Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:43:22 +0200
From: John skehan <jaskejr@hotmail.com>
Subject: Creole Family

Creole Family story- jas

This story under copyright to the author and may not be used in whole or
part without the author's written consent. It is gay fiction containing
acts between consenting adults. If this offends you, stop reading now. If
you are underage stop reading now. If it is illegal to read such literature
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Creole Family Story- May 12 '00

This story is set in and around New Orleans in about 1801. The revolution
in the former English colonies has been successful. The new nation wasted
no time in moving its lands westward. The great French-spanish colonies of
West florida and Louisianna lay as a barrier to it's full westward
expansion. West florida also cut off its access to the Mexican Gulf. The
families are purely fictional but many of the historic events are not. The
story weaves around the Famille Herbert who had been here for only 3
generations. They were the last of the former French settlers from Canada
who had mixed with the local French and Spanish population. To them France
was their ancestral home.

April, 1801

Jim had worked hard this day. The river packets and coastal trading vessels
of his family had brought furs and wood from the north along with the gold,
silver,and gems from the Mexican gulf region. There were also a number of
bales of cloth and a few packets of gems mined in the valley of the
Arkansas rivers. His father would be pleased with the goods bartered.

Most of the goods, along with hides and farm produce from the local
plantations would be traded or shipped from New Orleans to the great ports
of Philadelphia and New York. Some of the gems and finished products would
be shipped to Europe, provided that a way could be found around the British
blockade. The new US government did not recognize the authority of the
English on the seas and had begun escorting groups of merchant ships to
European ports. The ships of the Herbert small fleet were often among them.

Jim's father infrequently visited the city and his offices. He preferred
his country plantation to the hectic life of the city. Jim was often left
running the business. On his visits to the city M.Herbert preferred his
townhouse and his club in the old quarter for amusement. Jim's own home was
a small,modest wooden home not far from the offices and wharfs of the
river. He lived modestly with just one servent, also Jim but called "Old
Jim" by most. He had been a mulatto slave freed at Jim's birth and given
the job of taking care of the young Jim as he grew older. M. Herbert did
not believe in slavery. He had freed many of the families inherited from
his father. Most of them remained on the Herbert plantation to work and
enjoy the protection of M. Herbert. Old Jim lived next to the kitchen shed
on the court in back of Jim's house.

The most important item carried by the ships arriving in the port was news
of events in far off lands. The wars and revolutions that seemed to be the
mainstay of life in Europe were of keen interest. The French had not only
thrown off the monarchy but had even executed the king. Madame Guillotine
had claimed many heads since then.

There could be found a wide range of political exiles in New Orleans. Some
of the nobility of France and Spain who had escaped the wars and the blade
had settled there. The strong european atmosphere of the city was welcoming
to all who came. Over the years there were also groups of Irish, fleeing
their homeland overrun by the English, and groups of Germans,escaping the
privations of their homelands. Each group contributed to the vitality that
was New Orleans.

Jim, while relishing the news, mainly concerned himself with the
business. His small office, off the main room of the clerks, was the center
of his world. He had not married, not even thought of it. It was not for
the lack of suitable young ladies. He was a prime catch for the other rich
families of the city. But at the age of 26 he found himself more interested
in the ships bearing goods to the port than the women who might bear his
child. His widowed father had three handsome grandchildren from his younger
brother, the publisher of one of the city's French newspapers. The extended
family of cousins was numerous in the area around New Orleans. His father
entertained the extended family often on Sundays at the plantation. Jim was
often in attendance, greeting relatives and young ones. He was the favorite
cousin for many of them

The office had a number of clerks who tracked the goods and kept the
accounts. The head clerk,Joseph, had begun working for Jim's father when he
ran the business. Among the younger clerks there was a mixtue of talent and
nationalities. As was the custom all of the clerks were men. Women did not
work in offices! Proper young ladies had only one ambition- to marry and
raise a family. Others found jobs in households.

One young irish clerk,Connor Keller,had come to Jim's attention on a number
of occasions. He was good with numbers and had an amazing memory. He often
worked with Jim late at night when the others had left for home. Jim had
made it a point to get to know more about him. It seems that he had come to
the city aboard a sailing ship from New York. His parents had left Ireland
during the time of the troubles when English armies ravished the
land. Connor tired of the poverty of New York and sought a brighter future
in New Orleans. He had been with the business for a little over two
years. He lived alone in a rooming house not too far from the office. He
was a loner,knowing few people he could trust in the city known for
scoundrels. Jim had become friends with young Connor,often eating late
suppers with him after working late in the office. Connor was defferential
to Jim. Secretly he admired him for his strength of character. Connor was a
comely lad, strong of body and with a thick stock of irish red hair and
striking green eyes. Jim, on the other hand, was a typical man of french
stock with long dark hair and piercing blue eyes.

