What a post powerful stuff, Oreo. Can't wait for your next post. I'm at the edge of my seat.
aida
Full Version: Independence Day - Oreolover
RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2006 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2006 Summer Blockbuster Challenge
Oh I held my breath that whole post -- sure she was going to get away and then bam she's right back where she started only now the corporal is going to be extra viligent!!! 
Great writing, Oreo
kav
Great writing, Oreokav
I thought she was going to make it!! At least the corporal seems to be a decent man!!!
Joy
Joy
aahh.....where's the guys when u need them......but the suspense is good 
Poor Tara. Come on guys, hurry up and save her!!!
Fantastic writing! I am eagerly awaiting more.... please post soon.
Christine
Christine
Chapter 15 - Part 3
Having been raised in a good Christian home, Jack was not prone to using language his mother would have taken a bar of lye soap to his mouth for. However, as he watched Tara’s attempted escape from beneath the cover of the fir trees, he had hissed a few choice words. A few more followed when he watched her get caught by the sergeant who clearly had other plans for her. This left him no choice but to attempt her rescue ahead of his schedule. But, just before he was about to pounce, the corporal had appeared and cold cocked the aggressive sergeant.
Even more colorful language slipped out when he watched the corporal took his place as sentry at Tara’s feet effectively destroying Jack’s perfect plan of stealing her away in the dead of night. He stifled a cough and backed away. Tara’s elixir was wearing off. He needed another dose. His own hacking would soon betray him so he’d have to back track and figure something else out in the morning.
With the tell-tale signs of another fever attacking his body, Jack pulled the blanket from the burlap sack and wrapped it around his shoulders before alternately taking a swigs from each of the elixers in the Mason jars. He covered the taste with one of Tara’s remaining biscuits. He coughed violently and suddenly felt overwhelmingly tired. ”I’ll only sleep a little while,” he told himself. ”Just til daybreak.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At daybreak, the corporal shook Tara’s shoulder. “Time to go,” he said gently before helping her to her feet. “Do you need to . . .uh . . . relieve yourself?”
Tara flushed crimson and merely nodded. “Can you untie me?”
“Sorry. Lieutenant ordered me not to, but you can go over there.” He pointed to a clump of bushes far enough from them that she’d have some privacy. “We’ll turn our backs, ma’am. I promise.”
Humiliated, Tara lifted her skirt with her bound hands. The ropes chafed at her raw wrists with every movement. Her stomach growled and she grabbed a couple of juicy berries from the bushes and popped them into her mouth. Once behind the bushes, she contemplated making a run for it. She took her time deciding. The corporal cleared his throat. “Don’t make me come in there and get you.”
Realizing that this was not the time, she straightened her skirt and headed back out. The corporal took her arm and led her to his saddled horse. The sergeant glared at her as he rubbed the back of his head. Did he think she knocked him out? It was then that she noticed the fourth member of the group was gone.
The lieutenant chuckled. “Miss Williams, I sent him ahead to the prison,” he explained. “They’ll need time to get the gallows ready.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The morning sun filtered through the lace panels on the window warming Sue’s cheeks. She opened her eyes and smiled at furry face staring back at her. Levi licked her cheek. The fluffy feather bed had cradled her during the night, and she didn’t believe she’s slept better in years. Lucy knocked on the door and Levi nudged her arm to let her know.
“Come in,” she called.
Lucy entered wearing a starched white apron over a simple striped cotton dress. Her hair was wrapped in a familiar kerchief only it was white instead of the bright ones she wore at home. She smiled broadly. “Didn’t know if you’d ever wake up.”
“I slept wonderfully and thank you for asking,” she teased. “What time is it?”
“About 8:00. Are you hungry?”
“Starved.”
“Good. There’s a buffet downstairs. Mr. Myles has asked the pleasure of your company at breakfast.”
“Me? What about you?”
“I had my breakfast, and I’m sure not welcome in the dining room. At least not as a guest.”
Sue frowned. “I hate that.”
“I do, too, but that’s the way things are. Besides, I didn’t get the feeling that Mr. Myles wanted anyone else about,” she said with a smirk as she headed to the wardrobe. “Now, what should you wear today? How about this pink one?”
“Looks kind of doughty next to Miss Anne’s fine things.”
“But you’re still prettier. Come on. Crawl out of the cushy bed. Cook likes to clean up by 9:00 and, if there is one thing I know, Mr. Myles is not a patient man.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With the gun cocked, Jack swung it towards the approaching noise with cat-like speed. “Bobby!” he yelled and lowered the weapon. “How did you find me?”
“Your coughing led us right to you.”
Jack struggled to his feet. “What time is it? I wanted to be out of here at daybreak.”
D pulled out a pocket watch. “About 7:30.”
Bobby scanned the area for any sign of Tara. “They got her?” Bobby asked, sinking onto a log.
Jack rolled up the blanket. “’Fraid so. She was alright last I saw her.”
“You’ve seen her?”
“Four Grey Coats, one of them being that lieutenant, arrested her and took her away. They left me ‘cause they thought I was sicker than I was. I followed them. They camped up the road about a half mile last night. They roughed her up pretty good.”
Bobby’s jaw clenched angrily, and he struck his palm with his fist cursing himself for letting her go without him. Jack stopped in front of his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Crash, there’s something else you should know. They’re planning to hang her.”
“Hang her?” he croaked.
“The lieutenant wanted to do it by nightfall, but must have decided to stop and sleep. They probably left at dawn. We need to hurry to make up for the lost time.”
“And how were you planning to stop them?” D asked.
“I had no idea.”
Having been raised in a good Christian home, Jack was not prone to using language his mother would have taken a bar of lye soap to his mouth for. However, as he watched Tara’s attempted escape from beneath the cover of the fir trees, he had hissed a few choice words. A few more followed when he watched her get caught by the sergeant who clearly had other plans for her. This left him no choice but to attempt her rescue ahead of his schedule. But, just before he was about to pounce, the corporal had appeared and cold cocked the aggressive sergeant.
Even more colorful language slipped out when he watched the corporal took his place as sentry at Tara’s feet effectively destroying Jack’s perfect plan of stealing her away in the dead of night. He stifled a cough and backed away. Tara’s elixir was wearing off. He needed another dose. His own hacking would soon betray him so he’d have to back track and figure something else out in the morning.
With the tell-tale signs of another fever attacking his body, Jack pulled the blanket from the burlap sack and wrapped it around his shoulders before alternately taking a swigs from each of the elixers in the Mason jars. He covered the taste with one of Tara’s remaining biscuits. He coughed violently and suddenly felt overwhelmingly tired. ”I’ll only sleep a little while,” he told himself. ”Just til daybreak.
At daybreak, the corporal shook Tara’s shoulder. “Time to go,” he said gently before helping her to her feet. “Do you need to . . .uh . . . relieve yourself?”
Tara flushed crimson and merely nodded. “Can you untie me?”
“Sorry. Lieutenant ordered me not to, but you can go over there.” He pointed to a clump of bushes far enough from them that she’d have some privacy. “We’ll turn our backs, ma’am. I promise.”
