Southern Beauty - By Julie Lucia Page 0,2

Do tell,” David asked. “This trip is going to take long enough. We need something to keep us awake.”

“That’s right, Jacob, you are always good for a story, especially when you had a few too many,” Preston chimed in and David laughed.

“If it will get you guys to quit complaining about our mission, I will.” Jacob laughed too.

Jacob began to tell mystical tales of fairies that supposedly live among the leaves. Preston and David listened with much anticipation as if they were small children listening to their grandfather pass on generations of tales.

# # #

Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee, who had recently arrived from Virginia, was meeting privately with Charleston’s newest Confederate General Brigadier P.G.T. Beauregard at Fort Moultrie just south of the plantation where Johanna lived. Lee found it to be a gift that had fallen into his lap when she was left in his care right before South Carolina seceded in December. He would be able to use Johanna’s unfortunate circumstance to his advantage. Therefore he decided to wait for the opportune moment to retrieve her. The moment had finally arrived.

Lee folded a letter and motioned Private Malcolm Graystone over. The handsome Private walked over with a tinge of pride shown in his steps.

“Yes sir?” he asked with a grin and a salute.

“At ease Private,” Lee grinned back with a wink and a salute. Though Malcolm was one of his men from the 2 Calvary regiment, he also was his aide, whom he had grown fond of over the last three months. Lee looked forward to introducing him to his niece. “I want you to personally retrieve Miss Lee and escort her to the Custiss-Lee Mansion where my wife, Mary, will be waiting for her. My plans have changed and I will be staying a little longer to meet with General Beauregard, so I will not be able to take her myself.” His smile widened and Graystone knew he had a little more planned than a trip for him and Johanna.

“I will ride out immediately, sir,” smiled Malcolm.

“Thanks private. I am hoping to meet you and Miss Lee at our cottage before you leave. Miss Lee has something in her possession that I must have before you go. I have sent someone ahead to quietly bring in supplies and leave just as quietly. If for some reason our plans are interrupted, go straight there immediately. Here is a map I made for you to get there,” Lee handed Malcolm the map. “Johanna knows the way. I have sent her a letter informing her of our plans.”

“Yes, sir,” said Malcolm with a determined look on his face. “I won’t let you down. I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe,” Malcolm assured him.

“That is why I am sending you,” said Lee, “I know that I can trust you, especially with my niece.”

Chapter 2

“M

iss Patricia. Why you look lovely in your red bonnet! What brings you here today?” Johanna asked.

“Hello Johanna. I came by to see if you were coming for tea this afternoon?” Patricia asked.

“Oh, I’m feeling a bit tired, I think I need to rest, perhaps another day. Please tell the ladies I said hello, will you?” Johanna forced a smile, hoping Patricia would just leave without asking questions.

“Of course I will.” Patricia said while her eyes searched the foyer and the rooms that adjoined.

“Goodbye then,” Johanna said as she began closing the door.

Patricia put her foot in the doorway to prevent the door from closing on her, “A lady should never answer her own door. Where are all the servants?”

“They were giving me a headache,” Johanna answered.

“All of them?” questioned Patricia.

Johanna sighed, “If you must know, some were sent to another plantation and I assume others fled. I will be leaving soon anyway my uncle is sending a soldier to escort me to Arlington today.”

“Oh dear, we must have you over for dinner before you leave,” Patricia said.

“Oh, that is not necessary, really. I have already said my goodbyes,” said Johanna.

“Very well then,” She gave up. Patricia thought how terribly sad it was that just a few months ago when Johanna’s parents fled she had become so secluded. “Maybe you won’t leave before the ball on Saturday hosted by the Beauregard’s. I heard it’s in honor of the cadets firing on the Union ship. All those handsome young cadets from Citadel will be there!”

“Oh then, why I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Johanna mimicked Patricia’s thick accent with ease and rolled her eyes in