When Washington Burned

Chapter 3

After the disastrous tea with the Sinclair's, Mrs. Rutherford continued a cold silence towards Ella, though each afternoon it was expected that both ladies would sit ready in the drawing room in hopes a potential suitor called unexpectedly. Sitting in silence for hours each day led Ella to near madness with boredom as she overheated in the Washington heat, praying for a rainy day to get some relief.

It had been weeks with no invites of consequence and only the constant threat of Mr. Gibson. Mrs. Rutherford's annoyance only became more heightened when it was perceived that the Sinclair's had taken their place in many of the recent social events and Mr. James Sinclair had become quite the popular prospect among the local ladies. Even Miss Sinclair had received calls from some of the bachelors that Ella had so rudely dismissed in previous seasons.

Ella's spirits would improve greatly each evening when her father would return, both for his company as well as the new edition of the National Intelligencer. Ella was deep into a daydream when her father returned home seeming rather happier than most days.

"Ladies, prepare yourselves for dinner tonight, we will be having a guest!"

Mrs. Rutherford nearly gasped but recovered herself quickly. Though it was not uncommon for the Rutherford's to welcome guests, notice was usually given in advance to which Mrs. Rutherford could prepare a special menu for the evening.

"A guest? Who are we expecting? I do wish I had known earlier; I would have had Mary prepare something special."

"Do not mind about that, he has been out on the battlefield for these last many months, I assure you any meal will be an improvement."

Though this was meant to pacify Mrs., Rutherford, she felt unease, "A military man will be joining us?" Mrs. Rutherford guessed, Ella's curiosity suddenly piqued.

"No, unfortunately not," Mr. Rutherford smiled, winking at his eldest daughter, "Mr. Dashwood, my former apprentice from our time in Philadelphia. He has been providing war coverage to the Gazette these last two years."

Mrs. Rutherford did not appear much enthused, but Ella was unusually eager to meet this dinner guest, even with her father's teasing. Shortly after this announcement, she excused herself to her room. If she were to have the opportunity to engage another in discussions of war and politics, there were editions that would require further reading.

From her writing desk Ella took out some of the recent editions of the Washington Gazette, though she had saved them to reflect on her own articles, she decided to take the time before dinner to refresh herself on some of the different points made by Mr. Dashwood in his articles. Ella certainly wanted to come off as intelligent and, even more so, informed. She had some trepidation going into the evening. Aside from her father, she rarely had opportunity to discuss the war or politics, but hoped, Mr. Dashwood would entertain the ideas of a lady.

To her mother's chagrin, Ella insisted on wearing one of her plainest dresses, bows and lace did not strike Ella as serious, neither would an overly ornate coiffure. She checked the mirror; she looked smart indeed in her high-collared cotton blue dress. The arrival of Mr. Dashwood could be heard up the stairs as Ella finalized a last study of his work. Practicing the conversations in her head that may be enjoyed that evening.

Ella quickly joined her parents, Betty already supped and required to go to bed early since they were having a dinner guest. Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford welcomed Mr. Dashwood heartily, while Miss Rutherford was surprised and slightly apprehensive upon being introduced to a man not near her father's age as was her assumption but rather a young man not much older than herself. She pushed aside her concerns of a match attempt. He looked quite unkempt, and certainly did not seem to come from money, so he, Ella decided, would not be someone her mother would support as a match. Soon Ella forgave him his youth, encouraging herself to remain positive towards the opportunities of stimulating conversations to be had.