Lucia's Eyes by Dana De Noux

December 2, 1814

New Orleans – After inspecting the front door approach to the city – Gentilly – Gen. Jackson and his staff, Gérard and Matthew tagging along, visit the back door approach, the plantations south of the city. They stop for a late lunch at the distant Villére Plantation, leaving orders for the Louisiana militia to obstruct all canals from the plantations to Lake Borgne. He wants the back door nailed shut. If the British want to sneak through the almost impenetrable cypress swamp, they’ll have to do it on foot.

That evening the first ball of the holiday season draws our main characters waltzing. Lucia dances with Poul and Gérard as Matthew finds a way to dance and steal a kiss from Aimeé. Little Maria screens her sister sneaking away with Poul, then Gérard to kiss each beneath a towering magnolia tree on the patio while Carmenbray and Elizabeta show them the passion of a good, long, French kiss.

from BATTLE KISS, Part 2, “The British Invade” www.oneildenoux.net