I ditto cath!

That would explain the recurring falling branch problem in your garden. Maybe your computer is some kind of fuzzy-electrical storm generating epicenter.

Chapter 18 – Part 1

Union General Godfrey Weitzel sent this telegram to General Grant: "We took Richmond at 8:15 this morning. I captured many guns. The enemy left in great haste. The city is on fire in two places. Am making every effort to put it out. The people received us with enthusiastic expressions of joy."


By 7:15 Monday morning, two guidons of the Fourth Massachussets Cavalry flew over the capitol building in Richmond. Col. Thomas looked up at the waving Stars and Stripes and felt tears sting his eyes. He’d fought at the edge of the proud city, the Confederate capitol, for months, and now, abandoned by General Lee’s forces, it had been so easily overtaken.

The starving citizens had discovered warehouses filled with smoked meats, shoes, and other necessities for which they’d been deprived all because of a few selfish entrepreneurs who’d planned to make money off of the war. Looting and chaos ensued. The Confederates soldiers had been ordered not to leave any liquor in the city or tobacco in warehouses. They had spilled the liquor in the streets and set the warehouses on fire. The sweet, acrid smell of burning tobacco filled the city while even more building went up in flames. Now, Col. Thomas stood beneath the flag feeling torn between joy at the Union’s impending victory and sorrow for a nation torn apart.

“You men get down there and help put out the fires,” he ordered. “Maybe we can save some of the city yet.”

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

Leaning back against a log, Jack stared into the fire. “So, Lee really abandoned Petersburg?”

“After Five Forks, we didn’t leave him much choice.”

“So, what’s this assignment the colonel gave you?”

Bobby tossed a stick into the flame. “There are supply wagons being stored at Painesville. They need blown up by the morning of April 5.”

“Why April 5?”

Bobby crossed his arms over his knees. “Today, they were going to start the march on Richmond. The colonel thinks that Lee will try to get to those supplies since his other avenues are all cut off now. The regiment should be meeting us there.”

Jack eyed the sleeping form a few feet away. “What do you think, D? Can Tara travel tomorrow?”

D tossed the remaining coffee from his cup on the flames and waited for the hiss to stop before speaking. “The leg wound looked worse than it was. She’s going to be sore, but that’s about all – physically.”

Bobby glanced over at her. “She’s a tough little sheila. She’ll be fine.”

Coughing, Jack managed to ask, “Then you’re comfortable with leaving at daybreak?”

Bobby scowled at his friend. “If you’re up to it, Sparky.”

Another coughing spasm wracked his body and Bobby passed him a canteen. “I’m feeling better. Honest.”

“Whatever you say. Maybe I should just start calling you Barky instead of Sparky.”

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

Lucy’s head lie cocked at an unnatural angle. Myles knew from experience that sleeping on a train was nearly impossible. Now, sitting directly in front of her, he ached to reach over and slip his rolled up jacket beneath her cheek. Samuel eyes opened and he followed Myles’ gaze to Lucy’s sleeping form. Without a word, Samuel pulled her head to rest on his shoulder, adjusted the quilt covering her lap, and closed his eyes. Myles would have sworn he’d seen a smirk on the man’s dark face.

The gaslights in the passenger car were not bright enough for Sue to read anyone’s lips, so she’d fallen asleep shortly after dusk, propping her head on the window pane. Myles had not thought a deaf woman could be such a pleasant traveling companion. So unlike Anne, her sweet nature and witty sense of humor had surprised him.

His thoughts turned to Anne and he grinned. Anne’s solution to all of life’s woes had to been to throw a ball. War begins – throw a ball. Getting bored – throw a ball. Brother comes home – throw a ball. She’d been furious when he announced they were leaving. “But the ball in only a few weeks away!” she’d said.

“I’m quite sure that you can dance without me,” he’d teased.

“But you’re the guest of honor. And I’ve invited all the most beautiful, appropriate debutantes?”

Her use of the word appropriate galled him. Still, he laughed at her. “Oh, I see the problem now. Come now, Anne, you can’t be afraid of a little competition?”

“Myles Leland the Third, I’m warning you. Don’t go getting yourself killed. You had better be home in time for this ball or I’ll kill you myself.”

Leaning his head back on the stiff seat of the passenger car, he sighed. "Sister, if anyone's going to kill me, it will be Col. Thomas for putting his daughter in danger."

Can't figure things out about Samuel.Is he smirking like "I have what you can't have nanananana"? I just don't know what you're going to do with those three. Somebody's bound to get hurt!

kav

I see the story getting tighter now. This is fantastic. I love how you mixed in actual events (the story of Richmond falling, etc.). It makes it that much more believable.

Great job!

I'm testing Kav's storm/fuzzy theory.

Chapter 18 – Part 2

Crouching next to Tara, Bobby brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek and said softly, “Tara, time to walk up.”

“Did I forget to tell you that I’m not a morning person?” she murmured, refusing to open her eyes.

He chuckled. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

She opened one eye. “If it’s bacon, eggs, and pancakes, you’ve got a deal.”

“Sorry. Haven’t seen eggs in months. How about some warm water to wash with?”

She finally opened both eyes and immediately smoothed her hair. “I must look like a scarecrow by now. Okay, lead the way lieutenant.” He offered her his hand, which she accepted, but to her horror, she couldn’t suppress the moan that escaped her lips when she moved to get up.

