Belle of the South.

[Skylex499]

Belle of the South. [Closed for mrmidnight]

[This is somewhat historical but knowledge isn't required but staying in context is appreciated. Roleplay in either 1st or 3rd. Scene is set here.]

Young, spoiled, and rich.

That's what anyone would have tagged the young debutante belle, Sara LeClare, at the ball that summer of 1862. Pretty with long brunette curls and doe-like eyes betrayed a child-like and entitled disposition. Her build was petite with a dancer's grace. Around the hall, quite a few young fellows would flock to her timidly asking for a dance. She had no patience for those fools! Arrogantly tossing her head, she strode out of the ballroom only to hear heated voices on the other side of the parlor. Six men were around a table having a vehement argument.

"And the Yankees are moving south but it won't be long now! They'll near choke us at this rate but that LeClare girls' father continues to hold extravagant balls like this not thinking of the common good of our workers. We're going to need these supplies for shipment time."

Without a thought in the world, the young lady rushed in to her father's defense. "My father, Charles LeClare, does not have need your approval because he has sufficient wealth to throw such affairs!" The words were punctuated though her voice trembled.

A tall, lone man in the corner of the room stood looking at her silently, dragging out a cigarette as the room erupted in guffaws.

 

[mrmidnite76]

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[Skylex499]

The room was tense, the men sullen at being chastised. He was a known hero for the armed forces so they could not question even his loyalty to the cause for the south. The language of men is different than that spoken by women. All Sara LeClare could see in his gentle eyes was that he thought she was a simple, naive girl. She would show him! At just 19, she fancied she knew the nature of men and didn't need binoculars to show her that he was overly sympathetic.

The light shone on her alabaster skin, revealing a hint of shoulders that off set the elegant rose satin of her gown nicely. Her fiery hazel eyes met his in challenge.

"Mr. Forrest, I am so charmed to make your acquaintance," her voice seemed to murmur in that feminine southern lilt. "Though I admit that I've heard about you. Ever the southern gentleman--Blockade runner, loyal from an honorable family, been to many an interesting place, even as far north as Pennsylvania. My, how I would love to explore up north one day but father won't allow me...I could see if all Yankees are as queer as they seem."

Her white glove delicately resting on your elbow, she leans in. "You must tell me all about it, especially what that infernal McClellan fellow is like. I am ever so curious."

A larger-built ruddy-faced man from one end of the tables looks miffed. "An OVER-LY inquisitive mind in the fairer sex is not an attractive quality, dearest Ms. LeClare. Instead of poking into men's talk, perhaps you should socialize in your inner circle, fill your head with prettier things than war talk. You're positively ambushing poor Jefferson Forrest here."

"But I want to know!" she protested in the voice of a lady very used to getting her way. "Is it a crime to be curious? Men and women can be equally adept at learning about war-time matters! I'm sure Mr. Forrest here would agree with me." Her face had grown flush with the exertion of defending herself in a room of gentlemen that seemed bent on taking her lightly.

 

[mrmidnite76]

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[Skylex499]

On the veranda, only muffled sounds could be heard from the camaraderie inside. She exchanged a grateful look with the young man for providing a hasty escape so they could finish their discourse. "I'm not quieted; on the contrary, I'm excited. See how my hands tremble." Her fingers were unsteady on his elbow yet her eyes were bright and dazzling under the moonlight.

She nodded as he spoke, clearly taking in every word and mulling it over as if deep in thought. "General McClellan, yes. The rumor may have some truth from what I've deduced. We have amassed a huge amount of troops here, young men eager to defend this god-forsaken land. The blockades have been in effect for the past year. It's getting more difficult to get ahold of basic necessities, sugar even. It's not going to end anytime soon, at least until we throw up our arms."

For a young woman isolated in the south, the amount of information she was privy to seemed startling. A sad sigh escaped her lips as she gestured at the great white manor. "Look at us, the world near collapse and my father acting as if we've won. No wonder the men think him frivolous." As if attempting to defend him from an invisible adversary, spun quickly. "But is it wrong for a daughter to see only the good in her father? He has always been one not to dwell on misery! It's a noble quality, nothing anti-confederate at all."

"Mr. Forrest. No...Jeff? May I call you that? You may call me Sara if you like." Her gaze fluttered to his shoes, suddenly shy at being so familiar. "I-I apologize... It seems strange but I feel as if I can trust you! You aren't like the other men back there." Suddenly, her small hands clutched his overcoat as she stepped closer, as if imploring him to understand. To any bystander, it would appear baffling how passionate yet childish she was all at once. "I have a secret to tell you but you can't tell anyone, not even father. I know you will be opposed but if you have one iota of goodwill in your body, you mustn't tell. Promise me! I was asking so many questions because I plan on escaping in the dead of night up north. My provisions are packed so you mustn't worry."

