What could have been an awkward scene seems to have turned out well. Until Isobel goes and tattles, of course!
Well written; it seemed right those two would react that way.
Well written; it seemed right those two would react that way.
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
AAwwww Storey jinxed it, now they're never going to enjoy a seperate peace. Just kidding, we know jinxes don't work, we need to try a hex. Good work CatKnight.
JWolf: Not that well. 
Draco Rexus: Well, the problem seems to be MRS. Rutledge!
Stuyvesant: I liked drifting the conversation back as well. The truth is the men have more important things to talk about than romance. Like money.
Coz1: You're right there. 'A lot happened' while Cassie was away, and despite John's assurances it bothers her.
Machiavellian: Well, it's not that Preston is out of shape so much as that cannister shot beat the stuffing out of him and he'll never quite be whole and hale. (He should be happy he's alive.) He's only fully competent on horseback, which is what he argued to Rutledge to earn his Colonel's commission.
Storey: No, no train wreck. I promise. Really. No railroads.
jwolf: Oh they'll have their few moments in the sun...
Storey: ..but Storey's right. The story's not done with either of them yet, which means there'll be a few rapids here and there. Let's hope they have a sturdy boat.
Director: Thanks! And of course Isabel tattled. We're about to find out how Mrs. Rutledge feels about this.
Zeno of Cyprus: Well...of course they're not going to enjoy a seperate peace. In EU2 the smallest political block is a nation, so if they get peace then all the Americans have to get peace as well.
Draco Rexus: Well, the problem seems to be MRS. Rutledge!
Stuyvesant: I liked drifting the conversation back as well. The truth is the men have more important things to talk about than romance. Like money.
Coz1: You're right there. 'A lot happened' while Cassie was away, and despite John's assurances it bothers her.
Machiavellian: Well, it's not that Preston is out of shape so much as that cannister shot beat the stuffing out of him and he'll never quite be whole and hale. (He should be happy he's alive.) He's only fully competent on horseback, which is what he argued to Rutledge to earn his Colonel's commission.
Storey: No, no train wreck. I promise. Really. No railroads.
jwolf: Oh they'll have their few moments in the sun...
Storey: ..but Storey's right. The story's not done with either of them yet, which means there'll be a few rapids here and there. Let's hope they have a sturdy boat.
Director: Thanks! And of course Isabel tattled. We're about to find out how Mrs. Rutledge feels about this.
Zeno of Cyprus: Well...of course they're not going to enjoy a seperate peace. In EU2 the smallest political block is a nation, so if they get peace then all the Americans have to get peace as well.
-= 83 =-
2 April, 1781
Charleston, South Carolina
"And I assure you Mister Bordell, that if you transfer your dealings to my office, that you will not only weather this present unpleasantness, but in fact will..." Edward Rutledge looked up the stairs at a flash of movement and saw Colonel Preston slowly descend with Rafferty on his arm. He chuckled aloud. "I see our young colonel is not shy."
"Eh?" Bordell looked up and scowled. A bad case of gout and an unassuming manner stole his courage long ago and he resented it in others. "He will pay soon enough, Mister Rutledge. These things never work out."
"That is no doubt true, sir." They'd made it to the foot of the stairs, already people looked in their direction and whispered. "But not tonight I think. And if he has time to pluck the fruit first?" Mrs. Sparrow happened to be in hearing distance and frowned at the two men. Rutledge smiled and bowed. Let them be happy for a moment, he thought. It does no harm, so long as it doesn't interfere in important matters.
Henrietta Rutledge wasn't prepared to be so philosophical. Her eyes widened and jaw dropped slightly as they descended. "How did he get up there?" she asked aloud.
'Don't you keep the upper doors locked?' her friends asked. 'Why, Colonel Preston must be a scoundrel as well as a ruffian. Poor Mister Sparrow still hasn't recovered, and here he i making off with their ward. Did not Mrs. Rutledge know a young girl needs protecting - from her own silly ways as much as a man's predations? Did she not know the way half a dozen men in this very room had stared her up and down like a prize horse they cared to ride?'
"Please excuse me." Mrs. Rutledge knew that very well, her own Edward had been one of the men staring. She paced across the room swiftly. "Cassandra, dear! Oh Colonel, so good to see you again, and so soon! May I steal your lady for just a moment?"
John stared at her icily, he hadn't quite forgiven her earlier deception, but bowed civilly. Rutledge gripped Cassie's elbow and led her away.
