Southern Beauty

By Julie Lucia

On the cusp of the American Civil War, as tensions rise and unrest prevail, there is a one-of-a-kind aerial map created by a balloonist that could change everything. Lieutenant David McPherson is on a top-secret mission to retrieve the map from Johanna Lee, the beautiful niece of General Robert E. Lee. As each state secedes into the Confederacy, Johanna embarks on a whirlwind adventure from her family's plantation to the streets of New Orleans. In this fast-paced adventure and romance across the Southern States, she encounters pirates and spies, voodoo queens, and handsome men everywhere she turns. But who can she trust when every man she meets wants the map and will lie and cheat to get it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belgrave House
• Release date: Dec 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781947812666

Book preview

Chapter 1

January 1861

Pay attention McPherson, we’re being summoned, A sharp voice broke the endearing thoughts of 1 st Lieutenant David McPherson’s family. His thoughts wandered when boredom found him and lately it had become a frequent friend.

David had been gazing into the clear waters of the pond that lay next to his regiment’s camp. A slim handsome man with broad shoulders stared back at him with a grin. His sandy blonde hair and thick eyebrows hid in the shadows of the pond’s waters. He threw a rock to shatter what once was his own reflection. The rock slowly sank into the marsh below. David had received many honors for his heroics since he joined the army. Although he loved the life of a soldier, he was ready to return to his family.

He straightened his uniform and made his way toward camp. The commander of his unit was discussing his plans to prevent further conflicts between the states.

General George Meade eyed his gathered soldiers as he stroked his graying beard. Each stood at attention, awaiting orders from their leader that demanded his well-earned respect. Some of the soldiers looked to be as young as fifteen. Each of them listening intently.

It is settled then, Lieutenant, you ride out immediately, ordered Meade.

David had been still reminiscing; family gatherings around the fireplace, his mother’s delicious shepherd’s pie, his sister’s lovely singing voice that accompanied him at the piano, and his father’s nightly readings of the newest novels that had come from the city. A smile crept upon his face as he imagined the day he would return.

Two weeks, he whispered to himself with a sigh.

From the look of that smile, you must be pleased with my choice.

Sir? David now realizing the General’s request was directed toward himself.

Anyone else care to join him on this quest? asked Meade scanning the other soldiers.

We will, a heavyset man with a full beard and a tall self-assured man with a mustache came out of the silent crowd of young soldiers. Master Sergeant Jacob Evans and Sergeant Preston Myers gladly accepted to once again ride alongside their long-time comrade-in-arms.

Jacob was a quiet man with a soft-spoken voice and a kind face. His midnight black hair and matching beard had been turning gray, showing his many years. Jacob was married to Emma and loved her dearly. He only had three more months until his enlistment was up, and he looked forward to meeting his newborn son, Daniel.

Preston, a tall, heavily muscled, confident man intimidated everyone with whom he came in contact. To him, women were on the earth only for men’s pleasures. Though the women didn’t trust him, neither did most men. People who knew him wondered whose side he would fight if a conflict broke out between the states. When they would ask him, he simply would say, my side.

Although, very different men, David loved them both and considered them brothers he never had. Their friendship was made the day their lives intersected in Harrisburg when they each enlisted and were assigned to the same unit. The three were inseparable.

Meade grinned, Yes, that is what I thought. I can’t seem to separate you three no matter how hard I try. He turned to the other soldiers, You are dismissed.

As the grumble of men dispersed, Meade gestured for David, Preston, and Jacob to enter his office tent for a private conversation. Men, this is a serious situation. We need that map and if possible, I want the strategic battle plans too. This mission comes from the highest level; don’t disappoint me.

Yes, sir, said the men in unison.

A Lieutenant Colonel from Virginia is gaining popularity among the Southern military brass, Meade explained with a solemn frown, that quickly dissolved.

Who are you speaking of sir? asked Jacob, afraid to hear the response.

I know you all admire the man, he paused, I have to admit, I am disappointed myself, but Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee’s loyalties are wavering due to family obligations in Virginia.

Are you certain of this? asked Preston, skipping formality due to his surprise.

Meade eyed his men carefully. These orders are not made lightly. Our newly elected President, Abraham Lincoln, is aware of the situation and believes it is dire that something must be done before Virginia secedes. I need an elite team to ride to South Carolina undetected by the newly formed Confederate Regulation Army and retrieve strategic military plans including an aerial map of the Northern and Southern states.

An aerial map, sir? Jacob asked, confused by the thought of it.

Yes, it was created by balloonist John Steiner. It is imperative you retrieve it. It may well be the only accurate map that could lead the Union into the path of victory. It has been determined that a war between the states is inevitable.

