The Killer Angels (Close to myself and Starwhisperer)

[StarWhisperer]

Abigail narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re incorrigible, General Reynolds.” She’d almost said it was unwelcome, but she didn’t want to lie, especially not to him. Abigail trained her eyes on the ground. “If I could marry for love, I’d be the happiest girl alive.” She smiled again, this time rather wistfully. “I don’t think that’s going to happen, though.”

“Shoot you because you’re male, you walked me home, and, as previously mentioned, your uniform is the wrong color, General.” Abigail shook her head. “Mostly because you’re male. He’s not big on the whole ‘Abigail getting married’ thing. He wants me to stay his little girl forever… innocent, pure, untouched, that sort of deal.”

Before Abigail returned, a tall man with a moustache appeared in the entry hall. He looked at Reynolds and raised an eyebrow. “Is the Union making personal home invasions now?” he asked, sounding half-joking. “No offence, son, since I can see you’ve got some rank, but how did you get in here?”

Abby came back into the room, parasol-less. “I let him in, Daddy. This is Major General John Reynolds. He’s staying with us for a bit. You know, Mother’s panic cleaning this morning…” She smiled a little, putting a hand on a servant woman’s shoulder as she passed. “Excuse me, could you show General Reynolds here to a guest room?” Abigail was all manners and etiquette now. “Dinner is at five, General. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get ready for it.” She turned and disappeared up the large curving staircase. Her father watched her go.

“I love that girl but she often confounds me. I think she has mood swings. I’ll see you at dinner, son.”

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds chuckled as he watched her leave. He had to refrain from responding with the words, I may be incorrigible, but you are still beautiful Abby. He was reluctant to let her go, but now that her father was present there was not much he could do. He averted his eyes quickly, but naturally. "Good Evening Mr. Blake. I apologize for my intrusion. General Lee had sent me here for rest and in hopes I would change my mind and fight under his command again. Major General John Reynolds at your full service, sir, but it seems the young Miss Blake took the honor of introducing me." He held back a smile, but saluted as a measure of courtesy.

As he was dismissed, Reynolds followed the servant relieved that Abigail's father had not shot him opon entry. Should have known Lee hadn't told him, he was coming. Reynolds sighed realizing that the very person he was following, was the very reason the Union was fighting this war. They wanted liberty for all men, freedom for all men and to rid the United States of the Old Country. What people didn't recognize, was that this war was not just about the slaves. It was about tradition, beliefs and morale.

Reynolds set his pack on the bed placing his gloves inside of the pack. He did very few things to get ready for dinner. He went through the simple process of splashing cold water on his face, combing his hair and of course straigthening out his uniform. There was not much else he could do seeing as he would take a shower after dinner. The time was limited before dinner and he didn't want to be late.

Reynolds took one last look in the mirror noticing the tan of his skin from riding in the sun and the semi-dark circles under his eyes. He was tired and aged from the war. He sighed wondering how he was going to gain favor dressed as a yankee. There was no doubt that this was going to be an interesting dinner. Luckily for him, he had been born near Gettysburg. He was closer to the south than most northerners and was closer to the south than most people knew.

Reynolds walked over to his pack and reached into a side pocket. He pulled out a small black velvet pouch and rolled it between his fingers, thinking back on the words that came from Abby's sweet lips. "If I could marry for love, I’d be the happiest girl alive." A win-win situation. She says no, he'd die in the war anyway. She says yes, they'll both be happy and he'd have a reason to survive. He pushed the pouch back into his pack and figured tomorrow would be a good day to ask. It was soon, but he would be gone by morning, Reynolds reminded himself.

 

[StarWhisperer]

When the time for dinner rolled around, Abigail was the only one not present at the table. Her father sat at the head, his wife to his right. Beside her sat the suitor Abigail had mentioned; he was a rather good looking man, about 21 or 22, and well-spoken. He was carrying on a conversation with Mr. Blake, currently.

They had sat Reynolds down across from Abby’s suitor. It was apparent, due to the closest empty chair being the one between him and her father, that she would be sitting beside the General. That is, if she ever showed up.

A few minutes of waiting passed, and Mrs. Blake was becoming impatient. “Where is that girl?” she asked rhetorically. Her husband sighed as the suitor patted her shoulder.

“Abigail has been known to take her time, Mrs. Blake,” he consoled. She shook her head and pursed her lips, eyeing General Reynolds suspiciously for the dozenth time.

Finally, Abigail appaeared. Her hair was down and had a slight curl to it. She’d changed her dress; she was wearing a sunshine yellow one now, with a neckline that dipped down. Coupled with a corset that pushed up, there was some definite cleavage showing. Her suitor’s eyes were glued to it from the moment she sat down. Her mother lifted an eyebrow, noticing that her daughter was wearing lipstick voluntarily. That just never happened. And here she had been thinking that Abigail didn’t like this boy.

“I’m sorry for being late,” Abigail said breathlessly, looking down at the table. “It took me longer than expected to get ready for dinner. It’s good to see you, Anthony. General.”

“It’s about time,” muttered Mrs. Blake.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

It was an awkward picture, Reynolds was sure. The dinner table with an empty seat next to the yankee general surrounded by southerners. Despite fighting a war against these people's soldiers, Reynolds didn't feel uneased at all. Instead he was intently focused on the male across from him. He didn't quite like him, perhaps it was jealousy or simply envy that he was so welcome in their home. Reynolds shook it off averting his gaze every now and then to avoid Mrs. Blake's suspecting eyes. Reynolds was sitting up with back straight and shoulders squared. He thought of it as the dinner with the president so many nights ago when the war began. Why that was the night he didn't eat much at all for fear he would embarrass himself.

