The trip to Chene Ruelle had been difficult to say the least. What with dodging Yankees and seeking shelter in the rain, they had more than their share of adventures. Fortunately, it was nothing so trying as the beginning of their journey when they had been captured by the Yankees.

They turned down a road following the Mississippi River. Claire was in awe at the majesty of the grand river. With Jeffrey on the horse in front of her and Grandpa on the horse behind, she watched a steamboat far in the distance of the huge river. Jeffrey had told her the story of how he had survived the explosion. And now, seeing the magnitude of the river, she was astounded that he had survived.

Then she could see the house up ahead and her nerves went on edge. She was about to meet Jeffrey’s sister and his grandfather. What if they didn’t like her?

At least she had a decent dress to wear—the blue organdy dress Jeffrey had bought for her was only a little big at the waist—not even really noticeable.

As they got closer to the house, Claire’s eyes widened.

Jeffrey slowed down to ride alongside her, his expression full of pride. “That’s it,” he said. “That’s Chene Ruelle.”

“It’s beautiful,” she said.

“Yes,” he said, his focus on the house.

“Jeffrey,” she said.

He didn’t seem to hear her.

“Jeffrey,” she called again.

“I’m sorry, my love,” he said, turning to her.

“Go ahead. Grandpa and I will catch up.”

He hesitated.

“Go.”

He nudged his horse and raced toward the house.

Watching Jeffrey race down the oak-lined lane leading up to the white-columned southern mansion, she considered turning around with Grandpa and going the other way. She could disappear into New Orleans and Jeffrey would be none the wiser.

Claire had grown up in a simple world. A world where her days were spent doing chores and her evenings were spent reading. Jeffrey, obviously, came from a different world. He’d grown up spending his days with a tutor and learning to ride horses and fight with swords. He’d attended balls and BBQs. He’d never had to worry about where the next meal was coming from.

Was war truly the great equalizer?

They’d spent the last few weeks in the same world. Fighting for their lives.

But now they would be in his world. Would there be different expectations? Would she be expected to dress differently? To dance? To speak differently even?

Already, Jeffrey had bought her the blue dress she wore. He’d wanted her to be presentable to his family. Was he worried that she would be an embarrassment?

She stopped the horse. And Romeo stopped too. Waiting for Grandpa to catch up.

As she waited, she could see a woman come about and, as Jeffrey dismounted, run into his arms.

Grandpa stopped his horse next to hers. She felt him looking at her.

“Not what you expected,” he said.

She shook her head. “I don’t know what I expected.” When he didn’t answer, she continued. “But it certainly wasn’t this.”

Grandpa didn’t answer.

“I don’t know how to… be… here.”

“Nonsense,” he said. “Just be yourself.”

“But this…” She swept an arm foward to encompass the massive house and ground—the largest house she had ever even seen. “This is a different world.”

“Your grandmother and I did the best we could with what we had.”

“Oh, no.” She turned to face her grandfather. “I’m not criticizing.”

“I know. We did the best. You’re educated. Not formally, but you read every night. You know right from wrong. You’re kind and thoughtful. No one can ask for anything more in anyone.”

“I just don’t want him to be disappointed.”

“He knows who you are, Kitten. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He loves you for you. Don’t doubt yourself.”

“We could go into New Orleans. Find work.”

He scoffed. “We could do a lot of things. Claire.” He waited until her gaze met his. “Tell me you don’t love Jeffrey and we’ll turn around this instant. You never have to see him again.”

Claire’s eyes filled with unshed tears. “I do love him,” she said, her voice trembling. “I’ve loved him since the moment you shot him,” she said, laughing and crying at the same time.

Grandpa laughed with her. “That’s your answer then. You haven’t married him yet. Go see what it’s all about. If you change your mind, we’ll go. How about that?”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

Though the distance was great, she could see that Jeffrey was watching them. Waiting.

“I guess we’ll go meet Jeffrey’s family,” she said.

They nudged their horses forward and continued down the lane lined with oaks. Oaks with moss hanging from their limbs. Limbs so big and heavy, some of them swept down to the ground. It was as though the war hadn’t touched their door.

So much different from Claire’s home. Burned to the ground by the enemy. Jeffrey was fortunate. He still had his home. Glancing at Grandpa, Claire reminded herself that she, too, was fortunate. She had her grandfather. And her dog.

As they neared the house, Jeffrey and his sister came into focus. As they stood side by side, she could see that they were indeed twins.

He came forward to meet her. To help her from the horse. “Are you alright?” he asked, with his lips next to her ear.

And in that moment, she knew that as long as she was with Jeffrey, she could survive. She nodded.

He kissed her lightly on the lips. “Are you ready to meet my sister?”

Claire took a deep breath. “Yes. I’m ready.”

Grandpa came and stood next to them.

Jeffrey took her hand and together they approached the front steps of the house.

Before she knew what was happening, Jeffrey’s sister was hugging her.

Then, Alexandra stepped back, keeping Claire’s hands in hers. “Welcome to Chene Ruelle,” she said. “Both of you,” she said to Grandpa.  “I’m so happy to meet you. Jeffrey says you’re to be married. Welcome to the family.”

Her smile was contagious. Claire felt truly welcome. Alexandra was fair-skinned with dark hair. A true southern beauty. Her features were delicate. It was her smile that lit up her face. She appeared genuinely happy.

Only minutes later, Claire was introduced to Alexandra’s grandfather, whom she referred to as Grand-père and both she and Jeffrey met Alexandra’s fiancé, Thomas.

Jeffrey had no idea his sister was engaged.

Both siblings, it seemed, had found love while war waged all around them. They had so very many stories to tell each other.

“You,” Alexandra said to her brother, “have a lot of explaining to do.”

“It might be a while,” Jeffrey said, glancing at Claire.

“We’ll have plenty of time,” Alexandra said.

The two grandfathers went in search of cigars and a whiskey.

Alexandra and Thomas went inside to prepare the guest room.

Claire and Jeffrey were left alone on the front porch of the grand estate.

He pulled her against him, her back to his chest, and nestled his chin over the top of her head. Together they watched the sunset over the Mississippi.

“It’s good to be home,” he said.

“It’s beautiful here,” Claire said.

He nodded. “It is.”

They stood in silence for a few minutes, watching a tugboat make its way up the river. “Is it strange?” Claire asked. “Being back here after what you went through?”

“I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to come home again.”

“Will the war never end?”

“It will end. But for me it’s already over. And I’ll be forever grateful for the war.”

Claire twisted to look up at him. Frowned. “Grateful?”

“Because of the war, I have you.”

 

The End.