Kindred (14 page)

“Aunt Felicity, let me make this unpleasing day end on a happy note.” Adeline had finally focused and found her voice.

“And how would you achieve that, my dear?”

“Chocolate. Dishes of that rare treat to cap our meal. At least that will give the day a sweet finish.”

“Sounds good to me,” Paul said, pushing his plate of shoe leather and potatoes to the side.

“I second that,” said Cassian.

“Have cook bring it in, girl,” said Aunt Felicity.

“No. I’ll fetch it. It is the least I can do.” The servant girl quickly pulled out the chair as Adeline rose and glided in the direction of the kitchen. She reappeared several minutes later, sterling silver serving tray in hand. She placed the tray containing four dishes of the thick, gooey treat on the table. Adeline proceeded to serve.

“Please everyone. Enjoy. Oh, Aunt Felicity, before I forget.” Adeline pulled a glass vial from a handkerchief. “Your sleeping potion.” She placed a few drops of the liquid in a half-filled water glass and offered it to her aunt.

“Sleep well.”

****

It had come to her literally in a blink of an eye. She had only glanced across the table and for the first time had seen him for the answered prayer he was. Yes, he was very different from the other men who had been in her life, but she could manage that. He was just a man. He came from an untamed land and possessed an unconventional upbringing, but she could manage that. Again, he was just a man. He was educated, intelligent and handsome. Most importantly, he was to be a man of means, and had a stake in a sizeable inheritance.

Adeline was in Cassian’s room. She stood over his deeply slumbering form. She watched and listened to his deep, even breathing. Breathing characteristic of a drugged repose. She had only guessed at how much sleeping potion to mix in their dishes of chocolate. Thank goodness it had been just right. All slept soundly. She pulled down the covers and studied him. Splayed naked on his back, he was awe inspiring. He was that curious cinnamon hue. Everywhere. Virtually hairless and in magnificent condition. She bent to stroke a firm pectoral. He would sleep like this until morning and would be too incapacitated to take her even if he had wanted to. But the serving girl who brought her tea in bed each morning would have no knowledge of that. The girl would go looking and she would find Miss Adeline in that red man’s bed. And heaven knows the girl would run and tell her Mistress Felicity and … Adeline tested his pectoral again.

“Yes, Kindred, you may have his heart, but I will own all else.” Adeline stripped off all her clothes and turned out the lamp. She climbed into bed and entwined her limbs with Lelaheo’s. She smiled into the darkness and closed her eyes.

****

Twainhaven was in a tizzy. Lelaheo was returning from Europe with both a degree and Herr Doktor ben Lazar in tow. He had been due a month ago, but had been inexplicably delayed. His return was coming a little more than a year after his departure.

“Please, Joshua. Finish setting the dining room table for me. I must finish nursing Lela and then get dressed.” Tears welled in Kindred’s eyes. “There is so much to do.”

Joshua stood by the open kitchen door listening to Kindred’s request as he drank his coffee. She sat at the kitchen table, cradling Lela with one arm and adjusting her dressing gown with her free hand. She found herself on the verge of tears a lot since Lela’s birth. Rozina had said it was natural. Kindred had accepted it. Much had happened in the space of little more than a year. She and Lelaheo had finally declared and consummated their love. He’d left for school. She had discovered that she was with child and now Lelaheo was returning home. A new life loomed before her and she was both joyous and jittery. Sometimes she cried when she tallied all the bounty around her and how her life was very unusual and blessed.

“You are fortunate I like you, Kinny or you would have to pay me substantially to perform that woman’s task.” He drained his cup, strode over to Kindred and kissed his sister’s pate. “Will you cease this concern about everything before you make yourself sick. The table is as good as set.”

She grabbed his hand. “There is just so much to finish.” She looked around the disordered kitchen, then at her disheveled self. “Thank you, Joshua.” He squeezed her hand then exited the kitchen. Kindred returned her attention to the baby. “Come on, Lela,” she cooed. “Your father is coming home today and your mother has to look her best.” Lela would not cooperate. She kept moving her mouth away from Kindred’s breast. “Arrrgh! Stubborn. Just like him.”

