Surrender

[rvplymates]

Turning to Julia and looking deep into her eyes, he respectfully (yet with a hint of mock-admonishment which could, perhaps, indicate something a little more than mere passing acquaintance) says:
"Speaking of which, little lady, I think perhaps YOU should go back to the tent, I'll bring our breakfast along shortly and then we can both get some shut-eye."

...Clayton waited for Julia's response...

Julia looked into Clayton's eyes, a bit of amusement showing in her usually sad eyes. Before she could respond to him Alex helped her up and over to the fireplace. She looked at Clayton meaningfully hoping he would be able to intervene when suddenly a shot rang out. Julia knew that was a signal probably from Cassie and stared at Alex.

Who quickly explained their had to be a problem at his camp and asked them to stay put. Julia looked at Clayton and the strange young woman. She was at a lost as to what to do with her.

"Clayton, maybe the young woman would want something to eat also"

Her eyes plainly showed the exhaustion she was feeling from all the excitment brought on by Alex and the young female stranger. She needed food now more then anything. Her eyes emplored Clayton to handle the situation. Dizzyness came to her once more and she brought her head down and her hands to her face.

 

[andygorn]

Julia looked into Clayton's eyes, a bit of amusement showing in her usually sad eyes. Before she could respond to him Alex helped her up and over to the fireplace. She looked at Clayton meaningfully hoping he would be able to intervene when suddenly a shot rang out. Julia knew that was a signal probably from Cassie and stared at Alex, who quickly explained their had to be a problem at his camp and asked them to stay put. Julia looked at Clayton and the strange young woman. She was at a lost as to what to do with her.

"Clayton, maybe the young woman would want something to eat also"

Her eyes plainly showed the exhaustion she was feeling from all the excitment brought on by Alex and the young female stranger. She needed food now more then anything. Her eyes emplored Clayton to handle the situation. Dizzyness came to her once more and she brought her head down and her hands to her face.

Clayton was a little startled by the shot, but -if he was honest with himself- he was also a little relieved to see the armed man leave.
Turning to the other lady, Clayton motioned her to sit with them on the log:
"Yeah, I forgot my manners...dear lady, please do us an honour and be our guest...my mom's special fried bacon and eggs satisfies the most healthy of appetites!" he said in a pseudo-theatrical manner. The food spat a little in response, so he went straight back to the cooking:
Taking a small vial out of his backpack, Clayton added a little of his mom's special red spice mix (a little chilli powder, some sweet red peppers and a few other things he couldn't quite recall the names of) to the frying food and began to serve them up on the 2 metal plates he carried with him.

In the few seconds that it took to finish the cooking, Clayton was glad that Julia was smiling, even if it was only for a brief time...her face had seemed to really come alive and light up...she had a face made for smiling...he'd become a little warm inside at the sight of her, and he hoped that she would do so again soon...'It's been a long while since I saw such a lovely smile,' he thought to himself.

"There you go, ladies," he said as he offered the food to them.
"My mom used to say that it'd put hairs on your chest; no offence meant, but I hope it doesn't happen to either of you...." he joked and smiled widely at them.

He smiled as the other lady took the plate, but Julia seemed to be sad once more.
Determined to bring another smile on her face if it killed him, Clayton lowered the plate and brought it up to her face.
"Hey, Julia, food's up!" he said warmly, as he wafted the delicious-smelling dish of meat and eggs under her nose enticingly.
"Even a strong independent young lady like yourself's got to eat...and Amy's always been able to find room for a few more bacon n' eggs."

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ok.... I am still confused.

Ava dismounted, alarmed slightly by the confusion and the gunshot. She smiled at Clayton, accepting a place around the fire. "Why thank you kindly sir, and might I say your little dog is about the most precious thing I have ever seen. "

She ate, trying desperately to remember her manners and not scarf down the food in a single bite. Watching Julia, a thought started the form in her head. As a female at Oberlin during the war, she had taken a brief nursing course so that students could aid doctors in the area and on the field if necessary.

Ava smiled, eyeing the clearly ill woman. "I do not mean to intrude on another's personal affairs, but are you by any chance.. with child Ma'am? Now I mean no disrespect of course, but I would like to ensure your safety. While it is clear that Mr. Clayton is doing an excellent job, sometimes a second helper is needed." She paused, hoping she hadn't somehow ensured her demise or ostracisim from the group she had so recently found.

