1. Into The Light by Mack Ireland
2. School Days by Mack Ireland
3. The War Years by Mack Ireland
4. Jayhawkers and Journeys by Mack Ireland
5. Coming Home MAMA by Mack Ireland
6. Railroads and Rail Splitters by Mack Ireland
7. The Philadelphia Story by Mack Ireland
8. Leaving Philadelphia by Mack Ireland
9. Withrow Plantation by Mack Ireland
10. Homecomings and Visitors by Mack Ireland
Ella goes to school to get her education and terrorize the other little girls.
School Days
Little Eleanore grew and was the apple of her Fathers' eye.
The truly noticable problems began when Eleanore was four
years old. One of the maids spoke to the lady of the house
saying her broach was missing. This broach was given to
her before she left Ireland to come to America.
Mrs.Gainesbourgh had an idea where to locate the missing
item. While Eleanore was at the home of another child she
went through her daughters box af secrets. While looking
through the contents she found one of her own diamond
earbobs and her husbands pearl tie pin.
On returning home Eleanore was sent to see her Mother
in her small office. From here household accounts and
problems were addressed.
Eleanore stared her Mother right in the eye the entire time
she was speaking. Her Mother sat straighter in her chair
than ever refusing to break eye contact. Her Mother
demanded Eleanore return the broach to the maid,
confess what she had done and apologize.
Eleanore took the broach in her little hand. She ran as
fast as her little legs could carry her and was out the back
door before anyone knew exactly what was happening.
She ran to the outdoor privy,opened the door and threw the
piece of jewlery down one of the holes.
On returning to the house Mrs. Gainesbourgh knew exactly
what had happened having questioned the maid who was now
in tears. She grabbed her daughter by the hand and led
her to the office where she was given a sound spanking. Eleanore
was then sent to her room and would receive no supper.
Mr. Gainesbourgh took the maid to the finest jeweler in Philiadelphia
and allowed her to have the broach of her choice. Expense was
not a factor.
It was when her Mother and Father went to bed that night that Eleanores
revenge was discovered. Her Mothers favorite pearl necklace
was destroyed and pearls were strewn all over the room.
Eleanore began school when she was five years old. She
and her Mother entered the schoolroom. Eleanore and the
teacher introduced themselves. Eleanore wrinkled her nose
as the teacher had a strong body odor. Eleanore could not
abide people who smelled bad. She took her seat and folded
her hands on the desktop.
Many of the children were crying begging their parents not to
leave them behind. Eleanore did no such thing. She carefully
inspected her surroundings and the other students. She
decided then and there to be the best at everything. Because
she knew she was the best of the lot.
Eleanore was not popular with the other little girls. She did not
hesitate to comment on a dress worn twice in one week or
even everyday. She noted tattered shoes and dirty fingernails.
The little boys on the other hand loved Eleanore. At lunchtime
she was quick to share the cake or candies placed in her
lunch pail. She told them stories about the other little girls in
the class that made them roar with laughter.
She refused to sit beside Mildred Vogelsong because as she
informed the teacher before the entire class,"she smells like
peepee." Mildred cried and had to be comforted by the
teacher.
Her marks were indeed the best of the class. Her parents
would have been proud of her achievements had not the reports
and complaints from other parents been so dismal.
By the time she was fourteen an incident took place that could
not be ignored. Eleanore was caught with the stable boy and
both were naked. The stable boy was engaged to one of the
cooks helpers. The stable boy was dismissed straight away.
He was however, given a handsome bonus and a glowing
letter of reference.
Mr. Gainesbourgh was outraged, but was assured by his wife
that their daughter had not been raped, or in anyway out-
raged.
The cooks helper also left the Gainesbourgh employ. She
quickly found work in another kitchen. She told the story
everywhere she went. She and the stable boy did not marry.
It was now decided that Eleanore should complete her
education at a convent school. Eleanore did not argue.
she went along peacefully and allowed herself to be fitted
for the school uniform. The school insisted the girls each
have at least two uniforms, Eleanore Gainesbourgh left home
with seven.
The Mother Superior had never experienced anyone like her.
She refused to wear the uniform. She left the school
grounds whenever she pleased and was an accomplished
liar. It was discovered she had brought several bottles of
her Fathers liquor in her numerous trunks. She bribed the
other girls to maintain her wardrobe. She insisted on a hot
bath every single night with rosewater. She would not sleep
on the same sheets two nights in a row and had a fit of anger
if the sheets were wrinkled.
Mother Superior took her before the Bishop. Eleanore smiled
at him, her secret smile that promised all manner of delightful
things. He was charmed. He was also respectful of the huge
donation the girls Father had made to the school.
Speaking to Mother Superior alone the Bishop suggested
she see Eleanore as her cross, her burden. Humbly the woman
agreed.
On graduation day two years later the Mother Superior wept
openly with relief.
Eleanore was by this time sixteen years old.
Ella has gone from child to young woman.
The war tears the country apart and Eleanore Ganiesbourgh does her part for the war effort.
The War Years
War talk began in Philadelphia and the city was swept up in a tide
of patriotism.
Women rolled bandages and knit socks. Every bit of linen was
bought for use by the Army.
Rebecca was out of the house almost everyday volunteering on
behalf of the Union. Her daughter sometimes went with her Mother
only to return home after an hour or at the most two. Mildred
Vogelsong became a leader in many of the groups and much
respected for her leadership and opinions.
Eleanore noted that Mildreds bathing habits had not changed
since school. Rebecca frowned but secretly agreed with her
daughter but refused to say anything negative about a young
person so dedicated to helping the Army.
The best part of the months before the War actually began were
the Parties and Balls. Eleanore presented herself at each and
every benefit possible with a handsome officer at her side.
The Gainesbourgh Family employed a dressmaker. This poor
woman was harrassed by Eleanore to the point of tears. Two
assistants were hired. Eleanore would absolutely not wear the
same gown twice.
It came as a jealous rub that Mildred received a marriage
proposal before the War began. Her wedding and reception were
the most coveted invitation in Philadelphia. Mr. Vogelsong had
to insist the Gainesbourgh Family be invited. The battle that
ensued at this suggestion was fought at first very loudly and
then in cold silence as the invitation was delivered. But Mildred
held her ground and refused to ask Eleanore to be part of the
wedding party.
Feeling this snub Eleanore reacted in a predictable fashion. She
became obsessive about her own gown as always insisting it be
the loveliest of the entire event.
The wedding went off without a hitch. Even though as she went
through the receiving line Eleanore gently pressed a perfumed
lacy hanky to her nose as she congratulated the Bride. Mildred
did not miss this action but her happiness could not be destroyed
on this day by Eleanore Gainesbourgh.
When the cake was cut Eleanore noticed a small tear on the
Bridal gown. This being in the armpit. While standing in a group including the
Bride and Groom Eleanore whispered this to Mildred in a stage whisper
that was heard by all. Eleanore deliberately waited for the band to
stop playing before making her observation.
If Major McGarrigle with whom Eleanore was escorted that night was
embarassed he gave no indication. Eleanore had a reputation by
this time and hers was a well known name among the younger officers.
Enlisted men need not apply. He whirled her into a beautiful Waltz and
congratulated himself for stopping a cat fight before it began.
The Bride disappeared and did not return for half an hour.
That night Eleanore became pregnant for the first time. Her Father
was horrified. He seriously considered having the Major stripped of
rank. But his wife had a cooler head and the family Doctor was
summoned. A vast amount of money exchanged hands and Charles
Gainesbourgh was relieved of his first Grandchild. Eleanore was
confined to her room for two weeks.
When the War was into its second year the Gainesbourghs were
beginning to worry that Eleanore would be an old maid. Worse yet,
Rebecca fretted, she might live with them forever.
Talks with Eleanore were useless. She did not seem to care that
younger fresher girls were arriving on the social scene everyday.
Eleanore refused to work in the hospitals and was repulsed by the
thought of nursing a sick or wounded person. She would roll bandages
and help her Mother make soap but would not enter a hospital.
There was a huge Fund Raiser at Lincoln Hall that really was the end
of Eleanore in Philadelphia. Looking lovely she was escorted by a
very handsome Major Tyler of New Jersey. This was the night she would
become pregnant a second time.
After her confinement her Mother came and spoke with her in her
room. "Your Father and I decided you should go and visit my sister
Edwina." "I have written Edwina in Missouri and she is very anxious
to have you visit."
Eleanore was speechless. She spoke to her Father very patiently,but that
gentle man had taken all he could of the ongoing escapades of his
daughter.
The day arrived and she was put on the train with dozens of trunks. Her
parents saw her off from the station. She waved good-bye from the
window as the train pulled out. She decided they never cared about
her or they would never send her South during a War. At least no
one in Missouri had seen her gowns.
The last part of the journey by stagecoach was tedious. She was the
only passenger and a freight wagon followed with her trunks. At this
time in her life Eleanore did not travel light.
Her Aunt, Uncle and cousins were waiting for her when the stage
got into Jefferson City. They introduced themselves trying not to
count the numerous trunks arriving with their visitor.
Eleanore hugged her Aunt Edwina and said,"I have been dying to
meet you." "Mother talks about you all of the time."
"Eleanore," her Aunt replied charmed,"we are so looking forward
to having you here."
Eleanore smiled her best and said,"Call me Ella."
Eleanore becomes Ella as she begins to take the South by storm.
Turned out of her Philadelphia home Eleanore goes to stay with family in Missouri.
Jayhawkers and Journies
The Withrow family into which Edwina had married had settled their part of Missouri
during a time when land was almost free and slaves could be purchased to work it.
Ella arriving from the North did not know what to expect of a Southern Plantation.
She had heard all manner of stories of course, but this was her first time to see a
place where slavery was an everyday part of life.
She had not realized they would have a two day trip after leaving Jefferson City.
They traveled west into the heart of Missouri. There just outside of the tiny hamlet
of Sweet Springs they finally arrived at their destination.
She had expected a white house with huge pillars. Instead she found a large red
brick house with a huge veranda stretching across the front. There was a separate
building connected to the house by a covered walkway. This was where the cooking
was done.
More blacks than Ella had seen in her life poured toward them. They were assisted
from the carriage. The servants took charge of her luggage. She was introduced
to Daisy who would be her personal maid.
Her second floor rooms looked out over a beautiful flower garden. Edwina was an
expert gardener. Her garden was the site of many parties and weddings. She
allowed friends to bring visitors to walk through and see it. It was a source of much
pride in the family. Ella was smart enough to gush.
Daisy and another woman named Rose put her things away. It seemed that all
female children born on the plantation were named for flowers. Ella realized that
the childs Mother had no choice in this matter. She longed to ask questions of
the two women but knew it was too soon.
In the closet in her bedroom there was a small cabinet with a key. Ella stowed
the small valise with her jewels and money in this and pocketed the key. She would
find another hiding place later. Who knew how many people had keys to the
cabinet?
Still another woman arrived named Lily. This woman offered to make a tub bath
for Ella. Ella was delighted. Maybe Aunt Edwina and her Mother had the same
bee in their bonnets about cleanliness. She emptied a pouch of rosewater crystals
ino the bath. It was almost heaven after the long trip West.
As she dressed for dinner she found she loved the idea of the entire family dressing
for dinner every night. She thought she had left that behind in Philadelphia. She
was rethinking her idea of Southern living.
Daisy combed her hair and arranged it in the most becoming style Ella had ever
seen. She complimented the woman who gave a glimmer of a smile and left the
room.
Their nearest neighbors the Kellys had come for dinner and to welcome Ella. With
the entire Withrow brood in attendance(except for little Elizabeth in the nursery)
they were nine for dinner.
Butlers and serving women came and went at a dizzying rate of speed. Her wine glass
was never empty. Her Uncle made a toast and welcomed her to Missouri and Ella
actually blushed in a very becoming way.
The men finally left the table for brandy in another room. The women went to the
veranda on the second floor veranda overlooking the garden. Here they were given
sherry, tea or lemonade. After so much wine Ella took a lemonade. It was here
Ella saw her first slave abuse in action.
Lilac came onto the porch with a shawl for the eldest daughter Samantha. The
young woman turned in her chair and said,"if I want my shawl I'll ask for it, now
put it back where you found it, folded correctly." Lilac was the personal maid of
the eldest daughter,spoiled darling of the household.
Edwina would not correct her daughter when there were visitors present. She
would however see the young woman in her office later.
"Ah,"thought Ella,"she has an office too." Just like Mother in Philadelphia,"
"she runs her home with an iron fist from her office."
At last the neighbors got into their carriage and went home. The Withrows drifted
toward the house. Here Edwina took her daughter by the arm and disappearred
ino the office. Low voices could be heard through the heavy oak door.
Ella and Maggie the middle daughter decided to sit on the front veranda. There
was one more person in the family left to meet.. The oldest child Todd was out
in the countryside on the lookout for Jayhawkers.
Ella was trying to explain street cars when Edwina came to the door."I was
hoping we could have a little chat,"she said smiling but firm. Ella rose and
followed her Aunt into the office.
Edwina did not beat around the bush. "Your Mother wrote that you were having
some behavorial problems." "I am hoping there will not be a problem while
you are here."
Ella stiffened her back so that it did not touch the back of her chair."I hope so
too Aunt Edwina." "I love it here already and would do nothing to make you
unhappy."
The two women eyed each other in silence. Ella decided right then to make the
best of living on the frontier. By now she had given up two babies and was
becoming an old maid in Philadelphia. She was tired from the trip. She kissed
her Aunt with all the sweetness of a child and said goodnight.
Daisy helped her out of dress and foundation garments. Again she brushed
the long brown hair. She then braided it loosely for bed. She actually tucked
Ella in and said goodnight.
Ella looked at the ceiling for a long time before falling into a deep sleep.
The was much to ponder. Before drifting off she heard Todd come pounding
up the stairs to be bedded down by his valet.
So ended the first day.
It was easy to forget the war here. there were no men in uniform and her
Aunt did not seem to be involved in volunteer groups to help the war effort.
