Here Come The Brides, Story 7, Prequel, A Better Understanding,

by April D. Wade

Unable to sleep because of a nightmare, Amie Stempel begs her father for a story...but not just any story; Amie wants to know about her daddy as a little boy and as he grew up. Finally, Aaron agrees and tells his daughter the story of his life that no one knew before; filling in the details that everyone wondered, and few speculated about. Now, the story is finally told.

7. Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

Noticing the slight movement of his daughter in his arms, Aaron glanced down in the hopes that she had finally fallen asleep. But, as he soon learned, Amie was merely shifting so she could make certain that she was more comfortable...and that her father received the full effect of her smile as she beseeched;

"What happened next, Daddy? Did you finally go to California with your Papa, Elsa, and Auntie Julie? Did you like when you went to the university? What happened to Edith, did you have to marry her, Daddy? Did that mean boy ever bother you again? Did you..."

Aaron couldn't help chuckling as he shook his head and begged;

"Not so fast, Princess!"

Glancing at the little china mantle clock, Aaron sighed heavily before trying to reason;

"Amie...sweetie, your mommy will absolutely have my hide if she finds out that I let you stay up this late."

Amie, leaning her head to the side a bit, looked up at her father thru her lashes as she cajoled;

"Mommy won't be mad, Daddy...honest. Come on, tell me more; sides, you can't just leave me wonderin all night what happened, I wouldn't be able to sleep none if you did that."

Staring at his daughter in disbelief, Aaron fussed a little;

"Amelia Carleecia Stempel, that's blackmail and you know it!"

Crossing her arms over her chest, Amie shook her head before firmly stating her position;

"No it's not, Daddy. I've heard Mommy say that it's just being upfront about what's gonna happen."

Opening and closing his mouth several times, Aaron realized that there was no argument he could possibly offer to his daughter's statement that wouldn't require a lengthy explanation. Something, he came to understand, that would probably prolong seeing her off to bed longer than what continuing with the story would. Coming to terms with his decision, Aaron allowed a sigh of resignation to escape as he suggested;

"So how about if we answer one of your questions first? As to whether or not I had to marry Edith; think about it, Princess. What's Mommy's name?"

Her small brow furrowed in question as she looked at her father in disbelief before reminding;

"You know what Mommy's name is, Daddy; you call her by it all the time, it's Jemma love."

Unable to help the amusement he felt at her answer from rising to the surface, Aaron laughed before hugging his daughter close as he observed;

"Sometimes, Princess, I think that you and your brothers might pay just a little too much attention to me and your Mommy."

Pushing the wealth of curls behind her small shoulder, Aaron patted his daughter's back as he corrected;

"You're half-right, baby; Mommy's name IS Jemma."

Bending close and placing his hand against his mouth, as if sharing a secret, he explained;

"But I'm the ONLY one who gets to call Mommy, Jemma love."

Noticing the sudden gleam of understanding making her eyes grow large and round, Aaron wasn't surprised when she exclaimed;

"OH, I GET IT!"

Nodding her head, she stated in an authoritative tone;

"It's a married thing, huh, Daddy?"

Chuckling, Aaron nodded before agreeing;

"Yes, sweetie, it's a married thing. But, back to my question; so if Mommy's name is Jemma then doesn't that mean I didn't marry Edith?"

Placing her finger against her small mouth, as if contemplating the statement...and reminding Aaron of her mother, Amie finally shook her head, sending her coppery colored curls swirling around her shoulders before pointing out;

"Well, it means you're not married to her now. But, Daddy, you could of always have been married to her and just not be married to her anymore cause you decided you liked Mommy better; so you married her."

Holding his daughter away from him a little as he stared at her in amazement at her quick wit...and shock of her understanding, Aaron explained;

"You're right, Baby girl, I could have been; but, that's not the case. Edith and I never intended to get married, she just didn't want to be forced into marriage and I wanted to help her, especially because of the reason she was being forced. In fact, Edith never has married; she runs a school for young ladies who want to get a true education."

A knowing smile slashing across her small mouth, Amie ventured in certainty;

"That's cause that's what she wanted for herself so bad and decided to help other girls; huh, Daddy?"