What worried him the most was that he would be sitting beside Abby. In so many ways he was glad, due to the mere fact that at least then he wouldn't have to worry about staring. What worried him was that at some point or another his swift departure would come into conversation. his length of stay would be questioned and of course they would ask about the progression of the Union Army. It was going to be a difficult conversation if anyone brought it up, but Reynolds was ready. He was always ready to speak, even if he wasn't comfortable with it.

The General supressed a smirk as Mrs. Blake eyed him with suspicousin were it not for the mere fact he was silenced by awe, he would have said something. His eyes were now settled on Abby, but within seconds he focused his attention on her father. Abigail was beautiful. What he had seen today was nothing compared to the image she had conjured up now. The yellow was much more complimentary to her skin. It brightened would brighten up her smile and it gave a nice glow to her skin. Reynolds, unlike Anthony, was an honorable man. He was too focused on the wisps of her brown hair, the bright color of her emerald eyes and the tint to her lips to notice that she had purposely boosted her cleavage. Although he need not steal a glance to notice, Reynolds was still worried that if he did steal a glance, he'd be shot.

Reynolds quaintly greeted Abby and wished he could sneak her an apologetic smile for being so quaint, but she knew from then on it was all formality. "Evening Miss Blake." Before Reynolds did anything else he readressed her parents. "I know this must be strange having a Union Soldier in your home, but regardless I am honored that you're allowing me to stay on such short notice. General Lee sends his regards as well." Reynolds said the last few words as a measure of safety, a reminder that this was not his choice, but rather an acceptance of courtesy of General Lee himself.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Anthony managed somehow to tear his eyes away from Abigail’s chest after a bit, probably realizing that if he got caught staring he would be in trouble, and greeted her, smiling. She summarily gave him a dismissive nod, apologizing once more to her parents and smiling sideways at General Reynolds. Her suitor frowned, looking rather confused as Abigail obviously blew him off.

“Good evening, General,” she murmured, demure, acting for all the world as if she hadn’t had an in depth conversation with him previously. Food was served and she cut up her chicken, then picked up her fork and took a bite, slow and thoughtful. Her eyes were far away; it was very obvious she was thinking about something.

“It is a bit strange,” admitted Abigail’s father. “But we’re hospitable people and we’re happy to have you, regardless of what side your on.” Abigail’s mother beamed; she’d obviously coached him to say that.

She spoke up now, taking her turn. Anthony was eating his food as though he had been starving and looked determined not to look at Abigail. “Do you know how long you’ll be with us, General Reynolds?” Mrs. Blake asked, looking over at him. Of course that would be the first thing she asked. If anyone had been watching Abigail they would have seen her fork pause for a beat when the question was asked, before she took her bite. She was dying to know the answer to that particular question.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds was a bit uneasy as it seemed Abigail had turned on her on wishes. She had dressed to her best tonight and it seemed that perhaps Anthony was a prospect. The General kept his posture and ignored the angst he was feeling at the moment. He never took his eyes off of Anthony's gawking stare. One intention He thought to himself, seeing Abby greet each person from the corner of his eye. He had to hold back a smile as she nodded towards Antony, perhaps he was wrong. Abigail wasn't dressed for Anthony. Though, Reynolds didn't want to assume she dressed for him either. He bit his tongue discreetly as he wished she had dressed for him.

Reynolds ate slowly, his mind too was elsewhere. It was an odd thing eating wholesome homecooked meals, rather than the war cook's quick cooking. It was nice, but at the same time unnatural. He did miss his Corps and Regiments, he had to admit that after such a long time in their company, he had grown to see them as family. That's what ended up bothering him the most when he watched them die. Reynolds put down his fork and knife as his mind filled with the images involuntarily. He pinched the bridge of his nose remembering the wagons full of ghostly white limbs, the fields with open eyes of dead men... He looked up as the Blakes addressed him.

Reynolds nodded picking up his fork to resume eating, he didn't want to cause any worry amongst them. "I have to admit living so close to the South, makes the war a bit blurry. It's never easy to fight so close to home." He forked up the piece of chicken he had cut and nearly choked as Mrs. Blake asked her question. Always that damn question... Any other night, in any other city, he would have been fine with that question, but here... damn my luck He thought to himself avoiding furrowing his brow. He kept a straight face as he answered, but he clenched his fist underneath the table to avoid apologetically looking at Abby.

"You won't have to keep up the hospitality for long Ma'am, I'll only be with you for another day." Reynolds felt his stomach turn and the knot form in his throat again. He forced himself to think of the other Generals, the Union and meeting with the President. It would keep him in line until he could dismiss himself from dinner. "You won't even notice me around much. I'll be back for dinner again, but I owe General Lee my respects at the meeting tomorrow and I figure I would see a little more of this town, before I leave Wednesday morning. The other Generals and I, are waiting for Lee's response. It'll determine if I have to don my uniform for battle or if we can remain here for another day or two. If we do stay longer Ma'am, I'll be sure to find another place to lay my burden, so as to not overtake your hospitality."

He set his fork down again, his appetite left him completely. He would tell them that he was leaving for Gettysburg with his corps for battle, but that was confidential information. He would give Abby every legitimate reason as to why he was going to leave, but that was risky. He couldn't tell her, because she was on the wrong side, he was on the wrong side, together they were torn apart by a line they couldn't have prevented to be drawn.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Abigail looked over at Reynolds, frowning a little bit when he said that he was only going to be there for the next day. She watched him for a minute, then looked back down at her plate, setting her fork down and folding her hands in her lap.

