The Killer Angels (Close to myself and Starwhisperer)

[StarWhisperer]

Abigail looked up rather sharply at John’s voice. Her smile spread widely across her face, though she didn’t stop playing. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it was pertinent. My mother made me learn to play starting when I was five and I grew to love it.” Her fingers began to play a song so sweet it was almost painful. “This makes me think of you.” Abby returned her eyes to the keys, still smiling.

“How are the meetings going?” Abby enquired sweetly, sounding a bit distracted. Her engagement ring caught the light streaming through the large open bay window. “Did you, by chance, speak with my father this morning?” She wondered vaguely if he’d notice she was wearing her ring. She also wondered if he would approve or disapprove.

“I don’t want you to leave tomorrow,” Abigail said, her fingers halting abruptly on the keys. She turned on the piano bench without getting up, looking at him. She looked as beautiful as she had for dinner last night. Her pale green gown fit her perfectly, accentuating her slim waist and ample bust line, especially with its scooping neck line. She stood up and walked over to him, large dark green eyes rather serious. “I wish you could stay here with me…”

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds smiled at her. She was so childlike in many ways and that was a difference between the both of them. Abigail complemented him. He was so scarred by the horrors of war and she was sheltered from those horrors. Reynolds was very much still tense and flustered. He had started yet another war, this time with himself. He was conflicted with his love for Abby and his reason. Despite it all he managed to keep himself on track. As soon as Abby averted her eyes away from him, he frowned. She was so wrapped up in her love for him, that she didn’t see reason either. In fact, he was to blame. Abigail saw only him and the prospects of being with him, but she didn’t see the risks. Reynolds gritted his teeth. He knew she was smarter than that. He knew that she understood the complications. He was simply envious that she could go on as if there were none.

“Badly…” He answered plainly. “The negotiations are futile and it’s getting nowhere.” Reynolds exhaled and ran his fingers through his hair again. He hadn’t a clue where to begin today. “The good news is I’ll be here for another day. My regiment leaves Thursday afternoon for Washington.” Reynolds was vaguely aware of the automated tone of her voice. He knew how that was. Going over war plans and talking casually with comrades was often just a motion. They always talked while busying themselves with other tasks. In all honesty, Reynolds knew he wouldn’t make it to Washington. Buford had sent word that Heth’s column of men were spotted just some miles away from Gettysburg and soon enough they’d be right on top of the Union Forces if they weren’t careful. Reynolds would have to march his men closer to his home in Lancaster, but he couldn’t tell her that. It wouldn’t have been right to tell her. She was on the other side of the line and well it could slip if she wasn’t careful. As much as he trusted Abby, he couldn’t betray his men that way. His eyes remained distant as she continued to speak. Reynolds knew it wasn’t his men he was worried about. He couldn’t tell her because he would be sharing the fact that the Union had the upper hand. He couldn’t tell her because he knew they could run right through the Confederate army, so long as they hadn’t sent out a scout after Stuart.

Reynolds cleared his throat and composed himself once more. “I did Miss Blake.” He replied with a slight cheerful intonation. “In fact, you’re father said I could court you, but I haven’t the slightest idea how I’m going to win you’re mother over.” Reynolds began pulling at his gloves. Finger by finger, one hand then the other. The moment they were removed he tucked them into his belt near his cutlass. He had barely noticed Abby getting up, he was so consumed in his own thoughts.

As she approached him, Reynolds looked up his eyes full of all sincerity. He brought his hand up to touch her face, but let it drop. They were still in her house, Reynolds was still playing by their rules. “I won’t be gone tomorrow Abby, but I will be eventually. Can you handle that?” He asked almost in a pleading matter. “What if I die Abby? Did you think about that? What will you do? Who will be there for you? You’re father brought up some pressing points this morning and I hate to admit it, but he’s right…” Reynolds eyes stung for a moment, probably wanting to tear up, but he hadn’t cried in years. He blinked it back and stared at her, all intensity filling his eyes. “I love you and because I really love you, maybe…” He swallowed hard. “Maybe, I should let you go.” His eyes fell in shame and he could feel the pain swelling in his heart.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Abby’s smile at the news that he would be an extra day. She looked up at him, eyes soft. They shut for a moment when he lifted his hand to touch her face, but opened them when he dropped it. “He did? Well, that’s good news. I assumed he would say no straight away.” Abigail’s smile was bright and sunny. She wanted desperately to throw her arms around him but he was restraining himself, so she would do the same.

“I’m not sure how we’ll help you win over my mother, but there has to be a way. Maybe we can hope for the good old ‘if she sees how happy I am she’ll be happy for me’ thing?” Abigail sounded so hopeful, it would be hard to let her down.

She frowned deeply at John’s cynicism. She stared back at him, shaking her head. “You won’t die,” Abby said surely. “And if you did, I would survive. I would get through it. But that’s not going to happen.” She paused, looking up at him again. “Do… if you want to let me go, John, I won’t stop you.” She looked down at her hand, reluctantly sliding off the ring and slowly holding it out and looking at the floor, feeling tears budding in her eyes. “Personally, I’d rather you didn’t.”

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds felt a sharp acute pain in his chest and he about nearly fell to his knees. He was going to pull the pistol out of his holster and shoot himself if she cried. There it was, the tears brimming those beautiful eyes of her’s and it was his fault. Reynolds dropped to his knees, not caring that he was still in uniform. His cutlass rapped against the ground jamming into his side as it was still attached to his belt. He flinched feeling the hilt pull at the healing cut in his side. Karma, he supposed for hurting her. “Dammit Abigail, do you think I want to leave you?! Just because I‘m saying all of this…” John choked on his words. He could feel the water welling up in his eyes. He couldn’t even find the words anymore. “I love you so much Abby, but it’s not safe to let that love get head of my reason. I don’t want you to get hurt in the end Abby…” He felt a warmth trickle down his cheek.

For the first time in a long time he let his shoulders droop and his body fall slacken. He felt so tired, so mentally drained. “You put that ring back on when you’re sure you want to marry me Abby, but don’t do it because you love me. Do it because you know you’ll be happy.” He watched as two tears dropped from his eyes nicking the bridge of his nose before the clear crystalline orbs falling fell in splashes against the floor. “Abigail, I know love is a good enough reason to marry you. Love is the best reason to marry you, but I have to think about how you’ll fair in the aftermath.” He brought his hands up to his neck digging underneath the uniforms collar until he found the chain. He pulled it out from underneath his uniform and removed it, careful not to break the clasp. He stood up, dusting off his knees before he held the chain out. His eyes were trained on hers and he could still feel the warm water ready to break free of the rims of his eyes. “Remember how I said this was a promise, I want you to take this and think of all the things you want me to do for you. If you want me to love you then think of that, if you want me to come back alive think about that… Anything Abigail think of it while you’re holding that chain. Don’t put that ring on there, because that’s your promise to me. If you’d like you can put something on that chain to remind me of you, but I want you to make me make a thousand promises. Give it back to me when I leave and Abigail, it’ll remind me to keep those promises.”