Nodding, Aaron agreed;

"Yes, Princess. Now, do you want me to tell you more...or do you want to sit here asking me questions all night? Because if it's questions, I think it's time..."

Shaking her head, Amie answered firmly;

"Nope! I want you to tell me more...I'll ask the questions later."

Leaning his head back slightly, Aaron rolled his eyes before muttering;

"YE GODS! I'm not sure whether she gets it more from me, or from Jemma."

Shifting her until she was comfortable, Aaron ran thru the vaults of his memories, trying to find the best candidate before resuming his tale. Finally, choosing the most likely course to help answer some of his daughter's earlier inquiries, he took up where he'd left off.

June 1846

Aaron had just secured the straps on his trunk when he heard a timid knock on his door causing him to lift his head before inviting;

"Come in."

Opening the door slightly, Clarissa popped her head in to ask;

"Am I disturbing you, dear?"

Aaron shook his head as he closed the distance to take the knob in hand and open the portal wider before assuring his aunt;

"No, Aunt Rissa, please come in."

Holding the chair from his desk out for her, Aaron asked;

"Not that I'm not glad for it, but to what do I owe the honor of this visit?"

Glancing around the room that her nephew had occupied for the last few years, Clarissa couldn't help but lament;

"Aaron, I know you don't like it whenever I say this, but I just can't imagine this house without you in it. Your Uncle Beau and I are going to miss you very much."

Lowering himself to sit on the side of the bed to face her, Aaron reached out to take her hand in his before assuring her;

"And I'm going to miss you and Uncle Beau just as much, Aunt Rissa, but you know how important it is for me to finish my education."

Seeing, by the look on her face, that she had made peace with his imminent departure...and the reason for it, Aaron lightheartedly reminded her;

"Besides, just think of how much of a relief it'll be to have another female to share things with instead of your stuffy book-worm of a nephew."

Squeezing his hand, Clarissa smiled warmly before sighing;

"I'm sure that I'll come to grow very fond of Edith. But..."

Leaning forward to pat his cheek, she promised;

"that won't keep me from missing my very intelligent, very gallant, and adorable nephew. Having you here with us for these last five years has been like a breath of fresh air for me and your uncle. And..."

Reaching into the pocket of the apron she was wearing, Clarissa produced a long, thin velvet case which she held out to her nephew;

"I know that your graduation isn't until tomorrow, but since you're packing today I wanted to make sure that you had it so it wouldn't get forgotten and left behind."

Taking the box, Aaron opened it, something that found his eyes growing large as his head snapped up to stare at his aunt in disbelief at her extravagance. Lifting the silver pen from its velvet-lined bed, Aaron shook his head before lightly fussing;

"Aunt Rissa, you shouldn't have! This must have cost a fortune, and considering everything that you and Uncle Beau have done for me..."

Placing the elegantly scrolled silver fountain pin back into its case, Aaron closed the lid before holding it out to his aunt;

"I thank you for the gesture, but I just can't let you do this, Aunt Rissa; I love you for wanting to."

Laying her hand over the top of her nephew's, Clarissa gently pushed the case back towards him as she overcame his objections;

"Oh, Aaron...honey, you don't understand. You see, that pen belonged to your grandfather, and I discussed it with your Uncle Beau and we feel that it's only right it should be yours now, especially considering just how hard you worked to achieve what you have so far."

Seeing the look of astonished pleasure on his face, she smiled lovingly before offering;

"You know, that pen isn't just some fancy piece of silver that belonged to your grandfather. There's a story behind it...would you like to hear it?"

His face lighting up with the prospect of learning more about his mother's family history, Aaron nodded before encouraging enthusiastically;

"Yes, ma'am! I'd love to hear the story."

Using both hands to smooth the skirt of her dress across her lap, Clarissa began her tale;

"Well you see, our father didn't start out wealthy."

Shaking her head, she emphasized;

"Oh my heaven's no...quite the contrary actually; but, the moment he laid eyes on our mother...well, Father knew just what he wanted...a life with Mother. Now, Father didn't have a dime to his name, but one thing that he always had was determination, intelligence, and his stubbornness."