“Nonsense,” said Mrs. Blake. “If you do stay longer, you’ll stay here.” She gave a firm nod, and her husband mumbled agreement. Anthony looked somewhat relieved that the good looking General wasn’t going to be there for long.

Abigail didn’t resume eating. After a few minutes of silence besides forks scraping plats and chewing sounds, she looked up. “I don’t feel very well, may I be excused?” she asked quietly, looking at her father. Her mother responded.

“Go ahead up to your room, then, Abigail,” she said. Abby nodded and stood. “My apologies General Reynolds, Anthony. I’m not much for company tonight.” An arm wrapped around her stomach, she headed out of the room and back upstairs.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds did as best as he could not to acknowledge Abby's stare. He wished he could look over and say he was sorry that he couldn't stay. It was a matter of uniform, of honor and unfortunately of responsibility. Were he just another simple man, he would have stayed, just for her, but he had duties to fulfill and to remember. Reynolds took a sip of water taking note of the silence at the table. He was relieved when Mrs. Blake answered him.

"Thank you Mrs. Blake." Reynolds said softly. "There's nothing to compare to good Southern hospitality." His eyes settled on Anthony who seemed very pleased with himself. Reynolds wished that at any moment he could order calvalry to take the man away, but then again this was the South, that was innapropriate and he was sure he'd get shot for it.

It was a few moments before Reynolds relapsed into the real world. He had been thinking of scenarios on how to be rid of the well-spoken suitor across the table and the next thing he knew Abby was leaving. He watched her go in concern, but turned remembering it wasn't his place. His eyes became complacent and distant. Surely his news had upset her and it was saddening to him. Reynolds waited a few minutes until everyone was close to finishing. He waited for conversation to cease for a momentary lapse and excused himself.

"Mr. and Mrs. Blake, I'm afraid I must retire for the night, the meeting calls for me early tomorrow morning." Reynolds stood standing at his full height with back straight and shoulders back. He was doing it for mere peacockery and as a means to threaten Anthony. He gave a quaint bow. "Thank you for the lovely dinner."

He gave his last salutations before walking himself back to the guest room. It took all the willpower in his body to avoid trying to find Abby. He knew that the minute he took a step past guest boundaries, he would face the death penalty. Reynolds shut the door behind him cursing under his breath for the revelation of his early departure. After minutes of venting he began to undress. He figured a shower would cool his nerves and he was sure that due to their wealth, the Blakes would have had indoor plumbing and possibly a free standing shower or a bath rather than a basin. Reynolds unbuttoned his jacket removing his uniform carefully to keep it from wrinkling, creasing or having any of his medals fall off. He placed it carefully on the bed turning to look at himself in the full mirror.

The war had marked his once slender body. Since the age of seventeen he had gotten muscular, fuller in figure than he was a boy. Here and there, there were small scars marking the different combats in war. Bayonet scars, fist fighting scars and the occasional bullet marks. Reynolds removed the bandage on the side of his ribcage. Across three of his ribs spanning from the edge of his back to the front of his stomach was a healing cut. It was a reminder of the fight again J.E.B Stuart. Stuart was a tough fighter, didn't go down easy. Took the bayonet and nearly killed Reynolds. He stared at the once deep cut, now almost fully healed, remembering the sound of his own bayonet ripping right through Stuart. Reynolds took a deep breath as he tossed the bandage away and began undoing his belt. His thoughts remained with Abby and he wondered if she was alright.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Mr. and Mrs. Blake nodded and smiled at Reynolds, murmuring their goodnights. Anthony gave a curt nod, looking back to Abigail’s parents and laughing and smiling. It was already clear that he was in their favor.

After Abigail had departed from the table, she’d gone upstairs and sat in her room, writing in her journal. She only wrote a few sentences before losing interest and changing out of her dress. She felt so much more free without the confines of the corset. Abigail put on her nightgown, a long white dress that went to her ankles and had a collar that went half up her neck, as well as down to her wrists. She brushed out her hair, looking towards the door when she heard someone walking down the hall. Her room was just down the hall from the guest rooms. Her parents were on the opposite side of the house, so it was either a maid, or…

Abigail slipped out of the room and padded down the hall on bare feet, toes getting chilly on the cool hardwood floors. She reached the door at the end of the hallway and hesitated. She could hear someone moving around inside, and there was a light under the door. She stood there for a minute before slowly living her hand and knocking softly.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds had been fumbling with his belt, the frustration of limitation on his mind. He stopped the trivial task letting his hands quiver at his sides. The stress of war was one his mind as usual, but what was even more stressful was the thought of Abigail. It wasn't fair that she had won him over so quickly. He stared in the mirror looking at his tired features. What did she have to love in him? He was a northerner, a yankee, a plu soldier murdering the people she loved. He was a handsome man according to many, but looks weren't enough. Charming demeanor, nice manners, what was it she would love? The frown on his face deepened. There was everything to love in her. Her smile, her beauty... He could name a thousand things and more given he had the time, but that was just it. He had no time. Reynolds clenched his fists wanting to hit something.

Reynolds took a deep breath releasing it without hesitating. He was frustrating himself over a woman. He had never let anyone get to him, not like Kate. Why did he release his control now? He wasn't some mare or war horse that could be tamed... was he? Reynolds sat down on the bed his pants still undone, but not removed. What was he thinking? Asking her to marry him on such short notice... He placed his head in his hands letting his thought twist in his mind.

His mother had been so happy, so proud the day he announced he would ask Kate to marry him. He had bought the ring and vowed that the minute the war was over, they would wed. The irony of it, was that she wanted nothing more than friendship. Reynolds gritted his teeth. All the escapades and sneaking out to see one another were wasted time...

