Shenandoah Valley
Northern Virginia
1342 Local
Mac looked at Avis as they moved briskly along in the buggy, "Tell me again why it's necessary to show up four hours and eighteen minutes before this soiree is going to start?"
Avis arched an eyebrow. Sarah's time sense was normally a source of wonder but, at the moment, it was just annoying. "It takes time to prepare for a ball. Corinna is going to help." She took her eyes off Jenna and Jupiter and looked over at Sarah, "There's nothing to be nervous about. You did say you'd been to a ball before and you know how to waltz. Being from Russia, no one will think twice if you don't know any other dances."
Mac looked out at the scenery going by. She'd never been in a horse-drawn vehicle like this before and had surprised by the power and speed produced by those equine hindquarters. It was a whole different feel from riding. Finally, she looked back at Avis, "I guess it's being the center of attention that's bothering me. What if I screw up? The consequences will affect you and Corinna."
Avis frowned slightly, she was getting better at deciphering these phrases that Sarah came out with. Fortunately, the brunette was more careful of her speech when others were around. Even on that awful day, Sarah had maintained the light Russian accent when talking to Corinna. She sighed, "You're not going to... screw up. No one is going to be looking that closely. People are terribly impressed with you, they'll see what they expect to see." Avis grinned, "Besides, it's a good excuse for a party."
"Are you going to be all right in a crowd of people like that? Won't it be overwhelming?" Mac wished she could get rid of this nagging feeling that something bad was going to happen. It was probably just anxiety about meeting the townspeople, en masse. Avis was much more sensitive about such things and she was absolutely buoyant.
Avis shook her head, smiling, "Parties are easier to deal with. For the most part, people are happy and intent on enjoying themselves. It's actually quite pleasant." She patted Mac's arm, "It will be fun, you'll see."
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1540 Local
Corinna and Avis stepped back and critically surveyed their work. Mac looked at them nervously, trying not to twist her hands together, "Well?"
The two ladies looked at each other and then back at her. Corinna smiled, "You are a vision, my dear."
"Try walking," Avis suggested. Sarah had never worn a hoop skirt before and it took some getting used to. Corinna had accepted their assertion that hoop skirts were no longer in fashion in Europe, saying that she'd heard rumors to that effect several years ago. She had offered earlier to alter a ball gown for Sasha and then surprised them with a lovely white silk dress. It had three deep white flounces, each alternating with a blue flounce. The same theme was followed in the drapery at the top of the bodice and onto the sleeves. They'd pulled her hair back into a small, low bun and had a wreath of blue flowers for a headdress. White kid gloves and dangling earrings completed the outfit.
Mac took a few tentative steps and Corinna shook her head, "You're bouncing. It's more like gliding. Keep your hips straight and only slightly bend your knees. You want to skim the floor." It took a few more turns about the room before she was satisfied.
Mac gave a small sigh and shifted, the corset was more than a little snug. She looked down at the large expanse of skirt, "How do you sit?" She had visions of Carol Burnett's priceless parody of Gone With The Wind. It was funny on TV, but she had no desire to make a spectacle of herself by having the hoop bounce up in the air.
Avis raised an eyebrow, "Carefully and only after a great deal of practice, otherwise the skirt will come up, exposing everything. Bending forward can have the same effect. You might be safer to stay standing." She glanced over at Corinna and the older woman nodded.
The two women advanced on Mac who backed up a step, "Now what?"
"You've never danced wearing a hoop skirt, have you?" Avis inquired, raising her eyebrows innocently. Mac shook her head.
Corinna said, "You need to remember that it's rather easy to step on a hoop if you're moving backwards. It's also easy to knock someone else over, watch your distance."
"Maybe I shouldn't dance at all," Mac looked dismayed. She had no idea it could be so difficult.
"Nonsense," Avis moved to her back and began unfastening buttons, "It wouldn't be a dance without a few collisions, someone breaking into tears and a possible fistfight." She made it seem matter of fact, "Now we take this off and we'll all lie down and rest for an hour or so. It's going to be a long night."