The foreign wars had spilt over into the gulf with English
ships,privateers, seeking out french and spanish merchant ships to
capture. So far the Herbert ships, all three of their coastal vessels and
the two large sailing ships,had managed to avoid capture. But there was
always the danger of luck running out. One of the larger coastal vessels
was 2 days late arriving from Mexico with a load of silver and gems. Jim
had been worried and had spent the nights sleeping in the loft of the
office. After the first night Connor volunteered to stay with him. The loft
contained a pallot for sleeping and a hanging bed of the type found on many
ships. After a fine supper brought to them by old Jim they settled down
with a bottle of M. Herbert's best brandy. Connor had opted to take the
hanging bed. Jim had left all of the upper windows open for some cool night
air. The lower area of the offices had been secured after they finished the
meal. They talked of family,of past adventures,of hopes. Jim began to relax
more now that he had someone to keep him company. The night settled with
the sounds of the port and the drinking inns of the area. Both men prepared
for bed. Since it was warm they opted to sleep in just their
undercloths. As they lay the talk continued. It became more
personal. Connor asked Jim about the ladies of New Orleans. Now Jim had
little experience outside of the few brothals his father had insisted he
visit. In reality neither of them had much experience. Connor was too poor
and Jim too shy. Both felt uncomfortable around women. They shared what
little they knew. Connor told of his time on the sailing ship,of the things
that went on among the sailors at night. Jim had heard of these things but
never thought much of them. He was sure that his own,limited experience on
the coastal vessels was rarefied by the fact that his father owned the
ships. Connor's knowlege though was first hand,so to speak. Curious now,and
loosened by the brandy, Jim asked Connor many questions about the practices
of the men at sea. Both found themselves strangely excited. Sleep did not
come easily that nite to either of them.

The next day news of the late ship had arrived. It had been spotted at the
mouth of the great river. Jim was relieved that it was in safe waters. He
sent word to his father and returned to his desk and his work. That night
he would sleep in his own bed. As the offices emptied, Jim found himself
again alone with Connor. Knowing that they both would likely eat alone, Jim
invited Connor to his house for dinner. He sent a messenger to Old jim to
prepare a meal for another person. Connor accepted gratefully,wanting to
get to know Jim better. On the way to the house, Connor insisted on
stopping at a wine shop to get a bottle for dinner. Jim knew that with
meager wages it was a kind gesture by Connor.

Dinner was outstanding. Old Jim had prepared a grand meal. He knew that
Young Jim rarely had people over,other than his relations. He had rushed to
the market to secure a good fish and a roast for this special meal. When
the men arrived at the house they could smell the fine meal from the
cooking shack in the back. Jim showed Connor where he might freshen himself
while he went to his own room to do the same. He was strangely excited to
have someone for dinner. It was rare for him to have a guest in his home.

After dinner the men retired to the second level balcony to enjoy a brandy
and the evening breeze. The talk drifted from the day's news to business to
the beauty of the night. Eventually the conversation went back to Connor's
experience on the ship. Jim wanted to know if Connor had participated in
all of these things. Connor hesitated before answering him. He admitted
that he had. Jim asked him if they were enjoyable. Again hesitation,then he
admitted that he fully enjoyed the experiences. He told Jim of the men's
bodies and energy they put into their nightly sex.

Jim was getting more excited with the story of the adventures. He felt a
need that he had long suppressed. Finally,after a long pause in the
conversation,he told Connor that he admired him for his experiences. His
life had been so focused on the business that he had denied himself any
kind of adventures. Connor saw Jim in a new light. Yes,he had all of the
advantages of his station and family but at the same time he lacked much of
what had made Connor a man of the world. Sitting beside Jim, he reached
over and gently touched his exposed arm. Jim put his hand on top of
Connor's and left it there in an unspoken agreement to an unsaid truth.


