i will come back to you later when i can actually breath
Full Version: Independence Day - Oreolover
RomanceFanFiction.net > The Highlights - A Place To Start > Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2006 Seasonal/Holiday Challenges > 2006 Summer Blockbuster Challenge
i will come back to you later when i can actually breath
Funny!!!
It must have been some dark in there to mistake Lucy for Tara. I can just see Bobby stumbling between the shadowy cots, seeing this nice trim form in one of them and puckering up. I have to admit, I wondered fleetingly if you were going to do that when you said that bit about the scarf on her head would have to go. Poor Bobby, he must have been so flustered trying to shut Lucy up afterwards! Thank goodness he wasn't more adventurous in his euphoric state of finding Tara alive! Okay, who is going to bail him out of this one????kav
I'm a little slow posting today as it was 4H fair judging day. My older two did really well. The youngest did fine, too, but she only gets participation ribbons since she's so young. Anyway, my brain is a little fried from the sun.
Chapter 28 – Part 3
A panicked Lucy jerked her head at the sound of Tara’s voice. “You know this barbarian?”
“As unbelievable as this may seem, he’s no barbarian. He’s Bobby. You know, I told you about him.”
“So, you’ve been talking about me, huh, luv?” Bobby flashed her a dimpled grin, then looked down at Myles hand still clutching the front of his uniform. “If Myles will unhand me, perhaps you’d care to give me a proper welcome home.”
Tara’s face bloomed a lovely shade of crimson. “Bobby!”
Myles released Bobby, but crossed his arms over his chest. “If you’re done flirting shamelessly, Manning, would you like to tell us what happened here or should we just turn you over to Col. Thomas?”
“Yes, Bobby, I’d be interested in hearing this as well,” Tara teased enjoying the sudden discomfort that had befallen Bobby.
“I was trying to get to Tara. I thought she was supposed to be the one asleep in here.”
Lucy moved next to Tara. “And you had trouble telling us apart. If you eyes are that bad, are you sure you’re even firing at the Rebs?”
“You have to admit it’s awfully dark in here even if it is daylight.”
“And what exactly makes you think it would be proper to sneak into my sleeping quarters anyway.”
“Come on, luv,” he grinned, “it’s not like I haven’t done it before.”
Myles, totally mortified by the course talk, took hold of Lucy’s arm. “Come on, Lucy, I believe we’ve heard enough.”
Lucy tried to pull away but he held firm, “But I want to hear the rest of that story.”
D shook his head and took hold of her other arm. “It’s not nearly as exciting as what’s going on in your head, ma’am. Let’s let these two have their reunion in peace.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After consuming some weak tea, Jack drifted back to sleep. “So, my dear, what or should I say who brought you here?”
“You have to promise not be angry with him, but it was Lt. Leland’s idea that I come.”
“Leland as in Myles Leland?”
“The third,” Sue added. “Mother let Mrs. Leland take on Lucy as his nurse. Myles thought that perhaps you could use my lip reading skills to learn of the enemy’s plans.”
“Oh, he did, did he.” His brow furrowed deeply at the thought of placing Sue in that kind of danger.
“Oh, can’t we talk about that later. Right now, I want to know if you’ve heard from my brothers.”
Her enthusiasm was hard to resist. “I’m sorry, Sue, but all three have been silent.”
Sue frowned as she suddenly realized her father didn’t know about John. She stared at her hands trying to decide how to tell her father what had happened. He crooked his finger under her chin and lifted her face. “What is it, Sue? What do you know about John?”
She swallowed and licked her lips. “He’s home with momma now,” she said slowly.
“That’s good, but why?”
“He lost an arm, Daddy.” For all his experience with soldiers, this personal news struck him hard. Obviously affected, he stood and walked over to the window. She tried not to watch as he swiped tears from his eyes. Sue dabbed at her own as if the news had just been delivered to her as well.
“You must think me a fool,” he finally said turning to face her.
“Why would you say such a thing?”
“You’ve spent almost your whole life without being able to hear, and John loses an arm, and I fall to pieces.”
“Daddy, you love him and you hurt for him. You could never be a fool in my eyes.” She stood and joined him at the window. “He’s handling it well. You’d be proud of him.”
“Good. But you’ve not heard from Michael or David?”
Sue shook her head. “Not for a couple of months.” A soldier called from the other side of the room and asked for something to drink. “I’d better get back to work.” She hugged him tightly. “It’s so good to be with you. I’ve missed you so.”
He watched her give the soldier a cup of water and sighed. “I’ve missed you, too, honey,” he thought, “but you can’t stay here.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With his eyes locked on Tara’s, Bobby scarcely noticed the others leave. “Come here,” he said softly. Tara closed the distance between them, and he pulled her into his arms with no intention of letting go any time soon. “You scared me to death – again,” he breathed into her hair. “You’re going to make me an old man if you keep this up for the rest of our lives.”
Tara placed her hands on his chest and pushed away slightly. “For the rest of our lives, huh? What about you kissing other women?” she teased. “Thank you for keeping your promise.”
His dimples deepened with his smile. “I told you to remember that I loved you and that I would find you no matter what happened.” He kissed the top of her head, and he added seriously, “Tara, I meant what I just said.”
“You mean about scaring you death? Oh Bobby, I’m sorry. I was just doing the best I could under the circumstances and there was so many hurt men and so much blood. And when they wanted me to drive the ambulance cart, I didn’t know how to say ‘no’, and then, Jack got hurt, and . . . “
He pressed a finger to her lips. “No, that’s not the part. I’m talking about the rest of our lives part. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I can’t ask you marry me right now because of the war. I don’t want to make you a promise that I can’t keep, so I don’t think it would be fair of me to ask, but I want you to know that it’s what I want. Please tell me you want that, too.”
Tara blinked away fresh tears. “I do.”
“Whoohoo!” he yelled, spinning her around by the waist. He set her back down and captured her lips with his own, kissing her thoroughly. Between the twirling and the explosive kiss, Tara’s knees would have buckled had he not been supporting her.
The flaps of the tent flew open and Lucy rushed in. “Bobby, hide! Dragon Dix is coming!”
Chapter 28 – Part 3
A panicked Lucy jerked her head at the sound of Tara’s voice. “You know this barbarian?”
“As unbelievable as this may seem, he’s no barbarian. He’s Bobby. You know, I told you about him.”
“So, you’ve been talking about me, huh, luv?” Bobby flashed her a dimpled grin, then looked down at Myles hand still clutching the front of his uniform. “If Myles will unhand me, perhaps you’d care to give me a proper welcome home.”
Tara’s face bloomed a lovely shade of crimson. “Bobby!”
Myles released Bobby, but crossed his arms over his chest. “If you’re done flirting shamelessly, Manning, would you like to tell us what happened here or should we just turn you over to Col. Thomas?”
“Yes, Bobby, I’d be interested in hearing this as well,” Tara teased enjoying the sudden discomfort that had befallen Bobby.
“I was trying to get to Tara. I thought she was supposed to be the one asleep in here.”
Lucy moved next to Tara. “And you had trouble telling us apart. If you eyes are that bad, are you sure you’re even firing at the Rebs?”
“You have to admit it’s awfully dark in here even if it is daylight.”
“And what exactly makes you think it would be proper to sneak into my sleeping quarters anyway.”
“Come on, luv,” he grinned, “it’s not like I haven’t done it before.”
Myles, totally mortified by the course talk, took hold of Lucy’s arm. “Come on, Lucy, I believe we’ve heard enough.”
Lucy tried to pull away but he held firm, “But I want to hear the rest of that story.”
D shook his head and took hold of her other arm. “It’s not nearly as exciting as what’s going on in your head, ma’am. Let’s let these two have their reunion in peace.”
After consuming some weak tea, Jack drifted back to sleep. “So, my dear, what or should I say who brought you here?”
“You have to promise not be angry with him, but it was Lt. Leland’s idea that I come.”
“Leland as in Myles Leland?”
“The third,” Sue added. “Mother let Mrs. Leland take on Lucy as his nurse. Myles thought that perhaps you could use my lip reading skills to learn of the enemy’s plans.”
“Oh, he did, did he.” His brow furrowed deeply at the thought of placing Sue in that kind of danger.
“Oh, can’t we talk about that later. Right now, I want to know if you’ve heard from my brothers.”
Her enthusiasm was hard to resist. “I’m sorry, Sue, but all three have been silent.”
Sue frowned as she suddenly realized her father didn’t know about John. She stared at her hands trying to decide how to tell her father what had happened. He crooked his finger under her chin and lifted her face. “What is it, Sue? What do you know about John?”
She swallowed and licked her lips. “He’s home with momma now,” she said slowly.
“That’s good, but why?”
“He lost an arm, Daddy.” For all his experience with soldiers, this personal news struck him hard. Obviously affected, he stood and walked over to the window. She tried not to watch as he swiped tears from his eyes. Sue dabbed at her own as if the news had just been delivered to her as well.
“You must think me a fool,” he finally said turning to face her.
“Why would you say such a thing?”
“You’ve spent almost your whole life without being able to hear, and John loses an arm, and I fall to pieces.”
“Daddy, you love him and you hurt for him. You could never be a fool in my eyes.” She stood and joined him at the window. “He’s handling it well. You’d be proud of him.”
“Good. But you’ve not heard from Michael or David?”
Sue shook her head. “Not for a couple of months.” A soldier called from the other side of the room and asked for something to drink. “I’d better get back to work.” She hugged him tightly. “It’s so good to be with you. I’ve missed you so.”
He watched her give the soldier a cup of water and sighed. “I’ve missed you, too, honey,” he thought, “but you can’t stay here.”
With his eyes locked on Tara’s, Bobby scarcely noticed the others leave. “Come here,” he said softly. Tara closed the distance between them, and he pulled her into his arms with no intention of letting go any time soon. “You scared me to death – again,” he breathed into her hair. “You’re going to make me an old man if you keep this up for the rest of our lives.”
Tara placed her hands on his chest and pushed away slightly. “For the rest of our lives, huh? What about you kissing other women?” she teased. “Thank you for keeping your promise.”
His dimples deepened with his smile. “I told you to remember that I loved you and that I would find you no matter what happened.” He kissed the top of her head, and he added seriously, “Tara, I meant what I just said.”
“You mean about scaring you death? Oh Bobby, I’m sorry. I was just doing the best I could under the circumstances and there was so many hurt men and so much blood. And when they wanted me to drive the ambulance cart, I didn’t know how to say ‘no’, and then, Jack got hurt, and . . . “
He pressed a finger to her lips. “No, that’s not the part. I’m talking about the rest of our lives part. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I can’t ask you marry me right now because of the war. I don’t want to make you a promise that I can’t keep, so I don’t think it would be fair of me to ask, but I want you to know that it’s what I want. Please tell me you want that, too.”