Looking at her nephew as if she was studying him in great detail, Clarissa placed her hand against his cheek before admitting;

"You remind me a great deal of your grandfather, Aaron; you have all of those same qualities. I just hope and pray that you temper them with wisdom and compassion...especially as you grow older."

Realizing that she almost let her story...and memories drift to a, less than happy place, Clarissa smiled warmly before continuing her tale;

"Now, keep in mind, Mother's family was fairly well off, but that wasn't what drew Father to her...goodness me no. Father always said that the moment he looked into her eyes, he couldn't help but love her for the goodness he saw in them. However, what Father didn't know was that Mother's family was such an affluent one, something that made him hesitate before seeking her father's permission to court her. But, that was only because Father wanted to make sure he was in a position to be taken seriously. You see, Aaron, your grandfather, the pragmatist that he was, had managed to fall in love with your grandmother at first sight and had made his mind up to marry her. So, that being the case, he worked tirelessly until he'd managed to save enough money to buy into a small shipping company. And, finally, after a year, your grandfather felt he was able to offer your grandmother a solid and secure life and approached her father to ask for her hand in marriage; even though he did so reluctantly, he did give his blessing."

Seeing the question in her nephew's eyes, she explained;

"I know; 'why did he agree?' You see, Aaron, your grandmother was her father's youngest...and only daughter; he simply couldn't deny her what she wanted most, and marrying your grandfather was what she wanted most. Although he agreed, my grandfather put a condition on his blessing; he insisted on, at least, a year's engagement. The night the engagement was announced, Mother gave Father that pen and told him that as a man who would become as important as she knew he would, he simply couldn't use just anything to sign the piles of important documents that she knew he would be signing. Father always said that was what helped him to amass the Alexander fortune. And now, it belongs to you; something I know your grandfather would approve of, especially since I know that you're going to be successful in whatever endeavors you pursue."

Rising from her chair, Clarissa motioned to his trunk before reminding him;

"I know that more than likely you won't need to, but if you ever need someplace to call home, please don't hesitate to contact us; this will always be your home, Aaron. Your last name may well be Stempel, but never forget that you're an Alexander as well."

Leaning over to place a kiss against his cheek before patting the same spot with her small hand, she assured him;

"And never forget just how much your uncle and I love you. Now, I'll leave you to finish your packing, I know that tomorrow's a big day and we're looking forward to hearing your commencement speech."

Watching her walk out the door before pulling it closed, Aaron sat for a while, mulling over what she had just shared with him as his gaze went back and forth from the pen in his hand to the framed image of his mother. Finally, realizing that he was holding more than a writing instrument in his hands...he was holding a part of his family's history, Aaron addressed his mother's image;

"Aunt Rissa said that grandfather would have wanted me to have this, Mama, I just hope that I can make all of you proud so that you never regret Aunt Rissa and Uncle Beau's decision."

Packing the treasure with his mother's picture, Aaron couldn't help but wonder just what the next day's commencement would bring...or the next phase of his journey into his future.

After the commencement ceremony, Aaron had just finished returning his graduation gown when he felt a hand clap his shoulder as Mr. Donat questioned;

"Well, Mr. Stempel, how does it feel knowing that, officially, you're now a university student?"

Taking a deep breath, Aaron admitted;

"A little scary to be honest, Mr. Donat. I know it's a different environment, but they'll be a lot more students there than what I'm used to here and..."

Giving the young man who had become one of his favorite students a good once over, Mr. Donat sized him up thoroughly and realized that no longer was this the young boy who'd entered his school at eleven years of age, but that who stood before him now was a young man. However, the look he saw on the boy's first day of school was much like the one he saw on the young man's face that stood before him now. Patting the young man's shoulder, Mr. Donat assured him;

"You felt the same way your first day here, Aaron. And, as I recall you overcame that obstacle and I've no doubts that you'll overcome your concerns at your new school just as well as what you've done here."

Aaron couldn't help shaking his head as he hiked one eyebrow to demand in amusement;

"Tell the truth, Mr. Donat, you doubted that I'd make it through your school...did you?"

