serenditpity, you're not the only one!!!!!!! Please post soon!!

Jen

Patience is a virtue, you know.
Thank you all for your kind and generous comments. I have really been enjoying writing this.Now, I'm off to bake my little girl's birthday cake. She's seven today.

Chapter 9

"The dead of the battle-field come up to us very rarely, even in dreams. We see the list in the morning paper at breakfast, but dismiss its recollection with the coffee. Mr. Matthew Brady (a reporter of the time) has done something to bring us the terrible reality and earnestness of the war. If he has not brought bodies and laid them in our door-yards and along our streets, he has done something very like it." ~~The New York Times

Jack chuckled from the bed which started him coughing again. Tara hurried to help him sit up. She glared at Bobby. “See what you’ve done.”

Bobby rubbed the water off his face with both of his hands. “What I’ve done?”

“If you would have wakened me like I asked, then you could have gone and slept and I wouldn’t have had to throw the water in your face.” Tara handed Jack a glass of water which he gratefully swallowed.

“You had to throw water in my face.”

“What did you expect me to do? Kiss you awake.” As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Tara turned a crimson shade of red. Jack spewed the water out of his mouth, and Bobby smiled cheekily.

“Actually, luv, I think I’d have liked that significantly better.”

Heavy footfalls on the stairs drew their attention. D appeared in the doorway. “Trouble Miss Tara. There’s a soldier coming up the road again.”

“Time to go back to the dungeon, mate,” Bobby said lifting Jack. A coughing spasm wracked his weakened body.

“No. Leave him here. I’ll get rid of them somehow.” She pushed passed D, and Bobby went to follow.

D placed his hand on the tall man’s chest. “No, Bobby, if anyone sees you, they’ll hang her.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It didn’t surprise Lucy that Samuel met her outside her door at daybreak. “Mornin’ Lucy.”

“Good morning. Thanks for the fire and food. That was awfully kind of you.”

“Can’t have ya freezin’ and starvin’. How’s the hand?”

Lucy looked down at the dirty bandage on her hand. She should have changed it yesterday. “It’s fine.”

“How did it happen?”

“I cut it on some broken glass.”

“Let me guess. Mr. Myles got mad and threw something.”

Unable to contain her shock, Lucy stared at Samuel. “How did you know?”

“It’s not the first time. He’s better ‘an his dad. His dad would ‘a thrown it at you.” Samuel laughed to himself.

“Samuel, can I ask you something?”

“Anything ya want.”

“Are you happy here?”

He stopped on the walk and faced her. With Samuel being a good eight inches taller than her, Lucy had to look up to watch his expressions. He studied her face and Lucy suddenly wished she hadn’t asked the question. His masculinity unnerved her, yet there was a vulnerability in his eyes. “Honestly. . . .Sometimes yes and sometimes no. You?”

“Occasionally, yes. Mostly, no,” she admitted.

He toed a rock on the ground and stuck his hands in his pockets. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Would it help to hear that most of the ‘yes’ times have been when I’m with you?”
He lifted his face to hers and grinned broadly. “It helps, but I’m givin’ ya fair warnin’ that I’m going to make it my personal job to make you happy more often.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carla Thomas looked up from the newspaper she was reading when she heard the commotion upstairs and wondered what Sue was into so early in the morning. Her guess was that her courageous, adventurous daughter had seen a mouse. Sue hated the little creatures, but Levi was more than capable of rescuing his mistress. When Sue’s father had brought the stray home claiming he could be Sue’s ears, Carla had been skeptical. But now she had to admit, Levi had been a blessing.

A few minutes later, the golden bounded into the dining room, and Sue appeared at the door. “Mother, I have a surprise for you.”

Carla lowered the paper so Sue could see her lips and sighed. “Sue, it’s too early in the morning for surprises.”

“I think you’ll like this one.”

John stepped around the corner and stood next to Sue. “Hello, mother.” The newspaper in her hands visibly shook and she stared at him as if her were a ghost. “Aren’t you going to give your son a welcome home hug?”

Carla dropped the paper and ran to her son. John met her and pulled her close. “You’re home. You’re really home,” Carla cried. Stepping away, she cupped his face with both of her hands and let his presence wash over her like the ocean. “Just look at you.”

“Mother . . .” His eyes dropped to his missing arm, the sleeve pinned up at the elbow.

