3 comments/ 19409 views/ 0 favorites Southern Dreams Ch. 1 By: Lord Master Scribe "We are interviewing Mrs. Allison Clearborne of Boston, who is celebrating her 100th birthday today." the newscaster said, "Mrs. Clearborne could you tell us a little about what you have seen and learned over the years" " Well," Allison started her voice strong but soft, "I guess the greatest thing I have learned is that love is the one thing that a person needs to feel like they are worth something. I have also learned that even when the one you love is gone, you can still go on with their memory. Over the past 100 years I have seen war after war from the Civil War to the war we are in now, World War II. I have watch family members march off more than once. I have seen changes in transportation from horse and buggy to automobiles. I have watched as men learn to fly and as babies have learned to crawl. A lot has changed in the last 100 years." "I guess that is true Mrs. Clearborne. While there are those of us that can only read about certain historical events, you can say that you experienced them first hand. It is indeed an honor madam for this reporter to have the fortune and honor to be in the company of one such as you. I want to thank you for the opportunity to conduct this interview. Am I correct in saying that you were born in Virginia in the year of …let's see…ah yes…the year of 1843?" "Yes it is." "And is it also true that you married a Union soldier?" " Yes, that is also true. Captain Robert Clearborne." " Well I am sure that you have a lot of interesting stories, and with that in mind ladies and gentlemen I want to say that Mrs. Clearbourne has just finished working with Dianne Worthington on a book of her memories titled 'Southern Dreams: My life in the South during the Civil War'. Well, thank you Mrs. Clearborne and good luck with the book." " Don't forget to tell them folks that all profits go to the Allison Clearborne Society for Wives and Mothers of Missing Service Men," Allison reminded the newscaster. After the interview Allison laid back her head, resting it on the back of the rocker that she had grown so fond of. She closed her eyes and allowed her mind to drift back to a time when things were much simpler. She thought of her childhood, of her time growing up on the James River. The first time she had seen a Confederate or Union soldier. How she had never seen faces ravaged with pain as she did in those of the wounded that she sheltered when Robert first entered her life. She remembered the way that she grew up with her father and mother until her mothers' death and the way her father had changed after that. She smiles as she remembers the way she has been so shy around the tall gallant Yankee captain, all the while feeling such strange (at the time) feelings and having such unladylike thoughts. She sighs and a smile comes to her lips as she remembers the first time she and Robert came together, not at all like it was suppose to be, not married, nor engaged, just two people tired of being alone, tired of the war and all the sadness. Two people possessed with a need to be loved and a desire to love. It was a wonderful experience, one that was repeated time after time all through their lives. With her eyes closed, she can still remember his every touch, caress, the gentle way he had of holding her and making love to her. Eighty years later and she still holds these memories close to her heart, a place where only she harbors these precious gifts of the past that can still be opened to her now in the present. Just as she was about to dose off Allison felt a hand on her shoulder, she looked up and there was Dianne Worthington, a smile on her round angelic face. " Allison, I have news for you about your book dear." Allison fought off the desire to sleep. "What is that Dianne, what is the news?" " Well I just finished talking with the publisher and she said that the first run will be 500,000 copies, and those are almost all going to be sold out within a week. So she is planning a second 500,000 run to make sure there are enough for everyone who wants to read it." "You are right, that is just wonderful news Dianne, but if you do not mind I am so tired from that interview I just want to take a nap." Dianne nodded her head and quietly left the room. Allison closed her eyes and flowed with the memories, following them back to Virginia, back to the old plantation where she grew up. The great house, now neglected, and the slave quarters a little more that just a bunch of collapsing buildings, but in her mind they were still full of splendor and strength. She remembered a time when she would run and play in front of the great house. Gathering the little black children and marching them back and forth like her father, Col. William Shannon. She remembered his laughter, as she would march around. She also remembered the way that her mother would sing to her at night before she fell asleep. The hot treats that Mammy would give her, even when mother said no. These were fond memories. Alison grew up on the banks of the James River in Virginia. Born in 1843 she was the pride and joy of both her mother and father. Being the only girl in the brood did not hurt any either. The only real draw back to her