Alana (17 page)

“But–” Alana looked at him questioningly.

“I’m sorry to be the bearer of more sad tidings, but it is a role I must accept. Two of your ships have been lost at sea. We’ve found no trace of them. A third was pirated off the coast of Jamaica. Because of the losses of their cargos, the Montpelier Company has invoked their cancellation clause and taken their contracts from Landow.”

“No!” Alana gasped. “They wouldn’t do that!”

“I’m sorry, my dear, but they have,” he told her in a tone that made her accept his statement.

“What can I do?” she asked, doing her best to gather her thoughts and discover what her position was.

“I’m doing everything possible. I have shifted several of my own contracts to Landow, in order to help stop the losses, but even so, I’m afraid your debts are getting out of hand.”

“Debts?” Alana whispered with the shock of his words. “What debts? We had no debts.”

“Alana, shipping has always been rife with problems; which is why the rewards are so great for those who succeed. After your first ship was lost, it became your contractual obligation to guarantee delivery of the next shipment. When the second ship was lost, Landow Shipping had to reimburse the Montpelier Company for the cargo, as was done for the pirated cargo of the third ship–and that ship has not yet been refitted for use because of the damages it sustained.”

Ledoque paused, his face reflecting the position that Alana found herself in. “I used all the available funds to reimburse the shipper, but they were not sufficient. I loaned you some of my own capital, but I am limited at this time, and I was forced to make up the difference by going to the bank and borrowing money in your name.”

Alana went white despite the control she was trying to maintain. Once again, her world was collapsing around her.

“How deeply am I in your debt, Charles?” she asked in a barely audible whisper.

“That doesn’t matter,” he countered, “but my concern for you does. I will stand by you in this, Alana,” he said, reaching out to take her hand.

She stared at her hand in his, then slowly looked into his eyes. For just an instant, she saw a flash of something she’d never seen before. A ripple of fear raced along her spine. Slowly, she withdrew her hand.

“How much am I in debt?” she repeated.

Ledoque stiffened slightly when she pulled her hand from his, but his face remained unreadable. “Forty thousand dollars. To me personally, only ten thousand. To the bank, thirty.”

“Impossible!” she cried.

“I am truly sorry, Alana, but my figures are accurate.” Alana stood and walked gracefully across the room to gaze out the window. When she spoke, she did not look at Ledoque.

“I take it that you will no longer represent my company as its agent?” she asked.

“I would not abandon you now,” he protested. “But it is my obligation to tell you of the problems you–we face.”

“What would you suggest, Charles?”

“I believe that over a period of time, and by getting several good contracts, we can turn things around for Landow Shipping, but it will take more time than you have. There is another alternative, but it may not be enough.”

“Yes?”

“I can try to find a purchaser for Landow, but we cannot ask too high a price. The company has no contracts, only debts.”

“No!” Alana exclaimed immediately. “Landow Shipping has been in my husband’s family for four generations. I will not sell it now.”

“Then we must find some way to help you out of your trouble, Alana, for Riverbend was the security I was forced to put up to get the loans. The thirty thousand dollars represents a full mortgage on Riverbend.”

Alana, still staring out the window, felt the blood drain from her face. A red swell of anger gripped her, and she fought against herself until she had her rage under control. Turning, she stared at Ledoque. When she spoke, her voice was as cold and hard as ice.

“By what right did you use Riverbend as collateral for that loan?” she demanded.

“By the right you gave me, Alana, by your power of attorney,” he said in a level voice.

Alana shook her head sharply, unable to believe the words she was hearing. “That was only so that you could disburse expense funds.”

“It is a full power of attorney, I assure you, and I had every legal right to do what I did. And, Alana, I did it for you. However,” Ledoque said as he rose and picked up a leather case that Lorelei had placed next to the chair, “I have brought the papers and the up-to-date accounts for you to review.”

“Will they tell me anything that you haven’t already?” she asked, her voice sounding harsh and unforgiving.

“No,” he said.

“When is the bank note due?”

“In seven weeks.”

Alana closed her eyes. When she opened them again to steady her suddenly wobbly legs, she saw Ledoque staring at her.