Old Jim had long ago cleared the dishes and the remains of the meal. He had
replaced the bottle of brandy and the two glasses in the parlor before
retiring. The two men entered the parlor. Jim offered Connor another
brandy. Already feeling a little light headed from the spirits and the
conversation, he hesitated. Jim poured the two glasses. It was late and
streets would be dangerous for a drunk man so he offered Connor his spare
room if he wanted to stay until it was safe in the morning. Connor
accepted,he knew the situation of the streets. They finished their
drinks. Jim showed Connor the spare room across the hall from his own
room. Both retired for the night. Shortly after he got into bed, Jim heard
a tapping at his door. Connor entered in a spare night shirt. He was
visably excited as he sat on Jim's bed.

"I have something else to tell you." he said softly. Jim stirred, having
not yet fallen asleep. "Yes, what is it?', he said. "I admire you and also
feel pity for you. You seem strong and yet alone. " Connor said. Jim sat up
and looked into the green eyes in front of him. He began to speak
quietly. "My family and the business is my world. You are free from that
responsibility. I have not let anything interrupt that all these years.",
he said sadly. Connor reached up the the shoulder of Jim's thin sleeping
gown. His hand rested ligthly there. "I know, I've watched you for these
many months. You are dedicated to your chosen task. But you seem to have no
friends outside of your family."  Jim's head dropped down in
thought. Connor was right,of course. Most men his age had friends and even
mistresses. Jim had no one.

After a few minutes of silence,Connor spoke, " I want to at least be your
friend. I too am alone but we could experience some of this wonderful city
together." Jim looked into Connor's eyes and he saw honesty. He liked the
idea of having someone to share with.

Over the next two months they worked closely together and on the weekends,
saturday was a a half day at the office, they toured the sights, such as
they were. During the week they would often share meals after working
late. One Sunday, Jim showed up at connor's lodgings in his one horse
buggy. Connor knew that some sundays Jim would ride out to his father's
plantation. When he came outside, Jim motioned for him to get in. "Where
are we going?", he asked. "To my father's, I have something I want to show
you." was the short reply. They rode for an hour outside of the city, along
the bayou roads. Finally, they turned off onto a small road that led to a
great house,the plantation. Connor was nervous. he had never been to any of
the grand houses in the country.

At the front door Jim was met by a servant who took the buggy. Inside was a
small group of family. Jim introduced Connor to all those
present. M. Herbert recognized Connor,to his great surprise. Jim made small
talk for a while and then excused himself to show Connor "the farm". They
mounted 2 fine horse and rode for an hour around the land,Jim explaining
the function of the various buildings and the crops growing around
them. Connor had never seen this side of the country. He was facinated by
the self sufficient operation. Almost everything they needed was produced
here on their own land.

When they returned to the house, they washed and went into the dining room
for lunch. Sunday lunch was a grand affair at the house. Platter after
platter of fine food was served. Smoked fish,fresh
meats,fruits,breads,vegitables were all bountiful. As the meal ended Connor
thanked his hosts for the wonderful meal. The men retired to the great
veranda for brandy and cigars.The talk centered on buisness with Connor
contributed what little he knew. Late in the afternoon, Jim motioned to
Connor that it was time they headed back to the city. Connor again thanked
everyone and left with Jim. The ride back was quiet,as the heavy meal
settled Connor into a sleep. He awoke a they pulled up to Jim's house. The
sun was beginning to go down. He thanked Jim for the wonderful day and then
made his way to his own lodgings.


The next few weeks at work offered little chance for the men to talk
extensively. Ships were coming in,crews exchanged, cargoes
inventoried. Connor spent more and more time at the docks. Jim was busy at
the markets,trading the excess goods that they had. Finally, the last river
barges had transferred goods to the big ships and the cargo holds verified
before the ships left. Saturday morning came and there was nothing to
do. Jim called Connor to his office. He was smiling as he closed the last
ledger. "What are you plans?",he asked. Connor had none. Old Jim had come
round with the buggy loaded with fixed foods. Jim and Connor got in and Old
Jim drove them to the lake dock. The three men loaded the food into a small
sailboat. Connor looked up as old Jim got in the buggy to drive away. "Hey,
where is he going?", he yelled at Jim. "Don't worry, just get in the boat"
was Jim's response. They pushed off of the dock, Jim raised the sail, and
maneuvered the boat out into the lake. They sailed for an hour to the
opposite shore. Jim moved the boat into a small bayou and up to a tiny dock
in front of a raised house. "Here we are, my refuge",he said.

