Southern Beauty

chapter 17

"I thought you were meeting me at the dock? Are you still not feeling well?" Malcolm asked with concern in his voice.

"I am fine Malcolm,” she patted his arm, “I don't think even a fever will keep me from getting to Virginia," she smiled.

Rene walked in the room with a tray full of cookies and tea. Johanna tried not to look at him, but her eyes were drawn to his handsome face again. Her face warmed thinking of their kiss. He gave her a big smile. No words were spoken between them but Malcolm felt as he had just interrupted something.

"Johanna? Did you hear me?" Malcolm asked.

Johanna feeling more embarrassed she didn't hear what Malcolm said turned to him quickly, "Yes, Mr. Graystone?" she tried to cover.

Rene softly laughed behind them fully aware of his new effect on Johanna.

Malcolm turned around and faced Rene. "Should I be concerned with the time you have been spending with Miss Lee?"

Rene stared at Johanna with longing while he answered Malcolm. A technique he had perfected. "Absolutely," he said smiling.

"Oh Rene, knock it off." Johanna laughed and then said to Malcolm," Rene has been a wonderful friend, but I am ready to go home." Johanna decided she was not going to be tripped off her course for a silly kiss from a man whose joy was the passion of women, especially those who seemed impossible to get. It was a great kiss. But it was not the kiss. He wasn't him and he could never be.

Rene actually looked hurt, but he recovered quickly. "I think she needs to rest." he felt her head. "It seems her fever has returned. I will call the doctor right away." Rene left the room.

Malcolm was silent as he walked towards Johanna and caressed her hand.

”The ship is set to sell tomorrow evening. Do you think you will be ready to leave by then? Malcolm asked her.

“I just need to get rest,” Johanna yawned. “I will be ready.” Johanna closed her eyes. The fever made her feel suddenly sleepy.

“The doctor is on the way,” Rene walked in.

“Didn’t you have an epidemic here a few years ago? I hope she has not contracted it,” Malcolm said concerned.

“Yes, it was yellow fever, wiped out about 5000 residents two years ago,” Rene smiled. “I don’t think this is yellow fever. It should wear off soon enough.”

“What does that mean?” Malcolm asked not trusting Rene.

“I mean she should feel better soon,” said Rene covering his tracks.

“She is asleep now,” said Malcolm. “I think we need to get one thing straight.”

“And what is that Malcolm?” Rene smiled knowing what was coming.

“She is more important to me than you think,” Malcolm announced.

“Guess what Malcolm, I care for her too,” Rene smiled.

“Don’t say you love her, than I know you are surely jesting,” Malcolm laughed.

“It might be dear friend. It just might be,” Rene announced to Malcolm and himself.

“Well, I won’t stand in your way if she wants you, but I doubt that very much,” Malcolm smirked.

“And why is that?” Rene asked.

“Because she is going to marry me on the ship to Virginia, I plan to have the Captain perform the ceremony,” Malcolm said confidently.

“Well, won’t you be disappointed when she says no.” Rene jabbed, “unless of course you force her, which I wouldn’t put past you.”

“No need for that. She is falling for me already,” Malcolm announced.

“Then why did she kiss me?” smirked Rene.

“Sir,” they were interrupted by the housemaid. “The doctor is here.”

“Are you sure you want to leave?” Rene asked Johanna.

“I am sure. It is time for me to go.” She smiled at him as he held her hands.

“If I ask you to marry me, would you stay then?” Rene asked actually surprised by his own words.

“Oh Rene,” Johanna smiled, “you have been the best part of New Orleans. I will always cherish our time together. I thank you for your hospitality.”

“But the answer is no,” he answered for her.

‘You don’t mean it,” Johanna smiled.

“But I think I love you,” he kept blurting things out desperately. He really didn’t want her to go.

“Today you think you do, wait until you meet your next conquest tomorrow,” she laughed. She kissed him on the cheek.

Rene frowned, “The coach is waiting for you outside to meet Malcolm at the dock.”

“Thank you,” Johanna said.

“I would be weary of him,” warned Rene. “There is a lot you don’t know about him.”

“I will,” Johanna smiled, thinking he was being a bit jealous.

She walked to the coach and did a small wave goodbye before stepping in. It wasn’t enough for him. He ran to her and kissed her passionately. And this time she let go of her pride and let him.