The Exiles Read online

  THE CREOLES SERIES

  The Exiles

  Gilbert Morris

  &

  Lynn Morris

  Copyright © 2003 by Gilbert Morris

  All rights reserved. Written permission must be secured from the publisher to use or reproduce any part of this book, except for brief quotations for critical reviews and articles.

  Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

  Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV).

  Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. All characters, plot, and events are the product of the author’s imagination. All characters are fictional, and any resemblance to persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Morris, Gilbert.

  The exiles / Gilbert Morris, Lynn Morris.

  p. cm.—(The Creoles series)

  ISBN 0-7852-7002-7

  1. Young women—Fiction. 2. Cuban Americans—Fiction. 3. New Orleans (La.)—Fiction. 4. Creoles—Fiction. 5. Orphans—Fiction. I. Morris, Lynn. II. Title.

  PS3563.O8742 E97 2003

  813'.54—dc21

  2002153546

  Printed in the United States of America

  1 2 3 4 5 6 — 05 04 03

  To Kate Larimore—

  Thank you, my dear Kate, for being who you are!

  There are some dark things in this old world, but you have cheered my journey with your lovely light!

  Contents

  The Creole Heritage

  PART ONE: 1810-1813: Aimee

  Chapter one

  Chapter two

  Chapter three

  Chapter four

  PART TWO: 1822-1827: Chantel

  Chapter five

  Chapter six

  Chapter seven

  Chapter eight

  Chapter nine

  Chapter ten

  Chapter eleven

  Chapter twelve

  Chapter thirteen

  PART THREE: 1831: Neville

  Chapter fourteen

  Chapter fifteen

  Chapter sixteen

  Chapter seventeen

  Chapter eighteen

  Chapter nineteen

  Chapter twenty

  Chapter twenty-one

  PART FOUR: 1831: Veronique

  Chapter twenty-two

  Chapter twenty-three

  Chapter twenty-four

  Chapter twenty-five

  Chapter twenty-six

  Chapter twenty-seven

  Chapter twenty-eight

  Chapter twenty-nine

  Chapter thirty

  About the authors

  The Creole Heritage

  In the early nineteenth century, the culture of New Orleans was as rich and wildly varied as the citizens’ complexions. Pure Spanish families, descended from the haughty dons, still dwelt in the city, and some pure French families resided there, but many were already mingled with both Spanish and Africans. Acadians—or “Cajuns” as they came to be called—lived outside of the city. This small pocket of Frenchmen had wandered far from their homes, but like many groups in the city, they stubbornly kept much of their eighteenth-century heritage intact and ingrained.

  Of course there were many slaves, but there were also the gen de coulur libres, or free men and women of color. Some of these were pure Africans, but most of them were the mulattoes, griffes, quadroons, and octoroons who were the result of French and Spanish blending with slaves. There were Americans, too, though they were strictly confined to the “American district.” And there were Creoles, people of French and Spanish blood who were born outside of their native countries. Creoles born in New Orleans were Louisianians, but they were not considered to be Americans.

  All well-born Creole families sent their children to receive a classical education at the Ursuline Convent or the Jesuit schools, and both institutions accepted charity children.

  This series of novels traces the history of four young women who were fellow students at the Ursuline Convent School:

  • The Exiles: Chantel

  • The Immortelles: Damita

  • The Alchemy: Simone

  • The Tapestry: Leonie

  PART ONE

  1810-1813

  Aimee

  Chapter one

  HAVANA, CUBA, JULY 3, 1810

  Aimee Fontaine looked out of the open carriage and immediately shut her eyes. She turned and threw her arms around her husband and cried, “Cretien, we’ll all be killed!”

  He held her tightly and said, “We won’t be killed, darling. It’s not far to the docks, and once we get on board the ship we’ll be safe.”

