## Eliza- Reunions FINISHED

Post by AlexUSA » Sun Jul 26, 2015 5:14 pm

Now let me introduce you to the story "Eliza." This the story of Elizabeth Wadsworth "Eliza" Masterson, her sister Faith Andrews Masterson, and their two friends, Ursula and Carolina "Carrie" Hollingsworth. They were ordinary Southern bells in the post-Civil War era. They are kidnapped and become farmers' wives in Kansas where they find happiness and sorrow.
This story will depict acts of violence, including murder, and forced bondage torture beyond ordinary consenting bondage. Bondage will be in short detailed bursts with the possibility of large chunks of material without bondage. The themes of hardship, death, feminism (in its 19th century form), religion, and bondage all work together to achieve a conclusion that brings happiness.
Large chunks of time may be skipped, and other short periods will be dragged out for long periods. The story strives to bring justice to wrong, but the pains of 19th century will also be apparent. It will all blend, however, in a conclusion I hope you all enjoy.
Last edited by AlexUSA on Mon Aug 31, 2015 5:33 pm, edited 9 times in total.
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Eliza- Dramatis Personae

Post by AlexUSA » Mon Jul 27, 2015 5:47 pm

Elizabeth Wadsworth "Eliza" Masterson- A strong-minded Southern belle. She is unafraid of taking control of a situation. She embodies the spirit of early feminism in many ways. Her strength drives the plot more than any other factor. She is a deep person who hides her true feelings except when she wants to show them.
Faith Andrews Masterson- Eliza's 17-year old younger sister. Faith lives up to her name in silence. She is strong herself but not as vocal. She helps return sanity when things get out of control. She will not take flack from anyone though. Her kind are the ones behind the scenes actually driving the activity through their labor.
Ursula Hollingsworth- A brat. She is rich and wants everyone to know she is. She is borderline incompetent and unprepared for the frontier life.
Caroline "Carrie" Hollingsworth- Ursula's 16-year old sister (at the start). She is timid and soft. These weaknesses cause her great grief.
Joseph Carter- A man mystery. Fought in the Civil War. All rumors surround him: that he is a thief, a medicine man, a preacher, a cowboy, and even a scallawag. He will do anything to protect the woman he loves. And her family is his family just the same. A feared marksman
Edward Clay- Joseph's right hand man. An honest man who defends honor. He is a man with nothing to hide, for he has good repute with all. He is a journeyman, too, and decided to travel with Joseph. A good marksman, but not like Joseph.
Robert Clay- An outlaw, per legends. He allegedly deserted his post during the war and had to leave the North for good. However, this changed him, and he became a man seeking happiness in the rural life of the South. He is the man of craft, building, and repairing. He is the force that keeps things going when ingenuity is needed.
Jonathan Shelburn- A womanizer. He is ruthless, selfish, and a thief. He gives his colleagues a bad reputation, but he stays for the protection. He is the cause of many problems
George Washington Masterson- Eliza and Faith's father. He will protect
his daughters at a costs, especially from that "damned Carter gang."
Matilda Andrews Masterson- The mother and instiller of the daughters. She has given the girls her high sense of the sanctity of life. From her they gain faith to seek the path that works best for them.
Florence Masterson- Was a slave in Virginia. Moved South after the war. She instills in the Masterson girls her strength, hope, and faith in anticipation of happiness. She was the girl's nanny and the only house servant, but she is more like a 2nd mother. Without her influence death sould be inevitable.
The U.S. Marshal- the man who keeps the peace
Settings:
Atlanta, GA- Where the story begins
Dodge City, KS- Where most of the story happens. Here we see sorrow, death, triumph, and all other emotions take place.
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Re: Eliza- Dramatis Personae

Post by meinaru » Mon Jul 27, 2015 7:17 pm

Sounds interesting.