Reynolds put the chain in her hand mimicking the way he had placed the ring in it the night before. With care he closed each finger around it and the ring. “You’re the only thing that matters to me anymore Abby, without you I can’t find reason in anything, not even this war…” He closed his eyes and released her hand, wiping away the tears that had fallen. He had never cried a day in his adult life. Not when he was injured, not when his men had died and not even when he had heard Kate married another man. He straightened out his uniform and gave her a faint smile, though he was still in very much pain. “You’re father is an intimidating man Miss Blake, because he knows reason.” Reynolds blinked a couple of times to clear his eyes and then he sighed.

“I don’t know why I bother to argue with myself, I know in the end I’ll give up, because I’d do anything for you.” He shook his head. “If I could hold you right now Abby I would, but if you’re mother comes looking for us and sees us hugging… complications.” He muttered. He extended his arm hoping she didn’t hate him at the moment. “Come on, I was told to come fetch you, not love you…” He didn’t want her to cry. If he could prevent it, Reynolds would. Even if it meant killing himself, he would do it just for her.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Abigail’s eyes widened as John dropped to his knees. She looked down at him, tears spilling over and sliding slowly down her cheeks. “I won’t get hurt in the end. This is all happening so fast, John. Please stand up.” She bit her lip, looking down at him. “Just,… you need to stop thinking about the bad things. You need to think on the positive things. I know you think that maybe our love is unreasonable, but it’s not. Just because you’re worried about what might happen… it doesn’t matter.”

She looked down at John as he spoke, shaking her head. “I already KNOW I want to marry you, John. I already know I’ll be happy.” Abigail watched John pull the chain out of his shirt, nodding as she remembered. “Yes… I remember… “ She watched a bit numbly as he closed her hand around the ring and chain. She looked to him again. “John, I can promise you right now that I already know we’ll be happy. You just have to… let that happen. You have to let yourself be happy. You deserve it. We both do. My father might be intimidating, but he doesn’t know anything about the way our love is. We would be completely happy if we just had the chance… we could… go somewhere. Somewhere out west or something where the war is less of an issue, maybe…”

Abby watched John stand and just… shook her head. “I don’t care,” she informed him, grabbing him in a fierce hug and kissing him square on the mouth. She pulled away and her eyes were shining. You could SEE the stubbornness in her expression. “You loved me before you were told to come get me. John Fulton Reynolds, there is one thing you need to promise me now, with or without this necklace. Promise me that you will do everything humanly possible to come back to me and marry me. I need to be your wife. Promise me that, and we can go down to lunch.” Abigail slipped the ring back onto her finger, and then clasped the silver chain around her neck so she wouldn’t lose it. She looked rather resolute.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds had to gather his thoughts for a moment, the kiss had rendered him a little shocked. He had gone a little crazy over the course of the day. Perhaps it was the anxiety pent up from when he had to encounter Mr. Blake, the impending doom of battle and his incapability of staying with Abby. He took a deep breath letting the thought of war fill his mind again. What was his purpose? To protect Northern Values and Morale. Why was he fighting? Because he was good at fighting and people relied on him and his men to protect liberty, freedom and the pursuit of happiness… Reynolds stopped thinking for a moment and realized what had just clicked in his mind. The pursuit of happiness… Wasn’t that his endeavor at the moment? Was he not pursuing happiness by courting Abby, by fighting for her? Wasn’t he protecting the right to freedom by disobeying the expectations of a Northerner? Wasn’t he giving Abigail the rights to liberty, to let her choose who she wanted to marry? Reynolds could have slapped himself.

“Major General Meade was right, I’m making an ass out of myself…” He said it more to himself than anyone else. “I know it’s awful hard to forget what I just said, but could you?” Reynolds drew in a deep breath. “No good comes with thinking about things Abby, it’s why I’m so good at war. I just do what feel right, sometimes I think about things, but once I decide it’s done…” He shook his head. “I’ll marry you, no doubt about it. I promised you and I’m going to keep that promise, no more thinking about it. I’m just going to do it because it feels right…” He smiled. “Do you know why I gave up command in Washington? Because all they do is think up there, they’re not on the battlefield, they can’t see what’s going on, so they think through their actions while people die. I couldn’t do that, so I declined to risk my life on the battlefield, because that’s where I can act.” He paused. “I let myself sit in my head and go crazy thinking about all the bad things, when I should have been out here fighting the battle. Sometimes I think war is all I think about and then I see your face and remember that I love being happy too.”

He furrowed his brow for a moment as if contemplating something and then took her hand in his. “Abby, we can’t run away from this. No matter where we go, the war will be there. The fact of the matter is, I don’t want you to lose all the people you love just for me. I want us to marry the right way, regardless of who opposes it.” He released one of her hands to wave at some invisible force as if to push it away. “Forget what I said about taking you away from here, I will come back and back again until you’re daddy let’s me marry you. I don’t care if I’m eighty years old, we’re going to do this right.” He brought her hand to his lips and he kissed it once, twice and then a third time. “You know I can’t abandon my men like that. It’s like asking me to leave you, I couldn’t do it. Now that I got my head on straight, no more of that convoluted nonsense, I realize that it’s the same position in the war as it is here. I have to remain constant and I haven’t been doing that. I’m doing my best Abby, I’m just not used to this yet.”

He extended his arm once again chuckling at the fact she had called him by his full name. “You remembered Abigail Grace…” He said softly. He had asked the gardener before he left if he knew her middle name. The gardener replied grace and Reynolds thanked the man kindly. (ooc: He’s being a creeper…lol) “The only thing I hate more than sitting around, is sitting around and thinking… no good I tell you.” Reynolds muttered to himself. He was still feeling pretty let down by the fact that he had wavered. One of the finest soldiers in the Union Army, wavering because he wasn’t sure. Reynolds breathed war and somehow applying it to the situation seemed comforting. It was a concept he understood, but as the days passed he was sure he’d understand the concept of love better.

 

[StarWhisperer]

((ooc: ooh, he's a creeper like us! XD btw, Abby's dad did refer to her as Abigail Grace a few times when they were talking. let me know how the Dr. stuff goes!))

Abby looked at John, eyes skeptical. “You know, John, I love you and all, but I’m beginning to wonder if you might not be crazy.” She smiled at him gently, reaching up and touching the side of his face. “I promise to forget about it, as long as you don’t someday decide that being married to me doesn’t feel good anymore.” Abigail fiddled with the ring on her finger. “I want you to be happy. That’s all I want anymore, for you to be happy and to be with me. There isn’t anything I want more.”

She looked down at her hand in his, then back up at him. “But,” Abigail protested, “I don’t want to be in my seventies when I get married. I want to have lots of children with you.” She smiled at him a little, a charming, lovely little smile she knew he couldn’t say no to. “I don’t see how we’re going to get married without me either losing the people I love or you leaving your men,” Abigail admitted to him. She looked down. “They’re Notherners, my people are Southerners…”

Taking Reynolds’ arm, Abigail sighed heavily. “Can I still keep the necklace until you leave? I have an idea of something to put on it.” Abby glanced up at John, lifting an eyebrow. “Of course I remembered. When you love someone, it’s hard not to think about them all the time.” She smiled a bit. “Even when thinking is just so completely terrible… you don’t want to stop. I keep imagining how our life is going to be… I like what I see, so far.”

