Page 25 of Master of Paradise

Brandon's departure for Virginia was a wrenching experience for family and slaves alike. He rode off so eagerly with his body servant, Jim, beside him, that it brought tears to almost every eye.

Amanda patted Mammy Lou to comfort her.

"We need our spirits lifting. Why don't we give Jennifer an engagement party before Beau has to leave for Virginia?"

Nicholas seconded her.

"I think that's a good idea. Decide when it's to be and I'll carry the invitations today to your father, and to Beau at his headquarters in Charleston."

Amanda was dismayed.

"You're going back to Charleston today?"

"Honey, I must sell my cargo; it's entirely made up of military supplies. Probably your father will take it. I also have to find Rafe. He should be back, but he may have made port elsewhere to avoid the patrols. I promise to be back by Thursday."

"Then we'll plan the party for Friday. Bring Daddy and Beau back with you."

Jennifer agreed happily. They would invite the whole county and it would make her engagement official.

"A party will dispel all the gloom and worry of the silly old war."

Porter was duly dispatched to all the plantations with the invitations and told to wait for an answer at each house.

Amanda wanted everything to be special for Jennifer, especially since it was her first opportunity to be a real hostess at Paradise.

She and Philip became instant friends. He found he could talk to her about his innermost feelings without fear of embarrassment. She was a good listener, and when they were together she gave him her undivided attention.

He found himself telling her all about what happened to Nicholas when his father had died, how he had been turned out without a penny, and how he had miraculously returned when Philip needed his help so desperately.

Amanda promised Philip would be surrounded by admiring Southern belles at the coming party, but he doubted he would meet anyone who would capture his heart the way that she had.

Charleston was overflowing with attachés of the army.

Military headquarters were at a hotel, and though the streets were merely busy during the daylight hours, at night disorder reigned.

Drunken rows and fights broke out nightly, ribald songs and disgusting profanity kept the citizens awake, and the plethora of uniforms attracted an increasing number of prostitutes.

When Nicholas did not return on Thursday as promised, Jennifer began to panic.

However, they arrived on the paddle-wheeler early Friday afternoon, in high good humor.

Beau had brought a roulette wheel for what he called 'The Gambling Hall of Paradise', and the men spent two hours setting the thing up so it was perfectly balanced.

Jennifer was piqued at their tardiness.

She'd had visions of the neighboring plantation owners arriving and finding an engagement party without a prospective bridegroom.

She was angered further when Beau began drinking bourbon in the early afternoon.

When her voice became shrill and petulant, Mandy tried to distract her.

"Let's go up and you can show me what you're wearing tonight."

Jennifer allowed herself to be persuaded.

"It will make the Caldwell girls pea-green with envy. It's a dress I got before we went into that horrid black mourning. It's deep rose color with little silver beads sewn all over. The skirt has just yards and yards. What are you wearing, Mandy?"

"That dress I bought in Charleston with the petal-shaped bodice. It will show off my diamonds perfectly."

"Diamonds?"

Jennifer demanded in a shrill voice.

"Nicholas brought them from England for me."

It was the final straw that ruined Jennifer's day. She deliberately sought out her father who was relaxing on the verandah with Nicholas and Philip.

Bernard explained.

"Atlanta has been chosen as the chief depot for collecting food and supplies for the army because its railroads link north, south, east, and west."

"Then no matter which port we reach from Wilmington to Savannah, it would be best to ship the cargo directly to Atlanta?"

Nick asked.

Bernard nodded.

"It's going to be a manufacturing center for pistols, rifles, and cannon. Next trip you make to England, we need designers smuggled through the blockade to set up the machinery to manufacture these guns."

Philip shook his head.

"I can't understand why Britain has declared neutrality when their interests lie with the South. Why doesn't Britain smash the blockade to get the cotton it needs?"

Nicholas explained.

"If they did that, the North would cut off wheat supplies to Britain and she'd starve to death."

Bernard shook his head.

"The South, I'm afraid, placed too much trust in help from Britain. They cannot support us openly."

Jennifer thought she saw an opening in the conversation.

"Daddy, what would you do if you placed your trust in someone and he betrayed that trust?"

she asked innocently.

Bernard frowned. He knew Jenny was hinting around at some indiscretion and his mind immediately jumped to Brandon. He cleared his throat and laughed.

"Well, I suppose I'd consider all the circumstances and try not to be too judgmental."

Nicholas narrowed his eyes in warning to Jennifer, but she ignored him and persisted.

