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All Is Fair In Love and War
All Is Fair In Love and War
Author: Gail Poole

1

Author: Gail Poole
last update Last Updated: 2022-07-03 09:51:30

He was bare chested and only wore his britches, as Seline was laying on his shirt. He had taken it off in a fit a gallantry for her to lay on so the hay would not be so uncomfortable. After that they had lain in the hay and talked for hours. They talked about her sisters’ up coming weddings, they talked about his brother expecting his first child and the constant nagging of his mother for him to court and of the eligible young women in the county. Finally Seline got Will to make up a story for her as a bed time story. It was a wonderful fantasy in which the brave knight goes off to battle to save the kingdom but in the end the fair princess must travel to a distant land to outwit the dragon and she her brave knight who had been captured. Just as Will was finishing the story Seline had fallen asleep.

Will looked at her as she slept. She had won his heart long ago, but he was too afraid to tell her for fear that their wonderful friendship would change and he would loose her forever. He fell asleep to the sound of the her light breathing thinking of how it would be to hold her.

Its early morning of the day before the engagement announcement. Seline Herron wakes early. She has hay stuck in her hair and pieces poking into her back and legs. How could I have fallen asleep like this? She could see the pieces of straw sticking out of one of her long golden locks beside her face. Then she looked to her right and remembered why she fell asleep in the hay loft. William Evans. He lived at the manor not far from here and she had know him since they were small. His light brown hair and fair complexion with feathery eyelashes gave him the look of a sleeping angel. She slowly and gently ran the back of her fingers over his cheek. She could feel the light stubble on his face. A slow grin crossed his face as he sleepily reached up and grabbed her hand. He brought it up to his lips and kissed the back of it, then brought it down and held it against his chest so she could feel the beat of his heart in her palm.

“Good Morning” Will says with a sultry gravely voice. He had that first thing in the morning low growl to his voice. Seline found it to be intoxicating. She closed her eyes and wished for him to say something else just so she could listen to it some more.

“Good Morning Sleepyhead”. Will said again. This time he reached brushed her hair out of her eyes. Seline decided that she could not pretend and rolled over to look at him. This moved her so close to his face that she could feel his breath across her cheeks. Will smiled that lazy grin again that she loved so much. It was warm and cozy in the hay, and as children they had often played in the hay loft of their farms’ barns and taken naps there while the their parents and neighbors worked together to put up the hay for each farm.

Now that they were older, it was no longer acceptable. They still snuck out from time to time in the summer and fall months when there was hay in the barn to spend time in the hayloft talking and telling stories.

Seline smiled and shaded her eyes as a shaft of sunlight fell on her face through one of the cracks in the side of the barn. The sunlight made her hair dance with golden fire light and the dust motes looked like they were sparks. “Good morning” Seline finally returned. Will sat up and said “We both need to go before we are discovered. Arlen will be looking for me soon to help with morning chores. I will have to run and pretend I started without him, or he will suspect something after the last time he caught me coming back late.” Arlen was Will’s younger brother, and he was always diligent about getting chores done on time.

Will knew that if they were caught now it would not be like when they were kids and it was chores and a few whips of the switch. Will’s father was a strict man and he was also a god fearing man. He would be very upset if he knew that his 17 year old son and their 16 year old neighbor were sleeping together in the barn hay loft of her father’s barn.

In their community, either the man makes an honest woman of the young lady involved, or she is put to death.

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  • All Is Fair In Love and War   2

    Seline and Will got up and said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. Seline went to the hen house to collect the eggs so she would have an excuse for being outside this early. She had taken a few minutes behind the hen house by the pond looking at her reflection trying to get the hay out of her hair and clothes. Seline was the middle child. She had two older sisters and two younger sisters. Both were sets of twins, and as such each pair were inseparable. Seline had always been the lone child. She learned to do things mostly by herself. That was the main reason that she and Will got along so well. He was a middle child also. His father took his oldest brother under his tutelage right away and the his youngest brother was the baby and his mother’s favorite so he was always with her. Will was left to find his own way and so he and Seline became best friends. Now that they were older the friendship remained but it had to be more secretive because the adults all had their own pla

