ROSEDALE IN APRIL
Chapter Three

The spring full moon spilled just enough light for Rose to gingerly find her way towards the hidden gypsy encampment. Although she knew the secret trail by heart, had traveled it many times over the years, the great bright globe emitted an enchanting welcoming beacon of illumination. It had always been so easy to slip out of the mansion into the night air. The night owls softly hooted as she passed too close; nevertheless, she determinedly pushed onward. For Rose was never one to be startled or afraid of God’s creatures...be they tame or wild. The night creatures of the forests were kindred spirits of a sort, nocturnal, coming alive when the overbearing sun had set for the evening time. She could just barely detect the distant strains of the groups’ mesmerizing music drifting from around the glittering campfires in the far reaches of the murky swamps that nestled deep in the nearby glade. Occasionally, loud boisterous laughter could be discerned drawing her tiny bare feet to carry her swiftly and more anxiously forward through the shadows of darkness. Tonight held such promise…a promise of the truth…a revelation of her true destiny. She felt it…the time to at last shed its light on her mysterious past.

He was waiting for her. He knew she’d come…had been anxiously anticipating her covert arrival. His daughter…and Sable’s. The two women in his life that he loved the most…and had lost. Never truly having them, yet loving them just the same. But possessing a person was never an option for Rafael Bouvier’s free spirited lifestyle. For physical possession was unnatural to mankind…only spiritual devotion could be deemed as real. For he always knew that he had been in Sable’s heart…and that was something Bukater had never had. And then there was his Rose. Even though Bukater might claim her as his…in truth, Rose was a part of him…and that was another thing that the vile Confederate Colonel scum could never truly have.

She burst into the clearing…emerald eyes dancing in excited merriment and they instantly lit on him. His heart stopped…and flipped completely over. So beautiful…so loved…so cherished…so much like Sable…in every possible way!

"Rafael!"

"Rose!"

Both running and colliding in each other’s arms, Rafael Bouvier swung his daughter around in circles until the moon became a mere blur of radiant ivory. Squeals of elated joy erupted in both heaving chests while the entire gypsy encampment sprang to their feet in long awaited welcome.

"I’ve missed you so much, my Rose! Look at you…a sight for sore eyes!"

"And I’ve missed all of you, too. Things are so blasted boring around here without my favorite people in the whole world to keep me company!"

"Well…come and see Madame India…she’s been hard to handle all day…claims she has something for you!"

As the two walked arm in arm towards the wagon that was the home to the old graying woman, they were intermittently stopped and greeted by various members of the gypsy band. As Rafael perused his daughter out of the corner of his proud eyes, he sensed a sadness beneath the surface. She was trying to hide it, but he had always been able to tell when something was amiss. He assumed it must be the power of their biological connection somehow. She may have inherited all her fragile physical beauty from Sable, but the inborn sight came from her gypsy kin. Not only that, but her wild spirited passion for life was solely Rafael’s trait that Bukater had always despised and tried to quell. But alas, he could sense that one true innate characteristic was still alive…dulled for some unexplained reason, but nonetheless, there hiding just the same. A wild spirit that should never be tamed…for that was his Rose.

As the two at last approached the brightly painted wagon, Rafael helped her step up and into the presence of his mother, Madame India Bouvier.

"Child…come here and let me look at you! These old eyes have needed to see you for such a long time. Each visit seems to become fewer and farther between. So rough on this aging old soul! Hmm…but something is not quite right. Sit down child. Tell ol’ India what’s bothering that dear heart of yours. You know you can’t hide anything from Rafael or me. Nothing!"

Rose cocked her head to the side and affectionately stared in wonder at the sight of the ancient, decrepit woman that held such a special place in her soul. The woman was considered the transient village’s fortuneteller…with the amazing ability to read one’s future in the tarot cards. All respected and honored Madame India Bouvier not only because of her revered age, but also for her remarkable wisdom. Impulsively, Rose made a request.

