Page 17 of Caught in Time
“Don’t worry, my love, I’m perfectly fine. In fact, I’ve never felt better.”
“You must let me walk you back home,” he said, a concerned look on his face.
“Yes, of course,” she replied softly.
She berated herself for having made him look troubled as they walked back through the cobblestone streets to Annabelle’s house. It was the last thing she had intended to do.
Chapter Five
Charlotte couldn’tremember the last time she’d spent so much time looking in the mirror. She’d never been one to spend hours primping or worrying over the place of every hair on her head. She’d even considered herselfpretty enough, but Annabelle was a miracle worker. After the last three hours of washing, curling and setting, Charlotte hardly recognized herself. She looked every bit the Southern belle despite her dark blue gown, and could have stepped out of a scene ofGone with the Wind.
“Are you sure I’m still in there?” she breathed, turning eyes of amazement to Annabelle.
“That is all you, my dear,” Annabelle drawled with a grin. “ Even in your mourning clothes you will still be the belle of the ball and Dr. Abbott will never know what hit him.”
Charlotte’s heart fluttered thinking of her last encounter with Spencer. The officer’s Christmas ball was the sort of event she had been present at during a Civil War reenactment with her brother Jackson. Despite this, she was excited, almost giddy at the prospect. She couldn’t wait until Spencer claimed her for the first dance.
“You look radiant, Charlotte,” said Annabelle looking no less beautiful in pale pink herself. “Are you ready?”
Charlotte nodded with barely concealed excitement. The two women set off for the ball.
****
Spencer paced the perimeterof the ballroom. He grew more impatient as the seconds passed. The party was well underway, and Charlotte still hadn’t arrived. General Sherman’s chief cook, Henry Mumphrey, had prepared a veritable feast. It was surprising how sumptuously they had fared given the scarcity of food during wartime. However, he knew that General Sherman’s cook could get his hands on almost anything that was desired. There was a turkey dressed with corn bread, some chicken salad and a piece of fresh pork. There was an oyster stew, greens, potatoes and rice. Dessert had been a cornmeal pudding. It was a shame Charlotte had missed the delicious meal.
His gaze skimmed the large hall. Ribbons and colorful drapes decorated the walls and chairs, and fresh flowers dressed every table. Several regimental flags flanked the Union flag with itsthirty-five stars and thirteen red and white stripes hung above the doorway. A small dance orchestra made up of three uniformed men and two ladies played festive music on the flute, piano, violins, viola, mandolin, cornet, and double bass while several couples spun happily around the room. They performed graceful quadrilles, scandalous waltzes, and polkas with proper deportment, etiquette, flitting through the silent language of the fan. He would gladly join them if only Charlotte would get here He thought he'd made a breakthrough the other day after their passionate lovemaking in the meadow, but she had such a tendency to—
Spencer stopped short, placing a hand over his heart, sure it had stopped cold in his chest when Charlotte entered the room. She was stunning—a vision in a dark blue gown that perfectly complimented and contrasted brilliantly with her ivory complexion. Thick ebony curls spilled along her shoulders and her lips looked perfectly red and full as they curved in amusement as her aunt whispered in her ear. Gazing at the tantalizing curve of her lips the wordripecame to mind. He was more than ready to sample their sweetness. Setting off to claim her, he was totally oblivious to any other young woman in the room.God, but Charlotte looked gorgeous tonight even if she is still in deep mourning!
****
Charlotte knew thatthe Green-Meldrim House was one of the South's finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture, as well as serving as General Sherman’s headquarters.
Upon arrival she stepped down from the carriage and stared in amazement up at the impressive house—its characteristic details that included steeply pitched roofs and front facing gables with delicate wooden trim. She greatly admired the most expensive house in Savannah— its unique crenellated parapet andorielwindows added to the gothic flavor.
However, what really took Charlotte’s breath away upon entering the house was the overall splendor of the ballroom. There was a small Christmas tree sitting on a table in the far corner decorated with different kinds of pinecones, holly, ivy, mistletoe. strings of dried fruit, and red ribbons.