“I saw it, dear. We’ll help you learn to cope, but you’re no less of a man than you were.”

Sue watched tears glisten in her brother’s eyes as he again pulled his mother close. Her mother and brother had always shared a special bond. How had Carla known just what to say to him? Carla dragged him by the hand over to the table. “First of all, we need to feed you. You look like you’ve been half starved. Then, I want to hear all about your experiences.”

John sat down at the table and raised his eyebrows skeptically. “All?”

“No, probably not all,” Carla admitted. “Maybe the high points. Sue, go tell Alice we need another plate. My son is home.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tara recognized the Confederate lieutenant from the prison. He was the one who’d welcomed the chicken and dumplings the day before, and she’d spoken with him often on her visits. He’d always been the epitome of a Southern gentleman, a combination of manners and honor. She wiped her hands on her apron and smoothed her hair with her hands.

“Mornin’ ma’am,” he said warmly. “I apologize for the intrusion, but we have orders from the General to search every house and building. Do you mind if I check out your barn?”

Tara stepped down from the porch. “You can, but you have my word it's empty. My man’s been out there already today.”

He swung down from the dappled mare. “I still have to check. Orders.”
“Can I get you some breakfast first, lieutenant? I can bring some biscuits right out here directly and maybe a cup of hot coffee?”

“I’d be obliged ma’am.”

“Good. You have a seat here on the porch, and I’ll be right back.”

Tara disappeared into the house to warn the others and arrange for some breakfast for the soldier. D was waiting for her in the kitchen. “I think I can keep him out of the house, but be ready just in case.”

When she returned to the front porch, the lieutenant was no where to be seen. Tara deposited the pot of coffee and biscuits on a table and looked around. Her eyes went to the opened barn door. ”The buggy,” she thought.

Hurrying across the lawn, Tara rushed inside. Her buggy, the one the soldiers at the prison thought the escapees had stolen, loomed in the center of the barn like a beacon declaring her guilt. She didn’t realize the lieutenant was waiting for her. He grabbed her arm roughly and Tara squealed in alarm. His steal blue eyes bore into her. “Where are they?”

“Who?”

“The prisoners, my dear, pretty little traitor.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The lieutenant drew back his hand and slapped her across the cheek. She tasted blood from a split in her lip. “How can you stand there a lie?” He shoved her to the ground and Tara sprawled in the dirt. Turning over, she saw he’d drawn his gun and had it aimed at her head. “Now, I ask you again, where are they?”

She saw a shadow of movement from the side door. “How can you treat a lady like this?”

“You’re not a lady. You’re a traitor,” he seethed. “This is your last chance. Where are they?”

Clamping her lips, she stared at him defiantly. He pulled back the hammer with a definitive click. In a last ditch attempt, Tara hurled a handful of dirt into the man’s face. He fired the gun and the bullet hit the rafters and ricocheted. D tackled the soldier and Bobby scrambled for the gun. Within minutes, D had the lieutenant’s arms pinned behind his back and Bobby tossed him a length of rope.

“On your knees,” Bobby ordered. His anger fuel by the trickle of blood on Tara’s chin, he pressed the gun to the lieutenant’s temple. “Get out of here, Miss Williams. You don’t want to see this.”

oh heck........... sprung

happy birthday to your daughter

cath

I'm just caught up and even though I usually don't really like historical fics I'm loving this one!

I know nothing about the Civil War and I found it great to learn this way!

Can't wait for another post!

Helene

So much for gentlemanly behavior!! That was close!!!

Happy Birthday to your little girl, Oreo!!!

Joy

ACK!!!!!!!!!

and happy birthday to your wean....

And . . . .

Tell your daughter "Happy Birthday" from all of us. :Bdaygirl: Then could you ask her nicely if we could borrow her mother for just a wee bit. It seems that there's still a story left to be told here.

Nice work again.

BTW: is the cake chocolate??

I just caught up - This story is wonderful. You have taken the characters back in time beautifully. I can't wait until the team comes together!!!!

Em

Happy birthday to your daughter!! 7 is a big number!!!

EEEkkkkkk!!! And also, Eeeww, gross!!!!!! But I'm not sure about this bit tho...



I sure hope jack finds Sue soon, I'm sure she can heal him!!! Oh, and I have literally no patience.