It was the laughing handsome Todd who explained the Jayhawkers to her. It
seemed that a part of the war was being fought out of uniform. Men came from
Kansas, riding deeper and deeper into Missouri destroyed plantations killing
owners and freeing slaves. Homes were burned and families turned out to
live the best they could. If they lived at all.
It was that day that Ella began her search. She walked all over the grounds near
the house looking for a place to hide. She knew it would not matter to the
enraged men Todd described if she was from Philadelphia or not. It took two
weeks before she found a place where she thought she would be safe.
She grew attached to little Elizabeth. Together she and the three year old
walked through the gardens with Elizabeths Mammy close behind. Mammy
seemed to approve of Ella. But Ella couldn't be sure. She often thought
the woman had questions to ask but was afraid or didn't know where to
begin. She certainly did not want to say the wrong thing to one of the
slaves and cause problems in the household real or imagined.
They were all invited to numerous weddings and parties. There were
women in black to be seen at these affairs. They sat quietly,sedately
calling no attention to themselves. Those in the deepest mourning did not
attend these functions but a few who were close to finished with mounring did.
People treated them with the greatest respect as they had made the
ultimate sacrafice to the Cause.
No one begrudged them this time in public.
The Cause. The Cause and States Rights. Ella listened as Todd and his
friends shouted and argued about The Cause. They rode every night in
their efforts to protect the countryside. They consumed enormous amounts
of food and no where was this better than the Withrow Plantation. Their
mounts got the best of care and the young Masters were fortified.
Days turned into months in this gentle easy going place. Ella felt
herself relax being far from the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia. They
were well into Fall when she began to feel an under current from the
servants.
The news about the Jayhawkers said they were getting further into
Missouri with every strike. Todd and his friends rarely encountered them
as they always seemed to be far from a Jayhawk strike. It was almost
as if the Jayhawkers knew where the Southern men would be.
Sometimes they seemed like little boys playing soldier without uniforms.
The day was coming when she would learn different. The hard way. Like
always.
One evening long after dinner Ella went to her room to get ready for bed.
It was Lilac who came to assist her.
"Where is Daisy,"Ella inquired?
Lilac looked her right in the eye something that almost never happened.
"She has the curse and went to bed,"Lilac answered.
Ella stood silently and turned her gaze on the woman waiting for her to
say more. Finally she turned and climbed into her bed. Lilac went to
the window and closed the curtains. She silently left the room.
Something made Ella leave her bed and open the curtains. She sat
on the window seat and looked out over the rose garden. The room behind
was dark as Lilac had snuffed the candles before she left.
In the moonlight Ella could see Daisy returning from the direction of
the stables. Remembering sneaking in and out of the stables in
Philadelphia Ella smiled and returned to her bed.
The entire Withrow family treated their servants as of they were deaf and
dumb. Anything was discussed in their presence. This was new to
Ella whose Mother was careful never to give the servants anything to
gossip about.
When Todd and his friends were in the house plans for the units were
openly discussed. Ella was beginning to suspect how word of the
protective unit was getting to the Jayhawkers.
Time passed. Ella refrained from mentioning the absence of Daisy
on what was fast becoming a regular basis. At first she was sure
Daisy had a lover in the stables. As the days wore on she had to
change her mind.
The night came when Daisy was again absent. Ella didn't even
bother to ask Lilac where her absent servant was spending her time.
Rising after Lilac left the room Ella silently slipped to the curtained
window. Again she saw her maid slipping quietly through the gardens.
Looking toward the huge barn she saw a servant leading a horse from
the stables. He walked the animal some distance before mounting
and riding at a swift canter into the darkness.
If she mentioned this to Aunt Edwina now her
Aunt would want to know why she waited. If she didn't mention it
she could be putting the family in danger. She had come to love
the Withrows and appreciated being taken in when her own parents
turned her out.
The next day she walked in the gardens with little Elizabeth who
put her tiny hand in Ellas' in a trusting way. It was this that
influenced Ellas' decision.
As they finished dinner that evening Ella asked to speak with her
Aunt in her office. Edwina looking very surprised agreed.
For her part Edwina found Ellas' demeanor to be faultless. This
she wrote to her sister in Philadelphia. Rebecca Gainesbourgh
reading this was much relieved, She had a fear of Eleanore
returning home in disgrace. She was even amused over the little
name change that Eleanore had invented. She had some extra
money deposited in the account they had set up for their daughter.
Now sitting at her desk Edwina turned expectantly to her niece.
"Aunt Edwina I do not intend to complain, but I am very surprised
that you would give me a personal maid who is so sickly."
Edwina looked at her niece in some amusement,"whatever do you
mean, Daisy is healthy as a horse?"
As Ella related in some detail the events of the last two months
Edwinas' smile faded. She reached for a bell cord and pulled it.
The ring was answered by the elderly Butler."Robert,"Edwina
said,"please tell my husband and son that I would like to see them
immediately."
Robert regarded her for half a second and said,"they's having
their brandy in the Masters study."
Edwina turned a full burning stare upon the servant,"I did not
ask what they are doing, I am telling you to get them."
Robert looked shocked at being spoken to thus by his usually
correct Mistress. He hurried from the room.
Todd and Charles Withrow came through the office door without
knocking. A whispered conversaton followed that shocked
and concerned both men. It was decided to let it play out the
next time Daisy did not come to see Ella to her bed. She
would be secretly followed and maybe something of interest
to the protective unit would be discovered.
It was agreed that the other children of the household would
not be informed of this indiscretion. All the Withrows were
grateful to Ella for telling them even though she had waited
longer than she might have.
That night Ella was shaking as Daisy brushed her hair and
said goodnight. It was a problem to act normal while waiting
for something to happen.
It was two weeks before Daisy was again absent. Ella rose
from her bed. She watched Daisy slipping through the garden.
She went through her dressing room a gently tapped on the
wall of Todds bedroom. Todd tapped back and watched as
one of the servants left the stables with one of the horses. At
this distance he could not tell who it was.
Going to the high third floor attics Todd put three lanterns in the
gable window. This would be seen by the unit now at a neighboring
house. Todd fully dressed went to the stables and
saddled his own horse. He noted that his Fathers black stallion
was missing from his stall.
Ella watched Todd disappear her stomach in knots.She who
rarely prayed now asked God to return her cousin safely to his
home. Edwina having heard her son leave now entered Ellas'
room without knocking. The women stood in each others arms
without speaking for several minutes.
Finally as she was leaving Aunt Edwina turned and said,"God
sent you to us Ella."
Never having such praise in her life Ella broke down and cried.
Todd meeting the unit was told the slave was about ten minutes
head of them. Two of the men had left and were just a few minutes
behind the big stallion. They were anxious to see who Thomas the
stablehand was meeting at this late hour.
The next morning a Jayhawker and a black man hung from a tree
along a well traveled road. Both bodies showed signs of a terrible
beating. Their horses were in the Withrow stables. The young
master was asleep in his bed. Ella wept with relief.
Daisy assisted Ella in getting dressed with shaking hands. The
black stallion was in his stall with no sign of her Thomas. Ella
went down to breakfast her heart beating fast in her breast.
Before taking his chair at the table Todd kissed his cousin on the
cheek and said,"Good morning dear Ella."
"Good morning Todd,"Ella could barely reply. She picked at her
food and finally made eye contact with her Uncle who winked and
nodded at her. Ella thought she had finally done something
right.
A few weeks later Todd had the unit to dinner at his home. As
always they spoke freely before the Withrow servants. Ella
wondered about this but kept her silence.
Her demeanor with Daisy did not change. As a visitor she
would have no knowledge of a man missing from the stables.
She felt she was involved in a huge dangerous game. When she
really allowed herself to think of what could happen she slept
badly. Some nights she would jerk awake heart pounding and
short of breath.
It was four nights after the bushwhackers dinner that Lilac again
came to her room. Ella made no comment on this. She
waited about five minutes before tapping on Todds wall. The
answering tap came almost immediately.
Ella fretted to herself. What if the unit was riding into a trap?
She saw Todd ride out of the stables following Matthew who
had taken his Fathers stallion. Wryly Ella thought at least
Prince is getting his exercise.
The three men who followed lost Matthew. They were side
tracked by a burning plantation near Sweet Springs. They
observed at least twenty or more Jayhawkers. They did not
engage because they were so obviously out numbered.
The Kellys who were guests at the Withrow home many
times perished in the attack.
The Bushwhackers rode in silence for a mile or two before
going off road to await the passing of Matthew on Prince.
The next morning Matthews body, bady beaten hung from
a tree twisting in the wind.
Prince was back in his stall the next morning. The saddle
bags were stuffed with silver flatware belonging to the Kellys.
Todd spoke to his Father and the two men agreed that a
search of the barn might turn up possessions of other
friends and neighbors who had lost their homes.
Ella was ready to bolt. She felt her nerves stretched to
their very limits. She remembered her hiding place. She
attended a funeral service for the Kelly Family dressed in
black. She insisted that several of her nightgowns be dyed
black.
The tension in the house was driving her mad. She was
afraid of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. She and
Todd took a walk in the garden. He whispered to her that
the Bushwhackers would be staying close to home for
the next few weeks. She nearly fainted with relief.
The next morning Samantha ate her grits with gusto. The
girl had a healthy appetite and still was able to have a
slim attractive figure. When she stood at the table she
screamed and grabbed her stomach. By the time the
doctor arrived she was dead.
The physician said there was rat poison in the grits. Now
the war between Master and Slave came into the open.
Charles Withrow had all slaves gather in the garden."You
will tell me who poisoned my daughter or I will whip every
one of you." "All children under the age of twelve will be
sold South."
Lily her head held high stepped from the crowd. "I done
it and I would again." "Missy Samantha was a bitch."
Those were the last words she would ever speak.Charles
Withrow shot her through the heart with his Colt.
Lily was put into the ground with no ceremony. The family
was now plunged into mourning.
Ella had all her dresses and under garments as well as
nightwear dyed black. Edwina admired her for this. She
did not realize that Ella was thinking only of self
preservation.
Ella finds her place in her new family only to find gerself in very real danger.
Ella is at the plantation for a slave uprising.
COMING HOME MAMA
The Withrow belief that their servants loved them was now
badly shaken.
Ella was fascinated by this belief. How could you own a
person and think they loved you like family? More basically
how could you own a person?
Two of the male slaves ran away. They were returned to the
plantation and were shot by Uncle Charles. The normal
punishment for runaways was a whipping. But in these trying
times Uncle Charles took no chances. He shot them before the
entire slave population of the plantation. Even small children
were gathered to watch the punishment completed. Only
little Elizabeth in the nursery with her sister Maggie was
excused from the execution. The bodies were buried without
ceremony of any kind. The slaves were sent back to their
usual tasks.
This was another horrible fascination to Ella. There were more
than one hundred slaves on the property. They could easily
revolt and kill their owners.
Todd and his Bushwhacker friends had dug one deep hole for
the bodies. They carried the dead men to the colored
cemetery and dropped them in the hole. They covered them
with dirt, and walked away. The graves of the two men and Lily
were never marked.
The house was still in mourning for Samantha. Ella had written
her Mother and Father of her cousins death. But harvest time
had come and the Withrow family was known far and wide for
their Harvest Ball.
There was much discussion, Should they give a party while in
mourning? Their friends and neighbors certainly deserved a
break from the tension and horror that had become a part of
everyday life. Samantha, they decided, had always loved the
party and would surely understand.
The servants were given gifts and rewards the afternoon of the
ball. Traditionally Charles chose the person who was the
hardest worker in the fields, Edwina would name the hardest
working and best house servant and Todd named the person
who did the best job in the stables. Edwina also had a special
gift for the person who helped maintain her gardens.
Ella thought some of this was a joke. The first thoughts of
her Aunt Edwina actually doing gardening were quickly dispelled.
Edwina gave orders to an experienced slave gardener and never
soiled her own hands. When flowers were cut for the house
Edwina selected the blooms and a slave cut them. A slave
arranged them in the crystal vases and placed them as
directed.
Uncle Charles was having a difficult time deciding on the
best field worker. He had already decided on Luke but since
Luke tried to run away and Charles shot him he was having
to decide on someone else.
The cooking baking and cleaning went on for days on end.
An air of excitement filled the house and people were
smiling again. The entire house gleamed as if the structure
itself was awaiting the party.
Two sets of musicians were hired. One for the square dancing
in the barn. The others for the more sedate dancing in the
big house. The gardens were strung with hundred of lanterns.
Todd was spending much of his time in the stables. Having hung
two men from that location he was now training new people for
the job. He also worked with several extra hands to take care
of visitors horses the night of the party.
Saturday finally came. People seemed to be arriving from every
possible direction. Ella was introduced to people who owned
plantations as far as fifty miles away. Many entire families were
there and would be staying with the Withrows or other homes in
the area. Some brought their own slaves.
The plantation became a fairy land of lights as darkness fell. They
marked the route to the barn and were strung in the garden. To
Ellas' amusement they even marked the route to the privy. Back
home this would not even be mentioned let alone be so
obviously marked.
Ella walked into the barn and watched as the dancers moved to
the callers orders. She had never seen square dancing before and
did not realize how strenous it could be. There was a long line at
the punch bowls after every set.
She encountered Todd and he walked her back to the house.
"Do you know all of these people,"she asked?
Todd laughed and answered,"most of them."
As they reached the house Todd claimed a waltz and dressed in
mourning as was her Aunt she danced with her cousin. She saw
her Aunt and Uncle dancing together her Aunt also in head to
toe black.
After the waltz she walked out onto the front veranda. Several men
stopped talking when she made her entrance. She found a chair in
a darker corner and sat down carefully. Her cousin joined her.
Ella leaned close to Todd and whispered"Why are men wearing guns
at a party?"
Todd shifted his eyes to the men at the other end of the wide porch.
He himself was not armed. These men were strangers and were wearing
their guns tied down. Todd did not want to upset or excite Ella
but he excused himself and went to find his Father and some of his
Bushwhacker friends.
