“Independence Day”- an AU civil war story
Okay, I know I’m nuts, but I’m going to try this. It’s an AU Civil War story. I really love writing historical fiction. I’ve written historical fiction stories and modern ones, but never taken modern characters back in time. So, if you’re game, I guess we’ll try this together.
The news her mother had just given her had struck like a gust of cold air and taken Sue Thomas’ breath away. Slamming the piano closed, she jumped to her feet and glared at her mother sedately seated on a velvet loveseat. “You just can’t send her away! I won’t let you!” She bit her lip, refusing to let the threatening tears fall.
“You’d better control your tongue young lady,” her mother warned. “And I will do as I wish with those in our employ.”
“Employ? Is that what you call it?” she hissed.
“You have made your position on slavery quite clear,” Mrs. Thomas stated flatly as she picked up her needlework. “Your father may allow you to speak your opinions so openly, but I do not, and you know we have always paid our servants well.”
“Well enough for them to survive, but never leave,” Sue muttered and her mother shot her another warning. “Mother, how can you send her of all people away? She’s like my sister.”
Carla dropped the needlework back into the basket and exhaled in exasperation. “Susan, you are being melodramatic. Lucy is not your sister. She’s your chamber maid. I admit you are obviously fond of her, but perhaps you’ve become much too dependent on her.” She paused to give her words weight, but Sue remained unmoved. “You need to realize your place. Besides, with your brothers and father all gone to Richmond to fight the Rebels in the war, we cannot afford to feed everyone. The Lelands are willing to take on Lucy to care for their son who recently came home injured. I assured them she is a good nurse even if she is a bit head strong.”
Sue cringed at her mother’s description of her best friend. “And when he’s healed?”
“I will discuss Lucy’s permanent placement with Mrs. Leland at that time.”
“Mother, she is not some trinket to be passed around at your bidding! Have you asked her if she wants to go?”
“Susan, don’t be ridiculous.” She picked up the needlework and began to make meticulous stitches. Without looking up, she added, “I suggest you go say your good byes. Lucy leaves in the morning.”
Full Version: Independence Day - Oreolover
RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2006 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2006 Summer Blockbuster Challenge
Great start! Looking forward to more!
That was a wonderful start, Lorna! I love AU stories!! Can't wait for more! 
Maybe I'm nuts too, cos I'm game. So far so good.
i'm game for an AU with our fave team
cath
cath
QUOTE(learningtosign @ Jun 21 2006, 06:37 AM)
i'm game for an AU with our fave team
cath
cath
Me too!!! I'm all set to go!!
Jenny
I'm game for any story you write!
Chapter 1
"Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history." ~Abraham Lincoln, 1862
“Would you like a book?” Tara Williams offered the soldiers in the Confederate Libby Prison. She came there twice a week and offered them books, blankets, medicine, and muffins, and they offered her tidbits of information that she secretly passed on to the Union commanders. She eyed the two newest prisoners. “How about a muffin?” She held out the treat to the one who appeared taller. His dark haired friend dozed beside him. She noticed they were both seated on the filthy floor, propped against the damp wall.
The tall one flashed her a dimpled grin and reached out with his dirty hand to accept the muffin. “Thanks, sheila.”
She recognized the captain’s insignia on the shirt of the dark haired man beside him, dozing. “Hey, mate, we’ve got a visitor,” the dimpled man said nudging his friend.
He raised his head and coughed. It sounded like a deep congested cough, Tara thought. She knew he wouldn’t last long in here. Warm brown eyes met hers and he smiled. The rosy color of his cheeks hinted at a fever. “This is quite a surprise,” he managed before coughing again.
“What unit are you two from?” she whispered.
“Massachusetts Fourth Calvary, ma’am,” the one with the accent volunteered.
The guard approached. “You know the rules, Miss Williams. Just pass out your stuff and get moving. No chatting.”
“Sorry, Lieutenant. I was just welcoming the newcomers.”
He placed a hand on her arm. “Move along now.”
She shook his hand loose, but smiled at the sergeant flirtatiously. “Give me a minute here, please. I promise I won’t be long.”
“Just save me a muffin, Sweety,” he said with a wink. She rolled her eyes as he left, and then reached into her large basket. “Here’s a blanket, a book, and bottle of cough elixir. I’ll be back in a couple of days. May God bless you both.” She pressed the last of her muffins into their hands and hurried away.
<center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
Vaulted ceilings made everything in the large room echo hollowly. Lucy couldn’t help but notice the sound the soles of her boots made on the wood floor. She paused to smooth her hands over her serviceable white apron before approaching the man in the bed.
“Don’t just stand there,” he suddenly said, turning his face towards her. “I’m parched.”
She hurried to his bedside and poured him a cup of water. “Here ya are.”
“Here I am, what?”
“Here’s your glass of water.”
“Here’s my glass of water, what?”
“Here’s your glass of water. Do you want cookies, too?”
“Cookies, too, SIR.”
“Oh….I git it. You want me to call you sir.”
“Get it.”
“I git it now, sir.”
“Are you always so difficult?” he groaned.
“No so that Sue noticed. Me and her got along fine.”
“She and I,” he habitually corrected. “Mother said you were Miss Thomas’ chamber maid.”
“Yes, sir, and now I’m to be your nurse. She gave me this list here of things to do for you everyday.” Lucy pulled the neatly folded paper from her pocket and smoothed it out flat on the bed stand.
“You read?” he asked, incredulously.
“ ’Course I read. Sue taught me.”
“Miss Thomas,” he corrected. “And did she happen to teach you your place in the world?”
“My place?” Lucy eased his head up from the pillow, fluffed it, and lowered him back down. “My place has always been with the Thomas’. They’re good people, least Mr. Thomas is. Sue’s deaf, you know, but she can read your lips if you’re looking at her. Sue’s an angel. My momma said God sent her as an angel just for me.”
He shot her a look of disgust. Had this girl not been taught a thing about the proper etiquette of a servant addressing her employer? How could she rattle on and on? “I can see I have my work cut out for me.”
“No, sir. You aren’t doing any work. I’m here to make sure you rest and heal. Soon as you’re better, I can git back to Sue. Now, let’s take a look at those bandages that I need to change.”
<center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
The buggy jostled the empty basket on the seat and it tumbled to the floor. Tara ignored it as she sped along. If she didn’t get back before dark, it would raise suspicion. As it was, she was taking a chance. Young women did not ride unaccompanied through the South during the war. Still, she had to get news to Major Thomas about the two men.
Two Confederate soldiers blocked the road up ahead. She slowed her horses to a trot and took a deep breath. “Just stay calm,” she told herself as she pulled up beside the men.
“Well, well, well, what’s a pretty little thing like you doing out here?”
Tara sat up straight and drawled. “My aunt is ill. She lives down the road a spell. I really need to get to her.”
“What’s your name?” he asked as he took hold of the horse’s harness.
“Tara Williams.” She adjusted the wild hat on her head. It sported too many colors and too many feathers, but she loved it.
“Then, why don’t I just escort you there, ma’am? You can’t be too careful with those Yanks around.”
“Oh, no, that’s not necessary, sir, although it’s very kind of you to offer. If I hurry, I’ll make it in time to fix her supper. Like I said, it’s just down this road.”
The soldier kept hold of the horses harness with his right hand. With his left, he took off his cap and slapped the dust off it on his thigh. He seemed to be studying her, waiting to decide if she was telling the truth. Tara kept her face blank of the guilt she felt.
“Alright,” he finally acquiesced, “but if you need any help, I can’t promise we’ll hear you.”