### Eliza- The Threat

Post by AlexUSA » Sat Aug 01, 2015 5:41 pm

"Come now. You musn't jest like that!" George Washington Masterson warned his daughters.
"Yes, Father," Eliza replied hanging her head in shame.
Their father was a strict Methodist and wanted his girls to behave properly. They knew his heart was in the right place, and he had taken out the family Bible enough times. They knew better and strove to be better and please their father whilst maintaining their youthful attitudes.
"Your father is very protective," Ursula Hollingsworth responded.
"He is only doing what is right," Faith responded as she sipped her tea.
"I wouldn't know. My father is fully non-chalant. His concerns are not in child-rearing."
"Well I am quite the strong-willed young lady myself!"
"You must stop being so forward-minded. Are you going to teach others of the suffrage you so desire?"
"Strength in character does diminish my femininity."
"I hear something," Carrie Hollingsworth interrupted the brewing argument.
"It is horses," Faith observed.
"It must Joseph Carter and his boys!" Eliza reasoned.
"They definitely ride like them!" Ursula cried out.
The thunderous roar of the horses drew closer until they stopped in front of the house. The riders dismounted and approached the girls but staying a distance away.
"Good afternoon. I hope we are not interrupting you," Joseph Carter greeted.
"Not at all. We are just relaxing," Eliza said with a smile.
"I would like to thank you for a lovely time at the country dance."
"Thank you, Mr. Carter, for being such a gentleman."
"Well hello," Jonathan Shelburn said as he walked closer to the Hollingsworth sisters.
"Shelburn!" Edward Clay warned.
"Mind yourself."
"Shelburn!" Joseph said and pushing Jonathan away. "Act like a man!"
"Don't you learn nothing, boy?" Robert Clay said sternly.
"My apologies. He is a but a boy in need of a good influence."
"We forgive his impetuous behavior," Eliza assured.
"How does such a boy stay with such gentlemen?" Ursula questioned.
"Joseph Carter, what are you doing?"
"I am here to ask for your daughter's hand in courtship, Mr. Masterson."
"Git outta here! I will not have my daugher with a scallawag! All of you of you leave before I call the sherriff!" and he stormed inside the house.
"Joseph, sometimes I wish you and your boys would just steal us away from here."
"I am sorry if I caused you any trouble. Good day."
With this, he tipped his hat and left. Soon, there was nothing left but dust from the horses. George Masterson came back out.
"My daughter, quit thinking about that man! All of you should. No decent girl will marry a criminal!"
"Yes, Father," Faith said.
"Come inside. You girls will have to leave."
"Yes, Mr. Masterson!" they said and left.
"Girls, you realize the dangers in such men. Now there are some good men who love the Lord beyond going to church; only such will I allow."
"But of course," Eliza said softly, accepting defeat.
Later that evening, Florence spoke with the girls.
"Your father is only protecting you. He sees men for the outside and what others say, because he respects their opinions."
"But why must he be so objecting. Mr. Carter has proven to be a true gentleman."
"Don't give up, Eliza!" Faith said, "Maybe someday."
"Someday can be any day. Why I constantly hoped for relief. I prayed and prayed hopin' God would hear, and one day Union soldiers come and freed me. What a day that was!"
"But if father marries me off. I think that is what tomorrow's party is
... to engage me to Thomas Wilson."
"Never give up. I didn't, and I near died waitin'."
"With God all things are possible," Faith added
"Thank you, mammy," Eliza said with a hug.
"Now, it is time for y'all to git to sleepin'!"
"Good night!"
"G' night; until the mornin'!" Florence said closing the door.
"She is right. Don't give up. God has a plan."
"You are correct."
That night was much more peaceful than Eliza would have had otherwise. She prayed about Joseph. Little did she know what awaited her, her sister, and her friends tomorrow.
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Re: Eliza- The Threat

Post by meinaru » Sun Aug 02, 2015 1:03 am

The beginning seems very interesting.

### Re: Eliza- The Party

Post by AlexUSA » Thu Aug 06, 2015 5:42 pm

Eliza and Faith put on their prettiest dresses at their mother's request. The girls knew little about what was going to happen. All they knew was that father had called for a large gathering of various figures from the community.
Eliza's dress was a bright satiny blue with large ruffles. In the fashion of that era, the sleeves came all the way down to her wrists. The dress was that which was only worn to church socials and special services. In her hair she tied a bright blue ribbon with some help from her mother.
When Matilda Masterson helped her girls dress, they knew it was serious. She was extremely formal with such things and would make sure all was perfect. It was all about dignity and adding to the air of ladiness in a way that commanded respect.
Faith had a brown and white dress. Hers was a little less ruffly, but it had white lace edging it. Her hair was in a tight brown braid, much like Eliza's. The dress was nevertheless majestic.
The girls finally, after some time, met their mother's standards, meaning it was time to visit the partygoers. All the district bankers, politicians, landowners, and other affluent people would be there, including the Hollingsworths.
When the sisters entered the room, they immediately became the subject of many people's attention. There were many things discussed from ancient philosophy to their dresses to quilting.
The sisters eventually got their way over to their friends, the Hollingsworths. They then stuck together from then on. They discussed the things that interested them, not the boring folks who filled the room. After some time, Faith and Ursula departed as Faith wanted to show something. Ursula had on yellow dress with white ruffles, and Carries was a pale blue, but both had small flowers in the fabric.
Eliza and Carrie sneaked outside. With the size of the house, this involved entering a hall, going through the parlor room, another hallway, and past the staircase to the upstairs. It was a maze, and one on the stairs and upstairs couldn't be heard in the ball room where the party was.
The two girls sat there chatting. This was much more comfortable then the conditions inside. It was the people, much too many of them in that room. Thise was much better. Suddenly, two figures came up to them. It was Joseph Carter and Robert Clay.
"Good afternoon, ladies. How are you?"
"We are quite well, Mr. Carter," Eliza responded with a curtsy.
"What brings you gentlemen here?" Carrie asked.
"You and your friends."
"What do you mean?"
"Eliza, I know how you feel," Joseph said walking up closer to her where she sat.
"Mr. Carter, aren't you coming too close. My father."
"Your father is the least of my concerns, but he won't be for long."
"W-w-what does that forbode?" she stammered as his face drew near hers.
"Come with me," he whispered.
"I can't."
"But you would?"
"Yes, I would, but I have a duty to my family first."
"I won't take no. The time is late. Your father is marrying you off today."
"How do you know?"
"Mr. Wilson told me himself."
"That is ridiculous."
"Let's go, now!"
"No! Be gone before someone sees you!"
"I have no choice but to do this!"
"Joseph, you won't kidnap me. I'll--- MMPH!"
Joseph put a hand over her mouth. Carrie sat rooted to her chair in fear, unable to move or speak. Carrie watched as Joseph expertly tied Eliza's hands behind her, his strength dominating. He shoved a new cloth in her mouth and took the blue ribbon from her hair as a cleave gag. He tied her wrists to her body and then one around her chest and then her knees and ankles.
Robert tied Carrie the same way and gagged her with a new blue bandana. Then Ed Clay and Jonathan Shelburn came out carrying Ursula and Faith, who were gagged with clean red and white bandanas. Carrie, Ursula, and Faith were then blindfolded with red, yellow, and brown bandanas, respectively. The men carried those three girls off to the waiting horses.
"Mmmmph! Mmmmmph! Llllllpppp!" they cried into their gags.
"Eliza, I wish I could do this in any legal way, but I can't. I am sorry."
"Mmph!" Eliza moaned as he blindfolded her with a black bandana.
He carried Eliza to his horse. The men all tied a girl to their horse to keep them from falling. Florence came outside to find the girls to tell them their father was going to make an announcement. As the men finished, they were spotted by Florence, who immediately reacted.
"Mr. Masterson! Mr. Masterson! Them Carter's gang is stealin' the girls!"
"Go!" Joseph command.
"Mmph!" screamed the girls.
"Stop you crooks!" Florence said firing a rifle at them. Unfortunately, they were too far away for her bullets to hit, but they would later find her aim to be perfect.
"Get the horses! Get the guns! Someone get the law!" George Washington Masterson reacted.
"Those cowardly criminals!" Matilda Masterson wailed as tears came to her eyes.
The men were gone, however, and with them the girls. A sudden, sad silence came over the remaining people as the men rode off with weapons to give chase. No comfort would come to Matilda and Florence, though; the ones they loved the most were gone.
And the chase was on.
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Re: Eliza- The Journey Begins

