Chapter Twenty

Staring at herself in the mirror, Millicent covered a sneeze and wiped her nose. Red-rimmed eyes glared back at her.

"What happened to you? You look terrible," said Amelia.

"She took a swim last night," said Cora with an air of superiority.

"You did what?"

"Amelia, please. My head hurts and I don't feel well."

"Anyone can see that," said Amelia, crossing her arms over her chest.

Millie rolled her eyes and climbed back into bed. Amelia waited one minute before jerking the covers back from her sister's trembling frame. "Millicent Jane, you will get out of this bed. The guests are waiting for you to join them at breakfast. And Mother insists."

"But I don't want to eat with them," she whined.

"I don't care. You will eat, and then you can rest. Don't forget you must be well for tonight."

"What happens tonight?" asked Millie.

"The gift giving."

"Oh. I'd forgotten."

Cora and Amelia helped Millie dress. Reluctantly, she descended the stairs behind them and greeted her guests. They responded in kind and everyone sat at the big table.

After breakfast, the visitors gathered in the foyer. Today her father was giving a tour of the entire grounds. Fortunately, he hadn't demanded that she attend.

She rushed back upstairs to her room, removed her dress, and left it in a heap as she jumped back into bed and pulled the covers up to her neck. Immediately, slumber overtook her.

****

Stephen stifled a sneeze as he congregated with the group of equestrians. Henri Beaumont talked continuously as he guided them across his vast grounds. His holdings included twenty-five hundred acres of beautiful farmland. The plantation had existed since Millicent's first birthday. In the ensuing time they had grown cotton, soybeans, and vegetable crops for the plantation's inhabitants, as well as to sell.

"We don't use all our fields at once. One field lays fallow every year. Also, every few years we rotate what is grown in our fields."

Stephen wished for a pen and paper to take notes. Since his father had placed him in charge of their own plantation's daily affairs, he'd researched different methods of planting. These ideas sounded promising. By the time they returned to the stables, Stephen was even more impressed with the Beaumont operation.

Henri pointed. "I'm sure you've noticed the different buildings on the plantation. This building belongs to the doctor. He lives in the rear and uses the front for patients. Those smaller buildings, nestled under the trees, belong to my workers." Henri continued to tell the purpose of each structure.

"I have a question," said Chandler.

"Yes, what is your question?"

"I know your response, because our families have been friends for years, but for the new people that might have an interest in Millicent…"

Henri nodded for him to continue and the other men in the group looked uncomfortable.

Chandler said, "Come men, there is no need to lie amongst ourselves. Everyone knows why we've come. Millie's birthday celebration serves a twofold purpose. First, we receive free room and board for a week." He smiled at his attempt at humor. "And second, we have the opportunity to perhaps court a beautiful young woman. There is no shame in our pursuits.

"But I digress. Henri, would you mind explaining to these men the situation with your slaves?"

Henri shifted uneasily. Stephen caught Chandler's usage of Henri's first name and the pet name he used for Miss Beaumont. Chandler had thrown down the gauntlet, letting everyone know he had a leg up in the game for Millie's hand.

"Well, Mr. Beaumont? Do you care to tell us what this man speaks of?" asked one of the gentlemen in the crowd.

"I should be happy to. My plantation is unique, because we do not own slaves. We have free men and women of color who have chosen to remain and be paid as workers."

A collective gasp arose from the crowd. Henri raised his hands. "Please gentleman. The choices I have made here at Beaumont Lane are my own. I do not presume now or ever to tell another how to run his own plantation." He cleared his throat, sent an annoyed look in Chandler's direction, and said, "Shall we proceed?"

The group continued toward the river. Stephen and Charles hung back.

"Can you believe that young man's audacity?" whispered Charles.

"He obviously wanted to make a stir."

"So it would seem. I thought Mr. Beaumont gave a stellar reply." Charles paused and added, "And what of the man calling Miss Beaumont, Millie?"

"He merely wanted his relationship with the family to be known," said Stephen with a shrug.

"And what of your relationship with the young lady? I dare say you know a sight more about Millie than Chandler every thought about knowing."

"Probably," said Stephen.

"Have you decided when you will make your first move?"

Stephen shook his head. "You do worry so."

"Not at all. But I can't stay longer than a week. Remember?"

"Of course. Even now your uncle is no doubt running your household amuck. I dare say when you return, confusion will abound and your house staff will be walking around befuddled."

Charles laughed.

"However, there is no need for you to worry on my account, Charles. Tonight you will see I speak the truth."

****

Sunlight streamed into Millicent's room. Amelia stood over her. "Get out of this bed."

"No," said Millie shielding her eyes.

"You've wasted the entire day. Everyone has entertained your guests except for you. It is almost time to receive your gifts."

Sluggishly, Millie climbed from the bed. Her legs trembled and her head hurt. She grabbed the bed post to keep from toppling over.

Amelia shook her head and handed Millie a gown of pale pink. Millie groaned. "You can't be serious."

"I am. Mother insisted you wear her old gown at least once. Now is the best time because you will only have to wear it for a few hours before you're released."

"Humph." Millie didn't resist Amelia's ministrations. Dressed, she and her sister descended into the parlor. The dwindling crowd of prospective suitors was settled around a central chair. Millie dropped into the seat and noticed her mother's disapproving frown.

The first gift placed in her hands was from a young man as yet to be introduced to her. She smiled at him and he blushed. She unwrapped the delicate package and lifted the duel gift; a set of matching figurines decorated with an intricate design.

She thanked the gentleman and reached for the next gift. One-by-one, each present proved to be either some sort of domestic household item or something for her personal use. There were doilies, handkerchiefs, and ribbons. Millicent just wanted to get through to the last one. Finally, it rested in her hands. She read the attached card and removed the wrapping. She gasped.

"What is it?" asked Cora, trying to peer over her shoulder.

"It's paper and an ink well."

"Is that all?" asked Cora.

"No." With two fingers, she lifted a beautiful emerald necklace. Sunlight struck the gems and the room sparkled in green shards of light. Millie gulped and directed her eyes toward Stephen.

"Thank you," she mouthed.

He nodded.