Reynolds opened his eyes as the sound of footsteps came near. Years of being a soldier and just the slightest sound of wind woke you up. He waited to see if they ceased and they did. He went back to his thoughts, but was immediately interrupted by a faint knock. Reynolds didn't look up and without thinking permitted them in.

"Come in..." He said thinking of the nights in encapment when the men would voice their entries before opening the flap to his tent. Though he had completely forgotten he was in a different place now.

 

[StarWhisperer]

As soon as Abigail heard Reynolds tell her to come in, she opened the door. She slipped into the room and shut the door after herself immediately, not wanting to get caught. She didn’t look up until she was in the room. “John, I- oh!” Immediately, Abigail averted her eyes, covering her face, which heated in a blush. She hadn’t realized that he would be shirtless, obviously.

“I’m so, so sorry,” she said apologetically, her blush spreading from her face to her neck. “I’ll go. I shouldn’t have come and you’re in no state to… right. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Abby nodded to herself.

She reached for the doorknob, forcing herself not to look back to the General. He was a very good looking man. She thought about the healing cut on his side and wondered how he had gotten it. She knew better than to ask. Abigail sighed heavily, looking at the doorknob in her hand and really not wanting to leave.

“I came by because you offered earlier to tell me YOUR happy stories, instead of Chamberlain, and I wanted to take you up on that before you… you know… leave.”

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds was nearly as embarrassed as Abigail when she had walked into the door. He scrambled to redo the buttons of his pants and tighten his belt. He fumbled with his words as she apologized. Reynolds looked up to see she had covered her face and watched as the red spread across her skin. He almost laughed were he not feeling so dumb. What if it had been her parents? Oh that would have been trouble. Reynolds didn't bother to put on a shirt instead he put his hand over his mouth still washed over with shock. "Abby...I... err." He didn't quite know what to say her besides sorry.

He cleared his throat to silence her. "It's fine Abby. I think I'm the one who should be apologizing. I often forget that there are ladies around and I can't keep walking around in the buff." He chuckled trying to ease the awkwardness of the situation. "I would really like it if you stayed, of course then again I forget the risks of rebelliousness. So, only if you'd like too..." Reynolds eyed her, then his pack, but her mostly. He was wondering if this was coincidence or luck, either way it was good enough for him.

He swallowed as she mentioned his leave. It was highly inappropriate for them to be together alone. Especially the way she was dressed and well the lack of his dress complicated things as well. He shook his head ready to punch himself in the gut for what he was about to say. He was risking his death before he even stepped into battle. "I would love to tell you about my stories Abby..." He stood up almost silently walking over towards her. He placed his hand over her hand wishing to ease it off the door knob.

He was so close to her. He could feel the slight heat from her body and he could smell the lilacs again. His eyes remained on the back of her head wanting her to stay, begging her to stay. The extension of his arm was a bit uncomfortable as it pulled at the healing cut in his side, but he made no mention of it. Instead he watched her, waiting for a response.

 

[StarWhisperer]

As soon as John put his hand over Abigail’s, she let go of the doorknob. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him, though, and the flush continued to spread across her skin. “I… are you sure? I mean, I don’t know… I don’t think I should have come. It was stupid of me. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have put you in this position.”

Instead of letting his hand fall away from hers, she turned her hand and wove her fingers in between John’s. Her hand was tiny compared to his. Slowly, Abby looked over her shoulder and up at John’s face. “Alright,” she said softly, nodding. “I can stay. We had just better not get caught, mm?” She smiled a little. “For both our sakes.”

What Abby really wanted to do right now was trace the contours of his chest and shoulders with her fingertips, but that was even more inappropriate than the situation right now. Such urges would bring nothing but trouble, for both of them. But, then, she had been looking for trouble when she’d gotten dressed for dinner, and when she’d walked down the hallway just now, and when she knocked on his door. And now they were standing beside each other alone in a bedroom and he wasn’t wearing a shirt and she had on just her nightgown. Abigail marveled silently at her own boldness.

“Do you want to sit down…?” Her eyes held Reynolds’, and she quirked a small smile, though her cheeks were still warm and pink. She rubbed the back of her neck with her free hand.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds was slightly lost in the lack of control over his actions. Yet the more he let go, the less stressed he was. He was so enraptured in spending time with Abby, that he wasn't sure he wanted to go back to war. War was what he knew. He loved it because he was good at what he did. He protected people and in return was respected. He did war, because it thrilled him, but at the moment Reynolds found something even more addicting. Something that he was sure he couldn't forget even if he willed himself too. He found a new addiction something stronger than the drug of war. Reynolds brought his free hand to her face brushing back a strand of her that had strayed from the rest of her locks. He was breaking all the rules, might as well go to hell with it.

His heart was steady, but he could feel the anxiety and electricity her hand had caused. He revelled at the feel of her soft hands in his war calloused ones. Reynolds pulled her close, pulling off the boldest move he would endeavor for the moment. He released her hand and embraced her, wondering if she would hit him. "I don't often say this in the face of such rule breaking danger, but relax Abby. No need to apologize and ask for what I want. I want you here and yes, let's not get caught because if I get killed, the whole damn Union will be here an hour after. No need to start a war on that..." He chuckled gave her a light kiss on the top of her head. Her scent was even stronger in her hair and for a moment he thought he might lose himself.

Reynolds pulled away slowly ready for the recoil of such bold actions. He was sure she'd hit him and hit him good, but what mattered is that he accomplished such a feat. He turned his back to her and edged back towards the bed opening his pack to redress his wound. He removed the alcohol, the gauze and several other utensils that the good doctor had lent him. Before getting started he patted the side of the bed not wanting to keep her standing.

