Chapter Twenty-Six

Stephen backed onto the balcony and stood off to the side, peering through a crack in the curtains.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Yes?"

"Millie, it's Chandler. Can I come in?"

Millicent opened her door and returned to her spot near the balcony.

Chandler stepped toward her and she moved out of his reach. "What are you doing here? Father said I wasn't allowed visitors."

"I'm not a visitor. I'm family."

"If you're family then you shouldn't have asked to court me."

Stephen grinned and silently applauded Millie for her quick comeback.

"That hurt," countered Chandler

Stephen watched Millie sigh, plop onto her vanity chair, and stare at her reflection in the mirror. "What do you want?"

"I want to visit with you. You shouldn't be alone when you feel poorly."

"You shouldn't worry about me. I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Your cheeks are flushed."

Millie brushed powder on her face. "Is that better?"

Chandler frowned and looked hurt. "I'm sensing you don't want me here."

Millie faced him. "Chandler, you know the rules. You shouldn't be in my room without my chaperone."

He ignored her and picked up the smudged papers. "Writing a letter to your friend? I don't know why you bother. As soon as the girl marries she'll forget you exist."

Millie jumped up and wrestled the papers from him. She shoved them into a drawer.

Chandler tilted his head to one side. The rose lay on the dressing table and he pinched the stem between two fingers. "Where did this come from?"

Millie cleared her throat, but didn't reply.

"I thought you hated roses. I must tell Isaac to bring you a vase full of orchids immediately. The smell will make you feel better in no time."

Millie raised her hand to interrupt, but Chandler continued. "After he brings the orchids, I will have Mary prepare your favorite pink gown."

Stephen knew if he didn't leave soon, he would give his hiding place away by laughing. He could no longer ignore the hilarity of the loathing expressions flitting across Millie's face.

Chandler said, "I'll return soon. And don't worry; I'll take care of everything."

The door slammed and Millie launched herself face first onto her bed. Stephen grinned and climbed onto the trellis to lower himself to the ground. Straightening his coat, he proceeded to the front lawn. Chandler stepped outside the ornate door of the mansion and Stephen followed him. The young man sought after Isaac, finding him near the hothouse. The servant lifted his brow and chewed slowly on a piece of straw as Chandler explained his demands. After listing them, he turned and swaggered back toward the house.

Stephen intercepted Isaac on his way inside the hothouse. The elderly man mumbled loudly under his breath. "Don't know why Miss Beaumont be wantin' orchids when she done got a rash. Only going to make her worse."

"Isaac?"

The man faced him. "Yes, sir?"

"May I ask what Chandler demanded of you?"

"I reckon it ain't no secret. The man said he's seekin' comfort for Miss Millie and she wants orchids sent to her room, but just 'tween you and me, I think he's got that wrong. That girl goes and breaks out in huge welts when she gets anywhere near an orchid."

"Then perhaps we need to inform Mr. Beaumont of the situation."

"I 'spect yer right. I don't think it's a good idea to follow Mr. Wright's orders."

"Exactly."

Henri was in his office hunched over his desk studying a pile of papers. Stephen rapped his knuckles against the door that was already ajar and drew Henri's attention.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"Sir, may we come in."

Henri opened his palm and motioned to a chair. Stephen settled into the plush seat and Isaac remained standing. Clearing his throat, Stephen told Henri he had overheard Chandler's request and, after seeing Isaac's confusion, questioned him further.

Henri turned and spoke to Isaac. He listened, only responding after Isaac finished. "Isaac you did the right thing in bringing this to my attention. Besides, what was Chandler doing visiting Millie anyway? Does he not know the censure he could bring upon her?" Henri sighed and released Isaac to return to his duties. After the servant left he added, "Thank you, young man, for your prompt action. For as long as Chandler has known my family, I can't believe he didn't know about the orchids. Surely he wasn't trying to make her worse so the suitors couldn't visit her?"

Stephen remained silent. Henri pondered as he paced. Stephen stood to leave and caught sight of a list of figures on Henri's desk. He frowned.

"Pardon me, but are those your profits for this year's cotton?"

Henri stopped pacing and hurried back to his desk. He flipped the pages over, but then his shoulders sagged. "I'm afraid so. They aren't as good as I'd hoped. "

"But you've run a successful plantation for years. The use of your unique style of planting different crops, rotating fields, and allowing one field to remain fallow, would be a boost to any plantation."

"I'm glad to hear you say that."

"What could possibly be the problem?" asked Stephen.

"Honestly?"

"Of course."

"Truth is, I'm no good with figures. I know I have enough money to make it through the off season, but somehow we always come up short."

"Would you mind if I looked at the figures?"

"You? What would you know about accounting?"

"My family has owned a plantation in South Carolina for years. My father is a wonderful planter but he doesn't have a head for figures, either. I keep the books and we come out in the black every year."

Henri tapped his forehead. "If I allow this, will you give me your word as a gentleman to keep my financial situation confidential? I can't have Millicent's future husband knowing there might be a risk with her dowry. Excluding you, of course."

"Of course. You have my word."

Henri handed over the ledger. Leaving the room, he hesitated at the entrance for only a second, as if he might change his mind, but shook his head and closed the door.

Alone, Stephen poured over the figures, line by line. Worry knitted his brow. Mr. Beaumont did indeed have a problem and for the sake of the Beaumont Plantation he hoped he could fix it.