    Last Updated : 2022-07-03

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   3

    The rest of Seline’s Day flew by. When Supper time came and the family gathered at the table, everyone was quiet. They all hoped that father would announce who Seline would be betrothed to the next day. Father was unusually quiet. He ate quickly and then left the table abruptly, which was not like father. He normally liked to take time over a meal. “To have the time to savor your food was a luxury only the rich could afford.” He would say.Mother too seemed on edge. In truth she did not touch a thing on her plate. Seeing her parents this nervous made Seline worried. Was there something wrong? Was her father not able to make an advantageous match? Did all the suitors that father bragged to his friends about, turn him down? The bothered Seline. The day before her two older sisters’ announcements, her parents were so excited they were bursting and Papa was so proud that he gave the secret away prematurely. Seline’s mother got up from the table and excused herself saying that she had a h

    Last Updated : 2022-07-03

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   4

    Seline knocked on the door of her father’s study and wait to be told to enter. There was a loud sigh from inside, and then “Enter”. Seline stepped in and closed the door behind her. She was nervous now. Her father had never allowed any of the girls in here unless he was calling them in here to scold them.“Have a seat Seline” Papa motioned to the studded leather chair in front of him. Seline sat down and looked at her father who had leaned his elbows on his desk and steepled his fingers in thought. He pressed them to his lips and began to speak as he pointed at her. “You, no doubt, are wondering why I have called you in to talk on the eve of your engagement announcement. Out of all my daughters, you my dear, I thought I would be able to make the most advantageous match. For all intents and purposes I had. Until this morning, when I received this. Her father reached down and handed her a hand written note on a small square of parchment. The note read...Master Herron,One of you young

    Last Updated : 2022-07-03

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   5

    Seline woke in the early morning to intermittent taps on her window. She had fallen asleep in her clothes instead of laying them out by the fire and she did not brush and braid her hair so it was sticking up in all directions. In short, she was a mess. Another tap at the window brought her back to her senses, and she sat up and looked out the window.It was Will standing below. He saw her in the window and waved for her to come down. Seline bounced out of bed ran a brush through her thick hair as quick as she could and smoothed her dress. She opened the door to her room and snuck very quietly down stairs. She reached the back door and very quietly went out. She took the egg collecting basket with her when she went. Will was waiting for her when she came out. She put her finger to her lips and grabbed his arm and dragged him to the chicken coop with a rather confused and surprised look on his face. Once inside Seline whirled around and asked “What are you doing here so early? You can’

    Last Updated : 2022-07-03

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   6

    Seline went to the Ladies’ study after breakfast as usual, but her mother came in and told her there would be no lessons today since they had so much to do. Her mother asked her to help Henni in the kitchen while she went to her younger sisters room to find out why they were not down stairs yet. Seline figured that they were sleeping in because they were probably up all night talking. Alene must be very excited. After all it was the match that she wanted. When her mother came to the kitchen 20 minutes later she seemed frazzled. “Seline dear, your sister is not feeling well, and would like to talk to you. She is staying in bed for the day. Would you go up and see her.” Seline thought this was odd, but maybe it was Alice that wanted to see her as she would be the sister who thinks that she is being married off to the one man that all her sisters had always teased her about all her life and that they thought she would end up married to.Seline went upstairs to find the it was Alene in be

    Last Updated : 2022-07-03

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 7

    Seline sat on the edge of the bed staring. She could not believe what she was hearing. “Alene darling how can that be? What do you mean?” Seline put her hand on her sisters shoulder who was now sobbing even harder than before. Alene was sobbing and hiccuping, but looked at the wall next to the other side of the bed and said. I was seen by the old widower coming out of Mr. Glassman’s room in the hay barn in the early morning. I ran away as fast as I could but it seems that he knew who it was and assumed the worst. I was only there to surprise him with his favorite blueberry biscuits for his birthday.” Alene buried her head in the blankets once more and cried. “I know you must hate me now so leave. Just leave me. It’s all my fault that you and Alice have to marry the wrong people and I get exactly what I want I don’t deserve it.” Came the muffled cry from the blankets. Seline looked at her anguished sister and leaned over and gave her a kiss on the back of her head and embraced her. “I

