We spent the following two days running endless errands in preparation for our journey. I went to the dentist and had my broken gold teeth replaced with new gold teeth, which I charged to the Desire plantation. Then I hocked an array of precious objects I had stolen from the Desire plantation. I accompanied the mother and daughter to various Creole clothiers, buying dresses and luggage and such provisions as would be needed for their journey, all of which I charged to the Desire plantation. And I bought a small hammer, which I also charged to the Desire plantation. The morning of our departure, we returned to our rooms after breakfast and I told the women the time had come for their escape to freedom. I took all the money Desire had given me and placed it on the table beside the window. I removed my wedding ring, signet ring, and fob watch and did the same. I took my old gold teeth and added them to the loot, piling all these riches together. All this, I said, was theirs, and they were greatly pleased.

“Before I grant you your freedom,” I said, “there is one small matter we must attend to, after which you will be free to go.” I turned to the mother. “Berthe,” I said, “I would like you to leave me alone with your daughter for a short while.”

Berthe looked at me pleadingly, tears filling her eyes.

“I insist upon it,” I replied. “I cannot let you go until you grant me an hour alone with your daughter. I promise you nothing untoward will occur.”

Berthe let out a single sob before regaining her composure. She looked sorrowfully at her daughter, whose eyes returned the look with just as much sorrow.

“Please, Maman,” said Jeanne, her voice shaking, “do what monsieur asks.” The women embraced and Berthe, with a heavy sigh and tears trailing down her cheeks, left. Jeanne was standing in the middle of the room with an expression that betrayed no feeling. I took my last bottle of laudanum in hand and swallowed its contents.