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

(ooc If you could find a picture of an actress, preferably a real person that looks like Abigail, could you send it my way. I have an idea for something…)

Reynolds shook his head lifting his free hand to place it over hers. The touch of her fingertips against his face was a sweet reminder that this was all real. “I love you Abigail, nothing will change that.” He furrowed his brow. “I don’t see how I could ever be unhappy with you, lest you go and run off with another general…” He joked giving her hand a light squeeze. What a picture they must have been together. Reynolds could have written a book about them. The impossible love on two opposite sides of the war. He only wished that maybe that love was transferable and that the whole United States could just accept one another, but that was like asking a Southerner to give up their slaves, impossible. It was a strange feeling being a General of the United States of America (hence Union) and staying in the Confederate States of America (Hence Confederacy or Confederates). Let alone falling in love with one of it’s girls.

Reynolds took his hand and placed it over her stomach just as he had the night before. The fabric was soft, but not nearly as pleasant as the feel of her skin. “I don’t know how you’re going to fit a baby in such a small space…” He joked tickling her a bit for full measure. “It’s not my decision Abigail, it’s your fathers, but I’ll try my best to get us married soon.” Abby smiled taking Reynolds’s heart by a chokehold. The poor General had no defenses against her. His artillery was too harsh for something as sweet as her and he was at a loss. He loved her deeply and he doubted there was anything he could deny her of. “I’ll win this war then.” Reynolds said with full confidence. “I know we’ll win this war Abigail, we have too. Ninety thousand men to seventy thousand. If we get the high ground, there will be nothing left to fight. I won’t lose this battle or this war. I’ll win it just so we can get married. Just so we won’t have to lose so much.” Reynolds gave her hand another squeeze.

“You’ve been on my mind since I met you. I’ll thank Mrs. Hayford for introducing us later as soon as she quits gossiping to every regiment in the city. Did I tell you about that? Mrs. Hayford don went an told General Lee, Longstreet and Armistead that I asked for your hand. I don’t even know how she found out!” He shut his eyes in embarrassment. “I was glad the men knew, but she went and got me in trouble with General Meade. That hot-head wouldn’t know how to lead an army if marched right over him…” Reynolds shook his head, but sighed. “Point is, I’ll always think of you, but being so far away makes it hard. I need something to remember you by when your voice fades away, your scent leaves me…” Reynolds trailed off not wanting to think of that time. Battles went on for quite some time, he wasn’t sure how long this battle would ensue, how much longer it would take him away from Abigail and even worse if it would take him away forever.

Reynolds stopped at the end of the hall before they were too close to the dining room. He put his hands on the sides of her face caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. “You can keep the necklace until I leave…” He paused for the sake of just being able to look at her. His eyes traced the very depths of her emerald eyes and he couldn’t help, but wonder. What colored eyes their child would have, seeing as he had the coldest blue eyes and she had the brightest green eyes. Such extremes on the scale. He sighed and smiled at her peering down from his towering height. “That’s why I LOVE you Abigail Grace. No matter what it is you’re thinking about, it’s always so pleasant. You complement me my dear, you complete me.” He pulled her in for one quick gentle kiss. He pulled away and extended his arm so that they could proceed to lunch. All formality was a matter of question now. The good General was given new liberties with this official courting time.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Abigail smiled up at him. “I love you, too. And I hope you aren’t ever unhappy with me… I don’t see me running off with another General, or anyone else, really, ever. So I don’t think you have to worry about that too terribly much.” She nodded, patting his hand before his rested it over her stomach. Abby looked down at her tiny, flat stomach. “I suppose the space will have to expand a bit,” she joked back, then giggled and covered her mouth with her hand as he tickled her.

I’ll win this war, then. He wanted to win the war for HER. That was quite a weighty feeling. Vaguely, Abigail wondered if it would actually be possible that her mere existence could be a deciding factor on the outcome of the war. It very well might be; she had a feeling that John would be trying that much harder to come out on top because of her. “If you die,” she informed him, “You’ll be in Heaven. I’ll be the one losing out. So don’t die, because I want to live, please.” Abby smiled again, squeezing his hand back.

“Did she really??” Abigail sounded more amused than anything, especially at the face he was making. She grinned. “Well, I kind of like the fact that people know… if people know you’re after me, and the ladies in society will be impressed that a General is asking for my hand, regardless of the color of his uniform, it may soften my mother a bit. She’s all about social rank.”

Abby frowned, thinking about her voice fading away and her scent leaving him. “Well, we’ll just have to make sure you don’t forget me, mm? I can’t have that. And you’ll just have to return as soon as you possibly can.” Abigail’s mind had already gone beyond battles and things. “If I am pregnant, it’s going to be scandalous, you know. There won’t be time to get married before I have my baby. I wish you didn’t have to leave. I’m sure my mother could organize a wedding in two months, before I was too big. If I am pregnant.” Abigail fervently hoped that she was.

She looked up at him, shutting her eyes for a moment as he brushed her cheeks with his thumbs, then opening them again and staring into his eyes. “I aim to be a generally pleasant person,” she explained. “It seems to make you happy, and it’s always made my father smile, so I figured why change something that isn’t broken?” Abby smiled. “I love you, too.” She kissed him back and linked arms with him as he led her into the dining room.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds had desperately wanted to just spend time alone with Abigail. He didn’t know what God had planned for him. He didn’t know whether his hourglass was running on days, months or years. All Reynolds knew was that he couldn’t lose time with the one person his life revolved around. Reynolds was vaguely aware that soon enough they’d be in earshot of her parents and that he’d have to watch his tongue, but for the moment he was completely content with walking her to lunch. Despite the circumstances, Reynolds felt a little more liberated. He was less restricted by the idea that she didn’t feel the same way, less restricted by hiding his intentions and less restricted by time. Reynolds decided that the best way to approach this, was to pretend as if he had all the time in the world. To loosen up and just act as if this were Lancaster and he was home.

Reynolds shook his head at her remark. He would always be with her, dead or alive. He made it a point to watch over her. “I’ll come back alive, I promise you I will.” Reynolds knew he had no control over his death, but he knew that whatever it took he would come back to her. He knew that if it came down to it and he was injured. They would send him home, but home is where the heart is and his heart was with Abby. He knew that his parents would understand if he was sent alive to Abby and sent home in a casket to Lancaster. They had been waiting the entire duration of the war for it to happen, they were well aware it could happen at any moment.

“Major General Miss Blake…” He said holding his head up high and chin forward as if it heightened his status, but within moments he dropped the persona with a chuckle. “I should have taken that title as Commander, maybe then you’re mother would give you up without a single thought.” Reynolds chuckled a bit thinking of Meade. How the Union would win with that man in command, he didn’t know, but he knew people like Marshall, himself, sickle, doubleday, Buford, those were the real commanders. He knew that the war was in their hands, regardless of who was in Washington.