Mac stared from one to the other, "You just got me into all this and now you want me to take it all off?"
"Just the dress," Corinna stated, "Now that everything else is done, it won't take long to put it all back together again. And you can loosen the corset. Do it gradually though, I've seen more young ladies faint from removing it too quickly."
Mac stared at the older woman, "You're joking. Fainting from taking off a corset?"
Avis nodded in confirmation, "From taking it off too quickly. Don't ever get sick while wearing one either. It's an experience you don't want to have."
Shaking her head, Mac let them get the dress off. Getting ready for a dance was a lot more complicated in this century.
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1740 Local
Mac looked at Avis and Corinna. They had been right, it hadn't taken that much time to get back into the dresses. Avis was wearing a steel-blue dress of tarlatane trimmed with black velvet. It had three skirts trimmed with ribbon and edged with broad and narrow black velvet. The bodice was round waisted and plain with a blue silk band. Blue ribbon braces also trimmed with black velvet crossed front and back, coming to a point at the waist. It complimented her blonde hair and set off her blue eyes. Corinna's was a rich burgundy and of simpler design. A plain silk skirt with a low bodice and a cape of figure lace with corresponding short puffed sleeves. Mac had asked about the colors and Avis told her that younger women wore the lighter colors and older women wore the darker ones. No one wore black and bright red was also frowned upon.
Corinna's housekeeper appeared at the door, "Miz Corinna? They's here."
"Thank you, Effie," Corinna turned back to Avis and Mac, "I took the liberty of arranging escorts for you both." Mac was surprised to see that the unshakeable Mrs. Simpson now appeared decidedly nervous.
Avis frowned, "Really, Corinna, you might have asked. I don't want an escort."
"Does that mean I should go back?" A light baritone voice came from the doorway. Mac turned to see a slender, black-haired man dressed resplendently in the uniform of a Confederate Major. Looking back at Avis, she saw that the blonde was standing perfectly still with a dumbfounded look on her face. A quick glance at the maternal pride on Corinna's face confirmed her suspicions, this was Avril. When she turned back to Avis, she blinked in surprise. The joy and longing that suffused the young woman's face was like watching the sun break through the clouds. Trying to swallow the lump in her throat, Mac found herself edging towards the door. She watched while Avril gave his mother a hug without really taking his eyes off Avis. Corinna said something to them both in a quiet tone and then headed for the door.
At the doorway, Mac took a step backward and collided with a solid body. A flash of deja vu sent a stab of fear through her as she spun into a defensive position. She straightened up almost immediately in embarrassment as a well-built Confederate Captain backed away from her, his hands out in a gesture of surrender. When he saw her straighten up, he smiled and sketched a slight bow, "Your pardon, ma'am. I did not mean to startle you."
His accent was different than that of the people of the Valley. His hair was medium brown and he wore a goatee, which made him look somewhat dashing. Mac shook her head, "Please don't apologize, I should have been looking where I was going."
Corinna appeared, "Ahhh, Captain Landers." She turned to Mac, "Miss Sasha Dzurick, may I present Captain Matthew Landers of Durham, North Carolina? Captain, this is Miss Sasha Dzurick of Moscow, Russia, who is visiting our Miss Avis."
Mac extended her hand and the Captain bowed again, brushing a light kiss across the back of her knuckles. He looked at her and grinned, "Ah yes, the heroine of the hour." Mac felt herself turning red. This was not the type of attention she wanted. Landers tilted his head to catch her eye and placed his hand on his chest, "I am doubly indebted to you, ma'am. For rescuing that which my good friend Avril holds most dear," his voice took on a teasing note, "and for affording me the opportunity to impress these Virginia belles with dancing skills of a North Carolinian." Corinna snorted at that and excused herself.
Mac tried not to grin as she raised an eyebrow, "You're not going to try to impress me?" His jaunty, easy-going manner made it hard not to like him.
He assumed a woebegone expression, "Alas no. How does one impress a European beauty such as yourself?"
Folding her arms, Mac smiled, "Perhaps by dancing?"