childhood was the desire that her father had for her to marry a certain young man named Thomas Pierce, who at the age of 20 had become the second most prosperous land holder in the area. Second, that is, to Allison's father. Allison remembers reading once in her mothers diary (which was not allowed as she found out when she was caught) about the way that her father reacted when she was born. This day had been greatly anticipated by my Husband. The birth of his third child had taken place. It is every man's dream to have sons to carry on the family name, however for him, his was to have a daughter as well. How he hopes for a daughter that he could lavish with finest fashions, furnishings, toys, but most of all with all the love in his heart. I remember hearing him as he paces outside the door of the room where I am in the pains of childbirth. I know that he has heard my cries of pain as I gave birth to my child. I remember watching as Dr McDaniel left the room to announce to William that he has a beautiful healthy daughter with what seemed to be a tinge of sadness in his voice as he spoke. I remember William walking into the room and kissing my forehead telling me that I look radiant and the most beautiful that he has ever seen me and then looking at his daughter, his beautiful baby girl, laying next to me. He takes her in his arms and announces that her name shall be Allison (after his mother) Rose (from my maiden name) Shannon. A smile flickers over Allison's face as she remembered these happier times. But the smile is fleeting as she remembers that fateful day that her mother died and her father became as no one she had ever known. Strangely distant, verbally and physically abusive of the slaves that he had once cared for. For Allison a different man, aloof and condescending towards her, nothing she would do was every right in his eyes and he took every chance to belittle her. She frowned as her mind brought back the painful memories of that day as she sat in quiet slumber. Life had been good for her until the month April of 1862. It changes from blissfulness to a dark nightmare. It seems that one day her father is the man that she has known all her life and then he is transformed overnight to a man that she doesn't recognize. It is April 10th, 1862 and she had gotten up as usual and dressed. Instead of everyone gathering in the dining room for breakfast as usual, mother is weeping in the sitting room, her brothers have a look of puzzlement on their faces and her father is nowhere to be found. As she approaches her mother she sees a look on her face that she has never seen before. The closer she comes to her the more apparent the bruises become that discolor her mother's face. She remembers thinking that perhaps Yankees have come during the night, assaulted her mother and that her father has gone for revenge. She questions her mother but her mother will not answer her. She goes to her brothers and Jeb puts his arm around her and tells her that Yankees had not been there. He will not disclose to her what has happened, but he knows and so does Donald. She remembers trying to get her brother to tell her what was going on but she cannot get them to give her any information. The servants bring their horses up to the front porch and she sees her father riding up to meet them. She goes to speak with him and he looks at her with a coldness that she has never seen in his eyes before. After her father and brothers leave her mother orders a horse be saddled for her and leaves as well. Allison remembers the wait seemed to last forever, and then she saw her father and brothers ridding towards the house, and a fourth horse being led, a bundle tied to it's back. Upon closer inspection she saw that it was not a bundle but a body. She stood holding her breath as her father rode up to the porch. "Allison go inside to your room", Allison's father said with a gruff quiet voice" " But Father, what about Mother, she left and has not returned, What about…..?" " I mean now child, GO TO YOUR ROOM," his voice booming, resounding off the porch. Allison ran to her room, stifling her tears until she was alone. She crept to the window looking down on the horse and it's burden. Suddenly it dawned on her that the horse belonged to her mother. Just as she was about to run back down stairs her brothers moved the body from the horse and an arm fell out, an arm that Allison knew well, for on the wrist there was a bracelet she had given to her mother just before her last birthday. Allison remembered the funeral that followed and the change that came over her father. There were no words of comfort that came from her father's lips towards her. His eyes were void of any emotion at all when his gaze would fall upon her. She can understand the grief that he feels at the loss of the woman that he loved. However, why does she feel that in someway the death of her mother was her fault? Why did he make her feel that way? It was soon after that he and both of her brothers enlisted in the Confederate Army to fight against the North. The final words her father spoke to her as he was preparing to leave was that it was time for the Yanks to pay for the death of his beloved Gwendolyn and for all the pain they had caused. His