Tara laughed slightly. “Me? In trouble? I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
"Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history." ~Abraham Lincoln, 1862
“Would you like a book?” Tara Williams offered the soldiers in the Confederate Libby Prison. She came there twice a week and offered them books, blankets, medicine, and muffins, and they offered her tidbits of information that she secretly passed on to the Union commanders. She eyed the two newest prisoners. “How about a muffin?” She held out the treat to the one who appeared taller. His dark haired friend dozed beside him. She noticed they were both seated on the filthy floor, propped against the damp wall.
The tall one flashed her a dimpled grin and reached out with his dirty hand to accept the muffin. “Thanks, sheila.”
She recognized the captain’s insignia on the shirt of the dark haired man beside him, dozing. “Hey, mate, we’ve got a visitor,” the dimpled man said nudging his friend.
He raised his head and coughed. It sounded like a deep congested cough, Tara thought. She knew he wouldn’t last long in here. Warm brown eyes met hers and he smiled. The rosy color of his cheeks hinted at a fever. “This is quite a surprise,” he managed before coughing again.
“What unit are you two from?” she whispered.
“Massachusetts Fourth Calvary, ma’am,” the one with the accent volunteered.
The guard approached. “You know the rules, Miss Williams. Just pass out your stuff and get moving. No chatting.”
“Sorry, Lieutenant. I was just welcoming the newcomers.”
He placed a hand on her arm. “Move along now.”
She shook his hand loose, but smiled at the sergeant flirtatiously. “Give me a minute here, please. I promise I won’t be long.”
“Just save me a muffin, Sweety,” he said with a wink. She rolled her eyes as he left, and then reached into her large basket. “Here’s a blanket, a book, and bottle of cough elixir. I’ll be back in a couple of days. May God bless you both.” She pressed the last of her muffins into their hands and hurried away.
<center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
Vaulted ceilings made everything in the large room echo hollowly. Lucy couldn’t help but notice the sound the soles of her boots made on the wood floor. She paused to smooth her hands over her serviceable white apron before approaching the man in the bed.
“Don’t just stand there,” he suddenly said, turning his face towards her. “I’m parched.”
She hurried to his bedside and poured him a cup of water. “Here ya are.”
“Here I am, what?”
“Here’s your glass of water.”
“Here’s my glass of water, what?”
“Here’s your glass of water. Do you want cookies, too?”
“Cookies, too, SIR.”
“Oh….I git it. You want me to call you sir.”
“Get it.”
“I git it now, sir.”
“Are you always so difficult?” he groaned.
“No so that Sue noticed. Me and her got along fine.”
“She and I,” he habitually corrected. “Mother said you were Miss Thomas’ chamber maid.”
“Yes, sir, and now I’m to be your nurse. She gave me this list here of things to do for you everyday.” Lucy pulled the neatly folded paper from her pocket and smoothed it out flat on the bed stand.
“You read?” he asked, incredulously.
“ ’Course I read. Sue taught me.”
“Miss Thomas,” he corrected. “And did she happen to teach you your place in the world?”
“My place?” Lucy eased his head up from the pillow, fluffed it, and lowered him back down. “My place has always been with the Thomas’. They’re good people, least Mr. Thomas is. Sue’s deaf, you know, but she can read your lips if you’re looking at her. Sue’s an angel. My momma said God sent her as an angel just for me.”
He shot her a look of disgust. Had this girl not been taught a thing about the proper etiquette of a servant addressing her employer? How could she rattle on and on? “I can see I have my work cut out for me.”
“No, sir. You aren’t doing any work. I’m here to make sure you rest and heal. Soon as you’re better, I can git back to Sue. Now, let’s take a look at those bandages that I need to change.”
<center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
The buggy jostled the empty basket on the seat and it tumbled to the floor. Tara ignored it as she sped along. If she didn’t get back before dark, it would raise suspicion. As it was, she was taking a chance. Young women did not ride unaccompanied through the South during the war. Still, she had to get news to Major Thomas about the two men.
Two Confederate soldiers blocked the road up ahead. She slowed her horses to a trot and took a deep breath. “Just stay calm,” she told herself as she pulled up beside the men.
“Well, well, well, what’s a pretty little thing like you doing out here?”
Tara sat up straight and drawled. “My aunt is ill. She lives down the road a spell. I really need to get to her.”
“What’s your name?” he asked as he took hold of the horse’s harness.
“Tara Williams.” She adjusted the wild hat on her head. It sported too many colors and too many feathers, but she loved it.
“Then, why don’t I just escort you there, ma’am? You can’t be too careful with those Yanks around.”
“Oh, no, that’s not necessary, sir, although it’s very kind of you to offer. If I hurry, I’ll make it in time to fix her supper. Like I said, it’s just down this road.”
The soldier kept hold of the horses harness with his right hand. With his left, he took off his cap and slapped the dust off it on his thigh. He seemed to be studying her, waiting to decide if she was telling the truth. Tara kept her face blank of the guilt she felt.
“Alright,” he finally acquiesced, “but if you need any help, I can’t promise we’ll hear you.”
Tara laughed slightly. “Me? In trouble? I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
You posted while I was posting!
Love your post! Who's the man with Bobby? And we haven't seen D or Jack yet...right?
Love your post! Who's the man with Bobby? And we haven't seen D or Jack yet...right?
woohoo another post
methinks the man with bobby is jack and he doesn't sound too healthy
cath
methinks the man with bobby is jack and he doesn't sound too healthy
cath
I am so ADDICTED!!!!!!!
please post more soon.......
please post more soon.......
Chapter 2
"Dear Henry, I feel more lonely and sad than I have been in some time.... Oh! that I knew what the termination of this awful conflict would be. Henry, I want to see you, but don't you come. Join for the War if 'tis forty years. If you get killed, 'tis the most honorable death. If you escape I will rejoice. I love thee still." --Mollie Vanderberg
Nights at the Confederate Libby Prison descended like a dark cloud. In the faint light of guard’s lanterns, the prisoners looked even gaunter. Deep hollows shadowed their cheeks and the tattered uniforms hung loosely on their prone bodies. Bobby Manning swallowed hard when he realized that after was there for a while; he’d be a mere ghost of his former self as well.
Shivering, he readjusted the blanket around his friend, Captain Jack Hudson, and tried to find a comfortable position on the wood floor. To Bobby’s relief, the cough elixir that Miss Williams had given them had helped Jack finally get to sleep. His mate’s breathing labored on, and he had to admit that the occasional rattle in Jack’s chest unnerved him. He wished they could have gotten one of the cots, but those went to those who’d been there long enough to earn them. At least they were next to the door. Given a chance, Bobby knew he could do wonders with that lock.
Shifting again, he bumped the book Miss Williams had brought. She had been like a breath of fresh air, bubbly and sweet. He chuckled remembering her hat. He hadn’t seen one so large on such a small frame. She was smart, too. He could see it in her eyes and after she’d left, he’d found a note baked in his muffin. It told them to place dots under the letters in the book if there was message they needed to get out. He was sure she could decode the words.
“But there’s no pencil,” Jack had whispered.
Bobby had opened the blanket and felt along the hem. Sure enough, one was tucked into the seam. When they were sure no one was watching, Jack had carefully marked the letters in the book with the information they desperately needed to get to Major Thomas, and had then slipped the pencil back into the hem of the quilt.