Reynolds sighed. “I wish it were as easy as that Abigail, that I could just come back within a day’s travel, but you know that that isn’t possible.” He gave her arm a light pat with his free hand. “I will come back to you before next week’s end, I can promise you that, but I can’t promise the condition I’ll come back in…” His eyes were steady ahead trying to hide any concerned emotion. “I promise I’ll come back alive, but I need you to promise me you’ll be prepared for the worst.” Reynolds smiled trying to ease her mind. “Abigail, don’t plan so quickly. You’re father hasn’t even given me your hand yet. We have time, trust me we have time.” He sighed wanting to desperately marry her right at the moment. Before he left even. It would have made the battle so much easier.

Reynolds held his tongue as they entered the room and he released her arm to greet her parents and pull a chair out for her. His hands rested on the chair waiting for Abigail to take her seat so he could push it in. His mind wandered wondering where he would put his cutlass if he had to remove it.

 

[StarWhisperer]

“If you promise to come back alive, I believe you.” Absently, Abigail touched her engagement ring. As far as she was concerned, her hand was secured. It was really just a matter of getting her parents to see it now, that was all. That was what she told herself.

“Mm, yes, I feel as though my mother would have been much more impressed by the title Commander. But Major General is still rather impressive, Major General Reynolds.” Abigail grinned up at him. “She’ll come around, don’t worry. You’ll see. I’ll convince my father and he’ll convince her. That’s how it works whenever I want something, believe me. And I’ve never wanted something as much as I want to be married to you.”

Abby looked down as John patted her arm. “I can prepare myself,” she agreed, voice growing rather quiet. “Just please try to be all in one piece… I would love you just as much without one arm, but I’d prefer you not suffer through any sort of pain such as that. Even the cut on your side bothers me.” She whispered that part, in case her parents could hear, since they were so close to the dining room. “I can’t help but plan. It’s all I’ve dreamed about, getting to marry someone I love. I’m sure it’ll be a fairy tale wedding, with you in uniform and me in a pretty white dress...” She sighed dreamily.

Abigail sat down in the chair John pulled out for her primly, crossing her legs at the ankle and folding her hands in her lap. She thanked him with a demure, “Thank you kindly, Major General Reynolds, casting her eyes respectfully downward. Master Blake stood and shook Reynolds’ hand. “Good afternoon, General.” Mrs. Blake greeted him as well as dinner was served. Abby took a small spoonful of soup, smiling to herself.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds shook Master Blake’s hand firmly his eyes still filled with the bright cheer that Abby had brought him. “Master Blake, thank you for having me for yet another good meal.” He averted his eyes for a moment to Mrs. Blake and greeted her with a quaint bow. “I am entirely grateful for your hospitality Mrs. Blake.” Reynolds took his seat beside Abby relieved that the cutlass didn’t jab him in the hip. The damn thing was more of a nuisance than an honor. “General Lee has extended our stay for Thursday afternoon and I would be honored to continue my stay here, but under the circumstances I feel as though I should relocate my stay.” Reynolds purposely kept eye contact with Mrs. Blake as it was pertinent to her concerns.

“I understand that honor is important and I wouldn’t want talk going around.” He paused for a moment. “After all I’m sure that it is strange to have a Young General staying in the home of the woman he wishes to marry.” Reynolds took a sip of the soup, happy to have yet another meal in a home and not on the battlefield. Reynolds felt awkward just sitting there. He wasn’t sure where to begin to impress the Blakes. He could tell them of war time merits and awards, but it simply seemed cocky. He had to refrain from furrowing his brow, a habit he seemed to have picked up over night.

“Do you cook all these meals Mrs. Blake?” He asked keeping his eyes on the soup. Reynolds figured he might as well start somewhere. He thought back to the conversations late night in the midst of battle. The conversations at the poker tables or beside the fireplace. He was so at ease amongst those men and he needed to duplicate that here. Perhaps due to the lack of common ground, Reynolds was at a great loss.

 

[StarWhisperer]

“Our pleasure,” the senior Blake said easily, waving his hand and re-taking his seat. Mrs. Blake gave him a small smile and a nod at the bow. “As my husband said, it’s our pleasure, General.” Her eyes darted to Abigail, then back to Reynolds. “Yes, my husband has informed me on the situation. I’m well aware of the circumstances.” Abby’s small smile stayed on her lips but she didn’t look up at her mother.

Temperance Blake looked like a gracefully aged version of her young daughter; she was only thirty five years old, having married and given birth to Abigail at just sixteen. Her hair was a few shades darker than her daughter’s, her eyes the same green with a few flecks of a gold-ish color mixed in. Her hair was pulled back and she had an effortless grace that obviously had translated to her daughter, though the woman’s slightly high strung and neurotic tendencies had mercifully not.

“Mm,” Mrs. Blake murmured, eyes thoughtful. She cast them for a moment in her husband’s direction and, once more, returned them to Reynolds. “Well, General, we’ve already extended the offer for you to stay with us until you depart. It is my understanding that you plan on making a return trip once certain war business things are over with. For those times, we feel it would be wisest for you to find other accommodations, but for now, you’re welcome to stay here. I can easily explain to my friends the situation, the lot of the busybodies.” Mrs. Blake laughed easily, the slight laugh lines around her eyes crinkling. When she smiled, she looked remarkably like Abigail. It was no wonder Mr. Blake had fallen so easily for her.

“I simply insist you stay. It would be inhospitable to ask you to leave now that you’ve already settled into the guest room. Stability, even for a short few days, is important for a person.” Mr. Blake nodded in agreement. Abigail had to force herself not to beam with happiness.

Temperance laughed again, shaking her head. “All of them? Goodness, no. We entertain company four or five times a week, I could never cook so much. Generally, I cook the main part, though, I did make this soup.” She took a bite, looking thoughtful. “We have a few people who work solely in our kitchen. They do a very good job helping me. They seem to enjoy cooking, too, which is why we have them there.” It seemed like she was hinting at them being slaves but didn’t want to upset General Reynolds’ sensibilities by saying that outright. “I’m quite fond of the people who work in the house with me,” continued Mrs. Blake. “I could never be one of those women who sits around doing nothing all day long until she has company. I take part in the cleaning and cooking and organizing, as well as being social and an active part in our community.”

“Mother is a true socialite,” chimed in Abigail sweetly, still not looking up. “The soup is delicious.”

“Thank you, Abigail Grace. That green looks lovely on you.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

Mrs. Blake returned her eyes to Reynolds. “I enjoy being an active part of my own household, General Reynolds. It’s important to me. I’ve taught Abigail to do the same her whole life. She’ll never be a complacent house wife. It’s not in her nature. I warn you now, the girl is very headstrong and she must have her way!” Mrs. Blake laughed a little and shook her head, her husband joining her. “She is very stubborn,” he agreed jovially. “Like a cute little mule.” Abigail blushed furiously.

“I’m not that stubborn,” she mumbled.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds flashed a friendly smile feeling slightly more at ease. “I wish that the circumstances were different Mrs. Blake and that I had more time to spend here in your lovely town, but I’m afraid the short time is what we must work with, but I will return before next weeks end.” He repeated more as a comfort to Abby than anything else. “Of course I come into your household with all good intentions, I never imagined someone as sweet as Abby would have ensnared my heart.” He kept comprehensible eye contact with both Mrs. Blake and Master Blake. “I wrote to my parents back in Lancaster and made them aware of my intentions and my father is more than willing to handle any wedding costs, that is if you allow me to marry your daughter, Sir Blake.” Reynolds had a bashful smile on his face as if what he said was more bold than what he was proposing.

