Manassas-Part 2/7 Summary and disclaimers in Part 1 ***** "It was the first Field of Glory I had seen in the May of life, and the first time that Glory sickened me with its repulsive aspect, and made me suspect it was all a glittering lie...." Henry Morton Stanley-April 1862 ***** August 20, 1862 Anderson Farm Near Manassas Junction, Virginia It was mid-morning when Scully finally made it to the kitchen. She felt strange in the long dress, mostly due to the plentiful under-clothes. Camisole, knickers of some sort that came to just below the knee, two petticoats, and stockings that came up to meet the knickers, tied with ribbon-like garters just above the knee. The shoes reminded her of lace-up Western boots, but narrower with higher heels. Maddie gave her another smile when Scully entered the kitchen, but it seemed strained. There was worry in her eyes, and though Scully was sure this woman had plenty to worry about, she was pretty sure this particular problem was because of her. The older woman began to talk about nothing in particular, and her nervous energy began to transfer to Scully, who stood to help her clean up the morning dishes. There was a sink, but no running water. Maddie used what water was left in a large porcelain pitcher to clean the dishes, and Scully dried them with a rough dish towel. Maddie suddenly turned to face her. "I don't even know your name." "Dana," Scully immediately responded. "Dana...Hale." She could claim to be the widow of George if anyone asked. A widow would be given more respect than an unmarried thirty-something in this day in age. She looked at her left hand, then at Maddie's. The older woman wasn't wearing a ring. Scully knew that wearing a wedding ring hadn't been that common a practice in the 1860's. Especially for farm women, who used their hands for hard labor and had no desire to worry about jewelry. Maddie sighed. "Dana. That's a lovely name." She paused, as if unsure how to continue. "Where are you from originally, Dana? Your clothing...it was..." Scully actually blushed. Yes indeed, if Maddie had undressed her last night, she would have been quite shocked by her under-clothes. While modest and simple in her world, the cotton and lace bra and panties would be scandalous now. "I...I am originally from..." What exactly did her generic accent sound like? "I'm from Minnesota originally, but I just returned from France." "France?" A look of curiosity crossed her face. "How interesting." Scully could only guess what Maddie was thinking about the country across the sea. 'Sorry, France,' Scully thought. 'Don't mean to bad-mouth you.' The sound of horses interrupted any more conversation, and both women moved to the small window next to the front door. Maddie gave Scully a glance. "Soldiers. They've moved into the area recently. I'm not sure I'm happy about it." She moved to the door. "We've already had more than our share of blood spilled here; we certainly don't need more." She exited the house, and Scully followed, understandably curious and unusually excited. She stepped out on the porch behind Maddie, wondering who she would recognize this time. She wasn't disappointed. Jeffrey Spender, looking amazingly young and boyish, despite his immaculate blue uniform, sat astride a tall bay horse. Three other men rode with him. "Lieutenant Wade, ladies." He doffed his hat. "Which one of you is Madeline Anderson?" Maddie moved forward a bit. "I am Mrs. Anderson. What can I do for you, Lieutenant?" "The General wanted me to invite you to a social tomorrow evening in Centreville, at General Parker's house. He has heard about your efforts for the Country, and wishes to thank you in person." Scully looked at Maddie questioningly. Maddie, her expression unchanged, replied, "What 'efforts'?" Spender/Wade smirked. "We are aware of your activities, Mrs. Anderson." He turned to look up the drive, where Alfred and Jonah were returning from their visit to the neighbors in the old wagon they had been working on earlier. He turned back to the women. "You and your boys have a reputation around here." Maddie stood silent. Wade looked at Scully. "Your friend is invited, as well. I am sure the General will approve. The more the merrier." He paused. "Lt. Richard Anderson may be there. If he and his men arrive from the Richmond lines in time." Maddie's eyes had widened in excitement upon hearing this news. "Of course we will attend, Lieutenant. Thank the General for the invitation." "Of course." Wade nodded, then spun his horse and cantered away, his men following. "I'm sorry for speaking for you, Miss Hale," Maddie said to Scully. "But I would greatly appreciate it if you would come." She smiled. "My son may be there!" Scully smiled softly back. "I think I'd like that. But I don't have anything to wear." Scully assumed a social meant a party of some sort. "We'll find something. In fact, I think I know what would look wonderful on you." As Scully followed Maddie back into the house, the thought passed through her head that she should really be trying to find a way back home. But a part of her was still convinced this was all a dream, and she wanted to enjoy the adventure. Too bad Mulder isn't here, she thought. He would be loving