He sighed dramatically and offered his arm, "I shall endeavor to do my best, Miss Dzurick."
"In that case, we should prepare for war with Russia," Avril said with a smile as he and Avis walked up to them. He bowed to Mac, "I've seen him dance, Miss Dzurick. It's not a coincidence that most of the ladies of Durham are lame."
"Avril!" Avis slapped at his arm. She looked at Mac, "Sasha, allow me to properly introduce my fiance, Avril Simpson." Avis gave him a mock glare, "He's normally more polite."
"No, he's not," Landers interjected, attempting to look insulted.
"Hush, Matt. I don't know how General Gordon puts up with either of you." Avis smiled at him. Matt Landers was irrepressible.
Mac smiled at the exchange and extended her hand to Avril, "I feel like I know you already, Major."
Avril took her hand in both of his, "I shall consider us as family. Avis already thinks of you as a sister." His look became more intense as he lowered his voice slightly, "I'm forever in your debt."
Mac blushed again. Avis looked over from where she was chatting amicably with Landers. "I think you've embarrassed Sasha enough, Avril. Shall we go to the dance?"
He smiled at her, "Yes ma'am. Let me find Mother." He disappeared down the hallway and came back shortly afterwards with Corinna.
She smiled at the two couples, "William can take you all in the carriage and then come back for me."
Avis glanced at Avril, "It's not that far to the hotel and it's a lovely night. I wouldn't mind walking. That way William will only have to make one trip."
Mac looked over at Captain Landers, "Would you mind walking?" He shook his head with a smile.
Corinna put her hands on her hips, "Well, I'm not walking. I will meet you there."
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 2210 Local
Mac smiled and accepted a cup of punch from a lanky, older gentleman. So far, the evening had progressed without any major disasters. It felt like she hadn't missed a dance. Fortunately, she had also managed not to fall down or knock someone else over. Avis had been correct, these people had already made their minds up about her. The deference with which they treated her might have been become uncomfortable if it hadn't been for the attentions of Matt, Corinna, Avis and Avril. Captain Landers was a breath of fresh air. His quick wit had her relaxed and laughing more often than not.
Finally alone for a few minutes, Mac sipped her punch and looked over the colorful scene. Landers was currently twirling around with a dark-eyed beauty. As one of the few younger men in attendance, he was much in demand. By tacit agreement, Avril was off-limits to most of the ladies. He had danced with her, his mother and the rest of the time with Avis. Mac scanned the crowd and finally spotted the couple on the far side of the hall. It was amazing how many people had shown up. She felt a grin tugging at her lips. On the walk over, Matt had regaled them with the 'Song of the Hoops'. He had a pleasant tenor and after a moment, Avril had joined in as well. She and Avis had laughed so hard, that they had to stop walking.
Avis and Avril clapped politely after the music ended. He offered her his arm and escorted her from the floor. The orchestra wasn't the best but they made up for it by playing with enthusiasm. Not that Avis cared, one way or the other. It was enough that Avril was here. When they reached the sidelines, she turned and scanned the crowd.
"If you're looking for Sasha, she's across the hall," Avril told her with a smile. He hadn't relinquished his hold of her hand. That he'd come close to losing her had shaken him to the core. He should have killed that bastard the first time. He felt Avis squeeze his hand.
"Don't, Avril." Avis looked up at him in concern.
He brought her hand to his lips, "No secrets from you."
"No secrets from either of us," she agreed, her expression serious. "Would you come out to the farm tomorrow? There's a story I need to tell you." She saw worry flit across his face and smiled reassuringly, "It's not bad, merely remarkable. It concerns Sasha."
His relief was evident and he smiled, "Of course, I'll come. The difficulty may be in getting me to leave." His smile faded as he saw Avis suddenly go pale, "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Rage," she muttered, her gaze searching the room. Avril stared at her intently as she closed her eyes and became still. He'd seen her do this before, it had fascinated rather than frightened him. He started in spite of himself when her eyes flew open, "Oh dear God, Sarah!" With that, she spun and headed across the floor, heedless of the dancing couples. Avril hurried after her.