final words to her were not those of a father leaving his daughter not knowing if they would ever be reunited or not, but were cold and direct. He instructed her that she was the mistress of the plantation but the overseer would supervise the overall management. It was later in the day when Allison awoke from her nap. She could smell dinner beingprepared in the kitchen. She rose from her chair making her way to her room to get ready for dinner. Just as she started to her room there was a knock at the door. She moved, slowly to answer it. As she opened the door her heart almost stopped for there, standing in the doorway was Robert Clearborne, as large as life. She stumbled and almost fell. Strong hands reached out to steady her, helping her return to her rocker. She looked up, her voice weak. "Robert, is it really you, Robert?" " No ma'am," came the reply, " I am Richard". Allison stopped to clear her thoughts. " Richard? Well you remind me a great deal of my departed husband Robert." " Well ma'am there is a good reason for that. Your husband, Robert Clearborne was my great, great uncle. I have seen his picture and have been told many times that I favor him" " Well tell me Richard, what brings you here?" Before he could answer Miss Molly, the cook came into the room and announced that dinner was ready. Molly looked at the tall young man sitting on the sofa and then at Allison. " Have you had your dinner yet sir," Allison asked? " No ma'am I have not eaten yet". " Will you please stay for dinner and provide me with a bit of company?" Before he could answer Allison looked to Molly instructing her to set another plate at the table. Richard helped Allison up and steadied her as she walked to the dining room. After they had both been seated and the meal started Allison asked the reason for his visit. " Well Miss Allison, I came to discuss my uncle with you. As you know there were some members of our family that did not understand the reasons for him marrying a southern woman during the great conflict and my great- great grandfather was one of them. I understand that he refused to even have Robert's name mentioned in his presence." "I remember that there were those who objected to Robert marrying me but I did not realize that his own brother was one of them. I am truly sorry that you were deprived of that part of your family history." " Well I was hoping that you would be able to tell me about your time with my uncle and about your lives together, if you do not mind." " No I do not mind, I enjoy talking about Robert and our time together." Allison calls for Molly to bring the coffee to the living room. "Let's retire to the living room and I will tell you about your great-great uncle." Allison settled into her rocker, coffee cup in hand as Richard sat across from her on the large overstuffed couch. His lanky frame almost swallowed up in the abundance of material. Just as he was starting to get settled in he paused and asked if he could remove his jacket, to which Allison nodded. Richard stood up and slipped off his jacket settling back down settling into the couch as Allison watched his movements, again with memories flowing into her mind. Allison looked at young Richard and smiled, " Well I guess the best place to start is at the beginning, when I first met your great-great uncle." "It was in the early summer of 1862, and several of the servants were talking amongst themselves of how the heat is the most unbearable that it has been for years. I was 17 years old. My father was away fighting in the war and I was in charge of running the plantation. I had just dismissed one of the foremen for stealing and I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do. I was sitting with the little colored children teaching them to read from the Bible when one of the field hands came running to the house yelling that there were Yankee soldiers heading toward the house. I told the children to run back to their quarters and stood waiting for them to arrive. I had my father's pistol in the folds of my skirt, ready just in case. I had been keeping it with me since an earlier visit by some Yankee soldiers who had attempted to make themselves a little to at home. Your uncle came riding up to the house, sitting tall in his saddle, his uniform dusty but it still had an air of honor and gallantry about him. That is one thing that I caught on to right off. This was a different sort of man than I had been use to dealing with." Allison closed her eyes as memories begin to come back to her. She could see the past like it was just a few hours ago. Every detail of every part of the plantation: the slaves, the buildings all coming back filling her mind like she had never left. Sultry, humid, stifling is the only way to describe the elements of the early afternoon at Whispering Winds plantation. It is the summer of 1862 and several of the servants were discussing how the heat is the most unbearable that it has been for years. The only relief from the heat came from a soft breeze that blew of the James River. Gathered under the big oak tree, planted a hundred years earlier by Jonathan Riley Shannon, the original owner of Whispering Winds when it was only a floundering farm with cotton being the main generator of