"Madame…would you read my future tonight?"

"I will, my child…but are you sure you want to know?"

"No…not really. But tell me this…can you change my future?"

"Sit down, child…let’s see if there’s anything that needs changing."

As the cards were slowly laid out, India hesitantly began to foretell her mysterious haunting predictions. At first, the cards told of a great love in her life…a love that would withstand and overcome the tests of time. Abruptly, a look of worried concern passed across India’s features before she haltingly revealed, "I see a dark man coming into your life…and very soon, child."

"Oh damn…I thought so…" Rose suddenly pouted in despair.

"You already know of this man?" India raised her brows in curiosity.

"Yes…with eyes as black as night…he’s as evil as Lucifer himself, Madame! Can you see them…those satanic onyx beads mirroring all that is unholy?"

"No, child…the man I’m seeing has eyes as blue as moonstones. When I use the term dark, it’s to describe a particular quality about a person. Not specific physical characteristics!"

"Oh…hell, unfortunately Madame, for once I believe your cards may be wrong!"

"Whatever do you mean, child?"

"My father…he’s forcing me to marry a dark, dirty Yankee…and if I don’t, I lose Rosedale; but moreover, he’s threatening to sell my blood relatives at auction if I refuse!"

"The sorry bastard…" Rafael menacingly spit out in hatred.

"Child…I do see a northern Yankee soldier in the cards…but maybe these old eyes are finally fading…I’ve never been wrong before but I guess there’s a first time for everything. You sure this man doesn’t have blue eyes?"

"Just wishful hoping, I suppose. But his eyes are as black as the ace of spades! This I am absolutely sure of!" Rose dejectedly declared and depressingly sighed.

"Don’t give up hope, Rose, dear. Never let go of your dreams. Remember that when times get tough and seem unbearable. Courage in the face of adversity. The best advice I can give you. Never show your fear to anyone. To show weakness is to show cowardice. Although you may be quaking to the ends of your pretty little toes, stand proud and never let your spirit waver. Never show your vulnerabilities to your enemy. Go now…dance and make merry…I think I need to rest awhile."

"Madame India…I believe this bloody war would be over in a flash if there were more soldiers fighting with your zest for life and honor!"

Waving her wrinkled, gnarled hand in humility and embarrassment, India mysteriously prompted, "And Rafael?"

"Yes, Mama?"

"It’s time you know."

"Yes, Mother. I know." And with that, Rafael bent down to place a tender kiss on her old weathered cheek. "Good night, Mama."

Rose hugged Madame India’s neck and whispered, "I pray you’re right, Madame. I need a savior right now!"

Later that night, after much dancing and merriment, Rose sat down next to Rafael at the crackling fire and inquisitively looked at his dark handsome features. A gentle, cool night breeze rustled the new leaves in the trees as if they were whispering a treasured secret to the thick grove of woods.

"Are you the dark man Madame spoke of tonight, Rafael?"

"Perhaps, Rose, yet I seriously doubt it. But I think it’s time that I give you something." Reaching around his neck, Rafael unhooked the clasp that held a gold exquisite St. Mary’s medallion and chain to gingerly fasten it around his daughter’s neck.

"Rafael, it’s Mama’s. I haven’t seen it since…"

"I know, Rose…the tragic day of her death. She gave it to me that evening to hold and keep for you one day. She said I would know the right time…to return it to…our daughter."

The stunned surprise on Rose’s face suddenly turned to dawning…acceptance…and extreme relief. Tears of joy sprang to her emerald green eyes and impulsively she threw her arms around his neck and cried. She sobbed happy tears then sorrowful tears. Tears of what if and tears of what could have been…but mostly, heart wrenching tears for what should have been.

"Now stop the tears, my darling. You’re making your ol’ Papa weep, too. Come, it’s time I told you of the most beautiful and sad love story of all time. Now dry those tears…for later!"

Staring lovingly up at her father, her true father of blood, Rose took a deep cleansing breath intent on finally hearing the truth.