Placing his arm around the boy's shoulders as they made their way towards where the friends and family of the graduates were waiting, Mr. Donat confided;

"I will admit to suffering a certain type of hesitation when I first made your acquaintance. However, when you were so determined to hold your own against Adrienne Baptiste, mind you after trying to avoid a confrontation with him to begin with. But, when you realized that there was no avoiding it you were determined to stand up for yourself and show him that you were someone to be reckoned with. That's really how you seem to approach everything in your life, Aaron; and I know that's going to stand you well as you make your mark in the world."

Glancing about, Mr. Donat gave the young man a fatherly embrace before praising;

"You are one of those rare students, Aaron, who remind me of just why I went into the teaching profession to begin with, and for that I thank you. Now, you go to the university and show them just who you are and just what you're capable of."

Aaron knew when, without another word, the headmaster turned and hurried back down the hallway to greet and converse with the other students and their parents that the educator was one of those people he was lucky enough to have in his life who truly cared about him. Walking back down the hallway, and noticing his uncle craning his neck to search thru the crowd of graduates and their family members, Aaron raised his hand to gain his attention before calling out;

"UNCLE BEAU!"

Hearing his nephew's voice booming over the jumbled sound of the crowd's conversations, Beau nodded as he ushered Clarissa and Edith in Aaron's direction. Stopping in front of his nephew, Beau could only look at the young man for a moment, doing his best to push the overwhelming sense of pride, accomplishment, and love he felt for the boy back to a manageable level that would restore his power of speech. Finally, feeling confident in his ability to maintain his composure, Beau returned the gesture before ushering his sister and Edith towards Aaron. Extending his hand towards his nephew, Beau shook his head at the realization that the little boy he and his sister had welcomed into their home and their lives five years ago had given way to the young man he was now shaking hands with. Allowing the pride he felt in his nephew to show in the smile he bestowed on him, Beau praised;

"Well done, my boy!"

Dabbing at her eyes with her lace hankie, Clarissa nodded her agreement before offering her reassurances;

"Oh yes, Aaron! You did a splendid job, dear."

Placing her hand on his arm, Clarissa offered him a warm and loving smile before confirming what he hoped for the most;

"Amelia would be so proud of you, Aaron. Even if you weren't going on to university, what you've done here today...graduating head of your class, that's an accomplishment of some magnitude."

Noticing how her brilliant smile seemed to touch her eyes, something that very much reminded him of his mother at that moment, Aaron placed his hand over his aunt's before bending to place a kiss against her cheek as he offered his gratitude;

"Thank you for that, Aunt Rissa."

Noticing her standing a bit off to the side, as well as noticing the way others were doing their best to watch he and Edith's interaction as covertly as possible, Aaron motioned for her to come closer before asking, his voice low enough to sound casual, but loud enough to be heard by those close by;

"Aren't you going to congratulate your fiancee...especially considering I'm leaving on this evening's high tide?"

Noticing the way his eyes darted about the area surrounding them, Edith nodded;

"Of course."

Approaching him as casually as possible, Edith brushed an affectionate kiss against his cheek before offering;

"Congratulations, Aaron, you did very well and I'm very proud of you."

Seeing the hint of shy embarrassment in the pinkish glow that lit her cheeks, he suggested;

"Considering that Tessie promised to fix all of my favorites for my celebration dinner, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to leave."

Aaron noticed on the carriage ride home how quiet and thoughtful Edith seemed. And, given the side glances she kept casting in his direction when she didn't think he was paying attention, he was pretty sure he had a good idea as to just what those thoughts were. After they'd done more than sufficient justice to the veritable feast that Tessie had taken such great care preparing for them, Aaron had begged to be excused, but not before complimenting Tessie;

"Tessie, that was a truly wonderful meal. I didn't think it possible but you surpassed yourself with this dinner."

Sighing heavily, Aaron admitted;

"I'm sure going to miss your cooking, Tessie, almost as much as I'm going to miss you."

Touched by his words more than she could say, Tessie's mouth curled in a timid smile before returning;

"Ah, Mister Aaron, I can't say I haven't enjoyed having a growing boy with such a healthy appetite to cook for. But I have to admit, I've gotten so used to having you around, I'm just not sure how we're all gonna manage with you gone."

