A tale of Romance and fear during the end days of the Civil War. A Georgian family must face the changing atmosphere and the end of an era. At the same time many affairs of the family are in flux as well. Romance is in the air, a new member of the family is arriving, and death haunts the dreams of a young southern belle. EXCERPT: She opened the door to see Frances reading what appeared to be a letter.
"Oh Josephine darling, come in."
Josephine walked toward her and Frances got up and met her in the middle of the room.
"Frances, I just want to say thank you for standing up for me against Mrs. Penelope."
"Oh Josephine dear, you're my sister. I'd do anything for you. Besides, I think it's rude and mean to go around casting stones at you as Mrs. Penelope does."
Josephine smiled and continued, "And I also have a surprise for you."
Frances looked confused and smiled as Josephine revealed the envelope.
"Frederick got it for you. He-"
"Captain Elder? But...Captain Elder was here?"
"Yes, he came especially to deliver this to you."
She handed the envelope to her and Frances opened it and cried out in joy.
"Oh! Oh! My ring! My wedding ring! Oh Josephine! Oh!" Frances took it out the envelope letting the envelope drop out of her hands and she slowly put it on her finger.
Frances stared at it for what seemed like forever then she looked at Josephine, tears in her eyes. "Oh Josephine!" She cried and hugged her tightly. "You don't know how much this means to me! Oh how kind Captain Elder is! He's so kind, considerate, and oh, those people were all wrong. He is a gentlemen."
Frances broke the embrace and looked at her and asked, "But what of your ring my dear? Did Captain Elder-"
"Yes Josie, he brought mine too." Josephine stuck her hand out to show Frances and she looked relieved.