“Sore?”

“A little,” she admitted, biting her lip. “A little” was a lie. Between riding double on the saddle behind the corporal, having her hands bound, being hit with that crop and being slapped around, every inch of her body protested as she walked, and she was forced to lean heavily on his arm.

Bobby led her to a secluded area behind some bushes. There, he’d placed the bucket, filled with the water he’d heated, along with a fresh dress. Tara smiled when she saw that he’d chosen the pale blue one. While serviceable, it was still one of her favorites. It wouldn’t stand out if they met anyone either. Beside it, lay her hairbrush.



“Where are the others?” she asked shyly.

“Jack’s still sleeping. D’s fishing for our breakfast.”

She reached for the brush but it fell from her grasp. She stared down at her hands as if they’d betrayed her, then turned to Bobby. “It’s all very thoughtful of you, but I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with Tara the Scarecrow for another day.”

“Why?”

“Look at my fingers. They’re so swollen that I can’t even hold the brush, let alone undo the buttons on the dress.”

He gave her blood splattered dress a once over. “But you can’t wear that all day. Every time you look at it, you’ll think about . . . “

“I’ll think of it with or without this dress on.”

“What you need is a chamber maid,” he said earnestly.

“Are you applying?” she teased, giggling at the mental image of Bobby in an apron.

Bobby’s eyes lit up and he smiled impishly. “As a matter of fact . . .” He took two steps closer until he stood directly in front of her. For the first time, she noticed that he was wearing a fresh white linen shirt. She guessed it was one of her father’s since he had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He was clean shaven and smelled of sandlewood soap.

She lifted her eyes to his. “Bobby, you can’t be thinking. . .”

“I won’t look,” he promised, lifting his fingers to the buttons at her throat. “You’d be amazed what I can do with my eyes closed.”

“Bobby . . .”

“Sshh,” he whispered. His eyes darkened as he undid the button, and Tara gasped when his fingers brushed her skin. “Just don’t think about it.”

Tara could hardly breathe. She’d never been this close to any man and certainly not one who made her entire body tingle with a look from a mile away. How could he expect her not to think about it? His fingers slowly made their decent, but his eyes remained locked on hers. Tara tried to look away, but kept being drawn back by some imaginary pull.

Bobby wondered if she realized that it was taking every ounce of control that he had not to pull her into his arms and kiss her as she’d never been kissed. When she licked her lips, he almost came undone. Thankfully, he’d reached the last button.

Tara clutched the bodice of the dress closed at her neck. “Thank you.”

He raised his eyebrow and teased, “Now, did you need some help with that bath?”

“Bobby Manning, if I so much as see your eyes watching me, you’ll wish General Lee had killed you with his bare hands by the time I’m done with you!”

Laughing, Bobby turned his back. “Yes, sir, Gen. Williams. I’ll be right over here if you need me.”

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

By noon the next day, Myles, Sue, Lucy, and Samuel had made it to Philadelphia. They had a couple hours to wait before the next train departed.

“Good. We need to pick up a few things for our journey,” Myles told them. “Lucy, why don’t you and Sue explore some of the ladies shops? There is probably even time for tea. Samuel and I need to make some purchases.”

As soon as the ladies had departed, Samuel turned to Myles. “What do you have in mind, Mr. Myles?”

“You need a suit.”

“Me? What’s I need that for? I’m not wearing no fancy clothes.”

Myles took a deep breath. “Samuel, we are headed into the Confederacy. We have to make every effort to not stand out. This may surprise you, but a gentleman, such as myself, does not usually travel with their blacksmith. However, they do take their manservant. Therefore, you need to dress appropriately for the role. I am reasonably certain you do not own a suit, correct?”

“No, I don’t and I don’t rightly want to,” he groused.

Myles eyed the large, muscular frame on the man beside side. A store bought suit would never fit. “Don’t be foolish. If we’re to keep Lucy and Sue safe, you have to wear your uniform just as I do mine.” He made a beeline for the nearest tailor’s shop with Samuel trailing behind.

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

Jack had insisted that Tara ride in the back of the wagon today and rest. Tara had tried to get Bobby to see that Jack’s color wasn’t good, but she’d lost the battle and been relegated to their sick bed. To appease her, Bobby had handed her one of her cherished books and told her it would give her some time to read. She was sure the man had never tried to read in the back of wagon as it bumped along a dirt road.

She adjusted the straw hat on her head and smoothed her loose hanging hair. A smile curved her lips as she remembered Bobby’s earlier ministrations. After Bobby had returned to buttoned the blue dress she’d put on, he’d led her to a log where he’d proceeded to unpin her hair. He then picked up the brush and gently brushed her tresses until they were silky in his hand.

“I’m afraid I can’t do it up in that bun thing,” he had apologized. “But I can braid it if you want.”

“You know how to braid a woman’s hair?”

“Can’t be too much different than braid a horse’s tail.”

“Bobby!” she’d screeched. She could feel him laughing behind her as his hand intertwined the section he’d separated at the crown.

“Tara, I’ve got three sisters. Do you think they let their little brother get away without knowing how to braid hair? There. Let me just tie it up.” He’d then pulled a piece of leather from his pocket and tied the end of the braid.

