So finally decided to start writing again I have a feeling this is going to be a long FF so bear with me through this one. Just wanted to make note that this is historical fiction meaning that yes, Ulysess S. Grant and his family were real people but instead of having a daughter name Nellie her name is Caroline and they are all much older than they should be. Btw during the Civil War period which this FF is set in, people do own slaves and there is slavery in the story not saying it was good, but some people who owned slaves did treat them well. (Read Uncle Tom's Cabin for a wider perspective!) Hopefully it's not too much drama for you! ;) Enjoy!
It was the summer of 1860
"I won't have it, Pearson: so it's not use talking. If I had my way you shouldn't touch any of the slaves. And when I get my way—that won't be so very long—I will take good care you won't. But you won't hit Dan."
"He is not one of the regular house hands." Was the reply,"and I shall appeal to Mrs. Wingfield as to whether I am to be interfered with in the discharge of my duties."
"You may appeal to may Mother all you like, but I don't think you will get much by it. You are too fond of that whip, Pearson. It was never heard of on the Orangery during my Father's time, and it won't be when it comes to be mine, I can tell you. Come along Dan."
"Vincent Wingfield turned on his heel, followed by Dan a slave of some eighteen years old and walked back towards the verandah where he was sitting with his long-time friend Caroline and her brother Frederick Grant; leaving Jonas Pearson, the overseer of the Orangery Estate, looking after him with an evil expression on his face.
"Vincent Wingfield was the son of and English Officer, who, making a tour in the States fell in love with and won the hand of Winfred Cornish, a Virginia heiress. The Orangery was named so by the large conservatory
Caroline and Frederick Grant were the children of the Mexican-American war hero Ulysses S. Grant. Although natives of St. Louis, Caroline and Fred were on trip to welcome back there long time friend Vincent recently returned and graduate from West Point. When at a boarding school in England (at her rich Great Aunt Ellen's wishes) Caroline had met and immediately became friends with Vincent. After their graduation from the Boarding School, Vincent and Caroline kept in touch with each other through letters and visiting each other every summer. Now they were both eighteen and very fond of the trips to see each other every summer…
They had been interrupted by the noise of Jonas and Dan, but were now somewhat settled back into their wicker chairs.
"Does this happen much on the Orangery, Vincent?" Fred had asked with a patronizing hint in his voice.
"On the contrary, Frederick, it does not! All slaves on our plantation are treated as family and loved. It's just our new overseer who will treat the slaves this way." Vincent replied with a bitter look.
"Anyways! What do you miss most about West Point Vincent?" Caroline asked quickly, to divert the attention from the erupting argument between the two.
"Oh, the friends I have made. Also the professors who have taught me all of their knowledge from the wars and the wisdom that they gleaned from it.
"Oh Vincent you have been gone long. You have really begun to sound like a West Point graduate!" Carol said with a coy look.
"I remember that my Father graduated near the top of his class. What level did you graduate from Vincent?" Frederick asked scornfully.
"At top of my class." Was the sharp retort.
A moment of silence went by with the young men sending glares in the opposites direction.
"Vincent, come and show me the rose garden your Mother has been telling me about!" Caroline requested. "I'm sure Fred won't mind sitting here to finish his book. Now will you, darling?" Giving Fred a hard look with her green eyes.
"Of course not Carrie." Fred answered sarcastically.
"Vincent offered his arm and the two walked off towards the garden.
Pushing back a lock of strawberry blonde hair, Caroline said, "My Father was the goat of his class. He barely passed. Please excuse my brother's rude manners. I don't know what has gotten in to him"
"Its alright Carol, I've faced worse!" They both laughed.
"Wait, who and when?" Was the curious question.
"Well let's just say that I learned how to use my fists at boarding school." Vincent said with a smirk but then his face turned serious. "You know I don't really miss too much from West Point, but I did miss you."
"Vincent." Carol said in a pleading tone.
"I don't like just seeing you once a year anymore or writing letters that take a month to arrive." Vincent said while placing his hand on Caroline's soft hair.
Moving his hand and walking quickly forward Caroline answered with, "Well they wouldn't take that long to arrive if you would just send it once you finish writing it."
"Well if you would reply back the moment you received them as I did, they wouldn't take so long. But thats not what I meant Carol. I've know you for a long time now and now that I will be taking up the reins of the Orangery I feel now I can ask you a certain question." His southern accent dripped over his anxious words.
"Vincent, not now." Was the response he received.
"Fine, but we will return to this conversation later." The only response he received now was silence.