"But if this person had promised you something, under oath, then the minute your back was turned he deliberately deceived you?"

Beau Hampden sauntered in and helped himself to another bourbon.

"Ah'd like permission to take my fiance for a stroll in the gardens before our guests begin to arrive."

Bernard replied.

"By all means you young 'uns go and have a few minutes to yourselves. I'd better go up and change. Doc Caldwell has a habit of arriving at least two hours before everyone else.

Jennifer gave an impatient sigh, but she was determined the moment of truth was only postponed.

Nicholas followed Bernard up the curving staircase to his bedroom.

"Bernard, I've something to say that you may totally oppose, but I must say it."

He plunged on.

"War changes all the rules. None of us knows how much time he has left. I'm deeply in love with Amanda, and I won't wait longer. I want my wife sharing the master bedroom with me where she belongs."

He wasn't asking Bernard's permission, he was merely informing him of what was to be.

After a few moments of thought, Bernard nodded his understanding.

Joy and elation lifted Nick's spirits high, and he went downstairs to set his house in order.

Jennifer came rushing indoors.

"Daddy was right. Dr. and Mrs. Caldwell just drove up, and I'll die if Romeda an' Lorena see I'm not dressed for the party yet."

Amanda soothed her.

"Don't fly into a panic. Mammy here will help you.. Lady Pamela, would you like Fanny to help you dress? Philip, would you be a darling and help Beau entertain our guests until we're ready?"

Just as the Caldwells came in the front door, Nicholas spoke in his deep voice of authority.

"Lou, before you help Jennifer, would you see that Amanda's things are changed over from her bedroom in the East wing? Mrs. Peacock will be sharing my room from now on."

He gave Jennifer a mocking bow and stretched out a warm hand to welcome the Caldwells.

A hush fell over the room.

Amanda looked from Nicholas to Philip, to the Caldwells, to Lady Pamela, and finally to Mammy Lou.

Everyone in the room was staring at her.

She blushed scarlet and fled upstairs with Mammy following as quickly as she could manage.

Mandy wished the earth would open up and swallow her.

She was on the verge of tears.

Whatever prompted Nicholas to act as he did? God Almighty, what will happen when Father learns of it? Great balls of fire, how the Caldwells had gaped open-mouthed.

And Mammy Lou-- Amanda paled as she imagined what she would have to say to it all!

She turned and realized with a start that Mammy had half emptied her wardrobe and was taking her dresses to Nicholas's bedroom.

She lifted her skirts and hurried to the master bedchamber.

What she saw was unbelievable.

There stood Nicholas making room in his wardrobe for her things, while Mammy hung up her dresses.

Amanda slammed the door shut.

Her tears of embarrassment had turned to anger and her temper mounted dangerously.

"How dare you?"

She was panting with seething indignation.

Nicholas was surprised and slightly amused at her reaction.

"Honeysuckle you know this is long overdue."

"How dare you tell Mammy to put my things in here without consulting me? You arrogant, high-handed bast..."

she cut off the word at his dangerous look.

"Oh, men are such devils. Take my things back at once, Mammy."

Nicholas warned.

"Lou, don't you dare touch those things. They stay here! Why are you so all-fired angry?"

"You... you practically ordered me to share your bed in front of everyone, and you dare ask why I'm angry?"

she cried.

"You've shared my bed before this, and enjoyed every minute of it. Why the fuss now?"

he demanded.

"Oh!"

she gasped, reddening in front of Mammy.

"How could you be so indelicate?"

"For God's sake Amanda, you're my wife. Lou knows what goes on in bed between a man and woman."

"Well,"

Mandy said with icy control.

"it isn't going to go on in this bed, between this man and woman."

She swooped up her dresses and sailed from the room. She bumped into her father and swept past him without so much as an 'excuse me'.

Bernard chuckled when he saw Nicholas's tight-lipped frustration.

"I see little madam still has a mind of her own. I don't think I need worry about her any longer. She's more than a match for you."

Earlier in the day, the furniture in the three main rooms on the lower level had been arranged around the walls to make room for dancing, while the long dining table had been placed against one wall for the buffet supper.

The guests could take their refreshments to the tiled patio, the long, sweeping verandahs, or into the many arbors in the flower-shaded gardens.

Though Jennifer had been robbed of her weapon to wound Nicholas and Amanda, she pretended to be the happiest and luckiest female in the South.

