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6

Author: Gail Poole
last update Last Updated: 2022-07-03 09:51:52

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 bed waiting for her and Alice stepped out of the room as she went by she put a consoling hand on Seline’s shoulder. Seline was now very confused. Why would Alene be in bed? She walked over and sat on the edge of her sisters bed and held her hand. It was cold.

“Alene darling you are freezing.” Alene immediately burst into tears. “Seline forgive me. Forgive me.” She cried, reaching her arms around her sister and pulling her to her.

“What ever it is Alene it can’t be as bad as all that. Did Papa not tell you the wonderful news last night? You are to be betrothed to Mr. Glassman this very evening. Isn’t that wonderful?”

The only response that Alene gave was to start crying harder than before.

“But I thought that you were fond of Mr. Glassman? I thought that this was what you wanted and that you would be happy with the match.” Seline was now confused. Not two days ago Alene was saying that she hoped in a years time that Mr. Glassman would have enough money to buy a place of his own and be able to pay a betrothal gift to Papa that would make him say yes. Now she had her wish and she was in near hysterics.

“What is wrong darling? Is it because he does not have a proper place of his own yet? Don’t worry about that I am sure Papa will let you live in the old cottage until you have your own place.”

Alene tried to pull herself together and stop crying. She took a few deep breaths and wiped her face with her night dress sleeve. Her red eyes and nose and sleep mussed hair made her look like a child. Seline remembered that she really wasn’t much older than one. She was only 15 after all. “Are you scared about getting married so soon. You are young, but Nettie Tates over on the other side of the river was married at 14 and she has a big beautiful house and 3 babies and one on the way and she is so happy. She has a husband who adores her and I know that Mr. Glassman adores you too. Everything will be just fine. There is nothing to be scared of. I promise.”

Alene had sobered her self by this time and with a very serious face turned to Seline and said “I am the reason that Alice will have to marry Will and you will have to marry that horrible old widower man.”

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  • 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

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  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 10

    Seline pulled back first and began to speak, but never got an intelligent word out as Will’s mouth was suddenly on hers. She surrendered to him immediately. It was all she had thought about since he had disappeared from the chicken coop. His arms had pulled her into him so tight it was as if they would melt into one being. The kiss was not tender or gentle. It spoke of desperation, of loss to come, and of last chances. They feverishly moved against each other and before she knew it his coat and her shawl were off and thrown onto the hay. Will guided her body down with him and leaning over the top of her. He was kissing down her neck small but firm kisses that sent zings of energy rippling through her. His hands were in her hair and pushing her head aside to expose more of her neck. Seline gasped as he brushed his hand over the top of her bodice, grazing the top of her breast. She found her hands trying to pull his shirt up but it would not untuck. She realized that he was wearing brac

    Last Updated : 2022-07-18

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 11

    Seline hugged the stout little bay mare. Will came and put his arms around Seline. He held her for a long time. Finally Will released his grip "It's time you head home. Let them know about Heinz and where his body is. They will send some men to fetch him so he can be burried." Will brushed her hair back from her face and kissed her forehead as they embraced one more time. Will backed away and turned to go. Seline looked at him from behind as he walked off toward town. She could not let him go without telling him. "Will wait!" Will stopped mid stride. Seline ran up to him mare in tow and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. She tried to put every bit of emotion behind that kiss. Will's surprise turned to welcome and then delight. He embraced her back and picked her up off her feet. As he set her down and looked into her face with a smile that melted her heart, she knew that he had to come back to her. He had to come back and he had to be hers. "Well now boy, this is not wh

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  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 12

    When Seline rode up the drive, it was clear that her absence had been noticed. Her mother was standing outside with her hands on her hips looking very upset. She did not say a word but pointed to the barn. Seline dismounted and turned to her mother. "Mama Heinz is dead. He must have fallen from the horse and was killed. he is in the woods on the far side of the road going to town after the Evan's farm drive." Mama covered her mouth with her hand and looked at Seline in disbelief. She began to cry. Mama put her head down and sucked in a deep breath. "Alright. I will tell your father. I do not know who they will send out to get him as all the men have been called out to fight. Mr. Dells is here and I need you to go in through the kitchen and straight up to your room. The water in the basin on your wash stand was warm a few hours ago but you will have to do with cold now. wash up there is some rose and lavendar water that Henni made for you. Put it on after you wash and then I will be up

    Last Updated : 2022-07-18

  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 13

    Seline entered her father's study. Both men were seated and got to their feet as she entered. "Seline, come in and sit down." Seline's father pointed to the second chair in front of his desk. Mr. Dells looked at Seline appreciatively. With an approving smile he turned to Papa. "I am glad that she cleaned up well. Now, since I saw her with the Evans boy earlier and you are in breech of the agreement that we made, I will marry her 1 week from today and I will take the horse that she was riding when I saw her with that boy." Seline spun in her chair. "What, that horse belongs to Heinz, and why are you in such a hurry?" "Well I guess he won't be needing it anymore then since we just got some boys to go out and get his body to bury it. As for the hurry, why wait. There is no one to show up at the wedding except those that are already in this house. I am in a hurry to produce an heir and my house needs a woman to do the cooking and cleaning as no one has done any since my previous wife fa

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  • All Is Fair In Love and War   Chapter 14

    Seline welcomed the chance to go upstairs and get away from everyone. Instead of going to Alice and Alene’s room she went to her own and shut the door. She leaned on it and sank down to sit on the floor. She hugged her knees and cried. Mr. Dells was not the man that she had always felt sorry for. He was a cruel, uncaring man. The thought of marrying him was frightening. At one time she thought that she had accepted that she would have to marry whom ever her father chose for her, but now it seems even her father has no choice. For her, everything changed when she first kissed Will. She knew at that moment that she could not marry another, her heart was his. There has to be a way that she can get out of marrying this awful man. She had to be careful how she did this because if she didn’t marry him she had a feeling that he would go after Alice, or even Alene since her marrying Mr. Glassman was a condition of his original letter. She would think on this long and hard. She would talk to

    Last Updated : 2022-07-25

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

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    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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