Nodding in Edith's direction, she theorized;

"But I'm sure that Miss Edith being here is gonna help brighten the place up...just in a different way from what you did."

Beau, noticing the time, suggested;

"Aaron, there's not much time left before we need to see to getting your trunk and such loaded and leave for the dock; why don't you go up and make sure you haven't forgotten anything."

Having noticed her earlier pensiveness, Beau suggested;

"Edith, why don't you help him? Women usually have a much sharper eye than we men do, you might see something he missed."

Although she said nothing, Clarissa, staring at her brother in shocked disbelief, and waited until the pair had left the dining room and were well out of hearing before demanding, her voice full of incredulousness;

"BEUREGARD JACKSON ALEXANDER! HAVE YOU TAKEN LEAVE OF YOUR GOOD SENSE?!"

Beau, after seeing the look on her face, had been more than prepared for her outburst. Draining the last of the wine from his glass, he leveled his gaze at his sibling before retorting;

"Actually, Rissa, it's because I haven't that I just did that."

Rising from his chair and closing the distance, Beau sat in the chair closest to his sister before explaining;

"Rissa, didn't you notice how Edith was acting? That young lady is nervous and worried; she's grateful that she doesn't have to face a marriage with Adrienne Baptiste, and she's glad to be with us. But, she doesn't know what to expect where Aaron is concerned and THAT is something that those two have to work out between themselves. Only they know what they feel for each other and only they know what they expect from each other, so the least we can do is let them have just a little time to discuss it so they know where they stand; especially considering that Aaron's leaving this evening for San Francisco."

Clarissa, finding herself astounded by her brother's logic and insight, took a moment to digest the information she'd just been fed before finally nodding;

"I'm sorry, Beau; I should have known better than to question your judgment. I should have known that you had perfectly good reasons for allowing them time alone."

Lifting her eyes towards the ceiling, Clarissa couldn't help but question;

"I wonder what's going on up there. I just hope that they can work this out and that poor Edith doesn't end up broken-hearted."

Reaching across to where her hand rested on top of the table, Beau covered it with his own before assuring her;

"Rissa, you know that if there's any way possible for him to avoid causing her pain, Aaron will do everything in his power possible to make sure he does so. Now, let's enjoy the rest of our wine and let those two sort this for themselves."

Aaron could see how nervous Edith was as they'd entered his room, something that prompted him to come straight to the point;

"Edith, there's something on your mind. I saw it after the commencement ceremony, on the ride home, at the dining room table, and definitely when we walked in here. Now, we've been friends for quite some time and I don't want anything to come between our friendship. So tell me; what's the matter?"

Her pale blue eyes reflecting the nervous tension she felt, Edith swallowed hard to brace herself as she pinned him with her eyes before demanding;

"Are we, Aaron...are we just friends as you said? Or, are we something more?"

More than a little confused, Aaron slowly shook his head before countering;

"What do you mean, Edith? You know we're friends, so why would you even question that? And what do you mean by 'something more'?"

Although he'd been a little confused by her statement, when she lowered her eyes to the floor and her face took on a deep pink blush, a sudden understanding took hold of Aaron as he realized what was bothering her so much. Motioning towards the armchair in the corner and turning his desk chair to face it, he suggested;

"Why don't we sit down and discuss this?"

After she'd reluctantly taken a seat in the armchair, she waited until Aaron had settled himself, facing her, in the desk chair before rushing in;

"Just what is it that you're expecting from me, Aaron."

Bracing herself for the answer, she pushed;

"Are you wanting to marry me after you finish your studies at the university? Is that why you had your uncle go to my grandmother and Monsieur Baptiste...not to mention arranging for me to live here?"

Taking a deep breath, relieved that his assumption where her worries were concerned was the correct one, Aaron countered;

"Well, let me ask you something, Edith, and I want you to be honest; do you want to marry me?"

Patiently, Aaron waited for her answer, understanding by her expression and hesitation that she was trying to find, not just the most honest, but what she thought would be the least hurtful answer. Finally, lifting her eyes to meet his, she shook her head before explaining her answer and the reasons behind it;

"Please understand something, Aaron; it's not that I'm not flattered, or that I don't have feelings for you. But...what I feel..."

