.
Sometime close to morning, everyone left, and Manny slowly made his way up to his old room. He stood at the French windows in his bedroom that opened onto a veranda, stepping out he ignored the cold. Staring at Lena’s cabin…something happened that hadn’t in a long time. His eyes watered up and tears rolled.
Staring, he knew no amount of wishful thinking would bring a light on within the cabin signaling him to join her. Jordan had said, Hope and Maria dusted and polished everything inside the cabin. He said that Hope and Mike spent quite a bit of time in there and that Hope said she remembered him, that she loved him and wanted to find him. Jordan had also warned him that his son – had hardened a bit, that he held some anger and resentment towards him. Manny sighed. “So be it.” A knock sounded at his door behind him.
He turned calling out, “Yes.”
The door opened for him to see Leon and Gaitsu standing there with concerned expressions. He stepped into his room and closed the French windows behind him.
“
All okay boss?” Gaitsu asked. His skill at its best was that he could read the essence of men. He’d been trying to find himself a permanent position as a gentlemen’s man servant, but held back because none had the spirit. None contained a soul that called out to him, capturing his attention and holding it. Then Manny stepped down the gangplank from his ship, barking orders and consulting his Negro, treating him with respect and as an equal, not as one would a possession or an animal. So he had followed him about, watching covertly and after a day or so…he knew, that he would be this man’s servant and bring him good fortune. Being Manny’s servant would serve to benefit him as well.
“
I’m fine. You two should be in bed.” He stated, coming further into the room past his bed.
“
We’re going to be okay now…you know that don’t you?” Leon asked softly, feeling a tingle of expectancy.
“
What do you mean?” Manny asked in reply.
“
What he say true…you no despair boss. Gaitsu here now, things change. I good luck charm.”
Manny threw his head back laughing.
“
Is true boss…you will see. All good things, they start to happen – now I wit’you boss.”
“
Is that right?” Manny breathed low.
“
You see boss. Not to worry…not to worry.”
“
I believe him, Manny. I believe him. Because, now you know – that they are alive - and well; looking for you-…”
“
Their - mother.” Manny corrected.
“
No, no, no.” Gaitsu corrected rapidly. “You too boss; you too.”
“
We shall see. Time will tell, and we shall see.”
“
You sleep boss. Is your time boss, you see Gaitsu speak true words boss, you see. Goodnight boss.”
The following day, Manny sought out Charles in town. They had a very long meeting, discussing and fully clarifying what was needed. Charles, without hesitation, agreed to return to Webster Fields once again as long as Manny needed him there with Morris now gone.
“
Go find your family. They’re worth whatever it takes Manny. I’ve seen them with my own eyes now. Go find them.” Charles encouraged.
Since having his own family, his twin daughters, Charles was more compassionate. He could now totally relate to Manny. Also, having met Hope and Mike – having seen his wife, Maria and their children, witnessing first hand the glow of joy and difference in Morris over the holidays, he felt even more compelled, even more certain – that they were what Manny needed. Besides that – in his eyes – those children and Lena, were his best friend’s life; the very source of all that had motivated him over the years. He prayed for him that…finally – good things were coming.
After four days, Ramsey Shipping was pointed towards the road again; they headed out with Manny and Leon on horseback, his men given the command to start rolling. As the last freight wagon headed out, Manny and Leon turned on their mounts to look one more time at Webster Fields.
“
I’ll be back, Jordan. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but – she’ll be with me when I return. She’ll be with me.” Manny declared, feeling a surge of hope – a new and different feeling of expectation coming over him.
Jordan nodded, feeling it too. Once upon a time, he’d thought it was impossible…what Manny searched for. Not anymore. Webster Fields, the Webster men, they were an inspiration for good things. He waved again as they turned off the driveway out of sight.
“
Where now, Leon,” Manny asked, watching his breath lift before him.
“
Fort Le Croix and then Fort Ferguson.”
* * * * *
On the way back to the camp, Maria pleaded with Mike to detour towards their Lake Charles property. He was not interested in it at that time; his primary focus was on getting back to the camp.