Post by AlexUSA » Sun Aug 09, 2015 5:29 pm

"We must move faster!" Robert Clay shouted out.
"Cross the river!" Joseph ordered, and the men followed as it now was raining heavily.
"We should be getting closer," Edward Clay muttered.
"The old Reed place is here. No one will find us there," Joseph shouted.
"You sure we shook then by turning north back there?" Jonathan asked.
"I am quite certain. Quick! Into the barn!"
The men rode their horses in and dismounted. They tied the horses up and removed their precious cargo. The men, girls, and horses were all dripping wet. The men brought the girls into the abandoned farmhouse. The girls were placed on the floor in a corner where they continued to struggle.
"No fires."
"The smoke?" Edward asked.
"No smoke."
"Enough food here," Robert observed.
"I planned this in advance."
"And you did fine."
"Can we open a can of vittles?" Jonathan asked impatiently.
"Hush up, boy!" Joseph snapped back.
"Fine, then," he said crouching down by the girls.
"Get away from them, or I will hang you!"
"I can control myself, old man."
"Listen to me," Joseph said grabbing Jonathan. "Remember, we have a long way to go. I can handle mistakes, but you are a fool. When we are where we are going, THEN you can behave as you please. Until then, you will listen to us."
"Yessir," Jonatan replied quietly.
"Now, girls," Joseph said removing the wet blindfolds.
"Mmmm!" they each said fearfully.
The girls were terrified. They were in an unknown place and kidnapped. They were cold and wet, their dresses and hair plastered to their bodies. The ropes dug into their skin where there was direct contact. These men could be planning anything: slavery, molestation, forced marriage, ransom, murder.
They tried but couldn't make any progress. The knots were unreachable. Faith had luck and was able to, thanks to the wetness, push her gag out. She tremored a little as she looked at the men who were unaware.
"E-e-e-excuse me...," she started fearfully.
"Yes, lass?" Joseph asked.
"Why did you do this to us? Why are you kidnapping us?"
"Girl, I cannot address this yet," he said kneeling next to her.
"Will you hurt us?" she asked tearfully.
"As long as I live, I will not allow any of you to be hurt."
"Where are you taking us?"
"Far from here."
"How long will you keep us like this?"
"Until we feel the danger is gone. I am sorry."
Joseph took the bandana and retied it in her mouth, securing it behind her head. Faith just sat there crying knowing there was nothing to do. Joseph looked at the men.
"We will bring as much food and supplies as we can as well as the girls. There is a wagon we will bring with us. The girls and goods will ride in there. Edward, you will ride in the wagon because if anyone follows us, you won't miss. Jonathan, I need you outside because of your tracking skills; you will find those lurking in the bushes. Robert, I need your wisdom as well. Load up! Two horses on the wagon and two for riding!"
The men loaded pans, food, and other supplies. They put the girls on the floor of the wagon. Here Robert Clay showed some ingenuity, fastening clasps and leg irons to the bottom to fasten the girls, meaning their legs at least could be untied. After sealing the wagon up most of the back, Edward Clay seatted himself near the hole there. For this stage, the girls arms were retied in front of them but still with chest and waist ropes. It was now night.
Edward looked up at the bound and gagged figures. He figured himself the luckiest man in the world at that point. The girls were relieved to be able to move their legs. That was their only relief, though. They were seated in a sea of metal.
As the wagon plodded along in the dark, the girls sat still, knowing they were surrounded by captors. Soon, their guard in Edward Clay fell asleep. The others said nothing as Ursula, the closest to Edward, slowly reached her fingers toward his gun. She had just touched it when she felt a hand slap her.
"Mmmm!" Ursula whimpered.
"Unh unh uhh! None of that!"
"Mmmm..."
"You're a cute little blonde. I think I'll choose you if Joseph lets me."
"Hmph!" she rebuffed.
"That's a nice 'un."
This was when the girls dozed off one by one. Only Eliza kept vigil. She was uncertain of where they were going. The future ahead was... uncertain. The... dangers... mainfold. In a sea of confusion, Eliza fell asleep.
=============================================
The next morning, Eliza awoke to the smell of coffee being brewed. The wagon was stopped, and Faith and Carrie were awake. Where were they?
Eliza began kicking up a storm and mmphing at the top of her lungs. She wanted to generate attention. The ropes and chains and gag made her sore. She had been bound and gagged for almost a full day. The sound brought Robert Clay over.
"You all want something? Let me get, Joseph. Joseph!"
"What, Robert?"
"The girls are clamoring for some air time!"
"There is no one near. Release them but keep their legs chained."
"Well, you're in luck!" he said unhitching them one at a time. He lifted each one out of the wagon unto the ground before removing their gags and untying them.
"Thank you, sir," Faith said.
"You're welcome, missy," he said smiling.
The girls walked around and stretched. The breakfast was just simple porridge, but the warmth soothed the aches and pains. They gazed down the mountains on which they sat, looking toward the east. Home was that way.
Would they ever see home again?
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Eliza- Wagon Trail