Tara blinked away fresh tears. “I do.”
“Whoohoo!” he yelled, spinning her around by the waist. He set her back down and captured her lips with his own, kissing her thoroughly. Between the twirling and the explosive kiss, Tara’s knees would have buckled had he not been supporting her.
The flaps of the tent flew open and Lucy rushed in. “Bobby, hide! Dragon Dix is coming!”
That was a satisfying read but I hope Col. Thomas isn't going to seperate Jack and Sue already! 
Loved D and Myles ganging up on Lucy and making her leave before she heard or saw something scandalous!
kav
Loved D and Myles ganging up on Lucy and making her leave before she heard or saw something scandalous! kav
Ya-hoo!!! Bobby sorta proposed to Tara.. 
Love it!
Love it!
hope her dad allows sue to stay, jack will heal so much better if she's there
loved bobbys bumbling proposal
cath
loved bobbys bumbling proposal
cath
I am sure bobby could easily hide between the two girls folds of their skirts.... 
I love the promise between Bobby and Tara, very honest and realistic!
I think Col. Thomas is going to find out that telling Sue she can't stay isn't going to work too well!! She's pretty headstrong and independent!!!
I love Bobby's proposal!! I would have swooned too!!!
Bobby, you better hide - you don't want Dragon Dix to find you in the nurses' tent!!!
Joy
I love Bobby's proposal!! I would have swooned too!!!
Bobby, you better hide - you don't want Dragon Dix to find you in the nurses' tent!!!
Joy
Chapter 29 - Part 2
"Really, Mr. Lincoln, I have had enough of this show business," ~ Ulysses S. Grant used these words to decline to attend a White House party in his honor, so that he may return to the front
Sitting at his desk, Col. Thomas picked up the letter he’d penned to Sue but hadn’t yet posted. He read the closing lines. ”It brings me great peace to know you and your mother are safe.”
“Unfortunately, that not true any more thanks to Lt. Myles Leland the Third, ” he mumbled. The more he thought about it, the more it angered him the Lt. Leland had brought Sue to the front lines of the war. Sure she was safe working in the hospital at the battalion camp, but a young lady sympathetic as Sue shouldn’t see the kind of devastation that war produces. Sue shouldn’t have nightmares of the blood and gore, she shouldn’t have to worry about weevils in her hardtack, and she shouldn’t have left her mother alone. He pushed back his chair, and yanked off his boots and hurled them across the tent. How dare the arrogant young man make a decision like that regarding his daughter?
“Lt. Leland requesting permission to enter,” Myles called from out side the tent.
“Enter,” he answered as he stood reminding himself it was against regulations to deck a fellow officer.
Myles stood at attention. “Sir, I’m reporting for active duty.”
“You don’t look ready to ride a horse, lieutenant. Is that all you’re reporting?”
“No, sir, I am the one who escorted your daughter here from Boston.” He watched the anger build in the face of his commander. “But I can assure you that she came willingly.”
Col. Thomas stared at the young man for several paralyzing seconds. Only his military training kept Myles from fidgeting under the intense gaze. He knew the tongue lashing that was about to come. Still, when the colonel began, he felt thunderstruck. By the time the colonel had finished, Myles would have preferred to just let the older man just punch him and get it over with.
”Active duty?” Myles told himself. ”What was I thinking? I’ll be on the front line tomorrow.
“Yes, sir. I understand, sir,” he said stiffly. “Sir, if you’d like, I’ll take her home immediately.”
“If I liked, you’d take her to California. I could order you to do that, but in case you haven’t seen this side of my Sue yet, she doesn’t exactly follow orders. She’s stubborn as a mule and thinks with her heart. Now that she’s here and thinks the men need her, you’d have to drag her back to Boston literally tied to a horse.” His anger finally spent, he sighed. “Have a seat, Lieutenant. You know you risked a lot to do this?”
Myles sat in the chair at he small desk. “Yes, sir, but I honestly thought it was worth it.”
Col. Thomas sunk to his cot. “Alright, I guess I should hear you out.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Throughout the day, Jack’s condition improved. While he slept for hours and still coughed frequently, his fever did not return. Lucy was even able to persuade Sue to get some sleep after Tara returned with Bobby in tow.
He sat down next to Jack’s cot and waited for his best mate to awaken. “G’day, Sparky, How you feeling?”
“Like I got shot. I see you found Tara.”
“Wait ‘til you hear about that one.” Bobby relayed the story and Jack chuckled despite the pain it caused him. “Then, we almost got nicked by the head nurse.”
“But you got away?”
“Tara thinks fast, she pushed me under the back of the tent. It’s not tied down very well. I plan to fix that later. I wouldn’t want any vermin getting in.”
“Like you?”
“No, like squirrels. Heard they can be real nasty little creatures sometimes.” A corporal approached and whispered something to Bobby. “Gotta go, mate. Looks like there’s no rest for the weary.”
"Really, Mr. Lincoln, I have had enough of this show business," ~ Ulysses S. Grant used these words to decline to attend a White House party in his honor, so that he may return to the front
Sitting at his desk, Col. Thomas picked up the letter he’d penned to Sue but hadn’t yet posted. He read the closing lines. ”It brings me great peace to know you and your mother are safe.”
“Unfortunately, that not true any more thanks to Lt. Myles Leland the Third, ” he mumbled. The more he thought about it, the more it angered him the Lt. Leland had brought Sue to the front lines of the war. Sure she was safe working in the hospital at the battalion camp, but a young lady sympathetic as Sue shouldn’t see the kind of devastation that war produces. Sue shouldn’t have nightmares of the blood and gore, she shouldn’t have to worry about weevils in her hardtack, and she shouldn’t have left her mother alone. He pushed back his chair, and yanked off his boots and hurled them across the tent. How dare the arrogant young man make a decision like that regarding his daughter?
“Lt. Leland requesting permission to enter,” Myles called from out side the tent.
“Enter,” he answered as he stood reminding himself it was against regulations to deck a fellow officer.
Myles stood at attention. “Sir, I’m reporting for active duty.”
“You don’t look ready to ride a horse, lieutenant. Is that all you’re reporting?”
“No, sir, I am the one who escorted your daughter here from Boston.” He watched the anger build in the face of his commander. “But I can assure you that she came willingly.”
Col. Thomas stared at the young man for several paralyzing seconds. Only his military training kept Myles from fidgeting under the intense gaze. He knew the tongue lashing that was about to come. Still, when the colonel began, he felt thunderstruck. By the time the colonel had finished, Myles would have preferred to just let the older man just punch him and get it over with.
”Active duty?” Myles told himself. ”What was I thinking? I’ll be on the front line tomorrow.
“Yes, sir. I understand, sir,” he said stiffly. “Sir, if you’d like, I’ll take her home immediately.”
“If I liked, you’d take her to California. I could order you to do that, but in case you haven’t seen this side of my Sue yet, she doesn’t exactly follow orders. She’s stubborn as a mule and thinks with her heart. Now that she’s here and thinks the men need her, you’d have to drag her back to Boston literally tied to a horse.” His anger finally spent, he sighed. “Have a seat, Lieutenant. You know you risked a lot to do this?”
Myles sat in the chair at he small desk. “Yes, sir, but I honestly thought it was worth it.”
Col. Thomas sunk to his cot. “Alright, I guess I should hear you out.”
Throughout the day, Jack’s condition improved. While he slept for hours and still coughed frequently, his fever did not return. Lucy was even able to persuade Sue to get some sleep after Tara returned with Bobby in tow.
He sat down next to Jack’s cot and waited for his best mate to awaken. “G’day, Sparky, How you feeling?”
“Like I got shot. I see you found Tara.”
“Wait ‘til you hear about that one.” Bobby relayed the story and Jack chuckled despite the pain it caused him. “Then, we almost got nicked by the head nurse.”
“But you got away?”
“Tara thinks fast, she pushed me under the back of the tent. It’s not tied down very well. I plan to fix that later. I wouldn’t want any vermin getting in.”
“Like you?”
“No, like squirrels. Heard they can be real nasty little creatures sometimes.” A corporal approached and whispered something to Bobby. “Gotta go, mate. Looks like there’s no rest for the weary.”
QUOTE
“No, like squirrels. Heard they can be real nasty little creatures sometimes.”
But what is Bobby getting called away for? Is it something to do with Myles' plan?
kav
I'm very glad to see that Col. Thomas recognizes Sue's tenaciousness!! He would indeed have to tie her to a saddle to get her to leave, especially now that she's met Jack!!!
Squirrels in the nurses' tent - Kav, did Tippytoes get away from you???
Joy
Squirrels in the nurses' tent - Kav, did Tippytoes get away from you???
Joy
Those squirrels just get everywhere- don't there?
I hope the Col listens to Myles, not just with his ears but with his heart and mind as well
I hope the Col listens to Myles, not just with his ears but with his heart and mind as well
QUOTE(suesfan @ Jul 27 2006, 09:42 PM)
I'm very glad to see that Col. Thomas recognizes Sue's tenaciousness!! He would indeed have to tie her to a saddle to get her to leave, especially now that she's met Jack!!!
Squirrels in the nurses' tent - Kav, did Tippytoes get away from you???
Joy
Squirrels in the nurses' tent - Kav, did Tippytoes get away from you???
Joy
I don't think Sue's going to have any intention of leaving Jack and his gorgeous brown eyes!!Kav - I hope Tippytoes wasn't drunk again and tried to escape!
Squirrels in the nurses tent.... Just be sure Tara doesn't leave any "slug bait" out in the open anywhere.... (So, can AU stories include animals from other writer's stories, too?)And I'm glad Col. Thomas knows his daughter well enough that he didn't try to send her home again. Besides, Mrs. Thomas is not alone. She's got John there with her. Right?
Great job, Oreolover! Can't wait for more.
Chapter 29 - Part 2
Samuel rubbed Levi’s coat while waiting outside the hospital. Since pets weren’t allowed inside, Levi had adopted Samuel and spent most of the day in the foundry with him. “Look, there’s Lucy now.” He scratched the golden’s ears. “Now, handsome, don’t be thinking you get to inside the mess tent with Lucy and me, ya hear? They probably don’t let dogs in there neither.”
Levi moaned as Lucy approached.
Lucy propped her hands on her hips. “Well, that’s a fine way to greet a lady, Levi.” She squatted next to him and hugged the dog’s neck affectionately.