Lela was a healthy and jovial baby. She really only cried because Kindred inspected her so much. She was so in awe of the little life she and Lelaheo had created that she would not let the child be. A definite cross between the two of them, Lela had a coppery brown complexion. She had wavy whorls of jet hair on her head and possessed her father’s inky eyes, the same quick eyes which never missed a thing and that registered moods at mercurial speed. At almost three months of age, she was developing her very own personality.

“Give her here,” Aliquipiso said, coming over to collect Lela. “’Zina and I will tend her while you get ready.” Kindred handed her over and buttoned her gown. Aliquipiso stroked Kindred’s cheek. “Be happy daughter, your husband returns today.” Kindred kissed her hand, bolted from the chair and ran from the kitchen. After a thorough scrubbing and a successful attempt at a new braided coif, Kindred finally was ready to get dressed. Taking a short rest, she sat on the wooden trunk at the end of the bed staring at the gown displayed on the chair across from her. It was the grandest thing she had ever owned. Father had had it made for her for today. It was a sack gown in a delicately patterned lilac, silk damask. Fashioned with a square
décolletage
, the bodice had whale bone in the lining and laced across the stomacher. The low cut neckline and free-flowing pleats in the back allowed for the increase in her bosom and waist due to Lela’s birth. The snug sleeves ended at the elbow, from which white, deep treble ruffles flowed, terminating almost at the wrist. A natural straw
bergère
hung from the back of the door. At a soft knock, it opened slowly.

“Gitta moobe on, gal,” said Rozina. After much bustling, Kindred stood resplendent in her frock.

“The coach is coming!” yelled Joshua as he ran down the hall.

“How do I look, Gramma?” Kindred asked as she tied on Lelaheo’s necklace.

“Luk you een lub.”

Kindred laughed and hugged Rozina. “Now remember, keep Lela in the house. Wait until I say bring her out. Understand?”

“Yaas, chil’.” Rozina wagged her head. “Fo’ de hund’ud time!”

Kindred arranged her
bergère,
out the room, down the stairs, past Joshua, Lela, Aliquipiso and Doctor Twain who lined the hallway.

“Kindred, wait,” said Doctor Twain, catching her by the sleeve as she flew by. “I have something important to tell you.” At that moment the coach turned into the cobble stoned courtyard. Two Hepplewhite chairs were lashed to its roof.

Delirium took over Kindred at the clip-clop of the horses’ hooves. She patted Doctor Twain’s hand without taking her eyes from the bobbing carriage. “Not now, Father. Lelaheo’s come home.”

“Kindred, please. I should have told you this before. It is very important.”

“Nothing is more important than this moment.” She raced out the door to greet the carriage. She danced from foot to foot until it stopped. A footman jumped down to open the door. Lelaheo leapt out immediately and lifted her off her feet. He kissed her so long and hard it took her breath away. When they ceased kissing, Lelaheo grabbed her close again and hugged her tightly.

“I love
you
, Kindred. I love
you
. Always remember that,” he whispered urgently in her ear.

“And I, you.” Kindred sensed a sadness emanating from him.

A curious little man, puffing on a pipe, emerged from the coach.

“Herr Doktor ben Lazar!” she said. “How are you? How was your trip?”

“Too long!” He rubbed his rump.

“Come. Partake of the hospitality of our house.” She steered them toward the front door where everyone else waited. She leaned into Lelaheo. “Nothing is so grave that it cannot be resolved, love. I cannot believe you are home.”

“Believe, Kindred. Please believe I love you.”

“Pardon me,” said a voice with a unmistakably upper class, British accent from inside the coach. A striking blond, in navy silk traveling attire, appeared in the vehicle’s doorway. “Cassian, a hand, please.” Kindred turned and followed him back to the coach.

She scrutinized the woman. He offered his hand and assisted the passenger.

“Lelaheo, do you know this woman?” Kindred raised a hand to shield her eyes as the sun was directly behind the visitor. “Is she an acquaintance?”

“Yes, Cassian, do tell her who I am,” the woman commanded, a faint smugness in her tone. She tucked a curl behind her ear as she looked down her nose at the young negress she had heard so much about.

Kindred looked to Lelaheo. “What is this all about? Who is this woman?”

Throwing up his hands, he sighed. “Kindred, this is Adeline Penvenen. My wife.”