She used her hand to feel his handiwork. All of her hair cascaded around her shoulders except for the single braid which hung down the back.

“Pretty good, aren’t I?” he’d said, flashing her a dimpled grin. “Do I get a reward for my efforts?”

She had had to think fast. “Sure. I’ll let you carry the bucket back.”

Ooooo... good almost fuzzies.... Love his attempts to help her with a bath. That was too cute.

And I'm glad Myles is willing to buy a suit for Samuel. That is a step in the right direction. And he may be able to use it later for a wedding or two, right???

I love the interaction between Bobby and Tara, they're just so cute together... and hot I must say!

Helene

Aw, Tara! Can't you think of a better reward?

i was giggling and giggling while reading these last posts ...what a good thing to come home to after work!!

[quote=crazy4stfbe,Jul 14 2006, 07:47 PM] [quote=Oreolover,Jul 14 2006, 06:45 AM]“Whatever you say. Maybe I should just start calling you Barky instead of Sparky.”[/quote] [QUOTE=Oreolover,Jul 14 2006, 09:36 AM]“ [/quote]


both posts were wonderful

cath

I finally caught up! What was I thinking waiting this long?

You have so caught the spirit of the era. The young corporal who had to do what he thought was right - he just stands out as the 'everyman' of every war. Such a sad, terrible time that is made manageable by friends and family.

We're having electrical storms this morning! Your experiment proves my theory!
Oh be still my heart!!!!!!
Has it occurred to Tara to think about that? It's something she could mull over in the wagon since she can't read...only it might lead her into trouble!
As if you could put a 6 foot something hunk undressing you out of your mind!!!! Glad to see she isn't so easily succumbed as I obviously am!
Somehow I don't think that was the reward Bobby had in mind!

Great post, Oreo, though it has just occurred to me that if they're going to blow up the railroad under Col Thomas then he just gave the order to blow his own daughter up!
kav

Chapter 19 – Part 1

The lamplight in his tent cast odd shaped shadows on the walls, but Col. Thomas was used to it. The only other furnishings in the room, besides the small desk at which he sat, were a cot and small chest containing his dress uniform, extra clothes, and Bible. Dipping his quill in the ink well, he began another letter to his beloved with hopes it would be the last time he’d have to write her.

My dearest Carla,

I know it has been a while since I have written, but rest assured I am well. We have been involved with several important campaigns and the end of this war is beginning to be in sight.

We marched on Richmond this morning. The Stars and Stripes now fly over the Confederate capital. Our men were ecstatic, but it was a bittersweet time for me. The longer this war has gone on, the more I’ve come to realize how little difference there is between “us” and “them.” I must often remind myself “that a house divided against itself will not stand,” but it is hard to remember that this war is for the good of our country.

Do you remember visiting Richmond before John was born? You loved the American Hotel. I’m sorry to report, it was burned to the ground along with much of the downtown. When this war is over, it will take years to rebuild the South. Even longer to rebuild the nation.

But, Sweetheart, I want you to rejoice. Gen. Lee’s army has suffered significant losses as of late. I believe the end is near, and I will be home with you soon .Sometimes, the thought of holding you in my arms has been all that has kept me going - that and your fervent prayers.

Have you heard from any of our sons? I’d hoped that by now at least one of them was home. It brings me great comfort to know that Sue is with you and that both of you are safe. I’ve a young man in my unit I think I should like for her to meet. Perhaps I will invite him to visit me after the war.

I love you, my dear wife. I know this war has been doubly hard on you. You’ve sacrificed much for the sake of our country. I pray that God will bless you and keep you wrapped in His love until I return.

Always yours,
Daniel

Blotting the letter, he folded it carefully, slipped it into an envelope and sealed it. He addressed the front with bold letters. A familiar feeling of pride washed over him as he wrote “Mrs. Daniel Thomas.”

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

Myles glared angrily at the conductor. “What do you mean they have to ride in the luggage car?”

“Sir, it’s this railroad’s policy that all Negroes have to ride in the luggage car. We’ve provided seats. You don’t think we’d let them ride with the white passengers, do you?”

“This is ridiculous.” Myles whipped out his wallet. “How much will it cost me for you to make an exception?”

“I’m sorry, sir, but there’s no exception for niggers.” The conductor eyed Lucy up and down. “Even fine looking ones.”

Lucy, who had her hand in the crook of Samuel’s arm, felt both Myles and Samuel stiffen. “Mr. Myles, please,” she said softly, touching his arm, “it’s alright.”

Sue glared at the conductor. “It’s not alright, Lucy. It’s not alright at all.”

“Maybe not, but it’s the way things are, and we have more important business to attend to. Samuel and I will be just fine. We’ll take Levi for you.”

The conductor shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. The dog can ride with the gentleman and the lady. No problem.”

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

The tell-tale sounds of marching thudded in the distance. “Sounds like we have company,” D announced.

“I just hope their on our side, mate.”

“In case they’re not, let’s find a place to stay for the night,” Jack said. “Bobby, why don’t you ride on ahead and see what you can find, preferably with a roof?”

“Right-o.”