Post by AlexUSA » Sat Aug 15, 2015 5:27 pm

The situation was quite frightening. Who was out there looking for them? What would happen in they got caught? What if they contracted disease? These and other questions flooded their minds as they quietly ate. At least food wasn't a problem for the time being.
Once the food was done, the girls were chained back into the wagon. Because of the possibility of being followed, the girls arms were tied behind them and they were gagged as they had been the day before. All trace of the campsite was obliterated before they were off.
The ride continued in absolute silence except for the sounds of the wagon and horses. It was still somewhat rainy. As they traveled, Carrie noticed something in the distance. The small figure was growing closer. Carrie said and did nothing in hopes of not alerting their guard. Edward Clay, however, noticed it, and walked toward the front of the wagon.
"Joseph, we have a follower," he said.
"Who is it?"
"I know not, but he rides like Jehu."
"It's that fool Wilson."
"What do I do?"
"Shoot the horse. Do not kill him if at all possible. Yell if you need us."
"Aye," he said heading to the back of the wagon. He narrowed the opening there, loaded a rifle, sat down, and waited.
The figure grew closer and closer over the course of the next minutes. Soon, the figure was getting within shouting distance.
"Stop your wagon!!" he cried out.
"Why should we?" Edward yelled back.
"Return those girls, or else we shall continue to pursue you."
"Go back, or I will have to shoot!"
"I will not!" he said firing his own gun.
"Rmmmmm!" Ursula screamed as a bullet whizzed by.
"Hmmm!" Eliza cried out pointing to a hole in the fabric.
"This ends here!" Edward yelled firing the rifle.
"Stop in the name of the law!" Wilson yelled again as he fired.
"Damn him!"
"Hmph!" the girls gasped at such language.
"Take this!" Edward yelled back as he fired the gun.
"Whoa!" Wilson yelled.
The horse he was riding stopped, let out a wail and a sputter, and fell over dead. The chase was over. Thomas Wilson shook his fist at the escaping criminals. The girls fought back tears knowing their least concern was over.
"Look at this mess!" Edward grumbled as he stared at his hand which was spilling blood. "He got me good!"
Edward wrapped a handkerchief around his bloodied hand and resumed his guarding. This continued for hours more before they stopped again.
"Good job, my friend," Joseph congratulated.
"You rid that bank scalawag good," Jonathan added.
"I got hit, but I am going to be fine."
"Well, we must be stopping anyway. Girls, you shan't be kept this way much longer."
"Hmm!" the girls sighed in relief.
=============================================
"Will we go by train at any point?" Eliza asked.
"If my mathematics are in order we should have enough money for that," Joseph responded optimistically.
"Where are we going?"
"Kansas, to farm."
"But I know nothing of being a farmer's wife!"
"We will all learn together!"
"Where shall we get the train?"
"Nashville, and when we get there we buy a house and start working."
"Who's we?"
"All of us will be farmers or cattlemen."
"I am NOT going to be one of those strange broncobusters I read about."
"That is strictly a man's job."
"Farming it is."
Joseph opened his mouth wondering how he got talked into becoming a farmer. He just shrugged his shoulders and ate his bread. There was a river, the Tennessee ahead of them, and Robert Clay was tarring the wagon to cross.
"Get in girls," he said, paying special mind to Faith as he helped them in. He tarred them inside and made the wagon water tight. For extra security, he made wider wagon wheels to keep it from slipping in the mud.
The girls sat nervously. Their journey had been going for days now,but they were no longer kept bound and gagged, just feet shackled at night, but that would be ending soon. Their formal dresses were thoroughly destroyed, however, and now appeared somewhat ordinary especially after the frills and lace were removed.
"Be careful!" Ursula yelled out as the wagon entered the water.
"This is scary!" Faith said as the men shouted instructions to each other.
"We will be fine. We have ways to escape if need be," Eliza noted.
"This wagon is sealed well," Carrie noted pointing to the thorough tarring.
"But it is as if we are floating in the water," Eliza added.
The trip felt like an eternity, but land arrived in a timely fashion. The men opened the wagon back up and continued the journey to Nashville. The danger was gone. No one would recognize them anymore. No one could follow anymore. It was now up to them to trust the intents of their captors.
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Re: Eliza- Wagon Trail

