Remembrance at the Lake: The Delverson Documents

By J.C. Parrish

Many towns are formed throughout history, only to be forgotten and fade.  Sometimes, however, the residents of these places forget their own homes - and even themselves.  The following document details a couple in 1830's Louisiana and how they were influenced by a nearby lake.

 

The second Case in the Delverson Documents series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Parrish
• Release date: Apr 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201708993

Book preview

Case #2: Remembrance at the Lake

Year: 183- A.D.

Location: [No Name], Louisiana (U.S.)

Scryer: Delphi Tempus

Transcriber: Elliot Delverson

Restoration: James Carson Parrish

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Despite the whole affair being at her insistence, Catherine had to admit that this long ride through the back roads of Louisiana was wearing thin on her. It did not help that she and her husband Charles had had to rush to the wagon that morning, their driver going on a regimented schedule to deliver his goods to their destination. As a result, her long, blond hair was a mess, not having a hat to hide it like her husband did with his short, brown hair. Their already dirty dress and suit were also more ruffled than usual as well.

They would, of course, have plenty of time to fix themselves up once they had secured themselves a house, and their situation could have been worse she well knew. Still, she could not help but feel like a dreg with her current appearance. She was going to have to get used to it to an extent, though it certainly was not an easy transition to make.

Catherine sighed as the wagon continued to roll on. Darling, can we see if we can get the driver to stop for a moment or two? I am just dying to stretch my legs.

Charles looked over at her with a reassuring smile, looking as exhausted as her. It won’t be much longer, Cathie. It’s better if we just endure this last stretch of road and get there before dark. This place is not too far from swampland, you know. Who knows what sort of things could be lurking out in the dark. He smiled more broadly. How could I ever live with myself if I let someone as beautiful as you die in some bog?

She gave a short laugh. You’ve used that joke about five times on this trip since we crossed into Louisiana. If I didn’t know any better, I would think that all that time in the bank had made your mind go stale.

Charles chuckled a bit. Well, then it’s a good thing we will be getting a change of scenery, isn’t it? Don’t want to become too boring for you.

Catherine smiled at that. Always trying to look upon the brighter side of things, she thought, Even when we are essentially desperate.

The carriage fell into silence again, their driver not speaking up to add to the conversation. It made sense, she supposed. That man must make several trips on this road, moving cotton and bringing in new hires. He has probably gotten to the point where he just tunes any passengers out, knowing he would get dozens more that he would no longer remember by the end of his life.

In their case, Catherine reflected, he might not be wrong about them not being worth remembering. It was a bit of a sad way to look at their position, though she did not think it was an unreasonable conclusion to reach. She had always reasoned that if she knew the importance of herself and those around her, she could live life as completely as possible. Having dreams of things much bigger could help, and it certainly got her husband far in his previous career, but one should be able to be thankful and enjoy the life they already had.

She knew her logic would likely not go down well with slaves and certain street beggars, but she brushed them