Great writing, even if it was a bit scary!!

Jen

uhhoohh!!!! They better get runnin! Great story Oreo

Happy birthday to your little girl

:Bdaygirl: Happy Happy to whoever :bdayboy:


It's coming along Oreolover.....loving it still

I think I'll just have to ditto everyone with an "Ack!" and a Happy Birthday to your daughter.

Can't wait for more!

Thank you for the birthday wishes for Emma. Tomorrow morning we're having her friends party. The them is "Pancakes and Pajamas". I'm taking six little girls to McDonalds for breakfast int their p.j.'s. I, however, will be dressed. Here's tonight's installment.

Chapter 10

"The time for compromise has now passed, and the South is determined to maintain her position, and make all who oppose her smell Southern powder and feel Southern steel.” ~ Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, used these words in his inaugural speech on February 16, 1861

“No! Bobby, don’t shoot him!”

D placed a hand on her arm. “He knows about you. What if he gets word to the others. If we don’t take care of him, you’ll have to leave here and never come back. ”

Her back stiffened and she shook off D’s hand. “Then, that’s what I’ll do. Killing a man on a battlefield is one thing, but this . . .” Her eyes met Bobby’s and silently pleaded her case.

What was it about this woman that unnerved him so? He lowered the weapon slowly to his side. “I guess we can stash him in the cellar ‘til we leave.”

D hauled the lieutenant to his feet and pushed him towards the door. He stopped abruptly in front of Tara and spat at her feet. His face twisted with hatred towards her. “Traitor,” he hissed.

Without a second thought, Bobby drew back his fist and delivered a punch to the soldier’s jaw. The lieutenant crumpled at their feet.

Rubbing his hand, Bobby turned to a pale Tara and rasped. “Are you all right?” She nodded and he tenderly wiped the blood from her lip with his thumb. “Let’s get inside. Jack will out here any minute afraid we couldn’t handle things without him.” His arm encircled her shoulders, and she let him lead her out of the barn.

“Hey!” D called. “Manning, you better be coming back to help me haul this man’s carcass to the cellar since you’re the one who knocked him out.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Myles was seated at the small roll top desk in the corner of the room when Lucy arrived. The first thing Lucy noticed was that he was completely dressed. The second was that he was not alone. Beside him sat a beautiful woman.

“Excuse me,” Lucy apologized. “I didn’t realize you had company – sir.” She turned on her heel and made for the door.

“Lucy, wait!”

Lucy stopped and face Myles. “Did you need something?”

“Yes, I’d like for you to meet my sister. Lucy, this is Miss Anne Leland. Anne, this is Miss Lucy Dodson.”

Lucy tried to remember the proper way to address a lady like Miss Leland. Did she curtsey or did she shake her hand? Unsure of what to do, Lucy bowed her head briefly and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

An air of superiority radiated from Anne. “I’m sure it is.” She then turned back to the Myles. “And as I was saying, the ball will be a wonderful opportunity for you to see some of your old acquaintances.”

Myles did not dismiss Lucy so easily. “What do you think, Lucy? Am I ready to waltz with the ladies?”

“Not yet,” she admitted. “But soon maybe.”

“Perhaps we will have to practice during our walk in the garden today,” he teased.

“Not yet, sir,” Anne corrected, crossly looking at Lucy. “Myles, you’ve grown too soft on her.”

Myles smiled and waved his hand. “Lucy and I have only dismissed a few of the formalities. She knows her place.”

The words hurt and Lucy wasn’t sure why. However, it was Anne’s words that wounded the deepest.

“The question is, my dear brother, is do you know your place?”

Myles’ jaw clenched. Lucy had seen him angry enough to recognize the tale-tell signs. “Lucy, will you excuse us for a while? Anne and I have some matters to discuss.”

“Yes – sir,” she squeaked as she backed from the room.

Myles spun towards Anne. “What exactly did you mean by that?”

“Come, now, Myles, you know what I meant. Father may have had his indiscretions, but he did not let feelings for any of them complicate matters.”

“You believe I have feelings for Lucy?”

“It’s obvious to me even if it isn’t to you. Your face lit up like a lantern in a dark room when she arrived, and your shameless flirting about waltzing in the garden – well, you could hardly call that appropriate considering . . .”