 

[rvplymates]

Clayton was a little startled by the shot, but -if he was honest with himself- he was also a little relieved to see the armed man leave.
Turning to the other lady, Clayton motioned her to sit with them on the log:
"Yeah, I forgot my manners...dear lady, please do us an honour and be our guest...my mom's special fried bacon and eggs satisfies the most healthy of appetites!" he said in a pseudo-theatrical manner. The food spat a little in response, so he went straight back to the cooking:
Taking a small vial out of his backpack, Clayton added a little of his mom's special red spice mix (a little chilli powder, some sweet red peppers and a few other things he couldn't quite recall the names of) to the frying food and began to serve them up on the 2 metal plates he carried with him.

In the few seconds that it took to finish the cooking, Clayton was glad that Julia was smiling, even if it was only for a brief time...her face had seemed to really come alive and light up...she had a face made for smiling...he'd become a little warm inside at the sight of her, and he hoped that she would do so again soon...'It's been a long while since I saw such a lovely smile,' he thought to himself.

"There you go, ladies," he said as he offered the food to them.
"My mom used to say that it'd put hairs on your chest; no offence meant, but I hope it doesn't happen to either of you...." he joked and smiled widely at them.

He smiled as the other lady took the plate, but Julia seemed to be sad once more.
Determined to bring another smile on her face if it killed him, Clayton lowered the plate and brought it up to her face.
"Hey, Julia, food's up!" he said warmly, as he wafted the delicious-smelling dish of meat and eggs under her nose enticingly.
"Even a strong independent young lady like yourself's got to eat...and Amy's always been able to find room for a few more bacon n' eggs."

Clayton brought her out of her revelry as he waved the food under her nose. Julia listened to his words and smiled warmly. She continued to smile as she tasted her food then looked at him amazed.

"This is delicious Clayton....

Remembering the strang young lady she continued.

"Just as it has always been"

Just then the stranger began to talk and Julia did not know what she was getting at until she inquired if she was pregnant.

Julia's laugh come out loud and strong as she dinied this possibility.

"No, No, just under the weather, that is all.

She looked at Clayton, her eyes sparkling and grinned.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava smiled, relieved somehow. "Well, here I go. Three weeks away from home and I have completely forgotten my manners." She extends her hand both to Clayton and Julia. "My name is Ava. Ava.. Chaimberlian." She uses her mother's maiden name, just in case any native Georgians know of her father or his busines.

"Might I inquire if you all are travelling West?" She looked around, hoping they were.

 

[andygorn]

Clayton, Julia and Ava

Clayton brought her out of her revelry as he waved the food under her nose. Julia listened to his words and smiled warmly. She continued to smile as she tasted her food then looked at him amazed.
"This is delicious Clayton....
Remembering the strang young lady she continued.
"Just as it has always been"
Just then the stranger began to talk and Julia did not know what she was getting at until she inquired if she was pregnant.
Julia's laugh come out loud and strong as she dinied this possibility.
"No, No, just under the weather, that is all.
She looked at Clayton, her eyes sparkling and grinned.

Ava smiled, relieved somehow. "Well, here I go. Three weeks away from home and I have completely forgotten my manners." She extends her hand both to Clayton and Julia. "My name is Ava. Ava.. Chaimberlian." She uses her mother's maiden name, just in case any native Georgians know of her father or his busines.

"Might I inquire if you all are travelling West?" She looked around, hoping they were.

Clayton replies: "I don't know about going West, Miss Ava, I wasn't 'xac'ly planning to. See, me an' Amy, we were just enjoying the travellin' and after meetin' Miss Julia, I hope you don't mind me saying this ma'am [looks to Julia with a kindly look], the journey got just a whole lot more enjoyable."

Turning to Ava, Clayton asks: "So, are you travelling with the big guy, Alex? Me an' Amy are having a great time right now and I don't know if we could stay with him for very long anyways; he seems like one of those 'men of action' and a little short with people who could maybe's be his friends...and anyway, guns make us both nervous." Clayton shudders a little at the mention of guns, but quickly composes himself.

"Sounds like you're both enjoying your food anyway...it's an ancient family recipe an' all that.." his wide smile let both women know that this perhaps might NOT be the case.

Grabbing the frying pan, he feeds Amy by hand with a little of the bacon and eggs at a time until she's full and he then eats the remaining half-portion of food himself.

