Southern Beauty - By Julie Lucia Page 0,15

said Jacob. “You know she has the map with her, don’t you? Preston was admiring her locket earlier and she refused to let him look in it. It must be in there. The good news is we still have the cigar box we found in the liquor cabinet. I think it’s more important than just a bunch of exquisite cigars.”

Preston finally joining them with one of the cigars in his mouth, “Yeah, these cigars are going to determine who wins the war,” he laughed.

David still looking around as if Johanna was going to appear out of the woods ignored the men, “I blew it. I stopped thinking about the mission for one second. I know better. I have to get her back,” said David.

“What do you mean? Have you gone mad?” asked Preston.

“Yes...” David hesitated and then caught himself, “no, I just mean, we need to get that map from her.”

“Right, how do you suppose we do that?” Jacob asked.

“I don’t know yet,” said David still rubbing his head.

“Well, I am in, whatever you decide,” said Preston.

“Thanks, I appreciate your support,” said David.

Preston laughed, “No, it’s not that, I am just amused by the effect Miss Lee has on you.”

# # #

When Malcolm met Johanna at her door to escort her to the Beauregard’s ball, she was surprised to notice how very handsome he was. He had a boyish charm about him that made a girl’s heart skip a beat in his presence.

“You look lovely,” he smiled at her and helped her into the carriage. “It’s hard for me to take my eyes off you.” Johanna blushed not used to the attention. “What, you don’t believe me?”

“Thank you. It’s been a long time since anyone has noticed,” smiled Johanna still blushing.

“I find that hard to believe. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon.” He continued with his compliments.

“Be careful Mr. Graystone, I might skip the ball and take you straight to church,” smiled Johanna.

“Only if it’s for our wedding,” he said with a grin. They both laughed. Johanna slightly embarrassed.

Johanna looked out the carriage window smiling and thinking how she couldn’t wait to see the look on Clarice’s face when she walked in on the arm of a handsome man that Clarice hadn’t yet had her hands on.

Johanna had history with Clarice Beauregard. They unfortunately belonged in the same society. Johanna had to be exposed to her for teas, dinners, and of course for balls. Johanna found her to be mean and manipulative. Normally Clarice didn’t bother her in the least, especially because her family most of the time resided in New Orleans.

But when circumstance would have it and Johanna had to see her, she would make every effort not to encourage Clarice’s manner. She wasn’t worth the effort.

Clarice was the model of what every man wanted. She was beautiful, seductive, and charismatic. Johanna had to learn this lesson first hand. She was in the wake of Clarice’s power she held over men. One young man Johanna thought had potential to be a suitor was ruined by Clarice. More like ruined him. She set her sights on him and devoured him with one swift blow. Johanna was in the crossfire and was also burned. From that day on, Johanna vowed to never ever be involved with any man that Clarice had encountered. It was a no win situation. He would forever be regretful of losing Clarice or regretful of never getting the chance.

Johanna sighed with a heavy heart. Just a small glimpse of heartache always brought Johanna to that place where she felt that pang of deception. The carriage listed to the right and with it brought Johanna out of her sharp and painful past.

“Are you all right?” Malcolm questioned her hardened look.

“Oh yes. I am not quite enthusiastic for parties they give me a bit of anxiety.” She answered.

“Well, there is nothing to fear. I shall not leave your side.” Malcolm smiled.

Johanna smiled a not so convincing smile back.

Chapter 7

ntering the ballroom took Johanna’s breath away. She had been to parties before and they always made her gasp. The scene was a portrait picture of beautiful ladies dressed in their best gowns for the sole purpose of impressing the handsome Citadel cadets that filtered the room. Her senses were bombarded with the smell of tobacco and perfume and music that filled the air. While the musicians played she watched gentlemen approach ladies for their hand at a dance.

“This is how gentlemen treat ladies,” she