Ella decided to use the privy. On her way through the house she
encountered little Elizabeth
"I am going to the privy, do you need to go too,"Ella whispered?
For an answer the little girl took Ellas' hand and led the way to the
outhouse. They were just leaving the privy when Ella heard the
first shot ring out.
She grabbed Elizabeth by the upper arm and ran toward the brick
quarters where the house slaves lived. Running around the back of
the building she pushed a bush aside and pushed Elizabeth into
a hole beneath the structure. She dove in herself and the firing
and screaming picked up. She crawled toward the front of the
quarters dragging Elizabeth with her.
From this position she could see people falling, men shooting.
Finally Todd and his friends began to return fire. The barn and stables
were set ablaze. Slaves were running out of the house with anything
of value they could carry. Some slaves were stabbing guests in the
garden.
Men were trying to get the horses out of the stables. These were turned
loose to run and save themselves.
The house was now ablaze and people were running out. These people
were met by slaves with knives who murdered them as they ran.
As the lanterns were kicked out Ella could see less and less of what
was happening. She tried to shield little Elizabeth but the child had
already seen her sister Maggie fall to the ground after being stabbed
by her own Mammy.
Men were yelling,cursing, reloading fighting hand to hand. The
Bushwhackers mounted their horses and rode away. The Jayhawkers
finished off all the men at the party and in the house. They then
mounted and followed the unit.
Still another battle was fought two miles away where they were
ambushed by the Bushwhackers.
Ella and the little girl stayed where they were. Angry slaves were still
killing women and anything else that moved. Not just the Withrow
slaves but slaves from other plantations, there with their owners
joined the fight.
It went on far into the night. The barn roof fell in with a deafening
crash. Something fell in the house. The exterior of the house was
not burning because it was brick.
Finally just as the sun was coming up the slaughter was over. The
slaves were leaving in groups walking or running toward Freedom.
No one came near the slave quarters. Ella searched in the darkness
for her valise and found it exactly where she had hidden it so many
months before.
She heard more shooting in the distance. The returning Bushwhackers
had encountered the slaves who were not hiding in fields.
The roof of the main house fell in right after sun up. From their hiding
place Ella saw Todd ride onto the property. He had two friends with
him. They stood and surveyed the carnage.
Seeing they were not drawing fire Ella and Elizabeth crawled from
their hiding place. The men looked at them like they were seeing
ghosts. Todd ran forward and took Elizabeth in his arms. Both
woman and child were filthy.
They heard a horse coming toward them at top speed. All took
cover. But it was Prince coming home after being turned loose in the
night. He froze before the smouldering stables unsure what to do.
Todd said,"I know just how he feels."
More and more of Todd friends arrived to help with the dead. Many
were burying members of their own families. Ella realized now
that the Bushwhackers had left the party to draw the Jayhawkers
away.
She saw her own family buried and then spoke to Todd. Three days
of tending the dead had exhausted her and pushed her to make a
decision.
"I want to go home Todd and I want Elizabeth to come with me."
"I will get you out of Missouri,"Todd answered. "What are you going
to use for money."
Ella then told him she had her valise and he applauded her for her
foresight.
He took his cousin and his sister as far as St.Louis and put them on
an eastbound train. By this time Ella had spent a week in the
bordertown awaiting a place on a train. She and Elizabeth had new
clothing and several baths. The little girl would not let Ella out of her
sight.
Todd took them to the telegraph office. Ella wired her parents,
"Several members of Withrow family dead. Slave uprising. Bringing
Eliazbeth. Plantation gone. Coming home MAMA"
Ella makes the decision to go home to Philadelphia and takes little Elizabeth with her.
Ella and Elizabeth leave Missouri and Ella sees Chris Larabee for the first time.
Railroads and Rail Splitters
Ella and Elizabeth said their goodbyes to Todd in
St Louis. Ella insisted on giving Todd some of the money
she had hidden in her valise.
Todd did not want to take money from his cousin. At this
point he didn't know how he would survive if he didn't. He
carefully memorized the Gainesbourgh address in
Philadelphia. Ella insisted he wire her at the house should
he require assistance. She would send a wire to the
Sweet Springs office when they arrived safely.
As the train pulled out of the station they both waved to the
young man who was now Master of a ruined plantation.
He told them of plans to live in the slave quarters and find
what he could in the ashes of the house. He said his work in
Missouri was not finished.
Before she knew it little Elizabeth was sleeping with her
head in Ellas' lap. Ella breathed a sigh of pure relief as
the conductor passed through the car announcing the
coming station stops in Illinois. Being out of Missouri made
her almost giddy with happiness.
As they reached eastern Illinois they were often side
tracked for military trains carrying Confederate prisoners
to the facility at Rock Island.
It was in Indiana that they had the longest stop. A train was
enroute coming from the East with prisoners and this was
the only side track between the two trains. They were held
there for two days.
The conductor said a wire was waiting for him at the Indiana
Station and that's how he knew how long the wait would be.
Ella decided to leave the train with the little girl and take a
room for the night. Even with frequent stops they were ready for
a real bath and good food. She found a small hotel in the
small town.
It was early afternoon and a crowd was gathered at the other
end of the village. She asked the desk clerk what was
happening.
"Rail splitting contest," he replied," you should go and watch.
Best entertainment we can offer in these parts."
After having soup and some cold chicken Ella and Elizabeth
walked toward the crowd. They stood on the sidelines with
some women who nodded kindly at the two newcomers
dressed in black.
It was there Ella saw Chris Larabee for the first time. He stared
at him until he felt her gaze and looked back at her. His brows
lifted and he nodded to the stranger. He was easily one of the
best looking men she had ever seen in her life.
She watched as he won the contest. They hurried back to their Inn
when a brawl broke out among the contestants. She and
the child had seen enough violence to last a life time. They returned
to the safety of the Inn and went directly to their room.
In the later part of the afternoon they again returned to the
dining area. This time they were given venison stew and hot baked
bread. They both ate with enjoyment.
From the bar in the next room Chris Larabee could see them.
He watched them carefully and because they were wearing the
black of mourning he did not intrude.
Ella and Elizabeth enjoyed baths and went to bed early. It took a
while for Ella to learn to go to sleep with the child pressed against
her.
The next morning she and Elizabeth walked to the railway station.
The conductor was glad to see them. The train would be leaving at
about 2:30PM he told her. The Union train coming toward them was
making good time and they could leave earlier than announced.
They went back to the Inn for lunch. They gathered their things and
walked again to the station. In the distance Ella could see the man
walking down the street with a young woman.
"Ah well,"she said to herself.
The trip across Ohio was endless. The only good thing was that as
they moved East the style and comfort of the trains improved.
They had a two hour wait for another train at Pittsburgh. Ella sent a
wire to her parents to let them know she and Elizabeth were
getting closer.
They stopped to take on water and wood near the war torn little town
of Gettysburg. Ella was told a great battle had been fought there.
Now she looked from the window at rolling farmland still showing
signs of the battle fought there. She had a flash of the Plantation in
Missouri. She put it from her mind and hugged Elizabeth.
They stopped overnight in the lovely little town of Carlisle. Ella and
Elizabeth again took rooms in a small Inn near the rail station.
She was told that Jeb Stuart had been through Carlisle when he was
supposed to be in Gettysburg. She wasn't quite sure who Jeb
Stuart was and was sick of war talk and didn't inquire.
Late the next afternoon they arrived in Philadelphia. The
Gainesbourgh had been meeting all of the incoming trains but somehow
missed this one.
Ella hired a hack and they were driven to the residence Ella knew so well.
They were barely out of the carriage when the front doors opened and her
parents came hurrying down the stairs.
Elizabeth could not take her eyes from Rebecca. During dinner she had
to be reminded to eat so busy staring was she. Finally she turned to
Ella and said,"is that my MAMA?"
There was a moment of stunned silence and then Ella explained the
relationship between their Mothers. Ella was annoyed with herself
for not preparing Elizabeth. Of course Rebecca looked like Edwina
For her part Rebecca instantly loved Edwina. The child had lovely
manners. Even at four and a half she sat at the dinner table with
adults without making a fuss.
Ella was amused by the deep affection showing on her Mothers face. "At last,"
she thought,"Mother has her dream daughter.".
Ella goes back to Philadelphia and is welcomed by her family.
Ella makes her decision and makes still another major change in her life.
The Philadelphia Story
The War dragged to an end. People danced and celebrated in the streets of
Philadelphia. Trains arrived at all hours bringing wounded and men traveling
home. Many men were mustered out in Philadelphia.
In the time she had been in Philadelphia little Elizabeth had bloomed. She
loved her Aunt Becky and Uncle Charlie. She had graduated from Ellas' bed
to a trundle bed in Ellas' room to a small room that connected with Ellas'.
Sometimes Elizabeth still found herself searching her Aunts face. It
comforted her to see someone who looked so much like her MAMA.
There were letters from Todd. These usually came addressed to Ella but
there was always a note inside for Elizabeth. Ella shared the letters with
the entire husehold. Elizabeth saved them in a wooden box Ella had given
her. This she kept under her bed. This always made Ella smile remembering
her own secret box hidden in that exact same place.
Mildred Volgelsong Stadler was a frequent visitor. A war widow now she still
volunteered at the Army Hospital. She and Rebecca had much to discuss
now that the war was over and men were being sent home.
At six years old Elizabeth was an impressive child. Her reading and writing
skills, taught by her own Mother were excellent. She could sew, mend and
do simple tatting. Edwina had set her youngest child firmly on the path to
being an accomplished lady of quality. Her manners were impeccable.
The only problem came when Elizabeth was outside of the home and saw
a Negro. Then she became hysterical,tried to hide and insisted on being
taken home. She often wet herself at these times. These experiences
would put her back in Ellas' bed, usually for several nights.
Rebecca could hear her daughter talking in a low voice to the stricken
child. She rejoiced again at the change her sister had made in her
daughter. She didn't know the change was Ellas' idea..and hers alone.
School was out of the question. Charles hired a tutor who came five
days a week to the Gainesbourgh home. Elizabeth liked the young man
and responded well to his teachings. It was explained to him exactly why
he was there. He agreed that Elizabeth had seen and heard too much to
be exposed to the public until she was ready.
Mildred brought her own little girl to play with Elizabeth. It soon became
apparent that little Josie had overheard too much. She asked Elizabeth,
"did you see your Mommy die?" "Did you see your house burn?"
Elizabeth rose from the floor where they were playing with dolls. She gave
Josie a look of pure ice and turned to walk from the room. Overhearing this
Ella took Elizabeth into her arms. The little girl held onto Ella and didn't cry
but the look in her eyes said she was back in Missouri.
Rebecca turned her own gaze upon Mildred,"I think it's time you and Josie
were going." "It's getting near her nap time isn't it.?"
Mildred shocked at being spoken to in this manner, especially in the
Gainesbourgh home left in a huff. Mildred went off in her carriage and before
Rebecca could close the door a hack pulled in front of the house.
A young man came hurredily up the front walk and stairs. Rebecca looked
at him in some surprise as her was not as well dressed as those who
presented themselves at her front door. There was some about him, something
in his voice...
Then Ella and Elizabeth were in his arms on the front stairs for all the world to
see. Todd Withrow was in Philadelphia.
Todd was swept forward in a whirl wind of activity. Charles Gainesbourgh sent
for his tailor and the young man was re-outfitted. The barber came to the house
to work his magic. A bootmaker arrived. For a moment Todd felt he was in
pre-war Missouri.
It was a shock to have food offered in seemingless endless supply. The Gainesbourgh
faily owned and maintained a small vegetable farm outside the city. The food
they raised there, now that the army did not require assistance, was theirs alone.
The servants were all white, mostly Irish. They lived in the house for the most part
and were on payroll. Todd felt himself relax and allowed himself to be pampered
for the first time since the war began.
Three days after his arrival he and Ella took over Rebeccas' office and had the
talk Ella knew was coming. The future of Elizabeth. Todd felt it was time for
Elizabeth to return home to Missouri. Part of the house had been restored and
a crop was aready in the ground. But the most exciting part. Todd had
decided not to count on farming to make the plantation viable. He had been
breeding horses and was doing very well.
Horses! Ella was amazed when told they had located most of their stock after
the fire. A smaller version of the huge stable complex was up and running.
Ella also felt that Elizabeth was too small to be the only female on the place.
She explained the problem Elizabeth had with Negroes. She suggested the
child remain in Philadelphia with her parents.
It was then she explained the idea that had taken root and grown in her own mind.
She would go back with Todd and stay in Missouri before proceeding West.
She wanted to see the untamed West before going on the San Francisco where
there were Gainesbourgh kin.
Surprisingly Elizabeth, Rebecca and Charles took this news well. Rebecca
would never be able to part with the child at this juncture. Charles looked
at this daughter with new respect. Helping to rebuild after such devastion
was no easy chore or man or woman. Yes, Edwina had worked a miracle.
As they made their plans to travel to Missouri Ella was full of questions.
"Who,"she asked finally,"Did you leave in charge?"
"You don't know him,"Charles answered,"he was traveling West when he
stopped for the night." "Knows more about horses that I do." His name
is Chris Larabee, I think you will like him." "Nice man."
The Philadelphia Story
The War dragged to an end. People danced and celebrated in the streets of
Philadelphia. Trains arrived at all hours bringing wounded and men traveling
home. Many men were mustered out in Philadelphia.
In the time she had been in Philadelphia little Elizabeth had bloomed. She
loved her Aunt Becky and Uncle Charlie. She had graduated from Ellas' bed
to a trundle bed in Ellas' room to a small room that connected with Ellas'.
Sometimes Elizabeth still found herself searching her Aunts face. It
comforted her to see someone who looked so much like her MAMA.
There were letters from Todd. These usually came addressed to Ella but
there was always a note inside for Elizabeth. Ella shared the letters with
the entire husehold. Elizabeth saved them in a wooden box Ella had given
her. This she kept under her bed. This always made Ella smile remembering
her own secret box hidden in that exact same place.
