The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) (32 page)

Surprise showed on the governor’s face before he broke into a wide grin. “A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Trent. I’ve always said Adam had excellent taste.”

“Thank you.” Jewel blushed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” When they were settled, Jewel asked, “The governor has a strange accent. Where is he from?”

“He was a Virginian.”

“Then why did he choose Louisiana?”

“I’m not sure. Perhaps he wanted a challenge. Early in his political career, Claiborne realized that his task as governor of Louisiana would be a difficult one. Slowly but surely, he assembled some sort of order out of the chaos he found when he first came to New Orleans.”

Annie and Jewel peered out the carriage windows as they left the docks. Horse-drawn wagons carried crates of merchandise to several large warehouses lining the streets. The area around the warehouses was filled with bars, bordellos, and boardinghouses that catered to boatmen. Jewel noticed some rough-looking creatures outside one bar. People walking down the street seemed to be going out of their way to avoid them.

“Who are those people?” Jewel pointed.

Adam glanced out the window. “They’re Kaintocks from Kentucky, and you would do well to stay clear of them. They’re vermin, and can be dangerous when drunk—which is usually the case. But even sober, they are despicable. Never trust a Kaintock, and don’t come in this area unless I’m with you. Understood?”

Jewel agreed, and continued to stare out the window. They drove past the Vieux Carre, which was formed by the river, the Esplanade, the ruined old wall on Rampart Street, and the Faubourg Ste. Marie. Once they were away from the docks, the scenery changed completely. The tree-lined streets and the houses were magnificent. All the houses had either wrought-iron balconies or porticoes and projected an air of grace and elegance.

Once out of the city, Jewel noticed the lovely countryside
and the barren trees covered in gray moss. Finally, after an hour or so, their carriage turned into a long drive.

A row of live oaks lined both sides of the road, and at the end of the drive Jewel caught her first glance of Four Oaks.

Breathtaking was the only word to describe the massive house. The white mansion stood surrounded by four huge oak trees covered in Spanish moss. The house was not as big as Briercliff, but the slight difference didn’t take away from the grandeur of Four Oaks. “It’s magnificent, Adam,” Jewel remarked, her voice filled with astonishment.

Eight Corinthian pillars graced the front of the house. Wisteria vines draped the two end pillars. Of course, it being winter, the vines lacked foliage, but in the spring beautiful lilac grape-shaped flowers would add grace and fragrance to the beautiful house.

As soon as the carriage stopped, Jewel saw a lovely young woman, who she assumed was Elizabeth, come flying down the front steps, evidently anxious to see her brother. The woman reached the carriage just as the door swung open and Adam climbed out. Elizabeth practically knocked him down as she threw herself in his arms and placed a kiss on his cheek.

“Adam, I’ve missed you so much!” She hugged her brother. Duke bounced out of the carriage, impatient to be on the ground again. He ran around Elizabeth, barking and wagging his tail. She giggled and bent down to rub his head. “I see you have acquired a pet.”

Adam laughed. “That’s not all I’ve acquired.”

Jewel sat in the shadows of the carriage, so Elizabeth hadn’t seen her or Annie. She watched the woman in Adam’s arms. When she saw them standing side by side, there was no mistaking they were brother and sister. Elizabeth had a delicate and fragile face with Adam’s features. Her dainty feet peeked out from under voluminous skirts. She was almost the same height as Adam, maybe three inches shorter, but still she appeared much taller than Jewel. Her long, shiny brown hair was tied back with blue ribbons.

“What do you mean, Adam?” Elizabeth asked at her twin brother’s strange remark.

“I’ve brought some people to see you.” He opened the door of the carriage and winked at Jewel. Motioning for Annie, he helped her down.

Squeals of delight erupted from Elizabeth. “Annie! I thought never to see you again!” Elizabeth cried and hugged her old nanny. “What finally made you decide to come?”

“ ’Tis the apple of me eye. Ye’ve not changed a bit.” Annie held Elizabeth at arm’s length, looking her over. “Perhaps a wee bit too thin, but I’ll be takin’ care of that. As tae the reason I be cornin’, ’tis to be a chaperone tae yer brother’s wife.”