Jack coughed in his sleep and Bobby grimaced. Jack had to make it. He didn’t know what he’d do without the friendship of the man beside him. They’d been inseparable since they met on the warf in Boston. Bobby had been working on his father’s ship, and Jack had gone down to the pier to pick up some relatives. A scuffle broke out on the docks and Bobby had literally crashed at Jack’s feet. Jack had come to his aid and defense. In the next few days, their friendship cemented. By the time the war broke out, they decided to volunteer together.
He let his mind wonder and again Miss Williams’ pretty face filled his thoughts. He smiled. She said she’d be back. After she left, he’d heard one of the men say she was a regular angel. He couldn’t help but wonder how many of the men were dreaming about her. The jealous thought that surfaced surprised him. He pushed it aside and, regulating his breathing, finally allowed sleep to claim him.
<center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
Dearest Lucy,
You have only been gone for two days, but I already miss you horribly. With Daddy and boys already gone, having only my mother’s company in almost unbearable. You know I love her, but we simply cannot speak without riffling one another. She refuses to open her eyes to what is going on in our country. Maybe it is easier for her to think of Daddy being gone on a social visit to Uncle Henry’s in Atlanta than to realize he’s fighting in a war.
Levi misses you, too. He has moped for three days, sniffing at your chair, lying his head on your bed, and whining at me. Mother said I was being ridiculous when I mentioned how he was acting about your absence. She said, “Dogs do not have those kind of feelings.” But you and I know, don’t we?
I’m sorry for going on so about my life when it is yours that has been so unceremoniously shaken. Is the Leland’s son mending well under your care? Does he realize how blessed he is to have such a capable nurse? I’m sure you make him smile and laugh all day.
Remember when I had that catarrh, and you sat on my bed and told me stories that had me giggling so hard I completely forgot about how wretched I felt. You are truly a gift from God, my friend.
Today, I am going to the Women’s Christian Commission to see how I can help with the war effort (unless Mother somehow guesses what I’m up to). I will tell her I’m going to town to post this letter. I hope you don’t mind me using this letter that way. I keep reminding myself you are really not that far away – only a couple of hours – but right now it might as well be a hundred miles. Did I tell you I miss you?
With warmest friendship,
Sue
Lucy tucked the letter back in her pocket when she heard Myles Leland the Third bellow. “I’m coming,” she mumbled.
“What were you just reading at the door?” he demanded.
“I received a letter from Sue. I thought you were sleeping,” she said sweetly. Even the few days she’d been there, she’d learned to be at his beck and call or suffer his wrath. She hated the feeling of cowering at his voice so every morning she’d given herself a little lecture that Sue had often given her. She could hear Sue voice, “The Bible does say to speak the truth, Lucy, but it also says to do so in love.” Lucy determined she’d speak the truth – in love - if it killed her.
“Well, I’m awake. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Did you need something already?” She knew her voice had an edge to it, so she quickly added, “sir.” Then a faint smile graced her lips as she removed his breakfast tray from his lap.
Myles glared at the young women’s impudence, but then caught the twinkle in her eye. Even he had to admit she was lovely, the white kerchief over her hair accenting the smooth mahogany skin on her face. In the last few days he’d grown used to her incessant conversation as she ministered to his needs. The wound in his leg was gradually healing, and she’d been exceptionally gentle with its care even when his words had been less than kind. “I thought you could read to me.”
“You want me to read to you?”
“You said you could read.”
“I can, but . . .”
“Then, start with this.” After she had retired for the evening, he’d asked another servant to bring him The Woman in White. He had made the selection carefully. At first he’d thought of Chaucer or Faust, but feared they’d bore her. Then, he’d considered Shakespeare, thinking that a comedy would be entertaining. He’d dismissed that ideas not wanting to chose something too difficult. Finally, he’d select Wilkie Collins. It was a new book, only published a few years earlier in England, and he surmised that Lucy would enjoy the thrilling, mysterious, and sometimes even frightening story.
Lucy’s hands shook as she accepted the book. She’d never read for anyone except Sue. She settled in the chair and ran her hand over the leather binding.
“You can’t read it, if you don’t open the cover,” Myles prodded gently.
Lucy took a deep breath, peeled back the cover, and began. At first, her nervousness made her falter over the words, but soon the story of the art master Walter Hartright, encountering a mysterious woman dressed all in white on a moonlit road in Hampstead had her enthralled. She didn’t notice Myles smiling at her when she read about the woman warnings to Hartright about a certain Baronet.
“She may have escaped from an asylum?” she suddenly gasped.
Myles chuckled. Lucy hadn’t heard him laugh before and she liked the deep, melodious sound. “I’ve never read anything like this,” she admitted.
“Nor had I. It’s a new genre called sensational. It’s not my normal style, but I thought you’d enjoy it.”
“Then you already know the ending? You’ve read it before?”
“Yes, but I don’t remember the ending, and I’m enjoying it much more hearing you read it. You read quite well, and you make the woman in white come to life.”
She blushed at the complement and closed the book. “Well, since I can't read it all in one day, I guess we’d better stop for now so I can change your dressings. You need to get up and try to walk today, too.”
“It’s too soon,” he said, dismissively.
“No, it’s not.” Lucy was firm, but kind. “We’ll just walk to this chair, so I can change the sheets on your bed -- sir. And before you dig your heels in, just realize that I can be just as stubborn as you.”
“Of that, Lucy Dodson, I have no doubt.”
"Dear Henry, I feel more lonely and sad than I have been in some time.... Oh! that I knew what the termination of this awful conflict would be. Henry, I want to see you, but don't you come. Join for the War if 'tis forty years. If you get killed, 'tis the most honorable death. If you escape I will rejoice. I love thee still." --Mollie Vanderberg
Nights at the Confederate Libby Prison descended like a dark cloud. In the faint light of guard’s lanterns, the prisoners looked even gaunter. Deep hollows shadowed their cheeks and the tattered uniforms hung loosely on their prone bodies. Bobby Manning swallowed hard when he realized that after was there for a while; he’d be a mere ghost of his former self as well.
Shivering, he readjusted the blanket around his friend, Captain Jack Hudson, and tried to find a comfortable position on the wood floor. To Bobby’s relief, the cough elixir that Miss Williams had given them had helped Jack finally get to sleep. His mate’s breathing labored on, and he had to admit that the occasional rattle in Jack’s chest unnerved him. He wished they could have gotten one of the cots, but those went to those who’d been there long enough to earn them. At least they were next to the door. Given a chance, Bobby knew he could do wonders with that lock.
Shifting again, he bumped the book Miss Williams had brought. She had been like a breath of fresh air, bubbly and sweet. He chuckled remembering her hat. He hadn’t seen one so large on such a small frame. She was smart, too. He could see it in her eyes and after she’d left, he’d found a note baked in his muffin. It told them to place dots under the letters in the book if there was message they needed to get out. He was sure she could decode the words.
“But there’s no pencil,” Jack had whispered.
Bobby had opened the blanket and felt along the hem. Sure enough, one was tucked into the seam. When they were sure no one was watching, Jack had carefully marked the letters in the book with the information they desperately needed to get to Major Thomas, and had then slipped the pencil back into the hem of the quilt.
Jack coughed in his sleep and Bobby grimaced. Jack had to make it. He didn’t know what he’d do without the friendship of the man beside him. They’d been inseparable since they met on the warf in Boston. Bobby had been working on his father’s ship, and Jack had gone down to the pier to pick up some relatives. A scuffle broke out on the docks and Bobby had literally crashed at Jack’s feet. Jack had come to his aid and defense. In the next few days, their friendship cemented. By the time the war broke out, they decided to volunteer together.