funds, are the little colored children that are to young to work in the fields. Their laughter fills the air and at times one can hear the oooohhhhhs and aaaaahhhhhs bursting forth from their eager mouths. Amongst these children, is Allison Rose Shannon, 17 years old and the current mistress of Whispering Winds. Although not proper to wear an off the shoulder gown this early in the afternoon, because of the intense heat and the fact that Allison has never been one to adhere to protocol, she sits on a small stool wearing a lilac colored off the shoulder dress. Slightly visible is the swell of her bosom. A white sash around her waist accentuates her delicate figure. She sits under the tree telling the children Bible stories about how a frail David slew the mighty giant. She is quite dramatic as she does so and the children are entranced by her delivery. In the middle of her story, she can faintly hear one of the servants running across the yard. "Miss Allison, Miss Allison, their coming back ma'am, them Yankees, they is coming up the road…they be here in a minute ma'am". As he comes closer, his words become more audible and understandable. It was only two days ago that Yankees had struck panic in her. Today, she will stand defiant and not be taken by surprise as she had been. She hurriedly tells the children to go to their quarters and not to come out until they are told that they can. Picking up the pistol that she now carries with her at all times; Allison gathered the hem of her dress and started running across the yard to the main house. As she ran to the house, her bonnet fell off allowing her long golden blonde hair to blow behind her as she ran. Just has she was approaching the side of the house, she could hear the hoofs of horses and looking to her right she can see what appears to be an entire regiment. Once again there were Yankees on Whispering Winds. She ascended the front steps and once on the porch she turned around. His head was turned and he had not yet seen her standing on the porch however, being the observant and keen soldier that he is, her form did not escape his attention when he could see her in the distance as she ran making her way to the main house. She appeared as just a form but even from afar seemed to captivate him. Sitting tall on his horse, his uniform dusty from battle and travel, was the most handsome, distinguished man she had ever seen. Regardless how worn and weary he appeared, there was an aura about him. An aura of gallantry honors and pride surrounded this man. His head was turned and he had not yet seen her standing on the porch perchance he had seen her as she ran across the yard. He ordered the troops to halt and he and his aide proceeded around the circular drive to the bottom of the steps. It is then that he sees this creature of beauty standing before him. There is nothing frail about her, his eyes can not help to take in her beauty. The wind blows her long waist length blonde hair away from her face. She takes her hand and brushes the strands away from her face. He notices all of her features, the in determination her eyes, softened with innocence. Her high cheekbone, lips red and full, how perfectly formed her face was. His aide leans over to him and whispers a few words. This brings him back to the cause that they were here for. "Madam, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Capt. Robert Clearborne. With your permission", as he starts to dismount. Allison looks at him intently, her shoulders straight, her chin held high. "Sir, it would be wise of you to stay just as you are until you tell me what your reasoning is for being here." She notices him grin slightly at her, but it is not a mischievous grin…not like the evil smirks that she had seen a couple of nights before. "Ma'am, my men have been in a fierce battle for the past two days. They are in great need of drink and rest, as are our horses. Could you find some kindness in your heart to allow my men and their horses some water and a place to rest? That's all I ask madam." Allison looks out over the men, many who are wounded. She sees the desperation on their faces, the cracked lips from lack of fluids. Turning her attention back to the Captain, she softly told him, "Sir, I too have family and friends that are engaging in battles and I would hope that if they were in enemy territory that someone would be kind enough to give them drink. Therefore I will grant my permission for your men and horses to be given food and drink and a place to rest." The Captain gratefully tips his hat at her and leans forward on his horse, taking in the way that this delicate southern woman/child gives the servants their orders as if she herself is an officer in combat. He has also noticed the pistol that she held in her hands. The hammer cocked but he notices that she no longer has a finger on the trigger. One of the little colored children comes out of the main house and grabs her by her leg. She leans down to reassure the child that all is well and that they are safe. As she leans downward the captain can't take his eyes of the swell of her bosom. It has been what seems a lifetime, since he has been in the company of such a beautiful woman. However, frustration sets in for he knows how