She was somewhat mollified at the envy of Blanche Davis and Laurel Beverly, and indeed Beau was just about the handsomest young man in the room in his dashing cavalry uniform.

But the men kept clustering together to discuss the war, and it was almost hard work to persuade them to dance and forget their cares.

Amanda stubbornly stayed in her room until the hour grew late.

Finally Mammy Lou came in to put an end to her nonsense.

"Chile, der ain't no use fussin' over what Masta Nick done.

Ah wondered when yo' was gonna wake up an' realize yo' was a woman.

If yo' got any brains at all, yo' gonna git dressed an' git downstairs, an' let all dem females know he yores.

Der ain't one dat ain't got it bad for Masta Nick, an' dat includes Jennifer Joy an' dat Lady Pamela."

Amanda raised her eyes to Mammy's.

"Help me dress. Hurry!"

Mandy caused quite a stir as she descended the curved staircase. She wondered if it was due to her tardy entrance, or her diamonds that caught the light with glittering brilliance.

Actually, it was neither. It was that seemingly overnight Amanda had been transformed from a young girl into a seductive woman with an aura of mystery about her slanting, golden eyes.

Nicholas, who was across the room doing his duty as host, chose to ignore her.

A secret smile curved her lips and her dimples appeared.

Philip held out his hand to assist her from the bottom step.

"I'd willingly forfeit claim to my title if that smile were for me."

She examined him closely. He was so different from his brother. Philip was extremely tall and slender with fair hair and light complexion, and yet the aqua eyes told her they were brothers.

He danced divinely, and she promised to take supper with him. Clay Hampden danced with her next.

"Mandy, you've changed so much, ah can't hardly believe it's you."

Though they were the same age, she had become a woman, while Clay was still just a boy.

Clay was in a sullen mood because Beau and his father Wade were off to war, while he had been forbidden.

Amanda tried to placate him.

"Clay, your mother will need a man to run the plantation, and that's a heavy responsibility. The only thing is, there isn't any glory attached to it."

He grinned reluctantly.

"You always did have a knack for making me feel better.

Mandy danced with Ty Caldwell and congratulated him on his marriage to Julia Hampden, then she gave equal time to Wesley Davis and Stuart Beverly, who always looked at her with his heart in his eyes.

She glanced at the Vickers brothers.

King and Duke Vickers actually look civilized in their gray uniforms with the yellow stripes down the trousers.

Fear for them clutched her heart.

They will be such brave, reckless boys, galloping heedlessly into danger, shouting their brave rebel yells.

The party was an unqualified success, and Jennifer Joy the belle of the ball.

The kitchen staff under Samuel's direction had outdone themselves.

The centerpiece of the buffet consisted of four heavy, silver tureens filled respectively with pearl gray, jet black, coral red, and golden caviar.

Amanda stood observing the guests as they slowly began to take their leave, and she realized that things would never be quite the same again.

The girls in their lovely dresses with tea roses and cape jessamine in their hair; the men in their dashing uniforms, stealing the flowers for keepsakes and placing them over their hearts in their breast pockets; the mothers and fathers beaming with pride for their offspring; all of them so pampered and privileged, herself included.

Nicholas came up behind her and whispered.

"A Dusk Of The Gods."

"Oh, please don't say that."

She knew he had read her thoughts.

He bowed low before her and swept her into his arms. He waltzed her into the gardens, where the deep shadows provided a haven for amorous couples.

"My Mistress of Paradise,"

he mocked, his eyes glittering with anticipation.

"My Devil of the Night,"

she answered tauntingly.

He tightened his arms to bring her closer in his embrace as they danced.

"My Goddess of the Dawn,"

he teased.

She longed to be kissed, but would not let him know.

"My Demon of Darkness,"

she hissed at him between her teeth.

Nicholas looked at her the way every woman dreams a man will, with naked love, his face filled with tenderness. She was so soft, and vulnerable, and fragile.

"My love,"

he whispered.

They were both weak with desire.

He danced her back inside where only a few guests still lingered.

He slipped one arm beneath her knees and lifted her against his heart.

Without taking his eyes from her, he swept her up the staircase. His gaze was intense, daring her to protest.

She rested her head against his shoulder, content to let him have his way; eager for the mysteries that awaited her in his great bed.

They slept late the next morning. When Amanda opened her eyes she found Nicholas gazing down on her, as she lay curled against him. The game began again.

"Good morning, my Saucy Rebel."