Post by AlexUSA » Tue Aug 18, 2015 5:13 pm

I love talking to myself.
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Re: Eliza- Wagon Trail

Post by Lake Lover » Wed Aug 19, 2015 12:52 am

And we love sitting around your circle listening as you read your well written, engrossing tale. Please continue!

### Re: Eliza- The Wild Wild West... Sort Of

Post by AlexUSA » Wed Aug 19, 2015 4:40 pm

The girls sat chained in the wagon whilst the men slept. They had figured out a while before that their bottom whispers were inaudible to their captors. They had many of these conversations.
It was rather simple. In the moonlight, they could see well enough to mouth words and draw figures in the air. They just had to keep their voices low and not move their chains.
"I'm afraid of what is going to happen to us," Hannah said.
"In what way?" Eliza asked.
"Slavery, abuse, maybe held for ransom."
"Joseph wouldn't allow that."
"What if he is planning it?"
"A good man like him?"
"What good man kidnaps four girls?"
"None!" Faith responded emphatically.
"What do they get out of us?" Eliza wondered.
"A lot easier life," Hannah replied.
"There has to be a reason though..."
The next morning the chains were removed as they arrived in Nashville. The city was in many ways reminiscent of home, but smaller. At the train depot, Joseph bought tickets to go west. They were soon on the train to Dodge City with a stopovers in St. Louis and Kansas City amongst others.
No one said anything and thus no one suspected anything. It was difficult, but the girls had managed to bathe and wash their clothes. This was to hide the fact that they had not changed in over a week.
None of them had been a train before except for Robert Clay. It was an odd creation with cars and such. There were beds for those traveling a long distance and rooms for those traveling and paying a good deal more money.
They were now settled into four couples: Eliza-Joseph, Faith-Robert, Ursula-Edward, and Carrie-Jonathan.
It wasn't til they arrived in Dodge that the full extent of their journey was understood. Here was different. It was hotter, drier, flatter, and more rural. The buildings were not of the same quality construction. There were stores, a marshall, a doctor, a stable, and other things.
The girls knew it was inevitable, and sure enough they found themselves at the office of the Marshall, who was also the local justice of the peace. He was a tall man with a strong sense of justice; some said he was a former preacher many years past.
The girls were checked into a hotel while Joseph and Edward went looking for farms. Robert and Jonathan took Faith and Carrie to explore the town. Eliza and Ursula went on their own. They talked as they explored when suddenly it hit them. They went to the justice... they were married to these men!
"How did we?"
"I don't know..."
"But we..."
"Yes."
There were many things in this town. It was a pleasant little place, however, and Eliza liked it. She imagined herself owning one of the stores, thinking she could do it too. She would own it and run it quite well, to boot! It would be the highest quality in the state!
There would soon be farms to worry about though. It was going to be an adventure for sure. They would have to learn to wash, mend, clean, and do all the other household things. But Eliza was up to the task!
In a week or so, they had the farms with houses built on them already. It was time to be a farm wife. Little did Eliza know that it would be the start of a living hell.
============================================
Carrie screamed into the red bandana holding the cloth in her mouth. It was useless, though, as no one could hear her. Her wrists, thighs, and ankles were savagly bound and a breast harness pinned her arms down. A black bandana blindfolded her. She wailed as Jonathan continued to strike her.
To add to her woes, she was hanging upside down from the ceiling attached to a hook. She couldn't see the strikes coming, making her unable to brace for the attacks. She could feel her back bleeding. Tears poured down her face in a steady, heavy flow. His drunken rages were terrifying.
"You stupid thing!" Jonathan screamed, "Can't you do anything right?! You drop things! You burn things! You can't wash or mend! What good are you?! You won't live long like this!"
============================================
In a different place, there was also a disagreement. Faith and Robert also were arguing, but much differently.
"What is wrong with you?!" he asked indignantly. "Are you stupid?!"
"I am trying!"
"Not hard enough. Get learning, huh?!"
"I am learning. Two months is small relative to a life of marriage."
"Oh...," Robert said sitting down. He felt guilt for his treatment of his wife as he buried his face in his hands.
============================================
In the other places, all was peaceful. Things were smooth even if life was tough. Eliza and Ursula were slowly becoming farmer's wives. And it wasn't all bad with someone who genuinely cared to suffer through it with. While it was a forced relationship in both cases, it was becoming a strong bond based on authentic emotions. There was no going back.
It was time to adjust to this new frontier and forge a new path in the world for themselves.
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Re: Eliza- The Frontier Life

