𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄:
French Quarter Gossip
(1790)

CW: Bigotry and Racism

NO ONE WOULD DARE TO QUESTION an action of a grieving widow. At least, that would be what Genesis would like to think. Also, the Governor of New Orleans passed a law that forbade women of color from displaying excessive attention to dress in the streets of New Orleans in 1786.

It's why she's even dressed the way she is now.

A black dress made of luxurious silk. Featuring a modest and elegant silhouette tailored to fit her body. It has a high neckline, long sleeves, and a cuff made of black lace with jet beading. The skirt includes the slim and columnar empire silhouette.

She wore a black bonnet of silk adorned with black feathers along a black crepe veil made of sheer fabric covering her face, extending down to the shoulders. Along with accessories designed with fossilized black coal-like gemstones. With black gloves made of fine kid leather that reach her wrist.

Even in a pretend grieving state,Genesis would like to emphasize elegance, simplicity, and the somberness of mourning with sophistication. She doesn't care about the law, as far as it forbids and suppresses people of color just because white women feel threatened by their beauty.

Besides, no one wants to hear such dreadful and sorrowful thoughts of a woman whose husband has just died. A mere glance at her attire would make people part their way for her like Abraham did in the bible when he parted the sea. They avoided her like their life depended on it.

It is pretty hilarious.

That means Genesis could easily make her way around the French Quarter without anyone disturbing her, mainly because of her skin color. Of course, before she left home, she cast a spell that would make her slightly unnoticed. The French Quarter, with its narrow streets, charming courtyards, and balconied buildings, is full of lingering witches. Genesis wanted no trouble, at least for now.

Why is she roaming about in the French Quarter? To begin the 7-step plan, what else could she do in her spare time?

Or just familiarize herself with where she decided to take residence. To begin with, it is nothing like Paris whatsoever. The fresh breeze of the air is what really differs between both cities. The farming fields still dominate the area, unlike in Paris, where building constructions are seen everywhere.

Agriculture is one of the highlighted qualities of Louisiana. Fishing and farming are the sources of the city's income because of its trading ports along the Mississippi River, which are connected to the Gulf of Mexico. They became a bustling hub for trade and commerce.

Genesis thinks that New Orleans is slowly growing on her.

Also, the magnificent mansion she recently took residency in. Genesis wonders if she can persuade Jean to give her the land title or buy the house from him. She can easily give him the amount he is willing to set, maybe even double it. Genesis wants the house to be hers, so a trip to Paris soon will do the trick.

Genesis settled on a little coffeehouse in the French Quarter. This is an excellent place to observe; coffeehouses are the main meeting area of locals, where there are women, and gossip follows. And what do these women always talk about instead of daily house chores? Bachelors, of course, rakes, gentlemen, and the like.

Now, Genesis does not participate in gossip; it's merely entertaining. How one group gossips about and then the other gossips–with the same conversation, just a different side of the story. She couldn't really help it, but she enhanced hearing and all.

Genesis guesses it's the same old gossip for the week.

A baron impregnated his maid—the biggest scandal of the season, Genesis assumes.

A blossoming match between a debutant and a gentleman from a beautiful background full of wealth with the ability to pay the dowry.

The newest guest resident of the French Quarter in Monsieur Jean's mansion.

Of course, the widow that is wondering about the French Quarter—newest gossip. They are rather curious, and Genesis can feel their curious and pitiful gazes and their loud thoughts of who the grieving woman is.

And the one gossip she especially focused on.

The white French woman whispers beside her friend in French, "I have heard that one of the brothers, the gentleman? Monsieur Elijah Mikaelson is entertaining a woman in the Quarter."

"Oui. The black woman is just by the brothels. A harlot she is, rats in the Quarter. I wonder if she spiked his drink with a love potion. No gentleman like Monsieur Elijah would ever pursue a woman with the likes of her." Her friend replies with spite and jealousy in her tone. Genesis rolls her eyes at the use of their

"A love potion? You're still on about that woman being a witch?" The woman asks her friend in a hushed voice, looking at her surroundings, hoping that no one has heard what her friend said.

Of course, they have suspicions of witches in New Orleans. It's basically the main residency of every supernatural being. The werewolves in the Bayou, the witches that do their spellcraft and rituals in the French Quarter cemetery, and the Vampires—the Mikaelsons at the Governor's mansion, they don't really know that, as far as Genesis is aware of, the humans in the French Quarter are only aware of the witches and the spotting of werewolves in the Bayou.

"Everyone in the French Quarter knows that every black woman here is a witch. I'm doubting the Governor's competence because of his lack of concern." The friend scoffs, rolling her eyes. Genesis grits her teeth, silently seething; that woman has really made herself comfortable with saying the word–if Genesis could only have one moment with the woman, she wouldn't be able to talk for the rest of her life.

The woman hums as she sips her tea, "You know the Governor has his hands full with his guests. You should be questioning the Mayor."

Does the Governor have his hands full with the Mikaelsons? Of course, Kol's stories about his family show they are a handful, but what story did they falsely weave for the Governor to give them his undivided attention? She ought to ask Juliette about the Mikaelsons.