  Opening her eyes, Aimee moved her head back far enough to get a good view of Cretien’s face, and the very sight of it encouraged her. Faults her husband might have, but if Cretien Fontaine was a coward, no one had ever found out about it. His chestnut hair escaped the tall black top hat, and his brown eyes glowed as they always did when he was excited. He showed no fear whatsoever.

  “They’ve gone crazy,” she whispered, holding on to Cretien’s arm.

  “Revolutionaries are always crazy,” Cretien said. He turned to the driver, saying, “Get in the back with Elise, Robert. I’ll drive.”

  “But, sir—”

  “Mind what I say!” Cretien’s eyes flashed, and Robert got up awkwardly and fell into the back, where Elise Debon was crouched down, her large eyes frightened. Cretien took the lines and slapped them on the backs of the pair of bays, holding the horses firmly. “They’re crazy fools! They don’t even know what they’re fighting for.”

  Others besides Cretien had made that remark concerning the uproar that had shaken Cuba to its very foundation. The countryside was alive with flames where men, apparently driven mad by the revolutionary fervor, had set fire to the homes of innocent people. The government had tottered and collapsed, and now Havana was packed with a mindless mass of humanity.

  Darkness had fallen, but men carrying torches held them high, and the flickering red flames cast shadows over cruel faces loose with drink. The air was filled with drunken cries and screams of women who were being attacked regardless of their politics. Gunfire rattled, sounding a deadly punctuation.

  “We’ll never be able to get through this crowd, Cretien,” Aimee whispered.

  Indeed, it did look impossible, for the street that led to the docks was filled with milling people. Many of them were armed men, but some were the helpless victims of the revolutionaries.

  Cretien pulled his hat down firmly, reached low, and pulled the whip from the socket. “Hold on, everybody!” he cried. He slashed the rumps of the horses furiously, and the bays lunged forward against their collars. “Get out of the way! Clear the way!” Cretien yelled. He stood to his feet and whipped at men who reached out to pull him from the carriage.

  Once Aimee saw the whip strike a man right across the cheek and leave a bleeding cut. The man fell back with a scream and was seen no more.

  Aimee hid her eyes, for the horses ran over anyone in their way, and the wheels bumped over the bodies that had fallen. The carriage careened wildly, and the shouts grew louder. A gunshot sounded clearly close to the carriage. Aimee’s heart seemed to stop, but the marksman had missed.

  “We’ll be all right,” Cretien said. He sat back down but kept the horses at a fast clip. “There’s the ship, down there.” A few moments later he pulled the horses up short, and they stood trembling and snorting under the light of the lanterns that hung from posts on the dock. The Empress, one of the new breed of steamships, loomed large and black against the ebony sky. “Robert, you see to the luggage. I’ll take care of the women.”

  “Yes, sir!”

  Aimee stood, a
nd Cretien lifted her into his arms and set her down firmly on the dock. She clung to him for a moment, but he gave her a quick hug and said, “We’re all right now. Don’t worry. I’ll get you and Elise on board, and then I’ll come back to help Robert with the luggage.”

  Aimee gratefully leaned against her husband, but they had not gone three steps toward the gangplank when their way was blocked by a roughly dressed group of men. All had a wolfish look, and their eyes were wild with drink.

  “Hold it there!” one of them said. “We’ll take your money.”

  “That’s right. He’s an aristocrat.” The speaker, who wore a crimson rag around his forehead, pulled a knife from his belt and laughed drunkenly. “His kind’s gone forever. Give us what you’ve got, and maybe we’ll let you go.”

  In one smooth motion, Cretien pulled a pistol from under his coat and aimed at the man bearing the knife. The shot struck the ruffian in the upper arm. The wounded man shouted, “That’s the only shot he’s got! Get him!”

  The men moved forward, eyes glittering. Suddenly another shot rang out, and a short, stocky man staggered and grabbed his thigh.

  “He got me!” he cried.

  Robert, Cretien’s manservant, stepped out and said, “The rest of you had better leave.”