"It was in the springtime, April, the month of magical dreams…we were just making our annual sojourn to New Orleans and decided to camp in this very same spot so many years ago. I had aimlessly wandered down to the lagoon and decided to take a swim and rid myself of several days of dirt and grime from the trail. And what I saw took my breath away…for perched upon that huge ancient stone that sits in the middle…you know of that exact rock, don’t you?"

At Rose’s nod, Rafael Bouvier continued to reminiscence out loud…

"Your mother was just about your age…and just as beautiful with the spirit of an angel. As soon as our eyes met, it was love at first sight. Our lives were never the same after that glorious day. Remarkably, it never mattered that I was of a lower station in life. She was of course a highly born aristocrat…but myself a wandering no account gypsy. The birds always seem to sing just right when we were together. We loved as two have never loved before or since. And not surprisingly, it wasn’t long until Sable found out she was with child…you."

"I understand, Papa. Times and circumstances never change, do they? I mean…mother never had a choice. I know that. She would lose Rosedale and me if she went with you. My grandfather and this rigid hypocritical society we abide in kept you two apart. I know that because…I just know somehow. But it must have been terrible and lonely for you both."

"Yes, it was. But from our love was born the most miraculous rare rose of them all."

Breaking into tears, Rose couldn’t hold the flood back any longer. They sat there embracing as if time had suddenly stood still. Rafael finally tilted her head back and wiped the streaming tears from those all too familiar emerald and jade studded orbs to the soul.

"But this changes nothing. I mean…the Colonel…he can still force me into this damnable marriage. Things are just the same now as they were then. It’s so unfair! I find out tonight that I have the father of my heart…but…damn it all to hell, life is just too intolerable! What will I do…without my spirit? Cal will destroy me in one way or another! I just…feel it!"

"Rose, look at me. I promise…I’ve never been able to do anything but love you…but now I can. I will find a way to right this terrible wrong. With my last dying breath, I swear it! Somehow…some way! Hold on to your hope. We’ll make it through this. Trust me?"

"I trust you."

Considerably later, after further dancing and celebration, Marie espied her gorgeous red headed friend sitting alone away from the revelry in deep contemplative thought. With her chin resting on bent knees, Rose had a dreamy expression pasted on her face as if she were expecting her knight in shining armor to charge up on a white horse to rescue her from her fate at any given moment.

"Rose…I see you have the knowledge of your legacy at last. How does it feel?"

"Yes, Marie, now I know the truth. Thank you. I finally know for sure, although I’ve always suspected as much, that it’s not the Colonel’s blood that runs through these veins. And I am eternally grateful for that fact. I find myself breathing a sigh of relief on that account anyway. Come sit down beside me." Clearing her throat in uneasiness and hesitation, Rose intently stared at Marie. "Marie, I have some very personal, uh…private matters I need to discuss with you. Can you help me?"

"Sure, honey. Anything I can do, just ask."

"Marie, this hellish marriage…let me get this out…it’s so hard to talk about…but Marie, how is it that you or your girls never become…you know…with child?"

"Aw, now I see the light…still stubborn to the hilt. Not that I blame you in the least, sweetie! You don’t want to give Henley a child…am I right?"

"That’s exactly right. He might have me as a wife, but that will be my own form of private revenge. He will never have his heir…if I can do anything to prevent it. Can you help me?"

"I think I might be able to enlighten you in that particular area, sweetie. Now let’s see. Although there are some medicinal herbs that Madame India derives from plants, which can be quite useful, they’re not all the time successful. There are certain risks involved. But the most important preventative is to know your own body. The Roman Catholics have been practicing it throughout eternity. What I mean by that, Rose, is your monthly cycle. Now listen, there are a few days when a woman’s body is most likely to conceive and it’s up to you to know when that is. Most all us ladies of the night make it our business to be sure of that time and that’s when we avoid all male contact. Unless of course, we…well never mind!" And Marie began chuckling under her breath.