The wagon hit a bump in the road and Jack glanced back at Tara’s sleeping form. He always felt a burden for protecting those under his command, but this burden was intensified with a lady among them. He couldn’t help admire her spunkiness and her courage. He just hoped she understood her place when it came to their next mission. What they had to do was incredibly dangerous. Working with explosives always was. He knew that Bobby was the best, but being the best didn’t make anyone invincible, and worrying about Tara could make him careless.
He’d cautioned Bobby about getting involved with her, not that he didn’t think they’d make a good match. Actually, he approved. His concern was the unsurety of it all. “A woman needs to be secure,” he’d warned his best friend. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

Bobby had defensively shot back, “Like you did to Allie?”

His eyes had hardened. “That’s not fair.”

Bobby had then hung his head low. “I know. But, Sparky, I’m glad you didn’t marry her. She wasn’t the one for you.”

Jack had laughed. “Now, if you could just convince her parents of that.”

His thoughts were interrupted when Bobby came riding back and pulled his horse up short. “Hey, mate! We’re in luck. There’s an abandoned house up the road a bit, set off to the side. Barn, too.”

“Lead the way.”

My dad honed his hair braiding skills on horses. He is darn good at it too, just a bit tight, it looked like I had a face lift (I was 8 so it was a tad premature) and I couldn't frown for days! Hope it went better for Bobby and Tara!

Isn't he in for a surprise when Sue shows up right where the action is!

I wonder who that could be

I really liked that.

About Lucy and Samuel having to travel with the luggage- especially since Levi doesn't have to????? It brought out a nice side of Myles though. He is a product of the times but even he thought that was unreasonable.

Always good advise, though I don't suppose some of your loyal readers will be too thrilled that you went and mentioned her

Oh and this is probably a sill question, but what does 'groused' mean?

Wow. Great job, Oreo! I love how you keep with the way things really were then. That makes it all the more believable. I know a lot of things that happened then were not right, but they were perfectly acceptable in that day and time, and I thank you for keeping the story honest. Lest we forget.

So, since Bobby and Jack are supposed to be blowing up a supply train headed to Richmond, and Myles and Sue are about to get onto a train headed for Richmond, please tell me they're going to change their plans and take a different mode of transportation now.

Can't wait for more!

We beed a smilie blowing its top. Arrrgggghhhh! I hope they all ride in the luggage compartment...or Myles buys out an entire train car or....can't they ride all the way? It would be safer off the railroad anyway, wouldn't it?

and then
oh-oh!!!!!!!

It better not be Bobby he's talking about!!!!

kav

No worries...it is Jack he is talking about. It just HAS to be!

Wow. Levi could ride better than Samuel and Lucy. Hard to believe people could be so cruel.

Great posts Oreo, way to many bits to comment on! Can't wait for more

Thank you again for all of your comments. Sometimes I get a little nervous about certain posts. I want this story to be true to what it was like then. I want it to be as realistic as putting twenty-first century characters in the middle of the Civil War can be.

I need to clear somthing up before we go on. Jack, Bobby, and D are supposed to blow up supply wagons in Painesville. Sue, Lucy, Myles, and Samuel are somewhere on the east coast right now about 500 miles away. Their intersection is coming and may indeed include a train, but it's not yet.

And Kav, if my little fuzzish post made you have an electrical storm, then I'd better start praying that reverse isn't true. With your writing a new story and your history of deliciously steamy posts, maybe I should just invest in a lightning rod.

Chapter 19 – Part 2

Once they were seated in the baggage car, it took Lucy nearly an hour to settle Samuel’s anger. She didn’t blame him. Being free didn’t mean the same for white folks as it did blacks. Myles had tried to buy all the seats in the passenger car, but they’d already been sold to others. “That conductor deserved to be knocked into tomorrow for the way he looked at you,” Samuel snapped. “You’d have thought you were a piece of meat hanging in the butcher’s window.”

“Please, don’t flatter me,” she giggled.

“It ain’t funny, Lucy.” He faced her, his jaw set, his eyes boring into her. “Can’t ya see that it hurts me, hurts my pride, to watch ya bein’ treated like that? It’s like the feelings I have for ya don’t mean a thing.”

Lucy blinked at his words. “Feelings for me?”

“Shorely, you done seen that already,” he admitted softly, taking her hand in his. “Why else do ya think I’d agreed to come along? I even put on this suit ‘cause it was the only way to protect you.”

“Mr. Myles would have protected me.”

“It’s him I’m protectin’ ya from.”

“What? I don’t understand.”

“Lucy, he’s a good man, near as I can figure, but he’s not blind either. You’re a beautiful woman - smart, funny, kind, and a little stubborn.” He paused to smile at her. “I reckon he sees the same things I can see, only he knows he can’t have it. Only problem is sometimes white folks get to thinkin’ they can have anything they want. Do you git what I mean?”

Lucy turned her face away and stared out the window for several minutes. “You’re afraid Myles will act on his supposed feelings for me?”

Samuel drew her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “I jest don’t want to see ya git hurt. Jest be careful.” She grew quiet, and he squeezed her tiny hand in his larger one. Lucy looked at him and he warmly smiled at her. "Sorry I got so fired up. Git some sleep while you can. With our luck, they'll put some chickens in with us at the next stop."

Sleep? Lucy felt like her head was spinning. Could Myles really have feelings for her? Had Samuel seen something she had not? She knew she had feelings for Samuel, but did she have them for Myles as well? Had she led him on in some way? She ached to talk to Sue about this, but would Sue even understand? Finally, she tilted her head back against the hard seat and closed her eyes to pray. "Dear God," she began, "you can't believe the mess I'm in now."

