Blogging A-Z M Is For Mistress
Jeb Stuart was well known for his audacious raids. In one raid they captured quite a bit of gear from a Union camp, including a trunk belonging to a Union captain. Later, he decided to sit down with his setters Nip and Tuck and go through the trunk. Inside, he found some interesting letters. Aside from adding my character, Baron Callahan, this is what happened.
Lord above. No, this was no sister. Callahan’s face heated. “For God’s sake, Beauty. Have you read this?”
Stuart laughed. “Not that one, but I’ve read several from Katie. Captain Morgan’s mistress is quite colorful and explicit in her passionate missives.”
“What are you going to do with them?” For himself, as guilty as he felt about peering in the woman’s lovemaking, he continued reading, unable to stop himself.
“Oh, I’ll finish reading them all. Captain Morgan liked to brag about how important he is and divulged all manner of operations to his wife and lover. We may be able to find some useful information. After that, I will do what any honorable man would do.”
Callahan replaced the letter and reached for another from the wife. “I’m not even sure what an honorable man would do in this case. Probably not read such intimate letters.”
Stuart laughed again. Callahan seldom saw his colonel without a silly grin, but this genuinely amused him. He returned to his chair with Nip on his heels. “Call, I intend to return Captain Morgan’s letters to his loving wife just as soon as we have gleaned all we can from them. All of them. I would guess the captain won’t be applying for a Christmas leave.”
“After his wife reads these letters the Yanks may be short one captain.”
Stuart reached for another letter from the red-ribboned bundle. “That’s entirely possible. I envision lots of fireworks in the Morgan household. Let that be a lesson, Call. Be true to your lady love or failing that, take up an illiterate mistress.”
Stuart did the honorable thing and returned all the letters to the captain’s wife. No word was heard on the captain’s fate.
I’m surprised such letters weren’t destroyed. Very dangerous to keep around. Nice story clip, Julie. 🙂
Colin,
Well, Morgan was at war and lonely. I’m sure he enjoyed reading the letters from his wife and his mistress. He surely didn’t plan on his wife getting them.
Thanks so much for reading.
What a great story, Julie! I read it like I read a suspense novel, wondering what Stuart would end up doing with the letters…
How is Cody doing, my dear? I didn’t forget about him. Or about you! <3
Lilac,
Oh, Stuart surely did bundle them all up and send them home to the loving Mrs. Morgan. Stuart enjoyed the attention of the ladies, but I think he really was quite devoted to his wife and children. However, I think he sent the letters more as prank on the captain, than any moral high ground.
Cody is trucking along. He’s still fighting with the trucking company about medical bills. It’s going to be a long drawn out process. At least he knows now the next time to make sure when they say they have workmans comp they actually have it.
So good to see you back again. How are you doing?!
Julie,
Thank you so much for asking, my dear. I’m doing great, and I’m trying to write more on a daily basis, as well as hone my query and synopsis. You seem to get a lot done, and you are such a brilliant writer, you inspire me!
Good to know that Cody is trucking along. I’m sorry he still has to fight with the trucking company about medical bills. That’s outrageous!
I hope that they will take responsibility and pay the bills ASAP. Sending many blessings his way. And yours. <3
Lilac,
Please keep me posted on how the query process goes. I’m thrilled you are so close. Keep writing daily. It’s the only way to get there.
Cody had to hire a lawyer, so we’ll see how it goes. Thank you for the blessings, they are gratefully received.
Oh wow!!! I can just imagine his wife’s initial delight at receiving the letters… how much more then, the shock of discovery! How awful for her…
As usual, beautiful storytelling, Julie 🙂
Ceridwyn,
Can you imagine the fury in that house? Stuart did mention there would be fireworks and I imagine there was. Thank you so much for your kind words and for stopping by.
As writers, it’s our job to imagine such scenes, yes? 🙂
And you’re more than welcome. I wish time permitted and I could come read each day! I learn so much from you all; and I’m SO glad I found the Reef, seeing as it’s inhabited by such inspirational people!
Juicy. Really great stuff. While funny, poor captain’s wife. Julie, this is really amazing stuff.
Elise,
Thank you. I laughed when I read that bit in the memoir. Poor captain’s wife, indeed, though.
I feel sorry for the Captain’s wife.. 🙁
Anyways..congrats on completing half way through the challenge :)!!!
All the best for the remaining Challenge:) Looking forward to read your posts during April.
Stopping by today as part of the #AtoZChallenge Minion Activity 🙂
@sneha_sasi from
Life As a Potpourri
Am a Minion for Holton’s Heroes