“Wife!” Elizabeth’s eyes widened before she whirled on Adam.

Chapter
Twenty-two

“Wife?” Elizabeth said again, then added, “Oh, my God, it’s not Colette?”

Laughter burst from Adam’s lips. “Sis, you’ve never been one to mince words. What if I tell you you’ve probably hurt her feelings?” he teased.

“That lady’s hide is as thick as leather,” Elizabeth said in a lower voice.

Jewel watched the scene outside the coach door. Yes, she definitely was going to like her new sister-in-law.

Adam moved back to the carriage. “Come, sweetheart, and meet your shy sister-in-law.”

Jewel stepped down and moved toward Elizabeth, then curtsied, “I hope you approve.”

Elizabeth embraced her, hugging her tightly. “Of course I do. I knew Adam had better sense than to marry that witch.” An arched eyebrow showed her humorous surprise. “You’re so beautiful.” She smiled impishly. “Whatever made you look at my brother?”

Jewel winked at Elizabeth. “I’m not sure.” She injected a mock-serious note into her voice. “It must have been his sparkling personality.”

Arm and arm, the two new friends walked up the front steps together. Jewel was ready to start her new life at Four Oaks.

Spring had finally arrived at Four Oaks. A warm, gentle breeze fluttered in through the open French doors on the west wing, carrying the fragrance of wisteria vines that covered the veranda leading from the sitting room. Jewel leaned her head against the chair back, closed her eyes, and breathed in the wonderful damp smells of Four Oaks. She could picture the walkway where Elizabeth had planted a rainbow of pansies.

She opened her eyes and looked around her. The Southern plantation itself had a charming elegance, especially the foyer, which was graced with a double winding staircase.

Jewel was enjoying her new residence, but being so close to her uncles made her homesick. She could remember when she used to beg her uncles to take her to New Orleans— anything to get off the island—but they had always refused, saying it would be much too dangerous.

They’d taken great care to hide her when visitors came to the island. She recalled asking them if they were ashamed of her. Jean had become upset that she would think such a thing. And then he’d explained that she was their Achilles heel. If someone kidnapped her, her uncles would give everything they owned to get her back.

She wondered what her uncles would say when they found out she’d married. She sighed at that thought. It would take a lot of explaining on both sides.

She took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the scent of gardenias. Soon the roses would be blooming, adding their heady mixture of scents. It was evident that Elizabeth liked to work in the garden, because she’d planted flowers in every nook and cranny. Old, cracked red clay pots burst with color. Her vivacious personality was like a ray of sunshine to Jewel. One couldn’t help but love Elizabeth.

In her short time at Four Oaks, Jewel had enjoyed getting to know her sister-in-law. Annie said she felt as if she had two daughters now, and sometimes wasn’t quite sure which one could get into the most trouble.

Jewel noticed her sister-in-law had her share of gentlemen callers, but Elizabeth never seemed to be interested in any of them. One day Jewel asked Elizabeth which of the men she liked best—only to receive a shrug of her shoulders. “They’re all boring,” she later confessed.

Elizabeth probably didn’t have time to think about men, since the running of the house had been left in her capable hands. Jewel hadn’t made any changes in that arrangement, because she didn’t want her new sister-in-law to feel she had been pushed out. Besides, Jewel had never run a house before and didn’t have the slightest idea what to do.

The chirping birds seemed to be enjoying the bright sunny day. What a perfect time for their outing to the city. They needed to start preparing Annie’s house so she and Derek could move, and they were going to have a summer party to introduce Jewel as Adam’s wife. Since it had been winter when they’d arrived, Jewel hadn’t met anyone.

Adam had made several business trips to plan his spring cotton crops, saying reluctantly that planting season would keep him busy. Jewel wanted to see the plantation he so loved, but she hadn’t yet had that privilege, even though Adam had promised her a tour.

