Rebel Heart: (Swept Away) Of Life and Love during the American Civil War

Did she go too far?

Chapter Thirteen

It was the eve of the dance, held only a few days before Christmas. Jenny had been a little worried about the weather for it had been dark and cold, but now, as the day began to fade, streaks of sunlight lit up the sky.

Jenny was going alone. She had hoped her father would go and certainly her brother. But both said no, they would stay home. Jenny, concerned for her younger brother, that he would never meet anyone if he didn't socialize, had urged him more than once to go. But he in the end pointed to his leg, saying he wouldn't be very good on the dance floor.

So, she got herself ready to go, peeking in the mirror wearing the now lower cut dress, applying real rouge to her cheeks, and putting on her short cape, followed by her best winter shawl, and tucking her new white gloves into her handbag, she went to Sarah's. There, they would help each other put on the finishing touches before Rex came for them. Ready to leave now, she said goodbye to her father and brother and walked out, thinking as she walked, how fortunate Sarah was to have Rex take them both to the dance.

At Sarah's they helped each other tightly lace up their corsets, and both girls again peeked into the mirror to see the dramatic effect on their figures. Then, they spent some time styling each other's hair, striving for something just right for the occasion.

* * *

While the girls were getting themselves ready, Daniel was at his house choosing what he would wear. He was glad that both he and Hank were going. He looked forward to seeing friends he hadn't seen for a while, and he was proud that the town was having the dance to raise money to support the confederate cause. He also looked forward to seeing his girl, Samantha all decked out, as he knew she would be, and looking so pretty when she danced with him. Not that he would get to often. He knew the rules: be sociable, don't dance too often with any one person even if that person happened to be your spouse.

Since his return, besides seeing Samantha, he had enjoyed spending some time with Jenny. She was a great friend, and if he was honest with himself, he might realize there were some things he felt more comfortable talking about with her than with Samantha. One thing surprised him. She wasn't going with him to the dance, but with Rex and Sarah. He knew Rex. His handsome richness was not lost on girls. Somehow, he felt a little uneasy knowing Jenny would be with him, even though he knew he was not her date. Why did he feel that way about her? He guessed it was because she was like a younger sister to him, and he felt a need to protect her.

He was in his buggy now, taking the road to Samantha's, this time not stopping at Jenny's, though he did look toward her house while passing. When he picked up Samantha, he was immediately impressed by her appearance, both her lovely crimson gown and her hair in a fashionable bun with ringlets tumbling down such that when she turned quickly, they flew around her. Moving on, out of sight of her house, they exchanged a quick kiss before darting off with a gallop toward town.

When they reached the hall, before them was an impressive array of carriages of every type, from the most humble wagon to enclosed carriages pulled by two horses. Daniel was on the lookout for Hank, who was coming in from the other side of town.

"Hank!" he yelled on seeing him and the girl with him stepping down from their buggy.

"Daniel!"

Daniel quickly found a place to hitch his horse, he helped Samantha down, and the two couples moved toward each other.

"Hank, I would like to introduce Samantha Evans, the girl I've told you of often enough."

"Pleased to meet you," he replied, bowing slightly toward her.

"The pleasure is mine," answered Samantha with a genteel curtsy toward him. "I do hope Daniel hasn't mentioned any of my numerous faults." She glanced into Daniel's eyes.