this! ************************************************************ "Well, General, we've had the Devil's own day." William Tecumseh Sherman "Yes. Lick 'em tomorrow, though." U.S.Grant-April 1862 ***** August 20, 1999 Manassas National Battlefield Park Mulder was not enjoying any of this. It had been slightly over 24 hours since Scully's disappearance, and there was absolutely no trace of her, dead or alive. Mulder hadn't had any sleep. He had helped the local officers in the search last night. Dogs had been brought in this morning, but they picked up no scent. At Skinner's demand, Mulder had returned home around lunch to eat and change into more comfortable clothes. He had been back within an hour to continue, but still there was nothing. It was like she had dropped off the face of the earth. He looked upward at the first stars beginning to glitter in the darkening sky. He felt a shiver run up his back. 'No,' he thought. 'Not again.' He stood from his seat on the porch of the Center and walked towards the stand of trees where he had last seen her. He had searched the area around the trees dozens of times already, but he was positive that if he was to find any clue of her whereabouts, it would be there. Several of the officers watched him go with pity in their eyes. They were all tired and frustrated as well, but it was obvious to everyone involved how much the FBI agent cared for his missing partner. Many of them were convinced she had been kidnapped, and that her body would be found nearby sometime in the future. But nobody was going to say that to Agent Mulder. Mulder had to use his flashlight to see when he entered the trees. He tried to retrace every step he had taken yesterday in the chase. Tried to picture exactly where it had been that Scully had stumbled. Where he had stopped to help her. Again, he found himself near that tree. He directed the light up the length of the trunk, eyeing the gash once more. If she had been here when the tree had been struck, if she had been struck as well, her body would be here. It wouldn't have disappeared. He flashed the light along the ground. It took his conscious mind a while to understand that he was unconsciously looking for her cross. That tiny object that had been his connection to Scully more than once when she was gone. But there was nothing. With a groan, he sank down on the ground, his back to the tree. He leaned his head back and once again looked at the stars. He knew what the deputies and other agents thought. That Scully had been taken and killed by an unknown assailant. But Mulder knew she wasn't dead. He would feel it if she died. He laughed at himself for the silly thought. But it was true, he realized. Half of him would be dead if she was, and yet he was here, alive. He closed his eyes and felt regret pour through him. Regret for so many things. Regret for not giving Scully more attention, more respect. Regret for not telling her he loved her. Regret for not being worthy of her love. Oh, yes. He knew she loved him, though she had never said the words. Why else would she have stayed a willing part of his miserable existence for so long? 'Oh, quit moping, Mulder.' Her voice was as clear as a bell in his ear. His eyes flew open, but he knew he was alone. He sighed. She would indeed be angry with him for sitting here wallowing in self-pity. But it was a hell of a lot easier than thinking about what might be happening to her. ************************************************************ "If McClellan is not using the army, I should like to borrow it for a while." A. Lincoln-April 1862 ***** August 21, 1862 Anderson Farm Near Manassas Junction, Virginia Scully was having the time of her life. She didn't really care if she was dreaming or not, the details of the world around her fascinated her to no end. She spent the rest of the day yesterday helping Maddie with her various chores, which included cleaning house, helping care for the few animals left on the farm, and checking the crops of tobacco and corn. It was getting close to harvest, but Maddie was worried they wouldn't get to keep what little they planted anyway. Both armies pretty much took what they wanted whenever they came through. Maddie also told how Major General John Pope, who was in charge of the Union troops in the area, had made more than a few enemies, even among the Unionists. He had established Martial Law in the area, not trusting ANY Virginian. It was a surprise to Maddie that he had even allowed the party in Centreville to take place. Obviously, 'the General' had more power. When Maddie mentioned the General, Scully couldn't help wracking her brain, trying to think of who this General might be. It couldn't be the famous Grant; he was still out west fighting at this point in time. Other famous generals names came to mind, but she finally decided to just ask. "Who is this General you talk about?" Maddie got a concerned look on her face. "General Wade." Spender's face came to mind. "Is he related to the Lieutenant of the same name?" Maddie nodded. "His father. He wields a lot of power in this area. Even Pope is afraid of him." Scully also struck up conversations with Maddie's two workers. Alfred she found easy to talk