David, who had stood quietly contemplating the mission, now spoke up. How do we know, sir, that Lee is in possession of it and how do you know he is in South Carolina?

The map was given as a gift to Lee and is reportedly always on him. He is currently residing at one of his family’s estates in Charleston, where he is secretly visiting with the newly appointed General of the Confederate Army.

Not much of a secret if we know about it, added Preston.

Meade continued, annoyed by the interruption. Unbeknownst to Lee, there is an infiltrator reporting his every move since South Carolina seceded in December.

Someone didn’t trust him, added David.

Already a traitor to his country, remarked Preston, making Jacob snicker, another Benedict Arn⁠—

I ask that you keep your comments silent, sergeant.

Yes, sir.

Lieutenant McPherson, you will lead this mission. I expect you to be successful. Our country very well may depend on it.

I understand sir, nodded David.

Lee is a well-respected hero of the Army, and a dear friend of mine whom I met at West Point. Treat him with respect if you need to capture him. Understood? A sadness crept into General Meade’s demeanor that matched his tired eyes and solemn tone.

Yes sir, answered David with a salute. He silently mouthed the words, Capture him? to his companions.

The men mounted their saddled horses, retrieving their sabers and revolvers on the way. Under his breath, David cursed the dangerous plan the commander ordered. The three men and their horses galloped off, leaving behind Salisbury, and the many women of Preston’s nightly pleasures.

Chapter 2

Beyond the thick dusty clouds, a ray of sunshine peered through, shining brilliantly upon an immaculate estate. It sat alone surrounded by fields of exquisite flowers that seemed to be an endless array of bouquets. Inside, the rooms were handsomely decorated with a man’s touch: a quiet fire burning in the fireplace, before it lay a sable bear skin rug, and a hat rack that once held a colonel’s hat. The cupboards were sufficiently stocked with an extravagant abundance of liquor.

Below in the cellar was wine, fermenting, as it silently waited to be opened. Against the wall hung a new Secession Flag; beside it stood an impeccable, sturdy black musket with a bayonet. Up the flowing oak and marble staircase were elegant bedrooms of crimson velvet. Out on the terrace, a ravishingly beautiful young lady posed in the noon sun, eagerly awaiting her mentor.

Johanna Lee breathed in the deep countryside air. Her long golden hair blew in the timid breeze. Her emerald eyes twinkled in the sun’s light. Her ivory skin hid behind an eloquently decorated pink parasol, matching her silken gown of layers of lace, that fit tightly from her full breasts to her curving hips and continued outward, covering her from the waist to the marble floor. Johanna Lee had lived here, in her uncle’s estate, ever since her parents fled the country two months ago for Paris. She was left behind for her safety and her reputation. Although it was beautiful, she longed to be near family.

Johanna held tightly to a letter in her hands. Her uncle’s words brought her hope.

---

My Dearest Niece,

---

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am sorry I haven’t sent for you. It has become difficult for me to travel without suspicion from my superiors. I will be meeting G.T. at Fort Moultrie and unable to retrieve you myself. You will be sent an escort instead to take you to Arlington. I will try to meet you at the Otter’s Cottage before your departure. As you well know, I have made several arrangements for the remaining servants. John Grady is a good man, he will provide housing, and is instructed to pay them handsomely for their service. I know you are very fond of a few of them who have been with you since childhood, and I am sorry they cannot accompany you to Arlington. We must be very careful with our intentions. Please take with you the chart I sent earlier. Whatever the cost you must keep it hidden. Trust no one. If for some reason I cannot meet you, please retrieve my favorite box of cigars. It will be at the cottage near your father’s preferred drink. You know of which I speak. Always wear the enclosed locket, although a token of my affection, it also may very well save your life. It is imperative that you follow my instructions with the utmost discretion. I am sorry to put you at risk, but I know that I can depend on you. Keep safe. May God bless your travels!

---

With Love,

Uncle Robert

---

Johanna knew although her uncle had been at the Custis-Lee Mansion in Arlington after leaving his post in Texas, he was incapable of retrieving her due to the rising conflict between the states. Now that South Carolina had seceded and Virginia silently spoke of following, it was harder for him to travel without causing suspicion.

Would you like some tea?

Johanna’s thoughts were interrupted by one of the only members of her household staff that remained behind to take care of her, out of loyalty and kindness, Johanna surmised.

I am sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.

You didn’t. Thank you, Prunella, I would love some.

Are you well, Miss Lee?

Yes, thank you. Johanna gave her a warm smile. I thank you for staying on, I know most of your family have left already.

Prunella nodded, Yes, they have. But do not worry, I will not abandon you. I will stay until you leave for Arlington.