"What is it, Mrs. Rutledge?" There was no mistaking Cassie's happy expression, or Henrietta's flush.
"This is very improper, my dear."
"What is?"
"Just appearing with your colonel like that, why.. And however did he get upstairs?"
Rafferty blushed. "He...seems to have grappled up the balcony."
My gingerbread! That balcony cost a fortune! "And you just let him in?"
"Actually I heard a noise and went to investigate, and there he was."
"You should have had him present himself properly, and after his shameful performance at a later date to show your displeasure. My dear, do you not know what the others will say?"
Cassandra looked past the short, stout woman to said others, several did seem curious what they were saying. John stood next to the violin player, still mourning for his broken instrument, exchanging civilities with a man she didn't recognize. He glanced in her direction and smiled. She waved.
"My dear, you are acting like...like I don't know what, but it is very distressing. They will say you invited him to your room, that you exchanged kisses if not favors, and..."
"We did no such thing!"
"...and that it happened in the middle of a party and in my house! You must desist at once or I cannot answer for your reputation."
"Oh fie!" Cassandra wanted to say more, much more, but she still needed the Rutledges. Even if John didn't care for his reputation, it needed protecting. Her weeks in Carolina taught her that much. "You are well aware that nothing happened up there, not even a kiss. Ask your servant."
"Isabel? Yes, she told me you threw her out. And no, dear, it does not matter what the truth is. I speak to you of what will be said, and in such matters truth is irrelevant. You are leaving yourself so open to ridicule."
And more to the point, you as my hosts. Cassie set her jaw. "I understand."
"I am certain you do, my dear. You are a bright girl, a beautiful girl, just a little muddle headed. Now, the damage is done and it is too late to withdraw. You must be civil. Civil, but not overly familiar. In public he is a friend, an acquaintance, nothing more. Private matters are your own..."
"Thank you..."
"But you must use discretion there as well."
"Mrs. Rutledge, I appreciate all you've done and cannot begin to repay your generosity, but I am not a child! I am quite capable of maintaining propriety."
"Then pray do so, my dear. I do not know what standards your learned at your mother's knee, but in Carolina a man rappelling to your bedroom simply does not answer."
"I understand," Rafferty muttered.
----------------
"She's being passed under the harrow," the violin player told John quietly.
"Yes," Preston answered. He glared at the two women then surveyed the room. The men as a body didn't much care, they were already negotiating among themselves again. The women couldn't decide if he was a poor fool, a rogue or a thug. This was his father's kind of crowd. The only thing nice about these parties was the food.
"So you're one of the army officers?"
John looked down at the musician. "I am."
"How do you think it's going?"
"Good, but slow. I hear General Arnold's almost taken back New York state."
"And General Heyward? Isn't he supposed to be taking Florida?"
"He's supposed to be. He's usually too busy minding other peoples' affairs." John couldn't wait any longer. He abandoned the startled musician, walked to the women and bowed. Cassie looked particularly dogged and stubborn. Mrs. Rutledge smiled, but her eyes flashed. "Ma'am. Miss Rafferty, would you walk with me?"
"Of course, Colonel." She took his arm and they walked off, Rutledge staring daggers in their wake
Well, Preston has always had issues with Heyward.... even when Heyward is doing something for John's own good.... ah, to be young and dumb and full of.... nevermind.
As for Mrs Rutledge, we are talking about a lady who helped develop the entire idea of the Southern Belle, so she really doesn't understand that she's being a bit of a prig. However, I have the feeling that between John and Cassie she'll end up in all a titter very soon!
As for Mrs Rutledge, we are talking about a lady who helped develop the entire idea of the Southern Belle, so she really doesn't understand that she's being a bit of a prig. However, I have the feeling that between John and Cassie she'll end up in all a titter very soon!
Yes, one must always think of appearences, but as we have seen, John cares not a fig about such and Cassie cares but is willing to let some indescretions pass to be with her man. Mrs. Rutledge was perfectly priceless above. And then this -
A bit of all three, really.
I have to agree with the Coz, Preston is a bit off all three. I like how you threw in a little tidbit of what is going on with the war through the conversation with the Violin player. I am somewhat curious what is going to happen with John and Cassie. I keep thinking that John is going to go back to being a reckless self centered fool and not return to duty when he is supposed to.
And I wonder if Exeter will ever rise from the dead..?
And I wonder if Exeter will ever rise from the dead..?