“I am truly sorry to have been the bearer of this news, but it was my duty. Think about what I’ve suggested, Alana, but don’t take too long, please. Time is of the essence.”

Alana nodded her head, her tongue refusing to work as he walked toward her. He took her hand again into his and raised it to his lips. As he did, a chill raced up her arm. When his lips touched her skin, she shivered involuntarily. Thankfully, he did not notice.

“I will see you soon,” he said. And then he was gone.

Alana remained in the study for a long time after he left. When Lorelei came to tell her dinner was ready, she found Alana seated at the desk going over the papers that Ledoque had left.

When Alana looked up, Lorelei saw that her face was creased with lines of worry. “Dere be someting wrong, chile’?”

Alana tried to smile, tried to say no, but the lie did not escape her lips. Instead, she nodded her head. “I may lose Riverbend,” she whispered.

“I have only six weeks left. What can I do?” Alana asked as she stared at Carlton DuPont’s lined face. Alana had known Carlton DuPont all her life, but today, for the first time, his white hair and tired eyes told her that he had long since passed his prime.

Alana had written him a letter the day after Charles Ledoque’s visit, informing him of her precarious position, as well as sending him all the papers Ledoque had left with her.

In the following week, she had tried to think of a way to remedy the situation and had been able to come up with only one idea–one she hadn’t wanted to consider.

She’d also written a letter to Rafe, telling him of everything that had happened, including Jason’s death, and asking for his advice for the shipping company. Her hopes went along with the letter to San Francisco, but she knew that it would take too long for it to reach him and for him to reply. She did not have enough time.

“What can I do?” she asked DuPont again.

The lawyer shook his head. “Alana, I am extremely upset by what has happened. I feel that I have let you down.”

Alana frowned. “Let me down?”

“Yes. As your father’s friend and legal adviser, and then yours, I made a grave error. When Mr. Ledoque came to me to ask for a letter of introduction to you, I checked on his background with a colleague of mine, and with his bank as well. My colleague gave him the highest of recommendations and Mr. Collingsworth at the bank did also. In fact, it was his words of respect for Mr. Ledoque that gave me the confidence to write my recommendation.”

“But Charles has done all he could for me,” Alana argued. “What happened is not his fault.” But, her conviction suddenly was not as firm as it had been. The memory of that brief glimpse into his unguarded eyes rose within her mind. “What kind of error did you make?”

“The worst kind. Like the old fool I am, I believed what I was told . Alana”–DuPont paused again, gazing at her sadly–“except for you, I no longer practice law. I have outlived all my clients and my usefulness. This office is a sham. I keep it for my pride.”

Alana’s heart went out to her father’s friend, even in this time of trouble. “No, Uncle Carlton, that’s not true.”

“Isn’t it?” he asked in a self-accusatory tone. “Why would I have let someone else guide you? Alana, when you sent me his reports, I went over them very carefully. It was then that I realized I was duped. When I learned that the Montpelier contracts had been lost, I was astonished. Those contracts were irrevocable as long as any losses were repaid!”

“But–”

“But Ledoque, acting as the agent for Landow Shipping, approved the request to terminate the contracts.”

“Why?” Alana gasped.

DuPont blinked. When he spoke again, he looked away from her. “Because one of his own shipping companies was awarded the new Montpelier contract. Ledoque’s company is now the exclusive shipper for Montpelier, and his import company is their new American agent. Alana, Ledoque has gained a tremendous amount of business, and you have lost all of yours.”

“How is this possible?” Alana asked, her mind spinning with Ledoque’s unexpected and cruel treachery.

“He manipulated me, and he did the same to you. Yesterday I spoke with another man who lost his business to Ledoque. He told me that Ledoque owns Collingsworth’s bank and has since the end of the war. That was why Collingsworth had given me such a glowing report about him. It seems that Charles Ledoque controls almost all the warehouses, docks, and shipping in Charleston and possibly in the entire South. Alana, this means that Ledoque owns the mortgage to Riverbend.”

DuPont’s words were too much for Alana’s already strained mind. She shook her head hopelessly while she tried to concentrate on what was happening. “But why is he doing this to me?”