“And how would you like to be greeted, Lucy?” Samuel teased. “Maybe like this?” He bent and brushed a kiss on her cheek.
Lucy smiled, then suddenly, Levi licked her other cheek. She pushed his furry head away. “Levi, buddy, it’s just not the same when you do it.”
A commotion down the dirt path in the drew her attention and she stood. “What going on with the Calvary?”
“They’re headed out.”
“This evening?”
“Heard ‘em talking. Gen. Grant’s sendin’ ‘em to Appomattox County to stop the last bit of ol’ Gen. Lee’s army.”
“All of them?”
“Every last one who is fit to ride.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bobby had snagged Tara for a moments behind the nurses tent before mounting up. He’d quickly remedied the loose tarpaulin with a stake, then pulled her into his arms. “Think you can stay out of trouble for the next twenty-four hours?”
She giggled. “Of course I can. Why would you ask that?”
“Well, luv, to be honest, I haven’t seen that happen yet. Not that I’m complaining, mind you, but I’d kind of like to have my next adventure with you rather than having to hear about it later.”
“I’ll do my best,” she promised.
They heard the buggle sound. “Sorry, but I’ve got to shoot through.” He kissed her gently, tenderly, almost reverently, memorizing the feel of her lips against his. He stepped away, still holding her hand. “Remember.”
“You, too,” she said hoarsely. “Bobby, be careful.”
He flashed her his most confident dimpled grin. “Always am, luv.”
Climbing aboard Graceland, Bobby prayed that this was the end of the fighting. He was ready to get on with his life. He adjusted his sword and spurred the horse to meet up with the others. It was going to be a long night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Here’s the plan, Lt. Manning, “ Col. Thomas explained as they galloped down the dirt road. “Like I told you earlier, Gen. Grant believes the remnants of Lee’s army will try to get to Appomattox Station where he has supply trains waiting. We’re supposed to make sure he doesn’t make it.”
“I want your company to destroy the supply train while the others take care of Gen. Walker and his boys.”
Col. Thomas turned to the man flanking his left. “Lt. Leland, are you sure you’re up to this?”
“As long as I can ride, I can shoot. Besides, I can’t let Manning take all the glory or he’d be impossible to live with.”
“Mate, I don’t plan on living with you blokes forever, you know.”
D laughed. “You wouldn’t be making plans to live with someone else by the name of Tara Williams, would you?”
“Surely, you wouldn’t sully her name by not making a proper woman out of her,” Myles said in disbelief. “Even if she is a bit eccentric, she’s still a lady. Well, most of the time that is. Unless of course, she rescuing you from prison, being threatened with being hung or dressing up like a man.”
Bobby glared at the blond and D laughed harder. “I won’t ‘sully her name’ as you put it. And she most certainly is a lady. Now, I suggest we start making some plans for when we meet Lee’s army.”
After a short discussion, Bobby, D, and Myles formed a tentative plan. They set the plan into motion while they rode, verbally sharing the details with the other soldiers in their command.
“Shoot and get out of there,” he told his men over and over. “There’s bound to be a bonzer of an explosion when we destroy the train.
They road hard from the south and around 4:00 in the afternoon, the Calvary, under command of Gen. Sheridan faced the remnants of Lee’s army. Myles, who hadn’t seen them in months, couldn’t believe how beleaguered they appeared. Most had to be near exhaustion, he thought. Bobby raised his arm, and on his signal, the front lines of Bobby’s company attacked the remaining Rebs guarding the train. Meanwhile D, Myles, and Bobby raced in from behind.
Bobby struck a match and lit the stick on dynamite in his hands and hurled it at the train. It landed perfectly on the back of one of the cars. Myles did likewise, only his rolled under the car. It made no difference. It would cause an explosion either way. D lit his and drew his arm back to throw the explosive. A shot rang out. Bobby watched in horror as D’s horse stumbled and rolled to the side with D still on it.
Samuel rubbed Levi’s coat while waiting outside the hospital. Since pets weren’t allowed inside, Levi had adopted Samuel and spent most of the day in the foundry with him. “Look, there’s Lucy now.” He scratched the golden’s ears. “Now, handsome, don’t be thinking you get to inside the mess tent with Lucy and me, ya hear? They probably don’t let dogs in there neither.”
Levi moaned as Lucy approached.
Lucy propped her hands on her hips. “Well, that’s a fine way to greet a lady, Levi.” She squatted next to him and hugged the dog’s neck affectionately.
“And how would you like to be greeted, Lucy?” Samuel teased. “Maybe like this?” He bent and brushed a kiss on her cheek.
Lucy smiled, then suddenly, Levi licked her other cheek. She pushed his furry head away. “Levi, buddy, it’s just not the same when you do it.”
A commotion down the dirt path in the drew her attention and she stood. “What going on with the Calvary?”
“They’re headed out.”
“This evening?”
“Heard ‘em talking. Gen. Grant’s sendin’ ‘em to Appomattox County to stop the last bit of ol’ Gen. Lee’s army.”
“All of them?”
“Every last one who is fit to ride.”
Bobby had snagged Tara for a moments behind the nurses tent before mounting up. He’d quickly remedied the loose tarpaulin with a stake, then pulled her into his arms. “Think you can stay out of trouble for the next twenty-four hours?”
She giggled. “Of course I can. Why would you ask that?”
“Well, luv, to be honest, I haven’t seen that happen yet. Not that I’m complaining, mind you, but I’d kind of like to have my next adventure with you rather than having to hear about it later.”
“I’ll do my best,” she promised.
They heard the buggle sound. “Sorry, but I’ve got to shoot through.” He kissed her gently, tenderly, almost reverently, memorizing the feel of her lips against his. He stepped away, still holding her hand. “Remember.”
“You, too,” she said hoarsely. “Bobby, be careful.”
He flashed her his most confident dimpled grin. “Always am, luv.”
Climbing aboard Graceland, Bobby prayed that this was the end of the fighting. He was ready to get on with his life. He adjusted his sword and spurred the horse to meet up with the others. It was going to be a long night.
“Here’s the plan, Lt. Manning, “ Col. Thomas explained as they galloped down the dirt road. “Like I told you earlier, Gen. Grant believes the remnants of Lee’s army will try to get to Appomattox Station where he has supply trains waiting. We’re supposed to make sure he doesn’t make it.”
“I want your company to destroy the supply train while the others take care of Gen. Walker and his boys.”
Col. Thomas turned to the man flanking his left. “Lt. Leland, are you sure you’re up to this?”
“As long as I can ride, I can shoot. Besides, I can’t let Manning take all the glory or he’d be impossible to live with.”
“Mate, I don’t plan on living with you blokes forever, you know.”
D laughed. “You wouldn’t be making plans to live with someone else by the name of Tara Williams, would you?”
“Surely, you wouldn’t sully her name by not making a proper woman out of her,” Myles said in disbelief. “Even if she is a bit eccentric, she’s still a lady. Well, most of the time that is. Unless of course, she rescuing you from prison, being threatened with being hung or dressing up like a man.”
Bobby glared at the blond and D laughed harder. “I won’t ‘sully her name’ as you put it. And she most certainly is a lady. Now, I suggest we start making some plans for when we meet Lee’s army.”
After a short discussion, Bobby, D, and Myles formed a tentative plan. They set the plan into motion while they rode, verbally sharing the details with the other soldiers in their command.
“Shoot and get out of there,” he told his men over and over. “There’s bound to be a bonzer of an explosion when we destroy the train.
They road hard from the south and around 4:00 in the afternoon, the Calvary, under command of Gen. Sheridan faced the remnants of Lee’s army. Myles, who hadn’t seen them in months, couldn’t believe how beleaguered they appeared. Most had to be near exhaustion, he thought. Bobby raised his arm, and on his signal, the front lines of Bobby’s company attacked the remaining Rebs guarding the train. Meanwhile D, Myles, and Bobby raced in from behind.
Bobby struck a match and lit the stick on dynamite in his hands and hurled it at the train. It landed perfectly on the back of one of the cars. Myles did likewise, only his rolled under the car. It made no difference. It would cause an explosion either way. D lit his and drew his arm back to throw the explosive. A shot rang out. Bobby watched in horror as D’s horse stumbled and rolled to the side with D still on it.
NOOOOOO!!!! Let D be OK and let him throw that stick of dynamite!
QUOTE(DancerBreeJDPepsiPacer @ Jul 22 2006, 01:13 PM)
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO
Jack and Sue are suppose(SP) to LIVE and propose and get married.
Tara and Bobby are suppose to LIVE and get married.
Col. Thomas is suppose to LIVE and go back to his wife.
D is suppose to LIVE and go back to Donna.
Myles and Lucy are suppose to LIVE and figure out if they're like each other or not.
maybe
I think that covers everyone we know.
Jack and Sue are suppose(SP) to LIVE and propose and get married.
Tara and Bobby are suppose to LIVE and get married.
Col. Thomas is suppose to LIVE and go back to his wife.
D is suppose to LIVE and go back to Donna.
Myles and Lucy are suppose to LIVE and figure out if they're like each other or not.
maybe I think that covers everyone we know.
Do I need to say it again with revisons??
Get that stick of dynamite and throw it!!! 
Oreo, I can't believe you left it there! Wait, yes I can.... 
"
Keep our boys safe!
Oreo, I can't believe you left it there!
Wait, yes I can.... "Keep our boys safe!
caught up, loved the squirrels and col t's appraisal odf dsue's stubborness and then youi left d and his horse about to be blown up AAAAAAAAARRRGGGGhHHHH
cath
cath
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Oh Oreo, that is so ominous! I have an impossibly difficult day ahead of me and you leave it there? It's probably prophetic!!!!Kav mutters her way out to mow the lawn before the thunderstorms hit, hoping there will be another post when she comes back in.
Chapter 29 – Part 3
Sitting across from Samuel in the mess tent, Lucy enjoyed the conversation more than the food. Beans, salted pork, and hard tack had lost their appeal two days ago and the fare hadn’t changed at all. “Tell me about your family,” she said.
“My ma and pa were slaves on a plantation. My pa got kilt when he tried to escape. I got sold off when I was old enough to work. Some neighbors of the Lelands bought me and I tried to run off, too. I got caught and whipped. When Myles Leland, the second, your Myles’ pa, found out, he bought me. First thing he did was give me my papers and said, ‘Samuel, if ya want to work on my estate, it has to be your choice. I won’t force ya to be here, but you gotta want to be here. Ya got a job with us for as long as ya like.’” He scooped up a bite of beans. “They’re good people, Lucy.”
“I know,” she admitted. “Do you have any brothers and sisters?”
