Of course, Jean normally dealt with Gustav. The two enjoyed their joking and haggling, though always arriving at a fair price for both parties. However, on one occasion in the sweltering heat of August, Gustav was not on property. Instead, Marie came to greet him.

“Mr. Bayard, how can I help you?” she asked, approaching him from his rear before he’d had a chance to notice her. “Construction? Food? Clothing? What is your pleasure today?”

Jean was caught by surprise and quickly spun around towards her voice, nearly bumping into Marie as their faces ended just inches apart. 

His head began to spin instantly from the combined sweet scent of her perfume and perspiration, which produced an intoxicating aroma so divine he could not form a response to her query. 

As he glanced away from her face, he could not stop his eyes from venturing toward her chest no matter how he commanded them away. He noticed her sweat had formed crystal droplets freckled upon her neck and bosom. He’d nearly lost all control before quickly turning his gaze back to hers—just in time to see her mouth tense in disgust at his leering.

 “Do women intimidate you Mr. Bayard or do you simply have no self control when you see one?” she stated coarsely.

Her hair was wet and glistened a shiny ebony and her now furrowed brow filled with moisture from the unrelenting August heat.

Jean was caught off guard—a wholly unfamiliar situation. “I uhh, I was, um, I…”

“For a man destined to take over his father’s plantation and who I understand earned an education from the best University in Paris, you certainly have a limited vocabulary Mr. Bayard” she continued, looking around at other employees. “Giles, come here and take care of this customer. He requires a little more time and attention than I have to give. Good day, Mr. Bayard.”