  But the three were so drunk they could not think. They all drew knives and, screaming, surged ahead. Cretien reached into the carriage and produced a cane. He pulled a sword from the hollow container, and when one of the men came close he swung the blade in a circular motion. The tip of the sword cut a gash in the chest of the man.

  “I’d advise you to leave before you are all dead,” Cretien said tightly.

  “Come on, let’s get out of here!” the leader cried. Since three of the four had been wounded, his words were convincing. They all turned and made their way, cursing and holding their wounds.

  “Come along, Aimee,” Cretien said at once. His face was pale, and the violence had shaken him, for he was not a man of action. “And you, Elise, I’ll get you on board. Robert, start loading the luggage. I’ll be back to help you.”

  Ten minutes later Cretien was greeted by a barrel-shaped man with a clipped white beard and mustache. “I’m Captain Smith. You had trouble on the dock. It’s a good thing you made it. The roughs are out in force.”

  “So I noticed.” Cretien glanced at the milling crowd, then turned to face the captain. “Is there any chance they will attack the ship?”

  “Not likely! They tried that once, but my men are all armed and fine shots. They won’t try that again!”

  “Good! We need to get my wife and her maid to our cabin. It’s been quite an experience.”

  “Certainly. I’ll take you myself.” Captain Smith led Cretien and the two women to a steep stairway, and when they reached the lower deck, he led them down a narrow corridor to a door. “This will be yours and your wife’s room, sir. And your servants—we have separate accommodations for them.”

  “Thank you, Captain. When will we be in New Orleans?”

  “Two days at the most, barring engine trouble. When you get the ladies settled, we’ll have something for you to eat.”

  “That would be kind of you, Captain Smith.”

  Aimee stepped through the door and took a look around the cabin, lit by a single lantern. It was a small room with two beds, a chest, a portable toilet, and a vanity with a washstand.

  “Take care of your mistress, Elise. I’ll go help Robert with the luggage.”

  “Come back quickly, will you, Cretien?” Aimee whispered.

  “Of course. You rest yourself. I won’t be long.”

  As soon as Cretien left, Elise fluttered over Aimee, helping her take off her coat and bonnet. “We’d all have been murdered if it hadn’t been for the master.”

  “Yes, Elise, I think we would.” She hesitated, then sat down on the bunk. “He’s a strong man, and I thank God that he is here to take care of us.”

  Cretien leaned back in his chair, studied his hand, then pushed some chips forward. “I’ll meet your bet and raise you ten.” He felt good, for he had slept well the previous night, after a good supper provided by Captain Smith. His wife had slept little enough, but there was nothing he could do for that.

  Cretien smiled at the uncertainty in his opponent, a slender man with a razor-thin mustache and hooded green eyes. “Well, Monsieur Sedan, what do you say? Would you like a chance to win some of your money back?”

  Sedan threw his cards down. “I never play a man when he’s riding on his luck.” He pulled a cheroot from his inner pocket, bit the end off, and lit it. When the tip was glowing he said, “Perhaps tomorrow.”

  “We’ll be in New Orleans tomorrow. This may be your last chance.”

  But Sedan was not interested. He was obviously a professional gambler, and he got up now and left the table. As Cretien collected his chips, a voice at his side caught his attention.

  “You’re a lucky man with cards.”

  He turned around to see an attractive woman in a low-cut, pale blue dress. Her hair was yellow and her eyes a deep blue. She had the assurance of a woman who knew the world at least as well as he did, and he stood up at once and nodded. “Lucky in cards, at least. My name is Cretien Fontaine.”

  “I’m happy to know you, sir. I’m Nan Strickland.” She looked expectantly at him, and when he showed no recognition she laughed at herself. “I’m an actress, you see, and I always expect to be recognized.”

  “May I buy you a drink, Miss Strickland?”

  “Certainly.” She sat down and studied him boldly.

  The waiter brought them drinks, and Cretien began telling her about his last few days.