"Please, do not think me selfish! Father is in terrible danger and once the other men find that I've been harboring a fugitive here, they'll definitely doubt his loyalty. Besides! Perhaps I'll--I mean we'll--have a better life there, one with equality. I haven't told a single soul; I'm only telling you because I'd like to write to you when I arrive to see how my family is faring. Though I'm leaving, I do care about them so very much." In her pensive look, it's clear that this heavy decision has been weighing on her mind for a long time.

 

[mrmidnite76]

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[Skylex499]

At his opposition, the lazy smoke seemed to elevate the tension among them until Sara felt like she was drowning in Jefferson's unreadable expression. What if he was right and she couldn't trust him? Suddenly, it had become clear how foolish she had been to confess to such a plan. "Maybe you're right and I can't trust you but I have no one else to speak to. You are my best bet. Things aren't right here; I hate the class division here--race, wealth, everything. Anything has to be better than this nightmare that the south has become. Everyday I feel increasingly suffocated! And as a woman with expectations, it's worse!"

Plan? Yes, she had to convince him that she could make it out in the world with her own two hands. That would mean disclosing the fugitive she had been hiding in one of the underground cellars near the barn. Pulling on his sleeve, she started to guide him, hesitantly speaking in hushed tones.

"Look, I have a friend who knows the North. He's with the Union and was injured when I found him straggling near property lines when I was riding my horse. Lord have mercy, I was so scared--Had half a mind to tell father but he was so kind!"

The cellar was a wooden door near the old white barn that hadn't been occupied in decades. Once used as storage, it had quickly become obsolete. Knocking on the door, she crouched down in her satin grown. "Nathan? It's me! I have a friend--he's promised to help us--He's good, I swear." A lanky lad of about 24 with sandy hair pulled back opens the door only slightly ushering the two in. The cellar was dark and dingy with cobwebs and scarcely enough room for them all.

His eyes never left Jefferson's face as his lip curves upward almost mockingly. "You have your brother's eyes! What a funny thing to see that you've come to help us. It's like the Gods are playing a cruel trick of irony. Come, don't scowl, Jefferson Forrest."

Sara looks between them, a line between her brows furrowing. "What's going---?"

"Never you mind, sweetness!" He quickly interjects before laying out a map. "I plan on escorting the young miss to Maryland first. It's the least I can do for her goodness to me this past month. I have plenty of connections and can find her quick work as a seamstress if she wishes to work. Or if not, I will leave her with enough provisions to make sure she is taken care of nicely for a fortnight. After that, I promise to take her home safe and sound. Every young woman should be well-versed in the culture outside of her own lest she grow...provincial. You have my word!" He gives an elaborate bow in your direction. "All you need to do is convince old man LeClare not to send out a search party. Think you can manage that, Mr. Forrest, eh? Wouldn't happen to have a light, would you?"

 

[mrmidnite76]

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[Skylex499]

Feigning great sadness, Nathaniel sighed at his refusal to give a light. "Sweet Sara, please do not gasp at Jefferson's animosity towards poor I! It still haunts me to this day! I...was given orders once to kill the prisoners we had captured, one of them his kin. You know how war times are and I was only obeying my superior as a loyal soldier. My family's savings depend on it." He shrugged his shoulders helplessly as if having an internal battle within, his voice choking up. "God! What could I do? Could you fault me for only doing what a man should, when devoted to the cause? I know that our good sir here would have done the exact same and gladly."

Feeling great sympathy for the soldier in distress, the gentle-hearted Sara placed a hand on his elbow. "Oh Nathan, don't be so sad now! You couldn't help it--They made you."

Composing himself, he breathed heavily before facing Jefferson, a wry look now on his expression. "You are more than welcome to join us for we leave at midnight if you are truly so concerned. Don't see why it matters if you two aren't betrothed." He wrinkled his nose. "This antiquated chivalry is awfully provincial, don't you think? And Sara, travelling alone with me would make you a much more...worldly...woman." A glint in his eye caught the attention of the young belle as she tried to decipher his meaning but Jefferson was glaring pointedly.

Hoping to diffuse the attention, Sara suggested they take their leave to go back to the dance at the manor. She turned to Jefferson, hoping that he would agree to travel with them both. For some reason, his presence gave her great reassurance and comfort in a way that she had never felt about a man before.

 

[mrmidnite76]

.....

 

[Skylex499]

"Yes." she agreed, taking his arm as they approached the veranda. The violins could be heard inside and she heard her father's voice calling her. Not letting go of his arm, she held it tighter, her gaze shining. "Promise me on your honor that you won't tell Father about Nathaniel." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Our troops will kill him and I'll be disgraced! For aiding a poor, helpless man, no less." Her voice a silky whisper, she leaned into Jefferson's ear. "Please?" Her breath was so warm on his ear, that it could have been a kiss.

At that moment, her father came out doors, voice booming. "Mr. Jefferson Forrest! A capital fellow! And don't tell me you have designs on my daughter without consulting the father first?" His finger playfully wagged. "I never could have suspected such a respected southern cavalier."

A flush rose to her complexion as she eyed her father, rather mortified. "Father, it's not like that! Jeff, tell him!" It was too late. She realized her error of familiarity as her father cocked a brow.