Humiliated, Tara lifted her skirt with her bound hands. The ropes chafed at her raw wrists with every movement. Her stomach growled and she grabbed a couple of juicy berries from the bushes and popped them into her mouth. Once behind the bushes, she contemplated making a run for it. She took her time deciding. The corporal cleared his throat. “Don’t make me come in there and get you.”
Realizing that this was not the time, she straightened her skirt and headed back out. The corporal took her arm and led her to his saddled horse. The sergeant glared at her as he rubbed the back of his head. Did he think she knocked him out? It was then that she noticed the fourth member of the group was gone.
The lieutenant chuckled. “Miss Williams, I sent him ahead to the prison,” he explained. “They’ll need time to get the gallows ready.”
The morning sun filtered through the lace panels on the window warming Sue’s cheeks. She opened her eyes and smiled at furry face staring back at her. Levi licked her cheek. The fluffy feather bed had cradled her during the night, and she didn’t believe she’s slept better in years. Lucy knocked on the door and Levi nudged her arm to let her know.
“Come in,” she called.
Lucy entered wearing a starched white apron over a simple striped cotton dress. Her hair was wrapped in a familiar kerchief only it was white instead of the bright ones she wore at home. She smiled broadly. “Didn’t know if you’d ever wake up.”
“I slept wonderfully and thank you for asking,” she teased. “What time is it?”
“About 8:00. Are you hungry?”
“Starved.”
“Good. There’s a buffet downstairs. Mr. Myles has asked the pleasure of your company at breakfast.”
“Me? What about you?”
“I had my breakfast, and I’m sure not welcome in the dining room. At least not as a guest.”
Sue frowned. “I hate that.”
“I do, too, but that’s the way things are. Besides, I didn’t get the feeling that Mr. Myles wanted anyone else about,” she said with a smirk as she headed to the wardrobe. “Now, what should you wear today? How about this pink one?”
“Looks kind of doughty next to Miss Anne’s fine things.”
“But you’re still prettier. Come on. Crawl out of the cushy bed. Cook likes to clean up by 9:00 and, if there is one thing I know, Mr. Myles is not a patient man.”
With the gun cocked, Jack swung it towards the approaching noise with cat-like speed. “Bobby!” he yelled and lowered the weapon. “How did you find me?”
“Your coughing led us right to you.”
Jack struggled to his feet. “What time is it? I wanted to be out of here at daybreak.”
D pulled out a pocket watch. “About 7:30.”
Bobby scanned the area for any sign of Tara. “They got her?” Bobby asked, sinking onto a log.
Jack rolled up the blanket. “’Fraid so. She was alright last I saw her.”
“You’ve seen her?”
“Four Grey Coats, one of them being that lieutenant, arrested her and took her away. They left me ‘cause they thought I was sicker than I was. I followed them. They camped up the road about a half mile last night. They roughed her up pretty good.”
Bobby’s jaw clenched angrily, and he struck his palm with his fist cursing himself for letting her go without him. Jack stopped in front of his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Crash, there’s something else you should know. They’re planning to hang her.”
“Hang her?” he croaked.
“The lieutenant wanted to do it by nightfall, but must have decided to stop and sleep. They probably left at dawn. We need to hurry to make up for the lost time.”
“And how were you planning to stop them?” D asked.
“I had no idea.”
Maybe the three of them can think of a plan!
Wow! You have made up for lost time. I had two pages to get caught up on. Thanks! 
Okay, three of them are reunited. Now they have to go save Tara. For some reason, I have a sneaking feeling that Myles or Lucy or Sue is going to help with the rescue. Maybe? I know, I know. It's your story....
So when do we get more???
Okay, three of them are reunited. Now they have to go save Tara. For some reason, I have a sneaking feeling that Myles or Lucy or Sue is going to help with the rescue. Maybe? I know, I know. It's your story....
So when do we get more???
i'm sure jack will come up with a plan, he always does
cath
cath
Oh -- Tara's getting farther and farther away! They better come up with a plan -- well Oreo better come up with the plan and then whisper it in Jack's ear or we'll lose our Tara to the rope -- unless she's a thoroughly enterprising young woman with an idea of her own.kav
think, think, think!!!!!
Jack, Bobby and D better come up with a plan soon!
Now there are three of them - they should have a fighting chance if they can get to them before they enter town!!!
Joy
Joy
Finally caught up! I'm so worried about Tara, I really hope Bobby, D and Jack find her soon.
I'm getting curious of how Jack and Sue are going to meet...
Helene
I'm getting curious of how Jack and Sue are going to meet...
Helene
Chapter 16 – Part 1
Always the perfect gentleman, Myles held Sue’s chair and eased it beneath her before limping to his own. She was seated on the right side of the long dining table with Myles at the head of the table. He’d already explained that the rest of the family had enjoyed their breakfast earlier.
Myles picked up his fork and speared a curdle of scrambled eggs. Quickly, he lowered it to the plate when Sue bowed her head in silent prayer. “Forgive me,” he apologized when she raised her head. “I’ve gotten out of the habit of saying grace.”
“I don’t think of saying thank you as a habit,” Sue explained with a smile as she opened her biscuit and slathered butter and plum jelly on it. He watched her carefully take a bite and close her eyes, savoring the flavor. “This is wonderful. I’ll have to compliment your cook.”
“I’ll be sure to pass along your compliments.” He took a swallow of coffee. “Lucy told me how you have an exceptional talent for lip reading. I thought she was exaggerating, but I can see now that she was not.”
“As long as the light is good, I usually don’t have a lot of trouble. Occasionally, mustaches give me some difficulties.”
“Could you read the lips of someone, say, through binoculars, across a field?”
“I don’t make it a habit to eavesdrop, Mr. Leland.”
“Of course not.” His eyes dropped to his plate where he cut a bite from a slab of ham. After several minutes of silence, he raised his head. “Miss Thomas, you know I served under your father in the war.”
Sue dabbed at the corner of her mouth with her napkin and nodded. “Yes, Lucy mentioned it.”
“I have the utmost respect for him. He is an admirable leader, he’s extremely perceptive, and he’s an intelligent and sensible man.”
“Thank you. He’s also very kind and God-fearing.”
“I’d tend to agree.” Myles smiled and set down his fork. He reached across the table and covered Sue’s hand with his own. “Miss Thomas, it is because of my great respect and admiration for your father that I have something to propose to you.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tara couldn’t believe the sight before her. Billows of smoke poured from the public buildings in Richmond. Her heart broke for the once proud city, now falling to its knees. Why had war been so cruel to them all?
“Do you see what you’ve helped to do?” the lieutenant hissed. “You’re a traitor to your people.”
“But who set the fires? The Union Army isn’t here.”
“Yet.”
Even though they skirted the mayhem, Tara could still see the looting taking place and could tell that all the buildings of downtown: the Bank of Richmond; the Traders Bank; the American Hotel, the Columbian Hotel, the Enquirer Building on 12th street, the Dispatch office had burned to the ground.
