I am totally sympathetic to Tara's sentiment:Things just sort of happen to me too! This is gripping, Oreo, and I love the addition of the letters from the generals.

kav

i think Miss Hudson is a slip but we hope it will become Mrs.Hudson

Oh, no, I did it again! Man, I have got to break that habbit of calling Sue, Miss Hudson! I'll go fix that, now. Good catch.

It's okay, Oreo, we all want them to be together already, so that common mistake is really just wishful thinking...I really enjoyed those last few posts and I hope you'll enjoy your vacation!

Yeah -- we love your wishful thinking, Oreo -- it gives us hope!

kav

Oreo, the emotion and despair you have written into the Generals' letters is amazing!! It really brings to home how terrible this had to be for both of them!! And, the poor men, so discouraged and tired, yet hopeful for an end soon!!!

Jack was cute telling Tara there was no way he could repeat what she said!!!

Joy

Indeed it does!

The emotion of the situation is Brilliantly written Oreo!

I know I know I haven't replied for a while but I'm still loving it very much! I loved Bobby's almost proposal (can't wait for the one after the war is over! lol) and how Jack fell in love with Sue and now understands what was Bobby talking about.

Sounds like the war's almost over... good news!

Helene

I'm trying to finish this by the deadline, but I'm at my mother-in-laws now and I'm not very good with her computer yet. It's a Mac, and had a few differences I'm not used to. Also, I type on one of those ergonomic keyboards and this flat. I keep making mistakes. Hopefully, I will adjust and get done in time.

Chapter 31- Part 2

"They've called a temporary truce," Bobby explained to his men. "I don't know any other details. Use the time to get some tucker and catch a kip."

The men looked perplexed by his Aussie-isms, so Myles translated. "What Koala Boy means is to get some food an a nap."

Both officers knew, however, that sleep was far from the mind of every soldier present. They'd watched the Confederate Army retreat. They'd heard the same rumors for days. They'd seen their own troops amassed around them. Teh air was tinged with excitement an something they hadn't dared allowed themselves to feel in a long time - hope.

Their temporar camp was set up in and around the town of Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Myles and Bobby had both agreed it was a strange name for a town. The Rebels were camped not even five miles away. Myles saw Col. Thomas approach and nudged his friend. They saluted their commander and he commended them on their success in the morning fighting. "I thought I'd give you a heads up. The word is Gen. Grant and his entourage are headed this way. Look smart."

"Do I every look any other way," Myles replied.

"Are you sure want the truth on that one, mate?"

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

About six miles from the town of Appomattox Court House, a lieutenant overtook their group and handed the Gen. Grant a dispatch from Gen. Lee. He read the letter that Lee had written asking for the terms for which surrender would be offered. Immediately, the Union general dismounted, sat down on the grassy bank of the roadside, and wrote Gen. Lee a reply.

April 9th, 1865

GENERAL R. E. LEE,
Commanding C. S. Army:

       Your note of this date is but this moment (I 1:50 A. m.) received, in consequence of my having passed from the Richmond and Lynchburg road to the Farmvine and Lynchburg road. I am at this writing about four miles west of Walker's Church, and will push forward to the front for the purpose of meeting you. Notice sent to me on this road where you wish the interview to take place win meet me.

U.S. GRANT,
Lieutenant-General

Having finished it, he handed the dispatch to Col. Babcock and ordered him to take the most direct route to deliver it to the Confederate general. Tara watched him mount Cincinnati again and start off at a trot for the town. The lines of pain that had plagued him for the last couple of days, seemed to have eased.

"Is your head better, sir? she asked, glad they had not put the tarpulin cover on the ambulance cart.

"Yes, it seemed to leave the moment I got Lee's letter," he replied earnestly.

Grant picked up the pace, eager to meet with Gen. Lee. Yet, with all of the troops about, men, wagons, and horses congested the dirt road. Growing impatient, Gen. Grant directed the entourage to take a short cut across the meadow and through the trees to the town.