    Last Updated : 2022-07-11

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 8

    Rose and Heather were crying and Mama, Henni, and Alice were all questioning Papa furiously at the same time. Seline did not know what had happened but what ever it was it had to be serious. Seline stepped to the side of the raucous and grabbed Rose’s forearm, “What is it Rosie? Why is everyone so upset?” Rose lifted her face with tears cascading down it and said “WAR! They have gone to war and they conscripted all the men under 35 this morning. They are all to meet at the town square this evening to head to camp.” Seline felt her legs start to give way and sat herself on the bench next to her. All the men under 35 would be just about every man in the entire county. When they have gone off to war before they never asked for men over the age of 25 except for officers. Why so many this time?“Papa, will they be making Mr. Glassman go too?” Alene had come down the stairs after hearing the noise in the kitchen. “Yes my dear. He is under 35 also. I am afraid the betrothal and weddings will

    Last Updated : 2022-07-11

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 9

    Seline watched Heinz ride away. She did not want to see all the men go. Only now that Heinz was leaving it dawned on her that with all the men gone, all the work will be left to the very old or the very young men, and the women. Men under the age of 15 do not have to fight, but if the war goes on for a long time, even the ones who are staying safely at home now will grow to be old enough to go off and fight. Seline looked back at the house. They were all still too upset to have noticed that she was gone. She decided to walk down the road and go to see Will before he and his older brother leave. She should have asked Heinz if she could ride double with him. He would have to ride by the road to Will’s father’s farm. It would have saved her some time. Seline walked as fast as she could. He bulky skirts did not allow for too swift a movement, but she kept a steady pace. She was hoping that maybe they had not heard the news yet, but knew that Will’s older brother went into town to make d

    Last Updated : 2022-07-14

Latest chapter

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 47

    Frozen in place for the second time tonight, Seline did not move. “Name yourself sir.” Seline Answered the firm hand on her shoulder. The hand dropped down the side of her arm and spun her around. To her great relief it was Will. She quickly looked around and seeing everyone was asleep, stepped forward to wrap her arms around him. Will grabbed them in mid motion and shook his head. Instead he took her by the hand and led her to the side of the tent. Will lifted the flap and ducked under pulling Seline behind him. “Come back to the tent with me. “ Will beckoned. Seline followed him in the dark to his new tent space. Once inside he pulled her to him and wrapped her in his arms. “I have missed you.” He said with a squeeze. Seline snuggled into his arms. She could tell that he had even bathed and shaved. He smelled of soap and leather. He released her and leaned down and kissed her oh so gently on the forehead. “ That doesn’t hurt does it?” He asked looking at her forehead with some con

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 46

    Seline spun around at the voice and it made her head swim and her legs go weak from the vertigo. She grabbed the nearby tent pole to steady herself. The Captain rushed over and grabbed her arm and helped her to the chair meant for Henry to keep watch in. He was asleep in the cot at the far end of the tent. The Captain took a seat on the end of the cot next to her that was vacant. He looked at her expectantly. Seline was not sure how much to say or even what to say. How much had he guessed and how much had she given away? The Captain followed Seline’s gaze to the sleeping Henry. “Don’t worry about him. We expected him to sleep. He always does, and this way we can talk frankly. I need you to tell me what is going on.” Seline continued to look away from him. Afraid if she looked him in the eye that he would see right through her. She slumped in her chair. Recognizing her body language, the Captain sat back and folded his arms. “How about we start with how you got in this state.” He wa

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 45

    She looked around her and found Will squatting next to her looking concerned. “Are you okay? They have had people out looking for you for hours. “ Seline scrambled to her feet. “What do you mean for hours? I must have fallen asleep. “. Seline was holding her head. She had a pounding headache and getting up too fast made it worse. “The captain came and found everyone in our company and sent them out looking for you. He said it was a training exercise. I take it that this was not a training exercise?” Will looked at her and had a smirk. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her on the forehead. “Are you okay?” Seline nodded slowly and snuggled into him. “I was supposed to meet with the captain before my shift at the hospital. I was feeling sick and came out here. I threw up and then decided to sit just for a second then I would go back. I must have fallen asleep. Other than a headache I am fine.” Will held her at arms length to look at her. “You have been sick to your stomach a lot l

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 44

    The Captain and Seline walked to the line for lunch. It was long since everyone just got out of training and it was the camp wide break time between training and their regular duties. “I have paper and pens back in my tent. Can you read and write?” The Captain asked. It was a valid question. Many of the men here were poor farmers and did not put any value in reading or writing. “Yes. “. Seline did not want to give away too much but she knew that by reputation the Evans family were among the wealthier farm families and they all knew how to read and write. “ Good. I will have you work as the scribe as we go through the map of the camp and reassign all the officers. “. The Captain nodded to the cook as he received his food. Seline grabbed her plate and followed the captain back to his tent. They sat on up turned wooden crates and ate their food in silence. Once finished, the captain brought out the maps and they began. She managed to convince the captain that she should stay right wh