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

Jack sent D to scout out the other troupes and was elated to hear they were Union forces. “They’re Gen. Crook’s men. He said he got word that Col. Thomas was sending his best explosives men, and they’re our support. He wants to meet with you and discuss the plan. I told him where we’re camped. They’ll be here within the hour.”

Jack sat down at the table in the kitchen. “How far is it to Painesville?”

“Another 45 min. by horseback. You have to pass Amelia Springs,” D explained. “You want Bobby and I to go check it out?”

“No, I’ll go.”

Bobby pulled out a chair, turned it around, and straddled it. “Hold up there, Barky. With that cough of yours, you might as well just carry a big flag and signal your approach. I agree that we need to know what we’re up against, but you’re not he man for the job.”

Jack wanted to argue, but what Bobby said was true. He stared at the coffee cup in his hands.

“Maybe a man for the job isn’t the right person at all. Maybe it should be a woman. Let me go,” Tara suddenly said. She touched Jack’s arm to get his attention. “Listen, it makes sense. I can go and check things out. You can tell me what information you need. If they catch me, I’ll play the poor Southern Belle and say I was beaten by Yanks raiding my home. I have the bruises to prove it. You’ve seen how well I can act first hand, and I’m no stranger to taking risks.”

It was easy for Jack to read the expressions on both Bobby and D’s faces. They mirrored his own only Bobby’s was tinged with anger. Every part of Jack wanted to say absolutely not, but it just made too much sense not to let her go.

Bobby pushed up from his chair and paced the room. “You’re not really considering this, are you Jack? She could bloody-well get herself killed.”

“Do you doubt her abilities?”

Bobby spun towards his friend. “No! I think she can do just about anything she sets her mind to!”

Bobby had only voiced what Jack had already come to believe. “I agree.” Steepling his fingers, Jack let out a long exasperated sigh. “Okay, Miss Tara, you’ve got the role, but D goes with you. If you get caught, he could be your former slave who helped you escape.”

Tara grinned. “I believe that’s a recurring role, Demetrius, and one that you do so well.”

“But not one I like to play,” he admitted. “Keeping you out of trouble seems to be a full time job.”

a wonderful post but i'm mad that levi gets to ride up front while people are expected to ride with the luggage because of their colour, i know it was accepted practice then but it makes me livid

cath

oh i am on edge here.....

Poor Luce!
Keep Tara safe! Post more soon!

think i replied to the first post while you were posting the second

love taras spirit, bobby will have his hands full with her

do we get to find out what promise jack made to 'she who should not be named?'

cath

why do I have this foreboding feeling? Maybe cause I just saw Pirates-DMC, and it leaves that with you , but now you hve me worried about everyone, Myles and Lucy, but especially Tara and D.

Oooo... Another assignment for Tara. Bobby is going to go out of his mind with worry until she gets back safely.

Poor Lucy, caught between two men and what's expected of her. Yikes. I'd hate to be her right now.

Tara just loves putting herself in danger, lookout Bobby she is a handful.

Well about the railroad blowing up...glad you straightened that out...who started that rumour anyways? Was it me?

Humph to Samuel and Lucy riding in the baggagae compartment and is Myles out of his head leaving Samule alone with her that long? And poor Lucy, so confused. I like that you're keeping this so true to the time period -- but it makes me kind of angsty because in that time period Myles and Lucy would never stand a chance...and I'm routing for Myles.

500 miles is farrrrrr awwwwwaaayyy. Will Jack and Sue ever get together? Or are you just giving him time to heal so he can be one hundred per cent ready to sweep her off her feet? (she asks hopefully).

Love the long, frequent posts!

kav

can't wait for more.....ok does anybody else like Samuel and Lucy together....c'mon...Myles can find somebody else.....

Well, look what happens when you go away for awhile! So many awesome posts to read when I got back on--loved each and every one of them. You are doing a wonderful job keeping this true to the era.
I'm curious as to how you're going to handle this Myles-Lucy-Samuel thing. If it was today, no problem. But back during the Civil War--lots of problems. Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve.
I'm also looking forward to Jack and Sue meeting. Bet you are, too, Oreo. From what I understand you've slipped up a lot and written "Miss Hudson" ?? Too cute!

I have been thinking about the post earlier where Jack tells Tara that his family is thinking about going West. This will either solve some of the problems or make a great sequel!

Duckfan, don't talk about sequels, yet. I'm just trying to make the deadline.

Chapter 20 – Part 1

"It's just like shooting squirrels, only these squirrels have guns." ~ A Federal veteran so instructed new recruits in musket drill

Tara watched from a bedroom window on the second floor of the old farmhouse as Gen. George Crook’s men descended on the small farm like a plague of locusts. One minute, it had looked serene, almost as if there were no war going on, and the next, it was littered with uniformed soldiers lying against the trees, sitting in yard or leading their horses to the pasture just beyond the barn. Tara guessed there were nearly 250 men now present on the little abandoned farm.

As soon as the first soldiers started to arrive, Jack had relegated her to the bedroom claiming that he needed to discuss his plan with the general in private. “Besides,” he’d told her, “we don’t need those boys knowing there’s a woman around to stir them up. Like D said, keeping you out of trouble seems to be a full time job.” Then, with a wink he added, “Although I think I know a certain Aussie who wouldn’t mind the job.”

