Southern Style

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

"Miss Katie, I was at Appomattox with the General on April the 9th. We were pressed in close quarters in a small house the owner vacated for the moment. The Yankees, resplendent in their blue uniforms, and, on the other side of the room, the remnants of the staff of the Army of Northern Virginia. Our uniforms, once resplendent, were worn. Our epaulettes were tarnished."

"The General was courtly, the essence of a Southern gentleman. I was amazed, to be honest, at General Grant. To us he was a cigar-chomping, hard drinking buffoon. In that place, however, he did things that began a healing. He allowed the men to keep their rifles, and insisted on returning our personal arms to us. The General signed the surrender document and, to be truthful, most of us had tears in our eyes - we were witnessing an end to our way of life."

Sipping the brandy, I looked at this flower of southern pulchitrude. Her shirt was still damp from her ride - truly a different kind of Southern woman. But, I suppose, the war has changed things for women too.

 

[Merelan]

I enter the room quietly, hearing him talk. It felt good, safe, to have a man here. I blushed as I saw his gaze drop down her attire. She was dressed for the field, and work. Not as a Lady.
"Miss Katie. There is time before dinner to wash and change. Perhaps Master Thor, I mean, General, would care to freshen up? I have some of your fathers clothes still. They should fit. There is so much we need to discuss, and decide. Come, they are up in their room, the only one still livable. Miss Katie and I sleep in the study down the hall. The other rooms we haven't had time, or money, or help, to repair." I led them upstairs, hoping Katie wouldn't mind the interruption.

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

When Miranda stepped into the room, I breathed a sigh of relief. Sometimes we women really lean on each other.

When she reminded me that I was dressed in a work dress, my face flamed. In the excitement I had forgotten that I was not exactly dressed to receive company! Thankful for the opportunity to change, I picked out the only pretty dress I owned. Actually, in one of my rides, I'd found it in a trunk in a half-burned house about three miles north of us. I'd brought back as many as I could and we cleaned them up. I was sad to find that the pretty dresses were all too small for me, except for this one. Miranda got the rest.

Several minutes later, after I was strained from trying to tie my own corset, Miranda poked her head in the room to see what was keeping me. Giggling, she helped me with my corset and I donned the lovely blue dress. It was darker than an unmarried woman should wear, but I loved it. It made me feel so pretty, but I had had to make a shawl out of one of the other dresses that we'd been unable to repair. The dress showed a little more of my breasts than I thought was appropriate, under the circumstances.

Finally, we decended the stairs to find Gen. Thor awaiting us in the parlor.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

I washed the travel stains off with water from the pitcher in the basin. It felt good to feel almost clean again after so many miles of travel. I selected a linen shirt, string tie, and a gray suit that, although my father's, fit moderately well. I decended the grand staircase, still showing some of the scars of war.

Sipping another brandy in the parlor, I wandered around, looking intently, to see what was left of our old life. I heard voices and looked at the stairs. The two young women were decending - dressed in gowns that, although probably not made for them, reminded me of times long ago. I could almost hear the melody of the string quartet and the belles decending the grand staircase of Fairview, not a care in the world, the war a distant cloud in the future.

With a half smile, I I walked toward them - wondering what I should do. Should I invite them to stay on, I wondered? There is little here of value, but we have to begin to rebuild our lives.

 

[Merelan]