Reaching across to place his hand over hers, Aaron stated rather than asked;

"It's not what you should feel for someone you marry?"

Surprise lighting her eyes, Edith nodded;

"EXACTLY! I do care for you, Aaron, and I do have a love for you, but it's not the like I'd want if I were to ever have a husband. I care about you and love you as a good friend, but I just don't feel anything more than that."

There was no mistaking the look of regret or despair that filled her features as she sighed forlornly before lamenting;

"I'm sorry, Aaron, but I have no desire to marry anyone. Although, if I were to ever want a husband, I could certainly do a lot worse than you. But the truth is I want the chance to expand my education...I want to be my own woman."

Understanding her determination, having heard of her hopes, prayers, and dreams for the last few years, Aaron nodded before confiding in her the steps his uncle had taken to secure her freedom. When he'd finished, Edith's eyes had grown large with astonishment as she turned to him to point out;

"You went to a great deal of expense to get me out of being forced to marry Adrienne; but why?"

Sighing heavily, Aaron confided;

"Baptiste told me the reason he had his father go to your grandmother was because of our inheritance, and because he thought I was interested in you and he wanted to teach me a lesson. I didn't want you to have to suffer at his hands because of me, so I did what I could to get you free of him. I hate saying it, but your grandmother's greed worked in our favor."

Edith could only agree with his observation. Since having come to live with her grandmother she'd been told, time and again, how she was nothing but a bargaining chip to be used to help increase the elder's wealth and position. When Edith had balked at the idea, she'd been told in no uncertain terms that her happiness wasn't a variable in the equation, something that had found the young woman in more than a little despair. Having processed everything up to that point, Edith lifted her shoulders slightly before inquiring;

"So what's going to happen to me now? I mean, Grandmother will expect us to be married when you graduate."

Folding his arms over his chest, Aaron pointed out;

"Funny thing, but as it so happens, my projected graduation won't take place until after you've turned eighteen years old, and have come into your inheritance. At which time, I might add, you're free to do as you please."

Shrugging his shoulders, he reminded;

"A lot can happen in a couple of years you know? I mean, you could decide that marriage isn't for you and I could decide that I was a little too hasty in my decision...leaving you free to follow your own course."

Shocked by his words, Edith could only ask in a quiet voice;

"You would be willing to do that for me? But how could I ever pay you back for what I've cost you?"

Rising from his chair, Aaron leaned over to kiss her cheek before placing his hand against the place his lips had just touched to answer;

"You can pay me back by finding, and doing, what will make you happy in your life; pursuing your education and following YOUR dreams."

Noticing the time, Aaron glanced around his room before reminding;

"I've got to get ready. If you wouldn't mind, how about letting Uncle Beau know that my trunk and what have you are ready to be loaded."

Edith rose from her chair and was almost to the door when she stopped and turned abruptly;

"Aaron."

Once he'd turned to face her, she stated without preamble;

"If I were to ever want a husband, I'd want him to be just like you...if not you. But my hope and prayer for you is that, if you ever marry, you'll marry a girl who loves you with her whole heart, and that she'll make you as happy as you can be."

Stunned by her statement, Aaron stood still for a moment as she walked out the door. Finally, recovering from the shock he felt at her words, Aaron shook his head ruefully;

"Knowing my luck, Edith, such a girl has yet to be born."

Shaking himself mentally, Aaron went back to ensure that he'd packed everything. Before he knew it, Charles was standing in the doorway, clearing his throat, before calling out;

"Mister Aaron, Mister Beau said that it's time to be loading your things so that we can go ahead and take them to the ship and put them in your cabin for you."

Giving the wardrobe and dresser drawers a final inspection, as well as his desk and bedside table, Aaron nodded before motioning to his trunk and bags;

"That's everything, Charles."

Noticing how the faithful retainer remained where he was standing, Aaron hiked an eyebrow before inquiring;

"Was there something else, Charles?"

Never having been one to show his emotions, Charles cleared his throat;

"As you know, Mister Aaron, I've spent most of my life serving your mama's family. I was born a slave, in fact, my father was the master who owned my own dear sweet mama."