"I suppose." Her friend shrugs. "These politicians only care about power and money."

"Our opinions will only do us no good."

Genesis decided that their conversation was no longer of use to her. She stood up from her booth; she didn't order anything, so the owner let her slip away. Afraid that the widow in black might weep in his arms. Closing the coffeehouse's door behind her. She walked on the sidewalk, observing her surroundings.

The French Quarter is truly a sight for sore eyes. The streets of the French Quarter were narrow and winding, reflecting the organic development of the district. She passed by Borbon Street, a buzzing hub of social activities. Place d'Armes is the central gathering point and a focal point of the French Quarter. The Royal Street, with its fine shops and elegant housing, and a few streets passed by with magnificent housings with French and Spanish architectural designs.

Jean's mansion is on the city's outskirts and after a long, satisfying walk. Genesis walked up to her front garden, designed as a private courtyard, enclosed by high brick walls draped in vibrant ivy, offering a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The charming cobblestone pathway meanders through the garden.

The air in the garden is perfumed with the lovely scents of blooming flowers. Gardenia and wisteria vines climb the walls, releasing their sweet fragrance into the warm air. As the day transitions into the evening, the garden is bathed in a warm, flickering glow cast by the candlelights along the pathways.

The butler is already waiting for her as she informs him that she will return at this hour.

"My lady." Don greets with a half bow. Dressed in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt and a black tie, their hair was neatly combed, and they sported a well-groomed mustache.

"Don," Genesis responds with a nod as he opens the giant door made from rich, dark mahogany wood, which has been polished to a lustrous sheen.

"Did you have a nice stroll in the French Quarter?" Don asks in French as Genesis hums. She removed the black veil from her head and folded it in her arms.

"I did. It's quite refreshing."

"I must say, my lady. It's very wise to avoid unwanted exchanges with your attire." Don commends as he shuts the door behind them, following Genesis.

"I never did like being the new person in such an old city, Don." Genesis grins at him, Don chuckles, and she asks him where Juliette is. He replied and informed her that Juliette was in the kitchen and had left her alone.

The dominant feature of the kitchen is the massive hearth, an impressive structure crafted from sturdy stone brick, stretching from one end of the kitchen to the other.

The long wooden work tables are laden with abundant ingredients: baskets of farm-fresh vegetables, barrels of flour and sugar, jars of spices, and fragrant herbs gathered from the garden just outside the kitchen back door.

The kitchen boasts an array of specialized tools and utensils. Copper pots and pans hang from a sturdy rack suspended from the ceiling, reflecting the glow of the fire below. Wooden rolling pins, brass ladles, and silver-plated serving spoons rest neatly on a shelf.

Large wooden cupboards with intricately carved doors line the walls, and there is an impressive collection of fine china and delicate crystal glassware. Neatly stacked plates, shining silverware, and sparkling glass goblets.

Genesis sees Juliette enjoying a glass of wine, leaning on the wooden tables, chatting with the cook preparing for their dinner. When Juliette saw her, she poured Genesis a glass of wine.

"Good evening, Juliette, Belinda." Genesis greets her with a smile as she stands opposite Juliette. Juliette raises her glass and drinks the wine, and Belinda halts her movements of chopping and mincing ingredients.

"My lady." Belinda gives her a throaty chuckle. An old black woman is wearing her usual attire, a plain loose dress, and a brown apron. It's been a few weeks since she arrived, and Genesis instantly gained the trust of the staff member at Jean's mansion. Comfortable enough to move around her and treat her respectfully.

Genesis wants to know about the Mikaelsons, so she asks them. Belinda answered without removing her attention from her cooking, clicking her tongue on the roof of her tongue, "Ma Cherie, they are nothing but trouble. Monsieur Niklaus is a womanizer, and Monsieur Elijah is questionably a reasonable gentleman, but there is more than what meets the eyes, oui?"

Juliette released a 'tsk' "You must know, my lady, that the brothers Niklaus and Elijah are devilishly handsome. Charming in their own ways, dare I say, they are the most wanted bachelor in Louisiana. Mama's in the ton practically offer their daughters to them on a silver platter."

"I couldn't agree more." Belinda released an amused sound.

Genesis's curiosity intensified. "Why is that?"

"Not only are they handsome, but they are also sinfully wealthy. The Governor is delighted and honored to host a royal family from England." Juliette shrugs as she takes another sip of her wine, sneakingly snatching cheese from Belinda's cutting board. Belinda lightly slaps her hand and gives Juliette a scolding look.

Genesis softly laughed at their antics. She is quite impressed with the lies they planted. A royal family from England. How creative of them—creative enough for the French Quarter to worship their every move.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

━━ I am establishing a new rule that I won't update any chapters until the previous chapter I posted isn't receiving the amount of attention/hype (comments & votes) I would have preferred, so this time I know that ya'll actually want to read my updates. This might get a weekly update if I am satisfied with the feedback!

━━ Also, please tell me if anyone will be offended with the N-word used in the dialogues by the racist white women and I'll remove it. Please just tell me respectfully!