ROSEDALE IN APRIL
Chapter Seven

Union Captain Jack Dalton was seething…stepping outside onto Rosedale’s front verandah, he exhaustedly leaned against a massive white column to allow the early afternoon spring breezes to cool his irritable agitation and raging ardor. Their "bargain" still fresh in his reeling brain, he allowed himself a solemn moment to reflect.

Damn, she was so infuriatingly enchanting…insolently antagonistic…shamelessly unconventional! An intriguing whore through and through!

He was in for the ride of his life. Rose was pitching him completely off his normal self-maintained balance. He had always taken pride in conducting himself as a proper well brought up gentleman around the female gender; his manners impeccable as had been groomed by very loving and caring parents. Genuine politeness, that until recently, was so much intact that he had never even toyed with the idea of stepping over the boundaries of respectable decorum to deflower a sweet, young, untouched maiden. The thought repulsed his normally genteel and considerate sensibilities. There were too many experienced albeit willing women in the world to satisfy a man’s needs that never annoyingly clung that just simply desired to enjoy a male’s company with no regrets afterwards. But then, Rose DeWitt Bukater was obviously no innocent!

Yet, this vain, rich, aristocratic vixen brought out the very worst in him. Carnal, animalistic instincts that prompted dark erotic temptations that weren't fit for civilized thought. Temptingly alluring his primal base maleness into a wild overpowering desperate urge to brutally satisfy his lascivious appetites…over and over. He found himself wanting to shame and punish her until she agonizingly begged him for more. His overactive raw imagination was painting barbaric canvases of unrestrained passion…he could literally envision himself mounting her like a grunting breeding bull. Her feminine essence had bewitchingly drugged him as if he were under the influence of some potently strong aphrodisiac. And he craved the moment when he could savagely mark her as his territory as if he were a stag in rut. Shaking his head in self-disgust, Jack kept trying to convince himself that he was just plain horny. Damn, the slut was even making him think in vulgar terms of filthy white trash!

Espying his men gathered underneath canopies of the ancient oak trees leisurely eating their lunch with several of the plantation’s field hands, Jack purposefully swaggered over to try and rid his mind of such lewd images. Upon his arrival, the slaves darkly scowled their apparent dislike and tipped their straw hats at the other Union soldiers before scattering like flies back into the nearby cotton fields. Jack noticed it immediately and scratched his chin in wonder before remembering his purpose at hand.

"Sergeant Ryan, we’ll be making this plantation our headquarters for a time. Set up camp among that grove of pecan trees and then report back to me. Also, place a twenty-four hour watch up on the widow’s walk. By the way, my office will be inside in the study. And make an accounting of the spare rooms in the manor house. I want all the officers afforded some well-deserved comfort for once. Any questions?"

"No, sir, Captain…but let me say that I’m certainly glad you two could work something out. Should I send a dispatch to the General regarding our whereabouts?"

"That’s not necessary, Sergeant! As I said before, General Grant already knows!"

*****

Lizzie paled in shock and dismay at her half-sister’s shameful immoral intentions.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Liz?" Rose crossly accused.

"Miss Rose…yous stayin’ in dat same room wiz’ dat Yankee Cap’un? What’chu go and do dis time? He makin’s you do dis’?"

Lizzie couldn’t help worriedly expressing her disapproval at being asked to help bring Rose’s personal belongings into the master’s chambers. Initially, Rose had nonchalantly helped her sister change the linens and ready the rooms for the Union officers. As if on an afterthought, Rose had slightly blushed and directed that they remove her things into the more spacious room that sported an enormous elevated canopied bed. Of course, Lizzie knew that the captain would be staying in Master Sterling’s vacant room but…with Miss Rose, too?

"I had no choice, Liz!" Wearily sitting down on the edge of the huge dominant bed, Rose dropped her copper head into her hands. "I guess I’m just destined to be some Yankee’s whore. I’ve always heard one could never change their fate…never escape their destiny! Now, by thinking that I could, I inadvertently traded being a married piece of property for an unwed sleazy harlot! Oh, what does it matter anyway? At least when he’s gone, I’ll still have my freedom. I wouldn’t have had that with the Major."

"But Miss Rose…hows bout yous pride?"

"Oh, Liz! I’m well aware that I shouldn’t have written that damn letter. By shaming Cal, he’s paying me back by humiliating me in the worst possible way. He knows no respectable man will want me for a wife after this. Which I guess is for the best. This is all my fault!"

"Miss Rose, it nots yous fault…don’t gives up. We’z a still pray fo’ dat miracle!"

"No, Liz, I think I’ve used up all those miracles. Let’s get these rooms ready. Talking about it isn't gonna change anything. We reap what we sow. Damnation, it’s hot as hell’s fire today…I need to get some fresh air! Let’s hurry and maybe you can spend some time with your Charles!"

