Chapter III - The Arrival   ... I look up and down the crisscrossed bumpy streets, to observe proper women adorned in long embroidered dresses. The loose garment is styled with a low neckline and high-waist bunched just below the bosom. Many ladies are sporting complementing attire of bonnets, shawls, spencers, and parasols. As their leather slippers tiptoe over wet ground, the body skimming dresses are lifted to safety. While protecting the delicate fabric, the show of petticoats and flirtatious smiles garner the attention of passing men. Tamba and I look at one another and smile ...   ... I glance across the street and chance to see Lavinia shopping for fruit. Standing in the shade, her beauty seemingly outshines the sun. “Sell me your best basket for carrying produce, quickly now,” I implore the street vendor, as my heart palpitates. “Yaas, suh.” She hurriedly provides me change.   I scurry across the roadway, meandering through a throng of patrons. After bumping into bystander shoulders and stepping on a few toes, I reach Lavinia. She is haggling with a merchant.   “But this fruit is not fresh like the morning dew. I will pay half the asking,” she protests scowling.   “Sold! You barter well! I would fear to be your husband,” concedes the chuckling street vendor.   “Rightfully so,” she agrees, displaying a dimpled grin.   I sneak behind her and whisper, “Lavinia.”   She twitches from startle.   “Ohhh, Adam. I so hoped you would come.”   “Let us go and talk.”   “I must return soon because John will look for me,” she nervously answers ...   ... Although I do not know Mister Middleton well, I am pleased to have his concern and best interest. Father would also be elated, knowing I have accepted the assistance of his lifelong friend. While walking to the south flanker, I recollect Father saying, “Friendship evolves like courtship, a prelude to a marriage of unconditional support and trust.” He and Mister Middleton are certainly a testament to those words ...   Continue to chapter ...   TABLE OF CONTENTS         Prologue I.      Shiloh Plantation II.     Six Mile House III.    The Arrival IV.    Charleston Tour V.     Highwaymen VI.    Fires of Hell VII.   City Bastille VIII.  Coming of Age IX.    Presidential Ball X.     Voyage of Faith XI.    Day of Reckoning XII.   Fall Harvest XIII.  New Year Politics XIV.  Lurking Danger XV.   Steps to Eternity XVI.  Haunting Love