Murder At Brick House: Chapter Four - Making Plans
The Legend of Amelia
Murder At Brick House: The Legend of Amelia is based on a well-known South Carolina Lowcountry ghost story about a young girl who was shot and killed on what was to be her wedding day (August 13) at Brick House Plantation, Edisto Island, SC.
Although there has never been any verification that this story is true, varying accounts have been published over the years. As with most ghost stories, there is, no doubt, some element of truth.
This Serial novel is a fictional account that explores what Amelia’s life might have been like in the context of the Antebellum South. Some historical places and names are real.
Brick House Plantation is held in a family trust and has been continuously owned by the Jenkins family (of which I am a part) since the early 1800s.
Aaron Brown was of medium height and stocky build. Shoulder length dark hair draped his face, partially covering one eye. His close-set brown eyes, slightly flared nose, and heavy beard gave him the appearance of someone not to be crossed.
He was known as a sort of freelance “Jack of all trades” as he like to put it. Word was out among “respectable” businessmen, that when they needed a less-than-respectable job done, Aaron was their man.
Robert was not his only client, but he employed Aaron’s talents more than anyone else.
Aaron was already sitting at the table at the far end of the long room in Shepheard’s Tavern, where he and Robert often conducted their business. It was conveniently located at the corner of Broad and Church Streets about midway between the State House and the bustling commerce sector along the waterfront.
Businessmen, politicians, and those simply seeking a card game or night of revelry had been frequenting the establishment since Charles Shepheard had opened the long-established meeting place more than a century before.
As he waited, Robert mused over the many “business” deals he and Robert had agreed on at this very table. He was good at what he did and was paid handsomely for it.
Aaron saw Robert enter and studied him as he greeted various acquaintances along the way back to their table.
He walked with a cane due to a slight limp from what he said was an injury sustained in a dock accident a few years before in New York. Always dressed as a gentleman, he used his roguish good looks and studied charm to gain access to circles not normally open to those of his background. Even the use of his custom-made silver handled cane played to his advantage.
He had drifted South, he had said, to try establishing a commodities brokerage in a less competitive and dangerous market.
“Mr. Lundgren, good to see you again, sir”, Aaron extended his hand.
A curt “Aaron”, was all that he replied.
This was not lost on Aaron, who always chafed at Robert’s air of superiority, but he quickly dismissed this notion as Robert was playing a game of which he had no desire to be a part. Besides, he was paid handsomely for his “services”.
When they had ordered their ale, Robert said, “I have a surveillance job. It may be long-term and will entail traveling to Edisto as needed. Can you free yourself for something like that. I will pay you well for your time."
“Well you’re in luck. I just finished up a job, so I am free”, Aaron said. “How soon do you need me to start?”
“Tomorrow. You will need to be on the steamer to Edisto. Here is an advance for your ticket and accommodations.”
Robert handed Aaron a small envelope with $100 cash.
“Whoa. That’s a lot, Mr. Lundgren. How long do you need me to stay out there?”
“I’m not sure. You will need to report back to me every so often, or as you see the need. It is a very sensitive assignment, so you’ll need to be discreet. You are aware, no doubt, about my engagement to Amelia Prioleau, whose father is the proprietary for Palmetto Shipping.
“Well, recently, without asking for my permission, she informed me she will be traveling to Edisto for an extended period to stay with her friend, Martha Jenkins of Brick House. The steamer leaves in the morning.
“It just seemed odd, especially now that we are making plans to be married. She doesn’t need to be getting any ideas, if you know what I mean.”
Aaron knew of Roberts plans, which, he rightly guessed were more about taking over Palmetto Shipping Company rather than simply marrying into the upper class. As far as he knew, Robert’s only use for high society was personal gain. Otherwise, he could have already had his pick of beautiful young ladies who were always throwing themselves at him.
“It’s not unheard of for unmarried, even engaged, young ladies to pay extended visits to close friends, Robert. What has you so uptight about this?”
Robert did not want to explain his reasons to Aaron, so he simply said, “Just keep your eyes and ears open and keep me informed. Acquaintances, activities and anyone she interacts with that you feel important enough to tell me.
“I keep a room above the Post Office at Baily’s Store. Here is a letter giving you permission to use it as long as you need.”