"Jeff now, is it?" He murmured slowly, stroking his chin. "Not Mr. Forrest? Things are further along than I thought."

Sara's hazel eyes gave Jeff a quick, pleading look before darting them to the door, thinking of an escape. If they carried through their midnight plans, imagine how her father's suspicions would be reinforced.

 

[mrmidnite76]

......

 

[Skylex499]

Evidently, Jefferson's answer relieved Mr. LeClare immensely as his shoulders relaxed. "Oh, my good tempered man. What an absurd notion to suspect a reputation as impeccable as yours. My God, such a shame about the family tragedy. I'm sorry to this day..."

He meant every word. Jefferson's brother was climbing his way through the Confederate ranks till the ignoble massacre.

"Please continue to take watch over my Sara. Dangerous times, these are. If something were to happen, her mother and I would be lost." Looking back towards the grand entrance, noticing Mrs. LeClare fanning herself impatiently, his face resumed its jovial expression. "If you two young people will excuse me."

Upon bowing and shuffling his way out, Sara couldn't help but feel relieved. Sure that no one was around to hear, she resumed with more fervor, excitement coloring her cheeks. "So, Jefferson, will you be there to meet me at midnight? By the hideout...I'll pack enough for half a fortnight, with provisions and all the coin I've saved. Promise me and I will go inside to pack. We mustn't be seen together for much longer or they'll suspect."

Sensing the turmoil that was brewing beneath Jefferson's usually collected demeanor, she wondered if her father's words had dissuaded him. "You don't trust Nathaniel one bit, do you? I saw that he disturbed you right fiercely when we were down there."

 

[mrmidnite76]

.....

 

[Skylex499]

"Excellent" A slow smile tugged the corners of her lips up at his assurance to be waiting at midnight. Something about his protective tone inevitably thrilled her, even, as she quickly squeezed his hand. "I understand your conditions. Wait for me!" With that, she was gone.

The slow tick of the hand indicated midnight and as promised, she was waiting by the towering white barn, a crimson riding dress with a hood bound tightly on her shoulders to avoid detection. Two handsome mahogany steeds were held in her delicate hands, rather unsurely, as the beasts were getting restless. Packed with her were two large haversacks, as if she had been planning for the journey. Her eyes met his, relieved. "You've come! How wonderful." She gave his hand a grateful squeeze. "Now, don't laugh at how I've saddled these poor creatures."

Nate had emerged from his cellar, crouched low in the grass with a large brimmed straw hat for obscurity. His breath smelled like liquor, voice sleepy. "Never would have imagined old Jefferson acting as my saddle-boy. Bah! I'll do it myself."

Unrolling a map, he pointed..."We're closer to Charlottesville right now, sure, but only slightly. We'll make it up north as long as we avoid soldiers in those towns with patrols." He made a huge cross over Alexandria. "DC, and who knows? Gettysburg, if I so well please!"

He turned with an exaggerated air to Sara. "You can simply leave me on Virginia's border and I may be safe, but surely you'd do me the honor of escorting me to Pennsylvania. There's plenty of work and comforts for you there. Cities full of life, factories, and satisfied workers! Didn't you secretly confide to me that you always wanted to see more of the world?"

"Of course," he waved his hand dismissively. "I don't suppose, you, Jefferson would be open to coming along? You would hardly be welcomed by anyone in my regiment or otherwise. Of course! For Sara's sake, I'd grant you an exception! Yes, yes! I would, my dear fellow!" The last sentence was spoken rather cheerily.

Sara's eyes danced back and forth, growing more uneasy. Were people really much happier in the north? In her idealistic dreams, she imagined it so and tried to relax as she unconsciously drew closer to her riding companion.

 

[mrmidnite76]

.....

 

[Skylex499]

The map was quickly rolled up as the sharp edge in Jefferson's voice was noted. Midnight loomed and they couldn't tarry long lest a chance patrol discovered them.

"Well, well, a rather disagreeable fellow you are at times, Forrest," Nathan noted, still unsteady on his horse from the day's drinking. Steering the horse, he motioned his two companions to follow along with a cheerful wave. "By the time you all get moving, McClellan's army will be here."

Grateful for the extended hand, Sara hoisted herself, aware of Jefferson's close proximity providing some reassurance for the journey. "To Charlottesville then?"

Nathan snorted. "No, dear girl! We aren't going to a ball. We go around the town. Scarce two day's ride from here and I'd rather avoid detection or anyone recognizing us. If someone does..." Blue eyes widened as if struck by a brilliant idea. "We can say Jefferson captured me! No better confederate for the job!" He turned to Jefferson as if asking for some acquiescence to his theatrical plan.

The horses were in full stride by now, to make some ground before discovery. Tomorrow evening, their disappearance would be inevitably discovered. Jefferson's hands were on the reins, so her mind could wander. "What do you think father and mother will say when they find me gone? Do you think they'll know I love them?" Her head rested on him, fighting sleep but waiting for an answer.