She had wanted to get word to her uncles that she was alive, but she wasn’t sure just how she could accomplish the task. She remembered Jean speaking of a blacksmith shop he and Pierre owned in New Orleans. Maybe she could find this place and leave word of her safety; that is, if she could locate it.

Elizabeth swept into the room, breaking into Jewel’s thoughts. “Are you ready to go? It’s time to really show you New Orleans.”

Jewel got up from her overstuffed stair and faced her sister-in-law. “I’m looking forward to going,” she replied.

“I can’t wait for you to taste the French pastries. Of course, we’ll have to be fitted for our dresses first. The pastries will probably make our middles thick,” Elizabeth teased, her eyes sparkling.

“Oh, do stop, Elizabeth. I didn’t have any breakfast.” Jewel tugged on her arm. They grabbed their things and left the room.

Outside, they were still chatting about food when they found Annie waiting in the carriage.

“ ’Tis about time ye tae showed up,” Annie scolded. “I thought I might have tae go shoppin’ by meself.”

“When are we supposed tae be meetin’ Adam?” Annie asked.

“He said to meet him at one o’clock in the Cafe du Monde,” Jewel told her.

They had chosen an open carriage so they could enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Upon reaching New Orleans, they rode along Esplanade Avenue, which was beautifully lined with Creole mansions set back from groves of lush banana trees. The festive streets of New Orleans carried the flavor of their Spanish and Creole influence. Once the carriage reached the shopping area, Jewel noticed the many window boxes, each decorated with assorted flowers that reflected the personality of the city—gay and bright with color.

The ladies stopped first at the famous House of St. Jacqueline. They pored over lace, ribbons, and material of very rich hues. After narrowing her selection to three, Jewel picked out a beautiful blue organza material with hand-painted orchids scattered over rich, heavy satin of the same color. A thick satin sash of teal blue would be worn at the waist, and a flimsy ruffle at the bodice in teal with traces of lavender completed the outfit.

Elizabeth picked out an attractive dress of buttercup yellow batiste. The sleeveless top featured tiny silk roses of buttercup yellow and white. Annie’s vivid spring green dress had a skirt that hung with a dark green satin sash. After picking out the appropriate undergarments and shoes, the ladies proceeded to the next shop, very pleased with themselves.

Now they needed to get down to serious business, ordering supplies for Annie’s house. New curtains were in order, as well as bedding, food supplies, and other necessities.

Adam was busy on the other side of town, talking with Governor Claiborne. He had put off his meeting with the governor until now because he had truly enjoyed the time spent with Jewel, though he realized he hadn’t spent nearly enough time with her. But today had been perfect. When the ladies suggested it was time for them to go to town, Adam decided not to put off the meeting any longer.

Governor Claiborne told Adam that General Jackson was in Mobile. That bit of information was quite useful to Adam, for he had yet to meet with the general. He talked with Claiborne about New Orleans and what had been happening over the past year. But Adam was careful not to divulge the information he had obtained in England. That would be saved for Hawk alone.

“How is Lafitte?” Adam asked.

“That thief is a thorn in my flesh!” Claiborne slapped the desk with his hand. “The bloodcurdling sagas of ships being wrecked at sea is all I hear, and Lafitte swears he’s innocent of any wrongdoing. If that wasn’t enough, now he’s smuggling slaves into New Orleans. Those bands of pirates are a constant headache!”

Claiborne stood, clasped his hands behind his back, and started to pace the room. “I’m not sure exactly what I can do with the pirate, seeing as Lafitte does pretty much as he pleases.”

“Don’t judge too hastily. We might need his ships before this war with England is over,” Adam pointed out.

“Do you really think there will be war in Louisiana? I myself think we’ll be left out.” Claiborne raised a brow and looked at Adam.

“I’m not too sure that will be the case.” Adam narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “The greatest attraction of New Orleans is its position; she regulates the mouth of the Mississippi, which means she controls the whole vast rich expanse between the Alleghenies and the Rockies, as you well know. Lose the Mississippi, and our young republic will not be able to expand. So I tell you again, a day might come when we will need Lafitte and his pirates.”