She’d watched General Crook arrive from the window. He sat a fine Tennessee Walker, and she was surprise to see that he couldn’t be much older than Jack or Bobby. His dark hair was combed to the side and he sported a beard which he oddly parted in the center of his chin. His blue-grey eyes pierced her when he glanced up at the window, and she quickly stepped back from it.
Within a half hour of his arrival, Tara heard heated voices coming from downstairs. Tara set down her glass of water and moved closer to the door to eavesdrop. She knew she shouldn’t, but it was as an information gather specialist, it had become habit. Jack’s voice was familiar but the other she guessed belonged to the general.

“Going in there without knowing what’s going on is suicide!” Jack yelled.

“We are not hiding behind some woman’s skirts, Capt. Hudson!” Gen. Crook bellowed.

“This operation was assigned to me, general,“ Jack said with great authority.

“You, captain are in danger of insubordination. Maybe Col. Thomas puts up with your disrespect, but I can assure you that I do not! We move out at first light. We’ll burn the wagons then. Dismissed.”

She heard him stomping up the stairs and the door across the hall slam shut. Then, Bobby and D’s escalate in disbelief as well. “He’ll get us bloody-well killed!” Bobby exclaimed.

“I know that! But orders are orders. It’s out of my hands, now.”

“So, what are we supposed to do with Tara? Just leave her.”

“She stays here. Hopefully, at least one of us can come back for her. As soon as this is over, we’re going back to our regiment.”

Tara felt as if someone had just sucked the breath from her lungs. Weakly, she leaned against the door and slid down its lengths to the floor, all the words replaying in her mind. “We’re not hiding behind a woman’s skirts!” ; “He’s going to get us bloody-well killed!” ; “Hopefully, at least one of us can come back . . .”

Pulling herself up from the floor, she went to the table and with trembling hands, took a drink from the glass of water. Her despair suddenly gave birth to anger. She flung the glass against the wall opposite the bed and watched it shatter. “How dare he . . .”

The bedroom door flew open and Bobby, Jack, and D raced in. “Tara, what happened? Are you okay?”

She slumped to the bed. “I broke the glass.”

Bobby eyed where it had shattered across the room and realization dawned on him. “That happens when you throw them.” Her head snapped up, ready to verbally spar, but his grin disarmed her immediately. “I take it you heard Jack talking to Crooks. Thrown one myself if I’d have had it in hand.”

“I’ll just go find a broom,” D said. “Jack, why don’t you go get some rest? And Bobby,” he paused to turn and say, “leave the door open.”

Tara moved to the window, staring out at the men below. “It’s not fair, Bobby. He’s willing to let men get killed – you, get killed – rather than let me help.”

Bobby placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her around. A single tear trailed down her cheek, and he brushed it away with his thumb. “It’s funny. I didn’t want you to go in the first place, and now I’m mad that you can’t.”

“Maybe I could sneak out there tonight on my own. I could still get the information back to you by . . .”

“No.” Tara looked at him defiantly. “Let me finish before you launch into a tirade. If you went, you couldn’t take Jack, D, or myself with you without getting us charged with disobeying a direct order. You’d be alone, and as much faith as I have in you, I couldn’t let you do something that I wouldn’t do myself, and that’s go into something without someone covering your back.”

She lowered her eyes to the floor. “Then, tomorrow, you’ll go and possibly not come back.”

“No,” he said, lifting her chin, “I’ll be back. For the first time in my life, I’ve got someone to come back for. I promise.” His eyes fell to her lips and she froze waiting for him to kiss her.

“Okay, I’m ready to clean up this mess!” D announced as he came through the door. Tara pushed Bobby away and blushed profusely. “Looks like I got here just in time.”

i'm more than a little concerned about General Crook, the phrase 'lions led by lambs' springs to mind

i'm trusting you to keep them all safe

cath

can't wait to see the result..i still stay she sneaks out...maybe they sneak out together

D! I have a feeling there is no way Tara is going to stay behind. I hope she doesn't!

Em

I don't know what I'm madder at... This Gen Crooks or this latest interruption???

Helene

these men are such free thinkers for there time.....but i am so worried about them....what if....No i can not think about that, i won't....

please keep them safe

Show that General what you're made of Tara!! And D., that was the wrong time to walk in!!

You have plenty of time Oreo - it is only the 16th! And since it is so hot everywhere you can stay in your comfy house and write and post lots (children you say? send down here to VBS this week).

Why do I think no one is going to follow orders?

Aaaaaarghhh! While I find D's desire to protect Tara's virtue endearing it is also, well Aaaaaaaaargh! And Oreo, you can't just send all those men to their death because of the stuck up Gen. Crook...he sounds crooked to me! You put your foot down with these characters, okay? We want everybody safe, sound and whole for the important stuff that's to come later on in the story.

kav

And just what is that supposed to mean, D?

I agree with everyone else. I don't think Tara's going to follow orders either. She's going to go on this mission whether the general wants her to or not. Then of course, Bobby's gonna hafta follow her to make sure she doesn't get killed.

And D, that was not a good time for you to show up.

I don't like that general!

That said... I love the way Bobby and Tara interact with each other. They're so cute together.