"How 'bout you, Miss Julia? Did you have any plans for this mornin'?" he enquired.

 

[macmillian]

surrender

...."What is the matter Mam! Why you shoot up into the air? I didn't do anything wrong. Did I? What's the matter?

"no no taint yore doing..... Miz Jenny done run off... " Cassi wept fearfully. "I's hopin Masser Alex done be close enough to find her."

Cassi looked past Luke and saw him. Without a word she shuffled past Luke and rushed to Alex's arms. "Miz Jenny.. she slipped away.. I's done somethin.. I's swear I didn't mean to.. Miz Jenny is out dere.. please please Masser Alex.. finds her fore somethin bad happens.."

Luke...." goodness, I thought I had done something wrong! Miss Jenny? She take the Baby?

Alex...."Cassi, What is wrong?..................Jenny and the baby gone! Gone where!!!? OHhhhhhhhhh my, What happened?" I Walked over to her and hugged her. "It will be alright. I find her, you take care."

I walked Cassi back to the fire, and I introduced myself to the young man standing there.

Alex...."Name's Alex, I'm leader of this outfit, Glad to meet you." I offered my hand and he held out his left.

Luke...."Mine's Luke, Good to meet you, Alex, don't mind the left hand"

Alex...."Not a problem Luke, good to meet you. Please excuse me. I have to find out what is happening?

Luke...."I rode in just after you lrft and asked for a cup of coffee and I guess yore woman Jenny got upset and took the child and sneaked out. Don't know why? She never said!"

Alex...."Thanks for the info Luke! Stay here With Cassi please." I picked up a bridle and saddle and walked over to my horse and prepared to leave. Ready I returned to the fire

Alex...."Cassi, I am going. Don't wory. I'll be back as fast as I can.

Luke...."Alex, let me ride with you. I know what she looks like. Two pair of eyes are better then two,"

Alex...."OK.....Here Take my horse" and I picked up the other saddle and prepared our second saddle horse.

Alex...."OK Cassi.....Don't stray. Julia's just down the road about a quarter of a mile. She is not well. If you go, take the horses with you. Kay Luke, mount up and let's go!!!!!" I swing up into the saddle along with Luke and ride out onto the road.

 

[macmillian]

surrender

The Search

Alex and Luke rode up the road, heading west.Alex found out where she slipped out and walked on the road . A quarter mile furtherthey found where she entered the woods again on the southside of the rode.

ALex...."Luke, ride slow for about a Mile down the road. Give me an hour and them go another half mile and stop and wait again. I will be watching for you . If I catch up with her, I will return to the road.

I tied a little longer lead rope on my horse and Luke roped him off on his saddle.

Luke...."Alex. I 'll see you down the road, luck"

I entered the same place Jenny did and It was not a hard trail to follow. She knew nothing about covering her tracks or avoiding detection. I was able to catch up with her in but a fraction of the time it took her to get here. I circled around and when she walked up the slight incline and made the top, she saw me sitting there wiyh my back against a tree.

Alex..."Hello Jenny! How is David?". I rose up off the groung and walked over to her. and gave her a gentle hug...........all was quiet for a few moments.

Alex...."Jenny, Why? Cassi so upset, I left her crying and beliving it was here fault that you left. It really is my fault, isn't it?"

Alex...."Jenny, lets return to camp and say our goodbyes properly. Not to just run off. You know how much I love you and David. Please come back and we will talk. Please!

 

[icu1978]

climbing the steep incline took the breath out of her. her entire body felt weak, her legs where wobbly and felt as if they would give out at any moment. she knew it was becuase it had been mothes since she had done any real work. but still when she reached the top she took a deep breath and then she seen alex. and it came out in a whoosh. her eyes grew wide and her mouth slightly opened.

"Hello Jenny! How is David?". he stood and walked over to her taking her in his arms and giving her a gentle hug. as if he was afraid she would shatter into a million pieces if her held her to hard............all was quiet for a few moments.jenny raised her eyes to his still registering shock " how...no.. why did you come for me? he just smiled down at her with that ever knowing smile. and she knew why he had come.. becuase he had to. and that was all that there was to it. he wouldn't allow her to go wondering off on her own, and she understood that now.