Reynolds wasn’t quite sure why he was so uneasy. Perhaps it was the fact that his fate with Abby lay in the balance and well he was courting a Southern woman. There was enough good reason to hate him. Though the small eased smile stayed on his face as he was with a family. He hadn’t had a good family meal since Lancaster or the Battles preceding Gettysburg. He found himself slowly easing into the idea that this would be his new family. It may have been strange and awkward to him now, but regardless of their position towards him, Reynolds would have to adjust. These were the people who had raised Abigail, the woman he loved and therefore by transitive property there had to be something of them Reynolds would love and there would be something of him they could love as well.

He nodded silently in agreement with what Mrs. Blake had just proposed. “That sounds reasonable, I can’t thank you both enough for the hospitality Mrs. Blake, Master Blake.” Reynolds let the sincerity sink into his voice as well as his eyes. The two were less intimidating when he didn’t treat them as if they were issuing his death sentence. “I would hope you explain the situation to Mrs. Hayford, she seems to enjoy reporting every discrepancy to the Commander… speaking of which have you heard from General Lewis Armistead? He wanted to pay his respects tonight, but he has yet to arrive.” Reynolds wondered where old Lew cold have been, or what the hold up was. Hopefully the confederates weren’t planning some ambush…

Reynolds nodded. “Stability indeed. Speaking of which, despite the color of my uniform, your family and General Lee have made me feel quite at home. General Lee is one of the most honorable men I have ever met in my life and it is an honor to have fought with him and now to fight against him.” Reynolds shook his head. “It’s a shame we’re on opposite sides, but I’ve been enjoying the twists this man pulls. He was one of the main reasons I gave up Commander’s position in Washington. I wanted to be on the battlefield not shying away from it. Lee is a real commander, with no disrespect to my Commanding Officer Meade of course.” His eyes held a glint of sarcasm as he talked about Meade.

“Now, Now Major Reynolds. Who’s gotten you riled up about the war…” General Armistead entered the room following a servant. Reynolds stood up in his chair in respect to the opposing General and an old friend. “I apologize for barging in on dinner Mr. and Mrs. Blake, but I wanted to pay my respects to an old friend…” He winked at Reynolds before going to shake Master Blakes hand.

Reynolds smiled at Mrs. Blake. She seemed like such a pleasant woman, less intimidating while she let her social flare show. He nodded. “Well I compliment you and your staff for the lovely meal. I haven’t had such a good meal since I’ve been home. I miss it dearly.” He thought about his mother Lydia and his father John, who he received his name after. They were so proud of him. “Old Lew here knows all about my military history.” Reynolds said making sure he filled in the Blakes to his connection with the Confederate general. “I was a commander at West Point, like Lee before me and well I befriended Brigadier General Lewis Armistead and Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. Both men are a riot, but that was before the war drew us all apart…”

Armistead let out a boisterous laugh. “Your sentiments Reynolds are far too solemn. We’ll see each other in battle, we will no doubt about it.” He looked at the Blakes with cheerful eyes. “This man is the finest Soldier the Union’s got and he is one of the most honorable and prestigious Generals I have ever known, next to Lee that is. Boy takes after him if you ask me…”

Reynolds smiled bashfully looking at Abby for a moment. “You’re mothers right though Abigail, you are quite the stubborn young lady.” He chuckled. “Mrs. Blake, I don’t mind it. I’m looking for a woman to love me and keep me in check. The housework can come later…” He gave Abby a smile, but kept his attention towards her parents.

 

[StarWhisperer]

“If the circumstances were different it would be nice,” Temperance Blake said tartly; from her tone it was hard to figure out if she was referring to the time he would be there… or the side of the war he was on. “But, I suppose, there’s nothing we can do about it. That’s very kind and generous of your parents. Would they travel here for the wedding?” She paused, receiving a look from her husband. “That is, were it to occur,” Mrs. Blake corrected smoothly.

Both of Abby’s parents nodded at his repeated thanks. “It really isn’t a problem,” they assured. Mrs. Blake smiled a bit. “Prudence Hayford and I have been friends since our respective childhoods,” she explained. “She was the first person I told. I will gladly explain how propriety is being maintained to her. She just likes to talk, she’s really harmless.”

The Blake’s both shook their heads. “No, can’t say we’ve heard from him.” Master Blake nodded. “General Lee is a good man. A great man, really. It’s good to hear of such bravery from the man looking to make my daughter his wife.” Abigail held in her sigh. It was tiring to be referred to as almost an object, and like she wasn’t actually in the room, but she knew that that was what was necessary; to her parents this was basically a business transaction.

Abigail’s father stood again, to shake General Armistead’s hand. “No harm done,” he said, smiling broadly. “Have a seat!” Mrs. Blake nodded vehemently. “Yes, please join us. There’s plenty food to go around, I assure you.” A servant brought an extra dish of soup and set it down at the place beside Reynolds. “Please sit.”

“Well, I appreciate the compliment,” Mrs. Blake said modestly. “Thank you, General Reynolds. Whenever you’re in the area I will be glad to make you a nice home cooked meal.” She pursed her lips, glancing at her husband; he wouldn’t appreciate any ‘future mother in law’ comments. “Well, that’s quite impressive, General Reynolds.”

“Is that so, General Armistead?” Mr. Blake cast an appraising eye over Reynolds. “I’ll take your word for it.” He didn’t sound legitimately skeptical; mostly like he was joking. “Now if only he were fighting for the right side, eh?” He lifted his glass and took a drink.

Abigail looked up, grateful for the small opportunity to speak a bit. “I am not,” she defended. She shook her head. “I was simply raised to know what I want and to go for it. There is a difference.” She took a sip of her drink, casting a curious eye at General Armistead before returning to demurely lowering them to the table.

“Abigail will keep you check, alright,” Mr. Blake laughed. “She’ll do the housework and give you a run for your money all in one go. Are you sure that’s what you want?” He nudged his daughter in the shoulder and she scowled a bit, face violently red. “The girl is something else, General.” Mrs. Blake nodded confirmation to this statement.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds didn‘t lose his composure. Despite the change in Mrs. Blake‘s tone, his focus was directed on winning the hand of his beloved Abby. If he cowered away now, he‘d lose his chance and the following week wouldn‘t be easy, especially if he were to get injured. He noted the interaction between Mrs. Blake and her husband. It was a system of checks and balances for married couples. Mr. Blake ran things, Mrs. Blake was a PR rep always trying to hide the scandals or discrepancies of the household. Reynolds nodded casually. “Lancaster isn’t too far from here, It’s been a full year since I’ve been home and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind picking up for a bit to travel down this direction. My brothers are generals as well, you see military and politics runs in my family, so they wouldn’t have trouble with the travel either.”

Reynolds chuckled thinking of Mrs. Hayford once again. Mrs. Blake was right, most women just couldn’t keep a secret to themselves. Harmless, but it was an irritation when it came to Commander Meade. Reynolds ate his meal silently, listening to the Blakes and commenting where he needed to. Talking was becoming slightly easier, but Reynolds reminded himself he couldn’t get too comfortable just yet.