"What do you want to hear about, Miss Abby?" He asked her as he opened the bottle of alcohol. The empty chain around his neck moved freely without the limitations of his uniform.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Abby looked up at him with wide eyes as he brushed a stray hair off of her face. Her blush intensified. She felt like she would catch fire. This was so out of the realm of anything she’d ever experienced she just didn’t know what to do with herself. She stared up at Reynolds, feeling more lost than she ever had.

Something that surprised her was how comfortable she felt this close to him, even in both of their relative states of undress. John pulled her close and Abigail tensed for a moment, then wrapped her arms around him, returning the embrace. She was careful of the wound on his side, not wanting to hurt him. Abby leaned her head on John’s chest, and she felt so…safe and protected.

She let out a long, low breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding when he kissed the top of her head. “Alright, John. I’ll try to relax. I can’t promise anything, though.” He released her and she watched as he went over to the bed to clean up and re-cover his wound. Abigail walked over, holding her hand out. “Let me help you,” she said, in the same voice that she had used when ordering him to follow her in the General store. She sat down on the edge of the bed.

“I don’t know what I want to hear about. It’s your job to tell me.” She smiled up at him, as if this should be obvious. It was a wonder she didn’t feel uncomfortable that he didn’t have a shirt on; she hadn’t really ever seen a man shirtless, not in her life. Though, she’d never seen a man when she was in just her nightgown, either.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds shook his head in pure delight as he handed the pungent smelling alcohol to Abby. He gave her a pad of gauze and thought about telling her the history of the wound. Though he had remembered, she said happy memories and killing a southerner wasn't exactly happy. He looked at her, his eyes reluctant to leave her as they had missed out on seeing her during the entire dinner process. It was hard to imagine that someone so beautiful could become even more so by the minute. He liked the effect he had on her. The blush, the breathing and he wished for a moment he could hear her heartbeat. The blush itself was a becoming color on her, like a rose touched with dew.

What he loved the most about the situation was that he could be so close to her. The touch of her head against his chest was heaven. It's how things should have been. Right. He closed his eyes for a moment trying to think of a good story to tell. "I got this on our way here." Reynolds said quietly. "We ran into southern scouts, J.E.B Stuart and his cavalry to be exact, very quick brush up. Stuart got a good cut into me, but I'm sorry to say, it was the last cut he ever made." Reynolds spared Abigail the detail. He didn't want to seem like a monster to her and he didn't want to scare her a way. She may have been a headstrong girl, but that would make things harder for him. She was a southerner and well quite frankly that didn't bear well for Reynolds. He had the blood of the South all over his hands, being major general and almost taking the offer to command the entire Union Army.

He scoffed to himself thinking about taking the position. Had he taken command, all the war would have gone to hell. He would have given it all up just for the little lady redressing his wound. Reynolds toyed with the dark silver chain around his neck thinking of the places he had seen during battle. "Have you ever seen snow?" He asked Her, thinking of the powdery white frost, the chill and the freezing of the artillery. It was ridiculous the battles in that weather. Losing more men to frozen explosions than gunfire. Yet, while there was no battle, despite the cold snow was quite beautiful. Chamberlain had often told the men about the snow in Maine. Going all the way to tree lines. Must have been a damn beautiful sight, but awful to travel in.

He fiddled with the chain as he thought of the many stories he could tell her. The battle songs with bugle calls by Dan Butterfield, the encapment thrills, the indians.. Or he could tell her about home. The little town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania so close to Gettysburg. It was the place Buford had said he was sure the battle was going to take place, especially since he spotted confederates in town the day before. Reynolds contemplated each story carefully ready to tell her of each so long as she was willing to hear it.

 

[StarWhisperer]

If Reynolds could have heard Abigail’s heartbeat, he would have heart a fast, staccato rhythm beating hard in her chest. With steady hands (she had no idea how they weren’t shaking all over), Abby gently cleaned his wound, then put a new bandage on it. She gently smoothed her hand over the spot, then looked p at him.

“That’s so sad,” she said, looking at the bloody gauze in her hand. “It must be awful, to have to kill people like that. I could never do it.” She shook her head, eyes nearly closed. Her eyelashes cast a delicate shadow on her high cheekbones. Her blush was fading away now, a distant memory as her creamy, fair complexion returned once more.

“No, I’ve never seen snow. I’ve seen drawings of it, in children’s Christmas books, mostly. Is it beautiful?” Abby looked up and smiled at him. She stood and crossed the room, throwing away the bloody gauze pad. “I’d imagine it was. I could handle the cold, if I could see snow.”

Abigail returned to the bed and pulled her feet up underneath herself as she sat. She looked at Reynolds, eyes locked on him. He obviously had her full and unwavering attention. “What’s that necklace?” The curious young woman reached out and ran her finger along the chain, the rest of her fingers brushing the skin where John’s neck met his shoulder. She wished she could let her hand continue, trailing across his shoulder and down his muscular arm. Instead, she dropped her hand, the touch ending nearly as soon as it began.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

It was strange the feeling Reynolds was going through. The alcohol in the wound was painful, but he was used to that kind of pain. That wasn't the strange part. Reynolds felt a sense of Euphoria with ever gentle dab. He wished there was no gauze between her fingers and his skin, though he didn't like the idea of blood touching her. His breathing was calm, steady, but his body ached to hold her. His mind was elsewhere, no longer in the contemplations of stories, but rather the creation of a new one. How he wanted to run away with her. To disobey the command of the army, the command of the North and indulge in the sweet sin of the South, but he knew that was wrong. It wasn't fair to Abigail either. His eyes hadn't left her face for even a lapse of a moment.