Alex...."Jenny, Why? Cassi so upset, I left her crying and beliving it was here fault that you left. It really is my fault, isn't it?" jenny's heart leaped in her throught. she never meant to upset cassi. she loved cassi and alex both. " i messed up... i thought you would tell me i had to go.. so i just left. no since putting off what you know is coming right. at least that's what i thought. ooh dont you see alex. i sliped, this time it was just with one person but what happens next time? it could cost all our lives... i couldn't stand that. not for anything. i...i... ooh i dont know what."

her mind seemed to be going in a million differant places all at the same time and all she really wanted to do was lay down and sleep forever. but she knew she couldn't do that. not with lil david depending on her.steping away from alex and taking a breath she straitend her back and tryed to look as strong as she could. " you should go back to cassi alex. she needs you more than we do."

Alex...."Jenny, lets return to camp and say our goodbyes properly. Not to just run off. You know how much I love you and David. Please come back and we will talk. Please!"

she could never tell him no. that was the problem as he finished talking her shoulders lowed and her back seemed to bend under the weight of the world. silently she knoded her head. she felt alex' warm hand curcle her cold fingers and gently lead her back to the road. she faulterd a few times loosing her footing but she walked on. trying hard not to apear the weakling she felt.

on their way back to the road jenny decided that if she where to say with cassi and alex there would only be one way to keep from blabing about them and covering their story.. and that was not to talk at all..... with her decicion made they reached the road and met luke. she couldn't even bring herself to look at the man. she was to ashamed.

 

[macmillian]

surrender

I had not said much as we walked back to the road. I sensed that Jenny was getting tired, but I didn't want to appear that I was giving her too much help. She slipped a few time, but i held her hand and was able to keep her from falling and hurting herself or David.

At the road, Luke was already waiting for us. He had heard us coming through the brush. I was right about the young man, at least somrthing today was going right. I went to my horse and slid the rifle into the saddle boot and retrived my canteen.

Alex...."Here Jenny, Take a sip of this, you look like you could use a drink. Do you want to ride or walk back to camp? It's is about another mile or so to the camp. You Can ride and rest, I can carry David for a little while. I promise to be very careful with him." At that Luke spoke up.

Luke...."Hello Again, Ms Jenny, If you ride a bit, we could talk a little and the ride would not seem so far."

I took David and with one arm I assited Jenny up and in the saddle. I nestled David into the crook of my arm, made shre he was covered and turned and started walking back to camp. I could here Jenny and Luke talking behind me, softly at first but then in a normal range,
'''''''''''
Luke...."Go morning Jenny, I may call you Jenny?" he said tipping his hat and then tying of fthe horse so she rode beside him. I edged the horses forward. following Alex back to camp.

 

[icu1978]

Alex...."Here Jenny, Take a sip of this, you look like you could use a drink. Do you want to ride or walk back to camp? It's is about another mile or so to the camp. You Can ride and rest, I can carry David for a little while. I promise to be very careful with him."

taking the canteen and siping from it she made a face becuase the water had a tin taste too it. but it was cool and it sothed her throught. handing the canteen back. she felt herself being lifted onto the horse. when alex held his hands out for the baby she didn't even think of not handing him over. she simply handed alex the baby and watched as he fussed with him making sure he was warm and comftorable.

Luke...."Go morning Jenny, I may call you Jenny?" having her attention momentarily distracted jenny looked at luke. she offered a little smile that didn't reach her eyes.
" good luke. you can." he chatered on the way back to camp. jenny would on occasion be drawn into his conversation. for the most part she just listend to him. they followed alex slowly. but before she knew it they could see their camp.

 

[macmillian]

surrender

Alex....I completly enjoyed carring David back to our camp. He had nestled himself into the crook of my arm and gently swayed with my walking rythem. I was glad for the time to think and what to say and or ask Jenny why she left as she did. Her leaving was that of a girl, not a woman, but that was not what I wanted to say. it all ran around in side my mind. I would have to get it straight before anyone else could get hurt. I had pledged myself to the protection of Jenny and David and this I would do, until asked not to. It really was a question of honor. To me all I had left was honor and my word. Above all else, I would honor my words to Jenny and to David. I looked down at him peacefully sleeping. Not a care in this word except to be kept fed and clean and warm. How I wished that I was him, with no burdens or the welfare of the people that depended on me.

It was noon time when we returned to camp.....................................

Luke....He had carried on a running conversation with Jenny all the way back to camp. He could not remember when he had talked so much. But it felt good to talk with a woman, even a young and pretty one.