Mildred Volgelsong Stadler was a frequent visitor. A war widow now she still
volunteered at the Army Hospital. She and Rebecca had much to discuss
now that the war was over and men were being sent home.
At six years old Elizabeth was an impressive child. Her reading and writing
skills, taught by her own Mother were excellent. She could sew, mend and
do simple tatting. Edwina had set her youngest child firmly on the path to
being an accomplished lady of quality. Her manners were impeccable.
The only problem came when Elizabeth was outside of the home and saw
a Negro. Then she became hysterical,tried to hide and insisted on being
taken home. She often wet herself at these times. These experiences
would put her back in Ellas' bed, usually for several nights.
Rebecca could hear her daughter talking in a low voice to the stricken
child. She rejoiced again at the change her sister had made in her
daughter. She didn't know the change was Ellas' idea..and hers alone.
School was out of the question. Charles hired a tutor who came five
days a week to the Gainesbourgh home. Elizabeth liked the young man
and responded well to his teachings. It was explained to him exactly why
he was there. He agreed that Elizabeth had seen and heard too much to
be exposed to the public until she was ready.
Mildred brought her own little girl to play with Elizabeth. It soon became
apparent that little Josie had overheard too much. She asked Elizabeth,
"did you see your Mommy die?" "Did you see your house burn?"
Elizabeth rose from the floor where they were playing with dolls. She gave
Josie a look of pure ice and turned to walk from the room. Overhearing this
Ella took Elizabeth into her arms. The little girl held onto Ella and didn't cry
but the look in her eyes said she was back in Missouri.
Rebecca turned her own gaze upon Mildred,"I think it's time you and Josie
were going." "It's getting near her nap time isn't it.?"
Mildred shocked at being spoken to in this manner, especially in the
Gainesbourgh home left in a huff. Mildred went off in her carriage and before
Rebecca could close the door a hack pulled in front of the house.
A young man came hurredily up the front walk and stairs. Rebecca looked
at him in some surprise as her was not as well dressed as those who
presented themselves at her front door. There was some about him, something
in his voice...
Then Ella and Elizabeth were in his arms on the front stairs for all the world to
see. Todd Withrow was in Philadelphia.
Todd was swept forward in a whirl wind of activity. Charles Gainesbourgh sent
for his tailor and the young man was re-outfitted. The barber came to the house
to work his magic. A bootmaker arrived. For a moment Todd felt he was in
pre-war Missouri.
It was a shock to have food offered in seemingless endless supply. The Gainesbourgh
faily owned and maintained a small vegetable farm outside the city. The food
they raised there, now that the army did not require assistance, was theirs alone.
The servants were all white, mostly Irish. They lived in the house for the most part
and were on payroll. Todd felt himself relax and allowed himself to be pampered
for the first time since the war began.
Three days after his arrival he and Ella took over Rebeccas' office and had the
talk Ella knew was coming. The future of Elizabeth. Todd felt it was time for
Elizabeth to return home to Missouri. Part of the house had been restored and
a crop was aready in the ground. But the most exciting part. Todd had
decided not to count on farming to make the plantation viable. He had been
breeding horses and was doing very well.
Horses! Ella was amazed when told they had located most of their stock after
the fire. A smaller version of the huge stable complex was up and running.
Ella also felt that Elizabeth was too small to be the only female on the place.
She explained the problem Elizabeth had with Negroes. She suggested the
child remain in Philadelphia with her parents.
It was then she explained the idea that had taken root and grown in her own mind.
She would go back with Todd and stay in Missouri before proceeding West.
She wanted to see the untamed West before going on the San Francisco where
there were Gainesbourgh kin.
Surprisingly Elizabeth, Rebecca and Charles took this news well. Rebecca
would never be able to part with the child at this juncture. Charles looked
at this daughter with new respect. Helping to rebuild after such devastion
was no easy chore or man or woman. Yes, Edwina had worked a miracle.
As they made their plans to travel to Missouri Ella was full of questions.
"Who,"she asked finally,"Did you leave in charge?"
"You don't know him,"Charles answered,"he was traveling West when he
stopped for the night." "Knows more about horses that I do." His name
is Chris Larabee, I think you will like him." "Nice man."
The Philadelphia Story
The War dragged to an end. People danced and celebrated in the streets of
Philadelphia. Trains arrived at all hours bringing wounded and men traveling
home. Many men were mustered out in Philadelphia.
In the time she had been in Philadelphia little Elizabeth had bloomed. She
loved her Aunt Becky and Uncle Charlie. She had graduated from Ellas' bed
to a trundle bed in Ellas' room to a small room that connected with Ellas'.
Sometimes Elizabeth still found herself searching her Aunts face. It
comforted her to see someone who looked so much like her MAMA.
There were letters from Todd. These usually came addressed to Ella but
there was always a note inside for Elizabeth. Ella shared the letters with
the entire husehold. Elizabeth saved them in a wooden box Ella had given
her. This she kept under her bed. This always made Ella smile remembering
her own secret box hidden in that exact same place.
Mildred Volgelsong Stadler was a frequent visitor. A war widow now she still
volunteered at the Army Hospital. She and Rebecca had much to discuss
now that the war was over and men were being sent home.
At six years old Elizabeth was an impressive child. Her reading and writing
skills, taught by her own Mother were excellent. She could sew, mend and
do simple tatting. Edwina had set her youngest child firmly on the path to
being an accomplished lady of quality. Her manners were impeccable.
The only problem came when Elizabeth was outside of the home and saw
a Negro. Then she became hysterical,tried to hide and insisted on being
taken home. She often wet herself at these times. These experiences
would put her back in Ellas' bed, usually for several nights.
Rebecca could hear her daughter talking in a low voice to the stricken
child. She rejoiced again at the change her sister had made in her
daughter. She didn't know the change was Ellas' idea..and hers alone.
School was out of the question. Charles hired a tutor who came five
days a week to the Gainesbourgh home. Elizabeth liked the young man
and responded well to his teachings. It was explained to him exactly why
he was there. He agreed that Elizabeth had seen and heard too much to
be exposed to the public until she was ready.
Mildred brought her own little girl to play with Elizabeth. It soon became
apparent that little Josie had overheard too much. She asked Elizabeth,
"did you see your Mommy die?" "Did you see your house burn?"
Elizabeth rose from the floor where they were playing with dolls. She gave
Josie a look of pure ice and turned to walk from the room. Overhearing this
Ella took Elizabeth into her arms. The little girl held onto Ella and didn't cry
but the look in her eyes said she was back in Missouri.
Rebecca turned her own gaze upon Mildred,"I think it's time you and Josie
were going." "It's getting near her nap time isn't it.?"
Mildred shocked at being spoken to in this manner, especially in the
Gainesbourgh home left in a huff. Mildred went off in her carriage and before
Rebecca could close the door a hack pulled in front of the house.
A young man came hurredily up the front walk and stairs. Rebecca looked
at him in some surprise as her was not as well dressed as those who
presented themselves at her front door. There was some about him, something
in his voice...
Then Ella and Elizabeth were in his arms on the front stairs for all the world to
see. Todd Withrow was in Philadelphia.
Todd was swept forward in a whirl wind of activity. Charles Gainesbourgh sent
for his tailor and the young man was re-outfitted. The barber came to the house
to work his magic. A bootmaker arrived. For a moment Todd felt he was in
pre-war Missouri.
It was a shock to have food offered in seemingless endless supply. The Gainesbourgh
faily owned and maintained a small vegetable farm outside the city. The food
they raised there, now that the army did not require assistance, was theirs alone.
The servants were all white, mostly Irish. They lived in the house for the most part
and were on payroll. Todd felt himself relax and allowed himself to be pampered
for the first time since the war began.
Three days after his arrival he and Ella took over Rebeccas' office and had the
talk Ella knew was coming. The future of Elizabeth. Todd felt it was time for
Elizabeth to return home to Missouri. Part of the house had been restored and
a crop was aready in the ground. But the most exciting part. Todd had
decided not to count on farming to make the plantation viable. He had been
breeding horses and was doing very well.
Horses! Ella was amazed when told they had located most of their stock after
the fire. A smaller version of the huge stable complex was up and running.
Ella also felt that Elizabeth was too small to be the only female on the place.
She explained the problem Elizabeth had with Negroes. She suggested the
child remain in Philadelphia with her parents.
It was then she explained the idea that had taken root and grown in her own mind.
She would go back with Todd and stay in Missouri before proceeding West.
She wanted to see the untamed West before going on the San Francisco where
there were Gainesbourgh kin.
Surprisingly Elizabeth, Rebecca and Charles took this news well. Rebecca
would never be able to part with the child at this juncture. Charles looked
at this daughter with new respect. Helping to rebuild after such devastion
was no easy chore or man or woman. Yes, Edwina had worked a miracle.
As they made their plans to travel to Missouri Ella was full of questions.
"Who,"she asked finally,"Did you leave in charge?"
"You don't know him,"Charles answered,"he was traveling West when he
stopped for the night." "Knows more about horses that I do." His name
is Chris Larabee, I think you will like him." "Nice man."
Ella hearing the name Chris Larabee decides it must be fate. She was already making plans to return to Missouri when his name was mentioned by her cousin.
Todd comes to Philadelphia planning to take elizabeth to Missouri with him. He returns with Ella instead and the solid backing of money every plantation needs.
Mildred Stadler Vogelsong falls for Todd and gives Ella a few nightmares.
Leaving Philadelphia
Todd and Elizabeth sat in Edwinas' office. Todd was attempting to explain
that she now owned half a plantation. Elizabeth would smile at him
pleasantly and nod.
"I can not go back yet." I am not ready to go back."
"Honey,"Todd said patiently,"this conversation is not about you're
going back with me and Aunt Ella." "I want you to understand
that even if you never go back half the property will always be yours."
"Do you like it here?" Todd looked at her questionally. "Are you able
to find happiness here?"
The little girl, painfully wise beyond her years answered,"I thought
I was happy at Withrow." "I thought I was the happiest,luckiest
little girl in the world." "Look what happened."
Todd took her hand. "Someday you will come back to us." "You
will walk over the land with me as it's true Mistress."
Elizabeth smiled at this."You will still write to me, you will tell me
everything, you won't leave anything out?"
"Of course I will."
Brother and sister encountered Charles Withrow in the hallway.
He asked to see Todd in his study to talk about the coming trip
to Missouri.
Todd had no idea the extent of the Gainesbourgh wealth. Before
the war Charles owned several textile mills and farms. But people
could never call him a war profiteer, even though he more than
tripled his fortune during the war years.
Todd now got a taste of real wealth. He and Ella were to travel to
St. Louis by private railcar. That same train would be pulling a car of
cattle and the men to care for them as well as feed. Another car
was full of furniture of every description. Ella and her Mother were
days selecting what they imagined would be needed. There was still
car of household supplies including preserved food stuffs. There were
even pens of live chickens. Charles spoke with his Bankers and
an account was set up in both Todd and Elizabeths name and a
huge deposit was made. Todd was dazzled. When he tried to protest
Charles merely said,"Family dear boy, Family."
Todd was now outfitted with several sets of what he called work
clothes. He took back dozens of these sets for his employees. He
blessed Charles for the mattresses and blankets and other items
from Gainesbourgh textile mills. In his mind he saw several of
his problems smooth right out.
The big surprise was horses. Chalres had purchased a dozen fine
animals and these were treated like royalty. It was quickly
becoming the Gainesbourgh private train. Teamsters and freighters
would meet them in St. Louis and take care of everything.
It was during this time that Mildred Vogelsong Stadler began to
visit more often. Ella noticed this first because Elizabeth did not
like Josie. To her horror she realized that Mildred was attracted
to Todd.
Mildred invited Todd to every event she could without looking pushy.
Ella always made sure she was present when they went out the door.
As the departure day grew near Ella felt relief that Todd had not
actually invited Mildred anywhere. Todd was a man whose body was
on Broad Street in Philadelphia but whose mind was on Withrow
Plantation near Sweet Spring,Missouri.
At dinner the evening before departure Elizabeth came close to being
rude for the first time since her arrival. Ella for her part nearly rolled on
the floor with laughter.
"Would I like Missouri" Mildred asked archly?"Would I like your home?"
Elizabeth chirped up and said tartly,"The Negroes would get you and
cut you to a million pieces."
As she was being removed from the table she said,"And it isn't just his
home I own half." "Isn't that right Todd?"
She crawled into Ellas' bed that night obviously feeling no disgrace. Ella
then got the second surprise of the evening. Elizabeth hugged her neck
and whispered,"Chris Larabee."
This time the trip was exciting. Ella and Todd made plans and took notes
of their ideas. They were coming across the country to a house that was
awaiting them. They had in their company five houseworkers including a
cook who was a skilled baker.
Plans were being made to build a small Chapel on the grounds of Withrow
as most of the help was Catholic and would need some religious support.
There would be no Negroes working on the Withrow Plantation for a long
time. Everyone who worked there would be on the payroll just like the
house in Philadelphia.
Ella was looking forward to the coming challenge. The threat of Mildred was
gone. The idea of her even coming for a visit was put down by Todd at
the train station. Ella could have kissed her cousin on the spot.
The front of the train was full of tattered soldiers making their way home.
They saw droves of Confederate soldiers walking toward what was left of their
own lives in the South.
When the train did make various station stops Ella saw Todd giving the
Southern men money, buying them food. They had a long walk home. Some
were afraid to go home being unsure what they would find.
St Louis.They changed from the train and became a very long wagon
train. There were carriages and beds in the wagons for the women to be
comfortable. It seemed to take forever to get to Jefferson City. They spent
the night there and then on toward Sweet Springs.
Thankfully the servants were taking this as an adventure instead of a
tiresome journey.
Ella and Todd were in the lead wagon when they came out of the woods,
topped the rise and could see Withrow in the distance. Ella felt tears
running down her cheeks as the brick house came into full view.
