Defiant Hearts

by Janelle Taylor

  As Laura nestled her head into the pillow, she was all too aware and pleased that in a few hours she would begin spending the day with the irresistible Lieutenant Jayce Storm.

  For a moment, her mind traveled to the message she would pass to Ben on Thursday; she hoped and prayed it wouldn’t put Jayce in danger. She wondered if it was wrong to entice him closer when she was misleading him and jeopardizing what he loved and served. Yet, she didn’t want to sacrifice these few days with him. Didn’t she deserve a little happiness and diversion? Didn’t he before returning to horrific war? She almost wished she hadn’t met him and allowed him to trouble her mind so. After he left, she warned herself, she must forget his existence. Despite nibblings of guilt and worry and a futile attempt to stop fantasizing about him, body-weary, she was asleep soon with pleasant dreams relaxing her.

  Laura locked the cellar door behind her before she descended the steps into the darkness, her lantern’s glow creating dancing shadows. It was dark because the oblong windows with iron grills had black cloths covering them, as did the slatted ventilation holes so no one could peek inside and see the bounty stored there. She weaved between floor-to-ceiling shelves and around wooden containers that crowded the enormous area. Cured hams, bacon, and other salted meats were suspended from overhead beams, as were dried bunches of assorted spices and herbs. There were large barrels of flour, sugar, rice, grits, and cornmeal—laced with bay leaves to discourage pests from ruining or stealing their contents. There were smaller ones with pickles and salt, with rice added to absorb moisture. There were various-size tins with imported tea, coffee, pepper, meats, seafoods, and raisins. There were cotton sacks of dried fruits, peas, and nuts, mostly pecans and peanuts. She had many tubs of lard. She had numerous jars of canned vegetables, fruits, preserves, jellies, honey, and molasses. Open boxes held potatoes, onions, and yams; sealed rounds contained cheeses. Other items also were stored there, such as cloth for new towels, napkins, and sheets, and candles in case the gas, oil, and coal supplies ran out in town.

  Butter, fresh vegetables and fruits, milk and beef were purchased locally and were kept in the kitchen of the hotel. A coop in her backyard provided chickens and eggs; a small garden, tomatoes and cucumbers.

  It wasn’t that she was a selfish hoarder. She needed food to feed her guests or her business would fail and her means of support would be lost. She saved as much as possible of the contents around her to see her through hard times ahead, which were sure to come with the blockade strengthened, crops and railroads being destroyed, and the Union’s grip tightening constantly around every city. When supplies were plentiful at the farmer’s markets on Sixth and Seventeenth streets or in local butcher shops, she purchased all she could afford for current use, then added any abundance to her secret stores. Only the five people working for her knew about the cellar’s contents, and, she believed, they wouldn’t reveal that fact and put themselves out of needed jobs by forcing the hotel to close. She had no doubt that much—most—of her stores would be confiscated for soldiers if news leaked by intention or accident. As she slipped the enciphering disk atop a beam in the wine section where Ben’s photograph and a small pouch of gold coins were concealed, Laura shuddered to imagine what she would do if something so horrible occurred.

  After leaving and locking the cellar without being seen by any of her guests who would be stirring around soon, she returned to her home until six-thirty when she went to help with morning chores.

  After breakfast, Laura bid Lawrence and Major Stevens farewell and told them she hoped they returned many times, either during or following the war. As with all soldiers who stayed at her establishment, she gave the officer treats—soda crackers, rice cakes, dried fruits, and leftover biscuits with cured ham—to enjoy while en route to Atlanta. She saw Lily leave to escort him to the stable so Alvus could take him to the train depot, as Lawrence was returning to Petersburg with friends in a wagon. She wondered if that unusual action was Lily’s or Richard’s idea. Laura was eager to be enlightened, but a lack of time prevented a chat with Lily.

  As soon as the clean-up chores were done, Laura told Mrs. Barton she was leaving for most of the day and that Lily, who was grinning in suppressed mischief, would be in charge of everything during her absence.