He let his mind wonder and again Miss Williams’ pretty face filled his thoughts. He smiled. She said she’d be back. After she left, he’d heard one of the men say she was a regular angel. He couldn’t help but wonder how many of the men were dreaming about her. The jealous thought that surfaced surprised him. He pushed it aside and, regulating his breathing, finally allowed sleep to claim him.
<center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
Dearest Lucy,
You have only been gone for two days, but I already miss you horribly. With Daddy and boys already gone, having only my mother’s company in almost unbearable. You know I love her, but we simply cannot speak without riffling one another. She refuses to open her eyes to what is going on in our country. Maybe it is easier for her to think of Daddy being gone on a social visit to Uncle Henry’s in Atlanta than to realize he’s fighting in a war.
Levi misses you, too. He has moped for three days, sniffing at your chair, lying his head on your bed, and whining at me. Mother said I was being ridiculous when I mentioned how he was acting about your absence. She said, “Dogs do not have those kind of feelings.” But you and I know, don’t we?
I’m sorry for going on so about my life when it is yours that has been so unceremoniously shaken. Is the Leland’s son mending well under your care? Does he realize how blessed he is to have such a capable nurse? I’m sure you make him smile and laugh all day.
Remember when I had that catarrh, and you sat on my bed and told me stories that had me giggling so hard I completely forgot about how wretched I felt. You are truly a gift from God, my friend.
Today, I am going to the Women’s Christian Commission to see how I can help with the war effort (unless Mother somehow guesses what I’m up to). I will tell her I’m going to town to post this letter. I hope you don’t mind me using this letter that way. I keep reminding myself you are really not that far away – only a couple of hours – but right now it might as well be a hundred miles. Did I tell you I miss you?
With warmest friendship,
Sue
Lucy tucked the letter back in her pocket when she heard Myles Leland the Third bellow. “I’m coming,” she mumbled.
“What were you just reading at the door?” he demanded.
“I received a letter from Sue. I thought you were sleeping,” she said sweetly. Even the few days she’d been there, she’d learned to be at his beck and call or suffer his wrath. She hated the feeling of cowering at his voice so every morning she’d given herself a little lecture that Sue had often given her. She could hear Sue voice, “The Bible does say to speak the truth, Lucy, but it also says to do so in love.” Lucy determined she’d speak the truth – in love - if it killed her.
“Well, I’m awake. I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Did you need something already?” She knew her voice had an edge to it, so she quickly added, “sir.” Then a faint smile graced her lips as she removed his breakfast tray from his lap.
Myles glared at the young women’s impudence, but then caught the twinkle in her eye. Even he had to admit she was lovely, the white kerchief over her hair accenting the smooth mahogany skin on her face. In the last few days he’d grown used to her incessant conversation as she ministered to his needs. The wound in his leg was gradually healing, and she’d been exceptionally gentle with its care even when his words had been less than kind. “I thought you could read to me.”
“You want me to read to you?”
“You said you could read.”
“I can, but . . .”
“Then, start with this.” After she had retired for the evening, he’d asked another servant to bring him The Woman in White. He had made the selection carefully. At first he’d thought of Chaucer or Faust, but feared they’d bore her. Then, he’d considered Shakespeare, thinking that a comedy would be entertaining. He’d dismissed that ideas not wanting to chose something too difficult. Finally, he’d select Wilkie Collins. It was a new book, only published a few years earlier in England, and he surmised that Lucy would enjoy the thrilling, mysterious, and sometimes even frightening story.
Lucy’s hands shook as she accepted the book. She’d never read for anyone except Sue. She settled in the chair and ran her hand over the leather binding.
“You can’t read it, if you don’t open the cover,” Myles prodded gently.
Lucy took a deep breath, peeled back the cover, and began. At first, her nervousness made her falter over the words, but soon the story of the art master Walter Hartright, encountering a mysterious woman dressed all in white on a moonlit road in Hampstead had her enthralled. She didn’t notice Myles smiling at her when she read about the woman warnings to Hartright about a certain Baronet.
“She may have escaped from an asylum?” she suddenly gasped.
Myles chuckled. Lucy hadn’t heard him laugh before and she liked the deep, melodious sound. “I’ve never read anything like this,” she admitted.
“Nor had I. It’s a new genre called sensational. It’s not my normal style, but I thought you’d enjoy it.”
“Then you already know the ending? You’ve read it before?”
“Yes, but I don’t remember the ending, and I’m enjoying it much more hearing you read it. You read quite well, and you make the woman in white come to life.”
She blushed at the complement and closed the book. “Well, since I can't read it all in one day, I guess we’d better stop for now so I can change your dressings. You need to get up and try to walk today, too.”
“It’s too soon,” he said, dismissively.
“No, it’s not.” Lucy was firm, but kind. “We’ll just walk to this chair, so I can change the sheets on your bed -- sir. And before you dig your heels in, just realize that I can be just as stubborn as you.”
“Of that, Lucy Dodson, I have no doubt.”
oh poor Jack and intelligent Tara..... and Bobby is really sweet.....
this is indeed addictive...
this is indeed addictive...
love the way you're weaving this
cath
cath
Wow. Usually I don't like AU stories, but this one is really good. You bring the characters to life in their new time and place perfectly. And the Civil War Era is my second favorite time in history (WW2 is my first. 
)
Great job! Can't wait to see more!
)Great job! Can't wait to see more!
This is fantastic OreoLover!!!!! So amazing how you get inside the heads of the characters and how you applied their normal characters to this new setting. I love it!!!
Jenny
Jenny
I once read a 'West Wing' fic that was placed during the Independence war, so I'm all game with this one! I loved how you write Lucy and Myles and I can't wait to see how you develop B/T and J/S.
Oh boy oh boy oh boy -- I was just going to pm you tonight and whine about you not writing something and here it is! And it's fantastic. It's so well written and I love what you're doing with it. Tara as a spy of sorts is brilliant. And Lucy facing up to Myles . Now does Sue know Jack yet? Because he reports to her father -- or has that all been too far away from home. And I need a history lesson please...not being American. I'm sorto of confused now I think about it. At first I thought that Sue was from the South -- but is she? I guess not or Lucy would have been a slave, not a servant? Anyway, I can never keep Confederate and Union straight. Is this right? Jack and Bobby are Confederate soldiers and since they're from Mass they must be from the North. Mr. Thomas is a major or something and Jack was trying to get a message to him so that means he's confederate too. So Jack and Bobby are prisoners in a Union jail? well of the south? Does that make Tara a southerner who sympathizes with the North? Oy my head is spinning!!!!!! Help!kav
No, Kav, I think Bobby and Jack are Union (north) soldiers in a Confederate (South) prison. Tara is infiltrating the prison as an "angel of mercy" bringing blankets and stuff for the prisoners, but also playing as a spy of sorts, getting word back to the Union army about their soldiers in the prison and carrying messages they might need, etc. If she were to be caught, she could be shot for treason, since she is in Confederate territory.
Or at least, that's the way I'm understanding it. Tell me if I'm wrong.
Or at least, that's the way I'm understanding it. Tell me if I'm wrong.
Thanks Okie -- see I get sooo confused with the Civil War, I can never remember all that! Do you think Tara is from the NOrth or living in the South, but sympathizing with the North, hence the spying?
kav
kav
I think she's living in the south and is a Yankee (Union) sympathizer. There were quite a few of them in that time period.