“
Please Miguel. I wish to see it. How can you not be just a little curious about it?”
“
We have to get back to the camp.” He answered
, driving the team, distracted.
“
Why!? What is there for us?”
“
It’s our home – remember?”
“
It is not – my home!” She finally came to confessing some of her true feelings as she sat behind him. Celina and Felix were napping as the wagon rolled along. Hope, Papo and Lolita rode with Juan. Esteban was once again on horseback alongside the wagon Eugene was driving.
“
Once I get to the camp and see that all is well there, we’ll rest a bit – then sometime when the weather is warmer, we will venture to Lake Charles.” He answered.
“
That camp! That camp! Those people! Who are they?! They are not your family! We – our children, Hope – we are your family! I don’t give a damn about that camp!”
“
Hey – …”
“
I don’t give a damn about that camp!” She repeated hotly, growing angrier with every mile they traveled.
“
How can you say that? That camp is your home; the only home that we have!”
“
That place is not my home, whores, drunks, outlaws-…”
“
And me – leader to them all! I was good enough before you saw what else you could have; now all of sudden, it’s not good enough!”
“
I want a REAL home! A safe place for my children! A home in which I can be proud! There is nothing wrong with me wanting those things!” She argued.
“
You want those things now that you have seen, Webster Fields!”
“
I have always wanted those things!!” She screamed, now feeling at her wits end. Shooting up from where she sat, she went to the opposite end of the wagon away from him. Felix and Celina looked up bleary eyed from sleep.
Mike’s, jaw flexed and throbbed from the clenching of his teeth. He pulled on the reigns, stopped the horses and jumped down from his seat walking away from the wagon to think and cool down. Juan slowed his wagon once it came abreast of the other. Stopping and jumping off, he walked to his cousin and asked in Spanish.
“
What is going on?”
Maria sat fuming; angrily she swiped at a tear. “He is stubborn! And a fool! He delights in this life he lives, one which will get him killed! Then what!? What about his children? What about me?! Go away from me! You are no better!”
Juan walked away, strolling to where Mike stood. Hope was the next to get down from the other wagon, walking over to console her sister-in-law.
Just as Juan walked up to Mike, he raised his fingers to his mouth and whistled out to Eugene and Esteban who had stopped ahead.
“
Women! Why any man would want more than one is beyond me!” He complained gruffly with a silent Juan standing by his side. Once Eugene and Esteban joined him there, Mike informed them. “We’re going to Lake Charles first. Otherwise, I won’t be able to live with my wife.” He turned from them, strode back to the wagon and hauled himself back on board. Picking up his reigns, he snapped them, clicking his tongue to get the horses going again.
April, 1828 – The Camp
“
I tell you Miguel, I think we are in danger. Jona would not lie of such a thing. Palo was heavily plied with tequila as he muttered drunkenly in his sleep…saying that Santiago was taken by the armies, but he was able to get away.”
“
She said that he spoke of a deal…he said to her,
“Santiago will trade our location for his freedom.”
”
Hector was quietly informing Mike as they sat outside of Juan’s dwelling. The sky was a vivid clear blue after the previous night’s pouring rain. Stars sparkled brightly as the men sat on the bench within the camp, sipping rich red wine. Hector, filling Mike in, on all that had taken place in his absence.
Mike, his men and family had been back for a couple of nights, ending their travels for the time being. There was a lot on his mind; there were many decisions to be made, the one uppermost concerned his family. Giving in to Maria over their argument concerning Lake Charles had been a double edged sword. Seeing the property his grandfather had given him, further strained the relationship between them.
The expanse of land that now belonged to him was overwhelming and scary. The sight of the home, the barns and other outbuildings had stunned him. Never had he imagined the extent of what he now possessed because of Morris Webster. The man, who once denied him, had placed before him a home almost as grand as the mansion and lands on Webster Fields. Unlike the white stone of his father’s home…this one was made of brown and red brick, with wooden columns. The kitchen was out in back instead of inside the home, this, pleased Maria…as her original home where her family had died in the fire was built much the same. But there the similarities ended. This home was much bigger, grander and contained larger rooms.