She was so beautiful, so womanly. I scrubbed, but the tan I had acquired working in the garden left my skin honey colored, not the proper pale. My Mother would be horrified. I wore my favorite, a soft green with hunter velvet ribbons. I stood in the mirror, trying to gain control of my hair. Reflected in the mirror was the bed, and on it the wrapped up hanky. I felt the tears starting again. Would I ever get over it? Henry had been my first love. I was so lonely now. He had understood me, showed me so much in the short time I had known him. I took a deep breath, grabbed the bundle, shoved it under the pillow, and went to see how Katie was doing.
I giggled as I saw her trying to fasten her own corset. I didn't have one anymore. It reminded me I was almost naked under this dress, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. I tightened it up, and then some more. It made the dress cling to her, her bosom full and almost overflowing. How lucky she was, I was built so slight and little, no man would ever look twice at me with her around. So sure and proud. I modeled myself after her. I could never have survived what she had. It had not broken her, just built her inner strength. It was this strength that had started the rebuilding of Fairview. I hoped Master Thor would notice that, and appreciate it.
We held hands as we descended, I was a bit frightened, and I felt her trembling too. There he stood.
So strong and handsome. I hadn't even noticed before. Yet, there was such a sadness in his eyes. A longing, a loneliness, the same one I often saw in Katie's. Well, I knew how to help with that, and put on my school girl smile and pranced down the rest of the stairs, acting like a child. I was determined to bring a smile to his face before the end of the evening, even if I had act the silly girl child all night.

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

I squeezed Miranda's hand as we decended the wide staircase. He stood there at the bottom of the stairs and looked up at us. I felt his eyes on my skin and knew what he was probably thinking. I looked at Miranda and sighed softly. I was so jealous of her. She wouldn't have to wonder why men were interested in her. She probably enjoyed men's company, making them laugh, discussing the world and its complexities.

Suddenly, she took her hand from mine and skipped down the steps. I didn't know how she had the strenght to do that. I knew she was still mourning Henry. I was a little envious that she'd experienced that kind of love. I occasionally begged her to describe it to me, since I doubted I'd ever know that for myself.

Gen. Thor's lips streached into a grin. Miranda's antics were working like a charm then I realized I was smiling too.

 

[Merelan]

It was working. They were both smiling by the time we reeached the dining room. I stopped, stunned. Nannie had scrounged up candles and had them lit, and flowers on the table, and... she must have used every bit of food we had, but the table was covered. Though the dishes were simple china and the goblets wooden and filled with a cheap wine. I smiled. She was showing her happpiness at there being a Master in the house. I spun, and pretended even more amazement. I wouldn't let on to him that I had cooked most the meal. Tonight I must be the silly, chattering girl, till they relaxed and gor comfortable with each other.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

A warmth and yes, happiness welled up from someplace that I though was sere and barren forever. I cannot describe my feelings as I watched them decend the staircase. One, the girl, Miranda, slight of build, in a green gown that showcased her alabaster skin and slender figure. The other, Miss Katie, tanned and healthy looking, a blue gown barely containing her lush body. I almost blushed as I realized that my eyes had been captured by the swell of her breasts under the gown. Women were not part of our war - nor, for me, the time after. I felt a stirring that I had almost forgotten existed. "Come come, Beau," I admonished myself, "these two young women are part of the reason you fought for four long years - to protect Southern womanhood and our way of life. They are not sex objects."

Miranda's girlish ebulliance is making all of us smile. Bowing to them both, I help them to their seats and then, almost subconciously, take my seat at the head of the table. The flickering candles suffuse the room in a warm yellow light. Picking up the small bell, I shake it gently to signal the servants, whoever they might be, to begin serving dinner. Smiling to myself, I think how easy it is to fall back into the ways ingrained in us from birth.

[Edited by Thor's Hammer on 11-18-2000 at 03:26 AM]

 

[Merelan]

"That's me!" I jump up with a smile. "The bell's habit. I do the serving." I give a low curtsey, and with a very pronounced negra drawl. "Right away Massa?" I wink at Katie and head to the kitchen for the loaded cart Nannie will have left there for me. She is standing there ready to serve. But I refuse to let her. She already has done the work of ten.
He needs to see how things really stand.
I wheel it in, and notice his concern.
"There was a war you know, didn't anyone tell you?" And start serving.

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

Miranda's charm was infectious. While she served us, I watched the General through lowered eyes. His air of command was almost frightening. I was anxious that he would send Miranda and myself away from his home. Or worse yet, send just me away. My stomach was in knots, but Miranda's chatter somehow loosened them and I began to relax.