There was a strange air about the room when Armistead had come in. Abigail was right, it was as if they were in a business transaction and Armistead was there to give Reynolds credibility. It was harsh really not being able to talk to her. Reynolds desperately wanted to interact with Abby, but he knew he had the entire afternoon for that.

Reynolds had to fight a smirk as Armistead made his entrance. Armistead took his place besides Reynolds giving the boy a good pat on the shoulder. The two of them were old friends and despite the age difference, had a mutual respect for one another. “It’s good to have a meal with you Lew, but I thought you were going to come in for dinner?” Reynolds was deeply curious as to why Armistead had come so early.

“I have to meet my regiment up north early tomorrow morning and well I promised General Lee I’d have dinner with him tonight before I left. I didn’t want to leave town without saying goodbye to you, so I figured I’d come now.” He looked at Reynolds sincerely hinting at the movement of the Confederate army. The battle would ensue soon enough. Reynolds nodded his head slowly realizing how close the clouds of war were bearing down on him.

“I’m glad you came Lew.” Reynolds said giving Armistead a firm pat on the back. Must have been a strange sight for the opposing soldiers to endeavor in such camaraderie.

Reynolds gave Mrs. Blake an acknowledging nod, not wanting to pursue the conversation any further. He didn’t want to cause conflict within the family as it was clear Abigail’s father was still bordering the line of distaste with Reynolds. He looked up as General Armistead responded.

“Reynolds is a great Solider Master Blake. I haven’t seen a better horseman at his age. My, my if the secession wasn’t happening and all, well he’d be right next to Lee in the hall of greatest Generals.” Armistead had a broad smile that crinkled his eyes. Always a cheerful man that Armistead. “Actually, I’m glad the boy is fighting for the Yankees. To be quite honest, if Reynolds wasn’t up for Commander’s position, well there’d be no challenge. We would have won this war if Reynolds hadn’t chosen a military career and that sir, well you must understand is quite the bore when you’ve got a fighter’s spirit.”

Reynolds chuckled at Lo’s appraisal. The one thing he admire about it all was that Lo was being sincere. You could see it in the man’s eyes that all those words came from his heart. He was saying it as a friend and a comrade, not a man who was doing favors.

Reynolds smiled, Armistead taking a note of the cheerful nature he hadn’t seen in a while. He would have responded to Abby, but he knew that his sweet words would probably break the flow of the conversation and damage the appropriate tone he had already set.

“Mr. Blake, anything you’re daughter offers, I will take.” He chuckled. “Even if it means she chases me out of the home with a pistol.” He looked at Abby for a moment and averted his eyes. “But that’s why I want to marry her Master Blake, she isn’t like any other woman I have ever met.”

Armistead cleared his throat. “Ain’t like Ms. Hewitt either, eh?” Reynolds jaw tightened at the mention of Kate’s name. He had desperately hoped Lo would avoid that conversation with him.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Mrs. Blake nodded. “Well, the military and government are fine, respectable career choices,” she said with approval. Her husband rolled his eyes a bit, taking another deep drink.

Mr. Blake looked a tad bit more convinced as Armistead went on and on about Reynolds’ capabilities. “Hmm. That so,” he mumbled, sounding contemplative. “Yes, if there was no real opposition, there would be no real point,” Blake agreed. Meanwhile, Abby had finished her soup and was picking listlessly at a roll, until her mother made a disapproving noise at her. Abigail sighed, but stopped.

She had to force herself not to wince at the phrase ‘anything she offers I will take.’ That was a rather unfortunate phrasing, but she doubted her parents would think of it that way. Must have been her guilty conscience talking. She picked up her glass and took a sip of water.

“Abigail has never held a pistol in his life,” Blake said gruffly, ignoring the fact that it was a joke and frowning at the way Reynolds looked at his daughter, even for the short moment. “She is unique, though…”

All three Blake family members made disapproving faces at the mention of Ms. Hewitt. Abigail’s looked part disheartened that her parents had to hear about it and part jealous; Mrs. Blake frowned; Mr. Blake lifted his eyebrows. “Ms. Hewitt, mm? Is that the woman you mentioned in passing earlier, General? The one you had wanted to marry a few years ago.” He sounded curious in a way. Abigail looked at her father, wondering what he was going for here.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds smiled bashfully. “Thank you Mrs. Blake. Quite honestly, it’s what I’m good at. I never really tried to venture outside of it.” He was growing tired of the scene a little anxious as the time rolled on. The constant flux of favor and disfavor was starting to make his head spin. One minute Reynolds was ready to be on his knees for forgiveness, the next he felt as if all of this was being handed to him on a silver plate. It wasn’t anything like war. War you knew if you were going to win or lose, or at least you understood your chances. This was much more complicated and a bit frustrating. Armistead could see the tire in Reynolds eyes, but to someone else it would be unrecognizable.

“I don’t need to tell you much more about John here, Master Blake.” Armistead said with a huff. “The young man has his head on right and he can show you himself.” Lo reached behind Reynolds and put his arm on his shoulder giving it a good pat, before letting it fall back to his side. Reynolds was grateful that he had a friend to keep him at ease, otherwise he was sure he might falter. Then again it was Abby he was fighting for, he couldn’t falter if she was his base.

Reynolds hadn’t quite been contemplating his words, seeing as “thinking was no good.”, but at the moment he felt as if he needed to watch what he said in case he let on a great roll of detail the Blakes needn’t know. Instead he focused on his breathing reminding himself that this was like war, one misstep and you got your head blown off.

He took a sip of water before resuming conversation, his shoulders stiff with anxiety. “After meeting you and your wife Mr. Blake, I can see where she gets her personality from. It’s admirable really, not many people take from their parents in such a respectable way.” Reynolds avoided looking at Abby, though he desperately wanted too, his eyes were like books. The minute he set eyes on her, their entire story was in bold lettering.

“Forgive General Armistead Mr. Blake, he likes to dwell a great deal on the past.” Reynolds gave Armistead an Admonishing look. He took a deep breath feeling as if someone had shoved a dagger into his heart. He hadn’t quite gotten over the betrayal Kate had put him through, but he had gotten over her trickery in some time. He pinched the bridge of his nose as if her name had triggered some kind of headache. He looked up removing his hand from the front of this face. “Katherine Hewitt was a catholic girl from my past, some five or six years ago.” He cleared his throat as if her name caused some kind of taste in his mouth. “She was a respectable girl. I was young, naïve and an aspiring Captain in the military. You see Mr. Blake, I loved Kate. I gave her all my heart and my loyalty. In fact I proposed to her, with the approval of her father, before I left to Command at West Point.” He stopped there his eyes containing a sincere amount of sorrow. “She caused me a great deal of pain and I told myself that women weren’t worth the trouble and I would avoid the pitfalls of love. Pardon me for being so bold, but your daughter Abigail proved me wrong.” Reynolds released another breath and set his silverware aside. He was done with lunch.

