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inform me you were this ill?” I cried, as I drew back from her and took her face between my hands, smoothing the wayward grey strands of hair from her face.
    “Because I did not want this to happen. Addie and her grande bouche .” Big mouth Granny snapped, and I smiled despite the seriousness.
    “But Granny…”
    “We’ll see you in a while Millie. Descendre for supper if you feel up to it.” My grandmother called, and Millie nodded as she went back into the house.
    “Come chil, we have some things to discuss.” She said and pulled me towards home.
    As we rounded the house, I saw Jacques running our way, the look on his face stricken.
 
 
    “What is it fils ?” Son, my grandmother called as he approached us.
    “ Monsieur Jones Madame Marié, come quickly.” He said as he took my grandmother by the hand, nearly dragging her to hurry her along.
    When we reached the house, the faces of the servants looked grim. I rushed up the stairs, but Ab el bared my way.
    “ Non petite fille , this is not a way that you should see him.” He said shaking his head, and I looked at my grandmother. She hurried into the room, and closed the door behind her.
     
    ***
     
    Sometime thereafter, Abel, my grandmother, and Jacques came from the room.
    I could see my grandmother had been crying. I was not sure what I should feel, nevertheless I recognized my heart was heavy at his death. I had been near him for the last twenty-six years of my life, yet I discerned practically nothing of him as a person. Except to declare, that he was kind to all those who belonged to him.
    “Your father was a respectable man Geneviève, never allow anyone advise you differently.” Abel said, wiped his eyes, then walked somberly down the stairs.

    Chapter Three…
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Three weeks elapsed since Mr. Jones’ death, and the plantation was in a very dismal frame of mind.
    I recognized how much the coloreds loved him, for the reason that he was one of the “virtuous ones” , Granny declared.
    I was not sure what she and I would carry out now, but every day, Granny pledged we would be well.
    I on the other hand, did not think that was so.
    I frowned as I saw Mr. Charles’ carriage roll up, and every fiber of my being tensed up. My father was barely in his grave, and here he was presently. I was not sure if there was anything we could perform to impede him either.
    I was surprised because the constable with him. I turned wide eyes to Granny, and she frowned. I heard a commotion at the front door, and moments later, they appeared.
    “Are you one Mari é Antoinette Basile?” The constable asked as if he had no clue who my grand was, and my grandmother stood.
    “I am?” She replied, I noticed her chin raised a notch, and I smiled to myself.
    “I am here to serve writ that this entire property, and its inhabitants, are under the temporary jurisdiction of one Mr. Jean Charlot Marrow, until further notice. Haven Plantation is in temporary hiatus, until we are able to distinguish if the newly deceased Tobias Jones has any fit relatives.” He declared glaring at me, and I noticed my grandmother grasped her chest.
    She teetered, then toppled to the floor.
    “Granny!” I screamed, and Abel rushed into the room.
    “Send for doc Augustin, right away Jacques!” He shouted, and Jacques ran from the room.
    Abel gathered my grandmother up, and was about to place her on the settee, when Mr. Charles spoke.
    “I am sure her quarter s will be more suited to the task. Please leave us.” He commanded, Abel frowned, then glanced at me.
    “She shall stay.” Mr. Charles stated, and I turned wide eyes upon Abel.
    Ab el stood his ground, until I touched his arm.
    “Go, please , Granny requires you at the present.” I whispered, he nodded, then looked at Mr. Charles again.
    I felt my bravado depart from the room with Abel.
    Mr. Charles walked to where I was standing, turned my face up, then smiled. However, there was no mirth in that smile,