by Ginny Dye
“I don’t think that would be a very good idea, Mr. Pickett,” Carrie said coldly, her voice ringing through the night air.
“And just how do you figure on stopping me?” he growled. “You look slightly outnumbered.” He laughed wildly. “Get the nigger, boys!”
The men shot forward, then stumbled to a halt as a shot rang out in the air, immediately followed by another.
“What the...?” Pickett cried.
“The next shot will go right through your heart,” Carrie snapped, leveling her pistol at the furious man. “Don’t doubt that I can do it. I’m an excellent shot.”
“You wouldn’t shoot a man in cold blood,” Pickett blustered.
“I don’t think you’re behavior qualifies you as a man. I would have no qualms about shooting a wild animal to save a decent human being,” Carrie said coldly, then waved her gun at the rest of the group. “The first one who takes another step toward my carriage will be the first to catch one of my bullets.”
Pickett tried to regain control. “You can’t shoot us all. You’re fighting a losing game.”
“Maybe,” Carrie agreed calmly, letting her eyes sweep over the group of frightened, but still defiant men. “But I got enough bullets left for four of you. If you think I’m going to sit idly by while you beat my driver you are sorely mistaken. Four of you will have to die to accomplish what you want to.” She paused. “Which four of you will it be?”
She swung her gaze back to Pickett. “I promise you’ll be one of the four if you don’t take your men and get out of here.”
Hatred gleaming from his eyes, Pickett stared at her for several long moments. “You’ll be sorry for this.”
“And you’ll be sorrier if you don’t clear out now,” Carrie relished the fear squinting from his reptilian eyes. Slowly she pulled back the hammer of the gun. “Make your choice.”
Pickett backed up slowly, muttering under his voice. His men backed with him. It was obvious they believed every word Carrie said.
When they were twenty feet from the carriage, Carrie stood up and balanced herself against Spencer’s seat. “Drive forward at a slow trot,” she ordered in a quiet voice. Then she raised her pistol higher. “Anyone who makes a move before we’re out of sight will be sorry,” she called to the sullen men.
Spencer raised his reins and urged the horses forward. Carrie gripped the seat to balance herself and held the pistol steady. None of the men moved. As soon as they were out of sight, she leaned forward. “I’d say a little speed was called for,” she managed to say in a casual voice.
Spencer needed no urging. Carrie sank into her seat as the horse galloped forward and up the hill into the heart of the city. They dashed down the darkened, almost empty streets. A couple of stray loiterers jumped out of their way with shouted oaths, but no one stepped forward to try to impede their progress. It wasn’t until they were a few blocks from her Church Hill home that Spencer pulled the horse down to a steady trot.
Nothing was said until they were within sight of the house. Then Spencer pulled the carriage to a stop and turned around. His face dripped with sweat in spite of the cool air and his breathing was still shallow. He stared at her silently for a full minute. “I reckon you saved my life,” he said finally. “Thank you.”
Carrie sagged, the full reality of the precarious situation she had been in, finally sinking in. “I’m sorry,” she said contritely. “I would have had no reason to save your life if I had listened to you in the first place. I’m sorry I put you in danger.”
“They wadn’t gonna be content with just doin’ me in,” Spencer said grimly. “Men like that don’t have no qualms ‘bout hurting lady folks.” He took a deep breath and looked at her admiringly. “You be somethin’ back there, Miss Carrie. You even had me believin’ you would have shot one of them.” He paused, his unasked question hanging in the air.
“I meant what I said back there. They weren’t acting like men. They were behaving like wild animals. If one of them had tried to touch you, I would have shot them,” Carrie said firmly, amazed at the surety she felt. When her father had given her the gun she hadn’t known if she could actually shoot someone. She had her answer now.
“It’s late,” Spencer growled, his voice thick with emotion. “I best be gettin’ you home. I figure your daddy be worried sick ‘bout you.”
Nothing more was said until the carriage rolled up at the house. Spencer jumped down and helped her out. “I won’t forget you saved my life, Miss Carrie.”
“And I won’t forget all you’ve done for me, Spencer,” she said quietly. “You’ve risked yourself for me time and time again. Thank you.”
“Carrie?”
The familiar voice from the porch caused Carrie to spin around with a cry of gladness. “Robert!”
Robert leapt from the porch and grabbed her in his arms. “Where have you been? Are you all right?”
“I think I should be asking those questions,” Carrie laughed, her fatigue forgotten. “You’re home. You’re safe!”
“I just got here. Your father is worried sick about you.” He turned to Spencer. “What happened?”
Spencer looked at Carrie. “We run into a little trouble,” he admitted.
Carrie reached out for Robert’s arm. “It was nothing. I’m just so glad you’re home.” All she wanted was to have him hold her, to be assured he was really home again.
Robert pulled her into a warm embrace. Not caring who was watching, Carrie clung to him. She began to tremble as the emotions of the evening released themselves within the safety of her husband’s arms. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks.
Robert finally stepped back. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”
Carrie sighed. “I should know by now I can’t hide anything from you.” Haltingly, she told him what had happened.