The ambulance cart jostled through the field and Sue saw Jack wince. "Are you alright?" she asked, noting he seemed more pale than he had earlier. "I shouldn't have let you come.

He squeezed her hand. "I wouldn't miss this for the world, Sue."

Suddenly, Sue gasped and he followed the line of her sight. In the cover of the trees, she'd caught sight of a column of gray-clad Rebels.

I'm glad you found time to post! Good luck on finishing the story, but if you don't, I'd gladly follow it for WIP!

Keep everyone safe!

rebels in the trees, that's not good

hoping it's fixed for when i get home from work

cath

I suppose it is too much to hope that these guys are just loitering about waiting to surrender?

Good luck meeting the deadline- feel free to post as often as you like, I could be pursuaded to catch up 3, 4, 5, 6, times a day. Whatever it takes Oreo!

Oreo!!!!! You do battle with that Mac and give us more asap!!!!

Please
kav

Here, Oreo. Perhaps this could help you!

Yikes! Rebels in the trees. That can't be a good thing. I'm glad I know how the real story ends, but I'm not sure about this part.

Great job! And I really hope you're able to get this done in time. You have worked so hard on it and it would be a shame not to get to vote on it for an award.

rebels, not good so not good

Chapter 31- Part 3

Newly injured soldiers arrived in the ambulance wagons, and with Sue and Tara both away, Lucy had her hands full. When things finally quieted down, she suddenly realized how exhausted she was. Kneeding the muscles in her neck, she walked over to the wood burning stove and poured herself a cup of coffee.

"I don't want to drink after no nigger," one of the soldiers hissed.

"Excuse me?" she said, turning to face a man she'd just spent nearly half an hour bandaging.

"That coffee's for white folks," he said, pushing himself up on an elbow, "I may be fighting in this here war, but that don't mean I think you should mix colored folks and white folks. And it sure don't mean I think you's the same as me."

"And I thank God for that," she mumbled. She hurried over to the man because his movements threatened to tear the stitches. Reaching for his shoulder with her free hand, she gently tried to push him down. "You shouldn't be up like that."

"Get your nigger hands off me!" he yelled as he flung his arm and sent the coffee flying. The hot liquid landed on the sleeve of Lucy's dress, and she cried out in pain.

Samuel was coming up the stairs when he heard the commotion and rushed in.

"What happened?" he asked.

Lucy grimmaced. "Hot coffee."

He grabbed a basin of water and quickly placed her wrist in it. Still holding the basin, he eased her into a chair. She started to pull her arm out, but he held it in place. "Just leave there. I've had more than my share of burns smithing. Let the water take the sting out."

Tears of pain had formed in Lucy's eyes and he brushed them away. Visibly shaking, Lucy kept glancing at the man in the next bed. "How this happen?" Samuel asked softly.

"Promise me, you won't do anything about it."

"I don't think that I can do that."

"Then, I don't think I can tell you."

"Oh, just tell your boy," the rude soldier growled. "I did it, but it was her fault. She put her nigger hands on me."

Lucy pinned Samuel in place with a glare. "Let me handle this." Slowly, she turned to the man. "You are bleeding again, and you will bleed to death if you don't get any help. You seem to be in quite a bind. Since the only one who can help you is myself, and you won't let me touch you, I guess you can either apologize or die."

The man looked down at the bandage on his chest and saw the fresh blood oozing through the white cotton. "Apologize?" he nearly choked.

"Or die. It makes no difference to me."

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

One of Gen. Grant's men spotted the Confederate soldiers at the same time as Sue and pointed them out to the Union commander. He directed hsi group behind a barn to take cover.

"Well, Miss Thomas, it would appear you are going to get your chance to demonstrate your skills," he said calmly as he handed her a spyglass from his pocket.

Jack scooted to the edge of the cart then helped her off with his good hand. "You can do this," he said softly.

