Jot 2

Hey! Finally Jot 2! And, in a way, 1. This is the first post of the new Jot. This snippet is in the middle of what I have done so far, but is still in the beginning of the story. So you're not completely lost: Civil war; Miller and Clare are married; Berta and Eudora are their slaves; Confederate side; Miller has left to fight; Clare is by herself.
Well, here it is. Tell me what you think and where you think this should go, though I already have a bit of an idea.

JOT 2

The messenger was waiting in the parlor when she walked in. He was studying a portrait of Miller and herself they had had taken the day of their wedding. They’d only been married a year when Miller left. Both of them were still so young.

“Can I help you, sir,” Claire asked when the man did not notice her enter the room.

He jumped then straightened himself, his hat tucked under his arm. “Mornin’ ma’am.  I have a message for you fr—“

Claire cut him off. “From Miller?”

He frowned. “I’m afraid not, ma’am. From General Lee.”

“General Lee? Why would he have a message for me?” Again Claire’s fears rose to the surface after the brief moment of hope.

The messenger did not answer but simply reached into his coat pocket and handed her a small piece of parchment with a red seal, dirt caught in the dried wax.  Claire took it and, sitting on the couch, began reading.

“Mrs. Quinn,”

“Ma’am.”

Claire looked up, frustrated the man had stopped her.

“If you don’t mind ma’am, I have other business to attend to.”

“Oh, yes, yes. You may go. Eudora will show you out. Eudora!”

Claire quickly looked back at the message, not bothering to offer a proper farewell.

“Mrs. Quinn,

The battle rages on. We all believed this to be a quick endeavor and I apologize that it has dragged on longer than expected. Morale is high and we are determined to see this through.”

“Small talk,” Claire thought. “What is it you mean to tell me, Lee?”

“Your husband, Mr. Miller Quinn, has been an important asset to our purpose here. He has fought bravely and has saved many young lives. We will forever be in his debt. The reasoning for this letter, however, is unfortunate.”

Claire sucked in her breath and held it as she read on.

“It is my displeasure to have to inform you that your husband—“

Claire quickly crushed the letter into her lap, covering it with her shaking hands. She could not bear to read further. Miller could not be—Claire covered her mouth with her hand as she began weeping quietly. 


Okay, that's all you get. For now. 
MUAH HA HA HA HA!