Ben took a long draw from his pipe then stood momentarily admiring the smoke passing through his lips. The chair by the center table looked comfortable. It appeared that Jonathan’s predicament was mirroring Drake’s although different in two aspects – Jonathan was already married with an illegitimate son to boot.

“I think I’ll have that drink now,” he requested crossing his leg and setting his pipe aside. Jonathan poured him a small glass of whiskey. “You don’t have to tell me anymore if you don’t want to.”

“Ben it’s not that awful of a secret,” he paused, “Maybe if my marriage was worth saving…”

“Might I add that Amy’s social calendar has been cleared for the rest of the year due to her foolish behavior.”

“Might I add that I don’t give a damn. If she weren’t ill I would have already removed her from my residence.”

“Clear the way I suppose. And what of her? Does she have a dilemma…say a husband?”

Ben was probing him. “My father made it impossible for her to live. Her husband is a mere stand-in during my absence,” he responded dismissive.

Ben swirled the glass’ contents before taking a swig. “Ah very good whiskey I should buy a bottle on my way home this evening. Tell me where was it purchased? I hope not at Fisher’s…”

Jonathan immediately halted Ben’s conversational change. “Damnit Ben! I’m not being overconfident!” A rigid index finger pointed in Ben’s direction and his eyes widened.

“Did you hear me mention anything about you being overconfident? Did you?”

“Well no… but you certainly implied it.”

“Implied it. How was your overconfidence implied?”

Ben eyed him curiously then thin lips spread into a wry smile which became a full fledged roar of laughter. “My good friend…Jonathan… where is your sense of humor.”

Jonathan snickered and joined in the laughter saying, “You’re such a bastard. What a way to ease the tension.”

“Or to add to it I suppose. That was a good laugh.”

Then suddenly Ben became quiet, reflective. Jonathan presumed that he wasn’t the only person carrying around life’s complications. Other than his comedic play Ben hardly spoke about his personal issues.  

“I shouldn’t suppose that you have a love interest. Maybe you’re like our friend Addison strolling through the beautiful gardens of the Bay.”

Ben’s countenance took on a serious appearance and he said simply, “Ana,” before downing the remainder of his whiskey and cradling the glass in his palm.

“Clara’s sister. My good friend congratulations she is a fine woman,” he said drawing up a seat beside him. Ben in love what a wonderful thought but…

“My life is filled with too many distractions.”

“Meaning you’re not good enough to be in her life.”

“She’s offered me so much and yet…Jonathan I want to change but I don’t know how,” he sighed, “I’m going to be an inadequate husband.”

Ben had always lived his life without fearing the consequences. “First step is to acknowledge that you need to make a change.”

“And I have so what’s the next step?” he asked warily.

Jonathan replied, “Don’t go to the tracks…pay Ana a visit which will make her very happy. I’m sure Addison will understand your absence.”

Jonathan was always the friend to go to when one needed words of advice. “Thank you Jonathan,” he said grabbing his hand firmly, “unfortunately I wasn’t of much help to your situation.”

“You have been. Remember you advised me to tread lightly.”

“Oh,” his eyes widened with realization. 

“So you see I am being patient,” he smiled, “Things will work out for the best for all of us.”

Ben stood, retrieving his pipe. “Jonathan I do wish you best but don’t underestimate your wife.”

“I never will again,” he muttered.

Jonathan walked him to his carriage but before leaving Ben needed the answer to a question that had been on his mind ever since Jonathan uttered those words.

“May I ask what is ‘special therapy’?”

“I’m not quite sure but my friend Dr. Myers provides it…or so he says. You should try it some time.”

Ben chuckled, “Good day Jonathan.”

 <<<<<<<<<  

Approaching the verandah he found Celia vigorously sweeping. She quickly stopped when their eyes made contact.

“You were nervous to see your son.”

“Very much…what would I have done if he had screamed?

“Yell for his mother,” she smiled, “As time passes he will grow very fond of you.”

“He’s already filled my heart as has his mother…I would enjoy spending more time with him.”