Egads you threw in another term -- Yankee. My head is spinning 
So Yankees are North -- then what nickname do Southerners have? Yankee Union North = Jack and Bobby Confederate South = probably Tara.
Oreo you better come back and post or this history lesson is going to go on and on and one...who wore the blue coats?
kav
So Yankees are North -- then what nickname do Southerners have? Yankee Union North = Jack and Bobby Confederate South = probably Tara.Oreo you better come back and post or this history lesson is going to go on and on and one...who wore the blue coats?
kav
QUOTE(learningtosign @ Jun 21 2006, 10:18 AM)
love the way you're weaving this
cath
cath
Great posts, Oreolover!
The Confederates wore grey (when they had uniforms) so the Union soldiers would have worn the blue coats. Oreo, are you coming back with more soon? I'm riding out a nasty storm and really need something good to read!!
North= Union= Yankees (Yanks)= Blue Coats
South = Confederates= Rebels= Grey Coats
Hope this helps!
Uh, do you want to know the Generals' names, too?
South = Confederates= Rebels= Grey Coats
Hope this helps!
Uh, do you want to know the Generals' names, too?
Thanks for all of the feedback! Okie, your history lesson is perfect. I should have considered the readers from other countries. I'll try to repost a cheat sheet every once in a while.
Jack and Bobby are Union (North) Calvary officers. They report to Sue's dad. For this story, the Lelands and the Thomas' both live around Boston which make them in the North. Tara is an angel of mercy spy. Her connections will become clear later.
Chapter 3 – Part 1
"War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over." ~ Union General William T. Sherman
Forcing herself not to turn around to see if the guard was still watching her, Tara kept her horse at a steady trot. Too fast and they’d grow suspicious. Too slow and she leave herself open for attack. The number of marauders and bandits practically outnumbered the soldiers in these parts.
Her thoughts turned to the new prisoners and she said a silent prayer for dark haired captain. Between the lack of medical supplies and the deplorable conditions at the prison, he was in trouble. She’d visited often enough to know a cough like his was often a death warrant. The expression on the other man’s face hadn’t gone unnoticed either. Although he joked with his “mate” as he called him, the smile didn’t reach his eyes. And then, there was his touch. Tara’s cheeks flushed at the memory. When she’d passed him the last of the muffins, he’d captured her hand in both of his and squeezed it gently. His eyes conveyed heartfelt appreciation and something else. She’d never felt anything like the current that passed between. She shook her head trying to clear the unsettling feelings. She couldn’t afford to get distracted, especially now. Besides, she didn’t even know their names.
A rustling in the trees to her right startled her and an eerie feeling crept over her. Had she been daydreaming and missed something – or someone? She snapped the reigns and the horse picked up speed. Her destination, a house at the top of the next hill, was in sight. Every nerve on alert, she reached under the seat of the carriage, pulled out the Colt which had belonged to her father, and placed on the seat beside her. He’d taught her how to use it well. Unfortunately, hitting tin cans and logs was a far cry from shooting moving creatures.
A deer darted in front of the horse and it reared. Tara brought her quickly under control. “Easy there, Blossom.”
“You handled that well,” a voice called from behind her. “Now, why don’t you just bring that buggy to a halt before I have to put a bullet through that pretty little bonnet?”
Tara pulled the reigns up short and turned in her seat to face the man on horseback behind her. He wasn’t a soldier for either side. A droopy mustache hung off his upper lip and he wore a hat pulled down nearly over his eyes. Tara met his gaze. “What do you want?”
He adjusted his hat with his free hand. ”Good,” Tara thought taking hold of the Colt, ”he’s underestimating me. He ran his dirty hand down the length of the mustache and smiled, revealing crooked yellow teeth. “Well, I’m not so sure now. I didn’t expect to find such pretty company tonight.”
“And what did you expect?”
“To help myself to that little filly of yours.”
Tara smiled saucily. “She’s not for sale.”
He waved the gun at her. “I wasn’t planning on buying her. Why don’t you just climb on down and we can get to know one another real friendly like?”
<center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
Cheat Sheet
North= Union= Yankees (Yanks)= Blue Coats
South = Confederates= Rebels= Grey Coats
Jack and Bobby are Union (North) Calvary officers. They report to Sue's dad. For this story, the Lelands and the Thomas' both live around Boston which make them in the North. Tara is an angel of mercy spy. Her connections will become clear later.
Chapter 3 – Part 1
"War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over." ~ Union General William T. Sherman
Forcing herself not to turn around to see if the guard was still watching her, Tara kept her horse at a steady trot. Too fast and they’d grow suspicious. Too slow and she leave herself open for attack. The number of marauders and bandits practically outnumbered the soldiers in these parts.
Her thoughts turned to the new prisoners and she said a silent prayer for dark haired captain. Between the lack of medical supplies and the deplorable conditions at the prison, he was in trouble. She’d visited often enough to know a cough like his was often a death warrant. The expression on the other man’s face hadn’t gone unnoticed either. Although he joked with his “mate” as he called him, the smile didn’t reach his eyes. And then, there was his touch. Tara’s cheeks flushed at the memory. When she’d passed him the last of the muffins, he’d captured her hand in both of his and squeezed it gently. His eyes conveyed heartfelt appreciation and something else. She’d never felt anything like the current that passed between. She shook her head trying to clear the unsettling feelings. She couldn’t afford to get distracted, especially now. Besides, she didn’t even know their names.
A rustling in the trees to her right startled her and an eerie feeling crept over her. Had she been daydreaming and missed something – or someone? She snapped the reigns and the horse picked up speed. Her destination, a house at the top of the next hill, was in sight. Every nerve on alert, she reached under the seat of the carriage, pulled out the Colt which had belonged to her father, and placed on the seat beside her. He’d taught her how to use it well. Unfortunately, hitting tin cans and logs was a far cry from shooting moving creatures.
A deer darted in front of the horse and it reared. Tara brought her quickly under control. “Easy there, Blossom.”
“You handled that well,” a voice called from behind her. “Now, why don’t you just bring that buggy to a halt before I have to put a bullet through that pretty little bonnet?”
Tara pulled the reigns up short and turned in her seat to face the man on horseback behind her. He wasn’t a soldier for either side. A droopy mustache hung off his upper lip and he wore a hat pulled down nearly over his eyes. Tara met his gaze. “What do you want?”
He adjusted his hat with his free hand. ”Good,” Tara thought taking hold of the Colt, ”he’s underestimating me. He ran his dirty hand down the length of the mustache and smiled, revealing crooked yellow teeth. “Well, I’m not so sure now. I didn’t expect to find such pretty company tonight.”
“And what did you expect?”
“To help myself to that little filly of yours.”
Tara smiled saucily. “She’s not for sale.”
He waved the gun at her. “I wasn’t planning on buying her. Why don’t you just climb on down and we can get to know one another real friendly like?”
<center>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</center>
Cheat Sheet
North= Union= Yankees (Yanks)= Blue Coats
South = Confederates= Rebels= Grey Coats
Oh, Tara... be careful!!! If you have to use that Colt, make it count!!!
And you're going to leave it here all night? And thanks for the cheat sheet. I can see I'm going to have to take notes. And Okie -- thanks for the tutoring, you'd make a great teacher.kav
Actually, Kav, my major in college used to be for History Education. But around here, most history teachers are also the coaches, and I really didn't want to coach football for a living. 
And I had a few other personal issues at the time, so I dropped out. Now, 16 years later, I'm finally going back to do something in the medical field. Thanks for the compliment, though. 
