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SOLEIL UNRAVELED THE final braid from Hope’s hair. They sat on the bed, the little girl happily playing with Mr. Snow. Despite the many dolls Alex had purchased for her, Mr. Snow was still her favorite. He was comfort. He had seen her through her hardest days.
Soleil kissed the top of her head. “All finished. It is time to sleep now.”
“Yes, Maman.” Hope crawled to the top of the bed and rested her head on the pillows, clutching Mr. Snow to her chest. As Soleil pulled back the covers to place over her, Hope turned to face her. “Maman, is Alex my papa?”
Soleil stilled. Her heart fluttered in her chest. It had been a long time since Hope had asked about the identity of her father. “Why do you ask that, mon amour?”
“You said my papa would be nice to me. Alex is very nice to me.”
“That’s very true, my love. He has been very kind to us both.”
“Then he’s my papa?” Hope’s eyes overflowed with the desire for it to be true, and Soleil hated having to disappoint the little girl.
“You will know your papa when you find him. Your heart will be filled with love to the point you think it might burst. And he will love you just as much. You will never want to leave his side because he is a truly great man. Comprenez vous?”
“Oui, Maman.”
Soleil bent to kiss Hope’s forehead. “Go to sleep, mon amour. We can talk about this more another time.”
Hope obeyed her mother’s command and rolled on her side, closing her eyes. Soleil had known the day would come when Hope would ask about her father. She just wished that one day she would have a better answer to give.
Soleil looked down at the small girl with unending love. She brushed the hair back from Hope’s face and kissed her one last time before drifing off to sleep.
~*~
“TELL ME THE REASONING again,” Soleil said between giggles.
“Of course we had to save the kitten,” Virginia explained, “even if it scratched and left us a bloody mess. We made a pact to be the protectors of all animals, no matter if they wanted the protection or not. How could we leave that poor kitten so high in the tree?”
“Yes, but self-preservation should have made us throw the ungrateful beast from the tree. I hear they always land on their feet anyway. Oh, the virtuous hearts of naive young ladies.”
Soleil picked up the kettle to refill their tea cups. It was such fun sitting and hearing Virginia tell the many stories from their youthful adventures. Some even left her wondering if her brain had been fully functioning at the time.
“So tell me, how has it been, being reunited with Alex?” Virginia asked, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. “We are both of age now. You can tell me all. Not that age would ever have stopped us.”
Soleil nearly choked on her tea at the blunt and rather inappropriate question. She had a mind not to answer it, but with Virginia staring at her in eager anticipation, she didn’t want to disappoint. Sharing the juicy tidbits of their lives was what friends did, she reminded herself.
Still uncomfortable, she fixed her eyes on the amber liquid in her cup. “I admit, I feel like my body remembers something my mind does not. It leaves my nerves a little frayed at times. Despite what my mind tells me, I cannot deny that I am attracted to him. In fact, my attraction seems to be growing each day, but I don’t want it to.”
Virginia sobered and placed her hand on Soleil’s. “He would never hurt you. Alex has loved you for a very long time. In fact, losing you almost destroyed him.”
“He mentioned something similar. It would be wonderful to believe in that, but it can never be. It’s as if he lives in the sky, and I underground.”
“Then we must teach you to fly. Alex is your epic tale of love. Do not miss it for any reason.”
Soleil placed her tea aside and gathered Virginia into her arms. With a friend such as her, how could Soleil not be filled with optimism? “This visit has been a soothing balm on my soul. I was very lucky to have you as a friend in my youth, and equally lucky today. I would like to visit your home soon, if you do not mind.”
“Of course! My door will always be open to you. We live no more than five miles away, just past the mill. We can visit each other often.”
“Thank you. Now, tell me again the story of our egg battle,” Soleil said as both women erupted into a fit of laughs.
~*~
SOLEIL WAS SO HAPPY she nearly skipped down the hall. Last night's dinner and her visit with Virginia this afternoon were the greatest times she could remember in...well, ever. She wanted to repay Alex for his continued kindness. Despite how much her brain told her she should not trust him, something in her wanted nothing more than to release the burden of doubt from her shoulders. Virginia’s words of encouragement gave her faith that maybe she could.
She had decided to search out Vivian, because despite Alex’s refusal to allow her to work in his home, she wanted to help around the house and show her gratitude.
She found Vivian in the sitting room, dusting the mantel. Not wanting to startle her, Soleil cleared her throat to get Vivian's attention.
"What do you want?"
From the beginning, Soleil could feel that Vivian did not like her, but she was filled with so much joy that the edge to Vivian's tone did not bother her.
"I wanted to see if I could be of assistance to you. Alex has been so gracious in letting me and Hope stay that I wanted to show my gratitude by helping with the upkeep of the house."
At first it looked as if Vivian would refuse her assistance, but Soleil could almost see the gears shifting in her mind. A twisted joy shone through her eyes, mirrored by her wicked grin. "As a matter of fact, I could use some assistance. You can finish the dusting and tidying up in here. I expect everything to be spotless."