“Yep. I two of each. My older brothers got sold off befoe me, and my sisters were still at home with ma. They worked in the big house for the missus. What about you?”
“My parents died when I only about six of measles. My grandmother, Alice, took me in. She was the cook for the Thomas’. They had a couple of maids, too, back then. Anyway, since Sue and I were the same age, we grew up together. She’d practice reading my lips for hours. She taught me to read and write and figure. Officially, I’m her lady’s maid, but she says truthfully, I’m her friend.”
“So, you haven’t seen any of the ugly things that white folks can do to black folks, have you?”
“No, I guess not. I’ve heard about them. I’ve felt the sting of being treated like I’m not worth anything, but no I’ve never been beaten – except by my grandma when she thought I was being lippy.” They both laughed.
“You? Lippy? That’s hard to imagine,” he joked.
“My grandma says I’ll never get a husband if I keep on like that,” she said absentmindedly.
“Oh, I don’t know. Some men like a challenge.” When her eyes met his, he winked and Lucy blushed.
She hurried to divert his attention. “As I was saying, there isn’t a more fair man that Sue’s daddy. Now, her momma, sure sees things differently . . .”
“So Miss Sue’s like her daddy.”
“Mostly, I guess, but she’s stubborn like her momma.”
“Really? Two stubborn girls in the same house. Col. Thomas had his hands full.”
“It was our American duty,” she said seriously. “How else would he get ready to be an officer?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Watching Sue move from soldier to soldier, Jack couldn’t take his eyes off this young woman who eased their pain with a simple smile. She fed them, changed their dressings, read to them, and wrote letters home for them. Mostly, when they were sleeping, he saw her pray for each of them. They were “her boys” as she called them, and she told them she expected each of them to headed home in no time.
Jack had no intention of heading home. He wanted to be there when Lee surrendered. He’d fought hard and wanted to taste the victory for himself. And, he thought he might enjoy spending some time with the daughter of Col. Thomas. She was such a contrast to Allie and the other young ladies back home. While Allie was often childish and selfish, Sue was the epitomy of selflessness. While Allie was needy and cunning, Sue was independent and genuine.
He coughed several times, and tried to ask Sue for some water. Instead, Tara appeared with a tin cup and handed it to him. “Why is she ignoring me? Did I do something to offend her?”
Tara laughed. “Jack, Sue isn’t ignoring you. She’s deaf.”
“She’s deaf? She can’t hear anything?”
“That is generally what the term means, Captain.”
“But she understands what I’m saying,” he protested.
“She reads your lips. She can’t do that unless she’s facing you.” Jack mesmerized by Sue’s conversation with another soldier, stared at her. “Amazing, huh?” Tara asked.
“Yes, she is.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Swinging down from Graceland, Bobby dropped the reigns and raced for D, struggling to free himself from his fallen mount. “Get out of here, Bobby!”
“Sorry mate, got something to take care of.” Bobby scrambled for the stick of dynamite and lobbed it onto the top of the boxcar. He then hurried to D, put his arms under his shoulders and pulled.
"Bobby, it's no use! Just go!"
Ignoring D, Bobby undid the strap on the dead horse's saddle, then pulled on D again. The saddle rolled with D's legs and he was free. “Are you hurt? Can you walk?” he asked helping D up.
D stood, but his left ankle refuse to bear weight, and he crumpled. “Bobby, please, don’t wait on me.”
“Don’t be a drongo,” he grunted as he lifted D’s arm over his shoulder and wrapped his arm around his waist. “Tara would spit the dummy if I let you die.”
They hurried behind the edge of the depot and Bobby lowered D to the ground just as the explosions began. He covered the sergeant with is own body as the debris showered down around them. The ground rumbled and shook as each keg of gunpowder blasted into pieces.
Finally, it was over. Bobby risked a glance at the train which now consisted of mangled steel and burning wood. “You okay, mate?” he asked D.
D coughed from the smoke around them. “Fine.”
“Let’s have a Captain Crook at that ankle,” Bobby said as he pushed up the leg of D’s trousers and ran his hand gently along the bone. D winced. “Sorry, mate, but the good new is that it’s not broken. London to a brick you’ll be up and around in no time.”
Myles trotted over with Bobby’s horse in hand. “How is he?”
“Lucky,” Bobby answered, accepting Graceland’s reins. “Can you go snag him another mount? He’s not going to be marching back.”
Bobby surveyed the area where the battle had just occurred. The remainder of Lee’s army retreated and Bobby guessed they were setting up a temporary camp not far away. “He probably thinks he’s out marched our boys by miles,” he thought.
Myles brought a horse to D whose owner would not be returning with them. Bobby helped his friend mount up and together, the three of them road off the battlefield.
“Uh Bobby,” D said softly. “Thanks.”
“No worries, mate.”
Sitting across from Samuel in the mess tent, Lucy enjoyed the conversation more than the food. Beans, salted pork, and hard tack had lost their appeal two days ago and the fare hadn’t changed at all. “Tell me about your family,” she said.
“My ma and pa were slaves on a plantation. My pa got kilt when he tried to escape. I got sold off when I was old enough to work. Some neighbors of the Lelands bought me and I tried to run off, too. I got caught and whipped. When Myles Leland, the second, your Myles’ pa, found out, he bought me. First thing he did was give me my papers and said, ‘Samuel, if ya want to work on my estate, it has to be your choice. I won’t force ya to be here, but you gotta want to be here. Ya got a job with us for as long as ya like.’” He scooped up a bite of beans. “They’re good people, Lucy.”
“I know,” she admitted. “Do you have any brothers and sisters?”
“Yep. I two of each. My older brothers got sold off befoe me, and my sisters were still at home with ma. They worked in the big house for the missus. What about you?”
“My parents died when I only about six of measles. My grandmother, Alice, took me in. She was the cook for the Thomas’. They had a couple of maids, too, back then. Anyway, since Sue and I were the same age, we grew up together. She’d practice reading my lips for hours. She taught me to read and write and figure. Officially, I’m her lady’s maid, but she says truthfully, I’m her friend.”
“So, you haven’t seen any of the ugly things that white folks can do to black folks, have you?”
“No, I guess not. I’ve heard about them. I’ve felt the sting of being treated like I’m not worth anything, but no I’ve never been beaten – except by my grandma when she thought I was being lippy.” They both laughed.
“You? Lippy? That’s hard to imagine,” he joked.
“My grandma says I’ll never get a husband if I keep on like that,” she said absentmindedly.
“Oh, I don’t know. Some men like a challenge.” When her eyes met his, he winked and Lucy blushed.
She hurried to divert his attention. “As I was saying, there isn’t a more fair man that Sue’s daddy. Now, her momma, sure sees things differently . . .”
“So Miss Sue’s like her daddy.”
“Mostly, I guess, but she’s stubborn like her momma.”
“Really? Two stubborn girls in the same house. Col. Thomas had his hands full.”
“It was our American duty,” she said seriously. “How else would he get ready to be an officer?”
Watching Sue move from soldier to soldier, Jack couldn’t take his eyes off this young woman who eased their pain with a simple smile. She fed them, changed their dressings, read to them, and wrote letters home for them. Mostly, when they were sleeping, he saw her pray for each of them. They were “her boys” as she called them, and she told them she expected each of them to headed home in no time.
Jack had no intention of heading home. He wanted to be there when Lee surrendered. He’d fought hard and wanted to taste the victory for himself. And, he thought he might enjoy spending some time with the daughter of Col. Thomas. She was such a contrast to Allie and the other young ladies back home. While Allie was often childish and selfish, Sue was the epitomy of selflessness. While Allie was needy and cunning, Sue was independent and genuine.
He coughed several times, and tried to ask Sue for some water. Instead, Tara appeared with a tin cup and handed it to him. “Why is she ignoring me? Did I do something to offend her?”
Tara laughed. “Jack, Sue isn’t ignoring you. She’s deaf.”
“She’s deaf? She can’t hear anything?”
“That is generally what the term means, Captain.”
“But she understands what I’m saying,” he protested.
“She reads your lips. She can’t do that unless she’s facing you.” Jack mesmerized by Sue’s conversation with another soldier, stared at her. “Amazing, huh?” Tara asked.
“Yes, she is.”
Swinging down from Graceland, Bobby dropped the reigns and raced for D, struggling to free himself from his fallen mount. “Get out of here, Bobby!”
“Sorry mate, got something to take care of.” Bobby scrambled for the stick of dynamite and lobbed it onto the top of the boxcar. He then hurried to D, put his arms under his shoulders and pulled.
"Bobby, it's no use! Just go!"
Ignoring D, Bobby undid the strap on the dead horse's saddle, then pulled on D again. The saddle rolled with D's legs and he was free. “Are you hurt? Can you walk?” he asked helping D up.
D stood, but his left ankle refuse to bear weight, and he crumpled. “Bobby, please, don’t wait on me.”
“Don’t be a drongo,” he grunted as he lifted D’s arm over his shoulder and wrapped his arm around his waist. “Tara would spit the dummy if I let you die.”
They hurried behind the edge of the depot and Bobby lowered D to the ground just as the explosions began. He covered the sergeant with is own body as the debris showered down around them. The ground rumbled and shook as each keg of gunpowder blasted into pieces.
Finally, it was over. Bobby risked a glance at the train which now consisted of mangled steel and burning wood. “You okay, mate?” he asked D.
D coughed from the smoke around them. “Fine.”
“Let’s have a Captain Crook at that ankle,” Bobby said as he pushed up the leg of D’s trousers and ran his hand gently along the bone. D winced. “Sorry, mate, but the good new is that it’s not broken. London to a brick you’ll be up and around in no time.”
Myles trotted over with Bobby’s horse in hand. “How is he?”
“Lucky,” Bobby answered, accepting Graceland’s reins. “Can you go snag him another mount? He’s not going to be marching back.”
Bobby surveyed the area where the battle had just occurred. The remainder of Lee’s army retreated and Bobby guessed they were setting up a temporary camp not far away. “He probably thinks he’s out marched our boys by miles,” he thought.
Myles brought a horse to D whose owner would not be returning with them. Bobby helped his friend mount up and together, the three of them road off the battlefield.
“Uh Bobby,” D said softly. “Thanks.”
“No worries, mate.”
Phew! Big sigh of relief here! I'm glad they're all ok!
awww..jack and sue he already is head over heals
bobby rescueing D i'm glad it ended well
he already is head over healsbobby rescueing D
i'm glad it ended well
I glad it ended well. they're all safe 
There may be a flurry of posts throughout today since we're going on vacation tomorrow. My husband keeps telling me I can finish this there, but I'm afraid something will happen and the cyber demons will wisk it away. I am going to try my best to finish it by deadline, but it has certainly taken on a mind of its own, and I don't even have cherubs to blame. 