Chapter Twenty One

July 1777

Lelaheo had returned home to a valley in absolute turmoil. With the colonists now independent and the Crown still resolute on keeping them dependent, an assault was being planned by the British to take back the Mohawk River Valley. His passage home had been full of diversions and point checks. Colonial troops, regulars, militia, British,

American. All the diverse factions divided, and united, in their just causes. What appalled him most was the split amongst the League of the Haudenosaunee. The tribes were, yet again, in discord because of others. His people, the Oneida, and the Tuscarora had sided with the colonists. The Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga and Seneca had joined in the British effort. A mission had been accomplished. The League was being torn apart. No matter who would be the victor in this coming conflict, a people other than their own would claim the valley. Lelaheo feared for all his family.

****

The homecoming feast for Lelaheo resembled the going away breakfast which had taken place a little over a year before. Again, only the smacking sounds of eating, the scraping of utensils and the occasional bit of awkward conversation filled the cozy dining room.

“So, Nachman, tell me of your journey and of events in your corner of the world.” Dr. Twain wiped his mouth and leaned back in his chair. “I have not left my valley in years.”

“First, Douglas, let me say this. I look around and I see a pupil who has done well. You have used your skills to heal others and to sustain yourself.” Nachman put down his wine glass and threw both hands in the air. “The journey. Tedious.” As Herr Doktor ben Lazer recounted their passage, Kindred glared across the table at Lelaheo. She also examined his “wife” over the fresh herb and flower arrangement in her line of vision. Kindred was making sad work of an apple. She pared it mercilessly.
His wife
. How could this be? She assessed the interloper as she chewed. Adeline was stunning. A porcelain complexion. Silky blond hair as opposed to her coal black, untamed mass. Solid lineage. She was a proper wife for a doctor, but did not look accustomed to hard work. Kindred lanced another apple quarter cleanly.

Adeline had been sneaking glances at Kindred too. This freed woman was a paradox she mused. Educated. Articulate. A beauty. A suitable companion for Lelaheo. A formidable rival. “My work is carved out for me,” she muttered under her breath.

“Did you say something, Missus Harkness?” asked Dr. Twain.

“Nothing, Doctor Twain. Or should I say Father?” She looped her arm through Lelaheo’s and smirked at Kindred.

“Ugh!” escaped Kindred’s mouth.

“Kindred?” Douglas asked.

“Just a worm in my apple,” she replied.

Rozina and Aliquipiso had been completely mute through the whole absurd scenario. Previously, Aliquipiso had directed some terse Oneida at Lelaheo, then had helped Rozina dish up the food in total silence. Both women had eyed the newest member and had exchanged glances. They both rose without speaking to begin clearing the table.

“No, ladies. You cooked this meal. I shall perform the clean up,” said Kindred, relieved at having something to do except stare at the happy couple.

“I will assist you,“ Lelaheo said, jumping to the task.

“I can do it myself,” she replied. Kindred just did not want to be anywhere near him presently.

“Nonsense, I have always done this.”

“As you like then.” Kindred went around one side of the table collecting soiled plates, he went around the other. They collided at Adeline’s place setting, where unfortunately Kindred tipped some red-eye gravy onto the girl’s silk skirt.

“Oaf! You’ve ruined my dress!” Adeline bolted up from her chair and dabbed at the stain with her napkin. “I shall have to send to London for a replacement! At your expense.”

“At my expense?” Kindred leaned into Adeline to finally get a closer look. She heard the girl swallow, then hold her breath. “The only expense I would incur would be the one for your passage back to England.”

“Well, never in all my life have I been spoken to like that by someone like you.” She continued to worry the stain and mutter. “I demand an apology!”

“Miss Penvenen, you will require an overcoat in Hell before I apologize to you.”

Joshua, Rozina, Nachman and Aliqupiso laughed out loud. Dr. Twain chuckled. Kindred righted her stack and headed for the cooking room. Lelaheo trod after her. They placed their piles of dishes on the pine table. Kindred was so angry that she went to the kitchen door, opened it and yelled. Lelaheo came up behind her.

“Kindred.” He attempted to pull her into his embrace, but she twisted away. “I have missed you. Kiss me.” He stepped forward, Kindred took a step back.

“Lelaheo, what would Missus Harkness say? Have you forgotten the blond, British woman at the dining room table? How dare you bring her here.” She seethed with rage, her jaw ached at being clenched so tightly. “She figures greatly in this equation.”