Palos Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1340 Local
Meredith looked out the window as AJ slowly cruised down the street, "Not very big, is it?" He grunted in agreement. She consulted the map, "From here we can go to Strasburg, New Market or Harrisonburg. Which do you think?"
AJ thought it over. "New Market," he said at last. They'd come into the Valley by the Interstate. One look at the construction had convinced him that Mac would not have tried to return by that route. Which left, at least, half a dozen secondary roads she could have taken instead to get through the mountains. It was a ridiculous hope that they would somehow miraculously stumble across the Colonel. The only reason they were out here was because doing something, anything, was better than wallowing in guilt at home. He glanced at Meredith and smiled, she had recognized the need long before he was ready to admit it. Her habit of cutting to the chase was one of the things he admired and loved about her.
"That's where the Virginia Military Institute is, isn't it?" Meredith asked, looking over at him. He nodded silently. She looked out the window again, "There's so much history here. You can feel it."
"That's true," he answered, letting his gaze travel over the landscape before returning to the road. "Hard to believe that most of the Valley had been destroyed during the Civil War."
"Really?" Meredith continued to look out the window. Her knowledge of that time was confined to a course in high school. She remembered the basics and that was about it: 1861-1865, North vs. South, Lee vs. Grant, slavery abolished, Lincoln assassinated.
"Yeah. I'm not the expert. You'll have to ask Sturgis Turner if you'd like more details. He's the Civil War buff."
"I just might do that," she smiled at him. Whatever he was going to say was interrupted by his cell phone ringing. Silently she handed the phone to him. She was getting used to these intrusions. He was the JAG, it came with the territory.
"Chegwidden." She saw him take a deep breath and worry shot through her, was it bad news about Mac? Up until this moment, she had refused to dwell on worst case scenarios. The Universe wasn't that perverse. AJ had told her of Rabb and MacKenzie's various exploits - those two had more lives than a dozen cats. There was a curious sensation of relief and tension at AJ's next words: "Commander Rabb, where are you?"
-----------
Mac looked at Avis as they moved briskly along in the buggy, "Tell me again why it's necessary to show up four hours and eighteen minutes before this soiree is going to start?"
Avis arched an eyebrow. Sarah's time sense was normally a source of wonder but, at the moment, it was just annoying. "It takes time to prepare for a ball. Corinna is going to help." She took her eyes off Jenna and Jupiter and looked over at Sarah, "There's nothing to be nervous about. You did say you'd been to a ball before and you know how to waltz. Being from Russia, no one will think twice if you don't know any other dances."
Mac looked out at the scenery going by. She'd never been in a horse-drawn vehicle like this before and had surprised by the power and speed produced by those equine hindquarters. It was a whole different feel from riding. Finally, she looked back at Avis, "I guess it's being the center of attention that's bothering me. What if I screw up? The consequences will affect you and Corinna."
Avis frowned slightly, she was getting better at deciphering these phrases that Sarah came out with. Fortunately, the brunette was more careful of her speech when others were around. Even on that awful day, Sarah had maintained the light Russian accent when talking to Corinna. She sighed, "You're not going to... screw up. No one is going to be looking that closely. People are terribly impressed with you, they'll see what they expect to see." Avis grinned, "Besides, it's a good excuse for a party."
"Are you going to be all right in a crowd of people like that? Won't it be overwhelming?" Mac wished she could get rid of this nagging feeling that something bad was going to happen. It was probably just anxiety about meeting the townspeople, en masse. Avis was much more sensitive about such things and she was absolutely buoyant.
Avis shook her head, smiling, "Parties are easier to deal with. For the most part, people are happy and intent on enjoying themselves. It's actually quite pleasant." She patted Mac's arm, "It will be fun, you'll see."
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1540 Local
Corinna and Avis stepped back and critically surveyed their work. Mac looked at them nervously, trying not to twist her hands together, "Well?"
The two ladies looked at each other and then back at her. Corinna smiled, "You are a vision, my dear."