  At home, Laura dressed and groomed herself for church—for an adventure with Jayce Storm! She had seen him when she helped serve the early meal, but had remained reserved around the other guests; she didn’t want them to learn they would be spending the day together and risk being teased about a romance. When the clock on the mantel told her it was ten-fifteen, she locked the back door and walked to the stable at the rear of her property.

  Laura found Jayce—dressed in his uniform and groomed to perfection—talking with her sole male employee. “Good morning, Alvus, Lieutenant Storm,” she greeted both men. “I hope I didn’t keep you two waiting very long.”

  “Nome, Missy Laura,” Alvus said with a brisk nod of his head, “we got plenty a’time afore you be late for church. I jus’ got back from haulin’ Major Stevens to his train.”

  “Thank you, Alvus; you’re a good worker. You earn every dollar of your pay. After the war and things are better, you’ll get the raise you deserve.”

  The black man nodded his gratitude and grinned broadly, white teeth a bold contrast to his dark skin. “I’m ready to go when you gives the word.”

  “Lieutenant Storm?”

  “I’m also ready, Miss Carlisle. But if you did keep us waiting, it was worth the extra time because you look exceptionally lovely today.”

  Laura was surprised by his sultry words and tone in the presence of another person. “That’s a nice compliment, sir; thank you. Shall we go?”

  Jayce extended his hand to Laura so she could grasp it to climb aboard the carriage. As she did so, he was sure he felt it quivering and hoped it was because of his contact. After she settled herself, he took a seat beside her, while Alvus sat on the front one. Before the black man flicked the reins and clicked his tongue to get them underway, he saw the golden-haired beauty lift and open a parasol to shade herself from harsh sunlight, which had not injured her flawless and soft pale complexion. His fingers itched to slip into those shiny dark-golden curls which lay on her shoulders. From their good condition, he assumed her dress, shoes, and bonnet were rarely used, in contrast with her everyday clothes which were slightly worn and faded from frequent wear. The colors she had chosen today—vivid green and peach—enhanced those hues of her flesh, hair, and eyes. Her sole jewelry was a pair of pearl earrings, and he wondered if other and more precious pieces were kept hidden to avoid having them stolen or requested as a war donation.

  As they traveled down her dirt drive, turned right onto Cary, then right onto Fourth Street, Laura felt Jayce’s furtive study of her. His gaze was as soft as a tender caress, yet as powerful as a strong physical grip. To prevent her mind from roaming forbidden territory and her body from responding to such wild fantasies, she pointed out sights to him as soon as Alvus guided the aging carriage onto Broad Street to ride the eight blocks to the church on the corner of Twelfth. “That’s Second Market to our left and there’s a larger one on Seventeenth if you want to purchase anything to carry with you to Petersburg; our selections and qualities of vegetables and fruits are still excellent despite the blockade and disrupted rail service to many areas, but prices are high. To our right are two of our many theaters. It doesn’t seem as if the war has stopped or slowed the entertainment business; perhaps it’s even increased a need for diversions.”

  Jayce took that opportunity to turn to Laura and ask, “Is anything good playing we could go see before I leave, if you’d allow me to escort you there? I know this is short notice, but my days are numbered in Richmond. As for me, I think it would be most enjoyable. I haven’t seen a play or watched entertainers since before the war started.”

  His invitation to another outing took Laura by surprise. Of course, she reasoned, he might only want a genial companion w
ith whom to share some lonely hours. But if he wanted and expected more from her, that remained to be discovered. “There’s a comedy performance tomorrow night at the Richmond Varieties Theater if all of the tickets aren’t sold by now.”

  “I’ll check in the morning, if you’re willing to accompany me.”

  “As you said, it sounds enjoyable, so I accept your kind invitation. I don’t get to see many plays because…I’m usually too busy and I can’t afford to pamper myself during wartime.”

