Read Napoleon's Gift for Free Online Page B

addling Benny.” I cried as I moved away from him, then cuffed him.
    He frowned, then grinned.
    “I have no notion what came over me, however, I do say that I am famished.” He laughed, and we both hurried to put our clothes on, then ran towards the house to see what Marié had made for luncheon.
    I grinned to myself as I walked towards Ms. Claudette’s home. Even then, Benjamin had been a very handsome lad.
    Although I was completely and haplessly in love with him, I never told him the truth, especially after the incident with Maribel Clavier and her cousin at Basil-leaf plantations, and the Dubios’ annual summer ball.
    I frowned as I walked on, because what I felt for Benjamin after that day, waned, even if he swore it was not his fault.
     
    Ciel ici-bas ( heaven on earth )
    Plantation
     
     
     
    I saw Claudette walking across the gardens, and ran to catch up with her. She turned, saw me, then smiled waving me towards her. If ever I had seen a beautiful woman, it was Claudette. Her mother was French Creole, and her father pure African. Mrs. Mongè was a beautiful woman herself. However, because she was French, she was a bit more liberal than the whites here were, and she had had a scandalous affair with a strapping slave named Marcus, and nine months later Claudette was born.
    From what I heard, she high-tailed it back to France, leaving Claudette here with Marcus. Claudette was so fair of skin, that most people around here forgot she was half-African, so she was a bit more privileged. Not to mention, Marcus Bonaparté was a free colored, and I believed related to Napoléon some how.
    “Well hello chil, what brings you out today? I heard the dreadful new of Mari é, and I am so sorry.” She said, as she kissed both of my cheeks, and I returned her kisses.
    “I know, I am at a loss. Abel thought you might have some kind of labor for me to do, to take my mind off the situation. I have no means of paying the doctor for his services, and the medicine Grand-mier will need.”
    “I truly wish I did chil, but as of right now, père is in France with              
    Monsieur Boule. I know how frighten you must be.” She replied as she motioned to the swing on the veranda.
    “I have nothing without Granny Claudette.”
    “And you r father, did he not make arrangements for you to be taken care of in his last testament amoureux ?” Claudette asked, and I looked up at her surprised.
    Did everyone know he was my father?
    Of course, Granny finally told me, but I was twelve years old by the time she did.
    “I have no notion, Mr. Charles came last week with a writ, which he assured us, gave him permission of the lands, and the people.”
    “That foul bâtard , I shall never believe Tobias would give him the dirt under his fingernails, let alone his daughter!”
    “ It is exactly what Granny said, but we have no means of proving it, not to mention it would be a colored’s word against a white. Moreover, now that Granny’s in coma, I am at a loss as to what to do. I cannot buy the things doctor Augustin needs, to take care of her.”
    “Well, chil, I can take care of that.” Claudette said, and I shook my head.
    “I’d rather you did not. There may come a time, when I just may have to ask for something more substantial, so I would see it then. I have no notions of what my living state will be now that Mr. Charles has taken over the properties. If it were his wish, since we are all free, he could actually have us removed.” I countered, and she nodded.
    “Well, papa will be back soon, and as soon as he does, I’m sure he will find something for you to do.” She countered smiling, and I nodded again.
    I kissed both her cheeks, said I would visit her at the end of the week, and she nodded as I waved good-bye.
    What the devil would I do?
    Granny needed that medicine.
    When I reached Granny’s, I immediately went to her room. I was surprised to see old Millie there.
    “Well how’s ma petit today?” She