"Try walking," Avis suggested. Sarah had never worn a hoop skirt before and it took some getting used to. Corinna had accepted their assertion that hoop skirts were no longer in fashion in Europe, saying that she'd heard rumors to that effect several years ago. She had offered earlier to alter a ball gown for Sasha and then surprised them with a lovely white silk dress. It had three deep white flounces, each alternating with a blue flounce. The same theme was followed in the drapery at the top of the bodice and onto the sleeves. They'd pulled her hair back into a small, low bun and had a wreath of blue flowers for a headdress. White kid gloves and dangling earrings completed the outfit.
Mac took a few tentative steps and Corinna shook her head, "You're bouncing. It's more like gliding. Keep your hips straight and only slightly bend your knees. You want to skim the floor." It took a few more turns about the room before she was satisfied.
Mac gave a small sigh and shifted, the corset was more than a little snug. She looked down at the large expanse of skirt, "How do you sit?" She had visions of Carol Burnett's priceless parody of Gone With The Wind. It was funny on TV, but she had no desire to make a spectacle of herself by having the hoop bounce up in the air.
Avis raised an eyebrow, "Carefully and only after a great deal of practice, otherwise the skirt will come up, exposing everything. Bending forward can have the same effect. You might be safer to stay standing." She glanced over at Corinna and the older woman nodded.
The two women advanced on Mac who backed up a step, "Now what?"
"You've never danced wearing a hoop skirt, have you?" Avis inquired, raising her eyebrows innocently. Mac shook her head.
Corinna said, "You need to remember that it's rather easy to step on a hoop if you're moving backwards. It's also easy to knock someone else over, watch your distance."
"Maybe I shouldn't dance at all," Mac looked dismayed. She had no idea it could be so difficult.
"Nonsense," Avis moved to her back and began unfastening buttons, "It wouldn't be a dance without a few collisions, someone breaking into tears and a possible fistfight." She made it seem matter of fact, "Now we take this off and we'll all lie down and rest for an hour or so. It's going to be a long night."
Mac stared from one to the other, "You just got me into all this and now you want me to take it all off?"
"Just the dress," Corinna stated, "Now that everything else is done, it won't take long to put it all back together again. And you can loosen the corset. Do it gradually though, I've seen more young ladies faint from removing it too quickly."
Mac stared at the older woman, "You're joking. Fainting from taking off a corset?"
Avis nodded in confirmation, "From taking it off too quickly. Don't ever get sick while wearing one either. It's an experience you don't want to have."
Shaking her head, Mac let them get the dress off. Getting ready for a dance was a lot more complicated in this century.
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1740 Local
Mac looked at Avis and Corinna. They had been right, it hadn't taken that much time to get back into the dresses. Avis was wearing a steel-blue dress of tarlatane trimmed with black velvet. It had three skirts trimmed with ribbon and edged with broad and narrow black velvet. The bodice was round waisted and plain with a blue silk band. Blue ribbon braces also trimmed with black velvet crossed front and back, coming to a point at the waist. It complimented her blonde hair and set off her blue eyes. Corinna's was a rich burgundy and of simpler design. A plain silk skirt with a low bodice and a cape of figure lace with corresponding short puffed sleeves. Mac had asked about the colors and Avis told her that younger women wore the lighter colors and older women wore the darker ones. No one wore black and bright red was also frowned upon.
Corinna's housekeeper appeared at the door, "Miz Corinna? They's here."
"Thank you, Effie," Corinna turned back to Avis and Mac, "I took the liberty of arranging escorts for you both." Mac was surprised to see that the unshakeable Mrs. Simpson now appeared decidedly nervous.
Avis frowned, "Really, Corinna, you might have asked. I don't want an escort."
"Does that mean I should go back?" A light baritone voice came from the doorway. Mac turned to see a slender, black-haired man dressed resplendently in the uniform of a Confederate Major. Looking back at Avis, she saw that the blonde was standing perfectly still with a dumbfounded look on her face. A quick glance at the maternal pride on Corinna's face confirmed her suspicions, this was Avril. When she turned back to Avis, she blinked in surprise. The joy and longing that suffused the young woman's face was like watching the sun break through the clouds. Trying to swallow the lump in her throat, Mac found herself edging towards the door. She watched while Avril gave his mother a hug without really taking his eyes off Avis. Corinna said something to them both in a quiet tone and then headed for the door.