The blush had faded, shame it was beautiful, but he didn't mind. He loved her complexion. The smooth cream colored complexion reminded him much of peaches or the smooth ice cream treats his mother would let him indulge in when he returned from treacherous battles. God did Reynolds miss his mother. "It is, but I guess after such a long time of having to do it, you get used to it. Not completely, but somewhat. You remind yourself that if you don't kill him, he'll kill you or someone else. It's a harsh thing war..." He watched her walk across the room noting the lithe motions, the gentle swaying of the dress and the coordinated steps. Nothing like the marching of soldiers or the running of indians. It was gentle, sweet and calming. He was glad to feel something rather than adrenaline.

"As beautiful as you are Abby." He said softly. "It's soft at first, get's a little harder when it gets colder, but it's real nice. Pure white when it comes down and it comes down in these big puffs. Mama always said snow was angel's feathers, miracles for the people. Maybe one day, you're husband will indulge in your dreams. I hope he will, otherwise I'll have to kidnap you and take you to see it myself." Reynolds smiled thinking of just that. Taking her away to see snow. It was a silly notion, but it wasn't like he could take the snow to her. "It's not too bad, but you'd have to do away with your Southern dresses and get a northern girl's dress. The fabric is thicker and doesn't breath to keep the heat in." He remembered how Kate described the difference, always complaining that she'd never survive in the South.

Reynolds held his breath as she ran her fingers over the chain. The feel of her warm fingertips against his skin was delightful. The minute she pulled away, he wanted to beg her not to stop, but that would have been out of place. He shook his head shrugging a bit, his eyes settling on hers. "It's nothing really. It was a promise to a girl who couldn't keep promises. I was engaged a while back, when I was younger. Foolish thing, though I was in love. I was going to give up the war for her. She made me wear the ring around my neck, made me promise that I would come back from the first battle of the war. I made that promise told her I loved her and got myself captured. When they released me or should I say when I was rescued, I came back to marry her. She had found herself a nice catholic boy and told me that I broke my promise... I guess I wear it out of habit, because I never did break that promise. I came back, but that's nothing, Katherin..Kate was nothing. Shouldn't matter anymore." Reynolds broke eye contact for a moment looking away as if her name had left a bad taste in his mouth. For the first time since it happened, he could feel the pain ring in his heart. It was then he realized that the ring in the pack perhaps wasn't a good idea.

 

[StarWhisperer]

Abigail shook her head again, unwilling to dwell on such unhappy things. “Still, it must be hard.” His wound was clean and they were just sitting. Maybe she could just… Hmm. She studied him for a moment, then leaned over, resting her head on his bare shoulder. His skin smelled musky, in a good way. Strong, like him, with a bit of sweet. He didn’t smell at all bad, which was odd since he’d been about to take a shower.

She shook her head a bit, without removing it from his shoulder. “There you go with calling me beautiful again, John. You had best be careful with that. I may get the wrong idea and fall for you.” She said it lightly, but there was an odd intonation to her voice that was the closest she could get to admitting that she already was. “Isn’t it odd,” Abby asked, “that we only met today but we’re friends already? I’d like it, if you came and took me to see the snow.”

Abby listened closely as he told her of Kate and how she’d broken his heart. Abigail reached over, resting her hand on his chest above where it was beating, steady. She rested her chin on his shoulder now, so she could look at him. “That girl,” said Abby, “is the most stupid person I have ever heard of. I’d wait my whole life for someone like you to love me, and that’s the truth. It’s best not to dwell on things like that. People like her don’t deserve your thoughts, or your energy. I would never hurt you like that. Ever.”

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds felt his heart speed up as she rested her head on his shoulder, though he managed to calm himself he was still in a bit of shock. He smiled to himself, she was doing everything to contradict his thoughts. He thought she didn't like him, well this was certainly enough to prove she at least liked him as a friend. He twirled his thumbs around eachother and made it a goal to convince Lee to at least postpone his decision. It would give Reynolds a few more days in town, just enough to convince Abigail to marry him. He liked the idea of leaving her with a ring on her finger or perhaps a ring around his neck. That way he had a reason to come back to take her with him to Lancaster, to take her to washington to meet the president, to go up towards Maine with Chamberlain where she could see the snow. Oh! What hopes he had.

Reynolds chuckled at her little suggestion. Playing with his words as he did so many times before. "Well Abby, like I said about the chocolates, if it'll make you fall for me, I'll say it a thousand times more. Not that that matters anyway, because it's true. I do think you're beautiful." He knew it was bold to talk the way he did and that he was treading a tightrope, but that didn't matter. All hell with the chances, he was going to take them until he was sure he had won or he was sure she hated him. This was a new war for Reynolds. He either won her heart or lost it, either way he'd have satisfaction.

"I never thought I'd make friends with a lady so quickly. I've always been friendly. I even have friends on your side of the army. Yep, friends with Brigadier General Armistead and he's friends our General Hancock." Reynolds sucked his teeth. "Damn shame what the war did to those two. Drawing a line between such good friend, but Armistead and Hancock have vowed to see each other at our next battle. Lucky, if you were a solider in the war, well hell I'd let you cut me down. You make me want to lose this war Abby, just because you're on the other side." He sighed. "There would be nothing more I'd love to do then bring you up to see the snow. If it'll bring a smile to that pretty face, I'd do it a thousand times just for you."