Nannie had taught Miranda well. Each dish was delicious, even if it were very simple. I missed some of the exotic things we used to have before the war. At least we were able to eat now. During the last couple of years, food was so very scarce. Miranda and I even took to the small river down from the house with nets and fishing poles trying to catch fish. We'd ended up soaked, but laughing as if we hadn't a care in the world. Fish being one of the courses served, I could only smile at that memory.

My eyes were drawn to the General again and again as dinner wore on. The candlelight was very kind to him. The way the flame flickered in his eyes -- once he caught me staring and I averted my eyes with a hot blush flooding my face.

 

[Merelan]

"Oh Miss Katie. Remember when we tried to fish? We are terribly lucky no one happened by, we were soaked through. And never did catch any fish. Turns out we were fishing the wrong time of day, and the wrong lures and everything. Silly of us wasn't it."
I was running out of oatter. I saw the look he cast her, and almost lost track of my patter. There was no way she was going to be left alone with him again. I trusted him, I thought, but. The War had done worse things to others and I didn't know him well enough yet. I knew how tempting she was to men.
Tapping his hand I gained his attention.
"Like some more wine Sir? It isn't great, but all we can get. We save it for special occasions now."

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

Miranda's bright chatter was amusing. More than once the three of us laughed - laughed in a way that was not part of my life for a very long time. Once my eyes caught Miss Katie staring at me - I swear she blushed, but the light may have played tricks on me.

The tap on my hand brought me back to the table. "Miranda, please. Although this wine is a bit rough on the palate, wine poured from the hand of a lovely woman is, to my taste, the finest nectar."

 

[Merelan]

I blushed at his words. I had never been spoken to like that, and the wine I normally avoided had made me a bit tipsy. I mentally decided to stop and stick to my water. I poured him and Katie another glass and served him some more of the chicken. He tried to decline.
"Now Sir. This is your homecoming. Besides you need your strength, and you look like you'e been eating rather slim lately. Eat up and enjoy. Miss Katie? Another helping of the potatoes?" I knew she couldn't eat much with that corset on, but had to tease a bit.

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

I caught the teasing tone in Miranda's voice. "No, dear," I said in the same teasing manner. "I don't think I could fit another bite into this dress!"

I let the laughter fill me. The General was so kind to Miranda and I. "Shall we take our wine to the parlor?" I suggested. "Maybe Miranda will grace us with her talent at the piano?"


OOC: The play I was assistant director of is finally over! I am exhausted, but very excited to be able to spend more time on the board . Sorry I've been so slow posting lately.

 

[Merelan]

OOC: Countess... you are worth the wait...

catlover... we aren't ignoring your posts, honestly. Its just you moved so fast, and the three of us are still in the night before.

Vailyn.... where did you go? There is no one playing Nanny, so you can direct her to do what you want her too. Old and tired, but a faithful loyal woman who is waiting to take you in till I can get away and find you. I want to tell the others about you but not if you have changed your mind.

[Edited by Merelan on 11-19-2000 at 05:01 PM]

 

[Vailyn]

OOC: Heh, Sun is completely knocked out! Trans: Had no clue what to write to follow up on my little intro. So's I been keepin quiet. Heheh. I am followin the thread and readin it. I smell romance in da air. Now if only there was someone for Miranda.

Gimme a bit and I'll see what I can do with either Nanny or Sun. My brain is overworkin one cell... <chuckles>

 

[Merelan]

OOC:
Romance can include more then one lover you know, male or female. Be prepared Thor and Countess have a way of making every word or gesture into a subtle, yet potent sexual action.

 

[catlover]

Col Beaver

ooc: No problem - Ive been enjoying you all - knew you would be having dinner etc and had to catch up cause I'm into the next morning- have fun and see you all tomorrow

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Hmmmmm.....you all remember how long the last "night" we shared was?

 

[Merelan]

OOC:
Yes, about a month!!!!! mmm... how could I ever forget. i lost my heart that night... sigh......