She swiped at the tears in her eyes with her bound hands. “Easy, Miss Williams,” the corporal whispered. “Some say there were orders to not let the Union get the banks.”
“The Confederacy destroyed its own buildings?”
“Maybe.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack, Bobby, and D had carefully trailed behind the foursome. When they reached the city, they managed to get ahead of the group and position themselves in an evacuated hotel. With all of the chaos in the city, no one noticed them. “We’ve got to get her before she gets to the prison,” Jack explained as they mounted the stairs for a better vantage point. “Once there, we won’t have a chance.”
D pulled back the curtain on the third floor room they’d chosen. “I’ve been praying that they take a break and let her stretch her legs. She looks worn to the bone.”
Bobby looked out the window and his jaw clenched when he caught sight of her. The bruises on her face, even from a distance, were purple and swollen. Her head lollel as they moved, and he imagined that the only thing keeping her on the mount was the corporal grip around her waist. “Maybe they’d abandon her if they had another target,” he suggested, forcing his eyes away from the window.
“And let me guess. You’re the new target?” D asked.
Bobby leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s the only way.”
Jack moved the drapery farther back to get a better view and Tara’s eyes seemed to meet his. “No, it’s not. I think she just spotted us.” He lifted the Colt in his hand and took aim.
“Here, take my rifle,” Bobby said, passing his gun to his best mate. “If you’ve got a clear shot, it had better be with a decent weapon. You can do this, can’t you, Sparky?”
“I won’t take a shot if I can’t.”
Always the perfect gentleman, Myles held Sue’s chair and eased it beneath her before limping to his own. She was seated on the right side of the long dining table with Myles at the head of the table. He’d already explained that the rest of the family had enjoyed their breakfast earlier.
Myles picked up his fork and speared a curdle of scrambled eggs. Quickly, he lowered it to the plate when Sue bowed her head in silent prayer. “Forgive me,” he apologized when she raised her head. “I’ve gotten out of the habit of saying grace.”
“I don’t think of saying thank you as a habit,” Sue explained with a smile as she opened her biscuit and slathered butter and plum jelly on it. He watched her carefully take a bite and close her eyes, savoring the flavor. “This is wonderful. I’ll have to compliment your cook.”
“I’ll be sure to pass along your compliments.” He took a swallow of coffee. “Lucy told me how you have an exceptional talent for lip reading. I thought she was exaggerating, but I can see now that she was not.”
“As long as the light is good, I usually don’t have a lot of trouble. Occasionally, mustaches give me some difficulties.”
“Could you read the lips of someone, say, through binoculars, across a field?”
“I don’t make it a habit to eavesdrop, Mr. Leland.”
“Of course not.” His eyes dropped to his plate where he cut a bite from a slab of ham. After several minutes of silence, he raised his head. “Miss Thomas, you know I served under your father in the war.”
Sue dabbed at the corner of her mouth with her napkin and nodded. “Yes, Lucy mentioned it.”
“I have the utmost respect for him. He is an admirable leader, he’s extremely perceptive, and he’s an intelligent and sensible man.”
“Thank you. He’s also very kind and God-fearing.”
“I’d tend to agree.” Myles smiled and set down his fork. He reached across the table and covered Sue’s hand with his own. “Miss Thomas, it is because of my great respect and admiration for your father that I have something to propose to you.”
Tara couldn’t believe the sight before her. Billows of smoke poured from the public buildings in Richmond. Her heart broke for the once proud city, now falling to its knees. Why had war been so cruel to them all?
“Do you see what you’ve helped to do?” the lieutenant hissed. “You’re a traitor to your people.”
“But who set the fires? The Union Army isn’t here.”
“Yet.”
Even though they skirted the mayhem, Tara could still see the looting taking place and could tell that all the buildings of downtown: the Bank of Richmond; the Traders Bank; the American Hotel, the Columbian Hotel, the Enquirer Building on 12th street, the Dispatch office had burned to the ground.
She swiped at the tears in her eyes with her bound hands. “Easy, Miss Williams,” the corporal whispered. “Some say there were orders to not let the Union get the banks.”
“The Confederacy destroyed its own buildings?”
“Maybe.”
Jack, Bobby, and D had carefully trailed behind the foursome. When they reached the city, they managed to get ahead of the group and position themselves in an evacuated hotel. With all of the chaos in the city, no one noticed them. “We’ve got to get her before she gets to the prison,” Jack explained as they mounted the stairs for a better vantage point. “Once there, we won’t have a chance.”
D pulled back the curtain on the third floor room they’d chosen. “I’ve been praying that they take a break and let her stretch her legs. She looks worn to the bone.”
Bobby looked out the window and his jaw clenched when he caught sight of her. The bruises on her face, even from a distance, were purple and swollen. Her head lollel as they moved, and he imagined that the only thing keeping her on the mount was the corporal grip around her waist. “Maybe they’d abandon her if they had another target,” he suggested, forcing his eyes away from the window.
“And let me guess. You’re the new target?” D asked.
Bobby leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s the only way.”
Jack moved the drapery farther back to get a better view and Tara’s eyes seemed to meet his. “No, it’s not. I think she just spotted us.” He lifted the Colt in his hand and took aim.
“Here, take my rifle,” Bobby said, passing his gun to his best mate. “If you’ve got a clear shot, it had better be with a decent weapon. You can do this, can’t you, Sparky?”
“I won’t take a shot if I can’t.”
Let's hope Jack is as good a shot as he is in the present time!! I'm going to pray and keep my eyes shut!! Let me know when it's over!!!
Joy
Joy
As the Mcdonalds theme says Oreolover "I'm Loving it" just one little thing, did Myles just call Sue Miss Hudson? Either I am seeing things (always a posibility), you have added an interesting little twist or Myles is on some very strong pain medication (a freudian slip perhaps?) 
only no one else seems to have mentioned it so maybe it all makes perfect sense and I have missed the boat somewhere along the way. Even so, I am loving it just the same.
only no one else seems to have mentioned it so maybe it all makes perfect sense and I have missed the boat somewhere along the way. Even so, I am loving it just the same.
Jellybean, thanks for catching my slip. I'll go back and fix that right now. 
i'm with joy, hope jack can shoot as well then as he can now
cath
cath
Well, I think it's just evidence of how foreordained Jack and Sue are!!!! 
Now, I'm not sure if I want Jack to shoot -- I mean the corporal's not a bad guy -- he's been very decent to Tara, what with a war going on and all. This is a wonderful story, Oreo and I love finding a new post waiting for me.
kav
Now, I'm not sure if I want Jack to shoot -- I mean the corporal's not a bad guy -- he's been very decent to Tara, what with a war going on and all. This is a wonderful story, Oreo and I love finding a new post waiting for me.kav
Now I think I understand how our two loverbirds are going to meet!!!!
Wonder how the guys are planning to save Tara... but I sure hope it's soon!
Helene
Wonder how the guys are planning to save Tara... but I sure hope it's soon!