She felt his shaft harden and thrust against her thigh.

"Good morning, my Cocky Englishman."

The door burst open and Rafe Collins strode into the room.

Mandy cried out and scrambled behind Nicholas's broad back. She peered over his shoulder at the intruder.

Rafe was surprised that Nicholas was not alone, but he put a bold face on it and laughed.

"Aye, aye, what do we have here? Two bloody imposters! One pretends he's celibate, the other pretends she's virgin."

Mammy Lou came in with a breakfast tray.

"Ah couldn't stop him, Masta Nick."

Nicholas threw out his arm.

"Come in Lou-- make yourself at home. By Christ we must be the most star-crossed lovers ever born. We've waited years to awaken in the same bed, and now I suspect someone's selling tickets to the event."

Mammy giggled as she hastily put the tray on the bed and retreated.

Rafe selected a luscious Scupernong grape and popped it into Mandy's mouth.

"I love to watch you eat,"

Rafe said avidly.

"You damned half-breed,"

Nicholas accused.

"I wouldn't trust you alone with my wife for ten seconds."

"I don't blame you. She might start to make odious comparisons between us,"

he boasted.

Nicholas reached for his trousers.

"Come on, let's give the lady some privacy."

He turned and kissed her.

"Remember where we left off,"

he admonished.

"Reminds me of an old Southern expression-- If you weren't so ugly, you'd have it all."

As soon as they closed the bedroom door, Rafe said.

"I'm sorry Nick."

Nicholas clapped him on the back and said ruefully.

"Your timing was regrettable, but your urgency tells me you have news."

"Forty-five ships under DuPont took Fort Beauregard and Fort Walker. They hold Port Royal secure."

"Damn, that's too close for comfort,"

Nick swore.

"Where's your ship anchored?

"In a cove at the mouth of the Santee. Where's the Rattlesnake?"

"Well-hidden in the Intracoastal Waterway. I think we should each do a couple of quick runs to Nassau. Let's get as much cotton out as we can, then in two or three weeks we can pick it up from Nassau and take it to Liverpool."

"I'll bring the Hornet into the Intracoastal and you get word to the planters who still have cotton to get it to us by mule,"

Rafe said.

"Good idea. Then we can sail inland and leave by a Georgia port or even sail down to Florida if we encounter the Union's South Atlantic Squadron."

"I noticed the price of everything in Charleston is skyrocketing. Confederate dollar only buys half what it did before we went to England."

"Soon, Confederate money will be totally worthless. For God's sake only accept gold for any goods you manage to get through the blockade."

Rafe grinned.

"I was born at night, but it wasn't last night, Nick. After I've eaten, I'll push off. I'll meet you tomorrow night where the Santee cuts across the inland waterway."

Nicholas let out a deep breath of regret as he went back to the bedroom. He knew it was bad timing for him to leave Paradise.

As Amanda watched him pack his bag she said impulsively.

"Take me with you!"

He turned in amazement.

"Love, I'd never take you into danger."

"Then I'll follow you and stowaway,"

she teased.

He gripped her shoulders firmly.

"Oh God, none of your feminine caprice, promise me!"

She stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips across his.

"I promise to behave, but only until you return."

He sank into a chair and pulled her onto his knee.

"Here's the combination to the safe. There's gold in there if you have any expenses while I'm gone. Amanda, if anything should ever happen to me, get in touch with my banker, Gabriel DuBose, in Charleston. There should be more than enough for your needs, but if not, there's money in England. More money than you could ever spend.

"Nicholas, I'm afraid."

"Love, the last thing I wanted to do was alarm you, but I had to tell you about the money, just in case."

He kissed her eyelids.

"Come now, enough gloom. I'm only sailing to Nassau, and nothing on earth could keep me from you."

His hands were so gentle, so careful with her that she felt precious and cherished.

After Nicholas left, it didn't take Amanda long to make her decision. She went to visit Jessie at the slave cabins.

"I want a baby,"

she told the black woman.

The slave laughed.

"Ah never wouldha' knowed that man have a problem!"

"Oh he hasn't Jessie. It's just that he refuses to get me with child because he thinks I'm too young."

Jessie took some plants and crushed the dark juice from them. Then she mixed in herbs and spices until she had a thickened liquid.

"He got powerful control?"

she asked, just to be sure.

"Can he perform two time?"

"Sometimes three,"

Mandy admitted. Jessie gave her the potion and started to laugh again.