A brief interlude until they heard a carriage pull up – Amy was home.

“Jonathan!” she yelled as Amos assisted her. “Dr. Myers is such a wonderful doctor!”

“I guess that his therapy has helped you immensely,” he replied, turning in her direction.

“It certainly has.”

She climbed the stairs and grasped his hand. She noticed something odd. “What is she doing?”

Celia had forgotten to turn away. “Forgive me ma’am,” and then turned.

“Amy let’s go inside,” he growled, “You shouldn’t be concerning yourself with such trivial matters.”

“Alright,” but she gave Celia a cautious star.

Celia suspected that little by little Amy was beginning to piece together their brief encounters. Given Amy’s volatile behavior it was best for them to keep away from each other for the time being.

 <<<<<<<<<  

“Jonathan, why are you always speaking with that maid?” she questioned as they paused at the foot of the stairs.

“Amy, don’t ask foolish questions,” his brow furrowed, “Now go upstairs and prepare for lunch.”

What gave her the right to question what he did or didn’t do? 

<<<<<<<<<<  

But Celia viewed the situation differently Amy was still his wife. During the remainder of the evening she did her best to avoid any one and one meetings with him. Of course he would see her when it was time to leave – that couldn’t be avoided.

“Why have you been trying to avoid me?”  

“Because Amy is your wife and I respect her status in this house,” she responded coolly.

“Even if I don’t hold her to the same regard…”

He entwined his right fingers with her left, squeezing them tightly together. She closed her eyes enjoying the close contact.

Opening her eyes she said, “That may be true but she is still your wife. I know that she is becoming suspicious of our encounters.”

“What does that matter?” He turned, staring deeply. Hands encircled her waist. “The only thing that matters is the way we feel about each other.”

His low voice, the warm tingling from his touch, Celia was lost.

“Have you been considering my offer?”

“Huh?”

Sonia’s heavy footsteps drew closer and they promptly let go.

Jonathan’s normal tone returned. “Ms. Celia, Ms. Sonia, have a very good evening,” he nodded.

“Have a good evening Dr. Campbell.”  

Indeed she had heard the question and the offer was being considered but once Joseph was still at sea no decisions could be made or so she thought.

 <<<<<<<<  

Saturday was dedicated to washing Jonathan’s and the servants’ daywear – coats, jackets and Ms. Amy’s multitude of dresses were taken to the Bay’s laundry.

The washhouse was a one-room building located a short distance from the servants’ quarters. It stock piled buckets, tubs, wash boards, wicker baskets, three chairs, two stools, a storage closet, a stove, two long tables, and extra lines for those wet days. Celia and Sonia took turns around the two huge washtubs – one for washing and the other for rinsing.

“Of all these men my Amos works the hardest,” Sonia noted, wiping the sweat from her brow. She was busily washing the shirts.

“Your Amos,” Celia snorted, “Lawrence takes care of the horses and carriages.”

She grinned. “But Ms. Amy is triple the annoyance.” Celia nodded in agreement.

By lunchtime all the clothes hung freely at the rear of the property from one end to the other. After lunch a short break to complete some light housework and then it was time to do the ironing. Four hands were definitely better than two and by five o’clock clothes were pressed and placed on the servants bed while Celia put away Jonathan’s attire.

 <<<<<<<<<  

Sonia stood anxiously waiting outside the study – Jonathan had decided to send them home early. Sonia was first to go in while Celia stood by.

He counted out each shilling on the desk in front of her. She marveled as the amount grew higher.

“15 shillings? Dr. Campbell I’m not sure this is correct?” Sonia asked fearful.

“Then tell me what should be your weekly wages.”

She couldn’t think but stammered, “I’m…I’m…I don’t know”

During her last employment her highest wage was 6 shillings calculated on her bi-weekly sum of 12 shillings. Dr. Campbell was being awfully generous.

“It’s not that I’m not happy about the sum but has taking care of Ms. Amy made your mind distracted. Don’t suppose that you have a fever?”