The return to camp passed quickly, and it was noon when we arrived. Cassi had kept the fire going and I could smell a fresh pot of coffee brewing by the fireside. I waved to Cssi as we left the road and headed twords the camp area. Cassi seeing all of us, left the fire and ran to us.

Alex...."Cassi, Everyone is ok. Be carefull, I 'm carring David!" I spoke as she was about to hug me. though I wished she would have. But in stead she took a peek under the blanket at the sleeping David.

 

[icu1978]

jenny jumped down from the horse as they entered camp. she was about to go get the baby from alex when cassi came running up to him. she looked as if she where about to launch herself into his arms until he stoped her and indicated little david in his arms.

she watched as cassi then lifted the blanket over the baby's little face and examined him. she did not know what was wrong with her but seeing them all togethor like that. looking so intament made her blood boil and her heart ache.

walking over with out a word she gently lifted the baby into her arms. craddling him to her chest she turned and slowly walked back to the tent she had already tryed once to escape from. entering she let her small pack drop to the ground. laying the baby on her make shift bed she layed down next to him. laying on her back she looked at the ceiling of the tent. she could hear cassi,alex and luke talking outside by the fire.

rolling onto her side she closed her eyes and drifted into a light sleep.

 

[landiek]

Cassi stayed close to camp as she fretted about Jenny and David. her mind playing all sorts of misadventures befalling the pair.

Cassi paced back and forth while worrying until she heard horse neigh, a signal that someone was coming. Cassi looked anxiously to the road praying that it was Masser Alex bringing them back. She finally made coffee to settle nerves and hoped that the aroma would lead Masser Alex to her again.

Finally she saw them and rushed to greet them. "Lawdie.. I's was so worried... mercy I's was beginning ta start prayin on my knees for yore return before dark."

"Cassi, Everyone is OK. Be careful, I 'm carrying David!" I spoke as she was about to hug me. though I wished she would have. But in stead she took a peek under the blanket at the sleeping David.

Cassi was very relieved to see the tyke as well as his mother. "I's best be agettin to fixin some stew.. I's suspect yore all hungry after all that ridin."

It was within the hour that Cassi had fixed up some stew using the last of her pheasant that she caught the other day. She eagerly brought bowls to Luke and Alex with spoons along with pan bread that she made the day before.

She didn't notice that Jenny went back to her tent but remained respectful for the woman's need for rest.

 

[macmillian]

I gave up the sleeping David to his mother and she walked to her tent, not saying a word to anyone on the way. I then gave Cassi a hug and a kiss on top of her head.

Alex...."Everything will be fine Cassi. Is that fresh coffee I smell? how about a cup. Luke, step down have a cup of coffee with us. I take care of the horses. You go with Cassi here and I'll join you ina few minutes."

Luke..."Thanks Alex, I'll do that. You're name is Cassi? What a lovely name. You seem to be attached to Alex. Was he your master at one time? ....................pause.............. I'm sorry, unfair question. You don't have to answer that one Cassi. Let's get that coffee. If it's as good as this mornings, I will surly enjoy another cup!"

Alex unsaddled the horses and hobbled them and turned them out to forage in the small clearing along with Luke's old mare. I would take care of the others after lunch.

I returned to the camp fire and Cassi was busy making a stew, so I poured my coffee and sat near Luke and listed a little while Cassi worked and hum out loud. It was a nice camp.

In less than an hour, Cassi had cooked the stew and was serving Luke and I each a bowl with some bread. It smelled so good. I was starved, I had eaten early this morning and I didn't have even a second cup of coffee.

Alex...."Cassi, Check on miss Jenny and if she is awake, ask her to join us please. I figure David is about due to be fed too. Thanks........"

 

[landiek]

"Everything will be fine Cassi. Is that fresh coffee I smell? how about a cup. Luke, step down have a cup of coffee with us. I take care of the horses. You go with Cassi here and I'll join you ina few minutes."

Cassi gladly would fetch cups for Luke and Alex and most likely filling them to the brim until Luke spoke

"Thanks Alex, I'll do that. You're name is Cassi? What a lovely name. You seem to be attached to Alex. Was he your master at one time? "

Cassi turned and looked at Luke, she wondered what to say. Alex wasn't her Master, in fact he never was. When word reached her home about the slaves being free the Master gave them three minutes to get off his land. Cassi tried to blank out the sound of shot guns blasting those that begged to stay. Not her, the second the guns were lifted and cocked she ran like there was no tomorrow.