Reynolds put his hand over hers. Had she said what he thought she said? Love her... Waited for someone like him? No, she was just trying to cheer him up. Reynolds swallowed hard, wondering if he should... no it was too... But He had never been this close with a woman. Let alone felt the touch anywhere on his skin. Not even his escapades with Kate were this close. She was it. She was what he wanted, all he wanted. He looked at Abby for a moment, taking her hand in his. He brought it up to his lips and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. His eyes bore all seriousness as he opened his mouth to speak. "Abby, may I be permitted to ask you a question?"

 

[StarWhisperer]

Truthfully, Abby had shocked herself when she laid her head on John’s shoulder, but it felt nice. She watched him as he spoke. “Well, if you truly believe I am, then I suppose I can’t stop you from saying it, now, can I. So, I suppose I should just stop complaining and allow you to compliment me… though it’s embarrassing to hear, you know.” Her emerald eyes shone, her full, pouty pink and perfect lips curling up in a small smile.

“I’ve never had a lot of friends,” Abigail admitted. “I’ve spent a lot of my life lonely. The other ladies, they don’t want anything to do with me. I would have no social life if it weren’t for my mother. She’s affluent. I always stand in the background, in the corner. If I weren’t attractive and my parents weren’t so high standing, I’d never have a man look at me twice. I’m an odd one, you know.” She nodded a bit, sounding as if she was confiding something she’d never said out loud before… which was, in fact, the case. “I’m always lonely, John. The only person who understands me is my father, but he doesn’t encourage me to be myself, he wants me to be like the other girls, though he sometimes indulges me.”

She blushed again, hiding her face in the warm, soft skin of his shoulder. “You shouldn’t say such things, John,” Abby whispered quietly. “What would your men say? I’m not worth it. I want you to win the war, anyway.” She pressed her lips to his shoulder, though it wasn’t a clear kiss; it could have been an accident. “Don’t ever tell anyone. Slavery isn’t right. They’re people, John. I slip them coins and sweets, sometimes. When I can. I don’t want us to win.” Abigail sounded like she might cry. “I’d be a disappointment to my parents if they knew I thought that. Even as kind as they are, they don’t understand.”

Abigail lifted her face when he kissed her knuckles. She kissed his shoulder in response, this time the purpose clear. “You already did,” she joked weakly, a ghost of a smile returning to her face, though her eyes remained sad. She kissed his shoulder again. “Yes… you may ask me a question, John.”

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

Reynolds laughed at her response noticing the pout. Moment by moment they were really easing into eachother, for a moment he was sure he could just kiss her. Whisk her away and kiss her full on the lips, but he would keep that for later. Her wrapped his arm around her shoulder giving her a bit of a hug, but at the same time just for the sake of holding her. "If embarrassment means you'll blush my dear Abby, then I'll say it for the sake of seeing that pretty color flush your face." Reynolds rubbed her shoulder with his hand, indulging in the feel of her soft skin. Much different from the cold touch of gun steel.

He listened to her, pitying the life she lived. Were she a man, things would be different, Reynolds knew that. Even he, as a child, had it drilled into his head by his father that women were no better than man. In fact, they were much lower. They were insignificant, except for Mama of course. Reynolds shook his head at the unfair notion. "Well Abby, I'll be your friend forever. I'll never leave you, with the exception of temporary leave that is, but I'll always be right here." He pointed to his chest with his free hand. "Right in your heart. If you'll have me that is." He chuckled. He would always carry her with him. She was his new reason to fight, his new reason to stay alive. "When you're with me, I want you to be you. It's what I like about you." He smiled. "Ain't nothing better than a girl who can think for herself. It's why I'm not married yet. One because no one will have me and two, because well girls bore me." He chuckled at the little jest.

Reynolds sighed as he felt a chill down his spine. Her warm breath against her shoulder was enough to stir a bit of desire in him. He composed himself reminding himself that this wasn't the place nor time to think of such things, though he desperately wanted to indulge in them. "You're right. I want to win this war too, maybe for the sake of taking you away with me..." He bit his tongue realizing how close he was to telling her he was falling. Though he had to hold his tongue, just for a bit longer. He felt her lips against his skin and he could feel his hand twitch, wanting to pull her in, but he had to hold himself together for just a minute more. "Sometimes I see some Slaves who wouldn't have had better lives without their slave owners and think maybe it's good for them, but the I see the ones who run to the North for safety and I know it's wrong. The war ain't just about the slaves, but still it isn't right. I want to win and that's why the men respect me. I have the attitude that the war needs." He sighed. "I just wish war didn't come with so many casualties." He shook his head wanting to change the direction of the conversation. He didn't want her sad, it was painful to him. The unkindest cut of all.

Reynolds smiled as she kissed his shoulder, his face heating up a bit. What a picture they must have made sitting their barely decent, trading indecent kisses. Reynolds ached to stand and kneel, but something in his gut wouldn't let him. He shook his head. "Wi..." He cleared his throat and laughed. "Can we go out to get Southern Lemonade tomorrow, I missed out on it today..." His eyes although cheerful were distant. He hadn't asked the question he wanted to, but the words wouldn't leave his mouth.

 

[StarWhisperer]

He could have kissed her then, and he would have let her. Abby had actually kissed a boy once. She had been 13, and a boy who had grown up to marry one of her mother’s friend’s daughters, who had been fifteen, had dared her. They had gone to the creek and she had thrown a stick at him because he laughed at her and said all it was was a little brush of lips, no big thing, and she was a chicken. So she’d kissed him. Abby never backed down from a dare.

