If You Could Save Only One Thing... Chapter 1
Title: If You Could Save Only One Thing
Author: 1776_nixongurl
Characters: Dolley Madison, James Pennyworth, Captain Henry Creshire, Lissy Maye
Summary: Dolley Madison faces the fight of her life...
*Author's Notes: So this a bit of a departure from our normal time period, but I had some inspiration. Dolley Madison was the wife of President James Madison (he wrote the Constitution). While her husband was in office, the War of 1812 was going on. This was another wa which pitted the Americans against the British. One night, when President Madison was out of Washington, British soldiers marched to the White House and burned it down. This story is meant to chronicle Dolley's experiences as she fled from the British.*
That morning she awoke to an oppressive heat that overtook the air and filled her lungs with a heaviness. She gave a groan and forced the covers away from her, trying to cool off.
"Madam," a small voice whispered," it is time to awake..."
Dolley opened her eyes to see her young hand-maid standing before her. Lissy Maye was a very plain girl who never seemed to smile. She handed Dolley her fresh linens and went out of the room, waiting to be called in again to tie the corset.
Dolley grimaced as she slipped on each layer of constricting clothing, making the oppressive heat almost unbearable. She called for Lissy to tie her corset.
"Please refrain from tying it too tightly," Dolley sighed," for I am afraid it is too hot to look proper."
They both chuckled at this comment, making the air seem much lighter. Lissy finished her work with a light tug on the silky ties.
"Thank you, Lissy." Dolley said with a small curtsey.
"You are quite welcome, Madam." Lissy gave an even bigger curtsey.
Dolley left the room to go to breakfast. She could feel hunger building up inside of her, making her happy that today the chefs would be making a sumptuous dish filled with exotic fruits. When she got to the table her dear friend, Mr. James Pennyworth was waiting for her.
"James!" Dolley ran to him an gave him a hug. "It is so wonderful to see you!"
"Likewise, my dearest," he smiled.
They sat down to the table and helped themselves to the bountiful assortment that graced the table. The conversation was mostly trivial, simply two friends catching up.
"Dolley," James's tone took a very serious tone," I came here to warn you about something I heard..."
"What is it, James?"
"I heard some soldiers discussing an attack on the White House..."
"Oh please, James... They would never try to hurt the White House. We have an entire regiment camping only a breath's away from here. You must be mistaken."
"I know I am not mistaken on this. I heard it and they sounded very clear."
"You worry far too much, James. If it makes you feel better I will tell the Captain to put the troops on alert."
James frowned but knew he could do nothing to sway her mind...