The 15th Star (A Lisa Grace History - Mystery) by Lisa Grace Page A

I should have had a guard, not just for you, but for Grace and Miss Maggie. It is truly my fault.”
    “ You are not going to court-martial Major Rivers, arrest him, punish him?”
    “ Louisa, He has every right. I’m sorry your trip has brought you to see the low base needs of fighting men. I have asked him to refrain from now on from such behavior while in my fort. That is all I can do.”
    Louisa cried, “Poor Grace.”
    Later that evening, she vowed in her heart that somehow she would do her best to make up for the wrong that was done to Grace. She swore that some day the truth would come out and she would work to make sure that all women were safe no matter what their station in life or color.
    ***
    The next morning, Grace almost convinced herself that nothing bad had happened. Instead, she chose to count her blessings. She was still alive, she would be sore for a few days, but she would heal. She said to herself, “It is what it is.”
    Her flag that she had helped make was proudly flying over the fort. She had made a new friend, two, counting Miss Maggie. Mrs. Louisa had given her the gift of fine paper, and promised she would teach her to read and write. God was good when he tried, she thought. Part of her dream would come true. Everyone had their cross to bear and this was hers. She would live and be happy. She would not let Major Rivers steal her little bits of happiness anymore than she had let Mr. Copper.
    Grace packed her meager belongings and waited for the soldier to knock on the door announcing it was her time to go home. She prayed she would not have to face Major Rivers again. Miss Maggie came and told her that Major Rivers and his men had left at first light. For this Grace was thankful.
    Grace held Louisa ’s hand when Louisa reached out for hers and promised, “I will write as soons as I learn how. Thank you for being my friend that is all the treasure I need. Please write me and tell me all the wonderful things that are happenin to you. I will pray ev’ry day that God keeps your good man safe, and you too.”
    Louisa said to Grace, “You are a dear soul. I will carry you in my heart and in my prayers. I think God owes you a spot of happiness as so much sorrow in one person’s life is not right.”
    Miss Maggie waved goodbye, “I wish you well little seamstress. I wish you well.”
    ***
    On the way back to the city Grace looked back at the fort. She had noticed on the way in but now even more so in the dull cloud-filtered light, the fort looked like a patch-quilt star, the stones resembling pieces of gold colored cloth. She noticed as they were leaving, one of the points sticking out to the sea with her flag waving above it, one toward the river, and one toward the city, one toward the west, and one to the south. What a clever design, she thought. She especially liked the one pointing to the city, that pointed her way home. She had no idea how important that would be in the battle that was coming down the road or to the future which was busy marching into the annals of history. Her history, and her country’s.
    ***
    When Grace returned, she tried her best to forget the bad part of what happened. Ma’am could tell something was wrong and she could see Grace was in some pain. The ride back had been especially hard on her ribs. The jolting of the horse drawn cart had made her scream out twice in pain when they passed over especially rough parts of the road. When she was back home and had a chance to look in the mirror, she saw her ribs were discolored. Big patches of yellow and black showed where she had bled under her dark skin.
    The next morning Ma ’am called her into the drawing room. She held a letter and looked flushed.
    “ I prayed over this letter all night, not knowing what to say. Sorry is so—inadequate. You should have been more careful, not so trusting.” She chided. She held out her arms as if to give Grace a hug. Grace reached out, grabbed Ma’am’s hands, and held them in