  Jayce noticed that her breath was fresh each time she turned and spoke to him, but it didn’t smell like the dried mint he had chewed on this morning to sweeten his. He concluded she had changed her last remark and guessed she had been about to say, because I don’t normally go out with my guests or a near-stranger. He saw the fringe on her parasol sway when she shifted its position to talk or the sun’s angle altered as they changed directions. Just as he saw how the tassels on the decorative strip across the bustline of her bodice seemed to dance in merriment with her movements as if pleasured to be in that stimulating location. Her top was fitted to her stunning figure, but wasn’t too tight for modesty’s sake; it evinced a small waist and an ample bosom. For a moment, he envisioned his fingers slowly unfastening its buttons, peeling it off her creamy shoulders, and—

  “That’s Hoyer & Ludwig Lithographers; they print the Confederacy’s currency. Although our dollar appears to be losing its prior value at a swift rate and doesn’t have much buying power anymore, the building is always guarded against a Union threat of sabotage; so are our banks.”

  “That’s smart, because such destruction could ruin our economy.”

  “Look to your right down Ninth Street; it’s so wide you can see the canal basin and James River beyond it. There’s Capitol Square; we’ll view it better after church. And those are the Confederate Government Stables,” she remarked as he eyed the numerous animals and almost block-long site. “All horses except those used for ambulances are kept there; that way, no Yankee agents can steal them from the center of town.”

  “That was clever positioning.”

  She pointed out City Hall on their right before she was jostled against him as they crossed train tracks in the street to reach the First Baptist Church on the other side at the corner of Twelfth. As they waited in a line of carriages to be let off near the door, she kept talking to distract herself from his enticing contact. “At the end of the next block on the corner of Clay Street is the Confederate White House, the Davis’s home.”

  Jayce directed his gaze toward the large home. “Ever been there?”

  “Twice. Mrs. Davis hosted a tea this spring for ladies who are hospital helpers, and I was the dinner companion of a past guest of mine.”

  So, Jayce deduced, she does go out with guests of her establishment. “Ever meet President Davis?” he asked as he struggled to conceal and quell a gnawing of unexpected jealousy.

  “Yes, at that dinner I mentioned. The President is nice, interesting, and well-read, but he has a big burden on his shoulders. At times during that evening, he had a sad, faraway look in his eyes, and he seemed very weary.”

  “I certainly wouldn’t want to be in his shoes for a single day.”

  “Nor would I.” She didn’t pursue further discussion of politics in Alvus’s presence. Though Alvus was a free man, many of his race were still enthralled, and slavery was currently mated to most political topics.

  After Jayce assisted her from the carriage and Alvus departed, she mentioned the First African Baptist Church down the street where Alvus and his family attended afternoon services. “After he picks us up later, we’ll drop him off at his church, if you can handle the carriage for our tour.”

  “It will be my pleasure, Miss Carlisle.” Then, abruptly he asked, “Is Alvus your slave?”

  Laura halted and looked at him. “Of course not. He came to work for Aunt Clarissa years ago after his master freed him, freed all of his slaves upon his death. Richmond and Petersburg have many born-free blacks and ex-slaves. Where you’re heading, many free ones work side-by-side with slaves and whites making military supplies and other goods. They build wagons, bridges, homes, and freight cars; and they work on the railroads.”

  Jayce hoped that was scorn for the practice which he detected in her tone and in her expression. “I haven’t met many slaves; Missouri is a free state and my family never owned any.”

  Laura stopped herself from asking, Then why are you fighting for the South when much of the conflict concerns slavery? She dared not show her contempt of the practice or her disloyalty to the Confederacy to the Rebel soldier, since his views and feelings were unknown to her. “I’ve met plenty, but my family never owned any, either. Here we are,” she almost whispered, and fell silent as they reached a group of people near the door.

  They entered the large church and were seated on a pew near the back, as most parishioners had certain places where they sat each Sunday. The congregation was told to rise and open their hymnals to the first song, beginning the hour-long service with Jayce and Laura sharing a dark-blue book and trying not to stand too close to each other, especially since several men—patrons of hers—kept glancing their way.

  Those reactions were not lost on Jayce and told him that it must be rare for Laura to bring a guest to church. In most upper social circles of the Deep South, bringing a companion to church was almost the same as introducing that person to one’s parents before a serious commitment was made. Yet, Laura hadn’t hesitated to invite him to come along today…Perhaps, Jayce reasoned, there was someone present whom Laura wanted to make jealous or to discourage.