Oreo, this is terrific! I am thoroughly loving it. I'm glad Tara is ready and armed to take care of any problems. I just hope this guy doesn't have any friends around to help him....
And I had a few other personal issues at the time, so I dropped out. Now, 16 years later, I'm finally going back to do something in the medical field. Thanks for the compliment, though. Oreo, this is terrific! I am thoroughly loving it. I'm glad Tara is ready and armed to take care of any problems. I just hope this guy doesn't have any friends around to help him....
Tara!!!! Keep safe!!!
Chapter 3 – Part 2
Even though it was late March, the morning greeted Sue with only a slight chill. The fresh air and warm sunshine made Sue’s spirit soar. She felt her burdens lift with the breeze as left the post office after sending another letter to Lucy. She then headed for the Women’s Christian Commission. Thankfully, Carla Thomas had accepted Sue’s explanation of needing to mail the letter both the other day and today. It wasn’t that Sue was doing anything wrong, but she knew her mother would still disapprove.
Alma Gray, a round-faced middle aged woman, welcomed her warmly when Sue entered the small storefront headquarters on one of the side streets. “Sue, you’re back. Are you still considering a field placement?”
“It’s all I’ve thought about,” Sue admitted as she took a seat across from Alma. “But I have to tell you up front that I can’t cook, not much anyway. Are you sure you could use me somewhere?”
Alma laughed softly. “Well, honey, we do more than feed the patients in the field hospitals even though that is one of our primary goals. We need ladies to serve in the wards, too.”
“What do they do there?”
“Oh, read to the men, help feed the ones who can’t do it for themselves, pass out tracts, write letters for the men, sometimes change bandages, help them become mobile again, and most of all pray for and with them.”
“At least I could do that.” Sue fiddled with the fringe on her reticule as she battled with the decision. “My father is near Richmond in the Calvary. Is there a hospital nearby that could use my help?”
Alma shuffled through a stack of papers, pulled one out, and studied it. “Yes, as a matter of fact there is. Apparently the hospital there is quite short staffed on nurses. They could use all the help they can get.” Alma notices Sue’s eyes light with the news. Then just as suddenly, Sue’s countenance clouded. “But Sue, first I need to know one thing. Why do you really want to do this? Is it to get away from home or to see your dad?”
Sue said a silent prayer that she could find the truth inside of herself. ”The truth will set you free,”His silent voice impressed on her. “Honestly, Mrs. Gray, that’s probably part of it, but it’s not all. I have to do something. I can’t just sit here in my comfy house while people are out there in pain knowing I could help. I don’t think Jesus would stay safe when people are hurting, do you? Does that make sense?”
Alma rose from her desk and walked to pot belly stove. She poured coffee from an enamel pot into two cups and handed one to Sue. “Honey, it makes perfect sense to me. But I also want you to think about your mother. She’ll be all alone if you leave her. With your brothers and your father away, she is counting on you.”
“You don’t know my mother. She’s never counted on anyone except herself.”
“Oh, Sue, that isn’t true,” Alma said as she dragged a chair near Sue and sat down in it. “In order to raise a daughter as wonderful and beautiful as you, she’d have to rely on God. Can you imagine how frightening it had to be for her to face the fact you can’t hear? But look at you. She helped you make sure that the world of the hearing wasn’t closed completely to you. Sue, they’ll still need your help in that hospital next week. Why don’t you spend some time getting to really know your mother?” Alma patted Sue’s hand. “You’ll never be free if can’t meet her where she’s at.”
Even though it was late March, the morning greeted Sue with only a slight chill. The fresh air and warm sunshine made Sue’s spirit soar. She felt her burdens lift with the breeze as left the post office after sending another letter to Lucy. She then headed for the Women’s Christian Commission. Thankfully, Carla Thomas had accepted Sue’s explanation of needing to mail the letter both the other day and today. It wasn’t that Sue was doing anything wrong, but she knew her mother would still disapprove.
Alma Gray, a round-faced middle aged woman, welcomed her warmly when Sue entered the small storefront headquarters on one of the side streets. “Sue, you’re back. Are you still considering a field placement?”
“It’s all I’ve thought about,” Sue admitted as she took a seat across from Alma. “But I have to tell you up front that I can’t cook, not much anyway. Are you sure you could use me somewhere?”
Alma laughed softly. “Well, honey, we do more than feed the patients in the field hospitals even though that is one of our primary goals. We need ladies to serve in the wards, too.”
“What do they do there?”
“Oh, read to the men, help feed the ones who can’t do it for themselves, pass out tracts, write letters for the men, sometimes change bandages, help them become mobile again, and most of all pray for and with them.”
“At least I could do that.” Sue fiddled with the fringe on her reticule as she battled with the decision. “My father is near Richmond in the Calvary. Is there a hospital nearby that could use my help?”
Alma shuffled through a stack of papers, pulled one out, and studied it. “Yes, as a matter of fact there is. Apparently the hospital there is quite short staffed on nurses. They could use all the help they can get.” Alma notices Sue’s eyes light with the news. Then just as suddenly, Sue’s countenance clouded. “But Sue, first I need to know one thing. Why do you really want to do this? Is it to get away from home or to see your dad?”
Sue said a silent prayer that she could find the truth inside of herself. ”The truth will set you free,”His silent voice impressed on her. “Honestly, Mrs. Gray, that’s probably part of it, but it’s not all. I have to do something. I can’t just sit here in my comfy house while people are out there in pain knowing I could help. I don’t think Jesus would stay safe when people are hurting, do you? Does that make sense?”
Alma rose from her desk and walked to pot belly stove. She poured coffee from an enamel pot into two cups and handed one to Sue. “Honey, it makes perfect sense to me. But I also want you to think about your mother. She’ll be all alone if you leave her. With your brothers and your father away, she is counting on you.”
“You don’t know my mother. She’s never counted on anyone except herself.”
“Oh, Sue, that isn’t true,” Alma said as she dragged a chair near Sue and sat down in it. “In order to raise a daughter as wonderful and beautiful as you, she’d have to rely on God. Can you imagine how frightening it had to be for her to face the fact you can’t hear? But look at you. She helped you make sure that the world of the hearing wasn’t closed completely to you. Sue, they’ll still need your help in that hospital next week. Why don’t you spend some time getting to really know your mother?” Alma patted Sue’s hand. “You’ll never be free if can’t meet her where she’s at.”
i can see why sue would want to get away from her mom but alma is wise, sure hope jack is one of the men sue gets to sit with
cath
cath
Oreo, I just found your story and caught up!! What a great idea - I have always loved civil war stories!! I love the quotes at the beginning of your chapters!!!
I think Lucy is weaving her magic with Myles!! Can't wait to see where you go with that!!
Poor Jack - thank God Tara found them and gave Jack medicine!! But methinks he is going to need a hospital when he gets out of (escapes?) from this prison!! Maybe Sue IS going to go to Richmond and will meet him in the hospital!!
I can't wait to see where you are going to take us with this!!!
Joy
I think Lucy is weaving her magic with Myles!! Can't wait to see where you go with that!!
Poor Jack - thank God Tara found them and gave Jack medicine!! But methinks he is going to need a hospital when he gets out of (escapes?) from this prison!! Maybe Sue IS going to go to Richmond and will meet him in the hospital!!
I can't wait to see where you are going to take us with this!!!
Joy
QUOTE(learningtosign @ Jun 22 2006, 01:51 PM)
sure hope jack is one of the men sue gets to sit with
*wide eyes* me too!!!! Great post Oreolover!!
