Part 2

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"You don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you cannot live without." - Trixie

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Savannah, Georgia

Gordo had graciously given up his room for Miranda's cousin, but as he sat out in the barn he had to wonder why he was so nice. He didn't know what Lizzie must be thinking. He wasn't sure what he had been thinking either. It was just the thought of leaving her behind was not an option. He wasn't in love with her. At least not yet, but she had a quality about her that made him care. They had become instant friends as if for eternity they had been so. He just wasn't sure how to go about telling her all of this. He could hear her teasing him and it was what kept him from sleeping. That and the fact it had started to rain again and was dripping all over him.

In the early morning Gordo made his way to the back door and into the kitchen. He had stayed away as long as he could, which really wasn't that long. As soon as he got in there he saw Lizzie puttering around getting breakfast ready. She looked up as soon as the door shut. He noticed that her normally bright blue eyes were dull, they were tired, as if she had stayed up all night thinking about something. "Good Morning." he said. She gave him a half smile, "Good morning." She went back to the biscuits and gravy she was making. A half an hour later she set the breakfast down. They had both been silent, thinking about how they were going to talk with one another.

Lizzie hated the silence and spoke first, "Gordo, we really need to discuss what you asked." He nodded, "Yes we do, have you thought about it?" "Have you?" she asked, not giving him time to respond, "The reason I ask is because do you have any idea who we are?" "I have some idea, I am Dr. David Gordon, and you are Elizabeth McGuire Craft." She spun on her heel leaving her chair behind, "No! You are Dr. David Gordon, a YANKEE officer, and I am Elizabeth McGuire, a SOUTHERNER, from CHARLESTON! Do you have any idea what this marriage is going to bring? Have you thought about it at all? I have, I've thought about it all night!" "What are you saying?" he asked. Trying to keep her calm. He could fight all her fears if he knew what they were, but not when she was screaming.

"I'm talking about the fact that if we were to go to Charleston, even to visit we will be hated. Me for the audacity of marrying a Yankee and you for being a Yankee. I will not run for fear of my life. If we go to New York we not only have your fiancé to worry about, but I am a southerner and your friends might take to kindly to that. So I guess my question to you is are you prepared for that? I know we said we were friends, I believe that, but are you ready to marry just a friend and then fight for that marriage and friendship without really knowing who I am?" She looked as if she was about ready to cry which broke his heart.

"I have thought about it, but Lizzie, I can't let you go. I am prepared to fight for you and for us. So what if you are from the south and I am from the north. We will get by just fine and we will make it." He seemed so self assured. He had to be, he was not going to let her get away from him. They might just be friends, but loosing her friendship would cost him and he wasn't willing to pay that price. She looked at him once again and then sighed, "My father would roll over in his grave if he found out I was going to marry a Yankee, but I'm not willing to let that stop me. Dr. Gordon, I accept your proposal."

He couldn't believe that she had agreed to it. He wanted to jump up and kiss her, but they were just friends. They were friends getting married, but they weren't in love, not yet. He wouldn't jeopardize that. So he settled for grabbing her hand and holding it in his. "I'm glad." was all he could think to say. It was then that she laughed at him, "Well I'm glad your glad Gordo. I need to go pack. We can leave soon, just let me get everything ready and tomorrow we can leave." she smiled at him before she left and as if in a fit of fancy leaned down and kissed his cheek then left the room.

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Dear Mamma,

It has been a long time since I have written you. Almost a year. A year in which much has happened, more in the past four days, but I am getting ahead of myself. I know that your sad that Ethan died, I was to, for a time. However six months ago, I made a friend. Her name is Miranda Sanchez Craft. Mamma, she was my husband's mistress! I know that I probably should not be telling you any of this, but I have no where else to turn. I miss you. I miss Matthew. I miss Charleston, but I won't be returning there for some time.

I'm getting married Mamma. He is a...Yankee. A very nice Yankee. He was almost dead, and I brought him in and cared for him, not something I would normally do, but I couldn't leave him to die out in my field. I just couldn't. As it came to be however, I have become friends with him. As Miranda's cousin is now here, I shall be leaving. I shall be leaving with Gordo, or Dr. David Gordon, the Yankee, as his wife. I shall write you when we have settled. I love you Mamma, please believe me I never wanted to hurt you or the memory of Daddy, but I have to follow my heart. And Mamma my heart is telling me to follow Gordo. He even calls me Lizzie like you use to do. He is the right one Mamma and perhaps one day the two of you will meet.

Love Forever and Always,

Elizabeth (Lizzie) McGuire Gordon

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All of her bags were packed and she was ready to go. Thanks to Brandon he loaned them his carriage for passage to Atlanta where they would then take a ship up North. Miranda stood on the porch. She hadn't really been thinking about loosing Liz as a friend. She was worried about Brandon coming up and keeping Dr. Gordon away from her duties. She wasn't sure how she felt about him, but he did allow Liz to leave to New York and away from here. Still it was going to be different without her there.

She looked at the door when it opened and saw Liz walk out. Gordo came from the side to take the last bag and then disappeared to let the women talk. "I'm going to miss you." Miranda said. Lizzie smiled, "I am going to miss you. You and Brandon are going to have to visit me and Gordo in New York." She said. "One day when we've rebuilt you are going to have come back and visit here." Miranda told her. They both nodded and then embraced. "I hope you make it." Miranda said. Then Gordo came around with the carriage. He got out and helped Lizzie up, "Good-bye Miranda. Good luck." Lizzie said as she got in. Gordo nodded at her tipping his hat and then climbed in on the other side and Lizzie left Savannah for good.

***Please if you wish to read this before I post or as a WIP go to my website: www.commstat.com/legends.htm