Seeing the look of disbelief on the young man's face, Charles shook his head;

"Don't be deceived, the only thing that distinction meant for me was being an outcast with the other plantation children, and a reminder of the Master's weakness for my mama to the lady of the house...and their children. One of the luckiest things to ever happen to me was when your grandfather went to collect on a debt the master owed him and Master wasn't able to repay the debt...except with me and Mama. He exchanged the note he held for the debt for ownership of us."

Given the stories that he'd heard from his aunt and uncle, Aaron could only stare at Charles in perplexity before questioning;

"Wait a minute, Charles, I thought Aunt Rissa and Uncle Beau said that Grandfather didn't agree with the practice of slavery, then why would he..."

Shaking his head, Charles answered;

"He didn't! You see, your grandfather, on one of his visits to discuss business with the master, saw how I was treated, as well as how the mistress of the manor would treat my mother. After he'd seen how things were for himself and when the debt came up for payment, he readily accepted the master's idea of taking two slaves in exchange for the money he owed your grandfather. Of course, the catch is that your grandfather had the choice of which two slaves he accepted."

Knowing where the rest of Charles' story was going, Aaron surmised;

"And he chose you and your mother."

Charles nodded;

"Yes, he did. When Mama and I were brought in to meet him for the first time, he and your grandmother were sitting in his study and we were prepared to be told what was and was not expected of us. But, as became his habit, he surprised us. He and your grandmother had just married and she explained that she wanted Mama to help her run the house and they were both going to see to it that we learned how to read and write...despite the fact it was illegal, but that wasn't the biggest surprise. Your grandfather told us that he'd like us to agree to remain with him and your grandmother for at least five years, if not longer, but that he was giving us our freedom. Although, he didn't want us to tell anyone for the obvious reasons."

Reaching into the inside pocket of his waistcoat, Charles pulled out a silver cigar guillotine and held it in the palm of his hand for Aaron's inspection before explaining;

"When I was a young man, just about your age, your grandfather made certain that I was as well educated as he possibly could...given the circumstances. To help disguise the fact he was educating me, he appointed me as his gentleman's gentleman; I had read books about such things and when I saw your grandfather reaching for a cigar I knew the tips were supposed to be cut, but I wasn't sure how to do that. Well, I noticed your grandmother's needlework basket and saw her good thread snips, so I took them and snipped the end of the cigar, but your grandfather didn't notice what I used."

Charles shook his head a bit before chuckling;

"Your grandmother was so angry when she realized I had ruined her good snips. I was certain I was about to be whipped for what I did; but, as usual, your grandfather surprised me again. He called me into his study and told me that he'd caught quite a tongue lashing from your grandmother for what I did because she said it was his fault for not teaching me any better. He also told me that, to make it up to her, he bought her a pair of solid silver snips; and, since he was already there, he bought a silver cigar guillotine because, after all, what sort of gentleman's gentleman would I be if I didn't have the proper tool to see that his cigars were properly snipped?"

Taking the younger man's hand in his, Charles placed the guillotine in Aaron's palm before declaring;

"I want you to have this. I know that it isn't exactly something you use, at least not at this moment, but your grandfather gave me that to show me the faith and belief he had in me and I'm doing the same thing to show you that I hold the same faith and belief in you and what you'll accomplish in your future."

Touched by the older man's words and his gift, Aaron stared at the small silver instrument before swallowing the lump of emotion that had found its way into the center of his chest. Knowing how faithful and how fond the man was of his mother's family, especially the esteem and regard he felt for his grandfather, Aaron knew just how fond and proud of him Charles truly was, something that touched him beyond words. He knew that he'd taken the man by surprise when he stiffened as he unexpectedly embraced him before stating;

"Thank you, Charles! You'll never know how much this means to me, I'm going to miss you."

Taking a moment to gather his bearings, Charles returned the embrace before admitting;

"I'm going to miss you as well...Aaron. You just make the most of your life and never forget who you are and I have no doubts that you'll make us all very proud."

Charles, feeling a hint of embarrassment at letting his emotions show, pulled back to end the embrace before clearing his throat to remind;

"I'll have Danial come help me with your things and we'll go ahead to the ship to see them placed properly in your cabin. We'll meet you at the docking slip."

