Thread: Asking for Directions {darkangel76 & Alan23}

The long walk back to her tent was torturous to say the least. Andie could feel a dozen eyes or more staring at her back as she made her way back and once she entered her tent, she was glad to be rid of the burden. For once she found herself hating to be the center of attention, the sole focus of so many whispers. But she couldn't help it. Out here in the backwoods wilds of the horrific Ozarks these men were crude and lacking taste, they didn't know how to treat the fairer sex, let alone one of such dignity and grace as herself. It was shameful. Then again, she supposed that was why most of them were in the position that they were. And may they never crawl out of it either! May the trench at the bottom of their deep ravine only grow deeper as they make fun of what they truly do not understand and never will! Hmph! Tease the president's daughter indeed! The very idea! It takes a true gentleman to know aristocracy, not these poor halfwits of low station! Andie's eyes filled with tears as she moved to undress herself, her beautiful lacy gown completely ruined around the hem. If only Helen had been there... the woman had her faults, but she'd have been able to clean the thing. She knew it full well. But without her, the dress was good for nothing now except the trash. The muddy stains would set in and never be able to be removed, not ever! Oh, it was so unfair! At that, she scowled and stamped a muddied foot upon the ground. But the sight of what had been perfect footwear and were now soiled and disgusting only furthered her frustrations. How she wanted to scream, to wash the grime of the Ozarks off her skin. Without further delay, Andie shimmied the pink lace off her body and slipped out of her shoes. She left the things in a soiled heap upon the ground for several long minutes before she finally just discarded them into a corner. What to do with them? She'd have to call for someone to remove them fully. She couldn't just dispose of them outside her tent like she wished since she either had to be dressed to do so in which she'd only ruin yet another gown or have to be indecently exposed which just wasn't an option. So no. She'd have no choice but to ask for help... more embarrassment! Truly this trip was cursed and it made her begin to worry slightly, long for father to be there to reassure her that things were all right. The man had a way of letting her know such things any time she got nervous or her emotions faltered. However, he wasn't there and all she had to rely on was the fact that he trusted in her abilities. It would have to be enough. Finally, Andie regained her composure and chose a new frock to wearmint green satin with a creamy lace shawl. It was one of her more favorite afternoon dresses and the color complemented her complexion quite nicely. Though one of her simpler dresses, like her others, it flattered her form. Once fully dressed, she reluctantly asked for her pink lacy gown to be removed from her tent and disposed of. What was done with it, she had no idea. She refused to ask and had no intentions on ever bringing up the subject ever again since the very topic only brought humiliation and shame. And who wanted to be reminded of such things? Surely not her! As the hours rolled on, they had broken camp and set back on the road once moredestination to New Orleans. Andie was glad to have left whatever piece of nowhere they'd been settled at for the night even if she didn't like traveling the twisting roads of the untamed world between Chicago and New Orleans. Truly the more unruly parts between Amerika and Annesland were frightening in a way and it made her wonder what it was like once they reached the borders. She'd heard that customs was rather tight between the nations and for good reason. Though given the strange sounds and terrible way of the roads, she wondered if there might be more to that than merely the shaky peace between 'neighbors'. Time went slowly and Andie found herself growing rather bored. Her mind wandered and drifted and all too often she found herself wondering about the 'guest' they were escorting, the only man among the others who dared to show any gentility at all. It was so peculiar that one such as him would have such manner being an attempted murderer and all. How he was able to carry himself as such, she didn't quite understand. But his actions definitely were making an impression of sorts. Yawning, Andie decided it was close enough to lunchtime that she wished for everyone to stop. She peeked out her window, shivering slightly at the scenery. Once she caught sight of one of the soldiers, she gestured that they all stop. Drawing back the curtains of the window of her coach, she inspected her skirts to make sure her slips weren't showing and then thought to check her garters. Just in case. She hoisted up her dress and made sure everything was in place, that her stockings were snuggly fit against her legs and smooth as silk. She caught sight of her tiny birthmark on her inner thigh and heaved a heavy sigh. The very sight of the birthmark was abhorrent to her even though it wasn't overly dark and its shape not unsightly nor very large. It was the shape of an upside down and lopsided heart. When little, Andie's mother had found the birthmark to be sweet, an enchanting little touchespecially on a little girl. But, as Andie grew into a young lady... Andie only grew to detest the tiny mark. Frowning, Andie pushed down her mint green skirts and readjusted them. Once again, she checked them to make sure her slips weren't showing. Wanting to take extra precautions, she made sure her slips were pulled up a bit higher. She wouldn't be made a fool of this time! When everything had come to its stop, she carefully got out of her coach and began to make her way over to where Charles 'cage' was set up. She kept her head up as she walked and was escorted, refusing to acknowledge any of the soldiers given their rude behaviors from before.