Todd squeezed her hand but had tears in his eyes also. He looked at
his cousin,"They can burn us out, but they can't keep us down." "I
wish Elizabeth was here."
Ella took his big hand in both of hers,"she'll come back, she'll come
home, she won't be able to stay away." She wanted to put her arms
around the big house and hug the brick and mortar. She felt like a person
who had been given a chance to set things right and was going to do her
best to restore it to its former glory. And the Gainesbourgh money was
right behind her.
Leaving Philadelphia
Todd and Elizabeth sat in Edwinas' office. Todd was attempting to explain
that she now owned half a plantation. Elizabeth would smile at him
pleasantly and nod.
"I can not go back yet." I am not ready to go back."
"Honey,"Todd said patiently,"this conversation is not about you're
going back with me and Aunt Ella." "I want you to understand
that even if you never go back half the property will always be yours."
"Do you like it here?" Todd looked at her questionally. "Are you able
to find happiness here?"
The little girl, painfully wise beyond her years answered,"I thought
I was happy at Withrow." "I thought I was the happiest,luckiest
little girl in the world." "Look what happened."
Todd took her hand. "Someday you will come back to us." "You
will walk over the land with me as it's true Mistress."
Elizabeth smiled at this."You will still write to me, you will tell me
everything, you won't leave anything out?"
"Of course I will."
Brother and sister encountered Charles Withrow in the hallway.
He asked to see Todd in his study to talk about the coming trip
to Missouri.
Todd had no idea the extent of the Gainesbourgh wealth. Before
the war Charles owned several textile mills and farms. But people
could never call him a war profiteer, even though he more than
tripled his fortune during the war years.
Todd now got a taste of real wealth. He and Ella were to travel to
St. Louis by private railcar. That same train would be pulling a car of
cattle and the men to care for them as well as feed. Another car
was full of furniture of every description. Ella and her Mother were
days selecting what they imagined would be needed. There was still
car of household supplies including preserved food stuffs. There were
even pens of live chickens. Charles spoke with his Bankers and
an account was set up in both Todd and Elizabeths name and a
huge deposit was made. Todd was dazzled. When he tried to protest
Charles merely said,"Family dear boy, Family."
Todd was now outfitted with several sets of what he called work
clothes. He took back dozens of these sets for his employees. He
blessed Charles for the mattresses and blankets and other items
from Gainesbourgh textile mills. In his mind he saw several of
his problems smooth right out.
The big surprise was horses. Chalres had purchased a dozen fine
animals and these were treated like royalty. It was quickly
becoming the Gainesbourgh private train. Teamsters and freighters
would meet them in St. Louis and take care of everything.
It was during this time that Mildred Vogelsong Stadler began to
visit more often. Ella noticed this first because Elizabeth did not
like Josie. To her horror she realized that Mildred was attracted
to Todd.
Mildred invited Todd to every event she could without looking pushy.
Ella always made sure she was present when they went out the door.
As the departure day grew near Ella felt relief that Todd had not
actually invited Mildred anywhere. Todd was a man whose body was
on Broad Street in Philadelphia but whose mind was on Withrow
Plantation near Sweet Spring,Missouri.
At dinner the evening before departure Elizabeth came close to being
rude for the first time since her arrival. Ella for her part nearly rolled on
the floor with laughter.
"Would I like Missouri" Mildred asked archly?"Would I like your home?"
Elizabeth chirped up and said tartly,"The Negroes would get you and
cut you to a million pieces."
As she was being removed from the table she said,"And it isn't just his
home I own half." "Isn't that right Todd?"
She crawled into Ellas' bed that night obviously feeling no disgrace. Ella
then got the second surprise of the evening. Elizabeth hugged her neck
and whispered,"Chris Larabee."
This time the trip was exciting. Ella and Todd made plans and took notes
of their ideas. They were coming across the country to a house that was
awaiting them. They had in their company five houseworkers including a
cook who was a skilled baker.
Plans were being made to build a small Chapel on the grounds of Withrow
as most of the help was Catholic and would need some religious support.
There would be no Negroes working on the Withrow Plantation for a long
time. Everyone who worked there would be on the payroll just like the
house in Philadelphia.
Ella was looking forward to the coming challenge. The threat of Mildred was
gone. The idea of her even coming for a visit was put down by Todd at
the train station. Ella could have kissed her cousin on the spot.
The front of the train was full of tattered soldiers making their way home.
They saw droves of Confederate soldiers walking toward what was left of their
own lives in the South.
When the train did make various station stops Ella saw Todd giving the
Southern men money, buying them food. They had a long walk home. Some
were afraid to go home being unsure what they would find.
St Louis.They changed from the train and became a very long wagon
train. There were carriages and beds in the wagons for the women to be
comfortable. It seemed to take forever to get to Jefferson City. They spent
the night there and then on toward Sweet Springs.
Thankfully the servants were taking this as an adventure instead of a
tiresome journey.
Ella and Todd were in the lead wagon when they came out of the woods,
topped the rise and could see Withrow in the distance. Ella felt tears
running down her cheeks as the brick house came into full view.
Todd squeezed her hand but had tears in his eyes also. He looked at
his cousin,"They can burn us out, but they can't keep us down." "I
wish Elizabeth was here."
Ella took his big hand in both of hers,"she'll come back, she'll come
home, she won't be able to stay away." She wanted to put her arms
around the big house and hug the brick and mortar. She felt like a person
who had been given a chance to set things right and was going to do her
best to restore it to its former glory. And the Gainesbourgh money was
right behind her.
Leaving Philadelphia
Todd and Elizabeth sat in Edwinas' office. Todd was attempting to explain
that she now owned half a plantation. Elizabeth would smile at him
pleasantly and nod.
"I can not go back yet." I am not ready to go back."
"Honey,"Todd said patiently,"this conversation is not about you're
going back with me and Aunt Ella." "I want you to understand
that even if you never go back half the property will always be yours."
"Do you like it here?" Todd looked at her questionally. "Are you able
to find happiness here?"
The little girl, painfully wise beyond her years answered,"I thought
I was happy at Withrow." "I thought I was the happiest,luckiest
little girl in the world." "Look what happened."
Todd took her hand. "Someday you will come back to us." "You
will walk over the land with me as it's true Mistress."
Elizabeth smiled at this."You will still write to me, you will tell me
everything, you won't leave anything out?"
"Of course I will."
Brother and sister encountered Charles Withrow in the hallway.
He asked to see Todd in his study to talk about the coming trip
to Missouri.
Todd had no idea the extent of the Gainesbourgh wealth. Before
the war Charles owned several textile mills and farms. But people
could never call him a war profiteer, even though he more than
tripled his fortune during the war years.
Todd now got a taste of real wealth. He and Ella were to travel to
St. Louis by private railcar. That same train would be pulling a car of
cattle and the men to care for them as well as feed. Another car
was full of furniture of every description. Ella and her Mother were
days selecting what they imagined would be needed. There was still
car of household supplies including preserved food stuffs. There were
even pens of live chickens. Charles spoke with his Bankers and
an account was set up in both Todd and Elizabeths name and a
huge deposit was made. Todd was dazzled. When he tried to protest
Charles merely said,"Family dear boy, Family."
Todd was now outfitted with several sets of what he called work
clothes. He took back dozens of these sets for his employees. He
blessed Charles for the mattresses and blankets and other items
from Gainesbourgh textile mills. In his mind he saw several of
his problems smooth right out.
The big surprise was horses. Chalres had purchased a dozen fine
animals and these were treated like royalty. It was quickly
becoming the Gainesbourgh private train. Teamsters and freighters
would meet them in St. Louis and take care of everything.
It was during this time that Mildred Vogelsong Stadler began to
visit more often. Ella noticed this first because Elizabeth did not
like Josie. To her horror she realized that Mildred was attracted
to Todd.
Mildred invited Todd to every event she could without looking pushy.
Ella always made sure she was present when they went out the door.
As the departure day grew near Ella felt relief that Todd had not
actually invited Mildred anywhere. Todd was a man whose body was
on Broad Street in Philadelphia but whose mind was on Withrow
Plantation near Sweet Spring,Missouri.
At dinner the evening before departure Elizabeth came close to being
rude for the first time since her arrival. Ella for her part nearly rolled on
the floor with laughter.
"Would I like Missouri" Mildred asked archly?"Would I like your home?"
Elizabeth chirped up and said tartly,"The Negroes would get you and
cut you to a million pieces."
As she was being removed from the table she said,"And it isn't just his
home I own half." "Isn't that right Todd?"
She crawled into Ellas' bed that night obviously feeling no disgrace. Ella
then got the second surprise of the evening. Elizabeth hugged her neck
and whispered,"Chris Larabee."
This time the trip was exciting. Ella and Todd made plans and took notes
of their ideas. They were coming across the country to a house that was
awaiting them. They had in their company five houseworkers including a
cook who was a skilled baker.
Plans were being made to build a small Chapel on the grounds of Withrow
as most of the help was Catholic and would need some religious support.
There would be no Negroes working on the Withrow Plantation for a long
time. Everyone who worked there would be on the payroll just like the
house in Philadelphia.
Ella was looking forward to the coming challenge. The threat of Mildred was
gone. The idea of her even coming for a visit was put down by Todd at
the train station. Ella could have kissed her cousin on the spot.
The front of the train was full of tattered soldiers making their way home.
They saw droves of Confederate soldiers walking toward what was left of their
own lives in the South.
When the train did make various station stops Ella saw Todd giving the
Southern men money, buying them food. They had a long walk home. Some
were afraid to go home being unsure what they would find.
St Louis.They changed from the train and became a very long wagon
train. There were carriages and beds in the wagons for the women to be
comfortable. It seemed to take forever to get to Jefferson City. They spent
the night there and then on toward Sweet Springs.
Thankfully the servants were taking this as an adventure instead of a
tiresome journey.
Ella and Todd were in the lead wagon when they came out of the woods,
topped the rise and could see Withrow in the distance. Ella felt tears
running down her cheeks as the brick house came into full view.
Todd squeezed her hand but had tears in his eyes also. He looked at
his cousin,"They can burn us out, but they can't keep us down." "I
wish Elizabeth was here."
Ella took his big hand in both of hers,"she'll come back, she'll come
home, she won't be able to stay away." She wanted to put her arms
around the big house and hug the brick and mortar. She felt like a person
who had been given a chance to set things right and was going to do her
best to restore it to its former glory. And the Gainesbourgh money was
right behind her.
Leaving Philadelphia
Todd and Elizabeth sat in Edwinas' office. Todd was attempting to explain
that she now owned half a plantation. Elizabeth would smile at him
pleasantly and nod.
"I can not go back yet." I am not ready to go back."
"Honey,"Todd said patiently,"this conversation is not about you're
going back with me and Aunt Ella." "I want you to understand
that even if you never go back half the property will always be yours."
"Do you like it here?" Todd looked at her questionally. "Are you able
to find happiness here?"
The little girl, painfully wise beyond her years answered,"I thought
I was happy at Withrow." "I thought I was the happiest,luckiest
little girl in the world." "Look what happened."
Todd took her hand. "Someday you will come back to us." "You
will walk over the land with me as it's true Mistress."
Elizabeth smiled at this."You will still write to me, you will tell me
everything, you won't leave anything out?"
"Of course I will."
Brother and sister encountered Charles Withrow in the hallway.
He asked to see Todd in his study to talk about the coming trip
to Missouri.
Todd had no idea the extent of the Gainesbourgh wealth. Before
the war Charles owned several textile mills and farms. But people
could never call him a war profiteer, even though he more than
tripled his fortune during the war years.
Todd now got a taste of real wealth. He and Ella were to travel to
St. Louis by private railcar. That same train would be pulling a car of
cattle and the men to care for them as well as feed. Another car
was full of furniture of every description. Ella and her Mother were
days selecting what they imagined would be needed. There was still
car of household supplies including preserved food stuffs. There were
even pens of live chickens. Charles spoke with his Bankers and
an account was set up in both Todd and Elizabeths name and a
huge deposit was made. Todd was dazzled. When he tried to protest
Charles merely said,"Family dear boy, Family."
Todd was now outfitted with several sets of what he called work
clothes. He took back dozens of these sets for his employees. He
blessed Charles for the mattresses and blankets and other items
from Gainesbourgh textile mills. In his mind he saw several of
his problems smooth right out.
The big surprise was horses. Chalres had purchased a dozen fine
animals and these were treated like royalty. It was quickly
becoming the Gainesbourgh private train. Teamsters and freighters
would meet them in St. Louis and take care of everything.
It was during this time that Mildred Vogelsong Stadler began to
visit more often. Ella noticed this first because Elizabeth did not
like Josie. To her horror she realized that Mildred was attracted
to Todd.
Mildred invited Todd to every event she could without looking pushy.
Ella always made sure she was present when they went out the door.
As the departure day grew near Ella felt relief that Todd had not
actually invited Mildred anywhere. Todd was a man whose body was
on Broad Street in Philadelphia but whose mind was on Withrow
Plantation near Sweet Spring,Missouri.
At dinner the evening before departure Elizabeth came close to being
rude for the first time since her arrival. Ella for her part nearly rolled on
the floor with laughter.
"Would I like Missouri" Mildred asked archly?"Would I like your home?"
Elizabeth chirped up and said tartly,"The Negroes would get you and
cut you to a million pieces."
As she was being removed from the table she said,"And it isn't just his
home I own half." "Isn't that right Todd?"
She crawled into Ellas' bed that night obviously feeling no disgrace. Ella
then got the second surprise of the evening. Elizabeth hugged her neck
and whispered,"Chris Larabee."
This time the trip was exciting. Ella and Todd made plans and took notes
of their ideas. They were coming across the country to a house that was
awaiting them. They had in their company five houseworkers including a
cook who was a skilled baker.
Plans were being made to build a small Chapel on the grounds of Withrow
as most of the help was Catholic and would need some religious support.
There would be no Negroes working on the Withrow Plantation for a long
time. Everyone who worked there would be on the payroll just like the
house in Philadelphia.