Sue studied the faces around her. Tara's mirrored Jack's, but the rest looked like they believed this was a waste of time - except for
Gen. Grant. He smiled encouragingly. "I just want you to peek your head around the barn and see if you can tell what any of them are saying. If you can great, if you can't that's okay, too, but we could really use that information about now."

"I'll do my best, sir."

Extending the eyepiece, she moved her head around the barn, then held it to her eye. Jack pressed so close behind her that she could feel his breath on her neck. "It's blurry," she whispered.

"Here, adjust it like this." He lifted his good arm over her shoulder and around her head to focus the magnifying end. Then dropped he hand to her shoulder and squeezed it. "Better?" he asked when she looked at him.

She nodded. "I can see a man who acts like their commander. I think it's a colonel if their uniforms are anything like ours."

"What's he saying?"

"They saw us, and they now we went behind the barn. He said, 'Let's just wait them out. If they're trying to make a short cut through to town to join up with the rest of them ... Yanks, then they'll come closer and we'll take them as prisoners."

"Did they know it was Gen. Grant?" one of the generals asked.

Sue didn't even realized he'd asked the question since she was concentrating so hard what the man was saying. "He just said that Gen. Lee would be pleased with the capture of so many officers. Then, the officer next to him said, that he wasn't so sure about that since they were under a truce flag. The first man just said something about not wanting Lee to surrender so maybe this would be the card they needed to stop him."

"I think I've heard enough. It sounds like they are acting on their own initiative," Gen. Grant said.

Jack squeezed her shoulder again and Sue turned to face them. "Do you want any more?"

Gen. Grant smiled, realizing she hadn't heard a word he'd just said. "No, Miss Thomas. But your country thanks you. What I really needed to know is if this was a plan of Gen. Lee's. I've always believed him to be a man of honor, but I needed to know if I could still trust his word. I believe, however, we will retrace our steps back to the main road."

"Do you think that's safe?" Gen. Parker asked.

"They won't attack. Then, it would be a breech of the truce. We just won't hand ourselves to them."

Once Jack, Sue, and Tara were back in the ambulance cart, Gen. Grant directed one of the lieutenants to secure the turpulin over the top. "Don't want our boys getting riled up by the sight of these pretty ladies. Look what Miss Thomas has already done to our good captain."

"What did he just say?" Sue asked Jack.

"To put the cover on the cart so you don't steal any soldier's hearts."

"Wouldn't that be any other soldier's hearts, Jack?" Tara asked when Sue's head was turned.

"What was that?" Sue asked.

Jack pulled her hand into his. "We were just saying how amazing you were out there."

Oh Sue got her moment to shine and Jack is smitten and bah! to the soldier who insulted Lucy. I'm glad that Samuel came to her rescue... At least I'm telling myself I'm glad, because I know how impossible it would be for Myles and Lucy back then but....

kav

Chapter 32 - Part1

"I hope you will also find time to read and improve your mind. Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances. Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret." ~Gen. R.E. Lee, written to his daughter during the Civil War

Lucy and Samuel Dorothea Dix entered the second floor and the ward fell silent. "I heard a commotion. Is there a problem here, Miss Dodson? Are you injured?"

Samuel was wrapping the burn after applying a salve to it. "She got burnt."

Sensing hostility in the air, she waited for further explanation. She didn't have to wait long.

"She's not going to sew me back up unless I apologize."

Miss Dix merely cocked an eyebrow at Lucy. "He said he didn't want me to touch him."

Dix crossed her arms over her chest. "That would make it hard for you to re-stitch his wound. I'm guessing that's how you came to be burned?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"In that case, young man, I suggest you apologize before you bleed to death."

"You mean you aren't going to help me?"

"Me? Why would I do that when you have an excellent nurse right here?" She faced Lucy again. "I believe you have this situation well under control. Continue." She paused to look at the crimson stain on the soldier's bandage. "I believe you've got about five minutes to make that apology, and I'd make it a good one, son."