“Your wife be a real brave woman,” Spencer interjected.
“We’re fine,” Carrie finished. “I don’t think those men will bother us again.” She felt much braver from within the safety of Robert’s presence.
Robert listened, his face growing white. “Both of you could have been killed,” he groaned. “And don’t fool yourself,” he snapped. “Those men have had their pride hurt. They’ll be looking for a chance to get even.”
Carrie was silent, knowing Robert was angry because of his fear for her. After a moment she turned to Spencer. “You can go home now. I think all of us need a good night’s rest.” She fought to control the quaver in her voice.
Robert reacted instantly. “I’m sorry,” he said remorsefully, then turned to Spencer. “Good night.” Taking Carrie’s hand, he pulled her up onto the porch and stepped into the shadows. “I think it’s time I said hello the right way.”
Carrie raised her face as Robert lowered his lips. Strength poured back into her as the weeks of fear and uncertainty melted away. She clung to him when he pulled back. “I wish it could always be like this,” she whispered. “I wish there was nothing to keep us apart.”
“You never know,” Robert replied, a mysterious grin flitting over his handsome face. “You might get what you wish for.”
Carrie opened her mouth to ask him what he meant, but he held a finger to her lips and shook his head. “Not another word of talk until morning. There will be plenty of time then. I find myself not very content to neck out here on the porch. Now that we’re married I discover I would much rather kiss you in bed.”
Carrie blushed at the boldness gleaming in his eyes but closed her mouth and put her hand in his willingly. “Whatever you say, husband dear,” she replied demurely.
Robert laughed and led her into the house.
“Carrie! Are you all right?” Thomas rose from his chair.
“She’s fine,” Robert assured him. “We’ll tell you all about it in the morning. Right now your daughter needs some rest. We’re going to bed.”
Thomas managed a small laugh. “It’s so nice to know there is someone else around to take care of this willful chi
ld of mine.” He leaned over and turned out the lantern. “We’ll talk in the morning.”
Robert pulled Carrie into his arms as soon as the door was closed. “I love you.” Carrie sighed and snuggled as close as she could. “I love you, Robert Borden. Everything just became all right with my world - the moment I laid eyes on you.” She reached up and touched his cheek. “I’m so glad you’re home.” Leaning back, she searched his face.
Robert’s eyes grew moist with unshed tears. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over the wonder that you’re mine,” he said softly.
“Forever and always,” Carrie promised.
Robert groaned and grabbed her close. Once again Carrie lost herself in his kiss, her heart pounding with love and desire. This time it was she that pulled away first. She took his hand and pulled him over to the bed. “Welcome home,” she smiled.
Robert stared at her, his dark eyes becoming even darker, his breathing shallow. “I dream of you every night while I’m out there,” he murmured.
Carrie’s heart ached at the vulnerability flooding his face, the haunted look she was growing accustomed to springing into his eyes. She held a finger to his lips tenderly. “Hush,” she said tenderly. “We’ll talk in the morning. Right now we’re just going to love each other and celebrate being together.” She smiled gently. “That’s an order, Captain.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Robert said obediently. Then he reached up and pulled her down on him.
When Carrie opened her eyes the next morning, Robert was propped on one elbow as he watched her.
“Good morning, wife,” he grinned.
Carrie grinned back. “Good morning, husband.” She looked at him lovingly. “One thing will never cease to amaze me.”
“What’s that? That you landed such an incredible husband?”
“Well, yes, that too, but that’s not what I’m referring to,” she teased. “I was referring to the fact that one can survive off so little sleep when she’s in love. I should be dead to the world, but I feel amazingly alive.” She reached up to pull him down. Robert obliged willingly, and once more she was engulfed in the thrill of his kiss.
Finally she pushed him away playfully. “It’s morning now. We can talk. What were you referring to yesterday when you said there may be a way for us not to have to be apart?” Her eyes gleamed with excitement. “I’m dying to know.”
Robert leaned back and regarded her appraisingly. “No one who is so beautiful could be close to death. I think you will live until breakfast.”
Carrie sprung into a kneeling position on the bed. “You cannot possibly make me wait till breakfast!” she exclaimed. “That’s cruel.”
Robert merely laughed and climbed out of bed. “I promised your father we would eat with him this morning. What I have to say I want both of you to hear.” He leaned down for another kiss. “I promise you’ll like it.”
“You look like a little boy,” Carrie said with delight. She jumped off the bed and headed for the closet. “It must be good news if you can look that excited. I suppose I’ll play along with this game and wait until breakfast. As long as you don’t make me wait ages for breakfast,” she said, waving her fist playfully.
“I believe it’s being served any minute,” Robert responded. “I thought you would never wake up. I’ve been watching you for almost an hour.”
“An hour?” Carrie gasped. “Did I snore?”
“Did you snore?”
“I’ve always wondered if I snore,” Carrie confessed. “I spent the weekend with a friend one time. I could hear her mother snoring all the way at the end of the hallway. I’ve always been horrified I would sound like that.”
“Well,” Robert said, considering. “I don’t think they can hear you all the way down at the end of the hall.” He paused. “Maybe next door, though. You might ask Janie if you kept her awake.”