Myles knew exactly what Anne was talking about but he wanted – no needed to hear it from her. “Considering what, Anne?”

“That she’s a Negro, and a servant. That’s all she is and all she’ll ever be. Use her if you must, but don’t burden her with your heartstrings. It’s unfair to both of you.” She took a sip from her teacup. “Now, about the guest list. . . ”

Ugh. I know that's the way it was then and I am so glad I wasn't alive then to have to deal with that. I hate prejudice people and those who think they are better than others. It's... it's... URGH!

But one of the reasons I am loving your AU is because you do portray these kind of things honestly, without pulling punches for political correctness. That's another one of my pet peeves, even more so than the first.

Great job. Keep up the good work.

i was about to reply when my computer crashed so i'll try again

just thought this would be so like jack to try and do his bit even if he was feeling ill

myles will have to overcome a great deal of prejudice if he decides to make lucy a part of his life

wonder if sue had the same prejudice since she is deaf........ i'm guessing people with handicaps probably weren't thought of much more highly than people with darker skin

cath

I'm glad Tara prevented Bobby to shot the man, even if it means they have to run away now.


As far as Anne is concerned, I think I'm getting sick

Helene

That was amazing Oreolover, I loved how you portrayed all of this and wrote all their feelings and thoughts!!

Jen

The reality of the day and saddly the reality of today still...

You are doing a wonderful job in protrating real life...

All caught up and Tara is now discovered and in mortal danger, Jack is still sick, Bobby nearly murdered a man in cold blood, Samuel seems keen on Lucy and vice versa but Myles is becoming enamoured with Lucy only his sister has stomped all over those tender feelings and Sue's brother lost an arm! All this happened in the day and a bit I couldn't get on the board!

You're breaking my heart over Myles and Lucy, Oreo. I hope you have something up your sleeve.

kav

It's sad, but in that day, life would be better for Lucy if she married Samuel and Myles forgot about her!! I don't like Anne, but her reaction is true to the time!!!

Poor Tara - she's going to have to run for her life!! But at least she will have the three guys with her!!!

This just keeps getting better and better, Oreo!!!

Joy

Chapter 11

"Hold on with a bull-dog whip and chew and choke as much as possible."
~Abraham Lincoln offered Ulysses S. Grant this encouragement during the latter's grueling Siege of Petersburg in 1864-65.

“We leave within the hour,” Bobby announced closing the door to Jack’s room.

Tara huffed at him. They’d deliberately excluded her on their planning session and she was miffed. “Just like that? I don’t even get a say in the matter?”

“I didn’t realize you needed one. We’ve got to blow up those wagons.”

“Then we need a plan.”

“We don’t. Lieutenant Gans and I do. Jack will see you safely to our encampment.”

Chuckling to himself, D sat down in a corner chair. He leaned back in his chair, grinned, and prepared to watch the show. Bobby had a lot to learn about the spunky Tara Williams.

“More like I’ll see him to the camp,” she muttered. “Listen, Lt. Manning,. . . “

“Bobby. Call me Bobby.”

“All right – Bobby, I’m not going to let you molly coddle me all the way to camp. I can hold my own. Ask D. I shoot as well as most men, I don’t swoon easily, blood doesn’t bother me, and I can think on my feet.”

Bobby crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t doubt any of that for a minute, sheila, but Captain Hudson is in charge and he’s harder to convince.”

“Then I suggest you let me go in there and do some convincing.”

D leaned forward in his chair. “It may be a mute point anyway. The Grey Coat I locked in the barn let it slip that Gen. Lee had ordered Pickett’s infantry division and Rosser’s calvary to hold Five Forks at all costs.”

“That’s Lee’s last supply line from the South Side Railroad,” Tara explained.

“I know. I’m guessing Gen. Sheridan and our regiment are headed there now.”

“And we have to go through Five Forks to get to those wagons in Painsville.”

“We should be able to join up with our regiment outside of Five Forks.”

“But there’s no way that I’m taking Tara into a battle.”

Tara’s head whirled at the influx of new information. "Tara? When did he start calling me by my first name? Wait a minute, did he just say he wasn’t going to join his regiment on account of me?" She didn’t know whether to be flattered or furious. She decided on the latter.