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

Riding into the small town, Tara couldn't believe the number of Union soldiers she saw through the crack in the back of the tarp. Some were lying on blankets, others standing, and some leaning against trees and carts. She eyed every Calvary man hoping for a glimpse of Bobby.

"How are you, Sheridan?" she heard Gen. Grant call.

"First-rate, thank you. How are you?"

"Couldn't be better." He pulled to a stop and the rest of the entourage did was well. "Would you happen to know where a Col. Thomas is?"

Sheridan sent a corporal to fetch the colonel who arrived a minute later flanked by two young lieutenants. He dismounted, came to the side of Cincinnati, and saluted the general smartly.

"Col. Thomas, I believe I have something that belongs to you." He nodded his head and the lieutenant pulled back the tarp on the ambulance cart and helped Sue out.

"Sue! What on earth are you doing here?" He immediately turned to the general to apologize, but Grant held up his hand.

"She's been saving my life." Sue was followed by Jack then finally Tara.

At the sight of her, Grant noticed one of the young lieutenant's nearly fall off his horse and the other snapped his leg with his riding crop. Tara dropped her head with a look of chagrin. "It appears that I have two deliveries to make. Does Miss Williams belong to one of you two lieutenants?"

Bobby dismounted and slowly walked forward. "I'll take responsibility for any trouble she's caused."

Gen. Grant laughed heartily. "Trouble? Miss Williams is the one who suggested Miss Thomas' assistance. Without the two of them, this day might not have happened. I'll let them fill you in." He turned to Sheridan. "Is Gen. Lee here yet?"

"Yes, he's in that brick house."

"Then, I won't keep him waiting." He nodded his head towards Col. Thomas. "Then, I'll leave Miss Thomas in your capable hands." He then faced Bobby. "Lieutenant, would you mind escorting Miss Williams to the house. I'd hate loose my good luck charm this late in the game."

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

* HUGE smile on face because of last part**although now grumbling because brother wants computer*

Oh I hope it's really the end of the war! But not the end of the story -- how many posts can you fit in one day????
kav

I think there are three or four posts left. I'm really trying here.

Chapter 32 - Part -2

"Men, we have fought through the war together. I have done the best I could for you." ~ Gen. R.E. Lee, to his men following surrender

The next hour would burn in Tara's memory forever. With her small hand crooked in Bobby's arm, he led her across the grounds towards the home of Wilbur and Virginia McClean. The house had a wooden porch and she counted each of the seven steps as she climbed them, trying to memorize every detail of the day. Gen. Grant waited at the door for her to arrive and the two of them entered with the rest of his staff.

She noticed the house had a long hall which ran the length of it. Colonel Babcock opened the door to one of the two rooms flanking the hall. She noticed the room had two windows - one facing the front and one the rear- and realized the men outside would be able to witness the entire exchange.

Bobby led her to the corner and she ignored the whispers concerning her presence. Col. Babcock then opened a second door, and they had there first glimpse of Gen. Lee. "The General says come in."

Later, Tara penned a letter with all of the details to her father.

....Grant sat at a marble topped table sat in front of the window. Gen. Lee was taller than I imagined - over six feet. He is also at least 15 years Gen. Grant's senior. His hair is graying, but he wore a fine uniform. When Gen. Grant asked about it, he explained that when they had to flee, they could only take what they could carry, and so they, of course, chose their best uniform. The one he was wearing had only just been made.

At his side, hung an elaborate, jewel handled sword, and it clearly caught Gen. Grant's eye. It is hard to explain in words what it felt like to be in the room with two men who had such a commanding presence. Yet, their respect for one another was tangible.

After some discussion, Lee said, "I suppose, Gen. Grant, that the object of our present meeting is fully understood. I asked to see you to ascertain upon what terms you would receive the surrender of my army."