CatKnight said:
Hmm, was I the only one that caught this one? In Swedish, 'bordell' means brothel.
Oh yeah, great update, Cat!
J. Passepartout: Well, Preston isn't very good at diplomacy. I'm a little surprised he knows even basic etiquette.
Draco Rexus: You're right. Mrs. Rutledge certainly isn't trying to be (overly) difficult...but she's very status conscious.
coz1: A bit of all three. Actually Mrs. Rutledge is fun to write for. She's so... so... hmm.
Machiavellian: Exeter? Oh c'mon Mach, I would never post having a character effectively rise from the dead, surviving what should have been a hopeless situation.
Hmm...wait a second... :rofl:
LewsTherin: Shh, you'll give it away!
Draco Rexus: You're right. Mrs. Rutledge certainly isn't trying to be (overly) difficult...but she's very status conscious.
coz1: A bit of all three. Actually Mrs. Rutledge is fun to write for. She's so... so... hmm.
Machiavellian: Exeter? Oh c'mon Mach, I would never post having a character effectively rise from the dead, surviving what should have been a hopeless situation.
Hmm...wait a second... :rofl:
LewsTherin: Shh, you'll give it away!
-= 84 =-
11 April, 1781
Saint Petersburg, British East Florida
"Come Stewart, where the devil is their coffee!?" Hamm glared at his newest charge, fists on his hips. "You look bad, I look bad. I look bad, I beat you! You take my meaning?"
"Yes, sir." Henry rose from the hearth and turned, returning the steward's gaze coldly. You are bigger, my friend, but a lancet to that double-folded throat of yours will still do the job I think. "The coffee's done now, sir."
Hamm didn't like his gaze at all. "What Stewart, you want to take a swing?" He thrust his face forward.
Maybe later. With a club. "No, sir." Stewart did his best to look cowed.
Hamm nodded. "Fine. Then come on, they're waiting. I have the food." They didn't know who owned this house a mile west of the American siege works, but the newly promoted General Allen wasn't shy about using it as his headquarters. No real surprise. This meeting, however, promised to be very interesting. Interesting enough to play cook.
"At last, Hamm. What kept you?" The newly promoted General, his insignia still glistened in the morning light streaming in through wide windows, smiled.
"Beg pardon, sir." Hamm shot Stewart a furious glance. For his part the assassin began laying out cups.
"I must say this is highly irregular," General Steving in charge of the artillery leaned forward. "Where is General Heyward?"
"I thought it best if we talked among ourselves first, sir, so that we may discuss our concerns as one body. I only wish Colonel Preston was here. Despite his rank, he leads the cavalry detachment and has special insight into General Heyward's character."
"I would be sorry to hear you reflect on his character," Steving rumbled ominously.
"I agree." Benjamin Lincoln, now commanding half of the infantry, rapped his fork on the table to emphasize his point. "Further, excluding him may be considered a snub."
"No snub is intended, sir. Nor do I choose to reflect on the general's character. He proved himself at the Altamaha River, as did we all. But cannot reasonable gentlemen disagree with a man's decisions, and having taken council with each other approach and offer alternatives?"
"He has looked uncommon hip lately," Lincoln agreed reluctantly. I almost sent for a surgeon once, see if one of his old wounds has gone bad."
Stewart lowered his gaze, lest someone spot the glowing pleasure in his eyes.
"He's fine, damn it. Does he seem tired lately? Sure. He's tired of this filthy swamp. Hell, I'm tired of this _______ swamp!"
"Which makes not assaulting Saint Augustine even more puzzling, General." Allen raised his hand. "No, sir. The walls are nearly breached, and despite the perpetual moisture we've established some decent breastworks leading us to within fifty yards. It would be nothing at night to move at least one or two of your cannon forward, and so batter them with fresh force."
"He's explained that. We know a fresh army is being raised in Mobile. The last thing we need is to so deplete our strength forcing this issue that they are able to defeat us, and Carolina's threatened again."
So, they know about General Arslan's army. Stewart watched as Hamm served their first course. At the steward's angry head jerk he headed towards Allen to begin pouring. Good. Caution will be your downfall.
"Gentlemen, I think we all agree that while an assault does carry danger, it's now conceivable." Lincoln absently picked at his sausage, more to buy himself time to think than eat. "Should we choose to approach the general however, we must determine how."
Allen drank half his cup in one swallow. "We could point to his lack of vitae, his loss of essential spirit lately. Offer our assistance and best wishes of course, perhaps offer to take over the day-to-day duties while he recovers..."