forbidden and unlikely it is that he would ever know the pleasures of bedding her. He had acquired a reputation for himself in the North has being somewhat of a ladies man. Women would flock around him and he was never without the company of a lady (although they may not have always conducted themselves as one) on his arm. As he sits and watches this woman, he remembers the only love in his life. How he had vowed to always be there for her and how he wanted to marry her. However, her family moved and in the their travels she had been killed. Never has he loved a woman like that again. Never has he allowed himself to be in love with a woman like that again. Southern Dreams Ch. 1 "…only if you would like to sir." Jolting him back to the present, "Please excuse me madam, I apologize but I did not hear what you were telling me." Allison descends the steps. As she reaches the bottom step she stops. "Sir if you will please dismount I will show you a place where the wounded can be sheltered in order to protect them from the heat." He smiles at her and obligingly dismounts. Allison walks over to him and standing next to him, points to the barn across the grounds where the wounded can be taken. He looks down on her and smiles thanking her for her kindness and generosity. He turns to his aide and instructs him to have the healthier men to help move those that are wounded or sick to the barn. Allison looks at him while he does so. Why is she so intrigued with him? He's a Yankee, she thinks to herself and you know nothing about him. This isn't how a lady should act or even think for that matter. But she can't help herself. He towers over her. His shoulders broad, his features sharp and defined, his voice authoritative and commanding when speaking to his troops, but tender and gentle when speaking to her. "Miss Allison, we have the water and food ready ma'am." "Thank you Moses, please show the Captain's aide where the men can go to be fed." Turning back to the Captain and without even giving it a thought she finds herself saying, "Sir, would you care to join me in the parlor for a refreshing glass of lemonade?" Did he hear her correctly? He looks down on her, her head bending down, her hair falling around her face. She looks up at him, brushing the hair away. He sees the blushed cheeks and the shyness in her eyes. Smiling down at her, "Madam, I have not had a more pleasing invitation in a long time. I accept your gracious invitation." Allison turns her attention to Mammy, "Mammy, please prepare some lemonade and sandwiches and have them served in the parlor." Mammy gives her a look of disapproval and Allison just motions with her eyes for her to do as she has been asked. Mumbling beneath her breath Mammy slowly moves to do as she has been asked. Allison looks at the Captain. "Sir, will you join me now." "With pleasure madam." Robert turns to his aide and instructs him as do what he is do and where he will be if needed. Allison has ascended the steps and turns to wait for him. Robert smiles at her, he feels a yearning, a burning desire in him that has been dormant for so long. It's a desire that he has not felt for the other women he has been with. No, this is something different, something he almost forgot he could feel. He watches her skirt as it sways about her hips as she glides to the front door. Standing next to her, he takes in the aroma of her wonderful perfume. A scent that is delicate as she is but powerful enough to capture any man's attention. Once inside, Allison opens the parlor doors. Robert removes his hat, sword, gloves and gun and places them on a table just outside the parlor door. She looks backward at him and notices that he has his eyes on her. She bites her bottom lip and proceeds thru the doors. The parlor is lovely and tastefully decorated with the finest furnishings brought from Europe and shipped in from Boston and New York. Marble tabletops, across the room directly from the doors, a fireplace with shelves built on either side. The finest vases and other ornaments grace the shelves of the bookcase. Three portraits are hung on the wall above the mantle. On the left is a portrait of a man of stature. His eyes portray that of a man full of determination and authority. A painting of a beautiful woman hangs on the right. Her hair is swept up, away from her face. She has the same delicate features as Allison. As Allison, she appears to be made of porcelain and to be very fragile. However, there is something about her, the same as he saw in Allison when instructing the servants earlier, that lets it be known that this is no ordinary woman. This is a woman that has her own mind and makes no effort to constrain her opinions to herself. In the middle there hangs a painting of three children. Well, the two boys appear to be older than the girl is. The girl who has so much life radiating from her large round hazel eyes. When looking at that portrait you are immediately drawn to her. "That's my father, my two brothers and myself and my mother". Robert turns his attention to her. Smiling, "You're like a mirrored image of your mother." Allison turns her head to him and just slightly smiles. He senses that something is not has it should be but does not feel like he has the right to