"The terms," Gen. Grant said, "I propose are those stated substantially in my letter of yesterday - that is, the officers and men surrendered to be paroled and disqualified from taking up arms again until properly exchanged, and all arms, ammunition, and supplies to be delivered up as captured property."

"Those are the conditions I expected would be proposed."

Lee then suggested he write them out. As he was doing so, his eyes fell to Gen. Lee's sword, and I know he did not want to humiliate the honorable commander so he added that this would not affect the personal side-arms of officers.

"Does this include their horses?" Lee asked. "You see, unlike the Union army, our men own their own horses. It would be a great hardship to their families if they had to surrender them."

Gen. Grant leaned back in this chair and stroked his beard. "I had not thought of that. With spring upon us, how will they plant without their horses?" He then added, that the surrender of arms and supplies did not include the side-arms of officers, nor their baggage, nor their horses.
A discussion then ensued about the men who were not officers keeping their horses. Grant said he'd tell his officers to allow them to do so.

Gen. Lee looked relieved and nodded sincerely in appreciation for the concession. "This will have the best possible effect upon the men," he admitted. "It will be very gratifying and will do much toward conciliating our people."

Father, it was such a bittersweet time. Clearly, Gen. Lee had been fighting for what he believed in and it was hard to see the proud man humbled in surrender. Yet, my heart nearly burst at the thought that this horrible war was almost over.

At a little before four o'clock, Gen. Lee shook hands with Gen. Grant, bowed to the other officers, and with his companion, Gen. Marshall, left the room. He signaled for his beautiful gray mare to brought up and while he waited on the last step, he gazed with overwhelming sadness towards the valley beyond where his troops waited.

He did not even seem to notice the Union officers who rose respectfully at his approach. Mounting his horse, he turned to Gen. Grant who descended the steps, met the other general's eyes, and raised his hat in salute. Gen. Lee returned the gesture and road off to tell the men who had fought so bravely the news of the surrender.

I could not hide the tears in my eyes and my escort, Lt. Manning, kindly handed me a kerchief. I've come to believe that the price of independence is much higher than I ever before believed.

Your loving daughter,
Tara

Oh Oreo, I have tears in my eyes!!!! This is such an incredible story! So well thought out -- researched -- filled with hope and sniffle :wipe glasses: I'll go clean my glasses so I'll be ready for the next post.

kav

Oreo, wonderful story. That connection you showed between Tara and her father is amazing. That letter was heart quenching.

aida

this rocks!!!!

but....please not the end of the story just yet........

does this mean that they were the ones who hurt Tara??
Or weren't they killed?

peace at least...Beautiful

wow, this was just beautiful!

Oreo, you have written this so beautifully that I feel like I am there watching this surrender and feeling the emotions of all concerned!!

Yes, Jack is definitely smitten, and proud now to boot!! Sue was wonderful and managed to keep them alive with her skills!!!

Bobby was so cute when he just assumed that Tara had caused trouble in some way!! I know he's proud of her too!!!

Now, Lucy, I hope you get a very nice apology!! I love that Dorothea sided with Lucy over this situation!!

Oreo, I think you are going to finish on time!! I surely hope so because I definitely want to vote for this story!!! You have done a wonderful job and we have all learned so much history as we are being entertained!!!

Joy

This is the second to the last post. I think I'll make it unless we have a massive power outage or something. (Kav, if you could just from posting any heated moments for a little while, that should help control the need for air conditioning). DancerBree, the two lieutenants were Myles and Bobby. Myles hit Bobby with his riding crop.

Chapter 33

"The war is over, the rebels are our countrymen again, and the best sign of rejoicing after the victory will be to abstain from all demonstrations in the field. . ." ~Gen. Grant, upon ordering all gunfire salutes be ceased after the surrender of Lee's army


While Gen. Grant had curtailed celebrations in the field, this did not stop the one at the encampment. Between the singing, gunshot salutes, and the cheers, the raucous could be heard for miles. Col. Thomas had suggested to Jack, Bobby, D, and Myles that they might take their celebration to a creek not too far from the camp. "The men will be imbibing for sure," he'd said quietly. "The ladies ought not see that kind of behavior."