Ella was looking forward to the coming challenge. The threat of Mildred was
gone. The idea of her even coming for a visit was put down by Todd at
the train station. Ella could have kissed her cousin on the spot.
The front of the train was full of tattered soldiers making their way home.
They saw droves of Confederate soldiers walking toward what was left of their
own lives in the South.
When the train did make various station stops Ella saw Todd giving the
Southern men money, buying them food. They had a long walk home. Some
were afraid to go home being unsure what they would find.
St Louis.They changed from the train and became a very long wagon
train. There were carriages and beds in the wagons for the women to be
comfortable. It seemed to take forever to get to Jefferson City. They spent
the night there and then on toward Sweet Springs.
Thankfully the servants were taking this as an adventure instead of a
tiresome journey.
Ella and Todd were in the lead wagon when they came out of the woods,
topped the rise and could see Withrow in the distance. Ella felt tears
running down her cheeks as the brick house came into full view.
Todd squeezed her hand but had tears in his eyes also. He looked at
his cousin,"They can burn us out, but they can't keep us down." "I
wish Elizabeth was here."
Ella took his big hand in both of hers,"she'll come back, she'll come
home, she won't be able to stay away." She wanted to put her arms
around the big house and hug the brick and mortar. She felt like a person
who had been given a chance to set things right and was going to do her
best to restore it to its former glory. And the Gainesbourgh money was
right behind her.
Leaving Philadelphia
Todd and Elizabeth sat in Edwinas' office. Todd was attempting to explain
that she now owned half a plantation. Elizabeth would smile at him
pleasantly and nod.
"I can not go back yet." I am not ready to go back."
"Honey,"Todd said patiently,"this conversation is not about you're
going back with me and Aunt Ella." "I want you to understand
that even if you never go back half the property will always be yours."
"Do you like it here?" Todd looked at her questionally. "Are you able
to find happiness here?"
The little girl, painfully wise beyond her years answered,"I thought
I was happy at Withrow." "I thought I was the happiest,luckiest
little girl in the world." "Look what happened."
Todd took her hand. "Someday you will come back to us." "You
will walk over the land with me as it's true Mistress."
Elizabeth smiled at this."You will still write to me, you will tell me
everything, you won't leave anything out?"
"Of course I will."
Brother and sister encountered Charles Withrow in the hallway.
He asked to see Todd in his study to talk about the coming trip
to Missouri.
Todd had no idea the extent of the Gainesbourgh wealth. Before
the war Charles owned several textile mills and farms. But people
could never call him a war profiteer, even though he more than
tripled his fortune during the war years.
Todd now got a taste of real wealth. He and Ella were to travel to
St. Louis by private railcar. That same train would be pulling a car of
cattle and the men to care for them as well as feed. Another car
was full of furniture of every description. Ella and her Mother were
days selecting what they imagined would be needed. There was still
car of household supplies including preserved food stuffs. There were
even pens of live chickens. Charles spoke with his Bankers and
an account was set up in both Todd and Elizabeths name and a
huge deposit was made. Todd was dazzled. When he tried to protest
Charles merely said,"Family dear boy, Family."
Todd was now outfitted with several sets of what he called work
clothes. He took back dozens of these sets for his employees. He
blessed Charles for the mattresses and blankets and other items
from Gainesbourgh textile mills. In his mind he saw several of
his problems smooth right out.
The big surprise was horses. Chalres had purchased a dozen fine
animals and these were treated like royalty. It was quickly
becoming the Gainesbourgh private train. Teamsters and freighters
would meet them in St. Louis and take care of everything.
It was during this time that Mildred Vogelsong Stadler began to
visit more often. Ella noticed this first because Elizabeth did not
like Josie. To her horror she realized that Mildred was attracted
to Todd.
Mildred invited Todd to every event she could without looking pushy.
Ella always made sure she was present when they went out the door.
As the departure day grew near Ella felt relief that Todd had not
actually invited Mildred anywhere. Todd was a man whose body was
on Broad Street in Philadelphia but whose mind was on Withrow
Plantation near Sweet Spring,Missouri.
At dinner the evening before departure Elizabeth came close to being
rude for the first time since her arrival. Ella for her part nearly rolled on
the floor with laughter.
"Would I like Missouri" Mildred asked archly?"Would I like your home?"
Elizabeth chirped up and said tartly,"The Negroes would get you and
cut you to a million pieces."
As she was being removed from the table she said,"And it isn't just his
home I own half." "Isn't that right Todd?"
She crawled into Ellas' bed that night obviously feeling no disgrace. Ella
then got the second surprise of the evening. Elizabeth hugged her neck
and whispered,"Chris Larabee."
This time the trip was exciting. Ella and Todd made plans and took notes
of their ideas. They were coming across the country to a house that was
awaiting them. They had in their company five houseworkers including a
cook who was a skilled baker.
Plans were being made to build a small Chapel on the grounds of Withrow
as most of the help was Catholic and would need some religious support.
There would be no Negroes working on the Withrow Plantation for a long
time. Everyone who worked there would be on the payroll just like the
house in Philadelphia.
Ella was looking forward to the coming challenge. The threat of Mildred was
gone. The idea of her even coming for a visit was put down by Todd at
the train station. Ella could have kissed her cousin on the spot.
The front of the train was full of tattered soldiers making their way home.
They saw droves of Confederate soldiers walking toward what was left of their
own lives in the South.
When the train did make various station stops Ella saw Todd giving the
Southern men money, buying them food. They had a long walk home. Some
were afraid to go home being unsure what they would find.
St Louis.They changed from the train and became a very long wagon
train. There were carriages and beds in the wagons for the women to be
comfortable. It seemed to take forever to get to Jefferson City. They spent
the night there and then on toward Sweet Springs.
Thankfully the servants were taking this as an adventure instead of a
tiresome journey.
Ella and Todd were in the lead wagon when they came out of the woods,
topped the rise and could see Withrow in the distance. Ella felt tears
running down her cheeks as the brick house came into full view.
Todd squeezed her hand but had tears in his eyes also. He looked at
his cousin,"They can burn us out, but they can't keep us down." "I
wish Elizabeth was here."
Ella took his big hand in both of hers,"she'll come back, she'll come
home, she won't be able to stay away." She wanted to put her arms
around the big house and hug the brick and mortar. She felt like a person
who had been given a chance to set things right and was going to do her
best to restore it to its former glory. And the Gainesbourgh money was
right behind her.
Leaving Philadelphia
Todd and Elizabeth sat in Edwinas' office. Todd was attempting to explain
that she now owned half a plantation. Elizabeth would smile at him
pleasantly and nod.
"I can not go back yet." I am not ready to go back."
"Honey,"Todd said patiently,"this conversation is not about you're
going back with me and Aunt Ella." "I want you to understand
that even if you never go back half the property will always be yours."
"Do you like it here?" Todd looked at her questionally. "Are you able
to find happiness here?"
The little girl, painfully wise beyond her years answered,"I thought
I was happy at Withrow." "I thought I was the happiest,luckiest
little girl in the world." "Look what happened."
Todd took her hand. "Someday you will come back to us." "You
will walk over the land with me as it's true Mistress."
Elizabeth smiled at this."You will still write to me, you will tell me
everything, you won't leave anything out?"
"Of course I will."
Brother and sister encountered Charles Withrow in the hallway.
He asked to see Todd in his study to talk about the coming trip
to Missouri.
Todd had no idea the extent of the Gainesbourgh wealth. Before
the war Charles owned several textile mills and farms. But people
could never call him a war profiteer, even though he more than
tripled his fortune during the war years.
Todd now got a taste of real wealth. He and Ella were to travel to
St. Louis by private railcar. That same train would be pulling a car of
cattle and the men to care for them as well as feed. Another car
was full of furniture of every description. Ella and her Mother were
days selecting what they imagined would be needed. There was still
car of household supplies including preserved food stuffs. There were
even pens of live chickens. Charles spoke with his Bankers and
an account was set up in both Todd and Elizabeths name and a
huge deposit was made. Todd was dazzled. When he tried to protest
Charles merely said,"Family dear boy, Family."
Todd was now outfitted with several sets of what he called work
clothes. He took back dozens of these sets for his employees. He
blessed Charles for the mattresses and blankets and other items
from Gainesbourgh textile mills. In his mind he saw several of
his problems smooth right out.
The big surprise was horses. Chalres had purchased a dozen fine
animals and these were treated like royalty. It was quickly
becoming the Gainesbourgh private train. Teamsters and freighters
would meet them in St. Louis and take care of everything.
It was during this time that Mildred Vogelsong Stadler began to
visit more often. Ella noticed this first because Elizabeth did not
like Josie. To her horror she realized that Mildred was attracted
to Todd.
Mildred invited Todd to every event she could without looking pushy.
Ella always made sure she was present when they went out the door.
As the departure day grew near Ella felt relief that Todd had not
actually invited Mildred anywhere. Todd was a man whose body was
on Broad Street in Philadelphia but whose mind was on Withrow
Plantation near Sweet Spring,Missouri.
At dinner the evening before departure Elizabeth came close to being
rude for the first time since her arrival. Ella for her part nearly rolled on
the floor with laughter.
"Would I like Missouri" Mildred asked archly?"Would I like your home?"
Elizabeth chirped up and said tartly,"The Negroes would get you and
cut you to a million pieces."
As she was being removed from the table she said,"And it isn't just his
home I own half." "Isn't that right Todd?"
She crawled into Ellas' bed that night obviously feeling no disgrace. Ella
then got the second surprise of the evening. Elizabeth hugged her neck
and whispered,"Chris Larabee."
This time the trip was exciting. Ella and Todd made plans and took notes
of their ideas. They were coming across the country to a house that was
awaiting them. They had in their company five houseworkers including a
cook who was a skilled baker.
Plans were being made to build a small Chapel on the grounds of Withrow
as most of the help was Catholic and would need some religious support.
There would be no Negroes working on the Withrow Plantation for a long
time. Everyone who worked there would be on the payroll just like the
house in Philadelphia.
Ella was looking forward to the coming challenge. The threat of Mildred was
gone. The idea of her even coming for a visit was put down by Todd at
the train station. Ella could have kissed her cousin on the spot.
The front of the train was full of tattered soldiers making their way home.
They saw droves of Confederate soldiers walking toward what was left of their
own lives in the South.
When the train did make various station stops Ella saw Todd giving the
Southern men money, buying them food. They had a long walk home. Some
were afraid to go home being unsure what they would find.
St Louis.They changed from the train and became a very long wagon
train. There were carriages and beds in the wagons for the women to be
comfortable. It seemed to take forever to get to Jefferson City. They spent
the night there and then on toward Sweet Springs.
Thankfully the servants were taking this as an adventure instead of a
tiresome journey.
Ella and Todd were in the lead wagon when they came out of the woods,
topped the rise and could see Withrow in the distance. Ella felt tears
running down her cheeks as the brick house came into full view.
Todd squeezed her hand but had tears in his eyes also. He looked at
his cousin,"They can burn us out, but they can't keep us down." "I
wish Elizabeth was here."
Ella took his big hand in both of hers,"she'll come back, she'll come
home, she won't be able to stay away." She wanted to put her arms
around the big house and hug the brick and mortar. She felt like a person
who had been given a chance to set things right and was going to do her
best to restore it to its former glory. And the Gainesbourgh money was
right behind her.
The old Ella begins to sneak back into her personality.
Withrow Plantation
In some ways Ella felt she had come home. Workman hired by her
Father had cleared all remaining rubble. The walls and floors were up. The
stairway once again loomed high over thier heads.
There was still work to be done. As the wagons were unpacked the
lovely old house seemed to give a sigh of relief and come back to life. Of
cousre there were some empty spaces. But Ella knew over time they
would be filled in just by every day living.
The Irish staff refused to live in the slaves quarters. They had always
lived in the house and weren't sure there wasn't an insult in the air.
The third floor was made into servants quarters. There was still room
for attic storage at the opposite end.
Ella didin't argue with this. For herself she would rather not travel four
flights of steps ar night to get to the privy. And surely not carrying a
chamber pot.
They were endlessly busy. They found the chandelier over the staircase
could be lowered by pulleys in the attic for cleaning. Ella and the maids spent
an entire afternoon making the crystal sparkle.
Chris Larabee helped unload but his main souce of interest were the horses
brought from the east. They were a welcome addition to the stock. The
steers were put to pasture and homes were found for the new chickens in the
chicken coops.
Ella and Todd were assembling a large birdbath when Todd said,"oh,no,"
I hoped we would be spared some of this."
Ella followed his gaze and saw Negroes walking up the road obviously coming
to the front of the house. One was Daisy and the other was Bluebell. They were
both wearing dresses that belonged to her. They dared to approach the front
entrance!
She spoke to Lewis the tall Irish butler,"Send them around the back of the house,
I will see them in my office." She smiled to herself thinking that now she of all
people had an office.
The was a slight arguement at the front door then the two women stamping their feet
like children passed the office window.
Lewis brought them to her door. Ella was sitting at her desk and turned slightly. She
did not invite them to be seated.
She allowed her eyes to rake over them before speaking. "What may I do for you?"
Daisy stiffened her back,"we needs work."
"Surely you cannot think after what happened here that we would hire you?" "After
all of the death and bloodshed brought on by the slaves of this plantation, well I
don't know where you got the nerve to come here at all."
She refused to make comment on the gowns they were wearing. When you were
killing people, stealing and setting fires you should have thought about the day when
there would be no handout for you.." "You will leave this property immediately."
Ella had no raised her voice. The very quietness of that voice gave both Negro women
heartfelt fear. They left by the back entrance and Ella could see them on the road toward
town.
She rose from the desk and went to her room. She dressed in a white blouse and split
skirt riding habit. She planned to ride astride. She took one of the gun and the holster
her Father had bought and put it on. She used a long piece of rawhide to strap the gun down.
She called down the staircase to Lewis. He sent a small boy(son of one of the maids) running
to the barn. Gallant Night was to be saddled immediately. Mistress Ella was going riding.