pursue anything personal at this point. As she looks down she notices his left hand. It has a gashing wound on it that looks as though it may be getting infected. Without thinking, she takes his hand in hers "How did this happen to you?" Surprised by her actions but at the same time inwardly delighted he tells her that it really wasn't as bad as it looked and that he received it in a battle that he had just been engaged in. At that time Mammy comes in with a tray of delicious refreshments. "Mammy, please come here and look at this." Reluctantly, she comes over "I suppose that it's getting pretty bad looking missy." "Please go and retrieve the proper medicines and bandages Mammy." Looking up at Robert "This really should be attended to before it becomes any worse" "Madam I offer to you my sincerest appreciation at the kindness that you've not only shown my men but to me as well. I am indeed the most fortunate though of my men, for I am being attended to by the most wonder…" Mammy returns back from the kitchen huffing and puffing "Here be that medicine missy" "Thank you Mammy." "I didn't get no bandages. There is be none to be found" "Thank you Mammy. You have been most helpful." Mammy stands there not thinking it proper to leave Allison alone with this Yankee. "Mammy you may leave now" "Missy, I thinks that it be best that I stays put." Looking at Robert and not taking her eyes off of him, "Mammy, you may leave…now…please." For the first time since their meeting they both are looking at each other and neither releases their gazes out of embarrassment or shame. Gently, Allison tends to Robert's hand. The medicine burns slightly, though he doesn't say anything his body reacts involuntarily. "I'm sorry sir" "You have done nothing to be sorry for madam." His voice growing even softer "nothing at all." "I know that perhaps this is not the most proper of things to do sir, but since we are out of our bandages one must be resourceful and use what there is." Bending down in front of him and lifting the hem of her dress, Allison grips the bottom of her petticoat and rips a strip long enough to bandage Robert's hand. While she does this, Robert watches her every move as though she moves in slow motion. He takes in everything about her. How her neckline opens as a door, inviting him to take in the beauty of the fullness of her young breasts. He can only imagine how they would feel on his bare chest if he were laying beside her now. Holding her next to him, their bodies touching. He shakes his head. No, he will not allow himself to drift like this. This is a southern woman. A woman that will in all probability be more than happy to turn him and his troops over to Johnny Reb, and never be his to know intimately. Damn this war. In another place, another time, there would be no restrictions, no barriers, nor any prejudices to be concerned about. "Sir, may I see your hand please." "Please call me Robert ma'am". He holds out his hand and she timidly smiles at him as he requests her to call him by his proper name. Tenderly she bandages his hand with the strip of material that she tore from her petticoat. Once bandaged, their hands still touching, there has not been a word spoken, but never has there been anything spoken louder than what was right now. Robert takes a step towards Allison. Looking down on her, the look of desire full in his eyes, his lips part has he takes another step towards Allison. Standing so close that they can feel their breath on each other, he bends towards her. She closes her eyes, preparing herself for his kiss. "Missy…I jest checking to see if you'd be needing anything." Robert moves away from Allison abruptly. Somewhat frustrated at Mammy's timing "NO, Mammy. If I need you for anything, I will summon you. Is that clear?" Mammy starts her mumbling again and departs from the room. "She's very protective of you, isn't she?" Robert says with a grin. "She has been like a second mother to me ever since I can remember and more so in recent months." Allison takes her left hand and pushes her hair behind her left ear. Immediately Robert sees this horrible bruise on the side of her face next to her ear that had, up until this time, been covered by her hair. He lightly brushed his fingers along the bruise on her face. Pulling away from him, Allison moves to the window and looks out across the grounds. "How did that happen to you?" "Barely audible, "Union soldiers." "Excuse me?" he says as he steps closer to her. Standing directly behind her, "Please tell me again who did this to you. " Turning towards him, tears welled up in her eyes "Union soldiers." Could she have said what he thought she said? "Did you say Union soldiers, ma'am?" "Yes." "When did this happen to you?" "Just a couple of nights ago sir." "Please, I'm Robert." "Just a couple of nights ago Robert." Taking her by the arm, Robert leads her to the settee and sits down with her. "Allison, I understand that this is very difficult for you to discuss. However, I have to know what happened. This soldier is not an adequate representation of our men and any information that you can give me will be most helpful in locating him and making sure that he along with whoever were his accomplices are brought to justice. I would never