“Now, wait a minute! Your regiment needs the two of you. Jack certainly can’t ride, but the two of you can. We’ve got those two Union horses still in the barn. You ride out on those and I’ll bring Jack in the carriage or the wagon. I’ll go around Five Forks and get him to camp. We’ll meet back up there tonight.”

“But what if one of the Rebs recognize Jack?”

“They won’t. I’ve got some of my dad’s clothes in the chest and with the roads I take, we shouldn’t meet anyone. If I’m stopped, I’ll say I’m taking my poor sick brother home to get him well.”

“It could work.”

“It will.”

“While you two run this by Capt. Jack, I’ll go check on our friendly neighborhood Grey coat.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tara stood facing the wall of book shelves trying to decide which of “her friends” she could pack in her bag. She figured she had room for three. The healing herbs book was a logical first choice, her Bible the second, but what of the third? She’d made a small stack on the desk beside her and longingly ran her hand over the leather bindings.

“Can’t pick just one?” Bobby asked, coming up behind her.

“No, it’s too hard.”

“Try eeny meeny miney mo.” His dimpled grin brought a smile to her face.
Tara laughed softly. “Did you know that ‘eeny meeny miney mo’ comes from the Latin ‘inimicus animo’ which means ‘enemy of the spirit’.”

“You don’t say?” Bobby teased. “You still got to pick, luv.”

“All right. Eeny . . . meeny . . . miney . . . mo.” She said each word as if she were deciding the fate of her children.

“Oh what he heck,” Bobby said, hefting the pile into his arms. “You can put them all in the wagon.”

“What if someone stops me? I can’t explain a box of books.”

“Think about it. You can cover them with oats. They’d just think you brought food for the horse.” He shifted the pile into his other arm. “I’ll take these on out and see what’s keeping D.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The fine stationery in Sue’s hand was unfamiliar. She had just received the letter and didn’t recognize the scripted of the person who penned it. She checked the front again and discovered that it was indeed addressed to her. Sliding the mother of pearl handled letter opener into the crease, she tore open the fold.

Dear Miss Thomas,

I must thank you for lending me the assistance of your servant, Miss Lucy Dodson. She has been invaluable in my recovery.
She has spoken of you often, and admitted that she misses you. Now that I am recovering, Miss Dodson appears to have more free time. I am writing to invite you to come to the Leland Estate as my guest. My purpose is two-fold. First, your presence will be a way to thank Miss Dodson for her services, and second, perhaps you can help keep her out of trouble.
If your mother approves, please come at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely yours,

Myles Leland, III

John waved his hand in the air from the setee to get Sue’s attention. “You look awfully happy. What do have there, sis?”

“It’s a letter from Mr. Myles Leland the Third. Mother loaned Lucy to them earlier this month to nurse him from his war injuries. He’s asking me to come visit as his way of thanking Lucy.”

“That’s kind of him. When do you leave?”

“The fifteenth of never,” she laughed. “You know that Mother will never let me go unescorted.”

“I’ll take you.”

“John, you just got home.”

“But the Leland Estate is only a couple of hours away. I can drive you there and still be back by nightfall.” His attention turned to the doorway as Carla Thomas entered. “Isn’t that right Mother?”

“Isn’t what right, darling?”

“Sue’s been invited by the Leland’s to visit. I can take her and be back by nightfall.”

“May I see the invitation?” she asked extending her hand. She read it. “It’s very thoughtful of him, but I’m not sure that this is the right time.”

“Of course it is Mother. Sue could use a break, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“But John, you just got home,” she admitted. “And honestly, I’m not ready to be away from you for even a little while yet.”

“Then, let Sue drive herself, or better yet, you come with us.”

“No, I wasn’t invited, and no, my daughter will not be traipsing off like some Gypsy unescorted.”

“Sue misses Lucy terribly.”

“That’s her problem,” her mother muttered.

“Mother . . .”

“Oh, why can’t I say no to you? Sue, can you be packed by noon?”

Sue nodded and hurried out of the room, before her mother could change her mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rubbing the knot at the back of his head, D moaned as he pushed himself up on his hands and knees. He’d not expected the Confederate lieutentant to have gotten free. The board on the ground beside him and the knot on his head attested to that fact.

“D? What happened?” Bobby asked, helping his friend to his feet.

“He got away. He was waiting for me when I came in to check on him.”