"Mix dis in wine an' the power be all yores, chile."

Bernard had arranged to take Samuel with him when he returned to Charleston.

He needed an assistant to help him negotiate contracts and he knew of no man more capable of making deals than Samuel.

"Oh, I almost forgot.

Your Aunt Virginia's been working weeks to organize a Charity Ball to raise money for the cause.

She asks that you bring something that can be auctioned at the bazaar.

It's to be held two weeks from tomorrow night, but I warn you that if Nicholas hasn't returned from Nassau, you must not come to Charleston alone.

It's become a rowdy den of iniquity.

The place is a disgrace. It's unfit for white ladies to be on the streets,"

he told his daughters.

Jennifer was intrigued by her father's words and she was still pondering them long after he'd gone.

Beau had led her to believe kicking his heels in Charleston was a deadly dull business, but apparently it wasn't so.

She'd find out for herself by going to the Charity Ball whether Nicholas returned or not.

Jenny sought out Lady Pamela, her new ally.

Pamela thanked her for the invitation, but added.

"I am in the embarrassing position of having no money. I have to rely on the charity of others."

"You think I'm any different?"

Jennifer asked bitterly.

"But now that the men have left and I don't have to answer to them, I'm going to change all that."

Pamela was intrigued, as Jennifer explained.

"I intend to travel up to Blackville and sell off fifty or sixty slaves that are doing nothing but sitting getting corns on their backsides and eating their damned heads off."

Pamela smiled.

"I should love to accompany you on such a venture. I've always found there is strength in joining forces."

Amanda and Philip strolled back from the stables.

"Have you noticed that my father has become quite attentive to your mother?"

He frowned.

"Yes. She always had the knack of attracting a man. Trouble is she hides her true feelings so successfully, you have no idea if her heart is involved."

"At first, I was shocked that Father would look at another woman only a year after my mother died, but when I reflect, I realize Mother was an invalid for years, and he was devoted to her. I think perhaps it's time he tried to find a little happiness for himself."

God help him if Pamela gets her hooks into him, Philip thought privately.

It turned out that Jenny was saved her trip to Blackville by the arrival of a battered carriage that had seen better days.

Jeb Sloan got down and wiped the sweat from his face and neck with a soiled handkerchief.

Jennifer hurried toward the carriage before Amanda could find out who he was.

"Mr. Sloan, I was on my way to Blackville tomorrow. How strange you should show up today."

"Afternoon Miss. Mr. Jackson here?"

he asked shortly.

"My brother has left with his regiment, Mr. Sloan, and left me in charge of things at Blackville."

She caught the smell of fear about him and asked quickly.

"Something's wrong! What has happened?"

"Slaves revolted. Burned down the sheds. Ran off,"

he said in short, jerky sentences.

Her eyes widened.

"They didn't all run, did they?"

"No ma'am. I shot some of 'em, and managed to lock up one shed before they got away."

"How many are left?"

she cried, trying to assess the magnitude of the loss.

"None. They burnt t'death."

"Oh my God!"

She shuddered.

"Mr. Sloan, what about the runners? What are you doing to get my slaves back?"

"Well ma'am, ah reported them to the authorities, but they say the patrollers have all joined the army, an' they say there's so many blacks runnin' North, ain't a blamed thing they can do. Ah think ah should report this to yore daddy. Ah allus done bidness with him afore young Mist' Jackson come."

Jennifer was in shock.

"Yes, yes. Report it to my father, Mr. Sloan, but I beg that you don't mention that you've ever seen me, sir. You'll find him in Charleston, at 39 Tradd Street."

Jenny lay on her bed feeling sick. She had no money and no hope of getting any in the foreseeable future. I must get Beau Hampden to marry me without delay, and I must keep him from learning of the loss of the breeding farm.

She had no choice but tell Pamela that the trip was off, and the whole story came pouring out.

Pamela commiserated with her.

"There are many ways for clever women to make money. The trick is to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves."

A few evenings later when Beau arrived, bringing his fellow officers for a visit to Paradise for a friendly evening of gambling at the roulette wheel, Pamela hit upon her idea. She explained to Jennifer.

"This whole area must be full of rich young army officers who are looking for pleasurable ways to spend their evenings. If Paradise belonged to me, I should charge them for drinks and gather in their losses at the gaming tables."

"Nicholas would never allow it,"

Jennifer said.

"Nicholas goes to England shortly, does he not?"

Pamela asked smoothly.