Ride of Vengeance

By JoLyn Taylor

Imagine yourself in history, arriving home from the Southern conflict to find your beautiful intended, Sara, ravaged; your home and fields burned and destroyed by black-hearted marauders, your sisters and mother brutalized, and your town and neighbors' lives destroyed--all by the hands of a cowardly mayor, only to protect his holdings and benefited from stolen fortunes.

Could you do nothing or would you join the honorable Leland Harris on his Ride of Vengeance? A ride that brings justice to the Harris family, to the township, and to the woman he loves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662477584

Book preview

Chapter 1

Homecoming

I could almost smell the smoke of my college roommate’s pipe that he always had in his mouth. I tried to break him of this habit but with no success. It didn’t seem to hinder him; he was a fine athlete, and we enjoyed being on the college rugby team. I was strong and sought after as a vital member of that admired team. My father was very proud of me and bragged about our crushing wins.

My three other close classmates were equally athletic and also very accomplished in their classwork.

It was hard to say goodbye to these fellows. However, we each had our responsibilities and duties back home. Graduation was over, and it was time to pack up for the trip to our home states.

Father had given me money for transportation and a little pocket change. So before departing, my buddies and I agreed to treat ourselves to a last toast to each other and our alma mater.

Dugan’s Saloon was the closest establishment frequented by the students. We swaggered in and joined the raucous group.

I called out to the waitress, Three beers over here!

My companions yelled, Get your beautiful body over here quick with those beers, you sweet thing! You’re gonna miss us a lot.

The waitress came up with the beers and said, Except for Leland, I’m not going to miss you guys at all! She slammed down the drinks, splashing beer on my clothes.

Toasting beers and singing as loud as we could, we felt we had finally made it and were ready to take the world by storm.

My father wouldn’t approve of wasting money on this folly. He’s ready for me to get back home and contribute my share in the business of running a plantation. And I have to say I was ready for the same.

After a night of debauchery and a few hours of sleep, I arose early with my packed bags and boarded the stagecoach for Clyde’s Corner.

Knowing it would be a long and tiresome journey, I settled back with my aching head against the stiff seat and cushion.

I looked back at the university and had a moment of heartache as I saw students hurrying to their morning classes. It was the end of one chapter in my life as another began.

After long hours of travel, I finally arrived home. Mother, Father, my sisters, and the house staff stood on the veranda waiting to greet me.

My heart filled with joy at the sight of them, and I raced forward to grasp each one of them.

Father spoke in an emotional voice, Oh, Leland, what a glorious day. We have been looking for your arrival all morning. Welcome home, son! Welcome home!

Mother embraced me tighter and tighter, kissed my cheeks and forehead. Finally, in a breathless voice, she asked, How was your trip? Tell me all about school. Bless your arrival.

Give the boy a chance to catch his breath, Mother. Can’t you see he’s anxious to get settled? He’s had a long journey and is probably starving for a home-cooked meal. Come, girls, give him room!

My sisters started giggling and acting like nine- and eleven-year-olds. I grabbed them up in my arms, swung them around, and gently placed them on the veranda. Laughing and yelling, I said, That’s enough, you two. I’ll get you later. You better watch out!

The girls scurried away. Mother and Father squeezed me again.

Father began directing everybody, Come, Leland, let’s get your bags off the buggy and in your room. The cook is anxiously awaiting your arrival too. She now has someone to grump at.

With that, I made my way to the kitchen’s back door while father and the girls carried my belongings into the house.

Father called back at me, After your breakfast, we have a lot to catch up on. I know your mother wants to hear everything about your schooling.

The girls started jumping and giggling again. I just shrugged my shoulders.

I will never forget the feeling of the early morning air and the splendor of the magnificent surroundings filling my heart with the love I had for my home and family. Home at last!

The dew was slowly disappearing from the flowering azaleas and glorious magnolias as the sun gently touched their glorious beauty. Oh, how I had missed this. The vastness of the fields and bray of farm animals beckoned me to gaze a little longer before going inside the house.

I could smell the breakfast preparations. My stomach growled slightly in anticipation of the hotcakes, eggs and ham, and coffee. It had been a long time coming.