"I'm sorry, unfair question. You don't have to answer that one Cassi. Let's get that coffee. If it's as good as this mornings, I will surly enjoy another cup!"

"Here's yore cup, Masser Luke." Cassi handed off the cup. It had to be her learning that made her use the respectful term.

Cassi looked to the tent then turned her head when her name was spoken.

"Cassi, Check on miss Jenny and if she is awake, ask her to join us please. I figure David is about due to be fed too. Thanks........"

"Yes Sir, Masser Alex." Cassi walked over to the other tent and spoke softly. "Miz Jenny is yore awake.. I's got food cookin if yore hungry. Miz Jenny.. is yore hurtin caus of ole Cassi? I's plum powerfully sorrie if I's said somethin to hurts yore feelins."

 

[rvplymates]

Clayton replies: "I don't know about going West, Miss Ava, I wasn't 'xac'ly planning to. See, me an' Amy, we were just enjoying the travellin' and after meetin' Miss Julia, I hope you don't mind me saying this ma'am [looks to Julia with a kindly look], the journey got just a whole lot more enjoyable."

Turning to Ava, Clayton asks: "So, are you travelling with the big guy, Alex? Me an' Amy are having a great time right now and I don't know if we could stay with him for very long anyways; he seems like one of those 'men of action' and a little short with people who could maybe's be his friends...and anyway, guns make us both nervous." Clayton shudders a little at the mention of guns, but quickly composes himself.

"Sounds like you're both enjoying your food anyway...it's an ancient family recipe an' all that.." his wide smile let both women know that this perhaps might NOT be the case.

Grabbing the frying pan, he feeds Amy by hand with a little of the bacon and eggs at a time until she's full and he then eats the remaining half-portion of food himself.

"How 'bout you, Miss Julia? Did you have any plans for this mornin'?" he enquired.

Julia ate as Clayton took charge of the situation with great charm and yes humor. She almost choked with laughter at certain points of his conversation. He reminder her so of Jake who use to take care of the horses on the plantation. Jake could tell you to go to hell in such a happy way that you would be glad to go. She remember she lost him in the fire too. She was sad for just a moment until he mentioned a fear of guns which she doubted he had and a pleasant smile touched her lips. He had humor something she so dearly needed at this time. She finished the food and felt her body gain some strength. How stupid she had been to neglect herself. Her lost love would be ashamed of her. She sank into sadness again when suddenly she heard Clayton.

"How 'bout you, Miss Julia? Did you have any plans for this mornin'?"

As she raised her face in sadness, a smile touched her lips as she looked at him.

"I would like to take a little walk, Clayton, just to get myself together, and I would need your help of course, as my legs are a bit weak"

She looked at Ava.

"You will excuse us for a bit, won't you"

She latched onto the hand offered her. She could feel the strength of the man in his hand. She rose up slowly, stiff and still weak but she pushed herself to move forward with Clayton's hand firm and strong over hers.

 

[macmillian]

We sat and ate in silence. It had been a strange morning. A lot had happened and I expected even more to come.

Alex..."Luke, will you say here for the night and take supper with us? Your horse can rest and we have some grain she can have. I know Cassi would not mind, she loves to cook and she is one of the best around."

Luke...."Sure can't turn down another good meal. Haven't been eating regular lately. Is there anything I can do to earn my keep?"

Alex...."OK.....Collect firewood and draw a bucket or two of water from the brook and anything else you can think of. I have to run a quick errand and I'll probably be gone about an hour. Cassi, I have to leave for awhile. Be back as quick as I can." I picked up my rifle and cut through the woods towards Julia's camp.

*********************************************************

JUlia's camp.

It didn't take me long to get to Julia's camp and when I arrived, I found the other woman I hadn't met earlier today. I called out before entering the camp and she stood and waved me in.

Alex..."HI, My name is Alex Franks and I am with a party down the road apiece..........(Pause).............My I inquire as to your name miss.?"