"That sounds dangerously close to mutiny, sir." Steving held up his cup at Stewart's approach. "I do not think General Heyward - or anyone who can call themselves a man - would permit themselves to be superseded in this manner."
Lincoln jabbed viciously at his sausage. The Carolina Assembly had superseded him, thank you, and Congress' failure to reverse this only gave weight to their snub. It's not Heyward's fault, he reminded himself, not for the first nor last time on this campaign.
"Not mutiny!" Allen protested, flushing. "I said offer to assist. This is General Heyward's first command, and only his second siege. I suggest perhaps he is puzzled. That coupled with his fatigue could easily answer for what has happened."
"If he is puzzled," Steving retorted, "then that is our failure as his assistants."
"Then it is time for us to assist. I will say again, I offer no reflection on Thomas Heyward as a man nor a general, but the fact remains we have been here long enough. We should take the city, secure Florida, and move west. Do you truly disagree?"
"I don't." Lincoln sipped his coffee. "However, I believe your approach is out, General. You do not go to a man and say he seems dispirited and inattentive, no matter how altruistic your aims. He has a right to bear his private burdens as do we all, unless the entire campaign is at stake and that is not the case. No, should you gentlemen wish to approach him with a counterproposal I am your man, but unless he opens his mind to us that is the extent of my interest."
"Agreed," Steving nodded.
Allen signaled for another cup, studying the other two. "Very well, I can agree with that. Though we will then need to prepare a convincing counter plan and argument. And for this I may borrow a page from General Heyward's very guide. Do you gentlemen recall his attitude, his force of will at the beginning of the Georgia operation?"
"He seemed quite willing to take the fight to General Exeter then and there." Lincoln acceded. "If my memory is not out, he sent us right back across the Savannah River to harry his advance."
"Yes. What did General Heyward call it? Oh yes, blitzkrieg."
"CHRIST!!!"
"Beg pardon, sir." Stewart rushed for a towel as Allen leapt to his feet, coffee streaming from his lap.
Hamm ran after the assassin into the kitchen. He gripped Stewart's elbow tightly and snatched the towel. "After this, you're mine!" He returned to the still cursing general.
"Oh, no my friend," Stewart whispered, fingering his knife. "In that you are mistaken. I have an appointment to keep."
Last edited:
I think Stewert should be fired. I mean, he can't even hold a cup of coffee without spilling it upon some innocent bystander.
Aye, what kinda of assassin reacts that way, eh?
Well, I see that there are many things afoot in the siege, none of them good. That, I fear, bodes ill for our heroes.
Well, I see that there are many things afoot in the siege, none of them good. That, I fear, bodes ill for our heroes.
I loved Stewart's reaction to the word blitzkrieg. And the general's. But I truly hope Stewart is caught before things get ... out of hand.
And the general's. But I truly hope Stewart is caught before things get ... out of hand.
Crosses, double-crosses and mayhaps even triple-crosses afoot. Nice job ratcheting up the tension there, CatKnight. Blitzkreig indeed.
A very interesting update. There is a lot here to digest. Interesting times are ahead.
Good Work, I can't wait untill Preston get's beat up, what goes around comes around right? But if that is the case then this seige.....
It's a shame to see that John and Cassie still have some hefty rowing to do before their boat of love hits calmer water, but I guess that's what the story calls for, right? So even though they are happy with each other now, there will be the whispers of high society and that mysterious thing in Cassie's past that surely will pop up and wreak havoc. White water rafting seems to be in the very near future for John and Cassie.
Heyward seems to be losing command over his subordinates, which is bad. And Stewart is out gunning for him. Luckily, Stewart seems to be losing his grip on the situation as well. I mean, first he scalds a commanding officer's groin with coffee (so much for being inconspicuous) and next he seems to want to gut Hamm (again, not the best way to remain undetected). At this rate, he might have to murder his way through half of the sieging army before he gets to Heyward. Hmm, the possibilities for slapstick humor are endles...
Heyward seems to be losing command over his subordinates, which is bad. And Stewart is out gunning for him. Luckily, Stewart seems to be losing his grip on the situation as well. I mean, first he scalds a commanding officer's groin with coffee (so much for being inconspicuous) and next he seems to want to gut Hamm (again, not the best way to remain undetected). At this rate, he might have to murder his way through half of the sieging army before he gets to Heyward. Hmm, the possibilities for slapstick humor are endles...