Post by AlexUSA » Sat Aug 22, 2015 5:47 pm

Eliza quietly washed the evening dishes. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Eliza knew something was wrong. But where? Her pace slowed as she thought about the feeling. Someone she loved was being hurt. She finally finished and sat down in her chair by the fire in sad silence.
"You are unusually quiet this evening," Joseph said withot looking up from the book he was reading. It was the only book in the house beside the family Bible, a collection of poems.
"Joseph, I am... worried."
"About what? Or who?"
"I... I don't know."
"Well, what about?" he asked putting the book down.
"Someone is in pain... someone we care about."
"Well we will have to check on that then. We haven't heard from any one of them in a fortnight. Until then..."
============================================
Carrie moaned as Jonathan gave her a stiff kick before ending his rage. She was no longer hanging upside down, but she was hogtied on the floor. She heard the door shut. She was scared now. Sometimes he wouldn't come back for over a day when he went drinking. What if he didn't come back?
Carrie was exhausted but knew she had to escape lest she be seen. The pain consumed her. There were open wounds on her arms, legs, torso, back, and even on top of her head. Her body was hot and throbbing. It was too much, and Carrie fell asleep.
When she awoke, Carrie went back to escaping. She couldn't tell what hour it was when she escaped. She spat out the soaked bandana and cloth went to sleep. She would clean up in the morning.
===========================================
Faith put down her sewing to watch Robert. She could not believe his talent. Here he was carving a piece of wood to fashion a spoon for her to cook with. It had the smoothness of professional work.
Robert was a natural craftsman. He had repaired their to the point that it was one of the finest around. The stove pipe/chimney was improved. He created an irrigation system he could regulate. The farm was a success thanks to his innovation.
=============================================
Ursula stopped her work, opened her mouth, shut it, thought for a moment, and spoke.
"Edward, I am worried about my sister. I have not heard from her in weeks."
"Perhaps they are busy."
"Even when they are busy they show up at the church on Sundays."
"Illness then?"
"I want to check on them."
"You will have to do so alone. I need to repair the plow and may need to get Robert. I can shoot more crows than he can, but he is a better blacksmith."
============================================
*********************************************************
The next morning, Joseph got the buggy ready for her to ride. She would visit Ursula, then Carrie, and finally Faith, making almost a circle. When she rode up, she was surprised to find Ursula readying to leave herself.
"Where are you headed?"
"To my sister's house. I have not seen her in too long and am worried."
"Well, come along. We'll see about this."
"All right, but first I must put Beauty away first."
"Do as you will."
They rode together the distance to Carrie's. Instantly, they knew something was wrong. The crops were dead, and the property looked unkempt. Eliza tied the horses near the house.
"I pray they are well," Ursula said knocking on the door.
"Who is it?" a weak voice asked.
"It is your sister! Are you well?" the door opened a crack.
"All is well here," she said only showing her head. She had tied a blue kerchief bandana to hide the wound.
"May we enter?" Eliza asked.
"Not right now. The place is a mess. I must clean it."
"Are you doing well?"
"Jonathan has struggled to farm and has sought work in town."
"Well, thank you anyhow."
"Yes, I must return to my work."
The two returned to the buggy and left. They stayed silent for a distance until they could no longer see the house.
"She's lying, Eliza."
"Yes, but what about?"
"I know not, but I saw it in her expression."
"The men must know about this."
"No, only Joseph and Edward. Share this not with your sister or her husband."
"All right then."
============================================
Carrie looked around. The place was as clean as if Mammy Flo had done it. The breakfast had tasted good. Carrie was certain that if she was more confident in her work, it would reflect in the product and make Jonathan happy.
=============================================
When the rounds were done, Eliza told Joseph what had happened.
"Carrie is in trouble."
"How do you know?"
"She lied to us, but we don't know why. The crops failed and Jonathan is working in town now, or so she says."
"So she says. We shall find out soon, as I have business to do in town in a few days."
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Re: Eliza- Justice and Sadness

