Page 38 of Earl of Excess
“Ah! We make our soap, and honeysuckle is plentiful in the spring and summer. I had forgotten how keen your nose has become,” she giggled. “Aunt Theo’s ham, grits, and biscuits are all I can smell.” She touched his hand as he slid it from her shoulder, stopping him. “Perhaps we can take another walk around the property this morning if you are interested in stretching your legs.”
He started to answer when he heard the footsteps approaching. Instead, he squeezed her hand and moved to stand behind the seat next to her.
“Good morning, you two,” Grandmère said as she walked into the room. “My stomach is crying out to break my fast, this morning.”
The subtle sound of a tapping cane signaled that Aunt Theo was with her sister. He waited for both ladies to sit before seating himself.
Once the two ladies sat down, they passed the bowls of food around.
“Thank you for bringing the ham, Bethany. I had just mentioned to your grandmother before you arrived that pork would be a pleasant change of pace,” Aunt Theo said, taking a bite from her plate. “What are your plans for today?”
“I was hoping someone could shave this beard that is taking up permanent residence on my face,” Matthew joked.
“I always enjoyed shaving my husband’s face and would be happy to do that for you, if you have no objection,” Grandmère offered. She turned to her sister. “Theo, do you have a razor?”
“I have not held a razor in years, but perhaps in the top drawer of the dresser in your room, there could be one. I stored Ned’s things there when you lost him to the fever. There could be one,” her sister replied quietly.
“I had forgotten about that box of Ned’s belongings. Thank you, Sister. And it will honor me to use it to trim that beard off you, Matthew,” Grandmère said.
“Perhaps afterward, we could be a little lazy and take a walk. I also thought we might cast a line for some fish, for dinner,” Bethany added between sips of her morning coffee.
“That sounds wonderful. I am going to dry some of the herbs you brought so I can make soap. Matthew may want something besides our floral-scented ones. You could walk some of the rest of the herbs to Mr. Duplantis, next door,” Grandmère added. “They will appreciate the winter herbs.”
“I would be glad to do that, Grandmère,” Bethany said. “But I did not think to bring any face scarves.”
“I have them and I’ve already soaked them in herbs, so they will handle the foul humors. They are hanging on the back of the pantry door. I will retrieve two for you,” Grandmère offered. Before they could say a word, she stood, left, and returned with two white muslin scarves. “After you use them, just leave them in the empty pail next to the door. I have some washing to do before we leave and can clean them with the other things. You can even leave the herbs on the porch if you are uncomfortable.”
“Thank you, Grandmère.”
“You have explained to the colonel about our neighbors, I am assuming,” Grandmère continued. “Matthew, no one knows what causes leprosy, but we are very careful in our associations. It is minimal and usually is just talking over the fence. However, when we meet, we cover our noses and mouths with herbal scented scarves and do not touch them. It is sad, but we have learned to co-exist this way. It is a small group of people—a family.”
“Bethany explained that to me. It makes sense, although I fear your thinking is more progressive than most,” he responded.
“Using the scarves to cover our mouth and nose? That is not new, Son,” Grandmère explained. “As you mentioned earlier, it was used as far back as the days of the plague by the doctors treating victims. The masks were heavy and made with a pronounced nose. They stuffed herbs and spices in the beak as a barrier to the miasmas carried by air. De Vinci used covers over his face while painting to keep the smells of the chemicals in his paints from affecting him.
“It seems to be effective, but one never knows except through trial and error. The affliction seems to be hereditary, as people in this colony are all related. We help them with herbal medicines and things they need and occasionally visit to help if someone is sick. They are respectful and do not wish to spread their disease, so they maintain distance.”
“Remarkable,” he murmured.
“Yes, and sadly or fortunately, depending on your perspective, it keeps people away from our neck of the woods,” her grandmother replied. “You are very concerned about something, Bethany. What is it?”
“Nothing. I wanted to fish and thought Johnny might like to join us. Have you seen him lately?” Bethany asked.
“He was here the day before you arrived and fished off the dock. I think his father was with him. His father, Dom, brought the crab we ate in the soup last evening.” Aunt Theo added.
“Perhaps we should not visit Aunt Theo, but will instead, leave the herbs and speak from the porch. It will keep the visit shorter, and I would love to relax and catch some fish.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” agreed Grandmère.
Bethany could feel her grandmother’s scrutiny over Matthew’s condition, and that worried her. “Grandmère, we should be back soon, and you can shave Matthew’s beard.”
“Thank you, Bethany,” Grandmère responded and turned to Matthew. “It will be good for the two of you to relax after that harrowing trip, here. You look peaked. The exertion from yesterday seems to have taken a toll on you. I had hoped a good night’s sleep would be enough, but you appear to need a bit more.”
He still felt fatigued and did not know what to make of it. It concerned him he looked ill. Normally, he felt quite energetic. He would take a walk with Bethany and take the herbs to the neighbors. “Perhaps you are right,” he admitted. “I do still feel a little tired.”
Thirty minutes later, he and Bethany were on their way next door. Bethany showed him where the gate was that opened onto the old plantation grounds. He could see the shapes of the buildings and, with the sun, make out a little more detail.Was his sight still changing? He hoped so. He prayed for it.
*
