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."