I can't tell you all enough how much your comments have meant. They've kept me going when I felt uninspired.
Chapter 30 - Part 1
"I have never advocated war except as a means of peace."~- General Ulysses S. Grant
Dorothea hurried up the stairs and motioned Tara from Jack’s side. Even though he knew he shouldn’t eavesdrop, he did so anyway. “Good grief,” he told himself. “She’s a spy. She understands. Besides, it’s what Bobby would want me to do.”
Miss Dix explained that Gen. Grant had arrived in Farmville yesterday and was suffering from a debilitating, sick headache. They’d sent for a doctor from their encampment, but he’d returned and told Dorothea to send a nurse out to care for him as there was little medically he could do. “He probably won’t even let you do anything for him,” Dorothea explained. “But I couldn’t think of anyone who’d be better in the field than you.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I’ll go get my things.”
“There’s an aide from his camp ready to escort you there.”
Jack sighed and whispered. “Tara, Tara, Tara, what are we going to do with you. Bobby isn’t going to like this.”
Sue came to sit by him. “You should be sleeping not listening to Tara getting sent off to care for Gen. Grant.”
His dark eyes twinkled. “And how would you know she’d been assigned to care for Grant unless you were eavesdropping, too, Miss Thomas?” She her cheeks infused with color. “It’s okay. I told myself she’d understand. Afterall, she is a spy.”
“It’s still hard for me to believe.”
“You know what’s hard for me to believe? That all this time you haven’t heard a word I said. Tara told me you read lips. I had no idea. You’re quite amazing.”
She blushed again, and he couldn’t resist touching the velvety pink skin with the back of his hand. She quickly grabbed his hand and pulled it down. “Miss Dix . . .” she started to explain.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. Sue shifted and saw a scowling Dorothea. “Miss Thomas, can I speak with you for a moment?”
She pulled Sue to the side. Dorothea was clearly giving Sue a tongue lashing. Jack watched as Sue’s countenance crumpled. Dix glanced his way more than once. He couldn’t hear the words, but guessed that Sue was being told not to give him so much attention. He ached to go to her defense, but knew it was useless.
When Sue returned to “her boys”, she avoided his penetrating gaze, knowing one glance into those brown eyes would be her undoing. She would treat him like all the others. Never mind that he was sweet and funny and had eyes that could melt ice. She had to get this captain out of her mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The ride to Farmville didn’t take more than an hour and a half. They’d ridden hard since Blossom was well rested, and Tara had no trouble keeping up with the young lieutenant. When they reached the farmhouse where Gen. Grant had made his headquarters, they pulled to a stop at the front porch and dismounted.
“I’ll introduce you, Miss Williams,” the lieutenant said, taking her bag from his hand, “then I’ll see to your horse.”
She thanked him and followed him up the stairs. The lieutenant introduced her to another general. He extended his hand. “Ma’am, I’m Brevet Brigadier General Porter, but you may call me Horace. Come with me. Gen. Grant is resting on the sofa.”
“Has his condition worsened?” she asked.
“It appears so to me,” Horace admitted.
The man lying on the sofa was much different that she expected. He was younger than she imagined. Later, she learned he was only forty- three. Though it was hard to be sure with him lying down, she was sure he was only about five feet, eight inches tall. His hair and full beard were both nut brown, with not a trace of gray in either. He opened one eye and stared at her.
“The surgeon sent you?” he said.
“Yes, sir. Is the pain bad?”
“Well, let’s just say the war out there is nothing compared to the one in my head.”
Tara had to smile and placed a soothing hand on his forehead. “You’ve been under a lot of stress, sir, and have probably not slept adequately for weeks. Your body is trying to get your attention.”
“It’s got extremely bad timing, Miss…”
“Williams.”
“Any kin to Gen. Reuben Williams of Indiana’s 100th.”
“I’m his daughter.”
“Our little Libby prison spy?”
“That would be me. I'm honored you've heard of me.”
“Of course I have. Your information has been invaluable. I know I’m in good hands. What do you suggest?”
“Mustard plasters and willow bark tea might help.”
“Whatever you do, do it quickly. I’ve got a war to finish.”
I can't tell you all enough how much your comments have meant. They've kept me going when I felt uninspired.
Chapter 30 - Part 1
"I have never advocated war except as a means of peace."~- General Ulysses S. Grant
Dorothea hurried up the stairs and motioned Tara from Jack’s side. Even though he knew he shouldn’t eavesdrop, he did so anyway. “Good grief,” he told himself. “She’s a spy. She understands. Besides, it’s what Bobby would want me to do.”
Miss Dix explained that Gen. Grant had arrived in Farmville yesterday and was suffering from a debilitating, sick headache. They’d sent for a doctor from their encampment, but he’d returned and told Dorothea to send a nurse out to care for him as there was little medically he could do. “He probably won’t even let you do anything for him,” Dorothea explained. “But I couldn’t think of anyone who’d be better in the field than you.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I’ll go get my things.”
“There’s an aide from his camp ready to escort you there.”
Jack sighed and whispered. “Tara, Tara, Tara, what are we going to do with you. Bobby isn’t going to like this.”
Sue came to sit by him. “You should be sleeping not listening to Tara getting sent off to care for Gen. Grant.”
His dark eyes twinkled. “And how would you know she’d been assigned to care for Grant unless you were eavesdropping, too, Miss Thomas?” She her cheeks infused with color. “It’s okay. I told myself she’d understand. Afterall, she is a spy.”
“It’s still hard for me to believe.”
“You know what’s hard for me to believe? That all this time you haven’t heard a word I said. Tara told me you read lips. I had no idea. You’re quite amazing.”
She blushed again, and he couldn’t resist touching the velvety pink skin with the back of his hand. She quickly grabbed his hand and pulled it down. “Miss Dix . . .” she started to explain.
She felt a hand on her shoulder. Sue shifted and saw a scowling Dorothea. “Miss Thomas, can I speak with you for a moment?”
She pulled Sue to the side. Dorothea was clearly giving Sue a tongue lashing. Jack watched as Sue’s countenance crumpled. Dix glanced his way more than once. He couldn’t hear the words, but guessed that Sue was being told not to give him so much attention. He ached to go to her defense, but knew it was useless.
When Sue returned to “her boys”, she avoided his penetrating gaze, knowing one glance into those brown eyes would be her undoing. She would treat him like all the others. Never mind that he was sweet and funny and had eyes that could melt ice. She had to get this captain out of her mind.
The ride to Farmville didn’t take more than an hour and a half. They’d ridden hard since Blossom was well rested, and Tara had no trouble keeping up with the young lieutenant. When they reached the farmhouse where Gen. Grant had made his headquarters, they pulled to a stop at the front porch and dismounted.
“I’ll introduce you, Miss Williams,” the lieutenant said, taking her bag from his hand, “then I’ll see to your horse.”
She thanked him and followed him up the stairs. The lieutenant introduced her to another general. He extended his hand. “Ma’am, I’m Brevet Brigadier General Porter, but you may call me Horace. Come with me. Gen. Grant is resting on the sofa.”
“Has his condition worsened?” she asked.
“It appears so to me,” Horace admitted.
The man lying on the sofa was much different that she expected. He was younger than she imagined. Later, she learned he was only forty- three. Though it was hard to be sure with him lying down, she was sure he was only about five feet, eight inches tall. His hair and full beard were both nut brown, with not a trace of gray in either. He opened one eye and stared at her.
“The surgeon sent you?” he said.
“Yes, sir. Is the pain bad?”
“Well, let’s just say the war out there is nothing compared to the one in my head.”
Tara had to smile and placed a soothing hand on his forehead. “You’ve been under a lot of stress, sir, and have probably not slept adequately for weeks. Your body is trying to get your attention.”
“It’s got extremely bad timing, Miss…”
“Williams.”
“Any kin to Gen. Reuben Williams of Indiana’s 100th.”
“I’m his daughter.”
“Our little Libby prison spy?”
“That would be me. I'm honored you've heard of me.”
“Of course I have. Your information has been invaluable. I know I’m in good hands. What do you suggest?”
“Mustard plasters and willow bark tea might help.”
“Whatever you do, do it quickly. I’ve got a war to finish.”
oh the end is nigh... exciting....
I forgot to mention that from here on out everything will be as historically accurate as I can make it considering. It is true that Gen. Grant was suffering from an excruitating headache at this point. But obviously, I invited Tara to come to his aide. 
I just caught up on your posts, Oreo!! I enjoyed Samuel and Lucy's stories about their childhood!! I think Samuel would be a good match for Lucy!!
I was holding my breath with the explosives and D!! Thank God Bobby got to him in time!!!
Jack is truly smitten with our Miss Thomas!! And, it looks to me as if it is definitely returned!!!
Tara is going to cure the general's headache and win the war!!!
Joy
I was holding my breath with the explosives and D!! Thank God Bobby got to him in time!!!
Jack is truly smitten with our Miss Thomas!! And, it looks to me as if it is definitely returned!!!
Tara is going to cure the general's headache and win the war!!!
Joy
So many posts to enjoy and so much happening Good as gold oreo.
WOOHOO.....this is soooo good....one of my favs on this board ...it helps that i love just about any civil war era stories!...but u are doing a wonderful job
...it helps that i love just about any civil war era stories!...but u are doing a wonderful job
And just what did Dix say to Sue to make her think she had to get the captain out of her mind??? Such a flurry of posts to read. Loved every second and will try to keep up with you.
kav
Such a flurry of posts to read. Loved every second and will try to keep up with you. kav
Chapter 30 - Part 2
“Did the willow bark tea help?” Tara asked the commander of the Federal forces.
Grant smiled. “Some. Your presence has been a balm in itself. My wife would like you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
She busied herself putting the mustard and teas away, but accidentally knocked a telegram off the table. She hesitated as she picked it up.
Grant laughed. “Once a spy, always a spy, eh, Miss Williams, or are you just curious by nature?”
“I’m afraid it comes naturally.”
“Go ahead and read it. It's what I sent Gen. Lee the day before yesterday.”
She read the letter in her hand.
HEADQUARTERS, ARMIES OF THE U. S.
5 P. m., April 7th, 1865
GENERAL R. E. LEE, Commanding C. S. A.:
The results of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States army known as the Army of Northern Virginia.
U. S. Grant,
Lieutenant-General
April 7th, 1865
“You asked him to surrender? What did he say to you?”
He handed Tara another letter. “Here it is. After you read it, tell me what you think.”