to, amazingly enough. But Jonah was intimidating, and always seemed to be watching her with distrust. Scully tried not to worry about it too much. This afternoon, Maddie was helping her to change into a dress much different than what she had worn before. It was made of silk, and Scully knew it must have cost a fortune, especially in this era. It was an incredible blue color, nearly matching Scully's eyes. Low cut, off the shoulder, with long, tight sleeves, it looked far to small for Scully. When she pointed this out to Maddie, the older woman gave her an odd look, then proceeded to pull out what Scully recognized as a corset. Something in her rebelled. Women had been forced to wear those torture devices for hundreds, even thousands of years, and Scully couldn't stand the thought of wearing one. But she also knew that she would not fit into that gorgeous gown without it. Feeling like Scarlet O'Hara, Scully had to grind her teeth together as Maddie pulled on the strings that tightened the whale-bone binding around her waist, nearly cutting off her breathing. She wore the chemise and knickers underneath, but they were no protection at all from the biting and pinching the device caused. The corset was followed by three petticoats and one very thick, almost hoop skirt-like starched petticoat on top of them. Then Maddie lowered the gown over her head. It fit Scully's now tiny waist to perfection. With a grimace, she turned to look at herself in the rough mirror. "Oh, my God!" Despite her use of the Lord's name in vain, Maddie smiled at Scully's reaction. Scully was staring. At herself. She knew the petticoats would make the skirt incredibly full, and she knew the corset would shrink her waist. But what she hadn't known was how the corset would 'boost' her, so to speak. Scully looked at her chest in astonishment. She, who had always been pretty much convinced her body was nothing special, just ordinary, had cleavage! And a lot of it! "Wow!" she whispered. Maddie simply nodded. She had gotten dressed in a much more sedate silk gown already, and had done her hair in a simple knot. But she had dressed up Scully's hair, which was much shorter than most women in this era wore theirs, in an elegant twist. Now, as she slowly swayed in front of the mirror, smiling at the lovely swishing noises the silk made, Scully forgot all about shoes that pinched and not being able to breathe. She was ready to party! The last thought she had before she and Maddie got in the old, but functional, carriage for the two hour ride to Centreville, was that she wished Mulder could see her in this get-up. She wondered what he would say. ************************************************************ "If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that." A. Lincoln-August 1862 ***** August 21, 1862 General Parker's Residence Centreville, Virginia Maddie explained to Scully on the rough road to Centreville that General Parker was a good friend of fellow Virginian Robert E. Lee, but unlike Lee, he had chosen to stay with the Union. Many Virginian's called him a traitor because of this decision, and the Confederates had, when given the chance, looted and nearly burned the General's house last year. But now, with the Federals in control of the area once more, the house had been fixed up and was being used as Headquarters' for Wade and his men. Parker himself had retired from fighting, but still commanded a great amount of respect from both Northern and Southern troops. He was a wonderful man, Maddie said. Unlike Pope and Wade, whom Maddie seemed fearful of. Scully had to admit to being suspicious about Maddie's real reason for wanting her at this party. Scully was also still a bit confused about why she wanted to go. She should really try to figure out how she had gotten here in the first place. If she didn't wake up first. The sun was just beginning to set when they arrived at the Parker House. It was a lovely, two-story brick building with roses surrounding it in abundance. A dignified looking black man helped them from the carriage, which Jonah had driven, and the two of them walked up the porch steps and entered the house. Scully, who hadn't stopped looking for, and had not found, anything 20th Century, stood astounded. What she saw was straight out of 'Gone With The Wind'! The men in the room outnumbered the women by at least five to one, but the women made up for their lack of numbers by standing out. Gowns of every color and fabric decorated the room. And Scully was instantly aware her cleavage wasn't the only one being displayed. The men were all in uniform. All in blue. Gold buttons flashed and silver dress-swords rattled. Several male eyes turned her way, and she couldn't help but blush. With her red hair and blue dress, she must stand out. Almost immediately, an older man approached them. Scully felt her heart speed up as she recognized him, even with the broad mustache he wore. Deep Throat. "Ladies! Welcome! Mrs. Anderson, I am honored that you could join us." He sent a glance Scully's way. "And I heard you were bringing a guest." "Yes," Maddie answered. "This is Dana Hale, a friend of my daughter's." She lied with ease, Scully saw. Deep Throat took her hand in