Armistead cleared his throat. “If you don’t mind me finishing John, I’d like to apologize for bringing her up, but I think maybe you should give the Blakes a bit of closure so that they know Ms. Hewitt, or should I say Mrs. Pope, will not be returning to your conscience anytime soon.”

Reynolds shut his eyes in complete agony and nodded. Why Lo had to bring up Kate, he would never know, nor would he ask lest it fire his temper. “I was engaged to Kate for a good amount of time. We wrote while I was at West Point and I was sure we’d have a wedding. As General Armistead here knows, I was captured by the opposing army and kept for a bit of time. During this entire time the only thought that kept me alive were my troops and Kate. I promised her I would stay alive and I would come back to her and we would get married. In turn she promised she’d stay faithful.” Reynolds fists were clenched underneath the table and his knuckles were bone white. “When I was released and I returned with my men, I found out that Kate had run off with a General. Married this same General and told me that she couldn’t marry someone like me. She told me that she was sorry, but that she couldn’t stay faithful. Katherine Hewitt deceived me. She made me believe that I’d never love anyone, because they wouldn’t love me back. She made me think that love wasn’t worth the fight, but that’s because she wasn’t a woman worth fighting for. She wasn’t a lady…” Reynolds eyes fell downcast. Wondering why he had ever made the mistake of loving her. “The last thing she told me, was John Fulton Reynolds you may turn out to be one of the greatest men in history, but that won’t change the fact that I don’t love you.”

Reynolds looked up at Master Blake with a composed look. “I was a fool. It’s why I don’t play the games of love. War is what I know, I don’t know the first thing about love. All I know is how to feel it and how to give it. I’m sorry if that’s not what you’re looking for sir.”

 

[StarWhisperer]

Mrs. Blake looked incredibly sympathetic as Reynolds finished her story. Abigail was staring over at Reynolds. Slowly, she reached over and took his hand under the table, not really caring who saw. She gave it a gentle squeeze.

From Temperance Blake’s expression, it looked like she was positively sold. So that was one parent down. Abigail refused to let go of John’s hand. She looked at him. “I would never do that,” she said, loud enough so everyone at the table would hear. “I would never leave and I would never hurt you. We might fight, in fact we probably will, but we will always make up and we will always be alright, in the end. My parents have been married for almost twenty years and they still love each other as much as the day they met. Did you know that it was love at first sight for them, too?” She paused. “Or, at least, for my father…”

She looked over at him, almost accusingly. “He’s made arguments about how short of a time we’ve known each other when he only waited a week to propose to my mother…” Mr. Blake looked rather angry, but his wife was nodding.

“It’s true. We met at some social function or another and he told me he loved me after our first dance and we were engaged a week later. Two months later we were married and nine months after that, I had Abigail Grace.” Temperance smiled. “He knows how to feel love, too, and he loves his daughter.”

Without a word, Blake Sr. stood from the table and headed out of the room. His wife watched him go and frowned. She stood, as well, setting her cloth napkin on the table. “Excuse us, please, General Armistead, General Reynolds.” She hurried out of the room, disappearing from sight. Abigail suddenly realized she was still holding John’s hand and dropped it, letting out a long, low breath.

“So,” she said, drawing the ‘o’ sound out. “Can I interest either of you in a glass of lemonade outside on the verandah?” Obviously, she was trying to break the sudden awkwardness.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds hadn’t the slightest clue how much of himself he had let go, let alone what was going on. All he knew was that he unleashed a complete amount of emotion he hadn’t confided with to anyone over the course of the years. War is what I do… War didn’t feel emotion and that was perhaps his sole reason to clinging to it. He didn’t have to worry about War looking him in the eye and telling him he wasn’t loved. His eye twitched a moment as he felt Abby’s hand from underneath the table, he slackened his grip and allowed her to ease his tension.

Reynolds hadn’t heard Abby speak very much more than a few fragments of a sentence, so he was somewhat shocked when she argued on his behalf. He smiled appreciatively wanting to take her face in his hands, but he would settle for the hand she held over his. “That’s why I love you Abigail.” He said in a low tone. “Because you’re different, because no matter what I know I’ll love you and you’ll love me in return” He looked up at the mention of Mr. and Mrs. Blake. His eyes flashing filled with curiosity. Reynolds was feeling slightly agitated by the fact that Mr. Blake was a hypocrite. Not that Reynolds wasn’t either, but the fact that he was holding something against Reynolds that he himself understood was a bit frustrating. Though Reynolds knew he had to keep himself in check. Just like Reynolds, Mr. Blake may believe something to the core, but show it in a different way. Resolution or Love at first sight, it was the same argument.

“I don’t think it’s hardly fair to compare our cases, Miss Blake.” Reynolds corrected his slip. He would have rather kept Formality to save him from getting shot, than letting comfort seep in. Reynolds didn’t know how to defend Mr. Blake on this particular argument as Abby was right. He had no better reason than Reynolds did, but the fact that he felt love.

“I know this must be hard to believe, but I honestly love your daughter Mrs. Blake and Mr. Blake. I can’t explain it, but I’m trying.” He looked up to notice his argument was a bit futile as Master Blake was fleeing from company and his wife following shortly after. Reynolds figured he had won the battle with Mr. Blake’s wife, but he had lost the war with Master Blake’s approval.

Armistead let out an amused, but wheezy laugh. “My boy, you are always stirring up some kind of trouble. I wish you the best of luck. Miss Blake I must respectfully decline that offer as I don’t want to intrude on what little time you two have left. Give your parents my best regards, I’ll walk myself out.” Lo stood up and Reynolds followed shaking his hand and giving him a firm hug before watching him go. It would probably be the last time they were on such casual terms. The next moment would be spent at gunpoint. “I would love some lemonade Abby, maybe it’ll sooth my thoughts about the major failure that just occurred.” He stood there pinching his nose between his fingers, his face was heated with frustration, embarrassment and anxiety.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Abigail flushed heavily when he said that he would love her no matter what and that she would love him return, even though it was basically only a summary of what she herself had stated to the whole room just moments before. She looked down at her empty bowl.

She shook her head a little when he went back to calling her Miss Blake. So much for propriety. Her parents didn’t answer his statement about honestly loving her before leaving. There was a solid thunk as the door to the study shut.

Abby stood as Armistead did, dutifully taking over her mother’s position as hostess for this moment. “I will do that,” she said cordially. She did a sort of half-curtsy, something she HATED doing, but her mother would kill her if she didn’t at least attempt to salvage some bit of formaility.

She watched Armistead leave, then looked up at John. She reached up and gently took his hand from his face, kissing his fingertips sweetly. “It’ll be alright,” she assured. “And we can definitely get some lemonade… but… will you be sneaky with me for a moment, first?” Abigail smiled slyly, not really waiting for an answer. She linked her fingers with John’s and headed out of the room, leading him up the stairs and down the hall by the hand. She stopped by a door and opened it; it was a huge walk-in linen closet.

Abigail walked into the closet, dragging John inside after her and shutting the door. In the pitch darkness, she led him to the back of the closet. There was a scraping wood-on-wood sound. “My parents will be in the study arguing for hours. Probably until dinner,” she explained. She dropped to her knees, tugging John down with her. “Don’t worry, you won’t get dusty. I keep this place clean so that my dresses don’t get dirty and my mother figures out what’s going on. I don’t think my parents know about this.”