put you through reliving that evening again if it was not important." He gingerly touches her hands that she has crossed in her lap. He can feel her tremble and reassuringly he promises her that these men will be captured. "I make this vow to you Allison. You will see these men brought to justice. No woman should ever have to endure the harshness you have had to endure." Looking into his eyes she begins to tell him the events of that dreadful night. Lowering her head and taking a deep breath "I had just readied myself for bed and was finishing my entry in my journal. I had my window open so the night air could fill my room. I heard a noise outside and went and looked out. It was hoof beats. Immediately I thought that it was my father and brothers coming home. Nothing else even crossed my mind. I grabbed my robe and started calling for mammy and Joshua to get up and get the rest of the servants ready to greet my family. I ran down the stairs and out the front door. I could see four men on their horses but could not distinguish the color of uniform that they were wearing. However, like I said it never occurred to me to even think of the possibility that these were anyone else but my family. That is until I was close enough to see that these were Yankees. I was still trying to get my robe on when the reality of the identity of these riders were made clear." With tears beginning to run down her cheeks, Robert takes his thumb and wipes them away. His touch is soothing and closing her eyes she continues. "I heard someone say, well, look what we have come across here boys. Seems as though tonight is going to be lucky in more than one way." Allison subconsciously squeezes Robert's hand, gripping it tightly as she continues to give him the accounts of that night. "Once I realized that this was not my family, I started backing up and was going to run back to the house. "Don't let that sweet thing get away boys." I could hear the horses galloping behind me. "Grab her Benjamin." The next I know my arms are being held behind my back. Out of the darkness he came. He grabbed my face in his hands." Looking up at Robert, "Is that when he struck you?" "No, umm, this is so hard Robert." Pulling her closer to him, her head resting on his shoulder, his arm around her, stroking her hair, he kisses the top of her head. "Allison, I'm not going to ask you to do or say anything that will embarrass you but please remember the more you tell me the more that I will have to go on when reporting this incident to my authorities." "He grabbed my face with one hand and with his other he started tracing my throat down (her hands retrace the same movements as her assailant) down to the opening of my gown. "I'm going to take pleasure in unwrapping this southern whore. When I'm done with her and if there's anything left of her, then you each can have your fill of her. But I have a feeling she's going to be really good to me." Allison pulls away from Robert's shoulder and looks at him…her body starting to tremble, "He scared me so. His hands were so rough and forceful. I didn't know what to do. All I knew is that I couldn't let him do this me. I raised my knee and as forcefully as I could I kick him. I remember him saying some profanity and bending over. After I kicked him I stomped on the man's foot that was holding my arms. I ran for the front steps and I heard the man that was had been talking about doing these things to me yell out "Get that bitch." One of the men grabbed my leg as I was running up the steps and pulled me down. He sat on my back and I heard the other man say… 'Turn her over…I want to see that whore's face as I take her'. I could feel my body being turned over and someone was at my head holding my arms down. I was trying so hard to get away from them. I didn't want any of them touching me. 'So you think that you could get away from me tramp? Did you?' That's when he began slapping me. 'But, I have to admit that it's a turn to finally get a hold of a southern slut who wants to put up a fight and doesn't just open her legs willingly.' I could feel the one that called me those horrible names. Take his hands and try to pry my legs apart." Allison begins to cry softly. Robert soothes her and looks at her so tenderly. She swallows hard and Robert can sense her embarrassment…he is infuriated at what she had to endure and even more so because it was at the hands of his own kind of the union that he so proudly served. He doesn't understand why, but he has this feeling that he wants to protect her, to shelter her from such horrendous treatment. "It was then that one of the other men came galloping up and said that they had to leave immediately. Rebels had been spotted just a mile up the road. They couldn't waste anytime. The man on top of me told one of his men to light a match and hold it up to him. When the match was lit he said, 'Don't think that this is the last time that our paths will cross slut.' Pulling my face to his, I see the darkness in his eyes for the very first time, those eyes were evil Robert. He smirked at me and said, 'I will be back my sweet' and leaning down and whispering in my ear said 'and I will be tasting that sweetness'. He pushed me backwards and I heard them leave." She starts