Bobby glanced at the stall where the man had been secured. Other than the ropes which laid strewn around the straw, the stall was empty. He felt the color drain from his face. If this lieutenant got word to the others about Tara, she’d never escape.

“Now, there’s no way we’re letting you and Jack go it alone,” Bobby said once they were back in the house.

Tara continued to pile food supplies in a crate. “It’s all the more reason I have to go with Jack. Those soldiers know that occasionally D travels with me. They will be looking for a white woman and a black man in a buggy. But I’ll travel in the wagon with Jack.”

“Someone from the prison might recognize you,” D said.

“And they might recognize any one of us. A group of four will certainly draw suspicion a lot more than two weary travelers.” She stuck a jar of peach preserves down the side of the crate. “Listen, we are wasting precious time here. What’s it going to be?”

“We do it her way,” Jack said weakly from the door jam. “We’ll meet back up at camp.”

Woohoo. Go Tara!!

Great post Oreo

thanks for posting lots.....very good stuff!!

Oh keep them all safe.....

I'm definitely hooked on this wonderful story.

So looking forward to lots more!


gracie

Wow! That post was definitely loaded. Love this independent, spirited Tara that takes charge like this. Hold on fellas, looks like it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

And I'm glad Sue gets to visit with Lucy. Oooo... I can see it now. Somewhere on the road, the two parties bump into one another and Jack and Sue meet and it's love at first sight. Right???

Oops. Sorry. It's your story. I know. I'm just so hooked on it, I can't help myself. So... when do we get more???

take charge Tara, love it

cath

Ditto I just love this Tara.

It's such a great story! I'll be waiting for more!

Helene

Chapter 12 – Part 1

"Hello, Massa; bottom rail on top dis time."
- A black Union soldier spoke these words to a Confederate prisoner he recognized--his former master

Tara smoothed out the blankets in the bed of the wagon and stood up. “That ought to do it. Jack should be comfortable now.”

Bobby placed his hands on her hips and lifted her down, but held her longer than necessary before releasing her. “You promise not to let any drongos give you a hard time.”

“Perhaps you should let me know what a drongo is,” Tara said with a giggle as she leaned back against the wagon. “But we’ll be careful. I won’t let anything happen to your ‘best mate’.”

He brushed his hand along her cheek. “It’s not Jack I’m worried about.”

Tara’s cheeks blossomed under his intense gaze. “I’ll be careful,” she found herself promising in a whisper. His eyes dropped to her lips, and her heart pounded. Was he going to kiss her?

“Hey, Tara, why are these oats so heavy?” D asked rounding the corner from the barn.

Bobby and Tara quickly stepped away from one another, but their eyes met knowingly before they burst into laughter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pulling into the circular driveway of the Leland Estate, John whistled. “Working here must be a step up in the world for Lucy.”

“Some step. She wasn’t even given a choice.” Sue adjusted her hat and smoothed her best travel dress. Looking at the fine home, she suddenly felt her best was hardly adequate. She could only imagine how Lucy must have felt upon her arrival. She scanned the area, half expecting Lucy to come running out the door to greet her, then shook her head. She knew that would never happen. Servants never came through the front door.

Running her hand over Levi’s fur, she explained the rules to him. “Now, Levi, you be on your best behavior. No running in the house or begging at the table.”
“Looking at this place, I’m not sure he’ll ever see the dining room.” Levi moaned and he patted Levi’s head reassuringly and laughed. “I’m sure the barn’s nice, too, boy.” John pulled the carriage in front of the columned porch and stopped it. “Ready, Sis?” He asked touching Sue’s arm.

“Nervous, but yes, I’m ready.”

John climbed down and went around the buggy to assist Sue. Grabbing her carpet bag from the trunk, he followed Sue and Levi up the stairs. He rapped on the door and a few minutes later, a dark skinned butler answered the door. “May I help you?” he asked eying the bag in John’s hand and the dog by his side skeptically.
“This is my sister, Sue Thomas, Mr. Myles Leland the Third sent for her.”

“Mr. Myles?” he repeated in disbelief. “Let me show you into the parlor and I’ll go check with him.” They started forward, but the butler stopped and looked at Levi. “He’ll have to stay out here.”