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL U. S. GRANT,
Commanding Armies of the U. S.
GENERAL: I have received your note of this date. Though not entertaining the opinion you express of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender.
R.E. LEE,
General
“No wonder you are suffering from that headache, sir. This is a great deal of stress for anyone to be under. Peace is so close, I can feel it.”
“As can I. Let’s just hope that the honorable Gen. Lee does as well. I might as well let you read what I sent him. Here’s the next chapter.”
April 8th, 1865
GENERAL R. E. LEE, Commanding C. S. A.:
Your note of last evening in reply to mine of the same date, asking the conditions on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, is just received. In reply I would say that, peace being my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon-namely, that the men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified for taking up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged. I will meet you, or will designate officers to meet any officers you may name for the same purpose, at any point agreeable to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received.
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General
“You’re a wise man, General,” Tara said. “You have made a surrender as honorable as it could be. You should get some rest while you can,” Tara suggested. “I’ll just sit quietly over hear in case you need me.”
Gen. Grant agreed and began to doze on the sofa while Tara found a book on a shelf and began reading. She suddenly realized how much she missed books and soon found herself wrapped up in the story contained within despite the war around her.
Just before midnight, a Col. Whittier brought another letter from Gen. Lee. Immediately, it was delivered to Gen. Grants room startling Tara. Grant sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Miss Williams, can you read this? My eyes are still blurry from sleep.”
“Of course, sir. It says,
"April 8th, 1865
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL U. S. GRANT
GENERAL: I received at a late hour your note of to-day. In mine of yesterday I did not intend to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be frank, I do not think the emergency has arisen to call for the surrender of this army, but, as the restoration of peace should be the sole object of all, I desired to know whether your proposals would lead to that end. I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia; but as far as your proposal may affect the Confederate States forces under my command, and tend to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to meet you at 10 A. M. to-morrow on the old stage road to Richmond, between the picket-lines of the two armies.
R. E. LEE,
General ”
Having heard the letter, Grant didn’t say a word. He simply lay back down and slept. Tara leaned her head against the wall and prayed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sue had to change his bandage. It was time. She sat down beside Jack and avoided his eyes. She reached for the binding and he grabbed her wrist. Sue gasped in surprise and looked at him. “What’s going on, Sue?”
“Nothing, sir. It’s just time to change your bandage.”
“How’d I go from Jack to sir?”
“Miss Dix reminded me of the importance of not getting involved with the soldiers. It is very unprofessional and unfair to you.”
“Unfair to me? How?”
“It is natural for a soldier to be a. . .a…a”
“ . . .attracted?”
She blushed at his words, but tried to continue matter-of-factly. “Yes, it’s natural for a soldier to be attracted to his angel of mercy.”
Averting her eyes, she became absorbed in removing the dressing from his wounds. Her fingers brushed the firm muscles of his chest and he inhaled. He lifted her chin with his finger, forcing her to look at him. “Sue Thomas, I’m not attracted to you because you saved my life. I’m attracted to you, because of you.”
“Sssh! If she hears that, she’ll send me away! Then, who’s going to make sure you get well?”
He could see the idea of having to leave clearly upset her. “Okay, I’ll behave, but I’m a wounded soldier who needs conversation. How about a general topic? Tell me what you’ve heard about the battle lines?”
“We’ve been told to expect more wounded,” she admitted. “The ones, like yourself, who are doing better, are supposed to be shipped by train in the morning to the field hospital to finish recovering.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said defiantly.
“Jack, I mean Captain, you must. You aren’t fully recovered.”
“Then, I guess you’ll just have to make me your only patient and become my full-time nurse, Miss Thomas, because wherever you go, I'm going.”
Note: The letters are from www.civilwarhome.com/surrender.htm
“Did the willow bark tea help?” Tara asked the commander of the Federal forces.
Grant smiled. “Some. Your presence has been a balm in itself. My wife would like you.”
“Thank you, sir.”
She busied herself putting the mustard and teas away, but accidentally knocked a telegram off the table. She hesitated as she picked it up.
Grant laughed. “Once a spy, always a spy, eh, Miss Williams, or are you just curious by nature?”
“I’m afraid it comes naturally.”
“Go ahead and read it. It's what I sent Gen. Lee the day before yesterday.”
She read the letter in her hand.
HEADQUARTERS, ARMIES OF THE U. S.
5 P. m., April 7th, 1865
GENERAL R. E. LEE, Commanding C. S. A.:
The results of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States army known as the Army of Northern Virginia.
U. S. Grant,
Lieutenant-General
April 7th, 1865
“You asked him to surrender? What did he say to you?”
He handed Tara another letter. “Here it is. After you read it, tell me what you think.”
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL U. S. GRANT,
Commanding Armies of the U. S.
GENERAL: I have received your note of this date. Though not entertaining the opinion you express of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender.
R.E. LEE,
General
“No wonder you are suffering from that headache, sir. This is a great deal of stress for anyone to be under. Peace is so close, I can feel it.”
“As can I. Let’s just hope that the honorable Gen. Lee does as well. I might as well let you read what I sent him. Here’s the next chapter.”
April 8th, 1865
GENERAL R. E. LEE, Commanding C. S. A.:
Your note of last evening in reply to mine of the same date, asking the conditions on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, is just received. In reply I would say that, peace being my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon-namely, that the men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified for taking up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged. I will meet you, or will designate officers to meet any officers you may name for the same purpose, at any point agreeable to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received.
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General
“You’re a wise man, General,” Tara said. “You have made a surrender as honorable as it could be. You should get some rest while you can,” Tara suggested. “I’ll just sit quietly over hear in case you need me.”
Gen. Grant agreed and began to doze on the sofa while Tara found a book on a shelf and began reading. She suddenly realized how much she missed books and soon found herself wrapped up in the story contained within despite the war around her.
Just before midnight, a Col. Whittier brought another letter from Gen. Lee. Immediately, it was delivered to Gen. Grants room startling Tara. Grant sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Miss Williams, can you read this? My eyes are still blurry from sleep.”
“Of course, sir. It says,
"April 8th, 1865
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL U. S. GRANT
GENERAL: I received at a late hour your note of to-day. In mine of yesterday I did not intend to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be frank, I do not think the emergency has arisen to call for the surrender of this army, but, as the restoration of peace should be the sole object of all, I desired to know whether your proposals would lead to that end. I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia; but as far as your proposal may affect the Confederate States forces under my command, and tend to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to meet you at 10 A. M. to-morrow on the old stage road to Richmond, between the picket-lines of the two armies.
R. E. LEE,
General ”
Having heard the letter, Grant didn’t say a word. He simply lay back down and slept. Tara leaned her head against the wall and prayed.
Sue had to change his bandage. It was time. She sat down beside Jack and avoided his eyes. She reached for the binding and he grabbed her wrist. Sue gasped in surprise and looked at him. “What’s going on, Sue?”
“Nothing, sir. It’s just time to change your bandage.”
“How’d I go from Jack to sir?”
“Miss Dix reminded me of the importance of not getting involved with the soldiers. It is very unprofessional and unfair to you.”
“Unfair to me? How?”
“It is natural for a soldier to be a. . .a…a”
“ . . .attracted?”
She blushed at his words, but tried to continue matter-of-factly. “Yes, it’s natural for a soldier to be attracted to his angel of mercy.”
Averting her eyes, she became absorbed in removing the dressing from his wounds. Her fingers brushed the firm muscles of his chest and he inhaled. He lifted her chin with his finger, forcing her to look at him. “Sue Thomas, I’m not attracted to you because you saved my life. I’m attracted to you, because of you.”
“Sssh! If she hears that, she’ll send me away! Then, who’s going to make sure you get well?”
He could see the idea of having to leave clearly upset her. “Okay, I’ll behave, but I’m a wounded soldier who needs conversation. How about a general topic? Tell me what you’ve heard about the battle lines?”
“We’ve been told to expect more wounded,” she admitted. “The ones, like yourself, who are doing better, are supposed to be shipped by train in the morning to the field hospital to finish recovering.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said defiantly.
“Jack, I mean Captain, you must. You aren’t fully recovered.”
“Then, I guess you’ll just have to make me your only patient and become my full-time nurse, Miss Thomas, because wherever you go, I'm going.”
Note: The letters are from www.civilwarhome.com/surrender.htm
QUOTE(Oreolover @ Jul 28 2006, 08:24 PM)
“Then, I guess you’ll just have to make me your only patient and become my full-time nurse, Miss Thomas, because wherever you go, I'm going.”
Well she might not mind about that now
that is one nursing job i would quite happily take on board....
[quote=DancerBreeJDPepsiPacer,Jul 28 2006, 03:47 PM] [QUOTE=Oreolover,Jul 28 2006, 08:24 PM] “Then, I guess you’ll just have to make me your only patient and become my full-time nurse, Miss Thomas, because wherever you go, I'm going.”
[/quote]
That reminds me of Ruth and Naomi in the Bible.
[/quote]
That reminds me of Ruth and Naomi in the Bible.
QUOTE(ickleails @ Jul 28 2006, 10:10 PM)
that is one nursing job i would quite happily take on board....
Me either
I think Dorothea Dix is gonna have a hard time keeping Jack and Sue fromveach other; they're both smitten
This is so interesting, Oreo!! Seeing the end coming to the war and being privy to letters back and forth about surrender!!!
I melted with the last statement of Jack's ".......because wherever you go, I'm going."!!!
Joy
I melted with the last statement of Jack's ".......because wherever you go, I'm going."!!!
Joy
Are you sick of me yet? Here's a little more.
Chapter 30 - Part 3
Gen. Grant awoke around four a.m., holding his head in his hands. Tara hurried to his side and gave him another cup of willow bark tea. In a while, the pain eased, and he seemed to be feeling better. He called a group of his men to discuss Lee’s communication from earlier.
Gen. Meade lit another kerosene lantern. “It’s not safe. What if it’s a trick and they capture you? Then, where would we be?”
Grant laughed. “They’d send me back. I’m too ornery to hold on to.”
“He has a point, sir,” Gen. Parker said. “If only there was a way to find out what they planned.”
“We could send a spy in,” he said, glancing in Tara’s direction and winking at her, “but I don’t think it would be wise.”
“But we need to know there plans,” Meade insisted.
“Excuse me, sir, I may have an idea.”
Meade and Parker rolled their eyes at her, Colonels Babcock and Marshal gaped at the nerve of the young woman, but General Grant smiled. “Out with it, Miss Williams. Your ideas so far have certainly worked.”