"What Marie? Tell me what this never mind is…I need to know about these things!"

"Sweetie, there’s ways of pleasing a man besides…you know…having him inside you."

At Marie’s further explicit instructions, Rose daintily and furiously blushed to the roots of her copper hair.

"You mean…how disgusting! I could never do that! I think I’ll just have to plead a headache those nights!"

Boisterously slapping her hands on her thighs, Marie cackled and howled in loud laughter until a nearby pack of timber wolves actually joined in unison.

"What’s so funny?" It was Rafael curiously grinning at the antics of the comical pair.

"Nothing, Papa. But I guess I better get back to the house on that bit of advice before I’m found out, Marie. And thank you…both!" Placing a tender kiss on her father’s cheek, Rose emotionally declared, "I love you, Papa! See you soon!"

"Godspeed, my daughter, Godspeed!"

Several hundred miles away in Natchez, Mississippi, the Northern Union Army has over taken the strategically located town that sits high upon the bluff banks of the mighty Mississippi River and has made the area their far western headquarters.

At Natchez Down Under the Hill…a shady, decadent row of taverns and saloons on the lower banks of the great Mississippi River, numerous groups of Union soldiers were drinking up the Saturday night well into their cups. It was in one of these noisy, smoke-filled taverns, The Cock of the Walk, that drunken ribaldry was running its dangerous, foreboding course.

"Major Henley…so is it true? You really going to take leave next week to marry some rich, southern society belle?"

The heavily inebriated and cunning Major Caledon Henley slowly exhaled the smoke from his expensive cigar and a sly, cunning leer spread across his dark handsome face.

"I am…to the victor comes the spoils of war. Besides, my fiancee happens to come with exquisite credentials and a sinfully delectable body that presents a very decisive bonus."

Lewd laughter erupted around the table as each soldier held up their ale to toast the Major’s outstanding luck and good fortune.

"Which is it Major…the money or the body?" a drunken young soldier bawdily inquired.

"Aw…both my dear boy. Not only does she come with the largest cotton and sugar cane plantation in the entire south and closely related to one of our most prominent and respected military leaders, but also she possesses the rare beauty of Aphrodite herself. Something haunting and quite mystical about the comely wench that breaths come hither and taste while setting your entire insides on fire! Next week can’t come soon enough. It’s been too long since I’ve reaped the rewards from a beautiful, prominent, alluring seductress and…well…here’s to the prize of the great Rosedale Plantation…and the treasure that abides within…Miss Rose DeWitt Bukater!"

"Major, it hasn’t been all that long. As I recall, there was a very attractive blond lady in Pittsburgh that you took quite a fancy to and as I remember it, the feeling seemed to be quite mutual. Every time we were given leave, the Major here, was seen with Miss Melody Dalton on his arm…and him leaving her premises at such dishonorable hours of the early morning…and without a proper chaperone either!"

"Was that her name…I seem to have forgotten. Meggie, Melanie, Melody? They all sound the same in the heat of passion. Never was one to remember insignificant female names anyway. But alas, a great little body and lay but absolutely no money to speak of. And what good is one without the other?"

Loud jeers and sadistic cackles rumbled…

At the next table, an empty whiskey glass crumbled and cut into the clenching fist of Union Captain Jack Dalton. Blue moonstone eyes hardened into cold chips of ice. The workings of a clamped jaw were evident and his rigid self control began to slowly slip…inch by inch.

"Whoa Jackie boy! Not here…you’ll have your chance real soon." Sergeant Tommy Ryan’s hand shot out to hold back and harshly warn his best friend and commander in a low voice of deep concern. Captain Jack Dalton had been Tommy Ryan’s best friend since childhood. And although the vengeful, murderous rage simmering inside the man was admittedly well deserved, to settle it now would land them both either facing a court martial or in a military jail or prison.