Jonathan grinned at Sonia’s conjectures. “No and no… Believe me I’m perfectly fine.”

Now it was time for her to express her gratitude. “Well then thank you very much! I thank you and my children thank you as well! Whatever you need Dr. Campbell just say the word!”

“Hahaha…thank you too for your good work. Please inform Celia that she may come in for her salary.”

“Yes sir…again thank you…thank you.”

 <<<<<<<<<  

His eyes lingered as she entered the room quietly closing the door behind her. Why couldn’t she be coming to tell him that dinner was ready – she and Mrs. Annabelle had been working tirelessly to prepare the perfect meal for the both of them instead of coming for her salary…Maybe someday…  

“You have made Sonia a very happy woman.”

“Well I hope I can do the same for you. By the way I’ve already sent over provisions to your residence.”

He had done what…Her horrified stare made a muscle in his jaw twitch. “Jonathan you shouldn’t have done that!”

It wasn’t the response he was expecting. “Why not? Think of it as a contribution to the upkeep of the household where my son dwells.”

“But I’m the one that has to return to that same household to explain these contributions,” she frowned.

His tone became serious. “When it comes to the welfare of my son and his mother I will do whatever is necessary.” She averted her eyes and gazed at the floor. “Do you want your salary or not?”

“Do with it as you deem necessary!” she yelled before quickly exiting.

“Love you too!”

He drummed his fingers steadily on the desk then scratched his chin. Celia was upset but she shouldn’t have expected him to just wait around and do nothing for their family. Maybe her situation at home had become unbearable but he wasn’t certain. If he ran anymore queries she would probably slap him- hard. Subconsciously he touched his cheek.

 <<<<<<<<<  

A frustrated Celia scanned the hallway for Sonia. Where else would she be but striking up polite conversation with Amos. He was leaning against the wall while she tilted her head to one side…smiling.

“Couldn’t believe he gave me this amount.”

“Dr. Campbell is an extraordinary man.”

“Unlike his disdainful wife...”

Celia was angry that Jonathan wasn’t seeing her side – things had to be done his way.  It would escalate an already tenuous filled atmosphere at her home.

“Sonia, are you coming.”

“I’m coming. Looks like Dr. Campbell made somebody unhappy.”

“No the washing took a lot out of me. I just want to rest.”

“I hear you.”

 <<<<<<<<<  

Evening… 

The sea was dark as the night sky but the harbor lights from the distant American shore could be seen plainly. Few passengers lingered about on the decks. For three harrowing days and nights they had weathered an Atlantic storm forcing the crew to extend their physical limitations. But all crew, passengers and cargo were saved and to celebrate the men would be granted an extra couple hours of shore leave.

Everyday that passed Joseph had gained more and more respect from the other men. Captain Cummins helped him a great deal. Even though his main duties were down in the stokehold he had been called up many times to the bridge. One day he saw himself captaining his own ship and crew but it was good to build up that training. Captain Cummins saw something in him and he was beginning to see the same thing – great potential. The sea was going to be his life and career.

He stood by himself listening to the sounds of the ocean and the murmurings from those that passed by him. A few times his family at home had entered his mind during these quiet moments.

“So you the big man on this ship.” A small voice spoke by his left ear.

When he turned her way his eyes came upon a beautiful chambermaid – smooth brown skin, dark eyes and a beautiful smile…not a woman that went unnoticed. Their paths had crossed from time to time with him wondering her name and where she was from.

“Who me? Big man? I don’t think so.”

“Everyone say you close to the captain. I’ve seen it with my own two eyes,” she said coming to stand by his side.

“Good to be close to the captain it makes for an easier journey.” And it still made the other black men a little jealous.

He had to admit that her standing so close unnerved him a bit. He was missing the loving of a good woman – a man can only go so long without it.

“What’s your name big man?” her voice asked with a hint of seduction.

“Joseph…and yours?”

“My name is Miriam.”

“Nice to meet you too,” he said accepting her handshake. “How long you been on this ship?”

