Concubine and her Protector, The

Part 2-Preparations

"Mr. Jefferson, why?" She asked calmly.

"DO NOT QUESTION ME, WOMAN!"

She knew this man was insane and trying to be civil with him on important matters wasn't possible.

"Now, gather your things we leave in the morning."

He quickly shut the door, leaving her in dismay.

Concubinage with a man she'd never met! What was he thinking? 

Gisella wished she could tell her family about this. But they were off helping the people of Africa and Asia. Doing their philanthropy and business. Had things been different she would be with them now. It wasn't easy for her be in an environment that wasn't hospitable like what she grew up in. Why would a protector want to know all that?

Gisella began to pack whatever she had and tried not to cry.

Erique prepared the room for his new lodger and went to his garden to collect some vegetables that had been grown.

Erique was from a very rich family. The decedents of noblemen and also of Aboriginal Natives. He had done business with his father and achieved his own status by now. That didn't meant he couldn't be independent.

He wanted to know what his family would think of such an peculiar situation. Sending them letters would do the trick.

He went into the study and wrote to his parents a brief letter.

Dear father and mother, I have some rather unusual news to share with you. I will be having someone live in the plantation with me as of tomorrow. Yes, it is quite strange, seeing on how I am independent and only have had workers come to repair and remodel parts of the plantation when I couldn't. A business associate named Mr. Fredrick Jefferson has made this happen, quite abruptly might I add. I do not know what the purpose of this is, until then I will let you know. Love Erique.

He put down his fountain pen and pondered on what tomorrow would bring.

That morning...

Fredrick road his beat up carriage to Erique's plantation. Gisella stood in the passenger seat silently and looking across to the scenery they passed. Whoever this man was he had acquired beautiful land of flowers and vegetation.  What their so-called relationship would be like she tried not to think of. 

Erique waited out front for Mr. Jefferson and the new lodger. He thought about why Mr. Jefferson was so thrilled with this lodger idea. What made him so happy about it? Erique never even had a chance to give a definitive answer. He heard the carriage pull up and saw Fredrick step out and help someone from the passenger seat when the foldable stairs opened.  

"Good morning. Please, do come in." Erique encouraged.

Gisella took the long white veil she had and covered her face. Fredrick walked in front of her and they followed Erique inside.

He poured them some bourbon while his back was turn. 

"I hope you had a nice ride to the plantation."

When Erique turned around he smelt the scent of jasmine and frankincense. Was this lodger a female?