Thorndyke's War
Chapter 1

It was the summer of 1859, and in Clayton County, Georgia, someone new had moved in. This new face was having what he called a "Greet the Neighbors party" at the plantation he'd recently purchased, called Palatine Hill. The host was on the veranda of the large house, watching as the buggies, carriages, and horses came up the horseshoe driveway. He sighed as he combed a hand through his blonde hair, blinking leftover sleep from his green eyes. "Well now," he said, greeting the first few guests. "You're the new neighbors, I see."
"Damien Cornelius Thorndyke!" Ashley Wilkes exclaimed as the two men shook hands. "What's this I hear about you moving to Clayton County?"
"I figured, since I'm the spare of the family, I might as well get my own place," Damien replied. "When I'm not out fighting the Indians, that is."

Damien Thorndyke was a captain in the army, and he was stationed out west, fighting the various Indian tribes if they became aggressive, and defending the settlers who'd moved there. "How's life at Twelve Oaks, Ashley?"
"Oh, it's alright, if you don't mind being so far from civilization."
"The country's alright," said Damien. "I mean, you can't grow cotton in the middle of a city. You'd best head in the house. We've got more people coming." Ashley did just that, making room for the next set of guests, the O'Haras.

"Mr. O'Hara," said Damien.
"So you're the newest face in the neighborhood," said Gerald. "Will we be seeing you at Mass on Sunday?"
Damien chuckled. "I'm a God fearing Protestant, Mr. O'Hara. Being told how to think and act by a man in a dress and a funny hat was never my strong suit. In fact… I think I may have a steak dinner this Friday."
"Bah, you're alright for an Orangeman," said Gerald.
"In the meantime, make yourselves at home, all of you."
"I'd like to introduce you to my daughters once everything's settled," said Gerald. "You might like them."

After greeting the Tarletons along with everyone else in the neighborhood, including the Slatterys, Damien went back inside his new house, sighing with relief when the cool air hit him, heading towards Gerald. "Ah, there you are," Gerald said. "Here are Susan Elinor, Katie Scarlett, and Caroline Irene. They prefer Suellen, Scarlett, and Careen."
"It's a pleasure to meet you three," Damien said with a slight bow. "I've heard good things about you and yours from the Hamiltons."
"And how is Miss Melanie?" Suellen inquired.
"She was doing alright the last time I saw her," said Damien. "Of course, I can't do much else but engage in light conversation with her."
"Not your type?" Scarlett asked.
"Oh no, it isn't that. It's just that I've heard rumors, you see." Scarlett leaned forward. "They say that she and Ashley Wilkes are getting married."

Scarlett's face went blank, and then she forced a smile. "Oh," she said. "Well… if that's true, then… give Ashley my congratulations, please."
Damien nodded. "Certainly," he said. "I, meanwhile, have to mingle with the other guests." He shrugged. "Don't want to be rude."
As Damien bowed and left, Scarlett's mind raced. It couldn't be true! Ashley couldn't be marrying that mousy, subservient little… no. She, Scarlett, was the one whom Ashley loved! She knew it! And yet… what if it was true? A few moments later, Scarlett was eating her lunch with her family. Her father saw her perturbed look and spoke up.
"Captain Thorndyke was right to bring Ashley to your attention," said Gerald. "You should know that Wilkses always marry their cousins. Only when like marries like can there be happiness."
"Oh but I would be happy with him!"
"No, kitten. You wouldn't, and I guarantee it. However, Captain Thorndyke seems respectable.

That was when the realization hit Scarlett like a fully loaded freight train. Damien was new… they'd never met. Why, captain Thorndyke could be… and yet what if… Scarlett thought for a moment, and then sat bolt upright and smiled, her spirits renewed. She ate vigorously, and when her plate was empty, she sat back. "Why pa, you've probably given me the best idea I've had all day!" she declared.
"Well you can't make your move on him now," Gerald said.
"You're right. I can't. Not yet. However…" Scarlett's smile transformed into a confident smirk as she chuckled to herself.

After lunch, it was time for the afternoon nap. Ashley would be conversing with the other men in the meanwhile, doubtlessly. "Captain Thorndyke likes me more," said Suellen as they undressed.
"Shut up, Suellen," said Scarlett defensively. "He wasn't even looking at you."
"How's Ashley today?"
"What do you care?"
"He's going to marry Melanie, I'm telling you."
"That's as much as you know!"
Suellen smirked triumphantly. "And Captain Thorndyke will have me on his arm before this party's even over."
Scarlett turned over in her bedding. "Shut your stupid face, Suellen," she muttered. "Shut it!"