“About a year I suppose. I know how to take care of myself been doing it for quite a while. Husband prefer mahogany camp life and I prefer ship life.”

So she came from the Bay. At least they seem to share a common bond – unfulfilled marriages.

“Don’t like to be left alone do you.”

“Not particularly who does. You married?”

“Got a wife and son...”

“She must hate you being at sea. A lot of things can happen at sea. Good and bad.”

“Don’t know really what she feel bout me. Love my son though…miss him,” he blinked.

“I guess all of us have a story to tell,” she said staring at him deeply, “I hope to hear yours sometime.”

“I want to hear yours as well if you don’t mind sharing.”

“Well big man I’ll be waiting. I got to get back.”

“Good night Ms. Miriam.”

“Good night Big Man.”

He couldn’t help but scanned each curve of her body. Her hips swayed from side to side. Hmm Tempting…he wiped his hand across his mouth.

 <<<<<<<<<  

Jonathan’s action seemed to ignite Lydia. If she hadn’t believed that Celia was having an affair with Jonathan well she certainly did now. She ranted against his generosity but still sat down to eat the fare saying that it had been deservedly earned after all their suffering at the hands of his father. Celia and Joshua retreated to her room where some solace was attained.

Overnight Lydia had turned into Joseph’s greatest defender and an authority on all Celia’s missteps in her failing marriage. Ms. Abigail tried her best to ease the tension between her daughters but to no avail. She feared for the health of Lydia’s unborn child and Celia’s mental state. All she could do was offer up a prayer that things would eventually get better between the two for their sakes.

 <<<<<<<<<  

Sunday and Celia chose to remain at home but allowed Joshua to go to church with the rest of the family. After church the members would usually gather at the rear of the building to eat and socialize. She didn’t feel much like socializing with anyone or hanging around her sister Lydia.

“Celia! Celia!”

“Is that you Hortense?” she asked opening the door.

“Yes…and I’ve brought you a plate of boil-up and a little someone.”

She held Joshua and he placed his head on her shoulder. “Joshua…is he alright?”

“Just tired from having a full stomach… I decided to bring him along with me.”

Hortense’s visit was a welcomed diversion. Younger by three years she was never one to keep her opinions hidden meaning that she and Lydia never got along very well. She was also different in speech, style and mannerisms but she and Celia got on fine.

They strode to the kitchen table and took chairs opposite one another – Joshua resting quietly in her lap. “How has work been?”

“Nothing has changed since my last visit. Mr. Tyler is the same old dog as he ever was,” she declared soberly.

“But you keep him in line.” Celia uncovered the plate and started eating.

“Your sister was becoming a nuisance as she usually is.”

“I guess she told you.” Celia still wanted to know everything she said.

“Jonathan’s your employer; him learning that Joshua is his son due to your foolishness and his interference in your marriage because you are allowing it. She was bursting to tell me all the scintillating details.” Hortense looked on as Celia chewed slowly. “I told you he wouldn’t forget about you. So what are you going to do?”

She put down her fork then rocked Joshua. “According to Lydia I’ve already made my decision.”

“You’re tempted. A long lost love returning…Joshua the child born from that love…” Hortense spoke like she was recalling a scene from a romantic novel.

“First of all I have a husband and he has a wife…”

“But both of you have an unhappy marriage,” she countered stealing a sweet potato from her plate.

“Jonathan maybe but I’m not unhappy. Joseph takes care of us.”

“How long have you been reciting those words?”

Celia sighed heavily – Hortense didn’t comprehend her burden. It may soon turn out to be a Shakespearian tragedy before all was said and done.

“When you reach this stage in your life you’ll see how difficult this is for me.”

Her brows furrowed, concentrating on a response. “I plan to be with the man I love regardless of race or situation,” she said emphatically.

“Then I suggest you move away from this place they don’t look too kindly to an enlightened black woman.” She started to eat again – one shouldn’t pass on such a good meal.