“Not a problem, madam. It will be my pleasure.”
Despite the venom with which the chores were given to her, Soleil was glad to be able to help. She took the duster and cleaning cloths from Vivian and immediately began to execute her tasks.
Vivian stood back, scrutinizing Soleil's work. Satisfied with Soleil's ability to complete the simple task of dusting, Vivian left the room.
Half an hour later, Soleil was finishing her job as she hummed the melody of an old hymn she had learned a few years back. It always soothed her and lifted her mood. A knock sounded on the front door, catching her attention. She could hear Vivian open the door and speak excitedly to the guest. A few moments later they entered the sitting room, and Soleil rose from her crouch. The guest was a petite woman with silky blonde curls fixed atop her head. She was the epitome of a southern debutant.
"You wait right here while I go get him for you," Vivian said before walking back out of the room.
The woman nodded as Vivian turned to leave. Just as she was about to pass through the door, Vivian turned back to Soleil and sneered, "Make sure not to miss a single speck of dust on any piece of furniture."
Soleil had the feeling the comment was meant to belittle her in front of the guest. At the sound of the snicker from the other woman, Soleil blushed in embarrassment. “Oui, madam.”
Satisfied that her remark had caused its intended damage, Vivian turned again to leave.
Soleil noticed the smile slip from Elizabeth’s lips the second Vivian had disappeared from the room. She shifted her gaze to Soleil, who dusted a nearby chest. Soleil could feel Elizabeth’s heated glare on her back. She said nothing and continued her chores, staying aware of the woman behind her.
Slowly Elizabeth rose from her seat and sauntered toward Soleil. She stopped a few feet away and continued scowling at her. "Well, you are a pretty one. For a Negro woman, that is. I can see why he would find you appealing."
Soleil made no response to Elizabeth’s taunt.
"But you do know he will never marry you."
"I do not know of what you speak."
"Do not play coy with me. Vivian told me all about how you two used to be inseparable when you were younger. How you looked at him with stars in your eyes. But I am the superior woman here, and I will have him in the end."
Soleil suddenly saw a flash of a younger Alex, teaching her how to aim a bow and arrow. They each laughed as she released the arrow and it flopped in front of her. For a moment reality mixed with memory, and the vision left her confused.
She shook her head to clear it and focus on the woman in front of her. "Ma’am, I do not know what claim you think you hold over Alex, but I am no threat to it. I honestly do not remember my childhood."
"That's right, you are supposed to have amnesia. You don't fool me,” Elizabeth said, closing the distance between them. “I know you Negroes are crafty liars. You're probably making the whole thing up so he will feel sorry for you. You're wasting your time because I will be his wife in the end."
Soleil turned to stare Elizabeth in the eyes, her disdain apparent in her glare. Having Elizabeth crowd her space was triggering her instinct to defend herself. She needed the woman to back away, and soon. "Your inability to keep Alexander's interest has nothing to do with me. Alex is a grown man and will choose to marry whomever he pleases. Now please remove yourself from my presence this instant."
Elizabeth's mouth hung open in utter disbelief. "I have never been spoken to in such a manner! You will pay for your remarks."
"I do not fear your threats. Now, I ask you for the final time to remove yourself from my presence."
Elizabeth backed away slowly, unfamiliar with how to handle such a situation. Pure rage and embarrassment had turned her face a bright shade of red.
Once Elizabeth had backed away, Soleil turned on her heels and stormed from the room. She knew she should not have reacted the way she had, but if she had to pay for what she said, the look of sheer indignation on Elizabeth's face would make it well worth the punishment.
~*~
ALEX SCANNED THE BOOKS page again, yet the words still did not register. His joyful thoughts made reading impossible. How had he become so blessed? Having Soleil back in his life was pure bliss. A knock sounded, right before Vivian walked through the library’s door carrying a tray of food that smelled like heaven. She placed it on the table next to his chair and smiled at him.
A feeling of apprehension settled over him at the sight of her. It was odd, because Vivian had been like the mother he’d never had. To be leery of her visits did not sit well with him.
“Hello, Vivian. How may I assist you?”
“I brought you something to eat. You look as if you could use a rest from all your work.”
“It looks wonderful. Thank you.” Alex took a bite and closed his eyes to savor the taste of the steak melting on his tongue. “It is as delicious as it looks. Please tell Cook she did a wonderful job.”
“I made it myself,” Vivian said, smiling at the compliment. “You are like a son to me and I am tired of this rift between us. I want to put it behind us.”
Vivian took his free hand in hers and squeezed it reassuringly.
“As do I. I know you do not agree with all of my choices but thank you for seeking peace between us.
“I only want what is best for you, you know that. As my first act toward mending our relationship I have a surprise for you downstairs."
Alex rubbed the bridge of his nose, wary of the surprise Vivian had waiting for him. "You know I am not one who enjoys surprises. Please tell me what awaits me downstairs."
