The Lilly Flower (Short Story; Finished)

“Careful, Ms. Gilbert,” a loquacious blonde said in a threatening way, “no one wants to be the talk of the town.

“You know Ms. Carmichael,” retorted the brunette, “I have it all under control.” Ms. Carmichael rolled her eyes and scoffed.

“It would be a shame to see the queen fall off her throne after many months of reign,” she said to the brunette before turning around swiftly and walking out. Ms. Gilbert rolled her eyes and ignored the threat.

~A Couple Months Earlier~

“Welcome to Virginia, Miss Katherine,” Mr. Frank Salvatore said helping the lovely lady out of the boat careful not to get her skirts soiled.

“Thank you, Mr. Frank Salvatore,” she said climbing out. She looked around the bright atmosphere so different from Northern Germany. Frank helped her in the elegant carriage while, Francios, the slave, fastened the trunks.

“So, Miss Katherine, I heard you come from Germany,” Frank said. Katherine nodded.

“Yes, I do. It’s wonderful, but I’d like to see the Americas,” she replied.

“You’ll love it dearly at the boarding house, I know I did.”

“Isn’t it your main house?”

“Yes, but Father built it recently.”

“That’s interesting,” Katherine said. She nodded her head up and down not really paying attention to Frank’s consistent blabbering and boasting of the place and the slaves. They came around a bend of a large spectacular house. It was obviously new and so large. The gardens Katherine caught a glimpse of were simply stunning. “Oh my.”

“I have one question before we depart,” Katherine said.

“And that is?”

“Do you support slavery?”

“That is a personal matter, Miss Katherine.”

“Please, call me Katherine. But it’s just curiosity.”

“I believe in using slave labor, yes. I mean, how else are we to get the work done? There is schooling to get done and balls to attend.”

“We don’t have the same thoughts.”

“It is none of your business to discuss politics.”

“It is all of my business, thank you, Mr. Salvatore.”

“I’m afraid not.” Katherine glared at him.

“I’m afraid so.” Just then the carriage stopped. Francios got off his perch and put out the wooden step stool. First Frank got out and reluctantly put out his hand for Katherine to take to help climb out. She was perfectly fine without him, but there was a line of people waiting at the top of the stairs and she didn’t want to be unpolite. So she plastered on a smile and took the cold hand and got down.

She met Ricardo, the head of the household first. Then she met Savannah who was Frank’s youngest sister. They were both kind and polite with cheery smiles and pretty dressed. Then a guy in ruffled black hair, pale skin, and crystal eyes came running up. He held a tattered piece of paper and wore an old Confederate uniform.

“Derrick!” Savannah hissed. The three Salvatores she had already met blushed deeply. Apparently the “Derrick” was embarrassing them. Katherine stifled a giggle. This new person, this different person, he intrigued her.

“I’m Derrick Salvatore,” the man said.

“Katherine Gilbert,” Katherine said. Derrick kissed her hand lightly and smiled.