*****

It was several hours later until Jack saw her again. She had obviously taken her bath and changed into something a bit more feminine. The ethereal vision that met his astonished gaze was again breathtaking to say the least. Gowned in a buttercup yellow off-the-shoulder low cut eyelet day dress with her long red hair cascading in waves about her shoulders, the term "vixen" sprang into Jack’s warring mind. He noticed right away that again, she wore her clothes too tight…wantonly exposing her voluptuous bosom for all to ogle and drool over. Of course, he was aware of the strict southern elite societal tradition that forbade a lady to reveal any cleavage before three o’clock in the afternoon. Although he never understood the ridiculous custom mandating that the time of day should matter one way or another; however, the crux of the matter was, that Rose certainly knew of its dictates and rebelliously defied it. And furthermore, she apparently obstinately spurned the proper stylishly required crinolines, petticoats, and corsets…not even a parasol! And if his hunches were correct, she probably didn’t wear any pantalets either! Such a teasing shameless little slut! But above all else, she was nonchalantly and calmly strolling down the oak alley as if she didn’t have a care in the world…care free as a bird! Not at all like a girl that had just traded her body to a man for sex!

Of course, Jack failed to admit his own deplorable part in the uncouth, dishonorable bargain. The reality that he had instigated her reluctant acceptance of their budding sexual relationship never seemed to take a hold of his conscience. He falsely convinced himself that it was she that had prostituted herself to him for greed, never trying to understand her deep commitment and love for her home and family. All he agonizingly realized was that he needed to stop her for some reason unbeknownst even to him. And swiftly took off to close the distance between his floating target.

"Miss Bukater, I need to have a word with you."

Haughtily whirling around, Rose arched a beautiful finely arched brow. "Do I have a choice, Captain?"

Smiling crookedly, "No, you don’t!"

"Umpf…I didn’t think so. Well? What do you want now?"

"My men are in need of baths and a nearby water source for the animals. We don’t wish to deplete the well and I need for you to direct me to the nearest stream or whatever is nearest and available."

"Just have Jacob take them down by the lake. There’s even a small waterfall so they can take a shower if they desire." Arrogantly dismissing him, she turned around to leave.

"No, I want you to show me the way."

"Do you always get what you want, Captain Dalton? Jacob is quite capable…"

"Quit being so belligerent for once. Just do it…and oblige me." As if to punish her, he scoffed, "Besides, I’m sure your slaves are overworked as it is and you don’t seem to have anything pressing."

Sniffing in disdain, "Not at the moment anyway. All right, since I have no choice…since it’s in the deal and all."

Perplexed, Jack shot her a probing look. "What do you mean by that?"

"Obliging you…seems I’m going to be forced to do a lot of things, no? Become your slave so to speak?"

"Yes, sort of like that. You have your slaves and I’ll have mine! A very comely bed slave to keep me occupied at night or…whenever the urge moves me!"

"That’s so vulgar and obscene, Captain. Not at all the manner in which a gentleman should speak to a lady!"

"I never claimed to be a gentleman, Rose. For from it…and you have as yet to conduct yourself as a proper lady!"

"Touche, Captain!" And surprising him speechless, she musically laughed in acceptance of his truthfully honest observation. Jack was stunned to the core that the slanderous insult hadn’t afforded him at least a contemptuous glare. And his face must have shown his mild shock.

"You know, Captain…it’s possible you might not like it. You could be mightily disappointed."

Finally, Jack found his voice to skeptically reply, "I sincerely doubt that, Miss Bukater. But I’ll just have to teach you a few things, now won’t I? Or perhaps you’re already quite knowledgeable in the art of love?"

Rose stubbornly refused to answer his personal probing question one way or the other, which curiously disappointed him for some unknown reason. Instead, she coyly teased, "I may not be a too willing of a student…as cold as your Yankee northern winters!"

"Aw, no, Rose. I’d bet my life you’re as hot as your Rebel southern summers!"

"Like I said, Captain Dalton, you may not like it. Folks that aren’t accustomed to our hot summer days…well they could die of a heat stroke! May get too hot for you to handle!"

At that, Jack threw back his dark blond head and heartily laughed in bemusement and charm. It was the first time Rose had ever seen him genuinely smile. His deep throaty laugh was infectious when it wasn’t mocking and her breath inexplicably locked in her breast. He was a very attractive, quite handsome man and possessed a subtle quality about him that promised a woman that she would feel absolutely dominated by his masculinity. He reminded her of a virile stallion ready to mate. All-powerful and territorial, nostrils flaring, muscles quivering…bold body parts hardening in eager readiness for breeding. Rose blushed at her carnal unladylike thoughts and lightly began to fan herself with her lace fan in inward embarrassment.