“Sir, I there’s another nurse back at the encampment who is deaf. She can read people’s lips when they’re speaking. If she were to be somewhere near enough or with the use of a spyglass, she could tell you what Lee’s men were saying before you were placed in danger.”
“I’ve never heard of something so ridiculous!” Col. Babcock yelled. “A deaf girl reading lips! What kind of foolery has this urchin played on all of you?”
“The urchin is Col. Steven Thomas’ daughter. Lt. Leland recognized how useful her skill might be and brought her here from Boston.”
Grant steepled his fingers and Gen. Meade stared at him. “You’re not seriously considering this, are you?”
Drawing his hand through his beard, he sighed. “It sounds like it might be the best alternative. What’s this woman’s name, Miss Williams and are you certain she’d come?”
“Sue Thomas, and yes, she’ll come.”
“Send Lt. Gray to escort her here.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During the night, Gen. Grant issued orders for Federal forces to block three of Lee’s escape routes. Gen. Custer’s cavalry came from the south, Gen. Smith’s from the north east, and Gen. Sheridan’s from the east.
“We’re going to be too tired to even fight,” Myles grumbled as they moved along the wagon road.
“At least we’ve got a horse to ride. You have to admit there are some advantages to being in the cavalry,” Bobby said with yawn. “Col. Thomas said that Lee moved his men into position at two this morning against Gen. Smith’s Calvary. We’re headed to be reinforcements.
“Do you really think this is the end, Bobby?” D asked.
“I don’t know, but I sure hope so.”
“Me, too. It feels like I haven’t held my Donna in a hundred years.”
“And if you don’t do a better job of keeping that horse under you, you won’t see her until she joins you at the pearly gates,” Myles added.
“All that from a man who was shot to pieces in February,” Bobby said with a laugh.
Myles shivered at the memory. “That was one cold night, and unlike our beloved captain, there were no lovely nurses in my hospital.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack pushed himself up from the cot, and Sue tried to get him to lie back down. “Miss Thomas, I said you aren’t going anywhere without me and that especially includes going to the battle line.” She met his eyes stubbornly and saw her own tenacity mirrored. Giving up, she helped him stand.
“You aren’t up to this,” she insisted.
“You wouldn’t make me miss Lee’s surrender now, would you?” He wobbled and she steadied his arm.
“Lieutentant, please tell him he's not up to the ride.”
“The general sent an ambulance cart for you ma’am since they’re the smoothest ride, so it really doesn’t make much of a difference if the captain accompanies you. I can understand him wanting to be there.”
Jack smiled cockily at her. “See? I’m welcome to join you.”
“He did not say that. He’s just tolerating you just like I am.”
Lucy gave Sue a quick hug. “Be careful, and I’ll watch the boys here for you. Jack, take care of her, you hear?”
Jack agreed to do that and the threesome left the building. The young lieutenant stopped at the cart. “Sir, do you have another uniform in your quarters? I don’t think you want to be wearing just a bandage and a sling when you meet Gen. Grant.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Both Jack and Sue sat in the back of the ambulance cart. Given the late hour, lolled by the rhythm of the cart, she fell asleep. Jack was grateful it was on the side of his good arm. He crooked her head in his arm and pulled her against his chest. Her hair smelled fresh and he kissed the top of her head. What was it about this woman that was so intoxicating. He felt powerless around her, drawn by some unknown force to be at her side.
“Powerless? Did I really just think that? Is that what Bobby meant?”For a moment, he wanted to bolt and run as far away from Sue Thomas as he possibly could. But when she sighed in his arms, he felt a stirring deep inside, and he knew he could no more desert Sue than desert the Calvary.
The cart halted and Jack brushed her hair away from her face attempting to wake her. When she didn’t stir, he shook her gently. Disoriented, she jolted upward. “Jack! What am I doing sleeping? Where are we?”
It was too dark for her to read his response, but she felt him grasp her hand and the surging panic ebbed. The lieutenant came round the back and helped first Sue, then Jack from the ambulance cart.
He took Sue’s elbow. “This way, ma’am,” he said, but had no way of knowing she couldn’t understand him. Instinctively, Jack knew and kept hold of her hand as they mounted the porch. Inside, Sue was immediately taken to a well-lit room where Tara greeted her warmly. “I see you brought Captain Hudson with you,” she said with a wink.
“I didn’t bring him, but he did come.”
“He’s welcome to join us,” Gen. Grant said. “Wounded recently, son?”
“Yes, sir, at Sailor’s Creek.”
“Well, you know why we asked you here, Miss Thomas. Do you believe you can help us?”
“I have to be honest, sir. I’ve never done anything like this, but I can read conversations across the room if I chose to, so I’m guessing I could with a spyglass as well.”
“You’ll be close to Lee’s front line. Will that unnerve you?” Jack visibly stiffened, but said nothing. Grant chuckled. “I can see it will unnerve him.”
“I don’t believe that on my own I could do it, but with God’s help, I am sure I can.”
“Then, if you've got the Commander in Chief on your side, we leave in half an hour. Let’s make arrangements men.”
Chapter 30 - Part 3
Gen. Grant awoke around four a.m., holding his head in his hands. Tara hurried to his side and gave him another cup of willow bark tea. In a while, the pain eased, and he seemed to be feeling better. He called a group of his men to discuss Lee’s communication from earlier.
Gen. Meade lit another kerosene lantern. “It’s not safe. What if it’s a trick and they capture you? Then, where would we be?”
Grant laughed. “They’d send me back. I’m too ornery to hold on to.”
“He has a point, sir,” Gen. Parker said. “If only there was a way to find out what they planned.”
“We could send a spy in,” he said, glancing in Tara’s direction and winking at her, “but I don’t think it would be wise.”
“But we need to know there plans,” Meade insisted.
“Excuse me, sir, I may have an idea.”
Meade and Parker rolled their eyes at her, Colonels Babcock and Marshal gaped at the nerve of the young woman, but General Grant smiled. “Out with it, Miss Williams. Your ideas so far have certainly worked.”
“Sir, I there’s another nurse back at the encampment who is deaf. She can read people’s lips when they’re speaking. If she were to be somewhere near enough or with the use of a spyglass, she could tell you what Lee’s men were saying before you were placed in danger.”
“I’ve never heard of something so ridiculous!” Col. Babcock yelled. “A deaf girl reading lips! What kind of foolery has this urchin played on all of you?”
“The urchin is Col. Steven Thomas’ daughter. Lt. Leland recognized how useful her skill might be and brought her here from Boston.”
Grant steepled his fingers and Gen. Meade stared at him. “You’re not seriously considering this, are you?”
Drawing his hand through his beard, he sighed. “It sounds like it might be the best alternative. What’s this woman’s name, Miss Williams and are you certain she’d come?”
“Sue Thomas, and yes, she’ll come.”
“Send Lt. Gray to escort her here.”
During the night, Gen. Grant issued orders for Federal forces to block three of Lee’s escape routes. Gen. Custer’s cavalry came from the south, Gen. Smith’s from the north east, and Gen. Sheridan’s from the east.
“We’re going to be too tired to even fight,” Myles grumbled as they moved along the wagon road.
“At least we’ve got a horse to ride. You have to admit there are some advantages to being in the cavalry,” Bobby said with yawn. “Col. Thomas said that Lee moved his men into position at two this morning against Gen. Smith’s Calvary. We’re headed to be reinforcements.
“Do you really think this is the end, Bobby?” D asked.
“I don’t know, but I sure hope so.”
“Me, too. It feels like I haven’t held my Donna in a hundred years.”
“And if you don’t do a better job of keeping that horse under you, you won’t see her until she joins you at the pearly gates,” Myles added.
“All that from a man who was shot to pieces in February,” Bobby said with a laugh.
Myles shivered at the memory. “That was one cold night, and unlike our beloved captain, there were no lovely nurses in my hospital.”
Jack pushed himself up from the cot, and Sue tried to get him to lie back down. “Miss Thomas, I said you aren’t going anywhere without me and that especially includes going to the battle line.” She met his eyes stubbornly and saw her own tenacity mirrored. Giving up, she helped him stand.
“You aren’t up to this,” she insisted.
“You wouldn’t make me miss Lee’s surrender now, would you?” He wobbled and she steadied his arm.
“Lieutentant, please tell him he's not up to the ride.”
“The general sent an ambulance cart for you ma’am since they’re the smoothest ride, so it really doesn’t make much of a difference if the captain accompanies you. I can understand him wanting to be there.”
Jack smiled cockily at her. “See? I’m welcome to join you.”
“He did not say that. He’s just tolerating you just like I am.”
Lucy gave Sue a quick hug. “Be careful, and I’ll watch the boys here for you. Jack, take care of her, you hear?”
Jack agreed to do that and the threesome left the building. The young lieutenant stopped at the cart. “Sir, do you have another uniform in your quarters? I don’t think you want to be wearing just a bandage and a sling when you meet Gen. Grant.”
Both Jack and Sue sat in the back of the ambulance cart. Given the late hour, lolled by the rhythm of the cart, she fell asleep. Jack was grateful it was on the side of his good arm. He crooked her head in his arm and pulled her against his chest. Her hair smelled fresh and he kissed the top of her head. What was it about this woman that was so intoxicating. He felt powerless around her, drawn by some unknown force to be at her side.
“Powerless? Did I really just think that? Is that what Bobby meant?”For a moment, he wanted to bolt and run as far away from Sue Thomas as he possibly could. But when she sighed in his arms, he felt a stirring deep inside, and he knew he could no more desert Sue than desert the Calvary.
The cart halted and Jack brushed her hair away from her face attempting to wake her. When she didn’t stir, he shook her gently. Disoriented, she jolted upward. “Jack! What am I doing sleeping? Where are we?”
It was too dark for her to read his response, but she felt him grasp her hand and the surging panic ebbed. The lieutenant came round the back and helped first Sue, then Jack from the ambulance cart.
He took Sue’s elbow. “This way, ma’am,” he said, but had no way of knowing she couldn’t understand him. Instinctively, Jack knew and kept hold of her hand as they mounted the porch. Inside, Sue was immediately taken to a well-lit room where Tara greeted her warmly. “I see you brought Captain Hudson with you,” she said with a wink.
“I didn’t bring him, but he did come.”
“He’s welcome to join us,” Gen. Grant said. “Wounded recently, son?”
“Yes, sir, at Sailor’s Creek.”
“Well, you know why we asked you here, Miss Thomas. Do you believe you can help us?”
“I have to be honest, sir. I’ve never done anything like this, but I can read conversations across the room if I chose to, so I’m guessing I could with a spyglass as well.”