Helene
I'm on the edge of my seat, impatiently waiting.....
I'm trying not to make anyone have to wait too long. Thank you all for you comments. This one has a squeamish/blood warning.
Chapter 16 - Part 2
Tara struggled to keep her breathing even. She knew that if she made any sudden movements, her captors would grow suspicious. Still, somehow, she needed to get far enough away from the others that Bobby, Jack, and D could make their move. “Could we please stop for a minute?” Tara begged. “I want to pray for this city.”
“You should be praying that the Lord will accept your sorry soul?” the lieutenant growled.
“What’ll it hurt?” the corporal asked. “We’ve been riding all morning and the horses could use a drink.”
The lieutenant inclined his head to the side, and they pulled alongside a trough placed outside an empty restaurant. The corporal dismounted and lifted Tara down. Much to her surprise, her legs refused support her body and she crumpled in a heap. The corporal grabbed for her and shots wrung out. She watched in horror as blood covered the lieutenant’s chest and he fell back into the trough with a splash. The sergeant lay near her feet, a hole through his head, with his eyes fixed open, staring back at her. The corporal, who had instinctively covered her body with his own, now pulled back, crouched low, and had his gun trained on the hotel.
Bobby darted across the front door of the hotel. Tara reacted on impulse. She threw her shoulder into the corporal just as he fired, sending his shot wide of its mark. They both rolled and he came up with his weapon aimed directly at Tara’s head. Her breath caught in her throat.
“Drop it!” Bobby shouted from the porch of the hotel. “Go ahead and try me. I’d have no problem killing you right here and now.”
“Bobby, no! Not him!”
Bobby moved to the street. “Tara get behind me,” he ordered.
“Move and Iwill shoot you,” the corporal said. “You’re my prisoner, and I have no choice.”
“Please put the gun down,” she pleaded. “They’ll kill you.”
“I know.”
“Now!” she heard Jack shout just before Bobby tackled her and more shots rang out. Then, an eerie silence followed. She was only vaguely aware of Bobby rolling off her and pulling her into his arms. She tried to answer his near panicked questions asking if she was alright, but the words just wouldn’t come. Instead, the sight of the dead corporal, sprawled beside her, burned in her mind. What had she done?
Chapter 16 - Part 2
Tara struggled to keep her breathing even. She knew that if she made any sudden movements, her captors would grow suspicious. Still, somehow, she needed to get far enough away from the others that Bobby, Jack, and D could make their move. “Could we please stop for a minute?” Tara begged. “I want to pray for this city.”
“You should be praying that the Lord will accept your sorry soul?” the lieutenant growled.
“What’ll it hurt?” the corporal asked. “We’ve been riding all morning and the horses could use a drink.”
The lieutenant inclined his head to the side, and they pulled alongside a trough placed outside an empty restaurant. The corporal dismounted and lifted Tara down. Much to her surprise, her legs refused support her body and she crumpled in a heap. The corporal grabbed for her and shots wrung out. She watched in horror as blood covered the lieutenant’s chest and he fell back into the trough with a splash. The sergeant lay near her feet, a hole through his head, with his eyes fixed open, staring back at her. The corporal, who had instinctively covered her body with his own, now pulled back, crouched low, and had his gun trained on the hotel.
Bobby darted across the front door of the hotel. Tara reacted on impulse. She threw her shoulder into the corporal just as he fired, sending his shot wide of its mark. They both rolled and he came up with his weapon aimed directly at Tara’s head. Her breath caught in her throat.
“Drop it!” Bobby shouted from the porch of the hotel. “Go ahead and try me. I’d have no problem killing you right here and now.”
“Bobby, no! Not him!”
Bobby moved to the street. “Tara get behind me,” he ordered.
“Move and Iwill shoot you,” the corporal said. “You’re my prisoner, and I have no choice.”
“Please put the gun down,” she pleaded. “They’ll kill you.”
“I know.”
“Now!” she heard Jack shout just before Bobby tackled her and more shots rang out. Then, an eerie silence followed. She was only vaguely aware of Bobby rolling off her and pulling her into his arms. She tried to answer his near panicked questions asking if she was alright, but the words just wouldn’t come. Instead, the sight of the dead corporal, sprawled beside her, burned in her mind. What had she done?
I'm with Tara, I would have really liked to have seen the corporal spared - but he was going to kill her - there's nothing else the guys could have done!!!
Oreo, what a story this is!!!
Joy
Oreo, what a story this is!!!
Joy
I would have liked the corporal to get out of here alive too... but bobby really didn't have the choice. And I'm really glad they found her.
Can't wait for more. Did I already mention I love learning about the Civil War throughout your story?
Helene
Can't wait for more. Did I already mention I love learning about the Civil War throughout your story?
Helene
I'm sad about the corporal too, but I guess he was doing his job. I remember him saying something about dying knowing you did something.
I'm glad Tara's alright, though!
I'm glad Tara's alright, though!
it's a shame the corporal died but if the alternative was Tara dying it's no choice really
cath
cath
QUOTE(learningtosign @ Jul 12 2006, 08:43 PM)
it's a shame the corporal died but if the alternative was Tara dying it's no choice really
cath
cath
Glad they rescued Tara.This is brilliant Oreo
I was sad about the corporal dying, I mean he was the only decent one towards Tara, but there was no choice.
I really hope Tara understands that it was NOT her fault.
aida
I really hope Tara understands that it was NOT her fault.
aida
yep that's about it.....don't worry that wasn't very gorry at all
I was hopeful when they missed him the first time round. He was trying to protect her and everything. Sob. He probably had a wife and children. This is what the Civil War was all about, isn't it? Ripping apart families and neighbours and the useless slaughter of so many people. Sigh. I think I'll break open my new bar of organic dark chocolate. kav
tose were some tense amazing posts. I loved it. Poor Tara hopefully Bobby will help her get over what happened
Wow. Amazing posts! Great job..... I think everyone else has already said what I was going to say.
Can't wait for more!
I think everyone else has already said what I was going to say. Can't wait for more!
Thanks again for all of your comments. Kav, you're right. The Civil War did tear families apart. In my own ancestry, my great grandfather's family had eleven children. Some settled in Missouri near their parents. Missouri came into the Union as a slave state. Some went across the state lines a hundred miles or so to Iowa. The brothers ended up on different sides of the war.
Note: While I abhor the term “nigger” that Myles uses in this section, I believe that in that day and time, it is how Myles would be thinking, and sadly, he would have thought nothing of it. No disrespect is intended.
Chapter 17 – Part 1
"We have shared the incommunicable experience of war. We have felt, we still feel, the passion of life to its top.... In our youths, our hearts were touched with fire." ~~Oliver Wendell Holmes
Sue sat up straight in the dining chair and blinked. Had she read Myles’ words correctly? He had a proposal to make? Surely not. At least not that kind of proposal.
“Miss Thomas, may I call you Sue?”
Sue nodded mutely.