Is Tara going to follow the general's orders? It's not like she could be courtmartialed or anything for disobeying them since she's not under his command like the guys are.


Christine

Chapter 20 –Part 2

April meant darkness still came early to Virginia. With Gen. Crook still riled by Jack’s idea, Bobby discovered he needed to get away for a while, so he turned to his favorite method of escaping – riding. He remembered Jack teasing him about being born in a saddle when they both knew that nothing could be farther from the truth. He’d spent years on ships, not horses, but as soon as he began to ride, he found he loved the gentle creatures and was a natural horseman. He and Graceland were a perfect fit, too.

The moon silhouetted the trees just enough that he could ride without worries even though he wasn’t familiar with the countryside. He wouldn’t go far since he had no desire to meet up with any Confederates, but perhaps if he saw some game, he’d kill it for breakfast. They could all use a good meal.

Something darted across the path in front of him. It was larger than a rabbit, but thought it was perhaps a deer. He urged Graceland to pick up speed as he lifted his rifle in place. He saw movement again, but he didn’t have a clear shot.

Stopping Graceland on the path, he waited until he caught sight of the deer again. The branches rustled and he lifted the gun into place and peered down the sight.
Suddenly, he dropped the riffle to his side and spurred the horse into the trees. In one fell swoop, he snagged Tara by the waist and deposited her on the saddle in front of him. She screamed.

“Tara! It’s me! What is blazes do you think you’re doing? I almost shot you!”

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

He hadn’t liked her explanation. Actually, Bobby hadn’t really let her explain. She tried to tell him that she only wanted to help, but he was so angry he wouldn't even listen. She had told him that she really had attempted to sleep, but when she couldn’t, she’d gotten an idea. She reminded him that she didn’t take risks lightly. She had spent quite a while calculating all the details on this one. She decided that she would slip out and travel to Painesville alone – that way, no one would get in trouble. She had figured that she would be back before morning with the information they needed.

Bobby had been so livid that he barely spoke to her. He kept repeating that he’d almost shot her. When he brought her back to the farmhouse, he’d unceremoniously delivered her to her room, shoved her gently inside, and closed the door with a bang. She was sure she heard him prop a chair beneath the doorknob as well.

Having scarely slept, Tara woke early the next morning even before the soldiers and the sun. She put on a fresh burgundy and white plaid dress, brushed her hair, and opened the door. She gasped when she found Bobby in a chair tilted up on two sleeping with his head against the wall. She touched his shoulder, and whispered, “Bobby? Bobby, what are you doing sleeping in the hallway?”

He opened his eyes slowly and muttered in a gravelly voice, “If I’m going to apply for the job of keeping you out of trouble, I’m taking it seriously.” He lowered the chair’s front legs to the floor and stood up so close to her that his trousers brushed her skirts. Towering over her small frame, he crossed his arms across his chest. “Are you staying here today, or do I need to tie you to the bed?”
She couldn’t help but smile. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Do you want to make a bet?”

For a moment, she look mutinous. She hated being told what to do! Still, she was as smart a tactician as both Grant and Lee combined. She knew what battles to fight, and this one, she realized as she met the mica glint of Bobby’s gaze, was not one she’d win. “I’ll stay here – but not because you told me to.”

“Frankly, I don’t care why you do it just so long as I don’t have to worry about you popping up in the scopes of my gun again.” He ran his hand through his hair, then over his roughened chin. “You know you scared the life out of me.”

“I’m sorry. I just . . . “

“I know. You ‘just wanted to help.’”

“You won’t tell Jack and D, will you? Remember I really did just want to help.”

Jack rounded the corner into the hallway. “What’s Tara want to help with now?”

Tara eyes pleaded with Bobby to keep her escapades a secret. Bobby grinned cheekily at her and draped his arm over Jack’s shoulder. “Are you awake enough for a good story, Sparky? Wait ‘til you hear about who I ran into last night while I was out riding.”

its such a good story that I can't wait to read more!!

Oh Bobby. Let the poor woman help. Good grief, men are such overprotective worry warts sometimes....

I think Bobby's kind of proud of Tara's spunkiness...and he's beginning to think of her as his, so he gets to take some of the credit! But I was hoping Tara was going to save the day --- now I'm not sure how you're going to get everyone out safe. And remember, Jack is sick, Oreo...you can't torture him anymore, can you? (and consequently me).

I get so excited when you post!
kav

They are so cute together- a wwwwww

Bobby and Tara are so cute

Can't wait for more

Chapter 21 – part 1

"In one corner, upon a stretcher, lay a soldier. He was wounded through the lungs, and breathed only with sharp stitches of pain. Another lad was slowly wasting away. We kept him alive with stimulants and could not but feel that even this effort was a mockery." ~Surgeon William Howell Reed described the suffering.

Watching Jack, Bobby, and even D snap into officer mode made Tara wistful. From her position on the front porch of the farmhouse, she could see the men checking the cinches on their saddles and loading their riffles. She didn’t like not being a part of the action. When Bobby called out orders to the men to line up, she jumped.

She had to admit that watching Bobby lead the others made her heart swell with pride. She bit her lip nervously as the troupes mounted up and fell into formation.
The filed past her as if she were their guardian angel bestowing blessing on them. She had wished for a moment alone with Bobby before he left, but none had arisen.

