Marie quickened her pace to keep up with Barbara Allen who rushed toward Royal Street, and Edward Cage, with Lily’s son in her arms.
“Sweet Lord, woman!” Marie panted. “Slow down!”
“You’re the one who decided to follow me.” Barbara snapped.
“You agreed to it.” Marie Laveau retored.
Barbara stopped and turned around to face Marie.
“Well?” Marie smirked.
“Yes, I agreed.” Barbara sighed. “Let’s rest for a moment so you can catch your breath.”
“Thank you,” Marie answered, looking at Barbara suspiciously.
“I find it very humorous that you distrust me so—you, the Voodoo Queen.”
“I may be the Voodoo Queen,” Marie smiled, “but, folks trust me.”
“Your followers maybe.” Barbara scoffed. “However, your reputation in this city isn’t…”
“Before you finish, woman, let me remind you that I’m welcome in some of the finest and most powerful homes in New Orleans. Where are you welcome? Iolanthe’s Bawdy House?”
“Touché,” Barbara frowned.
“You’ve come quite a long way from being Lady Barbara of Fallbridge Hall.” Marie shrugged.
“I have.” Barbara shook her head, studying the child she held in her arms.
“Was it worth it?” Marie asked.
“What?”
“All of this?” Marie raised an eyebrow.
“I don’t know.” Barbara shook her head. “To be honest, I didn’t think about anything at the time. I…I was bored. Arthur was handsome and charming.”
“Arthur?” Marie squinted.
“My…husband.”
“Oh, yes.” Marie nodded.
“You burned his body in your bonfire if you’ll recall.”
“I remember.” Marie said, shifting her weight uncomfortably. “Did you love him?”
“No.” Barbara shook her head. “I wanted him.”
“Was he your boy’s daddy?”
“No.” Barbara answered. “It appears that he was not.”
“You say you were bored, but—how? You had position, wealth, beauty…”
“That I did. I’m sure this will sound hollow to you, but…” Barbara snorted.
“Go on.”
“I…” She began. “You don’t know what it was like. I was alone in that gloomy house. Mother kept such a close watch on me. She watched me. She gave me orders, but she never talked to me. Father was always away, always looking for his treasures. And, Julian…well, for many years Julian was in London. When he returned after he was attacked, he was even more peculiar than he had been before he left. Even though he was in the house, he stayed in his rooms and rarely spoke. If I ever spoke to him, he seemed so shy and queer. I just…Arthur showed an interest in me. It was exciting and new! I knew that what we were doing was wrong, but, it was so thrilling, I couldn’t stop. Before I knew it, I was with child—disgraced by dozens of men. I didn’t know what to do and I had Arthur ever in my ear with his schemes and ideas. When I received word from Iolanthe Evangeline it seemed like the answer I sought so desperately and…and…”
“It was a way to punish all the people who ignored you.” Marie nodded. “I know.”
“Yes,” Barbara sighed.
“Now what have I?” Barbara mumbled. “I’m going mad. I know I am. But, unlike my brother, my madness is not appealing. It’s not sweet and charming. It’s cruel. No one cares for me. Where else am I to go except to Iolanthe’s? But, to answer your question, yes, it was worth it.”
“How?” Marie squinted.
“My son.” Barbara smiled. “He’ll have a chance at a life that I threw away. And, Julian—he’s a good man despite being insane. People love him. And, he is able to love back. I can’t explain what’s happened to him—this odd manner he’s affected and the peculiar way he behaves, but it seems to have freed him. I envy him. Now he has my son. He has a family. Even though it was painful, I gave him that. Birthing Colin was painful, too. Wasn’t it? Perhaps pain ultimately always brings joy.”
Marie nodded slowly. “I think you’re sincere.”
“I am.” Barbara replied. “You seem perplexed that I’m rushing. Why are you surprised? I simply want to bring this child to Edward Cage to see this torture ended.”
“I see.” Marie Laveau responded. “I’ve caught my breath. Let’s go.”
“Thank you,” Barbara said. “I’ll watch my pace.”
“No.” Marie smiled. “Let’s fly as quickly as we can.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-486? If so, you can read them here.
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