As they continued their stroll to the lagoon, it seemed almost natural that they were walking shoulder to shoulder as if they belonged together. Rose’s petite body barely reached Jack’s tall broad shoulders…they mirrored to the innocent bystander a virtual replication of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast. Neither seemed to notice yet everyone else that saw the pair softly smiled in appreciation and envy.

They were quiet for most of the way…each lost in their own private thoughts. Finally, Jack sought to break the silence.

"When is the wedding?"

Slightly caught off guard at his blunt sudden question, Rose nearly stumbled in her self-assured graceful stride.

"Why do you ask, Captain?"

Shrugging slightly, "Just curious…just trying to break the ice I suppose."

"Well…that’s definitely not a subject to bring up with me if you want to break the ice. Tends to turn me as cold as ice in fact!"

"Don’t you love him?" And Jack held his breath in dread and trepidation.

"Love? A damn, dirty Yankee? You’ve got to be teasing me…right?" And Rose again began to gleefully laugh in mirth. It strangely enchanted him…she was so gorgeous especially when she was seemingly at ease and light hearted. Her entire facial features softened and radiated an inner beauty and spirit that was almost too painful to behold.

"I haven’t even started to tease you yet, Rose."

Rose cast him a coquettish little grin at his playful mocking reminder and fluttered the fan a little faster. Of course, Jack didn’t seem to notice her ardent fascinated body language. The southern hand held fan had its own subtle hidden meanings, but then Rose remembered that the Captain was a mere Yankee, therefore most likely completely oblivious to its game of covert feminine flirting.

"I should assume then that this marriage wasn’t your choice?" Not allowing her a chance to answer, he curiously interrogated her further in a baffled mistrusting kind of way. "But that confuses me, Rose. I obviously mustn’t have heard you correctly before. You said earlier that you didn’t deserve him."

"Well, Captain. You’re obviously mistaken. You know what they say about assuming though. To assume makes an ass out of u and me!"

Laughing deep in his suddenly light chest, "Very clever, Rose…very clever indeed." God, on top of everything else, she possessed a great gift of witty anecdotes and could be very charming if she chose to be. Something was mystically happening to him…and he didn’t like it one damn bit!

Shortly, they came into the clearing and Jack was once again swept away with the miracles of nature that the magnificent countryside boasted. The dam of the lake served as a mini waterfall, approximately a seven-foot drop that spilled fresh water over into a tranquil sparkling lagoon. Where the lake was black, glossy and encumbered with moss draped cypress trees and knees that appeared as if every form of water life could be found in its ebony depths, the peaceful lagoon had a rock bottom which kept the water crystal clear from algae and plant life. It was a strange contrast, yet so inviting and welcoming. A huge ancient boulder sat majestically in the middle and he began to shamefully imagine her naked and laid back across it letting the sun worship her curvaceous body. Something about that rock eerily emitted strange haunting feelings of anticipation, gratification, and mystery.

"Here we are, Captain. Now if you are finished with me, I’ll be on my way back!"

Jack’s muscular arm suddenly, without warning, snaked out and grabbed her arm. Startled at his impulsive action, Rose’s emerald eyes widened and her mouth dropped open in mild shock.

Staring down into wide pools of jade, he throatily murmured, "I’m not finished with you by a long shot, Rose. Hell, I haven’t even started…yet!"

At the touch of her bare arm…skin as soft as satiny silk, Jack instantly went rigid. Although he didn’t intend to frighten her, the moment for romantic wooing was lost to the unleashed desire that she had been unmercifully teasing him with. Tender spoken words were carelessly thrown to the wind. His lips came swooping down hard to savor the parted rosebud’s delectable flavor…taste her honeyed depths. Twisting and slanting and delving his voracious tongue inside her. Groaning deep down in his throat, his massive hands came around to greedily seize her ample breasts in a rough caress. Rubbing his thumb across her nipples, he was instantly rewarded with a hardened peak.

Rose’s arms were trapped between them pushing at his wide muscular chest. But his grip was firm…never relenting. At last she stilled her slight resistance, overcome by the tingling sensations the erotic magic of his hands was invoking on her body. Jack felt her resistance slip the precise second that it wavered. A low moan came through her parted lips inside his mouth…setting his already smoldering insides into a blazing raging wildfire. She was answering his body’s desire and his breeches came nigh to bursting. His roaming hands came up her concave sides and around to her back all the time deepening the hungry savage kiss that was rapidly sweeping them away into a blissful promise of passion’s delight.

God, it had been so long since he had been with a woman. His body cried for him to brutally throw her on the ground and yank up her skirts and relieve himself inside her as fast as he could come! He was about to shame himself before he even got his pants unfastened. His hands continued their ardent exploration tightly grasping her rounded hips and forcefully pressing himself into her belly.