I received a letter from my uncle. I believe it will be very soon.

Let us hope so. A young lady shouldn’t be left alone in a home this large.

I am not alone. I have you and Isaiah.

That you do.

I don’t know what I am going to do without you, Prunella. You have always been so kind to me. I have always counted on you.

Miss Johanna, you will be just fine. You had to endure so much this past year and I see an inner strength in you that you don’t even realize you have. Prunella took her hand, May I? Johanna nodded. Prunella rubbed her fingers over Johanna’s palm. I see you are embarking on a new path full of adventure. You will meet many new suitors but only fall in love with one.

Johanna’s eyes widened.

Prunella’s face turned more serious, she inhaled deeply. You must be very careful, there is also lots of danger ahead. Your life will be in peril, your faith will be tested. She let go of Johanna’s hand.

Johanna glanced up at Prunella, offering her a large smile that made her face light up. I am going to fall in love?

Prunella grinned, amused by her charge. You only heard that?

Johanna laughed. No, I heard I am going to have many suitors too.

Prunella shook her head. I don’t know what I am going to do with you.

Johanna squeezed her hand. I will miss you dearly.

Prunella smiled and left the balcony. She felt a loss of family and stability that the Lee’s offered, but looked forward to the day she was no longer a servant to the wealthy. Her family had better plans, somewhere in the Northern states, maybe as far as Canada if necessary.

The sun’s light disappeared along with its warmth, leaving only a chilling breeze that made the stench of the horses’ sweat inflame the men’s nostrils. A whistle sang through the forest’s trees and the dusty trail the men were following became harder to see the further they traveled. Only a small clearing before them shone of the moon’s light. Throughout the trees, an array of twinkling lights made the blackened woods seem enchanted.

It’s awfully cold out for fireflies, Preston noticed the lights.

I don’t think those are fireflies. You are just noticing animals watching us from the woods, their eyes are reflecting the moonlight, explained Jacob. Some people think these woods are enchanted.

That’s incredible. There must be a hundred of them in there, said Preston.

Enchanted? Do tell, David asked. This trip is going to take long enough. We need something to keep us awake.

That’s right, Evans, you are always good for a story, especially when you had a few too many, Preston chimed in, making David laugh.

If it will get you men to quit complaining about our mission, I will. Jacob joined them in the laughter.

Jacob told mystical tales of fairies that supposedly lived among the leaves. His companions listened with much anticipation, as if they were small children listening to their grandfather pass on generations of tales.

I think we should stop here for the night, said a tired Jacob. I can’t keep my eyes open, and my horse is starting to slow his gait.

I think we all need to rest, admitted David. I was hoping we could find a better place to set up camp. But, here will do.

Preston jumped off his horse and brought him to the river’s edge for water. I think this place is good as any. We have water and a clear view of the surrounding area.

I will make a fire, offered Jacob, and start cooking.

We need to be out before dawn, said David. We should be there early tomorrow. Hopefully, we will sneak in, get what we came for, and out without any complications or disturbances.

You make it sound so easy, McPherson, said Jacob. You know we have no idea where to even begin looking for the plans or the map.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee, who had recently arrived from Virginia, was meeting privately with Charleston’s newest Confederate General Brigadier P.G.T. Beauregard at Fort Moultrie just south of the estate where Johanna lived. Lee found it to be a gift that had fallen into his lap when she was left in his care right before South Carolina seceded in December. He would be able to use Johanna’s unfortunate circumstance to his advantage. Therefore, he decided to wait for the opportune moment to retrieve her. The moment had finally arrived.

Lee folded a letter and motioned Private Malcolm Graystone over. The handsome Private walked over with a tinge of pride shown in his steps.

Yes sir? he asked with a grin and a salute.

At ease Private, Lee grinned back with a wink and a salute. Though Malcolm was one of his men from the 2 nd Calvary regiment, he also was his aide, whom he had grown fond of over the last three months. Lee looked forward to introducing him to his niece. I want you to personally retrieve Miss Lee and escort her to the Custiss-Lee Mansion where my wife, Mary, will be waiting for her. My plans have changed, and I will be staying a little longer to meet with General Beauregard, so I will not be able to take her myself. His smile widened and Graystone knew he had a little more planned than a trip for him and Johanna.

I will ride out immediately, sir, smiled Malcolm.

Thanks, Private. I am hoping to meet you and Miss Lee at our cottage before you leave. Miss Lee has something in her possession that I must have before you go. I have sent someone ahead to quietly bring in supplies and leave just as quietly. If for some reason our plans are interrupted, go straight there immediately. Here is a map I made for you to get there, Lee handed it to him.