“Good. Then, Sue, I’d like for you consider this possibility before answering. I hope you will not think I am being presumptuous or imposing, but I’ve been thinking about this for quite some time.“ He paused to take a deep breath. “I believe that we could work well together and I’m proposing a type of partnership. I believe that your lip reading talents could be used to further the Union’s war effort. If you’d consent to allow me to accompany you, then I’d like to take you to your father. Positioned in the right location, I believe you could tell us what the Confederate officers were planning.”
“You want to take me to help my father?” Sue squeaked. She sighed in relief and stiffled a giggle with her napkin.
“I don’t think it’s funny. I asked you to take it seriously.”
“Oh, Mr. Leland, I do. I mean – I am. I think it’s a wonderful idea. It simply wasn’t what I thought you were going to ask.”
“What else did you think I’d propose?”
“Never mind.” She smiled broadly. “And, I don’t think my father would object if you were to be my escort, Mr. Leland, and Lucy could act as chaperone.”
“Call me Myles, please. I hadn’t considered the necessity of a chaperone, but of course you’re correct. Lucy could certainly serve in the capacity.”
“So, when do we leave?”
“Could you be packed by this afternoon?”
“I didn’t bring a lot of things. I could easily pack them back up.”
“Good. I’ll make the other arrangements.” Myles placed his napkin beside his plate signaling the end of breakfast.
He offered Sue his hand and she stood. “Myles, I have a favor to ask. Is there any way that Samuel could join us as well? In my father’s letters he’s always complaining about the lack of good blacksmiths, and frankly I’d feel safer with two men.”
The instantaneous jealousy he felt at the mention of Samuel’s name surprised him, but he recovered quickly. “That’s an excellent idea, Sue. I’ll notify Samuel immediately.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack saw their gunfire had drawn attention and few men who’d chosen not to evacuate were making their down the wooden sidewalk towards them. “Bobby, we got to get out of here.”
Bobby followed Jack’s eyes and lifted Tara into his arms. “Right behind you, mate.” They slipped between the building into the alley where their horses were tied. Bobby passed Tara to D while he mounted and then cradled her unresponsive form in arms after D hoisted her up to him. Jack, now back on Skater, led them down one back alley after another until they reached the edge of town. He slowed their pace to a trot, but didn’t stop.
“She’s shaking like a leaf,” Bobby said finally.
Jack reigned Skater in and dismounted. He pulled the blanket from the burlap sack and helped Bobby wrap her in it. Touching his lips to her forehead, Bobby told them she wasn’t feverish.
“Seen men do that before on the battlefield when they got a shock,” D explained. “She’ll come out of it.”
Jack stroked Graceland’s mane. “Think she can ride back to the wagon. It’ll be quite a trip, but if we keep a steady pace, I think we can make it before dark.”
Bobby shifted her in his arms. “We have to. D and I have to blow up some wagons in Painesville in a couple of days. It’s at least a days ride there from the wagon.”
“We can take turns carrying Tara. Let me know when you need a break.”
He pulled her closer. “I’ll be fine.”
As they rode, the numbness Tara felt began to subside. She had been so cold, but warmth was spreading through her body. Her head lolled against Bobby’s shoulder and he held her tightly in his arms, shifting her weight occasionally to a new position. She could hear him whispering gentle words over and over. “You’re going to be fine, now, luv. You’re safe. Open your beautiful eyes and talk to me.”
She wanted to comply, but she was just so tired.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Six humpback chests were lined up like soldiers in the carriage house. Myles, dressed in a fine traveling suit, addressed the ladies. “We’ll be taking riding the Trenton, Philadelphia, and New York Railroad as far as Philadelphia. Then, we’ll be switching to the Wilmington - Baltimore Railroad and ride on that to Baltimore. There, we change to the Washington which will take us to Alexandria, VA.. Things may get more difficult from there because we’ll be across the Confederate lines. The Piedmont Railroad should take us to the Richmond-Danville lines if they haven’t been too damaged. We’ll be on our own from there.”
Lucy’s jaw dropped. “All that? How long will we be traveling?”
“A good two or three solid days. We may spend the night in Washington if we need to.”
“And once we arrive in Richmond?” Sue asked.
“For safety reasons, I doubt we can ride the train all the way there. We’ll have to probably secure other transportation earlier on our journey.”
“Like?”
“I’ll purchase a landau for us to travel in. Why don’t you two go finish up? The train leaves in an hour and a half.”
As soon as they’d gone, Samuel slapped his cap across his breeches creating a cloud of dust. “Sir, you can’t be serious about getting a landau.”
“You certainly can’t expect Sue and Lucy to travel in wagon.”
“I shore can. They’d be a lot safer, too. That fancy landau would be like a beacon to every no gooder out there.”
Myles stiffened. He hadn’t considered that possibility, but he certainly had no intention of letting Samuel know that. “We’ll take our chances.”
“Won’t git everything on it either if’n we take all this?”
“How many chests can a landau handle?”
“Maybe three. One for Miss Sue and Miss Lucy’s things. One for yours. I reckon I can throw mine in with yours. And one for our other stuff like your maps, books, and food for Levi. The ladies can carry personal stuff in their carpet bags.”
Myles took a step back, his mouth aghast. “You think you’re going to put your things in with - - mine? And Lucy’s in with Sue’s? That’s hardly proper.”
“Afraid my black skin’ll rub off on ya’? Don’t worry. It’s not ketchin’,” he laughed. “If you’re set on buying a landau in Virginia, there aren’t any other choices.”
“Perhaps you and Lucy could pack together, and Sue and I could.”
Samuel let out a full-bellied laugh this time. “I can’t wait to see Miss Lucy’s face when you tell her that. Somehow, I don’t think she’s gonna cotton to you seeing Miss Sue’s under pinnings.”
“Fine. Just make sure you put your clothes in a sack before you put them in with mine. I’ll tell Lucy and Sue they’ll need to consolidate their things.” Levi rubbed against his leg and Myles rubbed the dog’s head. “Do you really think taking Levi is wise?”
Samuel laughed again. “Do you want to be the one to tell Lucy and Sue that you plan to leave him home?”
Myles shook his head. Traveling with a woman, two niggers, and a dog. What was he thinking?
Note: While I abhor the term “nigger” that Myles uses in this section, I believe that in that day and time, it is how Myles would be thinking, and sadly, he would have thought nothing of it. No disrespect is intended.
Chapter 17 – Part 1
"We have shared the incommunicable experience of war. We have felt, we still feel, the passion of life to its top.... In our youths, our hearts were touched with fire." ~~Oliver Wendell Holmes
Sue sat up straight in the dining chair and blinked. Had she read Myles’ words correctly? He had a proposal to make? Surely not. At least not that kind of proposal.
“Miss Thomas, may I call you Sue?”
Sue nodded mutely.
“Good. Then, Sue, I’d like for you consider this possibility before answering. I hope you will not think I am being presumptuous or imposing, but I’ve been thinking about this for quite some time.“ He paused to take a deep breath. “I believe that we could work well together and I’m proposing a type of partnership. I believe that your lip reading talents could be used to further the Union’s war effort. If you’d consent to allow me to accompany you, then I’d like to take you to your father. Positioned in the right location, I believe you could tell us what the Confederate officers were planning.”