Aaron tucked the letter into his coat pocket along with the money. He understood there was more to it than Robert was letting on. Jealousy and fear of what he might lose, more that likely. But he could use the extra money, so he agreed to take the job.
They quickly shook on the arrangements and Robert left the tavern.
A mixture of excitement and anxiety kept Amelia awake the night before their departure for Edisto.
Martha had been busy planning their Fall social calendar and was excited for Amelia to meet some of the island young people. Especially the young men, whom she knew would be immediately smitten with her beautiful friend.
She had packed and repacked her trunks as she thought about the things she might need. Martha had said she would need a couple of ball dresses in addition to her daily attire. Both she and Martha loved horseback riding, so she made sure appropriate dresses were packed for that. And, of course, her diary, brushes, and toiletries.
She and Martha talked most of the night.
Martha was not shy about her reservations concerning Robert. He was friendly enough, and certainly charming, yet there was something she couldn’t put her finger on. Something about his story didn’t quite add up. And there had been rumors about his womanizing.
Her father had refused to do business with him. He said Robert was indiscreet about the company he kept which cast doubt about his character. She wasn’t sure if he meant with men or women, but maybe he could talk sense into Amelia.
For the longest time, Amelia would not listen, but Robert’s angry response when she informed him of her intentions to spend time at Brick House had sown a seed of doubt.
“Oh, Martha, he has always been a perfect gentleman. Mama thinks the world of him and Papa has already been grooming Robert as his successor. I think others may be jealous.”
“But, my dear girl, do you really know that much about him? Other than what he has told you, I mean? His past seems unverifiable. It could all be made up. And, does seem to take a lot of business trips. Do you even know for sure where it is that he goes or what he does?
“You, yourself, told me about his sudden flair of anger when you told him you were coming out to Edisto. That might be a chink in his armor. Just don’t be naive.”
Amelia thought about that again. Was she being too trusting? He had told her in no uncertain terms that his business did not concern her. She let that go for now, but she knew there would be a confrontation about it soon. How would that work once they were married?
It was as if Robert was two different people that could not coexist in the same place at the same time - The loving husband at home and the businessman who shut her out of that part of his life. That made her even more uneasy than the rumors.
And his angry response had scared her. For a moment, she glimpsed a raging monster standing before her who, just as quickly, reverted back to the Prince Charming who had won her heart. Which one was real? It had been unsettling, but she tucked it away as stress.
“I know you’re concerned, Martha. And I love you for it. I promise I will be vigilant. And, I know you won’t hesitate to voice your concern. Now, let’s try to get some sleep. I can’t wait to get away from the societal shackles here in the city.”
“Well, you may find a different atmosphere as far as women’s roles on the Island, my dear, but some things are even worse.”
Amelia knew she was referring to the plantation system that depended so heavily on slave labor. She also knew that Martha disagreed with her own family on this issue. Even though the winds of change were already blowing, there was fierce opposition among the Edisto planters.
“Yes, I know. I have seen some of that here in the city, though my parents have tried to shield me. I sense a change is coming, Martha. But, I’m afraid of what those changes may bring. We must trust that God’s righteousness will prevail in all things.”
For the rest of of the night, the girls slept fitfully.
After an early breakfast, their trunks were loaded into the buggy. Amelia kissed and hugged her parents before heading to the docks to meet the Pilot Boy steamer. Her Papa said that he would probably be out on Edisto at some point and promised to stop in at Brick House to “make sure she wasn’t over-staying her welcome”.
“Oh, Papa”, she replied, “Martha’s mother says I am like another daughter to her. I promise not to be a nuisance.”
With that, they were off.
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Excellent read as always. The plot is certainly thickening.
Cork, your fiction writing is excellent! Fiction is so different in temperament from non-fiction, as the characters MUST draw the reader in immediately, in order to keep them reading. I liked these lines:
"It was as if Robert was two different people that could not coexist in the same place at the same time - The loving husband at home and the businessman who shut her out of that part of his life. That made her even more uneasy than the rumors.
And his angry response had scared her. For a moment, she glimpsed a raging monster standing before her who, just as quickly, reverted back to the Prince Charming who had won her heart. Which one was real? It had been unsettling, but she tucked it away as stress."
Wow....if that is not a warning, I don't know what is? Timeless and a good lesson.
Great job, Cork! Blessings to you, Wendy