"Yes, sir," Jack had told him before leading the group down a ravine into a secluded meadow.

Myles offered to go into camp for some food and to fetch Lucy and Samuel. His spirits were so high, he even offered to bring Levi back with him.

It didn't take long before all of them were gathered around a campfire with Sue and Tara sharing how they came to be in Gen. Grant's company.

"What about you, Sparky? How'd you come to be there?"

"I thought the general might need a sharp shooter."

"With one arm?" Bobby teased. "It wouldn't have anything to do with a certain blond sheila would it?"

Jack draped his arm over Sue's shoulder and pulled her close. "Maybe." He brushed a kiss on her cheek and bloomed a pretty shade of pink.

"I just can't believe you faced the Rebs and could still read their lips under all that pressure," Lucy cried. "Weren't you scared?"

"A little, I guess, but it was exciting, too," Sue admitted.

Bobby sat propped against a log with Tara in front of him. He drew her against his chest. "And you, luv, said you could stay out of trouble for twenty-four hours."

"Technically, I did," she said with a giggle.

He kissed the top of her head and laughed. "Yes, I guess that's true."

The group fell into easy conversation with Lucy and Samuel sharing about the poorly mannered patient and Dix's appearance. "That woman is full of surprises," Jack admitted.

Samuel took Lucy's hand in his. "I'm sort of thinking all the women around here are full of surprises."

The rest of the evening the group ate, talked, and finally broke off into couples. D sat beside Myles at the fire but Myles' thoughts were with the couple standing a hundred yards away. "You love her, don't you?" D asked, breaking Myles' reverie.

"That wouldn't be possible, now would it?"

"I guess the better question is 'Do you love her enough to let her go?'"

"Why do you say that?"

D broke a stick into and tossed it into the flame. "I'm not saying it's right or fair. Lucy and me and Samuel, we're not slaves, but we're not completely free either. Not yet. She isn't free to love you without losing her people - part of her world or risk the ridicule of yours."

"I could be her world."

"For a while." He met his friend's gaze. "It's your choice. You can tell her how you feel or let her go. Just think on it."

Myles studied Samuel and Lucy sitting on the grass near the creek in the light of the moon. Lucy had dipped her toes into the spring and the two of them were laughing and talking like they'd been friends forever. After a while, Samuel cupped her cheek and kissed her gently, reverently.

For all his money, Myles knew that Samuel could give Lucy more than he ever could. He could give her a life filled with happiness, joy, and children. All Myles could offer her was a world where she'd never be fully accepted and children who'd be looked down upon unfairly. He could not do that to her, could he?

With his heart slamming against his chest, Myles stood up, climbed on his horse, and road away. Thoughts pummeled his mind as hard as the horse's hooves hit the road. Images of Lucy first arriving at his home, her fiery comments, and touch that shot sparks into his skin kept assaulting him. He road for nearly an hour. Finally, he slowed the panting horse. He had made his decision.

wow what a post

poor myles

wow so powerful

thanks for clearing that up

Oreo you have just severed my heart in two and tossed in underneath Myles' horses' hooves. I will never be the same again!
kav(storming off to have a tantrum)

Poor Myles At least he made the right decision for Lucy.

Jack and Sue, and Bobby and Tara are so cute

Great post!

This is it. Thank you all for your comments from the bottom of my heart. I have been truly blessed by your kind words. This story has meant a lot to me and I hope it has to you.