Jenny
Chapter 3 – Part 3
Escaping the confines of Myles’ bedroom for a few minutes, Lucy leaned against a tree in the garden. Myles had sat in the chair as she changed the sheets on the bed. A day ago, she wouldn’t have believed that it was possible to spend a solid thirty minutes critiquing the making of a bed. She could still hear his comments. “Miss Dodson, the folds on the right and left foot of the bed are not symmetrical.” “I think that top sheet is an inch longer on the right.” “No, not that heavy blanket. Go get a lighter one from the linen closet.” Of course, she hadn’t been able to keep her tongue and had received yet another lecture on proper servant etiquette.
The ordeal had left them both exhausted. Myles, however, could now take a long nap. Lucy was supposed to find some more work to do. She chose to get out of the house and explore the garden. If Mrs. Leland caught her, she was sure she’d be chastised, but she’d yet to see any part of the estate other than Myles’ room, the kitchen, and her quarters which were tucked in a small house behind the big house. Others lived there in different rooms, but she got back so late in the evening she hadn’t met anyone.
Lucy pushed away from the tree and surveyed the rest of the garden. Rose bushes, still only wooden stems, showed only a hint a waking from their winter sleep. They lined the walk way and she could imagine how they looked in the spring climbing over the trellis at the far end of the garden. Only a couple of weeks ago, snow had covered the earth. Now, beautiful and delicate snowdrops, Johnny-jump-ups and scilla in bloomed along the walk.
Pulling her wrap around her shoulders more tightly, she wondered who cared for the garden. No one had made mention of a gardener, but surely their must be one. A gate at the side of the garden led to the carriage house. It creaked when she pushed it open and she looked around to see if she’d been caught.
“Skipping out on yer work,” a resonant, deep voice called from the back door of the carriage house. Lucy jumped at the sound. “Sorry,” the dark skinned man said as he approached, “didn’t mean to startle you.” He wiped his hand on his britches and extended it towards her. “Don’t think we’ve met. I’m Samuel. You nursing Mr. Myles?”
“Yes,” Lucy admitted, “I just needed a break. He was resting.”
“Caring for him, I’m not surprised,” Samuel said with a twinkle in his eye. “You can sneak out to the garden any time you like. Your secret is safe with me. Miss . . .?”
“Lucy Dodson,” she supplied before taking a second look at the tall man before her. His broad shoulders and muscular arms stood out from the tattered shirt covering him. She remembered that his large hand had been calloused when she shook it. “You don’t look like a gardener.”
He laughed - a deep full, infectious laugh – and Lucy found herself grinning, too. “I’m no gardener. I care for the horses and carriages and do a little smithing.”
“So who’s the gardener?”
“No one does anything in that garden except Mr. Myles.”
“Myles grows roses?” The man she was caring for continued to both exasperate and surprise her. Why couldn’t she get him off her mind? He was stubborn, bossy, and pompous. But he’d selected a book that he thought she’d like and he grew roses. Suddenly, she was filled with the urge to go check on him. “I’d better get back. It was nice to meet you Samson.”
Again Samson's warm smile brought a twinkle to his eyes. “You, too, Miss Lucy. Come back anytime.”
Escaping the confines of Myles’ bedroom for a few minutes, Lucy leaned against a tree in the garden. Myles had sat in the chair as she changed the sheets on the bed. A day ago, she wouldn’t have believed that it was possible to spend a solid thirty minutes critiquing the making of a bed. She could still hear his comments. “Miss Dodson, the folds on the right and left foot of the bed are not symmetrical.” “I think that top sheet is an inch longer on the right.” “No, not that heavy blanket. Go get a lighter one from the linen closet.” Of course, she hadn’t been able to keep her tongue and had received yet another lecture on proper servant etiquette.
The ordeal had left them both exhausted. Myles, however, could now take a long nap. Lucy was supposed to find some more work to do. She chose to get out of the house and explore the garden. If Mrs. Leland caught her, she was sure she’d be chastised, but she’d yet to see any part of the estate other than Myles’ room, the kitchen, and her quarters which were tucked in a small house behind the big house. Others lived there in different rooms, but she got back so late in the evening she hadn’t met anyone.
Lucy pushed away from the tree and surveyed the rest of the garden. Rose bushes, still only wooden stems, showed only a hint a waking from their winter sleep. They lined the walk way and she could imagine how they looked in the spring climbing over the trellis at the far end of the garden. Only a couple of weeks ago, snow had covered the earth. Now, beautiful and delicate snowdrops, Johnny-jump-ups and scilla in bloomed along the walk.
Pulling her wrap around her shoulders more tightly, she wondered who cared for the garden. No one had made mention of a gardener, but surely their must be one. A gate at the side of the garden led to the carriage house. It creaked when she pushed it open and she looked around to see if she’d been caught.
“Skipping out on yer work,” a resonant, deep voice called from the back door of the carriage house. Lucy jumped at the sound. “Sorry,” the dark skinned man said as he approached, “didn’t mean to startle you.” He wiped his hand on his britches and extended it towards her. “Don’t think we’ve met. I’m Samuel. You nursing Mr. Myles?”
“Yes,” Lucy admitted, “I just needed a break. He was resting.”
“Caring for him, I’m not surprised,” Samuel said with a twinkle in his eye. “You can sneak out to the garden any time you like. Your secret is safe with me. Miss . . .?”
“Lucy Dodson,” she supplied before taking a second look at the tall man before her. His broad shoulders and muscular arms stood out from the tattered shirt covering him. She remembered that his large hand had been calloused when she shook it. “You don’t look like a gardener.”
He laughed - a deep full, infectious laugh – and Lucy found herself grinning, too. “I’m no gardener. I care for the horses and carriages and do a little smithing.”
“So who’s the gardener?”
“No one does anything in that garden except Mr. Myles.”
“Myles grows roses?” The man she was caring for continued to both exasperate and surprise her. Why couldn’t she get him off her mind? He was stubborn, bossy, and pompous. But he’d selected a book that he thought she’d like and he grew roses. Suddenly, she was filled with the urge to go check on him. “I’d better get back. It was nice to meet you Samson.”
Again Samson's warm smile brought a twinkle to his eyes. “You, too, Miss Lucy. Come back anytime.”
i see myles is as exasperating in this universe as in every other universe!!
but the garden could be a focus for him again
cath
but the garden could be a focus for him again
cath
QUOTE(learningtosign @ Jun 22 2006, 05:14 PM)
i see myles is as exasperating in this universe as in every other universe!!
He wouldn't be Myles if he wasn't exasperating!!!! Great post OreoLover!!!
Jenny
As in our time, the secrets of Myles are starting to be revealed!!!
Joy
Joy
Wow. I like Alma's advise to Sue to check in with her mother first before running off to volunteer. And I love Lucy's take on Myles. Maybe in this universe, they might work out.
Now, what about Tara??? Is she still safe? Is Bobby working his magic on that lock yet? How's Jack's cough? And where's D? Is he going to be around somewhere, too?
Needless to say, I can't wait for more!
Now, what about Tara??? Is she still safe? Is Bobby working his magic on that lock yet? How's Jack's cough? And where's D? Is he going to be around somewhere, too?
Needless to say, I can't wait for more!
QUOTE(okiefoster @ Jun 22 2006, 05:40 PM)
Now, what about Tara??? Is she still safe? Is Bobby working his magic on that lock yet? How's Jack's cough? And where's D? Is he going to be around somewhere, too?
Needless to say, I can't wait for more!
Basically, what she said!!! We have so many questions, so little time!!! But maybe enough time for a post???