He waited while John took Levi to the carriage and secured his lead to the rein rail. “Sorry, buddy,” John said, giving Levi’s head another rub. “I promise to sneak you a bone if I can.”

They then were allowed to follow the butler into the mansion. After passing through an opulent ivy green entryway, he took them to a rose colored parlor. Sue couldn’t resist running her gloved hand over the pristine white marble on the mantle as she took in at the oil painting above it.

“What did you say your name was, miss?” the butler asked, but when Sue didn’t answer, he turned to John in question.

“She can’t hear you. She’s deaf, but she reads lips. Her name is Sue Thomas and I’m her brother John.”

The butler nodded. “Very well, sir. I shall return shortly.”

WOW!!! that was amazing oreolover!!!! GO TARA!! just keep them safe!!!!

Jen

I love how Tara can handle anything! And Sue about to meet Myles for the first time -- can't wait, but why do I have the feeling he has an alterior motive to inviting her? They're all going to collide pretty soon, aren't they???
kav

Why did D has to interrupt them?????

Helene

amazing amazing!!!

That was great Oreolover, and I can't wait for the reunion between Tara and Lucy!!

Jen

Myles had better treat Lucy properly when Sue is around...

and

So sweet that Myles got Sue for Lucy. He has his moments! I'm worried about the others - good thing Tara is so tough!

Em

Love the fuzzies your building between Tara and Bobby. Can't wait for more of them.

And your descriptions of the Leland estate are amazing. I can actually visualize them in my mind's eye. Great job!

Cute Bobby and Tara fuzzies!

Glad Myles has asked Sue to visit Lucy. I'm interested to see if and how they all meet up.
Great story Oreo

Hi Oreo!
Just wanted to drop a little note to let you know that I'm still reading and enjoying your story immensely. You have a wonderful way of weaving a story. Keep up the good work.

Have a safe holiday weekend--that goes for everyone reading and writing who celebrate the 4th of July. Hope you all enjoy your families and any celebrating that you decide to do.

Thanks Redbird! I hate to tell you all this, but I'm going out of town for a week. I'm teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at Bible camp. Think of me out there in the middle of nowhere melting in 90+ degree heat (sorry, I don't know Celsius but hot is hot). I guess you have two choices: either read real slow or wait patiently. I promise to come back with lots of ideas. See you next Sat. or Sun.

Chapter 12 - Part 2

Jack seemed considerably better than he had the night before. He slept relatively peacefully in the back of the wagon as Tara drove the wagon down one seldom traveled road after another; at least as peacefully as a rutted back road would allow. After traveling for an hour, she realized she’d passed only a couple of confederate soldiers, neither of whom she recognized.

Feeling safer, she pulled the wagon off into a clearing under a large oak. “What’s going on?” Jack asked sitting up with the Colt Tara’s father had given her in his hand. After a long discussion, Bobby had persuaded her that even if she could shoot as well as most men, that Jack shot much better than most men, so she should let him have the gun.

Tara smiled at his rumpled hair. “Time for some lunch and your medicine,” she explained as she climbed down.

“We can’t risk building a fire.”

“I know. You’ll have to drink the teas cold. I brewed some before we left and put them in a Mason jar. They’ll probably taste worse, but I think they should still work.”

“No offense, Tara, but I don’t think those teas could taste any worse,” he chuckled.

Tara laughed, too. “How about a biscuit and some peach preserves to wash it down?” She held up a basket draped with a gingham cloth. Jack climbed out of the wagon and brought one of the blankets with him. After spreading it out in the grass, the two of them sat down to share their picnic. Jack made faces as he obediently drank the teas while Tara giggled.

She then passed him a biscuit slathered in butter and peach preserves. He took a bite and closed his eyes, savoring the burst of flavors. “Mmmmmmmm. Almost makes up for the teas.”

“Almost?”

“If you said you had some cheese in there, I’d say I could forgive you.”
“How about some hard boiled eggs? I sent the cheese with Bobby and D.” She handed him a hard boiled egg which he cracked and peeled.

“So Bobby got the cheese?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

Tara caught he implication and blushed. How had these two men, whom she hadn’t even known a week ago, become her family of sorts? They addressed one another with casual familiarity, teasing and joking, as if they’d been friends for years. “Where’s he from?”

“Who? Bobby?”

“Yes, Bobby. I know where D is from.”