 

[catlover]

ooc ME TOO! thats what drew me to both of you, and drew me to this thread

 

[Merelan]

We took our wine and went into the parlor. I let them settle before the fireplace. Again she asked me to play the piano. I blushed.
"First I need to check on Nanny and dessert, I will be right back. Don't be having fun without me." Again acting like a silly school girl.
I left them talking, and sipping their wine. I needed to check and see if that girl had gotten taken care of. I checked in the kitchen, but no one had seen her.
I went around the front of the house. She was still in the bushes, passed out cold. She was pretty battered. I needed help moving her. The only men around were both very old. I would have to interrupt them and get Katie's help.
I left her there, with one of the kids watching her, and went back into the parlor.
"I am so sorry Katie. I need your help in the kitchen for a moment. General, please excuse us. There is brandy on the sideboard, and here are the notes from my accounting. Not making a profit here, but we manage to keep our heads above water. We won't be too long."
I wasn't quite sure why I wasn't telling him about the girl. Maybe habit. Katie was puzled till I led her out to the bushes and she saw the state of the girl.

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

The girl - and I had to take Miranda's word it was a girl, she was in such an awful state - was not heavy as we moved her into the house. Miranda and I carried her to a room off the kitchen Nanny had readied and then left her in the older woman's capable hands. Nanny got right to warming the girl and set about the task of getting some warm broth into her stomach. Nanny had had much practice tending to sick folk what with all the wounded soldiers who'd come through Fairview on their way home further south.

Miranda and I agreed to say nothing to the General for the time being. He seemed happy to see us when we returned to the parlor.
I wondered how old he was. He must have been somewhat older to be a General, and he was older than Henry who was older than both Miranda and I, though not by much. He just didn't look as old as I thought he should. The way his hair curled over his ears made me want to run my fingers through it.

 

[Merelan]

With her help we got her settled in Nannies room, and left her to her care. I agreed with her when she said to put off telling the General about it. I saw his face light up when she walked in the room. I felt awkward, for I could feel the chemistry between them. He had settled at the desk with a brandy. It looked like he was trying to make sense of the mess of accounting books.
"We have a small crop, mainly eat what we have grown, a few chickens, a couple cows, a pig that needs butchering and a stallion. That was Katie's idea. He took all our cash. Well, your cash, and a few promissary notes. But he will more then pay his way with his stud fees. Your neighbor down the way, Mr. Bately, says we can have a mare in exchange for covering his prize mare. The one he offers is a fine animal, a bit baulky though. he doesn't have the man power to run the place like he used too. He lost both his sons. Daniel and Patrick."
I had to stop. There was so much I needed to tell him, to show him, but I didn't want to overwhelm his first night here. But they both stayed silent and it got uncomfortable.
"Why if it hadn't been for Miss Katie here, well, you wouldn't have had much of anything to come home too. It was all I could do to keep body and soul together. After Katie came, why, things just fell into place. She is such an organizer, and one just wants to obey her. She was the only one in the county able to ride that stallion. He's named after the estate..Fairview. Hopefully the first in a long line of good animals." I was prattling again, watching him take it in, and watching her wander the room, her wine glass in her hand. She turned and tried to hush me when I was telling him about her.
"There is one other thing you need to know tonight. When those damn Yankees came around for taxes, they tried to put us off the estate because Henry and I had never actually wed. Well, we told a lie. I told it first, and Miss Katie and Nanny had to back us up on it. Mr. Bately witnessed it for us. We told that man that the two of you had met and married, and she had come back here to wait for you. It was wrong, but it was the only way they would let us stay. Mr. Bately says he had been there and witnessed the ceremony. " I saw Katie blush and turn away. I had decided to tell him this on my own, without consulting her. He had to know, and I knew it was too embarrassing for her.

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

I took my wine glass and wandered about the room trying to discharge some of this nervous energy. I was only listening to Miranda with one ear, and that one wasn't paying very close attention, when I heard her telling Gen. Thor about our little problem with the Yankee tax man. My eyes widened and my face flamed with shame. I had pretended to be married to a man I'd figured would never come home. A man who I knew nothing about...a man standing in front of me.
I blushed profusely and turned away from him.

[Edited by Countess DeWinter on 11-20-2000 at 02:05 PM]