Jen
Chapter 4 - Part 1
"We talked the matter over and could have settled the war in thirty minutes had it been left to us." ~ A common Rebel soldier made this statement after fraternizing with a Union soldier between the lines.
Friendly like was not how Tara was feeling towards the man on the horse. She shuddered when she thought of what this man might be planning to do to her. Still, she cleared her throat and nervously croaked, “I’ll need for you to give me hand.”
Grinning lustily, the man swung of the horse, walked to her buggy, and raised his hand to her. ”Lord, make this work,” she prayed. Tara placed her gloved hand in his, but kept the gun hidden in the folds of her skirt, stood, and placed her foot on the stepping peg of the buggy. Intentionally, she lost her balance, fell to her left, and let a whoop as she knocked the pistol from the man’s hand. She rolled in the dirt and came up with her Colt aimed directly at the man’s startled face.
“Take off your boots,” she ordered.
“What?”
“Do it or die. It makes no difference to me.”
The man stared at her in disbelief until she fired a shot over his shoulder. The boots, then came off in seconds. “Put them in my buggy,” she directed. He tossed them inside. Then, keeping him in her view, she retrieved his gun, set it in with boots, and attached the reign’s of his horse to her buggy.
“My horse!” he cried.
“No, my horse.” She smiled sweetly at him. “I’m just taking him off your hands. Now, start walking,” she ordered, indicating the direction from which she came. “And if I see your mustache again, I’ll blow it off your face.”
She watched him hobble off and wasted precious time making sure he didn’t turn around. When he’d rounded the bend, she was sure he couldn’t see where she was headed so she resumed her trek. A few minutes later, she pulled up behind the white house on the hill. Immediately, the barn doors swung open.
“Miss Tara! I wasn’t expecting you today.” He took hold of the horse’s harness and pulled the wagon and all into the barn and shut the doors behind them. He then lifted Tara down from the buggy and noticed the boots and gun on the buggy’s floor. “Trouble again?”
Tara brushed off the dirt from her calico skirt. “Oh, D, don’t lecture me, please. It’s been a long day.”
“Then, let’s get you inside for a rest before I take you to the Colonel.”
“Colonel? I just need to see Major Thomas.”
“You haven’t heard. After our boys successfully blew up that ammunitions shipment, he got promoted.”
“That’s what I need to speak to him about. The boys that blew up the depot are at Libby and one of them is sick.”
D whistled. “He’ll want to know that. Those two are special to him. Did they give you any more info?”
“No, not yet. I’m to go back tomorrow.”
A frown creased D’s brow. “He’ll want you to help them escape.”
“I’ve done it before.”
“But you shouldn’t be doing it at all. It’s too dangerous.” He shook his head. “Your daddy wanted you to help, but not go and get yourself hanged.”
She patted the man’s arm. “Don’t worry about me. Besides, at least I’ll have your help.”
"We talked the matter over and could have settled the war in thirty minutes had it been left to us." ~ A common Rebel soldier made this statement after fraternizing with a Union soldier between the lines.
Friendly like was not how Tara was feeling towards the man on the horse. She shuddered when she thought of what this man might be planning to do to her. Still, she cleared her throat and nervously croaked, “I’ll need for you to give me hand.”
Grinning lustily, the man swung of the horse, walked to her buggy, and raised his hand to her. ”Lord, make this work,” she prayed. Tara placed her gloved hand in his, but kept the gun hidden in the folds of her skirt, stood, and placed her foot on the stepping peg of the buggy. Intentionally, she lost her balance, fell to her left, and let a whoop as she knocked the pistol from the man’s hand. She rolled in the dirt and came up with her Colt aimed directly at the man’s startled face.
“Take off your boots,” she ordered.
“What?”
“Do it or die. It makes no difference to me.”
The man stared at her in disbelief until she fired a shot over his shoulder. The boots, then came off in seconds. “Put them in my buggy,” she directed. He tossed them inside. Then, keeping him in her view, she retrieved his gun, set it in with boots, and attached the reign’s of his horse to her buggy.
“My horse!” he cried.
“No, my horse.” She smiled sweetly at him. “I’m just taking him off your hands. Now, start walking,” she ordered, indicating the direction from which she came. “And if I see your mustache again, I’ll blow it off your face.”
She watched him hobble off and wasted precious time making sure he didn’t turn around. When he’d rounded the bend, she was sure he couldn’t see where she was headed so she resumed her trek. A few minutes later, she pulled up behind the white house on the hill. Immediately, the barn doors swung open.
“Miss Tara! I wasn’t expecting you today.” He took hold of the horse’s harness and pulled the wagon and all into the barn and shut the doors behind them. He then lifted Tara down from the buggy and noticed the boots and gun on the buggy’s floor. “Trouble again?”
Tara brushed off the dirt from her calico skirt. “Oh, D, don’t lecture me, please. It’s been a long day.”
“Then, let’s get you inside for a rest before I take you to the Colonel.”
“Colonel? I just need to see Major Thomas.”
“You haven’t heard. After our boys successfully blew up that ammunitions shipment, he got promoted.”
“That’s what I need to speak to him about. The boys that blew up the depot are at Libby and one of them is sick.”
D whistled. “He’ll want to know that. Those two are special to him. Did they give you any more info?”
“No, not yet. I’m to go back tomorrow.”
A frown creased D’s brow. “He’ll want you to help them escape.”
“I’ve done it before.”
“But you shouldn’t be doing it at all. It’s too dangerous.” He shook his head. “Your daddy wanted you to help, but not go and get yourself hanged.”
She patted the man’s arm. “Don’t worry about me. Besides, at least I’ll have your help.”
Yay! D makes his appearance!
Love Tara taking control!
Love Tara taking control!
A breakout...can't wait.
good to see D and i loved Tara sorting out the soldier
cath
cath
Clever things come in small packages!!!! GO TARA!!!!! Ladies and gentlemen, D has entered the building!!!!! Great post OreoLover!!!
Jen
Jen
Oreo this is gets betterer and betterer. 
Love the introduction of D and the way Tara dealt with the dolt. And that she reports to Sue's father. 
That should be interesting. Gotta run.
kav
Love the introduction of D and the way Tara dealt with the dolt. And that she reports to Sue's father. That should be interesting. Gotta run.kav
Oreo, I just love it! I can't wait for everyone to get together!
Well, this is turning into quite the must read. As a patriotic Aussie I never would have believed I could get this caught up in an American Civil War story and yet here I am.
Feeling thoroughly pleased with my self for not needing the cheat sheet or Okie's little tutorial either. The only thing that has me even mildly confused, standing in the way of utter perfection, is that Lucy met Samuel and then in the very same post his name changed to Samson. Unless I got it wrong, and am in fact utterly confused without having the sense to know it.
Feeling thoroughly pleased with my self for not needing the cheat sheet or Okie's little tutorial either. The only thing that has me even mildly confused, standing in the way of utter perfection, is that Lucy met Samuel and then in the very same post his name changed to Samson. Unless I got it wrong, and am in fact utterly confused without having the sense to know it.
Jellybean, great catch. You caught me in one of my late night writing errors. His name is Samuel. I did consider naming him Samson, but chose the former. Henceforth, he shall be called Samuel.
And thanks so much for reading and for your comments.
And thanks so much for reading and for your comments.
QUOTE(Oreolover @ Jun 23 2006, 04:02 PM)
And thanks so much for reading and for your comments.
Anytime!!! But, i was all excited there, I thought you'd posted. Oh well!
Jen
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