At the doorway, Mac took a step backward and collided with a solid body. A flash of deja vu sent a stab of fear through her as she spun into a defensive position. She straightened up almost immediately in embarrassment as a well-built Confederate Captain backed away from her, his hands out in a gesture of surrender. When he saw her straighten up, he smiled and sketched a slight bow, "Your pardon, ma'am. I did not mean to startle you."
His accent was different than that of the people of the Valley. His hair was medium brown and he wore a goatee, which made him look somewhat dashing. Mac shook her head, "Please don't apologize, I should have been looking where I was going."
Corinna appeared, "Ahhh, Captain Landers." She turned to Mac, "Miss Sasha Dzurick, may I present Captain Matthew Landers of Durham, North Carolina? Captain, this is Miss Sasha Dzurick of Moscow, Russia, who is visiting our Miss Avis."
Mac extended her hand and the Captain bowed again, brushing a light kiss across the back of her knuckles. He looked at her and grinned, "Ah yes, the heroine of the hour." Mac felt herself turning red. This was not the type of attention she wanted. Landers tilted his head to catch her eye and placed his hand on his chest, "I am doubly indebted to you, ma'am. For rescuing that which my good friend Avril holds most dear," his voice took on a teasing note, "and for affording me the opportunity to impress these Virginia belles with dancing skills of a North Carolinian." Corinna snorted at that and excused herself.
Mac tried not to grin as she raised an eyebrow, "You're not going to try to impress me?" His jaunty, easy-going manner made it hard not to like him.
He assumed a woebegone expression, "Alas no. How does one impress a European beauty such as yourself?"
Folding her arms, Mac smiled, "Perhaps by dancing?"
He sighed dramatically and offered his arm, "I shall endeavor to do my best, Miss Dzurick."
"In that case, we should prepare for war with Russia," Avril said with a smile as he and Avis walked up to them. He bowed to Mac, "I've seen him dance, Miss Dzurick. It's not a coincidence that most of the ladies of Durham are lame."
"Avril!" Avis slapped at his arm. She looked at Mac, "Sasha, allow me to properly introduce my fiance, Avril Simpson." Avis gave him a mock glare, "He's normally more polite."
"No, he's not," Landers interjected, attempting to look insulted.
"Hush, Matt. I don't know how General Gordon puts up with either of you." Avis smiled at him. Matt Landers was irrepressible.
Mac smiled at the exchange and extended her hand to Avril, "I feel like I know you already, Major."
Avril took her hand in both of his, "I shall consider us as family. Avis already thinks of you as a sister." His look became more intense as he lowered his voice slightly, "I'm forever in your debt."
Mac blushed again. Avis looked over from where she was chatting amicably with Landers. "I think you've embarrassed Sasha enough, Avril. Shall we go to the dance?"
He smiled at her, "Yes ma'am. Let me find Mother." He disappeared down the hallway and came back shortly afterwards with Corinna.
She smiled at the two couples, "William can take you all in the carriage and then come back for me."
Avis glanced at Avril, "It's not that far to the hotel and it's a lovely night. I wouldn't mind walking. That way William will only have to make one trip."
Mac looked over at Captain Landers, "Would you mind walking?" He shook his head with a smile.
Corinna put her hands on her hips, "Well, I'm not walking. I will meet you there."
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 2210 Local
Mac smiled and accepted a cup of punch from a lanky, older gentleman. So far, the evening had progressed without any major disasters. It felt like she hadn't missed a dance. Fortunately, she had also managed not to fall down or knock someone else over. Avis had been correct, these people had already made their minds up about her. The deference with which they treated her might have been become uncomfortable if it hadn't been for the attentions of Matt, Corinna, Avis and Avril. Captain Landers was a breath of fresh air. His quick wit had her relaxed and laughing more often than not.