Ella placed a long split coat over her clothing and buttoned it so the gun could not be
seen. She felt the old Ella slide into place in her soul as she walked from the house to the
stables.
One of the stablehands was holding Gallant Night for her. She greeted him pleasantly and
used the upping block to mount the big stallion. She rode quietly and peacefully from the
paddocks.
There was about a two and a half hour walk to town so she figured the women were about
thirty to forty-five minutes ahead of her. She could see the Taylor boys working in the
fields. They had been bushwhackers they would understand.
She spurred the big stallion to a full gallop. Pulling him to a quick halt after she had passed
the women.
"Did you think you would get away with it?" "Killing and burning my kin and my family home?"
Daisy sneered,"We's free and we do what we want, and we goes where we want."
Ella slowly un buttoned the duster and pulled the gun."Feel free to go to hell." She fired the
pistol four times never missing her mark.
The Taylor boys came running and looked first at the bodies and then at the woman holding
the gun. Gordon Taylor put his thumb on her lips and made the sign of the cross. Davey
did the same.
"We'll take care of this,"Davey said.
Not another words was spoken. The gun was back in its holster and within a half hour, after
a brisk ride in the fresh air. The Mistress in Residence of Withrow was home.
Withrow Plantation
In some ways Ella felt she had come home. Workman hired by her
Father had cleared all remaining rubble. The walls and floors were up. The
stairway once again loomed high over thier heads.
There was still work to be done. As the wagons were unpacked the
lovely old house seemed to give a sigh of relief and come back to life. Of
cousre there were some empty spaces. But Ella knew over time they
would be filled in just by every day living.
The Irish staff refused to live in the slaves quarters. They had always
lived in the house and weren't sure there wasn't an insult in the air.
The third floor was made into servants quarters. There was still room
for attic storage at the opposite end.
Ella didin't argue with this. For herself she would rather not travel four
flights of steps ar night to get to the privy. And surely not carrying a
chamber pot.
They were endlessly busy. They found the chandelier over the staircase
could be lowered by pulleys in the attic for cleaning. Ella and the maids spent
an entire afternoon making the crystal sparkle.
Chris Larabee helped unload but his main souce of interest were the horses
brought from the east. They were a welcome addition to the stock. The
steers were put to pasture and homes were found for the new chickens in the
chicken coops.
Ella and Todd were assembling a large birdbath when Todd said,"oh,no,"
I hoped we would be spared some of this."
Ella followed his gaze and saw Negroes walking up the road obviously coming
to the front of the house. One was Daisy and the other was Bluebell. They were
both wearing dresses that belonged to her. They dared to approach the front
entrance!
She spoke to Lewis the tall Irish butler,"Send them around the back of the house,
I will see them in my office." She smiled to herself thinking that now she of all
people had an office.
The was a slight arguement at the front door then the two women stamping their feet
like children passed the office window.
Lewis brought them to her door. Ella was sitting at her desk and turned slightly. She
did not invite them to be seated.
She allowed her eyes to rake over them before speaking. "What may I do for you?"
Daisy stiffened her back,"we needs work."
"Surely you cannot think after what happened here that we would hire you?" "After
all of the death and bloodshed brought on by the slaves of this plantation, well I
don't know where you got the nerve to come here at all."
She refused to make comment on the gowns they were wearing. When you were
killing people, stealing and setting fires you should have thought about the day when
there would be no handout for you.." "You will leave this property immediately."
Ella had no raised her voice. The very quietness of that voice gave both Negro women
heartfelt fear. They left by the back entrance and Ella could see them on the road toward
town.
She rose from the desk and went to her room. She dressed in a white blouse and split
skirt riding habit. She planned to ride astride. She took one of the gun and the holster
her Father had bought and put it on. She used a long piece of rawhide to strap the gun down.
She called down the staircase to Lewis. He sent a small boy(son of one of the maids) running
to the barn. Gallant Night was to be saddled immediately. Mistress Ella was going riding.
Ella placed a long split coat over her clothing and buttoned it so the gun could not be
seen. She felt the old Ella slide into place in her soul as she walked from the house to the
stables.
One of the stablehands was holding Gallant Night for her. She greeted him pleasantly and
used the upping block to mount the big stallion. She rode quietly and peacefully from the
paddocks.
There was about a two and a half hour walk to town so she figured the women were about
thirty to forty-five minutes ahead of her. She could see the Taylor boys working in the
fields. They had been bushwhackers they would understand.
She spurred the big stallion to a full gallop. Pulling him to a quick halt after she had passed
the women.
"Did you think you would get away with it?" "Killing and burning my kin and my family home?"
Daisy sneered,"We's free and we do what we want, and we goes where we want."
Ella slowly un buttoned the duster and pulled the gun."Feel free to go to hell." She fired the
pistol four times never missing her mark.
The Taylor boys came running and looked first at the bodies and then at the woman holding
the gun. Gordon Taylor put his thumb on her lips and made the sign of the cross. Davey
did the same.
"We'll take care of this,"Davey said.
Not another words was spoken. The gun was back in its holster and within a half hour, after
a brisk ride in the fresh air. The Mistress in Residence of Withrow was home.
Withrow Plantation
In some ways Ella felt she had come home. Workman hired by her
Father had cleared all remaining rubble. The walls and floors were up. The
stairway once again loomed high over thier heads.
There was still work to be done. As the wagons were unpacked the
lovely old house seemed to give a sigh of relief and come back to life. Of
cousre there were some empty spaces. But Ella knew over time they
would be filled in just by every day living.
The Irish staff refused to live in the slaves quarters. They had always
lived in the house and weren't sure there wasn't an insult in the air.
The third floor was made into servants quarters. There was still room
for attic storage at the opposite end.
Ella didin't argue with this. For herself she would rather not travel four
flights of steps ar night to get to the privy. And surely not carrying a
chamber pot.
They were endlessly busy. They found the chandelier over the staircase
could be lowered by pulleys in the attic for cleaning. Ella and the maids spent
an entire afternoon making the crystal sparkle.
Chris Larabee helped unload but his main souce of interest were the horses
brought from the east. They were a welcome addition to the stock. The
steers were put to pasture and homes were found for the new chickens in the
chicken coops.
Ella and Todd were assembling a large birdbath when Todd said,"oh,no,"
I hoped we would be spared some of this."
Ella followed his gaze and saw Negroes walking up the road obviously coming
to the front of the house. One was Daisy and the other was Bluebell. They were
both wearing dresses that belonged to her. They dared to approach the front
entrance!
She spoke to Lewis the tall Irish butler,"Send them around the back of the house,
I will see them in my office." She smiled to herself thinking that now she of all
people had an office.
The was a slight arguement at the front door then the two women stamping their feet
like children passed the office window.
Lewis brought them to her door. Ella was sitting at her desk and turned slightly. She
did not invite them to be seated.
She allowed her eyes to rake over them before speaking. "What may I do for you?"
Daisy stiffened her back,"we needs work."
"Surely you cannot think after what happened here that we would hire you?" "After
all of the death and bloodshed brought on by the slaves of this plantation, well I
don't know where you got the nerve to come here at all."
She refused to make comment on the gowns they were wearing. When you were
killing people, stealing and setting fires you should have thought about the day when
there would be no handout for you.." "You will leave this property immediately."
Ella had no raised her voice. The very quietness of that voice gave both Negro women
heartfelt fear. They left by the back entrance and Ella could see them on the road toward
town.
She rose from the desk and went to her room. She dressed in a white blouse and split
skirt riding habit. She planned to ride astride. She took one of the gun and the holster
her Father had bought and put it on. She used a long piece of rawhide to strap the gun down.
She called down the staircase to Lewis. He sent a small boy(son of one of the maids) running
to the barn. Gallant Night was to be saddled immediately. Mistress Ella was going riding.
Ella placed a long split coat over her clothing and buttoned it so the gun could not be
seen. She felt the old Ella slide into place in her soul as she walked from the house to the
stables.
One of the stablehands was holding Gallant Night for her. She greeted him pleasantly and
used the upping block to mount the big stallion. She rode quietly and peacefully from the
paddocks.
There was about a two and a half hour walk to town so she figured the women were about
thirty to forty-five minutes ahead of her. She could see the Taylor boys working in the
fields. They had been bushwhackers they would understand.
She spurred the big stallion to a full gallop. Pulling him to a quick halt after she had passed
the women.
"Did you think you would get away with it?" "Killing and burning my kin and my family home?"
Daisy sneered,"We's free and we do what we want, and we goes where we want."
Ella slowly un buttoned the duster and pulled the gun."Feel free to go to hell." She fired the
pistol four times never missing her mark.
The Taylor boys came running and looked first at the bodies and then at the woman holding
the gun. Gordon Taylor put his thumb on her lips and made the sign of the
cross. Davey
did the same.
"We'll take care of this,"Davey said.
Not another words was spoken. The gun was back in its holster and within a half hour, after
a brisk ride in the fresh air. The Mistress in Residence of Withrow was home.
Ella finds that getting a ruined Plantation on its feet takes more than paint, hammer and nails.
The old Ella returns-to her own dismay.
Homecomings and Visitors
Tood Withrow was in his office when Lewis, the Butler informed him
of the presence of two officers in the foyer.
Overhearing Ella joined her cousin in the office and sat in chair near him.
Both rose as the Army Officers entered the room. "Todd Withrow," he
said extending his hand,"and my cousin Ella from Philadelphia.
The two soldiers were offered seats which they accepted and cold drinks
which they declined. Both were surveying the cousins with interest. The
senior officer spoke first.
"There are two young Negro women missing. We understand they came here
looking for work."
Ella and Todd both nodded.
"They never returned to town." "Have you any idea what may have happened?"
Ella spoke"I interviewed them in the office." "I made sure they understood that
because they were both actively part of the slave uprising and murders that took
place here-well I could never hire them to return to the plantation."
"It's a souce of interest to us that this plantation is doing so well so soon while
other struggle."
It was Todds' turn to answer,"I will be ever thankful to my Uncle, Charles
Gainesbourgh of Gainesbourgh Textiles for his generosity." "He is of course the Father
of my lovely cousin." "My cousin was here at the time of the bloody uprising and
my dear sister is still in Philadelphia at the Gainesbourgh residence recovering
for her experiences on that terrible night."
"Did you see the two women leave?"
"Yes, of course,"answered Ella, "they left from the rear door of the house." "I walked
them there myself."
'Don't let us take any more of your time." "We mean to get to the bottom of this."
"People don't just walk off the face of the earth."
"No, I assure you they do not",answered Todd. "Let us know if we can assist you in
any way."
Lewis rapped politely on the frame of Ella's office door. He handed her a handful of
letters and departed.
The first letter she opened was from Philadelphia and announced plans for a coming
visit. Her Mother had been in touch with her sister Isabelle in New Orleans and her eldest
sister Nora in San Francisco. Both were making plans to converge on the plantation for
a month long visit.
Ella ran to find Todd. He had never met all of his Mothers sisters. But the best part,
Elizabeth was coming home.
Time often flew and at other times was terribly slow. The house was always in order and
ready for visitors. It would stretch it's arms and shelter as many as needed comfort. Most of
them were wondering how Isabelle had managed to weather the war. She was made a widow
almost as soon as it began. But she was always a spunky little woman and could make do as
well as anybody.
Todd insisted Ella write Isabelle offering Withrow as her permanent home.She knew horses as
well as most men. Her own horses were the toast of New Orleans before the war.
It was like old times. Everyone busy, getting the house ready, putting up food, butchering and
setting the flower garden to rights. Even Ella noticed the absence of soft Negro voices but decided
it would be quite a while before things changed here.
Aunt Isabelle had been begged not to bring black house servants with her. She found it easy to
comply since she no longer had black house servants.
Nora and Nathan had Chinese house staff in San Francisco. They should be arriving first
if all went according to plan. Ella found a profound comfort in knowing her entire family was
in movement and coming toward her. The idea of the house being full of family filled her with joy.
There was one fly in the ointment. Chris Larabee. He still treated her with the upmost respect.
He showed no signs of interest beyond receiving orders or polite conversation. He had even taken an
interest in a young girl from the Taylor Farm. Well, there was no time to ponder this now.
It seemed they all arrived at once. Of course they didn't, but one couldn't seem to get enough time
with any one person before someone else came and needed attention.
The house now lost it's bare impersonal look. Family portraits came and were hung everywhere.
An oil of the four sisters, Edwina, Isabelle,Nora and Rebecca now hung place of honour over
the main fireplace.
Rebecca and Ella hardly had time for a long awaited talk on the veranda when they were joined
by Nora and Uncle Nathan.
Isabelle had indeed come to stay. She was up with her horses every morning. She rode astride
wearing mens' trousers cut to fit her slim figure. She often stood in the stirrups a cheroot clenched
in her teeth as she put her horse through his paces. She had been there a week and was already
the talk of the neighborhood. She adored Chris Larabee and he admired her for her grace and
style yet firmness with the horses.
But the absolute best was that Elizabeth was home. The true Mistress of Withrow had finally
arrived to take her rightful place. She had all manner of teachers.
Withrow was a horse farm now. It had made a name for itself and already had a contract with
the US ARMY.
Todd was thinking seriously of building a race track on the property. He and Chris Larabee had
many discussions regarding this idea. At Withrow people dared to dream again.
Nothing would do but a huge party,a barbecue, the likes of which hadn't been seen since the
night of the slave uprising.
The house groaned with guests. since all of the sisters had brought their own servants little
extra help was needed in the kitchen. People were invited from as far away as Lawrence,KS.
Ella watched as Chris danced with Katie Taylor and brought her punch. She herself had no
lack of partners. She noticed as the last sleepy child was carried off, and the last bit of food
sent home with a guest-Chris walked Katie home.
It screamed in her mind"Chris walked Katie home!" "Chris walked Katie home!" She went to
her own room and watched as everyone went their separate ways. The entire house was finally
quiet and Chris had still not come home.