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 43

    After finally eating, which seemed to settle her stomach, but only made her feel more drowsy, she made her way to where the medical tent used to stand. Henry and the Doctor were standing in front of what appeared to be a pile of logs and a giant heap of fabric. “Oh good your here. We are going to be setting up the new tent. I am afraid it will be just the three of us as Oliver and Will have been reassigned to overnight guard duty since they have increased the security. Very good suggestion by the way Corporal.” Well at least Seline now knew where Will was. She was exhausted and sore and worn out and still had the whole day ahead of her. Now she had to help rebuild the hospital tent. Seline kept putting one foot in front of the other through sheer will. The doctor let Seline and Henry do all the manual labor while he supervised. He seemed very happy with their work as he was in a good mood all day despite the slow going. One by one Seline and Henry dug the holes and put up the heavy p

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 42

    The bugle blared loudly not far from their tent. Seline awoke to the tent flaps being thrown open and she was being dragged out by her arm. Will was no where to be found. “Rise and shine Corporal.” A voice said from behind her. She regained her wits and turned to see the Commander standing behind her in the dusky morning. The sun had not yet risen. “Where is your brother?” The Commander demanded. Seline looked around her and then back at the tent. “I don’t know. Maybe he had to relieve himself. Is something wrong sir?” She looked back at the Commander to see if he would give a reason for this continued early morning harassment. He smiled at her with a knowing look. “You should be an example now Corporal. You should already be up and ready to go. Let’s move it. Out on the training field.” The Commander turned and walked back down the row without checking any other tent. “I’m sure glad I didn’t get on the Commander’s bad side.” The man from the next tent said as he walked away shaking h

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 41

    “Did you hear nothing that I told you earlier?” Will said in an angry whisper. His face was turning red he was soo mad. Seline had only seen him this angry one other time when they were younger and that was when his brother had partially sliced through his girth on his saddle so he would fall off as a joke. Only his father was soo angry he got a whipping with the belt. It was his father’s saddle that he had borrowed and he was furious. Seline looked him straight in the eye. “ I remember everything you said. I think it may be what you haven’t said. Something is clearly worrying you and you are not telling me everything. So tell me. What is going on?” Seline raised her hand to cup his cheek and he turned his face away angry. “You really don’t understand what I tried to do back there. I was trying to keep you safe. They want you and they know exactly where you are they just need to get rid of me to force you to marry Mr. Dells.” “How exactly was you being captured in an enemy camp, tha

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 40

    “Excuse me corporal Evans and private Evans. The Commander has ordered you both to his tent for debriefing immediately.” Came a familiar male voice from outside the tent. It was Sterling. The young cook’s assistant. Will popped his head out of the tent “Thanks Sterling. We will be there shortly. Oh and we are both just privates.” Will added. Sterling gave him an odd look. “Oh no sir. Maybe your brother has no had a chance to tell you since you got back, but he was promoted to Corporal. Please pass on my congratulations.” Sterling turned to leave looking slightly confused, but not saying anything more. Will brought his head inside the tent, but did not move for a minute. "What is he talking about?" He turned to look at Seline who had grabbed the nearest blanket to cover herself. "Sorry. You did not give me the chance to tell you when I got back to the tent. The Captain promoted me for saving you. Well and for asking the cook to get some food for all the men that came back and not just

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 39

    “Your work both with the other men and on your own was exemplary. You were able to free your brother, who I am told was not with the other captives. The other two men you were with thought that they were working him over to get information like they had done to the other men when we were spotted. You kept your head unlike most of the other men that had family there and as a result you were the only one who got out with them. Moments like at the creek and again this evening with the cook. Getting all the men food instead of just raiding the cook tent like the other men were there to do shows that you respect chain of command. I want you as part of my team. I am promoting you to Corporal. It is just the beginning for you I think. You have the makings of a good officer. Don’t disappoint me. For now we will keep your schedule the same except you will report to me after morning training and before you head to the medical tents. Am I clear?” Seline did not know what to say. “Yes Sir. Thank

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