Sweet Saturday Samples - October 12, 2013

Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. In this tidbit from my work-in-progress, Gone For a Soldier, mother Julia Owen and her daughters have been working on a surprise for eldest son, Rulon. Enjoy!
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When Rulon came into the house at noon for dinner, Julia had been so intent upon the project she was doing with the girls that she was caught at what had remained a secret for some days.

"Ma," he said, his rising voice reflecting his surprise.

She stood and tried to put the work in her lap off to the side where he could not view it, but knew he had seen what they were up to. Marie had similarly shoved worsted material down on the floor beside her, but Julianna wasn't so wise, and only froze with her needle caught in grey fabric.

"Is that a uniform? I haven't even heard back yet from Captain Yancey. Why would you--"

"The answer is 'yes,' and it doesn't matter if you go with the Harrisonburg Troop or some other company. I reckon you're a-goin', and we have to put the best shine on the matter." She knew she sounded a bit defensive, but couldn't help defending her action in preparing a proper send-off for her first born. "I know you are set on bein' a cavalryman in this tussle, so you'll go as the fine-lookin' son of Roderick Owen of Shenandoah County, with a grand new suit of clothes, even if it is a uniform." She stood as straight as she could, hoping she didn't dissolve into tears and shame herself.

"We're beholden to Miss Mary for keeping silent about the material your ma purchased," Rod said from behind Rulon. "It was difficult for Randolph Hilbrands to find the braid, but he persevered, and found it in a shop down to Richmond." He walked over and held up the decorative sleeve resting in Julianna's lap. "The outfit will serve you well, wherever you end up."

The other boys crowded into the room behind Rulon, who stood slack-jawed, half-blocking the doorway.

Ben crossed over behind Marie and picked up the pants she had been working on. "Ha! A gold stripe down the leg? This is too fine for you, Rule. The Yankees will think you're an officer and shoot you on sight."

Rod swung around, saying, "That's enough, Benjamin."
~~~

With all the work of managing a household in this time period, I imagine it must have been difficult, not only to find the time for doing extra labor, but for keeping it a secret from other family members, as well.

I hope you enjoyed this sample from my work-in-progress, Gone For a Soldier, set during the American Civil War. Thank you for visiting. I love to read your comments, so if anything in the sample compels you to speak up, rest assured that I eventually read what you write and will reply, if needed. Questions? I'm open to them, too.

Please come back next Saturday for another sample. Thank you!