She changed to her dressing gown. Even if she encountered someone they would think she
was on her way to use the privy. No one questioned when the lady of the house was up
and about. Somewhat like the Master of a Ship-she could be going anywhere.
Keeping to the shadows she slipped along the old refurbished slave quarters until she
reached the one closest to the barn belonging to Chris Larabee. She went through the
open door, slipped off her dressing gown and got into his bed.
It was almost one half hour before she heard him whistling softly as he made his way
to his quarters. He undressed in the dark and got into his bed.
There he got the shock of his life, and part of it had its hand between his legs! He jumped
out of bed as if snake bit. He hurriedly put his clothes on."Miss Ella,"he said firmly,
"if you have decided to stay here, I will stay in the barn."
The slap she gave him across the face only made him shake his head and walk away
faster.
She got into her dressing gown and returned to her room. She didn't sleep a wink with
worry. What a foolish thing to do! Had she gone crazy? Would Chris approach Todd
with this incident?
As the days passed and she heard nothing she relaxed. Nora and Nathan were making
plans to return to San Francisco. Rebecca and Charles would be leaving to go back
East at about the same time. Isabelle of course would stay on.
Ella decided to go as far as St Louis with her parents. They had had such a good
visit she hated to let them go. She would stay in St. Louis two or three weeks and have
some gowns made before returning to Withrow.
When she did finally get home Todd would not look her in the eye. And Chris Larabee
was gone.
Homecomings and Visitors
Tood Withrow was in his office when Lewis, the Butler informed him
of the presence of two officers in the foyer.
Overhearing Ella joined her cousin in the office and sat in chair near him.
Both rose as the Army Officers entered the room. "Todd Withrow," he
said extending his hand,"and my cousin Ella from Philadelphia.
The two soldiers were offered seats which they accepted and cold drinks
which they declined. Both were surveying the cousins with interest. The
senior officer spoke first.
"There are two young Negro women missing. We understand they came here
looking for work."
Ella and Todd both nodded.
"They never returned to town." "Have you any idea what may have happened?"
Ella spoke"I interviewed them in the office." "I made sure they understood that
because they were both actively part of the slave uprising and murders that took
place here-well I could never hire them to return to the plantation."
"It's a souce of interest to us that this plantation is doing so well so soon while
other struggle."
It was Todds' turn to answer,"I will be ever thankful to my Uncle, Charles
Gainesbourgh of Gainesbourgh Textiles for his generosity." "He is of course the Father
of my lovely cousin." "My cousin was here at the time of the bloody uprising and
my dear sister is still in Philadelphia at the Gainesbourgh residence recovering
for her experiences on that terrible night."
"Did you see the two women leave?"
"Yes, of course,"answered Ella, "they left from the rear door of the house." "I walked
them there myself."
'Don't let us take any more of your time." "We mean to get to the bottom of this."
"People don't just walk off the face of the earth."
"No, I assure you they do not",answered Todd. "Let us know if we can assist you in
any way."
Lewis rapped politely on the frame of Ella's office door. He handed her a handful of
letters and departed.
The first letter she opened was from Philadelphia and announced plans for a coming
visit. Her Mother had been in touch with her sister Isabelle in New Orleans and her eldest
sister Nora in San Francisco. Both were making plans to converge on the plantation for
a month long visit.
Ella ran to find Todd. He had never met all of his Mothers sisters. But the best part,
Elizabeth was coming home.
Time often flew and at other times was terrible slow. The house was always in order and
ready for visitors. It would stretch it's arms and shelter as many as needed comfort. Most of
them were wondering how Isabelle had managed to weather the war. She was made a widow
almost as soon as it began. But she was always a spunky little woman and could make do as
well as anybody.
Todd insisted Ella write Isabelle offering Withrow as her permanent home.She knew horses as
well as most men. Her own horses were the toast of New Orleans before the war.
It was like old times. Everyone busy, getting the house ready, putting up food, butchering and
setting the flower garden to rights. Even Ella noticed the absence of soft Negro voices but decided
it would be quite a while before things changed here.
Aunt Isabelle had been begged not to bring black house servants with her. She found it easy to
comply since she no longer had black house servants.
Nora and Nathan had Chinese house staff in San Francisco. They should be arriving first
if all went according to plan. Ella found a profound comfort in knowing her entire family was
in movement and coming toward her. The idea of the house being full of family filled her with joy.
There was one fly in the ointment. Chris Larabee. He still treated her with the upmost respect.
He showed no signs of interest beyond receiving orders or polite conversation. He had even taken an
interest in a young girl from the Taylor Farm. Well, there was no time to ponder this now.
It seemed they all arrived at once. Of course they didn't, but one couldn't seem to get enough time
with any one person before someone else came and needed attention.
The house now lost it's bare impersonal look. Family portraits came and were hung everywhere.
An oil of the four sisters, Edwina, Isabelle,Nora and Rebecca now hung place of honour over
the main fireplace.
Rebecca and Ella hardly had time for a long awaited talk on the veranda when they were joined
by Nora and Uncle Nathan.
Isabelle had indeed come to stay. She was up with her horses every morning. She rode astride
wearing mens' trousers cut to fit her slim figure. She often stood in the stirrups a cheroot clenched
in her teeth as she put her horse through his paces. She had been there a week and was already
the talk of the neighborhood. She adored Chris Larabee and he admired her for her grace and
style yet firmness with the horses.
But the absolute best was that Elizabeth was home. The true Mistress of Withrow had finally
arrived to take her rightful place. She had all manner of teachers.
Withrow was a horse farm now. It had made a name for itself and already had a contract with
the US ARMY.
Todd was thinking seriously of building a race track on the property. He and Chris Larabee had
many discussions regarding this idea. At Withrow people dared to dream again.
Nothing would do but a huge party,a barbecue, the likes of which hadn't been seen since the
night of the slave uprising.
The house groaned with guests. since all of the sisters had brought their own servants little
extra help was needed in the kitchen. People were invited from as far away as Lawrence,KS.
Ella watched as Chris danced with Katie Taylor and brought her punch. She herself had no
lack of partners. She noticed as the last sleepy child was carried off, and the last bit of food
sent home with a guest-Chris walked Katie home.
It screamed in her mind"Chris walked Katie home!" "Chris walked Katie home!" She went to
her own room and watched as everyone went their separate ways. The entire house was finally
quiet and Chris had still not come home.
She changed to her dressing gown. Even if she encountered someone they would think she
was on her way to use the privy. No one questioned when the lady of the house was up
and about. Somewhat like the Master of a Ship-she could be going anywhere.
Keeping to the shadows she slipped along the old refurbished slave quarters until she
reached the one closest to the barn belonging to Chris Larabee. She went through the
open door, slipped off her dressing gown and got into his bed.
It was almost one half hour before she heard him whistling softly as he made his way
to his quarters. He undressed in the dark and got into his bed.
There he got the shock of his life, and part of it had its hand between his legs! He jumped
out of bed as if snake bit. He hurriedly put his clothes on."Miss Ella,"he said firmly,
"if you have decided to stay here, I will stay in the barn."
The slap she gave him across the face only made him shake his head and walk away
faster.
She got into her dressing gown and returned to her room. She didn't sleep a wink with
worry. What a foolish thing to do! Had she gone crazy? Would Chris approach Todd
with this incident?
As the days passed and she heard nothing she relaxed. Nora and Nathan were making
plans to return to San Francisco. Rebecca and Charles would be leaving to go back
East at about the same time. Isabelle of course would stay on.
Ella decided to go as far as St Louis with her parents. They had had such a good
visit she hated to let them go. She would stay in St. Louis two or three weeks and have
some gowns made before returning to Withrow.
When she did finally get home Todd would not look her in the eye. And Chris Larabee
was gone.
Homecomings and Visitors
Tood Withrow was in his office when Lewis, the Butler informed him
of the presence of two officers in the foyer.
Overhearing Ella joined her cousin in the office and sat in chair near him.
Both rose as the Army Officers entered the room. "Todd Withrow," he
said extending his hand,"and my cousin Ella from Philadelphia.
The two soldiers were offered seats which they accepted and cold drinks
which they declined. Both were surveying the cousins with interest. The
senior officer spoke first.
"There are two young Negro women missing. We understand they came here
looking for work."
Ella and Todd both nodded.
"They never returned to town." "Have you any idea what may have happened?"
Ella spoke"I interviewed them in the office." "I made sure they understood that
because they were both actively part of the slave uprising and murders that took
place here-well I could never hire them to return to the plantation."
"It's a souce of interest to us that this plantation is doing so well so soon while
other struggle."
It was Todds' turn to answer,"I will be ever thankful to my Uncle, Charles
Gainesbourgh of Gainesbourgh Textiles for his generosity." "He is of course the Father
of my lovely cousin." "My cousin was here at the time of the bloody uprising and
my dear sister is still in Philadelphia at the Gainesbourgh residence recovering
for her experiences on that terrible night."
"Did you see the two women leave?"
"Yes, of course,"answered Ella, "they left from the rear door of the house." "I walked
them there myself."
'Don't let us take any more of your time." "We mean to get to the bottom of this."
"People don't just walk off the face of the earth."
"No, I assure you they do not",answered Todd. "Let us know if we can assist you in
any way."
Lewis rapped politely on the frame of Ella's office door. He handed her a handful of
letters and departed.
The first letter she opened was from Philadelphia and announced plans for a coming
visit. Her Mother had been in touch with her sister Isabelle in New Orleans and her eldest
sister Nora in San Francisco. Both were making plans to converge on the plantation for
a month long visit.
Ella ran to find Todd. He had never met all of his Mothers sisters. But the best part,
Elizabeth was coming home.
Time often flew and at other times was terrible slow. The house was always in order and
ready for visitors. It would stretch it's arms and shelter as many as needed comfort. Most of
them were wondering how Isabelle had managed to weather the war. She was made a widow
almost as soon as it began. But she was always a spunky little woman and could make do as
well as anybody.
Todd insisted Ella write Isabelle offering Withrow as her permanent home.She knew horses as
well as most men. Her own horses were the toast of New Orleans before the war.
It was like old times. Everyone busy, getting the house ready, putting up food, butchering and
setting the flower garden to rights. Even Ella noticed the absence of soft Negro voices but decided
it would be quite a while before things changed here.
Aunt Isabelle had been begged not to bring black house servants with her. She found it easy to
comply since she no longer had black house servants.
Nora and Nathan had Chinese house staff in San Francisco. They should be arriving first
if all went according to plan. Ella found a profound comfort in knowing her entire family was
in movement and coming toward her. The idea of the house being full of family filled her with joy.
There was one fly in the ointment. Chris Larabee. He still treated her with the upmost respect.
He showed no signs of interest beyond receiving orders or polite conversation. He had even taken an
interest in a young girl from the Taylor Farm. Well, there was no time to ponder this now.
It seemed they all arrived at once. Of course they didn't, but one couldn't seem to get enough time
with any one person before someone else came and needed attention.
The house now lost it's bare impersonal look. Family portraits came and were hung everywhere.
An oil of the four sisters, Edwina, Isabelle,Nora and Rebecca now hung place of honour over
the main fireplace.
Rebecca and Ella hardly had time for a long awaited talk on the veranda when they were joined
by Nora and Uncle Nathan.
Isabelle had indeed come to stay. She was up with her horses every morning. She rode astride
wearing mens' trousers cut to fit her slim figure. She often stood in the stirrups a cheroot clenched
in her teeth as she put her horse through his paces. She had been there a week and was already
the talk of the neighborhood. She adored Chris Larabee and he admired her for her grace and
style yet firmness with the horses.
But the absolute best was that Elizabeth was home. The true Mistress of Withrow had finally
arrived to take her rightful place. She had all manner of teachers.
Withrow was a horse farm now. It had made a name for itself and already had a contract with
the US ARMY.
Todd was thinking seriously of building a race track on the property. He and Chris Larabee had
many discussions regarding this idea. At Withrow people dared to dream again.
Nothing would do but a huge party,a barbecue, the likes of which hadn't been seen since the
night of the slave uprising.
The house groaned with guests. since all of the sisters had brought their own servants little
extra help was needed in the kitchen. People were invited from as far away as Lawrence,KS.
Ella watched as Chris danced with Katie Taylor and brought her punch. She herself had no
lack of partners. She noticed as the last sleepy child was carried off, and the last bit of food
sent home with a guest-Chris walked Katie home.
It screamed in her mind"Chris walked Katie home!" "Chris walked Katie home!" She went to
her own room and watched as everyone went their separate ways. The entire house was finally
quiet and Chris had still not come home.
She changed to her dressing gown. Even if she encountered someone they would think she
was on her way to use the privy. No one questioned when the lady of the house was up
and about. Somewhat like the Master of a Ship-she could be going anywhere.
Keeping to the shadows she slipped along the old refurbished slave quarters until she
reached the one closest to the barn belonging to Chris Larabee. She went through the
open door, slipped off her dressing gown and got into his bed.
It was almost one half hour before she heard him whistling softly as he made his way
to his quarters. He undressed in the dark and got into his bed.
There he got the shock of his life, and part of it had its hand between his legs! He jumped
out of bed as if snake bit. He hurriedly put his clothes on."Miss Ella,"he said firmly,
"if you have decided to stay here, I will stay in the barn."
The slap she gave him across the face only made him shake his head and walk away
faster.
She got into her dressing gown and returned to her room. She didn't sleep a wink with
worry. What a foolish thing to do! Had she gone crazy? Would Chris approach Todd
with this incident?
As the days passed and she heard nothing she relaxed. Nora and Nathan were making
plans to return to San Francisco. Rebecca and Charles would be leaving to go back
East at about the same time. Isabelle of course would stay on.
Ella decided to go as far as St Louis with her parents. They had had such a good
visit she hated to let them go. She would stay in St. Louis two or three weeks and have
some gowns made before returning to Withrow.
When she did finally get home Todd would not look her in the eye. And Chris Larabee
was gone.
This is the end of Ella pre-Chris story. At this point they have not yet had a relationship. That is all coming in their future.