 

[icu1978]

jenny heard cassi at the opening of her tent but did not move acting as if she where asleep. when cassi turned and walked back ot the fire with the others jenny sat up and thought about what she was to do. she sat in the tent for maybe fifteen minutes before david woke up and began to cry to be fed and changed. picking up the small baby she held him to her breast and let him suckle for a few moments. when he was no longer hungry she pulled her shirt closed and changed his diamper.

the smell of the stew was making her stomach growl and she could no longer resist. picking david up she left the tent in time to hear luke agree to staying the night and walking off with alex moving in the other direction.

jenny walked over and sat next to cassi. " im sorry cassi." with her head down and her hair coming loose and falling over the sides of her face. she shruged her shoulders" i dont know what got into me today. it wasn't anything you did though." looking up she gave cassi a weak smile. " besides i could never take david away from you or alex. he loves you guys as much as he does me." looking around making sure they where alone she turned back to cassi and lowered her voice to a whisper

" did i hear alex ask luke to stay the night? a slight pause " cassi has he lost his mind. he can't let him stay here. then luke would sure as fire know for sure that you and alex aint what you seem and that alex and i arent as we are supposed to seem." a long sigh " not that he probably doent already know somthing is afoot with me blabbing about me not being alexs woman." putting her head in her hand " lord cassi but i have made a huge blunder with all this.....im just not no good at telling fibs."

sitting up she layed out a blanket between her and cassi and let the baby lay on it safely between them. then scooped up a small bowl of cassi's stew. she ate while she talked with cassi in hushed voices.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava smiled as Clayton and Julia got up to walk together. "Oh. I have no idea who Mr. Alex is. I was camping myself a ways down the field and saw your camp, so I thought I would investigate." She smiled again, feeling suddenly rather nervous. "Oh, have fun on your walk. Give a yell if you need any help or anything" Ava waved them off, turing once again inward as she went over her situation.

Jerked out of her reverie a moment later, Ava saw the gentleman who had run off at the sound of the shot earlier. Standing up, she took his extended hand and shook it warily. "Pleasure to meet you Mr. Franks. My name is Ava Chaimberlain. I am travelling westward." She almost laughed out loud. The false name was starting to sound real. Soon, Ava Beaumont would be a figure known only to the bank tellers at the National United Bank in the Western Territory.

 

[macmillian]

"Tell me Miss Ava, Heading west and are you traveling alone? I ask. Our group is indeed heading est. Where exactly I note sure yet. Where has Miss Julia and Clayon gone off to?

I explainr the next town is a good one full days treck to the northwesr Maybe a horse and rider could make it in five, but that animal would be tired to travel the next day.

If you Want, come over and stay the night, get to know my people and make up your mind then. I would still get you to the next town safely. I would not advise a woman, any woman to travel these roads alone.

High Noon has come and past and it is now one thirty/two o'clock.

Ohhhhhhhh her come the walkers now, Miss Julia and Clayton. I wait and give them the same advice and they can make their own decisions.

 

[CollegeRomantic]

Ava deliberated for a moment. "Well, I am travelling alone..." What would she say? To prove a point? To see what she was really made of? To make Ava Beaumont a thing of the past? "to start over." Realizing that this was a rather suspect answer she elaborated. "I came home from Oberlin to bury my father and brother after the war. Now, I am going West." She didn't mention that she had been to college. Maybe he wouldn't notice? She smiled. "Stay at your camp? Well I would hardly want to intrude, but if you all are headed west, it is better for a large group to travel than several small ones, I suppose."

 

[landiek]

Cassi returned to the fire when Alex finsihed speaking.

"Sure can't turn down another good meal. Haven't been eating regular lately. Is there anything I can do to earn my keep?" Luke replied.

Cassi chuckled as she couldn't imagine that man doing things that she was well able to do herself and often times did it so silently that most were surprised by things being there when it wasn't before.

Alex said "OK.....Collect firewood and draw a bucket or two of water from the brook and anything else you can think of. I have to run a quick errand and I'll probably be gone about an hour. Cassi, I have to leave for awhile. Be back as quick as I can."

"Yes Masser Alex." Cassi nodded as she watched him go. Then looked up to see Jenny giving her a large smile.

"I'm sorry cassi." with her head down and her hair coming loose and falling over the sides of her face. she shruged her shoulders" i dont know what got into me today. it wasn't anything you did though." looking up she gave cassi a weak smile. " besides i could never take david away from you or alex. he loves you guys as much as he does me."

"Yore just nerved.. with all that happened in the town.... I's was so afeared yore was hurt or somethin. I's shore happy yore back with us."