his, bowed over it, and touched his lips to its back lightly. "Miss Hale. General Parker. Welcome to my home." "Thank you," Scully responded with as much dignity as she could muster. "And it is Mrs. Hale. My husband passed away several years ago." "And you never remarried? I lovely woman such as yourself?" Scully shook her head. "No. I could never replace him in my heart." Now why had Mulder's face popped into her head just then? "I understand completely. If my Doreen passes before me, I know I'd never look at anther woman." He bent his elbow in an age-old gesture the Scully understood right away. She grasped his elbow lightly with her hand. "Come, let me introduce you." He escorted her to a group of officers on the other side of the room. She recognized Spender/Wade, who gave her an appreciative glance up and down. Rather blatant, Scully thought, for an 1860's man. The tall man next to Wade turned when he heard them approach, and Scully felt an sudden desire to reverse her direction and go the other way. It was him. The General. The man who seemed to have more power than Pope, who had been put in charge of the Union forces by the President himself. Cancer Man. "General Wade. I'd like to introduce you to Mrs. Anderson's guest. This is Mrs. Hale, from...?" "Minnesota. Although I've been living in Washington for several years." "Mrs. Hale." Wade nodded his head in acknowledgment. He was almost unrecognizable, sporting, as he did, a mustache and sideburns. It was the most common style among mature men, Scully knew. And instead of a cigarette, he carried a cigar. But he was still frightening. "Mr. Hale?" "Dead." Her answer was sharp. Too sharp. Wade's eyes narrowed. "The war?" "No. He died several years ago." "I'm sorry if I brought up any bad memories, Mrs. Hale. But I am sure many men here tonight will be asking about you, and I would like to give them an answer." "Oh, admit it, Cleve. You're just nosy!" The speaker was another tall man, but he wasn't in uniform and he spoke with a British accent. Scully took in a deep breath. Was she destined to meet everyone from her past here? The man came up to her, kissing her hand as Parker had done. "Patrick Louder, at your service, Madame. I am a journalist for the London Times, but I have also known this old man," he nodded toward Wade, "for far too long. Long enough to know when he is playing bloodhound." "Bloodhound?" Scully asked. "Sniffing out spies, Mrs. Hale," Wade's son answered. "But I hardly think a lady from Minnesota would be spying for the Rebs." He and the other men around him laughed. Scully smiled politely and said, "No. Of course not." "And, of course," Wade Sr. continued, "Mrs. Anderson would not treat her so kindly if she approved of the slave issue." A flurry of activity across the room attracted the attention of the small group Scully stood with. She turned to see Maddie being swung around happily by a tall, redheaded soldier. When the man pulled away, Scully smiled. Charlie. "Richard Anderson, I presume?" She spoke to no one in particular, but the General answered her. "Yes. He and his men were marched up here to join Pope's troops." Scully looked around the room, pretending to look for Pope. She'd never met a historical figure before. "He's not here, Mrs. Hale. He is still licking his wounds from his defeat at Cedar Mountain two weeks ago." Scully nodded and started to turn back toward the group when a man caught her eye. She couldn't help but feel her heart speed up. Like all the others, he was in blue. Another General. He also displayed facial hair, but only a modest mustache, and Scully had to admit his broad shoulders filled out the blue uniform he was wearing quite splendidly. She had always had a thing for men in uniform. She saw him glance her way, and she gave him a small smile, realizing she probably shouldn't; it wasn't something a decent lady should do. But if there was anybody Scully felt she could trust enough to help her out of this unbelievable situation, it was him. There was only one other man she trusted more. The soldier began to walk her way, and Scully tensed. "General Rollins," Wade said to the man, and Scully was sure she heard distaste in the man's voice. Hmmm. So Skinner ticked him off in this time, too. "Sir," Skinner/Rollins said, but his brown eyes never left Scully. "Ma'am." He took her hand, kissing it as the others had, only he seemed to linger over it a bit longer than the others. "General William Rollins." Scully smiled slightly. Was he flirting with her?! "General." Before any more words could be said, a young private rushed into the room, heading straight for Wade. "Sir! I just received this." The boy (he was far too young to be considered a man) handed a small sheet of paper to Wade. Wade read the message. Then he looked at the men surrounding him. "Confederate cavalry are in the area tonight. Wrecking havoc, as usual. I think it's best we disperse, gentlemen." David Wade asked his father nervously, "Is it Stanton, do you think?" Wade's eyes glittered in the light from the many gas lamps. "I do hope so. I really do." Scully suddenly felt an uncontrollable fear for this Stanton, because whatever Wade had in mind for him, it wasn't good. ***** End 2/7