“You’ll be close to Lee’s front line. Will that unnerve you?” Jack visibly stiffened, but said nothing. Grant chuckled. “I can see it will unnerve him.”
“I don’t believe that on my own I could do it, but with God’s help, I am sure I can.”
“Then, if you've got the Commander in Chief on your side, we leave in half an hour. Let’s make arrangements men.”
QUOTE(ickleails @ Jul 28 2006, 09:10 PM)
that is one nursing job i would quite happily take on board....
cath
wonderful posts
cath
Overprotective Jack has arrived!!!
Oreo, we will never be sick of you!! You can continue this story forever if you would like!!!
Joy
Oreo, we will never be sick of you!! You can continue this story forever if you would like!!!
Joy
QUOTE(Oreolover @ Jul 28 2006, 10:00 PM)
Are you sick of me yet? Here's a little more.
never
ok i just caught up with every post, wow, amazing, i love this, i love that jack doesn't take no for a answer, and that he finallly feels what bobby means
i still think the operation is very dangerous and does her father even know yet, he is going to have a fit.
and bobby when he finds out that tara is gone.....again can't wait for more and no'i'm not getting tired of you yet..bring it on missy
i still think the operation is very dangerous and does her father even know yet, he is going to have a fit.
and bobby
when he finds out that tara is gone.....again can't wait for more and no'i'm not getting tired of you yet..bring it on missy
QUOTE(suesfan @ Jul 28 2006, 11:12 PM)
Overprotective Jack has arrived!!!
Oreo, we will never be sick of you!! You can continue this story forever if you would like!!!
Joy
Oreo, we will never be sick of you!! You can continue this story forever if you would like!!!
Joy
Waiting for more Oreo!!
Chapter 31 – Part 1
”There is no more dangerous experiment than that of undertaking to be one thing before a man's face and another behind his back.” ~ Gen. Robert E. Lee, Confederate Commander
As soon as his men departed the room, Tara, Sue and Jack watched quietly as Gen.Grant penned another letter to Gen. Lee. “What do you think of this one, Miss Williams?” he asked, then proceeded to read what he’d written.
“April 9th, 1865
GENERAL R. E. LEE
GENERAL: Your note of yesterday is received. I have no authority to treat on the subject of peace. The meeting proposed for 10 A. M. to-day could lead to no good. I will state, however, that I am equally desirous for peace with yourself, and the whole North entertains the same feeling. The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood. By the South laying down their arms, they would hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed. Seriously hoping that all our difficulties may be settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, etc.
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General”
He sighed heavily. It contained no promises, but did contain his deepest desire.
Tara placed a hand on his shoulder. “I think you are an honest man, and Gen. Lee is fortunate to be dealing with you.”
“And I him. He’s a good man and a godly man, even if I do not believe in the stand he’s taken.” Calling for the young lieutenant, he handed it to him and told him to deliver the letter right away to Gen. Lee. Grant then pushed back from the table and stood, grabbing his head when the room spun dizzily. Jack and Tara steadied him.
“You need to ride in a covered ambulance, sir,” Tara insisted. “That way you can avoid the sun and you can rest.”
He shook his head no. “Now, how would that look to Gen. Lee? For me to be carried into battle?”
“Or surrender?” she added hopefully.
“Yes, or surrender.”
Outside, he mounted his horse, Cincinnati, and struck off with his contingent towards Sheridan’s front. Sue, Tara, and Jack road in the covered ambulance.
“So, what do you think Bobby will say when he sees you, Tara?” Jack asked.
“How’s he going to see me?”
“We’re headed towards Sheridan’s Calvary – you know the one we’re a part of ? If you’re within 50 miles, he’ll see you.”
“You’ve got to promise to tell him that this was not my idea. Well, it kind of was, but I didn’t intentionally get myself involved or anything. It just sort of happened. I didn’t volunteer and Gen. Grant needed my help. You’ll tell him all that, won’t you?”
Jack laughed. “Tara, I couldn’t repeat that if I tried.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At 9:00 that morning, the battle began with Gen. Lee issuing orders to the Rebels to break through the Gen. Smith’s Federal Cavalry. Lee’s Cavalry spearheaded the advance, and the lines of scattered, grey-clad infantrymen lurched forward. As the Rebel army came up the sloping ridge, the enemy came into sight.
Lee hadn’t expected to find two Federal artillery cannons, a brigade of cavalry. The Confederates, exhausted as they were, advanced through the artillery and the Union soldiers fled. But at the last minute, Sheridan’s cavalry brigade, that included Col. Thomas’ regiment, came in with support with their swords and weapons raised high.
“How many did we lose?” Myles asked Bobby.
“Smith’s brigade took a hit, but we didn’t lose many this time. Guess we scared the drongos off.”
“So much for the end,” he said sarcastically.
“Who knows? Maybe that was the last battle.”
By eleven that morning, Lee had withdrawn his advance positions and retreated with his army. His head hung low as he contemplated the future. His army had been surrounded on three sides and could only escape to the northwest. He knew, however, that that route left him no way of supplying his army. Surveying his men, he saw they were only a shell of the former proud warriors; they were too tired to continue. Although the had fight in their hearts, they had none in bodies. He had no options left.
Disconsolate, he ordered truce flags sent out.
Having received Grant’s letter, he sank to the grass and wrote another in return to the Federal commander.
April 9th, 1865
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL U. S. GRANT
GENERAL: I received your note of this morning on the picket-line, whither I had come to meet you and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your proposal of yesterday with reference to the surrender of this army. I now ask an interview, in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday, for that purpose.
R. E. LEE,
General
Sadly, Lee folded the paper and handed it to his nearest officer. "Deliver this to Gen. Grant, colonel."
”There is no more dangerous experiment than that of undertaking to be one thing before a man's face and another behind his back.” ~ Gen. Robert E. Lee, Confederate Commander
As soon as his men departed the room, Tara, Sue and Jack watched quietly as Gen.Grant penned another letter to Gen. Lee. “What do you think of this one, Miss Williams?” he asked, then proceeded to read what he’d written.
“April 9th, 1865
GENERAL R. E. LEE
GENERAL: Your note of yesterday is received. I have no authority to treat on the subject of peace. The meeting proposed for 10 A. M. to-day could lead to no good. I will state, however, that I am equally desirous for peace with yourself, and the whole North entertains the same feeling. The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood. By the South laying down their arms, they would hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed. Seriously hoping that all our difficulties may be settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, etc.
U. S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General”
He sighed heavily. It contained no promises, but did contain his deepest desire.
Tara placed a hand on his shoulder. “I think you are an honest man, and Gen. Lee is fortunate to be dealing with you.”
“And I him. He’s a good man and a godly man, even if I do not believe in the stand he’s taken.” Calling for the young lieutenant, he handed it to him and told him to deliver the letter right away to Gen. Lee. Grant then pushed back from the table and stood, grabbing his head when the room spun dizzily. Jack and Tara steadied him.
“You need to ride in a covered ambulance, sir,” Tara insisted. “That way you can avoid the sun and you can rest.”
He shook his head no. “Now, how would that look to Gen. Lee? For me to be carried into battle?”
“Or surrender?” she added hopefully.
“Yes, or surrender.”
Outside, he mounted his horse, Cincinnati, and struck off with his contingent towards Sheridan’s front. Sue, Tara, and Jack road in the covered ambulance.
“So, what do you think Bobby will say when he sees you, Tara?” Jack asked.
“How’s he going to see me?”
“We’re headed towards Sheridan’s Calvary – you know the one we’re a part of ? If you’re within 50 miles, he’ll see you.”
“You’ve got to promise to tell him that this was not my idea. Well, it kind of was, but I didn’t intentionally get myself involved or anything. It just sort of happened. I didn’t volunteer and Gen. Grant needed my help. You’ll tell him all that, won’t you?”
Jack laughed. “Tara, I couldn’t repeat that if I tried.”
At 9:00 that morning, the battle began with Gen. Lee issuing orders to the Rebels to break through the Gen. Smith’s Federal Cavalry. Lee’s Cavalry spearheaded the advance, and the lines of scattered, grey-clad infantrymen lurched forward. As the Rebel army came up the sloping ridge, the enemy came into sight.
Lee hadn’t expected to find two Federal artillery cannons, a brigade of cavalry. The Confederates, exhausted as they were, advanced through the artillery and the Union soldiers fled. But at the last minute, Sheridan’s cavalry brigade, that included Col. Thomas’ regiment, came in with support with their swords and weapons raised high.
“How many did we lose?” Myles asked Bobby.
“Smith’s brigade took a hit, but we didn’t lose many this time. Guess we scared the drongos off.”
“So much for the end,” he said sarcastically.
“Who knows? Maybe that was the last battle.”
By eleven that morning, Lee had withdrawn his advance positions and retreated with his army. His head hung low as he contemplated the future. His army had been surrounded on three sides and could only escape to the northwest. He knew, however, that that route left him no way of supplying his army. Surveying his men, he saw they were only a shell of the former proud warriors; they were too tired to continue. Although the had fight in their hearts, they had none in bodies. He had no options left.
Disconsolate, he ordered truce flags sent out.
Having received Grant’s letter, he sank to the grass and wrote another in return to the Federal commander.
April 9th, 1865
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL U. S. GRANT
GENERAL: I received your note of this morning on the picket-line, whither I had come to meet you and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your proposal of yesterday with reference to the surrender of this army. I now ask an interview, in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday, for that purpose.
R. E. LEE,
General
Sadly, Lee folded the paper and handed it to his nearest officer. "Deliver this to Gen. Grant, colonel."
I can't believe I missed 5 whole posts!
These were my 2 absolute favorites:
These were my 2 absolute favorites:
QUOTE(Oreolover @ Jul 28 2006, 03:00 PM)
“You’ll be close to Lee’s front line. Will that unnerve you?” Jack visibly stiffened, but said nothing. Grant chuckled. “I can see it will unnerve him.”
QUOTE(Oreolover @ Jul 28 2006, 03:00PM)
“You’ve got to promise to tell him that this was not my idea. Well, it kind of was, but I didn’t intentionally get myself involved or anything. It just sort of happened. I didn’t volunteer and Gen. Grant needed my help. You’ll tell him all that, won’t you?”
Jack laughed. “Tara, I couldn’t repeat that if I tried.”
Jack laughed. “Tara, I couldn’t repeat that if I tried.”
Oh wow. I had a bunch to get caught up on tonight. And I enjoyed every single one of them. That was amazing. I loved how you captured the emotions of the generals and their telegrams. It worked perfectly.
Great job! Can't wait for more. I will be so sad to see this one end.
Great job! Can't wait for more. I will be so sad to see this one end.
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