Post by AlexUSA » Sun Aug 23, 2015 5:49 pm

Joseph Carter returned home after a day in town. He rode in with a solemn look on his face. Something was wrong.
"Joseph, what did you learn?" Eliza asked.
"Shelburn is a drunkard," he said in a rage.
"What do you mean?"
"The crops have failed because he doesn't tend to them. He spends most all their money on alcohol. He is unfaithful to his wife."
"He is disgraceful! Joseph, we must do something. Now!"
"We will. He was in the saloon when I was there. Go get Ursula and then to Carrie. Take care of her."
"I will."
Eliza told a shocked Ursula all that was happening. She knew what the problem was though.
"She's too timid. She will never fight back."
"It will be the death of her at this rate."
They knocked on the door. Carrie peaked the door open a smidge. She no longer was wearing a kerchief, but her head had a nasty scab.
"Carrie, where is Jonathan?" Ursula questioned.
"He has been in town working," she lied looking down.
"What happened to you?" Eliza asked.
"Oh, I slipped and my head on some rocks."
"Stop deceving us. The truth is known," Ursula said with command.
"W-w-what do you mean?"
"I know the truth about Jonathan. He works hard all right... at draining whiskey bottles and hitting you."
"Yes... yes, it's true. He drinks, and he does strike me. Look!" she rolled up her sleeves.
"This is unacceptable! You will come with us, now!"
"No! If I leave, he will find us and kill us!"
"You can't stay. If you do, you must stand up to him."
"Pray I do."
"How do you stay here?"
"Because I hate him. I tell myself to get the courage to kill him sometimes. But killing is a sin."
"Carrie, please come with us!" Ursula pleaded.
"No, I must stand up to him."
Eliza and Ursula were not talking her out of this. Carrie clearly had been planning this. They feared the consequences. They told Joseph what Carrie said.
"She is being foolish. MayGod protect her. Go back tomorrow, alone, Eliza. You can push her to come."
=============================================
The next morning Carrie sat at the table. Her breath was heavy. Surely Jonathan would be back any moment. She would declare her hate and walk out to rebuild her life. She sat there in the best brown dress she had with a red bandana on her head. The door opened, and Jonathan walked in, tired.
"Jonathan."
"What do you want?"
"Jonathan, this is unacceptable conduct from a man. You need to start behaving as Godly men do and get to work."
"You don't tell me what to do, woman!"
"I am no longer your woman. I am Carrie Hollingsworth again."
"Why you!" he screamed as she started to walk about.
"Aahhh!" she screamed as he grabbed her.
"I will teach you!" he cried out as he struck her.
"Stop! Jonathan!" she yelled as he tied her hands behind her.
"You're getting it now!"
"Jonathan, no! Hmmm!" she wailed as he stuffed a dirty cloth in her mouth.
"This will quell you!" he said tying a blue bandana as tight as he could muster in her mouth.
"Mmm!" she said in a muffled voice.
He tied her elbows, knees, thighs, and ankles. He secured tight ropes above and below her breasts and at her waists. Finally, he tied a rope around her ankles and threw it over the hook on the ceiling. He pulled her up and fastened the rope to her elbows, hogtying her.
"Now!" he said getting a stick.
"Mmmm!" she screamed.
"This will teach you to defy me!"
"Hhhmmmmmmm!!!!!!"
Outside, Eliza rode up. She heard Jonathan and peaked in through the window. She let out a gasp and ran. She rode off as fast as she can. Jonathan heard her and increased his anger.
"Oh, you went telling, huh?!??!?!?!?" he screamed striking her harder.
"Mmm!" Carrie muttered in pure agony and tears.
"Joseph, Joseph!!!" Eliza screamed as she got home.
"Eliza, you look as though you saw the devil!"
"Joseph, he's killing her!"
"Why that b******!! I'm going! Get the marshal and the doctor!"
"Yes! Go, quickly!"
Joseph grabbed a gun, mounted the horse, and rode off. He had never felt such anger before. He regretted not acting sooner. This was as much his fault as anyone else's for not acting to protect Faith sooner. He rode like Jehu until he reached the Shelburn house.
Jonathan had taken her from the hook and was now beating her outside still hogtied. Her body was covered in bruises and wounds.
"Jonathan, you b******! Fight like a man!"
"Like a man? You yourself call me a boy!"
"You are a disgrace! You are not even human!"
"Big talk from an old man!"
"You worm," Joseph said dismounting his horse. He had to stall to get the marshal to arrive in time.
"Well, old man. Wanna fight a boy?"
"You were cursed from birth!" Joseph yelled throwing a hard punch.
"Oof!" Jonathan yelled as he went down, then got up. "Oh!"
They were now having a full fight. It was youth versus age. Joseph made fewer, but better aimed and timed, punches. Soon, both were quite injured. Carrie squirmed some distance away from them and nearer the house. She was moaning and watching, unable to voice herself. The ropes cut deep into her because of how Jonathan tied them.
The two men dusted themselves off and stood up at a distance. Carrie knew the inevitable was coming: a duel.
"You hit a woman like a coward. It is time to prove yourself."
"You mind your own business. My woman is my property!"
"No, she's a person. You just let yourself get beat up by an 'old man,'" Joseph taunted.
"Joseph! Draw!" Jonathan yelled.
They stood in silence, but at the ready. Carrie screamed into her gag, but neither could here here. She felt something: the hogtie rope was undone. She sat herself up. After several minutes of staredown, blinking, and insults being hurled, Jonathan twitched. At that moment, the marshal came over the hill.
"Stop this at once!" the marshall ordered.
"Die!" Jonathan yelled as he reached for his gun.
"Fool!" Joseph yelled back as his draw was faster.
"It was self-defense," the marshal said as Eliza and the doctor came over the hill. They went straight to Carrie who was in total hysterics.
"What a useless death," Joseph said softly, shaken.
"It is a fool's death."
"Carrie, it is all over," Eliza comforted as she and the doctor untied her and ungagged her.
"Oh, Eliza!" she cried as the doctor tended to her.
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Eliza- Recovery and Separation