Chapter 34

"I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal." ~Abraham Lincoln


The war did not come to a crashing halt that ninth day of April. Instead, it was the beginning of the end. On April 14, news is received at the encampment that President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a disgruntled Confederate, at Ford's theater in Washington, D.C. Later in April, they learn that Gen. Johnston surrendered his army near Durham, North Carolina, and finally, in May, the remaining Confederate forces lay down their weapons across the country.

The country has lost over 620,000 American lives to the Civil War.

"I really still don't feel much like celebrating," Sue told Jack as they pulled up in front of the Leland mansion. "It hardly seems right to celebrate Independence Day when the president was only shot three months ago."

Jack helped her down. "I think President Lincoln would have wanted us to celebrate a nation reunited." He held her small waist in his hands a moment longer than necessary. His eyes traveled over the exposed creamy skin of her shoulders across the tight fitting lacy red bodice. He moved his fingers to touch a springy tendril of her golden hair. "Have I told you how stunning you look tonight? And I'm glad you wore your hair down."

"Thank you. You look quite handsome all turned out yourself, Captain."

He kissed her cheek and she smiled. "Now, let's enjoy a night of celebration."

Inside the opulent ball room, they met Tara and Bobby. Bobby wore his uniform and Tara a satin gown of royal blue.

"G'day, mates."

"So, how are Lt. and Mrs. Manning tonight?" Sue asked.

"Happy," Tara beamed.

"You haven't gotten tired of this drongo, yet?" Jack teased.

"It's only been a month," Tara giggled.

"Besides, who'd get tired of guy like me?"

"So have you talked about Gen. Grant's offer about Bobby becoming a marshall out West with me?" Jack asked.

"We're seriously considering it. You?"

"I've got a few things I'd like to take care of here first." Jack's eyes caressed Sue tenderly.

"I can see what you mean, mate. Now, if you'll excuse us, I'd like to dance with my bride." Sweeping Tara into his arms, he spun her out onto the dance floor.

"Would you care to dance, Miss Thomas?" Jack asked with a wink.

Sue suddenly looked nervous. "Oh, Jack , I don't know if I can."

"Sue, I find that hard to believe," he said, pulling her by the hand to the dance floor. He held up his hand and she slipped her gloved one easily into it. He lead her around the dance floor and she could feel the swish of her skirts against her ankles and the pounding of her pulse each time he looked at her adoringly. Though she couldn't hear the notes of the music, she felt it through him.

As song ended, he asked Sue if she'd like some air. Out on the candle lit veranda, he took her hand in his and placed it in the crook of his arm. "Did you hear me tell Bobby there were things here I'd like to do before going West?"

"Yes," she said softly. She stopped in front of a flowering azalea and fingered the petals. She didn't want him to leave, but understood that a man like Jack would not be happy at a desk in some bank.

Jack snagged the flower and tucked it behind her ear. "I've already spoken to your father and received his permission, but it's really not up to him."

"No, it's not up to him if you leave."

Jack chuckled softly. "Sue, my angel, that's not what I'm talking about." He lowered her onto a bench and knelt in front of her. Her eyes grew wide and her hand covered her mouth. "I want to know if you'll marry me, if you'll share my dreams, and my home?" He pulled a pearl ring from his pocket and he heard Sue gasp. "This was my grandmother's. Will you wear it as my intended?"

"Yes, Jack Hudson, I'll marry you!" He slipped the ring on her finger and stood, pulling her into an embrace. His lips claimed hers and the kiss deepened with passion and promise.

After several minutes, they re-entered the ballroom. Her cheeks and lips, still rosey from the kiss, begged him to whisk her away. Instead, he croaked huskily, "You look like you could use something cold to drink."

He suddenly stopped and she looked at him in surprise. "There's a problem in the hall," he explained as he stepped into the doorway. Sue followed behind.

Myles stood there facing a determined and angry red-haired woman. "What is she doing here?" She directed her finger at Lucy. "And where did she get that gown? Did she steal it?"

Squaring his shoulders, Myles took a step towards his sister Anne. "Miss Dodson is my guest, and I purchased the dress as a gift for her exceptional service as my nurse. Anne, this is not the time or place for such a display."