Jack pulled out a pocket watch and checked the time. “Twelve forty-one,” he said.
“Excuse me? Why did you just check the time?”

“I’ll need it when we get hooked back up with Bobby. He’ll want to know how long it took before you asked me about him.”

Jack was certainly feeling better, Tara thought. Tara playfully slugged his arm. “You wouldn’t dare tell him. Would you?”

He grinned mischieviously. “I might be persuaded to keep silent if there’s another biscuit in that basket with my name on it.”

She held up the biscuit in the air. “Only if you answer my question.

“Deal,” he said with a cough. Tara passed him the canteen and the biscuit. “Bobby’s from Australia. He sailed here about two years ago on his father’s ship.”

“How did you meet?”

Jack went on to explain how he’d gone down to the pier to pick up his aunt and uncle who were arriving from England. A scuffle broke out on the docks and Bobby had literally crashed at Jack’s feet. Together, the two of them made quite a pair settling the scuffle in a flurry of punches. In the next few days, their friendship cemented. Bobby explained that the fight had occurred because some of the mates from a neighboring ship hadn’t liked a few of Bobby’s crewmates. Bobby admitted he didn’t blame them; he didn’t much care for the either. He told Jack he was tired of the sea and wondered if he knew of any honest work in Boston. Jack’s family, who owned a general store, offered him a job delivering ice. When the war broke out, they had joined up together.

"He's one of the best men I've ever known," Jack admitted. "You couldn't ask for a more loyal friend."

“So, will you both go back to Boston?”

“I don’t know about Bobby, but my folks are planning to try their hand out West. I think I’d like to join them. Are you ready to get on the road again?”

“I guess you’re right. We should get going.”

Ack! A whole week??? Oreo, I don't know if I can do that. Just the last two days have been hard enough for me to get through. I need more of this story!!! Well, at least we'll be suffering for a good cause. Kids at Bible camp need counselors. You're a brave person, to say the least.

Love how Jack had to check the time for how long it took her to ask about Bobby. That's hilarious.

Great job! Can't wait for more!

I like Jack's teasing about Tara asking about Bobby's whereabouts.

One whole week without a post. Gosh patience will be awfully hard! I'll wait eagerly for next week Oreolover!

Helene

You're deserting us for a whole week for a bunch of kids in the wilderness???!!! Are you crazy????? I guess exceptionally dedicated would be the right answer to that question. They're lucky to have you. And if it's 90 degrees I hope you're by a lake and can take a dip lots. Already can't wait for your return.

I like how Tara is getting so comfortable with Jack and Bobby. And her blatant interest in Bobby is . You keep him safe, you hear? I can't wait to see how Sue fits into the picture.

kav

Oreo, I just caught up again!! Oh, I love this story!!!

Worried about the confederate soldier getting away!!! It seems peaceful enough so far though!!

I love Jack and Tara bantering about Bobby!! And, Jack teasing her about giving Bobby the cheese!!

Myles sending for Sue!! I'm undecided as to what he is thinking!! I guess we will find out soon enough!!! They better let Levi in the house though!!

I wonder if the guys are going to eventually end up at Myles' home!! That would be perfect!!

Jack, methinks going West with your family is not a plan that will pan out!! You're going to be lost as soon as you set eyes on Sue!!!

Oreo, have fun at camp - hope the little kiddies behave themselves!! Can't wait for you to get back!!!

Joy

Love Jack teasing Tara about Bobby, so cute!

A whole week??

Good luck at Bible Camp teaching kids in that heat

Wow - camp for a week. Take bug spray! I can't wait until you get back and update your story. It's excellent! We'll be waiting and have fun!

Em

we'll miss you for a week but all the best for the camp,

cath

Good luck at camp. We'll be waiting patiently for your return...

Yikes! A whole week! Whatever shall ah do? Redbird asks in her best Southern drawl and faints like Scarlet O'Hara.
(Ouch, I don't think Scarlet ever landed on her nose).

Have fun at camp, Oreo. Have you ever used those water bottles that are also fans? You spray yourself with water while the fan is blowing for a wonderfully cool mist (especially if you put ice cubes in the water). We use those for my daughter's swim meets. Love 'em.

Thanks for giving us a post B4 u left.....going great...loved this last bit....very cute....bobby's history made sense too....good BG work