“Greed, Alana. I have seen it all too often.”

“You’re saying he has purposely set out to destroy me and I have no recourse? I must lose everything?”

DuPont sighed, his kind face held in tight lines. “Legally, you have no recourse. Everything he did was done according to the law.” Then DuPont rose from behind his desk and came to Alana’s side. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, and when she looked up at him, he continued to speak.

“After going over the reports, I spoke with a banker whom I trust, and I asked him for a loan to help you. He refused me, not because he didn’t want to help but because he had already given out too many mortgages to help the old plantations recover. He lost the majority of his money when the plantations failed. He too is in the position of possibly losing his bank.” Although Alana heard the words and understood the enormity of what DuPont was telling her, her own problem would not let her pause to think about the banker.

“How will I get the money?” she asked, willing her voice to be steady.

“I don’t know,” DuPont replied. “I would give it to you myself, but I have not recovered from the losses I suffered in the war. I have only enough money to make ends meet. It’s a hard time, Alana, a desperate time.” He stopped himself, his hand tightening on Alana’s shoulder.

“You will have to fight this devil Ledoque with his own methods. You must find one of the businessmen he has ruined and borrow the money from him. Use the shipping company to do this. Accept a partner who can fight Ledoque, for it’s the only means left to you. Alana, I’m sorry I’ve failed you,” he said as he took his hand from her.

Alana drew in a deep breath and stood. “I shall do whatever is necessary to save Riverbend, Uncle Carlton. But first I intend to face Charles Ledoque.”

“Be careful,” he cautioned.

“Why?” she asked. “What more can he do to me?” With that, Alana turned and walked regally out of the office.

Fifteen minutes later, Alana was ushered into Ledoque’s private office by the same obsequious clerk she had met on her past visits. Once inside, she watched Ledoque rise and walk toward her.

“This is a wonderful surprise, my dear,” he said with a smile.

This time, Alana saw through the false warmth of the smile that had deceived her for so long. When he reached for her hand, she snatched it away.

“Why, Charles?”

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his face showing concern.

Alana saw only the truth that lay beneath his mask. “You avaricious bastard! Why are you trying to destroy me?”

Ledoque noted the fierce set of her face and saw the fire blazing within the depths of her eyes, and her soft lips, stretched into a thin, tight line. “Sooner or later you would have found out. I was hoping it would be later,” he admitted in a calm, easy voice.

His tone, as well as the words themselves, shocked her. “You planned it all?”

“Not all. We have wanted the Montpelier contracts and Landow Shipping since the outset of the war. That was my prime motivation.”

“Why Riverbend?”

This time Ledoque smiled. It was not a pretty sight, and Alana’s breath hissed out in reaction to it. “You’re not a stupid woman, Alana. Don’t you know?”

Alana continued to stare at him, her mind whirling. Slowly she shook her head.

“For you, Alana, for you,” he said truthfully. “Say the word, and Riverbend will be yours again.”

“You’ve ruined my husband’s company and are trying to take Riverbend from me because you want me?” Alana’s words were hollow, filled with disbelief.

Ledoque caught Alana’s shoulders and drew her to him. His eyes were bright. Within them she saw her fate burning darkly. “I have wanted you since I met you. I have watched you waste your life caring for a crippled shell of a man who did not deserve you. Alana, I can teach you what a real man is!” he declared, his voice husky with desire. Then he lowered his mouth to hers. Alana pulled back violently before his lips reached hers. She glared at him, revulsion on her face. His final words were the catalyst that jolted her mind into action, and suddenly her thoughts were crystal clear.

“A real man?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You consider yourself a real man?” She moved quickly, surprising Ledoque for only a second, but it was enough time to free herself from his hold. Stepping back, Alana’s eyes riveted him with hatred.

“When my husband returned from the war, he was more a man than you could ever be!” With that, Alana spun and started for the door.

Before she reached it, Ledoque caught up to her, his hand clamping tightly on her arm. Their eyes locked in a silent, deadly duel, and then Ledoque smiled even as his grip tightened.