Connor looked around. It was an isolated shack built in the fashion of most
bayou houses,raised above the high tide level by four or five feet. They
unloaded the supplies into the house,secured the boat,and went in. It was a
simple one, room affair with a large bed,a table and chairs,wash basin, and
chamber pot. The sleeping porch had a large hammock for 2 persons. It was
surrounded by cloth to keep the insects out. Connor smiled, it was very
comfortable looking. The men went out into the lake for a swim in the
shallow water before getting down to the serious business of catching
dinner- shrimp and crabs. Dinner was boiled in one outside pot with some
potatoes. Old Jim had provided bread,coffee and a bottle of wine. After the
fine meal, they settled on the porch,sitting on the floor with their
wine. They watched the sun set over the lake. There was one oil lamp in the
shack. Connor lit it. Finally,Connor was getting sleepy so he asked where
he was to sleep. Jim looked at him intensely for a few moments. "well,you
can take the bed inside, if you wish but I prefer the cool of the outside.

Connor realized that neither of them had brought any other clothes. He
watched as JIm stripped down,removing everything. Jim had a fine body,
built from working along side his men on the docks. Connor felt a strong
urge down below. After he washed, Jim turned around. " I forgot about
bringing anything to wear. I usually come here alone and stay naked" This
brought Connor out of his daze. He fumbled for words. "That's fine with
me.",he said, not wanting to appear upset. Jim, turned and went out to the
porch. Connor quickly undressed,washed,and emptied the basin, off the
porch. As he turned to go back in he saw Jim laying naked on the hammock
with his wine glass. Connor went in,grabbed his own glass,and retuned to
sit on the porch. He realized that it was very hot inside the shack. They
talked for a while about various things. Finally, Jim said,"You could share
the hammock out here if it's too warm inside. The breeze is cooler here."
Connor thought for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. They
finished the wine. Connor tried to get comfortable in the large hammock
next to Jim. Finally he settled down and turned to speak to JIm. His motion
drew both of them together. There was a tense moment between them before
Connor let his hand move to Jim's shoulder. He shied as Jim shied also. He
looked at Jim's face,his eyes were closed. He began to rub the shoulder he
was holding. Jim moved his hand to Connor's hip and sqweezed it to show his
appreciation. Both were showing signs of their excitement. Nothing was
said, words were not needed at this point. The touching spoke volumes!

Jim opened his eyes and stared into Connor's green eyes. He saw the need
and also the fear there. He moved his hand up to Connor's side. He rubbed
his back for a minute and then spoke. "You needn't do anything. Being just
like this is fine with me. Feeling your hand on mine,seeing your eyes is
enough.",he whispered.

Connor panicked and spoke out, "No,it isn't, not for me. I've known that I
had feelings for you for months now but was afraid to say or do anything
about it." He leaned in to kiss Jim's shoulder. Jim pulled him into his own
body, returning the kiss with one to Connor's neck. "If you want, I'll show
you how men can love. But it won't be just sex, not for me.",Connor
explained. He returned Jim's kiss but on his cheek.

As the night wore on Jim learned many things, most of all that he also had
feelings for Connor. They slept in each other's arms. In the morning they
were awakened by the sounds of the birds. Both men knew that it had not
been a dream! They also knew that life was about to change for them. Later
in the day they returned to the dock, Old Jim was thre waiting for
them. How did he know to be there? He looked at Jim with questioning
eyes. Jim smiled and pointed across the lake to the cabin. There, on top of
the house was a small blue flag. A man with a telescope could see it from
the shore clearly. Connor had not noticed it before.

Over the weeks Connor spent more and more time at Jim's house. After six
months and many discussions it was decided that Connor should move next
door to Jim. M. Herbert owned the other house which Connor rented. There
was a connecting gate in the back. Old Jim moved into Connor's house so
that he could take care of both places. Sundays at the plantation saw all 3
men there often. M. Herbert grew to appreciate Connor's skills in the
office and also the new happiness of his son. Jim felt whole at
last. Connor felt safe in Jim's arms.


Ok, this one was started in 2000 on a trip to visit my family in New
Orleans and is just saw the light of day 15 years later. There is little
overt sex as befits the time, plus you can let your imagination work that
out. If you enjoyed it consider a donation to nifty at nifty.org. Comments
welcomed at; jaskejr@hotmail.com