“You want to take me to help my father?” Sue squeaked. She sighed in relief and stiffled a giggle with her napkin.
“I don’t think it’s funny. I asked you to take it seriously.”
“Oh, Mr. Leland, I do. I mean – I am. I think it’s a wonderful idea. It simply wasn’t what I thought you were going to ask.”
“What else did you think I’d propose?”
“Never mind.” She smiled broadly. “And, I don’t think my father would object if you were to be my escort, Mr. Leland, and Lucy could act as chaperone.”
“Call me Myles, please. I hadn’t considered the necessity of a chaperone, but of course you’re correct. Lucy could certainly serve in the capacity.”
“So, when do we leave?”
“Could you be packed by this afternoon?”
“I didn’t bring a lot of things. I could easily pack them back up.”
“Good. I’ll make the other arrangements.” Myles placed his napkin beside his plate signaling the end of breakfast.
He offered Sue his hand and she stood. “Myles, I have a favor to ask. Is there any way that Samuel could join us as well? In my father’s letters he’s always complaining about the lack of good blacksmiths, and frankly I’d feel safer with two men.”
The instantaneous jealousy he felt at the mention of Samuel’s name surprised him, but he recovered quickly. “That’s an excellent idea, Sue. I’ll notify Samuel immediately.”
Jack saw their gunfire had drawn attention and few men who’d chosen not to evacuate were making their down the wooden sidewalk towards them. “Bobby, we got to get out of here.”
Bobby followed Jack’s eyes and lifted Tara into his arms. “Right behind you, mate.” They slipped between the building into the alley where their horses were tied. Bobby passed Tara to D while he mounted and then cradled her unresponsive form in arms after D hoisted her up to him. Jack, now back on Skater, led them down one back alley after another until they reached the edge of town. He slowed their pace to a trot, but didn’t stop.
“She’s shaking like a leaf,” Bobby said finally.
Jack reigned Skater in and dismounted. He pulled the blanket from the burlap sack and helped Bobby wrap her in it. Touching his lips to her forehead, Bobby told them she wasn’t feverish.
“Seen men do that before on the battlefield when they got a shock,” D explained. “She’ll come out of it.”
Jack stroked Graceland’s mane. “Think she can ride back to the wagon. It’ll be quite a trip, but if we keep a steady pace, I think we can make it before dark.”
Bobby shifted her in his arms. “We have to. D and I have to blow up some wagons in Painesville in a couple of days. It’s at least a days ride there from the wagon.”
“We can take turns carrying Tara. Let me know when you need a break.”
He pulled her closer. “I’ll be fine.”
As they rode, the numbness Tara felt began to subside. She had been so cold, but warmth was spreading through her body. Her head lolled against Bobby’s shoulder and he held her tightly in his arms, shifting her weight occasionally to a new position. She could hear him whispering gentle words over and over. “You’re going to be fine, now, luv. You’re safe. Open your beautiful eyes and talk to me.”
She wanted to comply, but she was just so tired.
Six humpback chests were lined up like soldiers in the carriage house. Myles, dressed in a fine traveling suit, addressed the ladies. “We’ll be taking riding the Trenton, Philadelphia, and New York Railroad as far as Philadelphia. Then, we’ll be switching to the Wilmington - Baltimore Railroad and ride on that to Baltimore. There, we change to the Washington which will take us to Alexandria, VA.. Things may get more difficult from there because we’ll be across the Confederate lines. The Piedmont Railroad should take us to the Richmond-Danville lines if they haven’t been too damaged. We’ll be on our own from there.”
Lucy’s jaw dropped. “All that? How long will we be traveling?”
“A good two or three solid days. We may spend the night in Washington if we need to.”
“And once we arrive in Richmond?” Sue asked.
“For safety reasons, I doubt we can ride the train all the way there. We’ll have to probably secure other transportation earlier on our journey.”
“Like?”
“I’ll purchase a landau for us to travel in. Why don’t you two go finish up? The train leaves in an hour and a half.”
As soon as they’d gone, Samuel slapped his cap across his breeches creating a cloud of dust. “Sir, you can’t be serious about getting a landau.”
“You certainly can’t expect Sue and Lucy to travel in wagon.”
“I shore can. They’d be a lot safer, too. That fancy landau would be like a beacon to every no gooder out there.”
Myles stiffened. He hadn’t considered that possibility, but he certainly had no intention of letting Samuel know that. “We’ll take our chances.”
“Won’t git everything on it either if’n we take all this?”
“How many chests can a landau handle?”
“Maybe three. One for Miss Sue and Miss Lucy’s things. One for yours. I reckon I can throw mine in with yours. And one for our other stuff like your maps, books, and food for Levi. The ladies can carry personal stuff in their carpet bags.”
Myles took a step back, his mouth aghast. “You think you’re going to put your things in with - - mine? And Lucy’s in with Sue’s? That’s hardly proper.”
“Afraid my black skin’ll rub off on ya’? Don’t worry. It’s not ketchin’,” he laughed. “If you’re set on buying a landau in Virginia, there aren’t any other choices.”
“Perhaps you and Lucy could pack together, and Sue and I could.”
Samuel let out a full-bellied laugh this time. “I can’t wait to see Miss Lucy’s face when you tell her that. Somehow, I don’t think she’s gonna cotton to you seeing Miss Sue’s under pinnings.”
“Fine. Just make sure you put your clothes in a sack before you put them in with mine. I’ll tell Lucy and Sue they’ll need to consolidate their things.” Levi rubbed against his leg and Myles rubbed the dog’s head. “Do you really think taking Levi is wise?”
Samuel laughed again. “Do you want to be the one to tell Lucy and Sue that you plan to leave him home?”
Myles shook his head. Traveling with a woman, two niggers, and a dog. What was he thinking?
Now I see how Jack and Sue are going to meet. But what is Sue's father going to think about Myles bringing her into danger? And I have no idea what on earth you are going to do with Lucy and Myles and Samuel.
kav
And I have no idea what on earth you are going to do with Lucy and Myles and Samuel. kav
The excitement is building. I'm glad Tara is okay for now. I'm sure she'll be able to comply to Bobby's bidding shortly. 
And I really think Sue would be aghast at the thought of sharing a trunk with Myles. Good grief, a proper lady would never be expected to do something like that.
Can't wait for more! This is so good....
And I really think Sue would be aghast at the thought of sharing a trunk with Myles. Good grief, a proper lady would never be expected to do something like that.
Can't wait for more! This is so good....
hun, you have done it again.... opening lines, Miss hudson..... another slip of the tongue... 
Yes, I can also see now how Jack and Sue are going to meet!!
You have Myles acting exactly how I would expect him to act in that time!! I love Samuel feeling comfortable enough with him to tease him and correct him on his way of wanting to do things!!!