Finally alone for a few minutes, Mac sipped her punch and looked over the colorful scene. Landers was currently twirling around with a dark-eyed beauty. As one of the few younger men in attendance, he was much in demand. By tacit agreement, Avril was off-limits to most of the ladies. He had danced with her, his mother and the rest of the time with Avis. Mac scanned the crowd and finally spotted the couple on the far side of the hall. It was amazing how many people had shown up. She felt a grin tugging at her lips. On the walk over, Matt had regaled them with the 'Song of the Hoops'. He had a pleasant tenor and after a moment, Avril had joined in as well. She and Avis had laughed so hard, that they had to stop walking.
Avis and Avril clapped politely after the music ended. He offered her his arm and escorted her from the floor. The orchestra wasn't the best but they made up for it by playing with enthusiasm. Not that Avis cared, one way or the other. It was enough that Avril was here. When they reached the sidelines, she turned and scanned the crowd.
"If you're looking for Sasha, she's across the hall," Avril told her with a smile. He hadn't relinquished his hold of her hand. That he'd come close to losing her had shaken him to the core. He should have killed that bastard the first time. He felt Avis squeeze his hand.
"Don't, Avril." Avis looked up at him in concern.
He brought her hand to his lips, "No secrets from you."
"No secrets from either of us," she agreed, her expression serious. "Would you come out to the farm tomorrow? There's a story I need to tell you." She saw worry flit across his face and smiled reassuringly, "It's not bad, merely remarkable. It concerns Sasha."
His relief was evident and he smiled, "Of course, I'll come. The difficulty may be in getting me to leave." His smile faded as he saw Avis suddenly go pale, "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Rage," she muttered, her gaze searching the room. Avril stared at her intently as she closed her eyes and became still. He'd seen her do this before, it had fascinated rather than frightened him. He started in spite of himself when her eyes flew open, "Oh dear God, Sarah!" With that, she spun and headed across the floor, heedless of the dancing couples. Avril hurried after her.
Palos Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1340 Local
Meredith looked out the window as AJ slowly cruised down the street, "Not very big, is it?" He grunted in agreement. She consulted the map, "From here we can go to Strasburg, New Market or Harrisonburg. Which do you think?"
AJ thought it over. "New Market," he said at last. They'd come into the Valley by the Interstate. One look at the construction had convinced him that Mac would not have tried to return by that route. Which left, at least, half a dozen secondary roads she could have taken instead to get through the mountains. It was a ridiculous hope that they would somehow miraculously stumble across the Colonel. The only reason they were out here was because doing something, anything, was better than wallowing in guilt at home. He glanced at Meredith and smiled, she had recognized the need long before he was ready to admit it. Her habit of cutting to the chase was one of the things he admired and loved about her.
"That's where the Virginia Military Institute is, isn't it?" Meredith asked, looking over at him. He nodded silently. She looked out the window again, "There's so much history here. You can feel it."
"That's true," he answered, letting his gaze travel over the landscape before returning to the road. "Hard to believe that most of the Valley had been destroyed during the Civil War."
"Really?" Meredith continued to look out the window. Her knowledge of that time was confined to a course in high school. She remembered the basics and that was about it: 1861-1865, North vs. South, Lee vs. Grant, slavery abolished, Lincoln assassinated.
"Yeah. I'm not the expert. You'll have to ask Sturgis Turner if you'd like more details. He's the Civil War buff."
"I just might do that," she smiled at him. Whatever he was going to say was interrupted by his cell phone ringing. Silently she handed the phone to him. She was getting used to these intrusions. He was the JAG, it came with the territory.
"Chegwidden." She saw him take a deep breath and worry shot through her, was it bad news about Mac? Up until this moment, she had refused to dwell on worst case scenarios. The Universe wasn't that perverse. AJ had told her of Rabb and MacKenzie's various exploits - those two had more lives than a dozen cats. There was a curious sensation of relief and tension at AJ's next words: "Commander Rabb, where are you?"
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