Napoleon's Gift Read Online Free PDF Page B

her old bones across the floor towards the kitchen.
    “I sincerely hope so Millie, if he does not all is lost. I have seen the way Mr. Charles looks at my bebé , the fact that she is half colored, makes her just his type. You remember what happened to Moses petite fille. He takes no never mind to the fact that they are not his property. I’d soon as le tuer morts, than to see him put his filthy hands on mon bebé.” Kill him myself , Marié hissed, and Millie nodded.
    “And did you give here that amulet I made chér ; you know it will protect her.” Millie questioned, and Marié nodded.
    “Yes, but is it enough Millie. Mr. Benjamin should have been here by now. I tell you truth; I do not think Mr. Jones has another week left in him. Then the first thing that evil Mr. Charles will do, is try to get the bank to sell him the Maître lands. We have to find some way to stop that.”
    “Well, have you thought on sending Ginny off Marié?”
    “No, and I daresay she won’t leave me chéri . I’m the only thing she has, and you know as well as I, that I don’t have the strength anymore.”
    “And have you told her of the illness miel ?” Honey, Millie countered, and Marié shook her head.
    “ Non , you know I cannot, she would never leave my side. I have a few good months left in me. If Mr. Benjamin would only hurry, I could leave this earth, knowing full well that she’s looked after. If you remember, they were quite taken with each other, before Jean Christopher’s ball?” Marié sighed, then took a seat as Millie handed her the cup of tea nodding.
    “ Yes I do, I myself thought he’d marry that gal, these whites be damned, he was so smitten. But, he’ll get here chil; you just hold on, I know he will.” Millie said as she continued to pat Marié’s hand.
     
    Land’s Hand
    Plantation…
     
    As I walked into Ms. Adamae’s yard, I frowned.
    I felt someone observing me, and the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I turned, raised the stick I was carrying, and readied myself for the attack.
    “Nabbed you!”Timmy shouted, then pounced on me.
    We both hit the grass, and I laughed as I realized who it was.
    “Why yes you have. You are the smartest little man I know.” I wailed as I rained kisse s down on his face, and his grey eyes lit up in his small brown face.
    Timmy was Ms. Adamae’s five-year old grandson, and as sweet as a lamb.
    We both got up from the grass; I picked him up, then retrieved the bag for Granny’s spices as Ms. Adamae came onto her veranda.
    “Well he llo jolie fille, what brings you down today? Marié not feeling well today? I must say, I swear that Addison’s is getting the best of her.”
    “Granny has what?” I cried, saw the look of surprise on Ms. Adamae’s face, then it changed to one of sorrow.
    “I’m sorry mon enfant , I thought she’d done told you by now!” She wailed, and I shook my head. “Come chil sit.” She said gesturing towards the veranda swing, and I did, completely taken aback.
    “Granny never told me she was sick. She sent me for the spices.” I finally said, and she gave me a slight smile.
    “I guess she didn’t want you to worry none, mon enfant , but you must realize that your granny is near to 90 living years.” She said, and I looked at her for several moments, then blinked back the tears.
    I handed her the spice bag nodding.
    “ Juste un moment , I’ll be right back with them.” She called as she disappeared into the house.
    I knew Granny had not been feeling well, but I have no notions it was this bad.
    She could actually die!
    When Ms. Adamae gave me the bag, I ran from the yard.
    I knew Granny was on her way to Ms. Millie’s when she sent me for the spices.
    As I ran into Ms. Millie’s yard, Granny came from the house.
    “What is it mon enfant ?” She cried as I gathered her up, the tears flowing freely now.
    “Damn Adamae!” She hissed, as I continued to cry, holding onto her small frame tightly.
    “Why didn’t you