Joy
You have Myles acting exactly how I would expect him to act in that time!! I love Samuel feeling comfortable enough with him to tease him and correct him on his way of wanting to do things!!!
Joy
Things were going along nicely and then...nothing. It just stopped. No more post. I think you were right about the shall we say period correct language. Times were different and Myles wouldn't even necesarily have meant it in a negative way. It was just a word and like Anne's reaction to Lucy it was unpleasant for us, but perfectly acceptable at the time.
Um, what's a landau? And out of interest how long would Myles and Sue's journey take today if they were going by plane or even by car (I really don't know much about American geography)
Now I am very sorry for Tara all tired and traumatised and all but
I just can't wait for more of this story- I anticipate a Jack and Sue meeting and more triangly stuff for Lucy and Myles and Samuel and I can't wait. More please.
QUOTE(Kav @ Jul 13 2006, 03:27 PM)
Now I see how Jack and Sue are going to meet.
Me too... and i'm not sure I like it. I mean Myles, Sue, Lucy, Samuel and Levi are going to take the train right... Aren't Bobby, Jack and D supposed to make a train blow up?
Helene
ack Helene -- I didn't think of that! :hide: How am I going to get any work done around the house with this hovering over me?
kav
:hide: How am I going to get any work done around the house with this hovering over me?kav
QUOTE(Kav @ Jul 13 2006, 04:48 PM)
ack Helene -- I didn't think of that! :hide: How am I going to get any work done around the house with this hovering over me?
kav
:hide: How am I going to get any work done around the house with this hovering over me?kav
Can't wait to see how exactly Jack and Sue meet
Isn't it some wagons they are supposed to make blow up? Not the train. It seems like the wagon blow-up will be a day or two before Myles and all arrive anyway...
Ails, good catch – again. Who needs spell check? I need to use somthing that catches my wishful thinking when I type Miss Hudson.
Jellybean, great questions!
First, it’s about 555 miles from Boston to Richmond which would take about 9 and half hours to drive according to Mapquest. Since trains in the Civil War period could go about 20 to 25 m.p.h, I guessed it would take about 24 to 27 hours if they went non-stop. However, I knew I had to figure in stops so I guessed it would take a good two days. (This is a monumental amount of figuring for an English major. )
Second, a landau was a fancy carriage the rich preferred something like this:
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/pr/8535...ry_10420438.jpg
http://www.prestige-carriages.co.uk/images/weddings2.jpg
Riders could have the top up or down. Sometimes the back seat would be removed and sort of “trunk” space added for luggage.
Sorry, I can't be held responsible for any unfinished housework except my own. We had a big storm and the internet/cable went down this afternoon.
Chapter 17 - Part 2
His arms ached from holding her and still Bobby couldn’t let her go. How could someone he’d only met a few days ago have become his reason for living? He pressed his lips to the top of her head and prayed that she’d be alright.
Finally, they reached their destination, much sooner than Jack had thought, and D helped him get her situated on a blanket while Jack started a fire. Bobby couldn’t believe they’d forgotten to untie her wrists. Whipping out a knife from his belt, he cut the rope, revealing dried blood beneath.
“I need some water over here!” he called.
D handed him one of the canteens he’d just filled, a tin of salve from the supplies, and one of the napkin that had held the biscuits. “After you clean the wounds and put the salve on, you’ll need to cut a bandage from her petticoats. We don’t have any other clean strips of cloth.” He patted his friend’s shoulder and left him to tend to Tara alone.
He dabbed at the welts on her wrists and she inhaled sharply, but kept her eyes closed. His ministrations were gentle, and he kept his voice calm. He smoothed the salve on the raw skin. “Listen, luv, I could use a little instruction here. D says I need to cut a piece off your petticoats to make a bandage. I’d feel a lot more comfortable about that if you’d open your eyes and tell me which one to cut. There must be four layers down there.”
He opted to clean the blood from her lip before attempting to cut the bandage. He touched the bruise on her cheek, almost reverently, wondering how anyone could hurt such a beautiful woman. “Please, luv, wake up for me. It’s all over now. I promise you’re safe.”
“It’s my fault.” Her whisper was barely audible.
He cupped her cheek with his hand. “What’s your fault, luv?”
“The corporal died.” A tear trickled down her cheek and her pain-filled eyes slowly opened. “He saved me, Bobby, and I got him killed.”
Bobby pulled her into his arms and pressed her to his chest. “No, you didn’t, Tara. He made a choice. I heard him.”
“To die?” she asked at more tears began to fall.
Bobby pushed her shoulders back so he could look into her eyes. “No. To do what he thought was right. He was a soldier to the end. Don’t rob him of his honor.”
“What’s honorable about dieing for nothing?”
He couldn’t answer that, so he simply drew her against him and let her cry. When her tears were spent, he carefully raised the canteen to her cracked lips. “Little sips,” he warned. “Don’t want your stomach to rebel.” He then set the canteen down beside her. “When was the last time you had something to eat?”
“Lunch with Jack.”
“A day and a half ago?“ Tara nodded and Bobby called to Jack and D. “Do we have anything around here to eat?”
Coughing every few steps, Jack came over with a cup of the canned peaches which Tara had packed. He set the cup in her hands. “I’m not really all that hungry,” she admitted. He coughed again. “And you need to take your medicine, Capt. Hudson.”
“And you need to eat your peaches,” he said with a wink.
Having no fork, Tara held the cup to her lips and slurped one into her mouth making a most unladylike noise. She and Bobby both laughed - that one tiny act of normalcy meaning so much.
“Now, about cutting that petticoat.”
Tara rolled her eyes and leaned forward. “Give me the knife. I’ll do it.”
He flashed her a dimpled smile. “And deprive me of the chance to see your ankles?”
She playfully slapped his arm as Bobby pulled up her skirts and located a strip he felt would work well. He cut a slit in the material and tore a strip away. Lifting her left hand, he wrapped the angry welts on her wrists before lowering her hand to her lap. Reaching for her right hand, he brushed her thigh. She gasped and jerked away.
He eyed the spot where he’d touched her and saw the fabric was torn. His heart pounded. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
“Just had a little accident involving a riding crop.”
“They whipped you?” His voice rose angrily. Jack and D heard him, and immediately joined them.
“No, they didn’t whip me. The lieutenant struck me with the horn handled end of his riding crop because I fell asleep when he thought I should have been preparing to meet my Maker.”
“Did it break the skin?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t checked.”
“Let me see it.”
“Heavens no!”
“Tara. . .”
She squared her shoulders. “D, tell him that that isn’t proper.”
“When it comes to welts from whippings, you need to take care of them, Miss Tara. Had some that lasted weeks. Easy to get infected if the skins broken.”
Her eyes darted to Jack to intervene, but he only nodded in agreement.
“I can take care of it myself,” she insisted, trying to stand. Instead, she fell back against Bobby with a thud.
“You can’t even walk right now. Let me see it, luv.”