  The pastor’s sermon was a good one, but a message Laura had heard many times before, so her attention kept straying to the man beside her. She hadn’t known him long and didn’t know him well, but already she felt she was going to miss him after his departure. He was fascinating and delightful company, so polite and refined. He could be bold without being offensive or discourteous. Each time he touched her to offer assistance, she felt his enormous strength, tempered by an obvious gentleness. His blue gaze and touch were flattering and arousing, not lewd or devouring as she endured many times from other males. Yes, she fretted, he was going to prove unforgettable!

  At a little past noon, the service ended with everyone standing and joining together to say the Lord’s Prayer as the benediction.

  As they exited, Laura introduced Jayce to the minister, and the two men chatted for a few minutes as she smiled and nodded greetings to those in passing whom she knew. Afterward, Jayce grasped her elbow to escort her to their waiting carriage with Alvus standing beside it.

  En route to Alvus’s church, Jayce thought about the way Laura walked, talked, dressed, and behaved: all were clues to good breeding and training. He couldn’t help but wonder who the “real” woman was and how she had come to be at this point in her young life.

  When they reached the First African Baptist Church, Jayce and Laura changed to the front seat of the carriage. Before doing so, Laura introduced Jayce to Alvus’s wife and children and observed him as he chatted with the Longs for a few minutes. Why, she fumed, did he have to be a Rebel soldier, a Rebel officer? That high rank implied he knew and performed his duties well, too well to suit her as a Union loyalist. She was foolish to dally with him! On opposite sides, they couldn’t be friends; any relationship was doomed from the start, so it was best not to begin one. Yet, she had allowed, perhaps encouraged, him to pursue her. To spurn him now would be suspicious, so it was wisest to carry on because he would be gone soon. If he ever returned, perhaps she could extract information about Petersburg from him. The instant that thought flashed through her troubled mind, she scolded herself and discarded it as cruel and wrong.

  As Jayce chatted with the children, Laura wondered if her feelings matched Lily’s about her erotic task with Major Stevens. If Lily fell in love with Richard, would Lily change sides to avoid losing or in hopes of winning the Atlanta officer? From the way Richard had wat
ched Lily last night and at breakfast, he had fallen under her spell. Yet, the talented Lily’s learning and use of a convincing southern accent belied her northern birthplace. She was positive Lily would never expose her as a spy, but she couldn’t imagine what Richard would do if he discovered—

  “Ready to ride, Miss Carlisle?” Jayce asked for the second time.

  “Yes, and pardon my distraction; I was deciding where we should eat lunch. I believe the Spotswood Hotel will be perfect, and it’s my treat.”

  Jayce’s mind retorted, And I believe you just lied, my ravishing treat.

  Laura continued, “I’ll see you in the morning, Alvus. It was nice seeing you again, Mrs. Long, and the children. I’ll make certain Alvus brings them something special tomorrow night.” She saw the children smile with joy.

  “You’re much too kind, Missy Laura, and we thanks you a’-plenty.”

  “One should always help one’s friends and best workers. I don’t know what I would do without your husband’s skills. He’s one of the most honest, dependable, and considerate men I know.”

  From her expression and tone and mood, Jayce concluded she was telling the truth now. He was curious about where her thoughts had roamed earlier. She’d looked unhappy and worried. He could not think of anything they had said which could have saddened or displeased her. It was odd, mighty odd…

  Laura guided Jayce down Twelfth and Governor’s streets and onto Bank at Capitol Square with its many trees and a fence to keep out animals. She pointed out George Washington’s lofty monument that was erected seven years ago, a Bell Tower used to sound the day’s hours and approach of perils, and the Virginia State Capitol Building that was designed from plans Thomas Jefferson received in France. “If you have time, Jayce, you should look inside; it’s magnificent. Houdon’s marble statue of President Washington is in the Rotunda, and you can see where our Senate and Representatives gather to confer. I hear Congressional meetings are quite interesting and heated at times.”