Abby’s hand slipped out of John’s hand. As his eyes adjusted he would be able to see a dark square in the wall; an opening; and a door to one side which had obviously been covering it moments before. “You have to be quiet,” she cautioned at a whisper as she crawled forward. “If we can hear them, they can hear us, probably.”

For the first six feet or so the crawl space was barely big enough for a full grown man to crawl through. Petite little Abigail had space to spare. After that, though, it opened into a room with a low, slanted ceiling. “This is part of the attic,” Abby whispered. She crawled back into the tunnel to cover the entrance with the door, then came back in. She sat cross-legged on the floor. The sounds of her parents arguing were clear; there was a metal heating vent on the floor beside Abigail. In the very dim lighting; there were a few very small windows on the six inch high wall which met the lowest point of the ceiling; Abigail smiled at John and held a hand out to him.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds was possibly more concerned with his colossal(epically emo) failure than the fact that Lothario, a nickname he had picked up in the military, Armistead’s regiment was leaving that night. What could possibly be a very vital thing to the war, was now just an insignificant speck to the matters at hand. Reynolds had started a two front war, something he knew should never be done as it destroyed Napoleon. He was overwhelmed with the responsibility of leading an army and courting a southern female. But he knew when the time came, war was an instinct, Abigail’s hand needed his focus.

His mind drifted between two things. One that he had absolutely ruined his chances at winning Abigail’s hand and would have to start building up from negative values. Two that the Confederate Soldiers were on a move and Buford’s column was in desperate need of their assistance. Reynolds had never once had to deal with being more than one person. He didn’t understand how he could handle be a soldier and a fiance, let alone a husband at the same time. There was so much to think about and the time continuously ticked and ticked and… Reynolds snapped back into the realm of reality as Abigail kissed his fingertips.

His eyes softened and the tired expression on his face vanished. He squinted wondering what in the world she was talking about, but followed her anyway without word. As he followed her around her home, Reynold’s couldn’t help, but wonder what she had planned for the two of them. Certainly there was no lemonade in a linen closet and for a moment his mind had drifted completely to another spectrum. He was about to put in a word of protest as she dragged him into the closet as it was highly inappropriate, but he shut his mouth as a sound filled the room. He rolled his eyes, chastising himself for being so dirty.

Reynolds stood still in the dark, literally and metaphorically, as to what Abigail’s intentions were. He was about to speak when he was suddenly pulled down and urged to follow her. Reynolds shook his head noting the small space that she was trying to make him crawl through. He shook his head, noting that he would probably get stuck, but he trudged forward without complaint. He crawled through the space for a while until it opened up into a room. There he saw Abigail sitting on the floor, her hand extended and a smile on that ever perpetually beautiful face.

“I don’t know how you expect me to fit in here…” He mumbled careful to keep his low voice quiet. He took her hand, but didn’t sit beside her. Instead he carefully, laid himself down on the floor placing his head in her lap. He rested her hand over his collarbone and shoulder and intertwined his fingers with hers. Reynolds didn’t say another word to explain himself, but seeing as he didn’t sleep very well the night before, he was whining because he was frustrated and he needed a moment to collect himself, he figured laying down was probably the next best choice. Not to mention he enjoyed the view of her face and didn’t want to miss a moment of it. “Why are we here?” He asked quietly breathing rather slowly for his normal rate.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Abigail smiled at John as he laid down and rested his head on her lap. She ran the fingers of her free hand through his hair, gently massaging his scalp with her fingernails. “We’re here because we’re going to listen to my parents,” she breathed back. “We need to know what the problems my father has are so we can combat them. This is called strategy, General. A little bit of guerilla warfare.”

She leaned down and kissed his forehead. “Plus, I wanted to show you one of my secret places.” She kissed his nose, then his lips upside down. “I have a few. They built all these nooks into the house, plus there are one or two on the manor grounds. You’re not the only one with military-style planning talent. I’m full of tricks and plans and things.”

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds was still very much consumed in his thoughts. He always did so well under pressure and yet here he was faltering as if he had never felt pressure in his life. Why he was failing so badly he wasn’t sure. Perhaps this was just unfamiliar territory. He had no friends here, no alliances besides the men who had fought alongside him. He only had one reliable source and that was Abigail. The frustration came not with the fact that he was fighting, but because he didn’t fight so valiantly. Reynolds could feel utter disappointment in the weakness of his efforts. He had never been a man to fail until he tried everything, but here everything wouldn’t cut it. He needed form, which he lacked due to his impulses.

He was distant, unsmiling unlike Abigail who seemed ever so delighted with the unfolding events. Unlike Reynolds, she was able to stay positive and disregard the small setbacks. As she ran her fingers through his hair, Reynolds was forced to relax. His mind refocused and remained on Abigail. You’re all that matters in the end… He thought to himself locking his eyes on hers. He loved her. That had to be enough. He would keep her love in mind and forget formality, he needed to see this the way she did if he was going to win. He needed to remain in focus, he needed to act like the General he was before Master Blake and smashed him into insignificance. “You remind me of Stuart, only I don’t have to kill you.” Reynolds said in a straight voice. “I meant strategically, not personality wise.” He smiled. “Do you do this often?”

The fact that she had this small place in mind was enough to make Reynolds realize that this was probably how she had gotten most of the things she wanted from them. Abigail was right, if you knew the problem you could fix it with ease. It then clicked in his mind, if he knew where the Confederates were, he could win the battle. His mind drifted away for a moment thinking about Buford’s word on Heth. Heth’s column had been spotted camping in the forests some miles outside of Gettysburg. If Heth was there, so was Ewell and A.P Hill. Longstreet and Lee would later join the fight as soon as Armistead was positioned. Reynolds snapped back to Abigail realizing that Buford’s column was indeed in trouble. His regiments, the first and eleventh corps were stationed some miles south of Gettysburg and would not budge without him. Meade had made the right decision in making the wrong decision. By sending him out before week’s end, Reynolds may have saved them the war.

Reynolds snapped out of his thoughts of war as Abigail’s soft lips made contact with the skin of his forehead. He was somewhat at ease now that he had figured out small details to the greater picture. He closed his eyes she kissed his nose and then pressed her lips lightly against his. How amazing her kisses were. No matter his mood, they always brought him back to a peaceful place. “You are full of surprises aren’t you Abby?” He chuckled , but minded the volume. “I would like to remind you that I love you. He said giving her hand a squeeze.

 

[StarWhisperer]

“All the time,” Abigail admitted easily. She continued to run her fingers through his hair. “It’s rather convenient, don’t you think? I’ve spent the better part of the last twelve years here. It would be longer but I didn’t find it until I was seven.” Her smile widened. “Well, I hope you don’t have to kill me. That would be incredibly unfortunate.”

“Hmm.” Abigail kissed him again. “I suppose I am. And duly noted.” She kissed him again. “You taste like soup.” She kissed him again, this time lingering, seeming to forget their objective. The attic room was very cool which was a nice break from the hot temperatures of late.