“Who cares what they think. If you have an opportunity to grasp happiness then I say do it or you may have regrets for the rest of your days.” Her face relaxed. “My dear sister Jonathan should be your choice.”

“Mother should have given birth to four daughters.”

“Whatever for?”

“Then maybe the other sister could be a neutral party.”

“But you are already neutral…neither here nor there sort of in between. Your body is here but your mind is with Jonathan. Tell me is that fair to Joseph.”

“You’ve gathered all of that.” Of course she was right in her observation. “I hate myself. Jonathan brought provisions for this house and of course it upset Lydia. He upset me so much that I didn’t collect my salary nor did I go to the wharf to collect Joseph’s salary.”

“Celia you’ve worked for that salary and earned every penny,” slowly her eyes shifted, “I could understand you not collecting Joseph’s salary. It’s more complicated than I first realize – you’re dealing with a guilty conscience. I believe Jonathan is as well.”

“Then am I in love with the wrong man?”

“What does your heart say?”

“No but it doesn’t make the decision any easier. But I’m glad that you’re here.”

  <<<<<<<<<  

The Campbell’s small garden was filled with seasonal flowers. Twice a week it was pruned by the neighborhood gardener. It was the perfect setting for afternoon tea. Clara her one true friend came for a visit and Amy seemed to be well enough to entertain.

“Clara it is so nice of you to come and visit,” she smiled pouring her a cup of tea and offering her a scone which she accepted.

“I wanted to see how you were after that ghastly incident. I’ve only managed to get some time away.”

“Really…what have you been doing?”

“Saying farewell to my beloved,” she replied sadly, “He’s going away for a week to attend to some business. I’m going to miss him terribly.”

“Humph…forgive me for not been able to offer some comfort but I have my own pressures. What have the gossip mongers been saying about me?”

Clara cleared her throat, sipping her tea. “That you had brought shame upon your husband…”

Amy’s breath caught in her throat. “And what do those beasts say of Sara?!”

“Her virtue had to be defended against such a vicious display from an untamed matron.”

“Those pigs!”

“Amy, calm down. Merely words…You shouldn’t concern yourself.”

“My life is over. No more invitations to the parties, no more reserving the best seats at the theater…”

“Jonathan can clear up this whole situation and set things right.”

What did she really know – Jonathan was suddenly acting cold and uncaring. “You’re right I suppose. Clara could you stay with me for a little while – say until John returns.”

“Of course I can. Anything to give my friend some cheer.”

“Let’s go and tell Jonathan the good news.”

 <<<<<<<<<  

They found him on the verandah sitting and reading one of his medical texts. The warmth of his study had driven him to the coolness of the verandah. The home being close to the river had many benefits.

“Jonathan, Clara has decided to spend some time with me,” she gushed.

“My parents won’t mind at all but I need your approval.”

“It’s good that Amy can have a friend to stay with her. For how long?”

“A week…”

A week – he had hoped two days. Internally he cursed at Amy. “Of course…that will be no problem.”

“Then I must take my leave but will return shortly.  Amy we’ll have oodles of fun just you wait and see.”

Jonathan rose slowly and they both looked on as Clara’s carriage disappeared from view. Again Amy was affecting his plans and he needed to be straightforward with her.

“What are you trying to do? Delay the inevitable.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

He turned her roughly towards his icy stare. “I want you gone from my life,” he said coldly.

“Jonathan, are you going to be a good dear and serve as an excellent host,” she said calmly.

“Haven’t I always...but you will leave my house as soon as her stay is over.”

Instead of responding she quickly ran into the house. Maybe his greatest obstacle wasn’t his father – never knew what Amy was planning in that warped mind of hers.

 <<<<<<<<<  

Jonathan was very cold and hadn’t changed his mind. She laid on the bed thinking, tracing back the beginning of Jonathan’s frosty behavior towards her.

It all started with the appearance of those two maids. He’s always talking to one in particular…that Celia. Who is she? No doubt in my mind that there is a connection… but where was it made? I must visit the Campbell estate.