“I have remained a bachelor too long, Alana. And you will feel differently about me after we are married.”

Refusing to acknowledge the chill that coursed through her body, Alana laughed in his face. “That will never happen!”

“Will it not?” he asked, his voice level against her rage. “Are you so willing to forfeit your home and everything you own?”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“You have six weeks to make your decision. Either you marry me, or I will take Riverbend and Landow Shipping from you. Remember, Alana, I am offering you an honorable alternative. I could make you my mistress instead of my wife. But as my wife, you will provide my membership in Charleston’s society.”

A hatred so intense she thought she would be sick built up within her. She stared at him but could not find the words to convey her wrath.

Ledoque, taking her silence as leave to continue, spoke again. “You are a beautiful woman, Alana, and I shall enjoy instructing you in how to please me.”

“You’re mad,” Alana finally said as she tried to free herself from his hold.

“No, my dear, far from it.” He pulled her roughly to him, his mouth hungrily seeking hers. Alana twisted her head from him; her free arm flashed upward. The strike of her palm against his cheek resounded loudly in the office.

Ledoque’s head snapped back, his face twisting angrily. When he spoke, his voice was so calm it frightened Alana more than any shout could have.

“You have much to learn, my dear, and it will be my pleasure to teach you–for I shall not only have you but make you totally mine!”

“In hell!” Alana declared. She pulled her arm sharply back and felt his hand release her. Turning stiffly, Alana opened the door and marched out of his office. Before she could escape completely, she heard his mocking voice ring out.

“Six weeks, Alana. That is all.”

Outside, Alana breathed in the clean scent of the salt air. Her mind was reeling, but with each step, she became more furious and more determined to stop Ledoque completely.

~~~~~

On an unseasonably warm evening in mid-December, inside a brightly lit large house on Tadd Street–once owned by an aristocratic South Carolinian family called Pomeroy–business thrived.

At the war’s end, an agent purchased the Pomeroy house, and three months later, to the shock of Charleston’s high society, the occupants had moved in. The Pomeroy house soon became the most thriving bordello in the city.

The beautiful madam who ran the bordello had become as noteworthy as the Pomeroy house itself. Whenever she walked down the street, heads would turn and whispers floated on the air. Passersby would point to her unusual hair, and behind their hands, they would whisper her name–Crystal Revanche.

On this December night, the infamous madam of the Pomeroy house was entertaining a customer herself. Although this was a rare occurrence, as she had ten women working for her, it was not unheard of. When a man wealthy enough or interesting enough to attract her attention requested her for the night, she could be obliging.

Tonight someone had indeed piqued her interest. He was a northern businessman, rather handsome in his own way, and extremely wealthy. It was not the first time he had sought Crystal’s favors.

Her private apartment was decorated in bold shades of red wall covering, accented by glowing brass oil lamps. A large brass bed dominated the room; its covering matched the heavy red drapes on the windows.

They ate a simple meal at a table of imported teak. The chairs they sat on were of a matching wood, with cushions that matched the draperies.

They finished their meal and, after the made cleared the dishes, she placed two bottles of the finest champagne next to the table, in a silver bucket. Crystal herself opened the first bottle, and after pouring it, raised her glass in a silent gesture to the man. When they’d finished the entire bottle, Crystal, already knowing well what the man expected of her, slowly seduced him out of his clothing and into the bed she’d had built especially for herself.

An hour later, with the man temporarily sated, Crystal opened the second bottle of champagne and filled their glasses. After sipping some of the dry, bubbly drink, Crystal lay back on the bolster, her naked breasts gleaming with moisture.

Looking at the man lying next to her, she smiled and waited for him to talk. This was the fourth time he had availed himself of her favors, and Crystal knew that after he made love, he liked to boast of his business acumen. This was the prime reason why she allowed him to grace her bed and use her body.

Tonight he seemed reticent, so Crystal plied him with her own questions. Soon the man was once again bragging proudly of his latest acquisition. When he finished, he smiled and drew her near.

He kissed her, then caressed her breasts as if he owned her as he did his businesses. Crystal did not object. But, the man did not yet pursue her body again; instead, he laughed aloud.