Post by AlexUSA » Sun Aug 30, 2015 5:20 pm

Carrie was not the same even 3 months after. She was scarred, both physically and mentally. She said and ate little and devoted herself to work. With no one to tend to it, the former Shelburn farm was sold. Being with her sister, Ursula, was a big help.
The year turned out to be a success for the farms, and a profit was made on the investment. With winter approaching, howver, it was decided to move into Dodge for the time. Finding places was easy; it was finding work that was hard.
Joseph decided to get an old store building with upstairs living quarters. He split the store in halves: his and hers. Eliza would have her sewing store, and he would...
Eliza could easily run a store with or without help. But Joseph was more or less a farmer and cowboy. He needed help. Enter Robert Clay, who nade a proposition: he would run a woodshop in the space with Joseph as his helper. They would build furniture and repair things. The idea sounded good. Edward was going to work at the hotel.
Faith and Ursula found work as assistants at the general store and Delmonico's respectively. The particular tasks at their particular positions fit their particular characters. Left out of all this was Carrie.
The decision was made for Carrie to go to work in Eliza's store. It was good because it forced Carrie to interact with people, and being in town meant they could go to church, social functions, and other places.
The process was slow but effective. Carrie slowly grew stronger in mind and body. Within a couple of months, she had returned to herself. Finally, she opened up to Eliza.
"It was horrible."
"Pardon?"
"Jonathan. He was almost an animal."
"The townsfolk told Joseph such."
"He was hateful. He was a drunk, a sloth, and an abuser."
"You are glad he is gone?"
"Glad? Looking back, I am ebullient!"
"Good for you!"
As the winter progressed, Eliza was earning more money than Joseph. Eliza was pleased with herself. SHE was the one leading the way. There were to benon financial concerns anytime soon.
Then came the trouble in spring. There was a slight Indian uprising in the hills. All available men were requested, so Joseph and Edward Clay went. Robert stayed behind as one of the men guarding the city. Dodge was slightly emptier.
This left Eliza worried as she was seven months pregnant. She had a business to manage and a family to worry about now. Fortunately, Faith , Ursula, and Carrie were of a great help. Together, they kept things together.
Robert helped too. He built the baby's bed, and got the house ready. He did the heavy lifting, and made Eliza a special table so she could keep working. In addition, he also repaired anything that broke.
The men were gone for almost 3 months as they chased the Indians into Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. They were still gone when the big day came...
Dr. Adams smiled as he handed Eliza her newborn son, who was named George Washington Carter. Seeing the baby made Eliza cry as she thought back to her lost life in Atlanta. There was so much she wished she could share with those people.
Now there was an extra mouth to feed!
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.

### Eliza- Reunions

Post by AlexUSA » Mon Aug 31, 2015 5:32 pm

Eliza was surprised to see a colored man at her door one morning shortly after baby George's birth. It was the farrier, Moses, with a letter.
"Morning, miss."
"Good morning, Moses. What is this?"
"A letter for you... from Georgia," he said holding it out
"Well, thank you!" she replied graciously, taking the letter.
It was a fact that Moses could read. He was fortunate, having been raised in Illinois. He, too, was from Georgia, having moved there when Eliza was about 9. He had moved away when she was 16, and she was initially surprised to find him out here.
"Carrie, Faith, come here!" she called out. They came, and Eliza read the letter.
"My dearests, Eliza and Faith,
It is not easy for me to do this. Although I got friends teachin me, I have yet to learn to read n write. A friend is scribin this for me.
I was determined to find you two. After those varmints stoled you, I began talkin with my friends. They said Joseph Carter had said sometin bout Kansas. So, I sent ledders to every major city in Kansas, writin them to Elizabeth Carter.
One day, I got a wire from Moses. He said dat you were in Doge City. I was happy. I waited til your folks went to Florida for the winter to investigate furder. So I sent this letter cause I miss you deerly.
Remember to keep strong, love the Lord, love your fellow man, and don't let anyone tell you to do sometin if you dont wanna do it none. Stand up for yourselfs as girls.
I have saved my money and will be visitin sun. Your folks know nuttin cept that I am visitin loved ones. Keep safe until I arrive. I will be comin in May.
Love, Florence."
The girls could not believe their ears. How had Florence done this?! This was an incredible effort of love. This was going to be a special meeting.
============================================
Eliza stood at the train depot waiting for Florence to arrive. She had not been this anxious since her kidnapping. Soon, the locomotive pulled into the station. Flo came out, and Eliza rushed toward her.
"Would you believe dem segregationists made me go in the BAGGAGE car?! What a bunch of heathens!"
"Mammy, you're here!"
"It wasn't easy. Took most all my savings."
"Please, come. I want you to rest. It was a long journey."
"You tellin' me?"
Florence was amazed to see a baby in the place. In just one year, so much had changed. Suddenly, the girls were married and grown up. And they had learned how to survive. Yes, Florence had taught them well.
===========================================
Eliza walked up the steps along with her husband and children. It had been 10 years since she was here. She knocked on the door, and was greeted by a smiling, aged Florence. But Florence knew she was coming. Eliza walked through the familiar, old hallways into the living room, where her parents were sitting. Tears pourd down her face as she reunited with her parents, and the parents got to meet their grown up daughter and their grandchildren.
THE END
I rite on a tabblit, so speling errurs will hap pin free quintly.