Before he knew it, Aaron was standing in the foyer bidding his aunt, uncle, Tessie, and Edith farewell before departing. Once he'd received at least a half dozen hugs from his aunt, as well as promises to write as often as possible, Aaron turned to Edith to remind;

"Remember, you pursue what YOU want to do in life. Once you've collected your inheritance, we'll dissolve our 'engagement' on amicable terms; deal?"

Leaning closer to place a kiss on his cheek, Edith laughed;

"DEAL! And thank you."

Facing his uncle, he wasn't surprised when he placed an envelope in his hand before explaining;

"That's some ready cash for you to have in case you need it, as well as a letter of credit on the bank here. When you reach California, if you find a bank you trust then talk to them and they can arrange to have the money transferred. Outside of that, if you run into any problems don't hesitate to wire me. Now, since we have the trivialities out of the way."

Beau reached out to hug his nephew tightly before adding;

"Never forget the most important thing; we love you, we're very proud of you, and never EVER forget that this is your home too."

Ending the embrace, Beau smiled warmly before advising;

"Now, you get on that ship and you show those professors at that university just who you are and just what you're made of. Oh, and wire us when you get there so we know you arrived safely."

Patting his nephew's shoulders, Beau motioned towards the door; "Go on, son. It's time to head out to your future."

Doing his best not to allow his emotions to overwhelm him, especially given just how much he realized he would miss everyone, Aaron gained control of himself before declaring;

"Thank you, all of you for what you've done for me, especially for helping me keep my promise to Mama. Never think that I don't love you...all of you."

Watching as he hurried down the front steps and into the carriage, Clarissa turned to her brother;

"Beau, he's going to be alright...isn't he?"

Placing an arm around her and Edith's shoulders, Beau looked from one to the other before offering them a slight smile of encouragement;

"I think that if there's ever one person in this world who would be alright, it would be Aaron, sister dear. But yes, to answer your question, I have every confidence in the world that our nephew will be just fine."

Watching as the carriage pulled away, the trio stood on the front porch, each hoping that Beau was right in his statement.

Aaron was about to walk up the gangway of the ship that was taking him to San Francisco when he heard his name being called out;

"STEMPEL!"

Reflexively, Aaron turned to find himself staring at Adrienne Baptiste as he approached, his face a mask of hatred and fury as he vowed;

"I hope you're happy, Stempel! Thanks to you, I'm going to be scarred for life."

Hiking an eyebrow, Aaron countered;

"Well if you'll remember, Baptiste, you are the one who pushed the issue, tried to cheat, and...technically, you shot yourself."

Pushing his face close to his adversary's Adrienne fumed;

"None of that would have happened if it weren't for you! You might be leaving New Orleans, Stempel, but there's something that I want you to know; you'll never know when or how, but never doubt that, until the day one of us dies, there's someone out there who hates you and somehow...someday, I'll make you pay for this."

Tired of dealing with Adrienne's immaturity, Aaron simply rolled his eyes before retorting with a sneer;

"You know what, Baptiste; just send me a bill. But anytime you want a rematch, I'll be more than happy to oblige, just be sure you're ready to play on a man's level. Because make no mistake, that's the level you can expect from me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a tide to catch and a future to see to. If I were you, I'd concentrate more on correcting my character flaws and maybe, just maybe, there might be some saint of a girl that sees beyond that jackass exterior of yours and loves you, despite yourself."

Turning to continue his ascent up the gangway, Aaron, as far as he was concerned, put the matter of Adrienne Baptiste behind him. However, watching the younger man board the ship, knowing he was voyaging towards a productive life and future, something that sparked jealousy in him, Adrienne declared;

"Enjoy that future, Stempel. But I meant what I said; you'll never see it coming, but someday, I will make you pay for showing me up the way you did."

Aaron gave little thought to Adrienne as he made his way to his cabin. Once he'd settled and after they'd left dockside and were out into the open water, Aaron opted to venture out onto the ship's deck, watching the play of the various creatures of the waters as the craft navigated its way out of the Gulf of Mexico. Staring absently at the waves as the ship broke thru them, Aaron wondered just how smooth or stormy his journey would be...much like the curiosity he held about what his future in California would hold.