On to Richmond by Ginny Dye Page A

they may be surprised when they are forced to take care of themselves on the battlefield.”  Her mind was full of the struggles she had faced in learning to care for herself and not rely on another person.
                  Louisa shot her a cross look.  “Why must you always be so negative, Carrie Cromwell?  All this talk of battlefields is so depressing  and really quite unnecessary.  I have talked to many people who believe there won’t be any real fights in this war!”
                  Carrie’s mind flashed back to the letter she had received from her father just the day before.  In it he had talked about the surety that the battle to win Southern independence would be a long, hard fought one.  She knew it would do no good to say anything, so she remained silent. “I find I rest better facing reality, rather than imagining fantasy,” was all Carrie allowed herself to say, knowing already the result it would have but finding she didn’t really care.
                  Louisa flushed with anger, opened her mouth, but then shut it again.  She looked down at her hands for a long moment as if regaining control and then looked back up with her simpering smile.  “You really should go to Richmond yourself, Carrie.  Your position as a government man’s daughter would open many doors for you.  There is no end of young men who would eagerly pursue you.”
                  I’m only interested in one.   Instantly, Carrie pushed the errant thought aside.  It had been her decision to end the relationship.  Still… she couldn’t control the yearning of her heart - just the actions.
                  “Of course, I’ve noticed you don’t always wait for young men to pursue you.”
                  Carrie’s head shot up as Louisa’s voice took on a calculating tone.  She had a feeling she was about to discover the real reason for Louisa’s visit.  The cold look in her neighbor’s eyes shot out a warning.  “Whatever are you talking about?”  Carrie asked in a steady voice. 
                  Louisa shrugged.  “You had no trouble pursuing Robert Borden last year.”
                  Carrie’s eyes flashed, but she managed to control her temper.  Louisa was still angry about not having her way at her ball the year before.  She had wanted Robert to choose her as queen of the event - not Carrie.
                  Louisa didn’t wait for her to reply.  “Of course you put the dear boy in a horrible situation, hanging on him and making him feel it was his duty to choose you as queen.” 
                  Carrie moved to stand and demand that she leave the house.  She didn’t have to sit and listen to such nonsense.  Louisa’s next words kept her where she was. 
                  “I tried to make him feel like he had nothing to be responsible for, or feel badly about, when I saw him at one of the dances last week.”  Louisa’s tone was gloating. 
                  Feeling as if she had received a blow, Carrie settled back in the love seat.  Louisa had danced with Robert?  They had discussed her?  She could do nothing but stare at her tormenter, all the while knowing she was playing into Louisa’s hands. 
                  Louisa laughed again, this time a triumphant laugh.  “I wouldn’t feel too badly about losing Robert Borden, Carrie.  You never could have been what he needed.”  Louisa paused again and then continued, each word spoken carefully.  “He needs someone more suited to his position in life.  Not someone who throws overseers off her plantation and then becomes a nigger lover.”  Her last words were delivered with angry, cutting precision.
                  Carrie gasped and stood up.  “That will be enough, Louisa Blackwell.  I hardly think it is your place to come into my home and insult me.  I will have