"I invited Elizabeth over for a visit."
Alex let out a sigh. It was just like Vivian to meddle in his affairs. He had been so consumed with happiness due to Soleil's return that he had completely forgotten about Elizabeth. “Since you invited her without my permission, you can have the pleasure of telling her to leave."
"That would be rude. That is no way to treat a lady, especially one you have been courting."
"I would hardly call our sporadic meetings a courtship. I do not wish to see her."
"As you wish. I will tell her to leave."
Just as Vivian was leaving his office, Alex had a thought. What if Soleil had seen her? What would she think of Elizabeth coming to call on him? “Wait. Where is Elizabeth, and where is Soleil?"
"They are both in the sitting room. One cleaning it, of course." Vivian smirked at her crude joke.
Without responding, Alex rose from his desk and walked to the stairs. He would have to take care of the situation before Soleil developed the wrong impression.
When he entered the sitting room, he looked around for Soleil. She was nowhere in sight.
Vivian entered the room shortly after him and sat in the corner to act as their chaperone.
After a calming breath, Alex turned his attention to the little blonde perched on the sofa’s edge. She seemed a bit vexed, but Alex wasn’t concerned with why. He needed her to leave. "Hello, Elizabeth."
As if by magic, Elizabeth's face transformed into one of joy and she beamed at Alex as he made his way toward her. "Alex darling, it has been so long since you’ve called on me. I was so pleased to receive your invitation. Where have you been hiding?"
"I’ve been busy taking care of business."
“You are such a hard worker. That is one of the many qualities I like so much about you."
"I am simply trying to run my plantation to the best of my ability, and to support those who depend on me."
"Which is why you have been so successful. I hate to start our visit on this note, but before we continue I wanted to inform you of Soleil’s rude behavior. For no apparent reason, she verbally attacked me and stormed out. She is in need of a strong lesson in manners."
Alex groaned on the inside. He had hoped the two women would never cross paths. He knew Elizabeth was lying, but thought it wise to placate her. "I will make sure to look into the matter as soon as possible."
“Good. Oh, before I forget. The seamstress is putting the finishing touches on my gown for the Edwards’ gala. It will be a splendid time,” she said, injecting an extra dose of cheerfulness into her voice. No doubt she could read the disinterest written all over his face.
Alex cursed in his mind as his mood plummeted another ten feet. He had nearly forgotten about the gala, and that he was escorting Elizabeth. Every year the Edwards threw their pretentious summer gala to show off the newest items they had acquired during their travels. He hated the stuffy atmosphere and the boring conversations, but all the elite families in Elba would be there, and he could never pass on an opportunity to strengthen old business connections and make new ones. “I’m sure you will be a vision, no matter what you wear.”
“You are too kind. Shall we go for a walk in the gardens?"
“I am sorry to have to cut this visit short, but I really have a great deal of work to attend to."
“You don't have a moment to spare? I have come all this way to visit you."
“Again, I am sorry, but I have important things I need to attend to." One of which was making sure Soleil was not infuriated with him. Alex could only imagine what Elizabeth had said to her. How was he going to fix this? Soon he would have to have a serious conversation with Vivian about interfering in his affairs.
Before Elizabeth could object further, Alex turned and left the room.
~*~
“WELL, THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY disastrous,” Elizabeth said as she paced the sitting room. “I can’t lose Alex, especially not to her. I’m the one who deserves a high-class gentleman. She must be using some dark magic to control his mind. I heard about all the voodoo and things they do in Louisiana.”
Vivian crossed to the open door and stuck her head into the hallway. She peered left and right to make sure no one was in earshot, then closed the door to give them privacy. “Calm yourself, girl. You will have Alex in the end. I love that boy as if he were my own flesh and blood. I would never allow him to throw away his legacy. I will protect him from anything, including himself.”
Elizabeth ceased her pacing. “How do you plan to do that?”
Vivian reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. She held it out to Elizabeth, who eagerly took it.
Elizabeth opened it with such force she nearly ripped it down the middle. Her eyes scanned the words, then she locked gazes with Vivian. “Is this really possible?”
“Of course it is. Just follow these directions exactly as I have given them. Soleil will be gone, and Alex will no longer be distracted from his pursuit of you.”
“What of his feelings for her? Won’t he fight for her?”
“Of course not.” Vivian looked at Elizabeth as if the statement was truly imbecilic. “The feelings he thinks he has are the remnants of a childish fantasy. To choose her would cost him everything. He would not throw away all his family has built just for her.”
Elizabeth nodded as if finally seeing the wisdom of Vivian’s statement. Vivian liked the girl well enough, but knew intelligence wasn’t her strongest attribute. There were probably a dozen other girls who would be better matches for Alex, but she had been the first girl he had even noticed since Soleil’s disappearance—no matter how fleeting that notice had been. She would use whatever—or whoever—she had to in order to help Alex, even the little twit in front of her.