She nestled into Reynolds’ side as he wrapped his arm around her and turned her head, this time kissing his collar bone. She wasn’t even thinking about it; she was just doing it, something that she might regret doing later but for now, she liked the way his skin felt under her lips. “That’s awfully mean of you,” Abigail pointed out. “You should be nice to me. If we’re friends. Especially if we’re friends forever.”

“The one thing my Mother always complains about is me always thinking for myself, never taking no heed to anything anyone else says. At least, that’s what she used to say. I’m more mindful now.” Abigail paused. “Well, not RIGHT now. Right now, my mother would be ashamed to see me. Sitting on a bed with a man who wears a blue uniform, and he’s shirtless.” And she couldn’t stop kissing whatever parts of his skin she could reach. Abby kissed John’s collarbone again. “I would love to keep you in my heart,” she mumbled without removing her lips from his skin. Her warm, sweet breath fanned across his shoulder and chest.

Abby laughed, her breath across his skin again. She nodded. “I’ll get us a whole pitcher and we can sit on the verandah and drink it together, alright? Tomorrow when your meeting is through.” She fell silent for a moment, then looked up at him. “John.. when you say you want me to come away with you… that you want to win, so I can be with you… do you mean that?” She watched him, green eyes careful, face tilted up so she could look up into his.

 

[AdaliaRP1990]

He was reliving it. The moment he proposed to Kate. He wasn't going to lie, she was beautiful. Standing there in her white dress holding the tulips that she had cut from her garden. She was a catholic girl, something he wasn't sure his protestant family would agree with, but she was a acceptable in every other way. He had brought her down to the creek past his house. Showing her the tadpoles, turtles and little critters of the water. She had been thrilled when he went right into the water and grabbed her a turtle. They sat there catching crawfish and letting them go, telling each other how much they loved one another. Then he realized that there was nothing else in life he wanted but her. He knelt in the mud and grass while she protested about him dirtying his clothing... Reynolds drifted away from that. It was puppy love he realized. Nothing real, it was child's play. This was different. He knew it was different, because he was risking his neck for it.

"I'm sorry my dear, I can't help it. There are some things about you that I'm just addicted to." Reynolds laughed at her nudging her shoulder slightly with his hand. She was like a child in some of the things she said, but really she was a grown woman at her age. She was innocent still, untouched by the hardness of war. She was innocent and he didn't want that to change. He furrowed his brow. If he was going to marry her all kinds of complications would arise. Not only would the Confederates be at his tail to get her back, but war would constantly be in her mind. She would have to worry about him coming back alive and he didn't want to put her through that. Then again, his Mama did say. If you really love someone, it won't matter, because love that doesn't die. Love gets you through the worst and that's what Reynolds told himself as his hand inched toward the pack.

He let out a soft chuckle. "I'm pretty sure this would get me a sound beating from my mother. She was always mindful of me being a good boy. No cause for gossip in our little town." He sighed. "Why she'd just die if she saw this..." Reynolds kissed her on her forhead as she laid gentle kisses on his skin. He was beyond thrilled that she was so fond of it. "Then right in you're heart I'll stay." He said in response looking down at her with adoring eyes.

"What about Mrs. Prudence Hayford." He said mimicking the sternness of Mrs. Hayford's voice. He chuckled. "Aren't you worried she'll spread nasty gossip about you drinking lemonade with a blue belly?" Reynolds remarked giving off the slanderous nickname of the Union Soldiers. He was desperately hoping that call of war wasn't close. He was praying to God that Lee would postpone his decision. He looked at her silently his eyes searching hers for any protest, but there was none. He pulled away from her for a moment and reached into the pack for the pouch. "I was going to wait until tomorrow to give this to you, but I can't waste any more time. For all I know Meade will pull us out in emergency and I'll never have my chance again." He rolled the little velvet pouch around in his hand again and took her small hand in his free on. He placed the pouch in her hand and closed her fingers around it.

He stood up to pace exhaling deeply as he ran his fingers through his dark hair. Inside the pouch was a silver ring. Inside the ring the words, Forever and a day', were inscribed. It was a touch he added when he decided he would give it to Kate. Luckily for him that didn't happen. Surrounding the central diamond were little silver petal shapes that were donned with smaller diamonds. It would fit her well he was sure. It was his mother's engagement ring. She had given it to him when he was seventeen and heading off to war. She said to him in her poor english, as women weren't educated well, 'John don you dare go an give it any damn woman who ain't gon love you the way I do.'. He laughed at the time, but took the words to heart. His mother meant more than the world to him and well, he was going to transfer and duplicate that love for Abby. He looked back at her waiting for the moment she opened the pouch. All formality was gone...

 

[StarWhisperer]

Abigail flushed yet again. “Addicted to? You’re addicted to things about me?” She pressed her warmed cheek to his shoulder, looking at him with starry eyes. “You say the sweetest things, you know that?” Abby shook her head and closed her eyes. “It would get me a beating and you’d probably get shot, if my mother saw,” she pointed out. Her eyes were shut; she couldn’t see him looking at her.

“I don’t care about Mrs. Hayford,” Abigail muttered, opening her eyes just to roll them at him, before letting them slide shut again. She didn’t move as he spoke of giving her something, then put a velvety soft drawstring bag in her hand. In fact, she froze, then sat up straight, slowly, as he stood and started to pace.

Abby looked down at the bag in her hand, then back up to John, her eyes following him back and forth as he paced across the room. “Chance for what? John… what is this…?” Without waiting for the answer, she opened the bag and the ring slid down into the palm of her hand. Abigail opened her mouth, then shut it again. Words left her. In fact, she lost the ability to speak. She just sat there, staring disbelievingly at the ring.