" did i hear alex ask luke to stay the night? a slight pause " cassi has he lost his mind. he can't let him stay here. then luke would sure as fire know for sure that you and alex aint what you seem and that alex and i arent as we are supposed to seem." a long sigh " not that he probably doent already know somthing is afoot with me blabbing about me not being alexs woman." putting her head in her hand " lord cassi but i have made a huge blunder with all this.....im just not no good at telling fibs."

"Well I's said yore under some powerful nerves. I's mentioned yore folks were kilt and the war bothered yore thinkin.. I's sorry to say sucha thing about you Miz Jenny.. I's just used them words ... I's powerfully sorree if it hurts yore feelings.. I was just tryin to make things patched. Sides me an Masser Alex ain't gonna be liein together fer a spell... not all white folks.. take a liking to havin nigger woman over a Lady such as yoreself." Cassi explained in hushed tones.

"We's got to stay strong.. I's hear Injuns are powerfully mean folks." Cassi nodded as Luke was finishing up his second cup of coffee.

 

[andygorn]

Julia ate as Clayton took charge of the situation with great charm and yes humor. She almost choked with laughter at certain points of his conversation. He reminder her so of Jake who use to take care of the horses on the plantation. Jake could tell you to go to hell in such a happy way that you would be glad to go. She remember she lost him in the fire too. She was sad for just a moment until he mentioned a fear of guns which she doubted he had and a pleasant smile touched her lips. He had humor something she so dearly needed at this time. She finished the food and felt her body gain some strength. How stupid she had been to neglect herself. Her lost love would be ashamed of her. She sank into sadness again when suddenly she heard Clayton.
"How 'bout you, Miss Julia? Did you have any plans for this mornin'?"
As she raised her face in sadness, a smile touched her lips as she looked at him.
"I would like to take a little walk, Clayton, just to get myself together, and I would need your help of course, as my legs are a bit weak"
She looked at Ava.
"You will excuse us for a bit, won't you"
She latched onto the hand offered her. She could feel the strength of the man in his hand. She rose up slowly, stiff and still weak but she pushed herself to move forward with Clayton's hand firm and strong over hers.

Clayton had smiled as Julia had taken his offered hand and they set off in the direction she led.
"So, you never mentioned what had brought you all the way out here in the first place, Miss Julia" he asked.
Seeing that she was still a little woozy and groggy, he let her lean into his body a bit more, taking most of her weight against him to releive her tired feet and body.
It was the first time that he'd held any wonmn other than his mother..and even that had been a while ago...
He shuddered a little inside at this realisation and he hoped that she wouldn't hold it against him...he didn't really know what he was feeling for her, but he sort of knew that -somehow- he was supposed to protect Julia and allowing her closer to him had seemed the right thing to do at the time...he hoped that she would understand.

Not sure if she was listening, he said:
"It's okay if you don' wanna talk, Miss Julia, I understand...maybe's you'd like to hear about me? My story's a bit short and not too interesting, I'm afraid, but maybe's it might help you to trust me, just a little?"
"Me, I'm just a poor plantation-hand...born an' rasied on one of the big farms down South, my Mom and me only saw the work and toil of the farm...being black, we got the lion's share of the pain too, I guess..." His voice quavered a little and he fought back some tears as he recalled the many nights of punishment that they had both suffered at the hands of 'Old' John McCracken, the farm owner.

Looking down at her hair and head, he said: "Anyways, you're prob'ly not too interested in hearing a few old farmer's tales, what with you bein' a lady an' all".
The previous night, he had seen a large stream nearby which had looked lovely and tranquil in the moonlight...their walk passed it by, the sound of the water babbling over the rocks and stones in the river bed was really peaceful and perhaps just the place to sit and rest a while.

Stirring her, Clayton found a huge flat rock by the water and offered it to Julia: "Miss, maybe you should really take the weight off your feet...don't worry though, I'll be here to protect you."
Clayton was startled when a voice inside his head seemed to add "...forever" onto the end of his words and a look of alarm crossed his face...

 

[macmillian]

"Ava, I am sure that you will be welcomed by our group. You are right, there is protection and greater saftey in numbers then either alone or in a small group." I gave Ava my best smile and knew that I was being honest with her.

This day was passing quickly, to quickly. I still hadn't done the work on the wagon I wanted to and now I was collecting more people and increasing my responsiblities.

"Well Ava, What do you think! Woukd you Like to come over and Join us at least for tonight. The women with me will enjoy having another lady to talk with." Having made my pitch to Ava, i was quiet and then I noticed that Julia and clayton were returning.