For in truth, the late Mellie Dalton had been Jack’s little sister and the dishonorable topic of lewd conversation at the next table. Shaking his head in deep sympathy, Tommy began to remember and recollect the tragic tale of that one’s regretful demise.

Both Jack and Mellie’s parents had been killed several years back leaving Jack as the sole provider and caregiver of his only sibling. He loved his sister and whole-heartedly embraced the responsibility that had fallen upon his shoulders. However, after the War Between the States had broken out, he and Jack had readily signed up…intent on fighting for the cause of human freedom. And then, the letter had came. Its contents revealed a despondent, grieving Mellie that had written and posted a suicide note to her brother. In her final missive, she had tried to explain her deplorable actions for taking her own life. She had been madly in love with a Pittsburgh steel tycoon by the name of Caledon Henley and had found herself pregnant with his child. Upon confronting Henley with the news, he had maliciously laughed and scorned her claims…and unable to deal with the harsh rejection and the dishonor it would bring on the Dalton name…she had deemed her only honorable alternative was to end it all. Tommy intuitively knew that Jack blamed himself in a way for enlisting and leaving her alone in the world…but mostly, Captain Jack Dalton now sought deserved revenge against his worst, mortal enemy, Major Caledon Henley!

"I’ll meet you outside, Sergeant!" Captain Jack Dalton loudly scraped his chair back on the wooden pine floor, intent on getting some much-needed fresh air and to clear his spinning head. The blood was pounding so loudly in his ears, he could scarcely hear another sound. Freezing eyes as cold as ice raked the unsuspecting Union Major from head to toe.

"You’re mine…Henley!" Jack sinisterly murmured under his breath. "Enjoy your little card game…for I’ll be waiting for you outside when you least expect it!"

It was several hours later before Major Caledon Henley finally excused himself from his drunken comrades in arms.

"If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I have a lady or two that anxiously awaits my company on the hill. Adieu, to you all."

Stepping out into the crisp March night air, Cal swaggered onto the raised boardwalk stopping for a mere second to get his drunken bearings. Rounding the corner of a nearby alleyway, a sudden flash of light exploded. The next conscious thought he was capable of remembering was extreme excruciating pain ripping through his lower manhood. Immediately, the coppery scent of blood filled his flared nostrils. Sticky red ooze covered his crotch as he instinctively clutched his groin in stark terror…and then…total darkness…

"I’m proud of you Jack. It would have been so easy to have ended the sorry bastard’s life right here and now. But I think, this is far worse for our lady’s man here! Won’t Miss Rose DeWitt Bukater be disappointed?"

Sergeant Ryan lightly slapped Jack on the back; however, the Captain never moved. He never said anything. Staring down over the unconscious body of Caledon Henley, Jack viciously spit down in the man’s face.

"That’s for you Mel! May you rest in peace, little sister!"

Hurriedly climbing the hill before they could be found out, Jack turned to Tommy as if relaying an afterthought.

"We’re leaving next week for east Texas. General Grant has issued direct orders for our regiment to take and hold the town of Jefferson. We’re to set up headquarters nearby."

"That far west, Jack? But why? There has been very little fighting in Texas…doesn’t seem to be much of an important stronghold for the Rebs…and if hearsay is correct, too damn savage for very many civilized white men!"

"My revenge is not yet over, Tommy. It seems fateful chance has smiled down on me at last. Seems General Grant himself has directed that we make camp on the strategic banks of Caddo Lake…at a plantation there…called Rosedale."

Sergeant Tommy Ryan stopped dead in his tracks. At that particular instant, a shooting star charged across the ebony skies of the Mississippi river town. Staring at the malicious sinister grin that spread across his best friend’s lips brought chills racing up and down his spine. The hackles rose upon Tommy’s neck at the calculated dark revenge that seemed to be remarkably ordained by some greater entity. What awaited them in Texas was more than a mere coincidence…something was about to happen and he wasn’t so sure he wanted to be there when it did! God have mercy!

Chapter Four
Stories