Rose instantly felt the intruding bulge and flinched at the reality of what she was doing. Never having seen or especially not touched by a man’s full-fledged erection, she renewed her struggles in earnest panic. This damn, dirty Yankee Captain was about to rape her right here by the glade in stark daylight like a rutting buck in heat! She felt him tighten his vice like grip, his masculine strength overpowering while successfully thwarting her futile attempts at escape in remarkable ease. And there was no way in hell that she could stop him. Bending her over his arm, he started to bend his knee to push her onto the hard ground.

Coming up behind them, a loud distinctive cough is what miraculously saved Rose’s virginity. Jack abruptly thrust her away from him, ashamed and appalled at the basest animal instinct that had conquered his reeling dulled senses. Those carnal, dark urges that were rendering him mindless in his insane desire to couple with her. She was making him lose all self-control…he had been near to committing outright rape! Nevertheless, he kept reminding himself that it wasn’t her per se…it was the torturous long months of enforced celibacy. It was only natural that being in the unchaperoned company of a beautiful sex goddess that enjoyed shamelessly flaunting herself in front of men and teasing their ardor to self destruction…it was nothing else…nothing more!

"Cap’un Daw’un…youse mens wants to takes theys baths now, is dat awright?" Sam hesitantly interrupted.

Catching his rasping panting breath, with as much dignity that he could muster, Jack disconcertingly responded, "Of course, Sam. Show them the way."

Rose had just a moment to try to compose her ruffled nerves and subdue her racing heart. Feeling the Captain’s and Sam’s inquiring eyes upon her, she unexpectedly tried to lighten the thick tension that permeated the air. Calmly waltzing over to Jack, she remarkably smiled her best grin up at the uncomfortable, overwrought flush faced Yankee Captain and saucily whispered, "Captain Dalton…I’ll have Jacob draw up some water for your bath upstairs in the master’s chambers." Comically sniffing his person and daintily wrinkling up her nose in feigned offense, she lightly teased, "Been awhile I take it! Um…Captain?"

She never ceased to amaze him. While most ladies would have deservedly slapped him and cried rape, Rose had tried to make a ludicrous joke out of it! Of course, this wasn’t your typical lady in no shape or form. He rewarded her with a surprising deeply relieved chuckle.

Sam saw the seemingly cordial exchange and scratched his head in confusion. These two were confounding the living daylights out of him!

"Oh and one last thing, Captain." Rose cocked her disheveled copper head to one side and let her twinkling emerald eyes slide down the length of him until they rested on his still tight crotch. Coquettishly grinning in satisfaction at his apparent embarrassing and humiliating predicament, she laughingly teased for his ears alone, "Tonight I’ll even wear my newest, prettiest dress for you at supper. My brand new, never been worn before…wedding dress! How’s that for obliging my master?"

With a twisted sardonic grin spread across his face, he shook his head in amusement at her audacity and playfulness. God, she was a seductively teasing wench!

"All right, Rose, but leave off the veil…just don’t get any ideas in that pretty little head of yours!" Although he was lightly joking, there was an evident seriousness in the warning.

"Don’t flatter yourself, you damn dirty Yankee!" With that, she haughtily spun around gathering up her skirt in one hand and practically skipped down the trail to the house.

Jack stared after her intently watching every last sway of her tempting swinging hips. Completely forgetting that Sam was there in the glade, Jack immodestly rubbed his hand over his swollen privates trying to rearrange its undisguised position until it had time to shrink. Grimacing and letting his breath out in a rush, he threw back his head and looked skyward as if to gain some kind of strength or answer from above.

"Cap’un Daw’on. Miss Rose, she a good girl. Miss Rose don’t knows ‘bout things dat goes on betwixt mens and womens. Ifn’s you beds her, her might not get another chance to marry a fittin’ gentl’mun. White mens arounds here, well theys don’t cotton to no soiled used white girl. Theys jes’ not be good fo’ much anuthin’ in theys heads anyways. Cept maybe fo’ more sportin’. ‘Specially ifn yous puts a babe in her belly."

"It’s none of your or anybody else’s God damn business, Sam! Understood?"

"Yaw’sum Cap’un…I does. But Cap’un, I wills shuts m’mouth ifn dis Miss Rose’s choice. Only thens! Nobody forces Miss Rose to do nuthins ifn Iz can helps it!"

Jack stared in astonishment at the cloaked warning of the black overseer as he turned his back and left the clearing. And there it was again…that unseemly dedication from a human in bondage to the one that owned them. It just robbed one of all human rationality and understanding. Shit! She must be a witch to cast such a spell over a man…not only on him but evidently over all those around her!

Chapter Eight
Stories