Southern Beauty - By Julie Lucia Page 0,62

you, but it was no use, you were all he wanted,” Jacob tried to console her.

“He must have had a change of heart,” said Johanna. “Or he was fooling everyone to get the map from me. He has never told me he loved me, not ever. I came here to tell him I wanted to be with him but he just said goodbye,” said Johanna.

“I don’t know what he is thinking,” said Jacob. “Unless of course, he thought it was in your best interest to let you go.”

“It’s in my best interest or his?” she asked.

“I don’t know, both I suppose,” answered Jacob. “Look at all the heartache this has already caused.”

“I think it’s only heartache on my side. I convinced myself that he loved me. That he felt more for me then just wanting some military papers. I have been so wrong.” Johanna stood up and took a deep breath. “I guess it would have never worked anyway, my uncle has chosen to fight against the Union.”

“I did hear about your uncle. His decision has caused sorrow to many,” said Jacob sadly. “I am heading to Harrisburg, why don’t you come with me? Emma and I would love you to stay with us,” he said.

“Thank you, but I just can’t,” she said in barely a whisper.

“I understand, but where will you go?” he asked.

“I am going home,” she tried to smile.

“Virginia?” he asked.

“No, that is not my home anymore,” she frowned. “I fear I do not belong anywhere.”

“Emma will be in touch. She will be very upset with me if I don’t make sure you are okay. Can I do anything for you?” Jacob asked equally worried about her. “Can I get you a carriage?”

“I will be just fine, Mr. Evans. I don’t need a carriage to get to where I am going,” she kissed him on the cheek. “Please know that what ever happens, it is for the best.”

Jacob watched Johanna silently walk away as if she was in a daze. He had never seen her so beaten before. It broke his heart.

“You are not doing anything drastic are you?” Jacob asked worried about her safety.

Johanna didn’t answer him. He wasn’t sure if he should follow her or not.

Jacob grimaced, “What are you doing, David? You are going to lose her forever.”

Chapter 27

ere is one ticket to Southampton, England,” the clerk handed Johanna a ticket. “Sailing alone?”

“Yes,” she confirmed her worst fear, “I am alone,”

“You should be able to catch a train to Paris once you get there,” he smiled.

“Yes, thank you,” she tried to smile without tearing up again. She needed to be brave.

“I can understand why you would want to leave this country,” the clerk said, “you never know who is Union or Confederate, you can’t trust anyone nowadays.”

“No kidding,” said Johanna as she held the ticket in her hand the weight of it seemed a lot heavier than it actually was. She walked toward the door. Her head felt as if it was in a dream, a very sad and lonely dream. Her heart continued to deaden with each beat. She stepped outside to get some air to clear her thoughts and there before her stood David.

Her astonishment kept her from speaking and she stood in silence staring at him. He did not change his expression for one whole minute to Johanna it felt like forever. His manner did not make her feel at ease.

David had no idea he sat in silence that long. His breath was caught in his throat along with his words.

“Are you going somewhere?” He asked her in almost a whisper stepping closer to her so they were face-to-face.

“I am,” was all she could say.

“Yes, you are going to Harrisburg with me,” he said with authority.

“I am not,’ Johanna felt angry at him barking orders at her. “Who do you think you are? I am not your Southern whore, Mr. McPherson.”

“No,” he smiled. “You are my Southern Beauty, and I…” he swallowed, “am madly and hopelessly in love with you, and I know, God willing it will all work out. You just have to have a little faith.”

She stared at him. She wasn’t expecting him to say this. She thought for a moment she must be dreaming or she must have finally gone mad. She didn’t know what to say. Could this work out? She didn’t know anymore. She had been waiting for the day that he finally expressed his love, but now that he did, she wondered how many people