1864 Sunnyside continued-5

1864 Sunnyside continued-5

Sallie was beyond elated when Aunt Mary arranged the children in a circle, with Sallie as the star in the middle! Margaret and Mark Vickers both exclaimed, “Mine first!” one after the other, as the gifts were handed out. Everyone was very excited as Sallie opened each one. Among all the presents, her favorite two were undoubtedly the 3-piece silver vanity set and the croquet set. Nonetheless, the least favorite of hers was the charming frog that Mark Vickers gave her! The cake was devoured in a flash.

Sallie had just been given a croquet set by Isolene, but none of the children had ever seen one before. They were all curious and, with a polite enquiry, Sallie asked what it was and how to play. Isolene kindly enlightened them, explaining that croquet was new to Americans having been brought over from a friend in Boston. Despite the group having a few questions, the answer had them all intrigued. Then, William - the kind and refined man he was - excitedly declared that he knew how to play the game. However, the moment the hoops were laid out, it soon became apparent that he was completely lost in the details. With a gentle touch, Isolene stepped in and began to teach the kids the basics of the game.

Sallie and Margaret were so thrilled to have Mark Ann put their hair in a French braid with the vanity set. They both giggled as they admired their braids in the hand held mirror. GW couldn't help but compliment the girls on their looks, and with that, he made his way to his father's grave where William was standing.

The end of the day was drawing near, but the sounds of children playing, laughing and having a great time still lingered in the air. As the women tidied up. As GW approached William, William handed him a cigar he had received from Atlanta on one of his recent trips, GW rummaged through his vest for a match, striking it against his father's headstone to light both their cigars. They enjoyed it for a few moments before GW asked William to look into the possibility of Union troops invading the Middle Georgia area, particularly the nearby plantations. William understood and suggested it was time to call it and evening. Everyone retired to their homes.

As the leaves began to fall and winter slowly approached, it was evident that all of the hard work had really paid off. All of the crops and cotton had been efficiently collected and stored, while everyone else went about their daily lives. Sallie and Margaret always crossed paths at school and church, and their friendship only grew stronger with the passing of each and every day.

The Paul and Faulk families could never have predicted the startling event that would occur on a chilly November night, with the unnerving reports of the unrest between the North and South. An event was set to unfold and nothing could have prepared them for it.