He took her elbow and prepared to usher her away, but Anne yanked it free. "I am not some child to be relegated to her room when you don't like to hear her opinion. Myles she is a Negro. She doesn't belong here."

Taking a deep breath, Myles steadied his nerves. "I am giving this ball. She is my guest, and if anyone choses to leave because they are unhappy with the guest list, that is their choice."

Anne marched away, fanning herself and muttering about Myles' incorrigible manners. Myles faced Lucy. "I apologize for that unpleasantness," he took her hand and kissed the back of it chivalrously. "You look lovely, Miss Dodson. I hope you and Samuel enjoy yourselves tonight and congratulations on your engagement."

He watched her walk off, hand in hand with another man. He turned to face a sympathetic Sue and Jack. Bobby and Tara were now there as well, with faces down turned. "Come now," he said brightly. "Tonight we celebrate how far we've come in creating independence for all, not mourning how far we've yet to go. Just think how far I've come in only a few months. Our country can't be nearly as slow."

, beautiful ending to it. lots of warm fuzzies

Perfect! Absolutely perfect!

Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful story with us! I have to tell you though, at first I didn't read this story. I saw it was about the Civil War and I'm not always really fond of AU stories. However, I finally decided to give it a try and boy am I glad I did!!! It was one of the very first stories I checked whenever I got on the computer!!!

Great job!

Beautiful proposal!!

Fantastic ending to an amazing story Oreo

Thanks for sharing

Thank you for the whole story......

Oreo, what an incredible ending to an amazing story!! I hate to see it end!!!

I feel for Myles, but he is a gentleman to the end and he did what was right for Lucy!! He loved her enough to let her go and be happy - perfect!!!

Thank you so much for sharing!! I wouldn't mind visiting our favorite people in this time period again!! There is still a lot of story to tell here!!!

Joy

what a wonderful story from beginning to end








well done on getting it finished, you must have had sparks flying off the computer

cath

I smell sequel perhaps Myles could head out West also and meet some librarian from Canada who is looking for a large garden plot...

I'm glad you stayed true to the time frame in the end. It was wonderfully researched and beautifully written - congrats Oreo!

Oh duckfan that would totally cheer me up! Because right now Oreo, though I knew it was coming, my heart is somewhere down in my toes.

You've done an amazing job on this way. I'd venture to say it's your best yet. You should be extremely proud. This one is a keeper for sure.

kav

P.S. But in the next one can you have a happy ending for everyone?????

i enjoyed your story so much, i loved every bit off it, even dough i'm pretty sad about the fact that Myles couldn't be with Lucy.

this trully has been an amazing ride. thank you for that

Thank you for the wonderful story. I really enjoyed it. Congrats on finishing it in time!

Wow. What a flurry of posts for me to get caught up on this evening. Great job. I am truly heart-broken for Myles, but I'm glad he loved her enough to let her go in peace. The others are so cute.

I loved this story from the beginning. I Know I've said before I normally don't like AU stories, but you were able to transfer our beloved characters to another time and still keep them true to form in such a way, it didn't seem like AU. Thank you for keeping the story honest, too. If we start warping history from the way it truly was, we are destined to repeat our forefathers' mistakes.

FABULOUS JOB!!! I expect to see more from you, soon!

Oh, poor Myles, but I agree with duckfan sequel sequel sequel!!!!!

to the sequel!!!

This was a wonderful story. And I learnt a lot... and more willingly than I would have if I'd opened a history book!

Helene

it's over already?!!! .....please please a sequel is needed!!!

this was a fabulous work..i loved it all....great research and settings also

i smell an oscar!

Action, adventure, spying, romance, a history lesson, something to think about, a bit of a laugh and you wrapped it all up with a happy ending. What more could I want?

Thanks Oreo, I thouroughly enjoyed that.