Carrie gasped and then searched his face. “You’re lying,” she accused him. “I don’t really snore!” She hesitated. “Do I?”
Robert laughed and headed for the door. “I don’t know if I’d tell you if you did, but thankfully I can honestly tell you that you don’t.”
Carrie sighed with relief, then ran forward, and pummeled his chest. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”
They were still laughing when they entered the dining room. All the boarders had already gone off to work. Thomas looked up from his paper. “I’m glad you two can find something to laugh about,” he said grimly.
“We all have to find something to laugh about,” Carrie said soothingly. She hadn’t had time to tell Robert about her father’s increasing bitterness and defeated attitude. Now he would get to see it firsthand.
Thomas scowled and tossed his paper aside. “Well, I’m not going to find it in that paper. I’m afraid there’s not much good news for the Confederacy right now.”
“Surely our most recent victory was good news,” Robert protested.
“I’m afraid losing 13,000 men, as well as one of our finest generals, is not much to cheer about. Yes, I’m thankful Hooker is not marching through our capital right now, but I don’t think it will take him long to get strong enough to try again.” He shook his head dolefully. “This will be a long summer.” He let out his breath in a heavy sigh. “I wonder whether we will still have a capital when it’s all said and done.”
“Lee may have a plan to make sure Richmond is still standing at the end of the summer,” Robert said strongly. “I think he shares some of your concerns about Hooker’s future plans.”
Thomas looked at him curiously but didn’t respond.
“Lee is proposing the Army of Northern Virginia head north,” Robert said confidently. “There is news that Hooker will be reinforced. That is clear indication that Virginia will once more be the theater of action. Lee believes if he moves his troops north it will ease the pressure on Virginia for a while - as well as keep even more reinforcements from heading to Tennessee and Mississippi. Lincoln will be cautious if he believes Rebel troops are advancing in the direction of Washington, D.C. He’ll have to think more about protecting his capital than about capturing Richmond.”
Thomas looked up, a spark of hope in his eyes. “Lee really thinks he can take on the Army of the Potomac in their territory? Without a ready line of supplies?”
“Lee is considering this as a defensive move,” Robert asserted. “He is not going looking for a fight. His aims are more moderate than that. He hopes to disrupt Federal plans for the summer. He also wants to use the maneuver to gather supplies for his army from the North. Not to mention that if Union troops leave Virginia more supplies can reach our state.”
“If I’m hearing this right,” Thomas observed thoughtfully, “Lee plans on spending the summer maneuvering in the North, hoping to return in the fall in better shape than he is now.”
“That’s it exactly,” Robert agreed. “I think President Davis will go for it.”
Carrie listened with a sinking heart. She had been so excited just minutes earlier. Now Robert was telling her they would be apart for the whole summer. “When do you leave?” she asked woodenly.
“The question is not when I leave,” Robert replied, smiling. “The question is when do we leave?”
Carrie stared at him, confused. “Whatever are you talking about?”
Robert reached over and took one of her hands. “I’m not going with General Lee, my love. We’re going to London.” He sat back, a grin lighting his face.
“London?” she echoed stupidly.
Robert nodded excitedly. “Think of it, Carrie. Us - together - in London, England. I’ve always dreamed of going there.”
Thomas cleared his throat. “If I’m feeling confused, I can imagine what my daughter must be experiencing. Maybe you should start from the beginning,” he suggested dryly.
“I’m sorry,” Robert apologized. “I wanted so much to tell you last night, Carrie. I wanted to let you know we wouldn’t have to be apart again.” He stopped short. “I’m still not explain
ing myself.”
Carrie sat quietly still too surprised by his announcement to say anything or to even know what she was thinking.
“President Davis called me to his office yesterday. I was there early in the morning - before the funeral procession.” He paused. “The President looked awful. He took Jackson’s death very hard.” Sorrow clouded his face. “I was there,” he said quietly, seeming to forget all about London. “I saw Jackson get shot. I helped carry him behind lines.” His face grew grim. “It was a terrible night.”
Carrie watched him closely. His face was saying everything his words weren’t. Her heart wrenched as she envisioned what he had experienced. Suddenly she was eager to hear about London. “Tell me about England,” she said quickly, reaching forward to grasp his hand.
The haunted look faded from Robert’s eyes as he glanced up. “England?” he murmured. His eyes brightened. “Yes, London. I was telling you about President Davis.” His voice strengthened as he pushed his memories away.
Carrie regarded him tenderly. She knew he was groping toward the future to help him deal with the horrors of the past. She loved him for his strength. She also loved him for his raw vulnerability. He had endured more in the last two years than she could even imagine. A fierce desire to protect him gripped her.
Robert turned to Thomas. “How much do you know about the situation in England?”
Thomas shrugged. “That it seems to change depending on how the wind blows. The English aristocracy seems to be decidedly against the Northern position. I believe if it were left up to them they would grant recognition of the Confederacy. On the other hand,” he continued bitterly, “the queen and many of the English people favor a continuation of Northern control and aggression.” He shook his head. “Their official position is one of neutrality.”