Murder At Brick House: Chapter One - Restless For Change
The Legend of Amelia
Torn between her feelings and the expectations of the societal structure in which she lived, Amelia Prioleau longed for something more.
High society life in Charleston had its privileges but also brought the shackles of class and one’s place, particularly as a woman, within that structure.
Amelia chafed at the societal notion that women were considered second-class citizens.
Her family were direct descendants of Elie Prioleau, a French Protestant pastor who fled France during the Huguenot purges of the late 1600s.
Since their arrival in 1685, the Prioleau family had become prominent fixtures in banking, commerce, law, and ministry in Charleston.
Amelia’s father, Anthony Prioleau, a wealthy shipping merchant, transported Carolina Gold rice, indigo, tobacco, and sea island cotton to satisfy the insatiable demands of European aristocracy.
Her grandfather and one of her uncles followed in the footsteps of generations of French Huguenot pastors.
The Prioleaus maintained a sprawling estate on James Island, one of the sea islands just South of Charleston. Since much of their social and business life was in the city, the family also kept a modest home on State Street near his business headquarters on Adger’s Wharf along the waterfront.
At nineteen, Amelia loved the safe secure life provided in the close-knit Huguenot community, yet she was restless. Their social world revolved around the church. But, for her, serving God in such a confined environment seemed so mundane and restrictive.
And she knew that her recent engagement to Robert Lundgren, a wealthy commodities broker, should make her even more happy and secure. But, did she truly love him, or was it more a convenient arrangement, customary between families and business associates?
She should be delighted that he had asked her to marry him. But, she wasn’t. She couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.
Nothing was said aloud, but rumors abounded that Robert was a “lady’s man”. He was certainly handsome enough to attract just about any young eager girl of marrying age and he had a certain arrogance and swagger about him. But, Amelia thought it odd that he never wanted to talk about any of the many business trips he took and went so far as to let her know that it was none of her concern.
Amelia felt strongly that mutual love should be the basis for any marriage. A husband and wife should not keep secrets.
But, Robert exhibited none of the attributes of love. He acted as if the marriage was just another business transaction, and she was simply a purchase to give him access to the Prioleau family solely to build his influence in the international shipping markets.
Instead of peace and contentment, an uneasiness enveloped her. Something simply must change. But, what?
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I enjoyed this installment and added depth to the story.