crying harder and Robert takes her in his arms and pulls him to her. He takes his thumb and index finger and places them on her trembling chin. Pulling her head upwards and looking directly into her eyes, "You will not have to endure that again Allison. Regardless what he threatened to do, you will not be put through that torment ever again. I would give anything to take you away from here and have you go with me, if you would so honor me by doing so. And indeed Allison, it would be an honor to have you come with me. However, this being war I would not want to place you in any danger and therefore I will leave some of my men here to guard you and your home. I will give them the appropriate orders to follow if these cowards should have the gull to appear here again." "I have not been that frightened by anyone in a long time Robert. This man was evil…the devil himself." "You have nothing else to fear from him ever again Allison. I promise you." Saying that he draws her closer to him and looking deeply into her eyes brushes her lips tenderly gently with his…not wanting to frightened her or make her feel uncomfortable. But to his surprise, she does not withdraw from his embrace but presses herself closer to him. Their lips touch kissing lightly at first and then with more passion. He has his arms around her and leans her back onto the back of the couch…leaning half on and half off of her…kissing her with more passion. They begin to moan lightly and their breathing increases and become heavier and heavier. How he wants to move his hands over her body but fights that urge with all the will within him. Just as their passion began to grow, Allison pulled back and stared at Robert, her eyes filled with question seeking his for answers. As she looked into his eyes she saw a measure of love that she had never seen in the eyes of any man except for her father as he had looked at her mother. This was enough to convince her that what she was feeling and doing was right. She surrendered herself to his arms, surrendered herself to him. As his lips come down to meet hers again he heard her whisper, " take me upstairs and love me as I see the love in your eyes." Standing before her, Robert held his arms out for her. Allison placed her hands in his and trying to control his desire for her; he pulled her close to him. Is this really happening? Can it be that he is going to know the feel of her skin next to his? Looking down at her, he knows that as improbable as it sounds that he is falling in love with her. She is not like the other women that he as bedded. She is not looking for a husband or just a quick affair like so many of the others he had known. In her eyes he sees a sense of maturity about her that most women don't achieve their whole lifetime, yet she has despite her youth and youthful tenderness. Placing his hands gently on each side of her face, he kisses her forehead, each cheek, the tip of her nose and just before kissing her wanting lips he surveys her face and looks into her eyes, "Allison, don't think that I take this casually. Stroking the hair away from her forehead, "I'll not live my life having only been with you once." He quickly grasped her by her waist and kissed her with a passion that had been dormant within him for so long. Sweeping Allison up in his arms Robert started to carry her towards the curving staircase. Just as he started up Mammy rushed in to the foyer followed closely behind by his aide de camp. "Miss Allison, Miss Allison this man needs to talk to the Captain rights away", she called out. Robert lowers Allison back onto the stairs, turning he glares at his aide," This had better be good." The aide, somber and knowing that it is in his best interest to remain that way looks at Robert and hands him a bound leather pack," Sir this communiqué just arrived from General Grant's camp. His rider is waiting for the Captains response." Robert opens the pack, quickly reads the message and turns back to the parlor. He gathers this belongings buckling his sword on as he walks towards the door. Allison calls out to him as he starts out, " Robert what is going on? Where are you going?" Robert stops, directs his aide to tell the rider he will be there momentarily as then he looks at Mammy who turns and goes back to the parlor." Allison I am afraid that I have been asked to undertake a mission of grave importance. General Grant has asked that I take a squad of my best soldiers and try and turn or at least slow a push towards Washington by a large contingency of Rebel troops. I have to leave right now, as much as I wish I did not I must." Allison runs into his arms, burying her face in his shoulder, wrapping her arms about his neck. She pulls back and looks into his eyes, her own filled with tears and kisses him hard on the lips. "Come back to me my love, please come back," she whispers. Southern Dreams Ch. 1 Robert looks at her, her eyes filled with tears, her cheeks flushed from her earlier passion. He thinks that this was a foolhardy undertaking. He, a Captain in the Union Army, smitten by this woman-child, yet he cannot help but feel something he has not felt for such a long time. " I will return my to you, that is my solemn promise. I will return and we shall be together."