Tara huffed, and then blushing profusely, she pulled her skirts past her knee exposing the blood encrusted stocking on her thigh. Bobby’s eyes drank in the exposed skin at the top of the material before he attempted to lower the stocking so he could see the wound and stopped when her breath caught. His face visibly paled. Tara touched his hand. “Apparently, it broke the skin.”
D nudged Bobby’s arm. “You and Jack go get some more water. I’m a married man. I’ll tend to Tara’s leg. Her daddy’d have a conniption if he saw how you were ogling her.”
Jellybean, great questions!
First, it’s about 555 miles from Boston to Richmond which would take about 9 and half hours to drive according to Mapquest. Since trains in the Civil War period could go about 20 to 25 m.p.h, I guessed it would take about 24 to 27 hours if they went non-stop. However, I knew I had to figure in stops so I guessed it would take a good two days. (This is a monumental amount of figuring for an English major.
)Second, a landau was a fancy carriage the rich preferred something like this:
http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/pr/8535...ry_10420438.jpg
http://www.prestige-carriages.co.uk/images/weddings2.jpg
Riders could have the top up or down. Sometimes the back seat would be removed and sort of “trunk” space added for luggage.
Sorry, I can't be held responsible for any unfinished housework except my own. We had a big storm and the internet/cable went down this afternoon.
Chapter 17 - Part 2
His arms ached from holding her and still Bobby couldn’t let her go. How could someone he’d only met a few days ago have become his reason for living? He pressed his lips to the top of her head and prayed that she’d be alright.
Finally, they reached their destination, much sooner than Jack had thought, and D helped him get her situated on a blanket while Jack started a fire. Bobby couldn’t believe they’d forgotten to untie her wrists. Whipping out a knife from his belt, he cut the rope, revealing dried blood beneath.
“I need some water over here!” he called.
D handed him one of the canteens he’d just filled, a tin of salve from the supplies, and one of the napkin that had held the biscuits. “After you clean the wounds and put the salve on, you’ll need to cut a bandage from her petticoats. We don’t have any other clean strips of cloth.” He patted his friend’s shoulder and left him to tend to Tara alone.
He dabbed at the welts on her wrists and she inhaled sharply, but kept her eyes closed. His ministrations were gentle, and he kept his voice calm. He smoothed the salve on the raw skin. “Listen, luv, I could use a little instruction here. D says I need to cut a piece off your petticoats to make a bandage. I’d feel a lot more comfortable about that if you’d open your eyes and tell me which one to cut. There must be four layers down there.”
He opted to clean the blood from her lip before attempting to cut the bandage. He touched the bruise on her cheek, almost reverently, wondering how anyone could hurt such a beautiful woman. “Please, luv, wake up for me. It’s all over now. I promise you’re safe.”
“It’s my fault.” Her whisper was barely audible.
He cupped her cheek with his hand. “What’s your fault, luv?”
“The corporal died.” A tear trickled down her cheek and her pain-filled eyes slowly opened. “He saved me, Bobby, and I got him killed.”
Bobby pulled her into his arms and pressed her to his chest. “No, you didn’t, Tara. He made a choice. I heard him.”
“To die?” she asked at more tears began to fall.
Bobby pushed her shoulders back so he could look into her eyes. “No. To do what he thought was right. He was a soldier to the end. Don’t rob him of his honor.”
“What’s honorable about dieing for nothing?”
He couldn’t answer that, so he simply drew her against him and let her cry. When her tears were spent, he carefully raised the canteen to her cracked lips. “Little sips,” he warned. “Don’t want your stomach to rebel.” He then set the canteen down beside her. “When was the last time you had something to eat?”
“Lunch with Jack.”
“A day and a half ago?“ Tara nodded and Bobby called to Jack and D. “Do we have anything around here to eat?”
Coughing every few steps, Jack came over with a cup of the canned peaches which Tara had packed. He set the cup in her hands. “I’m not really all that hungry,” she admitted. He coughed again. “And you need to take your medicine, Capt. Hudson.”
“And you need to eat your peaches,” he said with a wink.
Having no fork, Tara held the cup to her lips and slurped one into her mouth making a most unladylike noise. She and Bobby both laughed - that one tiny act of normalcy meaning so much.
“Now, about cutting that petticoat.”
Tara rolled her eyes and leaned forward. “Give me the knife. I’ll do it.”
He flashed her a dimpled smile. “And deprive me of the chance to see your ankles?”
She playfully slapped his arm as Bobby pulled up her skirts and located a strip he felt would work well. He cut a slit in the material and tore a strip away. Lifting her left hand, he wrapped the angry welts on her wrists before lowering her hand to her lap. Reaching for her right hand, he brushed her thigh. She gasped and jerked away.
He eyed the spot where he’d touched her and saw the fabric was torn. His heart pounded. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
“Just had a little accident involving a riding crop.”
“They whipped you?” His voice rose angrily. Jack and D heard him, and immediately joined them.
“No, they didn’t whip me. The lieutenant struck me with the horn handled end of his riding crop because I fell asleep when he thought I should have been preparing to meet my Maker.”
“Did it break the skin?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t checked.”
“Let me see it.”
“Heavens no!”
“Tara. . .”
She squared her shoulders. “D, tell him that that isn’t proper.”
“When it comes to welts from whippings, you need to take care of them, Miss Tara. Had some that lasted weeks. Easy to get infected if the skins broken.”
Her eyes darted to Jack to intervene, but he only nodded in agreement.
“I can take care of it myself,” she insisted, trying to stand. Instead, she fell back against Bobby with a thud.
“You can’t even walk right now. Let me see it, luv.”
Tara huffed, and then blushing profusely, she pulled her skirts past her knee exposing the blood encrusted stocking on her thigh. Bobby’s eyes drank in the exposed skin at the top of the material before he attempted to lower the stocking so he could see the wound and stopped when her breath caught. His face visibly paled. Tara touched his hand. “Apparently, it broke the skin.”
D nudged Bobby’s arm. “You and Jack go get some more water. I’m a married man. I’ll tend to Tara’s leg. Her daddy’d have a conniption if he saw how you were ogling her.”
I absoulutely loved this post~ especially the last line~ reminds us that D's always there to keep the boys in line.
Well, at least she's awake and almost back to her old self again.
I think Bobby is falling in love with a certain Southern Belle. Good thing D is there to keep him in line.
I think Bobby is falling in love with a certain Southern Belle.
Good thing D is there to keep him in line.
the whole post was lovely but the last line from D
cath
cath
Poor Tara!
Oh wow oh wow What's with these electrical storms everywhere? Do you think that the collected fuzzies on this board are creating a nationwide phenomenon? I definitely felt the crackle of electricity there! Bobby so protective over Tara was 
and D protecting Tara from Bobby's ogling was
This is amazing, Oreo.
kav
What's with these electrical storms everywhere? Do you think that the collected fuzzies on this board are creating a nationwide phenomenon? I definitely felt the crackle of electricity there! Bobby so protective over Tara was and D protecting Tara from Bobby's ogling was This is amazing, Oreo.
kav
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