Now, as he and Jack approached, she stepped off the porch to wave farewell. Jack tipped his hat to her, but Bobby rode close enough to reach out his gloved hand. She met his fingers only long enough for them to brush and yet the wave of emotion that passed through them made it almost impossible for her to bear.

“Be careful!” she called after them, blinking away the tears.

When she finally lost sight of the regiment over the next hill, she turned her eyes back to the empty farm yard. A spattering of those who were too injured to ride had remained, along with the company’s cook. She approached the balding soldier, stooped over a cast iron pot hung beneath a tripod. He stood up and wiped his hands on a grimy apron.

“Morning, ma’am,” his voice crackled as he saluted.

“Good morning. Is there anything I could do to help?”

He stroked a long beard thoughtfully. “That house has a stove, right? Do you reckon you could make some biscuits for the fellars? I’ve got most of the fixin’s, but can’t make them without an oven. They’d be most obliged.”

“Biscuits for 250 men?”

“Naw, probably only need half that.”

“Half?”

“That’s how many will probably be coming back able to eat.”

“You think half of those men will die.”

“Some will and some won’t and some of them will just get hurt too bad to want a biscuit.” He laughed, but her face paled at the thought. “But don’t you worry, missy, the ones who make it, would sure appreciate your efforts.”

Tara swallowed. “I guess it’s the least I can do. Can you bring the supplies to the house when you get a chance?”

“No problem.”

As Tara walked back to the house, she began to mull over the situation. She wondered how many of those soldiers would return injured. She’d seen no medic or surgeon in their company. They would need to be cared for. A plan quickly began to form. She may not be able to do anything about the ensuing battle, but she could prepare for the injured if they returned. “When they returned, not if,” she mentally chastised herself. “They’ll need bandages, water, blankets,. . .” By the time she opened the door to the farmhouse, she had her morning agenda filled.

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

Lucy had lost track of days and nights on the train ride so much that the warm sunshine she felt as they stepped off the train surprised her. She blinked at the light as there had been no windows in the baggage car where she and Samuel had ridden.

“Mercy,” she said as she straightened her skirts, “it feels good get some fresh air.”

“Now, we just have to meet up with Mr. Myles and Miss Sue,” Samuel said taking her carpet bag in one hand and her elbow with the other. “There they are now.”

“Where are we?” Lucy asked.

“Fredericksburg,” Myles answered.

“As in Fredericksburg, VA?" She looked around at the people on the platform. "That would explain why you’re getting so many dirty looks in that uniform, lieutenant.”

“Fredericksburg is controlled be the Union now. The conductor said that even Richmond fell yesterday.”

“Tell that to the folks eyeing us mighty suspiciously,” Samuel whispered. “I suggest we get out a here to a less public place.”

Myles followed Samuel’s eyes to the men who’d gathered not far from them, and nodded to Samuel. “This way, ladies.” Still using his cane to walk, he offered his arm and escorted her down the sidewalk to a café. As he went, he explained to the others that they had two hours before the next train departed.

They selected a table in the corner of the café. Sue set her reticule on the table and removed her gloves. “If Richmond has already fallen, they may not need my help at all. Maybe we’ll be just in time for a celebration.”

“Let’s hope that’s the case,” Myles admitted.

A middle-aged woman approached and planted her hands on her hips. “We don’t serve Yanks or niggers in here. Ya’all just take your sorry selves on out of here.”

“Ma’am, we’re traveling by train and require sustenance,” Myles said smoothly. “I’ll pay double your normal prices.”

“Please, ma’am, its been a long trip,” Sue added.

“Listen, lady, you got a hearing problem? I said, ‘We don’t serve Yanks or niggers’ in here.’ Looks to me that the four of you fit into those two categories.”

“As a matter of fact, I do,” Sue said.

“Do what?” the confused café worker asked.

“I do have a hearing problem. I haven’t heard a word you’ve said. I’m deaf. Now, I’d like a cup of coffee, two pieces of toast, and some scrambled eggs. Myles?”

“Same for me. How about you, Samuel? Lucy? The same?”

They both nodded and Myles squared his shoulders. “Make that four, ma’am.”

"But . . . what? . . . you answered me." The befuddled woman shook her head and regained her composure along with her temper. “I'm callin' the sheriff if you’re not out of my café in the next two minutes!”

With that, she marched away and Sue could see her speaking to another man and woman behind the counter. After hearing the woman’s story, the man went to the back and the woman donned her hat and left the café. “She’s sending for the sheriff,” Sue whispered. “Maybe we shouldn’t stay where we’re not welcome. We don’t want to cause a scene.”

Myles glanced at the other patrons who were staring at them. “It appears it’s too late for that. While I’d love to stay here and make a statement about fair treatment and a unified nation, but now may not be the time.” He pushed his chair away from the table and rose slowly to his feet. The others did the same.

Outside, Myles stopped to survey the boardwalk. He spotted the rapid approach of the sheriff on his right and quickly directed the entourage to the right, back towards the station. Only three establishments past the café, two men stepped out from the between the buildings and stepped in front of them with guns drawn.

“Welcome to Fredericksburg, Yanks,” the redhead drawled. He motioned down the alley. “If you ladies will excuse these two gents, we’d like to show them some Southern hospitality.”