T. Novan - Words Heard In Silence / Xena Uber

"Oh, he should know better than that." She grinned, somehow happy in the knowledge Richard was no better off than she was.

Sarah sat two glasses filled with a thick black fluid in it in front of the two sufferers. "Drink up, ladies. It will cure what ails you."

Rebecca paled a little when the odor hit her nose. She looked to Charlie, "Darling, would it be easier just to kill me?"

"I had to drink that stuff before I married you, dear. Turn about is fair play."

Rebecca nodded and picked up the cup. Closing her eyes she said a quick prayer, then downed it. Making a face reminiscent of Em when she had to take medicine, she slammed the glass down. "Oh, please do not ever let me do that again."

"Shall I lock up the rum, dear?"

--*--

The day remained clear, and by three in the afternoon, the ladies were all prepared for the great event. Elizabeth was lovely in ecru silk and ivory lace. Rebecca’s lavender and dove gray was sedate and understated. They were ready. Earlier that day, the gentleman who would give Elizabeth away joined them. He was an old friend of Elizabeth’s father, as well as having been an advocate for Elizabeth when she first entered service with the Army before the war began. Knowing that he would be recognized, with his close clipped beard, gray hair, and sad eyes, General Robert E. Lee donned his Confederate dress uniform for perhaps the last time. They were ready.

Charlie managed to get Richard put back together and both men had put on their dress uniforms in good form. Charlie had discarded his crutch a week before and was almost dapper with his new Malacca cane. The two men took their place before the altar. Reverend Williams signaled for the processional to start and everyone in the church turned to await the arrival of the bride. Mrs. Williams played the first chords and Elizabeth and her party stepped into the doorway.

Then suddenly the music stopped as the organist fainted dead away. Seeing her reaction, the entire crowd turned to see what had caused Mrs. Williams to stop playing. A few rushed to her side, fanning her and looking hastily in their reticules for some smelling salts. The rest of the congregation looked more closely at Elizabeth and the man who was her escort. Without a word, the assembled crowd stood in respect of the General. Mrs. Cooper smacked the now revived Mrs. Williams on the shoulder and the music began again.

Elizabeth walked in stately grace up the aisle to the eagerly waiting Richard. She took her place beside him, and her escort glanced over at Charlie. "Redmond," he nodded a graceful greeting.

"General Lee, Sir." Charlie smiled, and both men, along with the rest of the congregation turned to witness the marriage.

--*--

The guests assembled in the hall and reception room at the house. A gentle buzz went around the room, as they waited for the wedding party to arrive. Finally, Charlie’s larger carriage appeared. The best man and matron of honor dismounted first, followed by General Lee, representing Elizabeth’s family, and then the groom and his lovely bride. The five of them entered the house amid much laughter and applause. Richard and Elizabeth were occupied for quite a while greeting all of their guests; Charlie took the opportunity to retreat to a quiet corner, a comfortable chair. and a nearly private chat among the three attending generals.

Rebecca took the time to go and check on the children. The boys were sleeping, having just been fed and bathed, but Emily was sitting in her own little chair in her Sunday best waiting patiently for her Mama. "Em go to pawty?"

"Certainly, my darling girl. Come along, we can show Aunt Elizabeth what she can anticipate."

Mother and child slipped back downstairs, where Em immediately located her father. "Papa!" was a well enough known cry to clear a path for the very active child to make a beeline for her father. Charlie caught her and lifted her up in his arms. "General, may I present my daughter, Emily."

The older man smiled and offered his hand. "Miss Emily, how are you today?"

"Vewy well, tank you. How you?"

Charlie beamed. His little girl was becoming quite the little lady of the house. His smile faded a bit when he saw Mrs. Williams standing not to far off, obviously waiting for an introduction. Charlie sighed.

"General, may I please introduce one of the leading ladies of the community, Mrs. Williams?"

The General turned to the lady Charlie indicated. General Sheridan nodded to the woman coldly as Lee looked at his old students with a twinkle in his eye. "Ah, yes, the wife of the minister, I believe. Madam, perhaps you need to get your organ repaired. Sheridan, do we know anyone who repairs organs? I would be happy to send someone to you." Lee turned back to Charlie and Emily. "Redmond, she is a lovely child. Somehow I always knew you would settle down."

"Thank you. She is the apple of her Papa's eye." Charlie said with the pride that only a father could have.

"A fine child. I am glad to see her Papa survived to see her grow into womanhood." The older man paused, and then went on, addressing both Charlie and Sheridan. "I understand we faced one another head on in those last few days. I commend you both. It was an excellent tactic."

Charlie could only nod politely. "I am just grateful it is over and I pray my sons never have to face the same challenges. I hope we have learned from our mistakes."

The party progressed with few social gaffs and much joy. The General Lee excused himself early. He had a train to catch to take him on to Lynchburg and the position that waited for him at Washington College. It was also a very good excuse to escape from Mrs. Williams, who had shadowed the man for most of the evening, proving she could be as obsequious with her social superiors as she was contentious with those she thought beneath her.

The last toast was drunk, the last dance ended, and more food consumed than was probably good for folks. Elizabeth and Richard departed in a lovely little basket trap amid flying flowers and rice, laughter ringing though the air. Very shortly after the bride and groom left, the last of the guests followed them down the road.

Rebecca stood there watching everyone leave with her arm wrapped securely around Charlie's waist. She looked up and smiled. "A lovely beginning, do you not think so, love?"

Charlie looked down at the blonde head resting on his shoulder and smiled. Standing together in the silence of the evening, he could almost hear her heart speaking to his. "Yes, a lovely beginning."

The End