I knew my attendance at the university was a necessary part of my life, preparing me to be a greater asset and contributor to the family plantation and business. I knew my father was very pleased to have me home and my mother and sisters were overjoyed on my returning. I gathered my thoughts and hurried toward the kitchen.

Leland Matthew Harris, roared Beatrice, the cook, you get yourself right in here! You are the last to eat, and I have my hands full getting ready for your welcoming home party.

Cook was bustling around, clearing the kitchen from breakfast and busying herself with food preparation for this evening’s celebration. Meats, salads, side dishes, and a variety of pies and pastries were already appearing on the kitchen counters. I swiped a fingerful of dark chocolate frosting from one of the cakes.

Get out of here. Leave that cake alone, and see if your mother needs help!

As tired as I was from the long trip, I had to laugh at Cook as I hurried into the main foyer, calling, Mother, I’m here to help you. What can I do?

My mother, Maggie, called back, Find your sisters and make sure they are arranging their clothes for tonight. They need to look like the Southern belles they are and not tomboys. Also, we need lots of flowers and ribbons for decorations. Do you have your clothes out?

Yes, Mother, and I will hurry the girls along right now. And Mother, thank you for this wonderful occasion. I will never forget it!

Mother glanced down at the invitation mailed to our close family members, town leaders, and friends of the family.

Mr. Samuel James Harris and Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Harris request your presence at their home to celebrate the graduation from the university and return of their son, Leland Mathew Harris, to his beloved home. Cocktails will be served at 5:00 p.m., with dinner shortly after. We are looking forward to this gathering of friends and family. An RSVP is appreciated.

Everyone was so busy the day seemed to get away from them, and there was a last-minute rush of activity before the first guests arrived.

Beautiful Southern women escorted by their handsome companions and husbands were soon flooding into the main quarters. Their gowns and dress clothes were a beautiful spectacle to hold. Laughter filled the air as the small orchestra began playing soft background music.

I was exhilarated by the festivities and the welcoming from my friends and family. This was as I remembered past glorious gatherings.

The young girls and ladies were gathering around the punch bowl and cake. I couldn’t help but notice their flirtations, and I was very flattered to be on the receiving end of all of this attention.

I’m sure they noticed how much I enjoyed it. I asked several of the young ladies to dance with me and then join me for conversations about my university days. My chest was filled with pride.

Finally, I saw her from across the room—Sara Jane Elkins! Sara Jane and I had been close since early school days, and her family and mine were almost as close as relatives. If I had one special girl in my life, it would be Sara Jane! I immediately went to her and struck up a conversation.

Sara Jane, so good to see you. I’ve missed you!

She smiled at me and gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Lee, I’m glad you’re back with us and with me. I’ve missed you too!

I looked at her, so regal in her flowing gown and perfectly groomed hair. Let’s go outside where we can have a longer talk without interruption.

As fate would have it, we never made it outside that evening. My father entered the picture.

My father found himself a bit uncomfortable as a host of the party and chose to let Mother attend to the rigors of greeting guests and making the small talk that was befitting the occasion. As a consequence, he retreated to the confines of the library, where he gathered a small group of town leaders for drinks and conversation about the increasing concerns regarding pressures on the South from the North; the North threatened the very structure of Southern society. The group included my father; Wyler Blake, the town’s banker; John Meyer, the owner of the town’s only hotel; Justin McDonald, the town’s mayor; Edward Francis, the editor and owner of the town newspaper; and Charles Morris, the town attorney and a close friend of my father’s.

Lee, my father called out. Come join us in the library. These are anxious times, and I know you have a good sense of what is going on. Your insight would be appreciated.

I hesitated to leave the beautiful festivities, but nodded yes and joined my father and several of the community leaders.

The group was in a serious discussion of the political environment of the time and its threat to the way of life they were accustomed to. I felt the tension clouding the room. I listened more than I contributed but I knew my presence was supportive to the issues at hand.

Father opened the conversation by stating, "I believe the Northern politicians have no idea of the difference between our way of life and theirs. Those folks are small farmers, miners, merchants, and