  “You were caught in the revolution?” she asked, sipping her drink.

  “Yes. Things have gone badly in Cuba.”

  “You probably lost all your property. I hear that’s what happened to many.”

  Cretien smiled. He knew he made a handsome picture as he sat there, with his perfect teeth, thin and aristocratic face, and patrician features. He was graceful and cultured in a French manner, and totally confident in a way that told Nan Strickland he was at ease with women. “Not at all. As a matter of fact, I made a profit. I saw this coming months ago.” He lifted his drink and smiled at her. “Never stay in the middle of a revolution.”

  “You are fortunate.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Where will you go?”

  “I’ve bought a sugar plantation outside of New Orleans. I’ll be in town a great deal, of course.”

  Nan gave him a brilliant smile. She reached into her reticule and brought forth a small card. “My company will be at the Majestic for some time, depending on how well we are received. Give this to the doorman. He’ll give you a good seat.”

  She rose and held out her hand, and Cretien stood as well. He bent over to kiss her hand and smelled her perfume. Then he rose to his full height and looked down at her. “I’ll look forward to that.”

  Nan Strickland smiled. “Give your wife my best wishes.”

  “I’ll certainly do that.”

  He watched as the actress walked away. She disappeared through the portal, and he sighed, cashed in his chips, and took his money. Leaving the saloon, he went right to the stateroom. It was later than he had thought, and he would have to make excuses.

  When he stepped in, he found Aimee already in the lower bunk and said, “Elise, that’ll be all tonight.”

  “Good night, sir. Good night, madame.”

  “Good night, Elise. I hope you don’t get seasick again.”

  When the door closed, Cretien spoke at once. “I’m sorry to be late.” He began to remove his clothes and noted that she was watching him cautiously. “I didn’t drink too much, my dear. Don’t worry about that.”

  For a moment Aimee looked sober, and then she smiled. “Come here and kiss me good night,” she said. She held up her arms, and when he came to her and kissed her, she held him fiercely. “I’ll be glad when we’re off this bo
at and in our own place.”

  Cretien held her tightly. In other circumstances he would have made love to her, but she had been drained by the events of the past two days. And to his shame, the image of Nan Strickland came to his mind. He ignored it and said, “We’ll be in New Orleans tomorrow. We’ll find a good hotel and look the city over. It’s going to be a good life there, my dear.”

  For a moment she held him, and then she whispered, “I wish we had a child. I know you’re disappointed that I haven’t been able to give you a son.”

  Cretien held her. He knew that this was something that was never far from her heart, and he said quickly, “No, it will be all right. I have you and that’s enough.”

  His words brought balm to her spirit, and she whispered, “Good night.”

  He settled himself in his own bed and very quickly his breathing became regular. Aimee lay awake for some time, still shaken over the violence of the revolution, but thinking of New Orleans. O God, she prayed, give us a good life there. She finally went to sleep, and her last thought was, It’s not too late. I’m still young enough to have a child if the good God pleases.

  Chapter two

  The Empress eased up to the dock, meeting it with such a slight bump that Cretien hardly felt it. He turned to Aimee, who was standing beside him, put his arm around her, and said, “Well, my dear, we are here. Our new home.”

  Aimee stared out at the busy port and exclaimed, “There are so many ships! I never saw such a busy place!”

  The port of New Orleans was indeed busy—one might almost say frantic. Ships and boats and crafts of every kind plied the river, some skimming over the water under full sail, others easing in slowly. The sound of steamboats with their shrill whistles rent the air. The river made a large S-curve, and it seemed that the lengths of the banks were made of nothing but docks.

  The masts of the ships, their sails furled, lined the docks. “It looks like a forest of bare trees,” Cretien remarked. Then his eye caught a sight that pleased him. “Look, they’re loading sugar onto that ship, Aimee! Soon it will be our sugar. We’re going to do well here. I feel it in my bones.”