Virginia Harrington's Story
Virginia Harrington sat at the small table in the interrogation room. The officer that had arrested her was waiting for an answer from her as to why she had shot and killed a man.
"I shot Jack Fairview because he came for my baby..."
"No Ma'am you didn't..." The officers voice faded away as Virginia's thoughts were drawn to the past.
'Virginia stood in the mirror. She turned from side to side looking for flaws in her appearance. There were none.
Her white gown was perfect. Mother had it made exclusively for her Presentation Ball. The Cotillion was the most anticipated event of the debutante season! Everyone wanted to wear the most beautiful gown. Virginia already knew her gown would be the best.
Virginia put on her white gloves. Her single string of fresh water pearls gleamed at her neck. She examined her face. Her huge emerald green eyes were framed with thick long lashes. They sparkled like gems. Her short curly hair was just long enough to kiss her neck. Full red lips and a pert little nose. Delicate pink cheeks made her look healthy and young.
She had a stunning figure. Medium sized high breasts, a tiny waist and lovely rounded hips. Her short stature seemed more sultry than cute. At 5'4 she was the shortest Deb this season but she was also the most beautiful.
The entire Debutante season ran from May through December and culminated in each Debutante being presented to society. It was an exciting time because the celebration also signified that a debutante was ready for courtship and marriage.
That was Virginia's ultimate goal. Richard Harrington. Wealthy, kind and handsome. A real southern gentleman. Every Debutante was after either him or Matthew Larrimore, the two most eligible men around.
Virginia's mother, Elizabeth Dunham, was a Georgia peach. She wanted her daughter introduced to Georgia society as well as within the Louisiana circuit where her father, Peter Dunham, was born and raised. This meant that she had needed two of everything. This dress by far outshined her last one!
The Christmas Cotillion in Savannah Georgia was the oldest Debutante Ball in the United States. It had been held since 1817. This year it was being held on December 26th.
Virginia had attended as a honorary Deb in the past. It was there that she had gained an introduction to Richard Harrington, Carl Grantham, and the stunning Morgana DuCain.
Richard was from Louisiana like her. He lived in southern Louisiana near the bayou and she was from south central. That was why they had never met.
He had gone to the Georgia Deb Ball as an escort for his friend, Carl Grantham's, little sister. He was 6' feet tall, muscular without being large, and graceful. He had very light blond hair. His eyes were a thrilling grey. Virginia was smitten.
At first she was stand offish with the lovely Morgana. Her beauty rivalled Virginia's with her stunning straight black hair and her huge black eyes, thickly lashed. She was tall with large breasts, long legs and round hips. But it soon became apparent that Morgana was in love with Carl. It wasn't long before they became fast friends.
Her own Southern Cotillion was being held tonight in New Orleans, Louisiana during the Carnival season. Her family had travelled there the day before and were staying at a hotel near the venue. The ball was turning out as everything it promised to be.
The ballroom was a massive estate room. Huge chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their bright glow diminished by the sheer size of the room. Smaller wall sconces spaced out so many feet on the walls helped brighten the room considerably and yet the room's over all lighting was subdued.
Virginia peeked out through the heavy red curtains. The guests lined the walls waiting for the Debs to appear. Daniel Du Fremont, her escort, was her brothers best friend. He was a nice enough guy from a eligible family. He was boring. Virginia knew he was crushing on her and that her parents approved a match between them. She couldn't wait to ditch him.
Daniel hovered over her shoulder looking over Louisiana's elite. "Ready?" he asked. She slid her arm in his and took her place in the short line. It was time.
With the formalities over, the couples swirled around the dance floor. As Daniel led her around the ball room Virginia scanned the crowd. No Richard. Her spirits were just starting to plummet when she saw him slip into the room. He was with a boy as tall as him but as dark as he was light. Virginia recognized him instantly. Carl Grantham.
Carl was slightly taller than Richard. He had jet black hair and stormy silver eyes. He was a similar build to Richard but carried a slightly bigger frame. He was good looking too. Virginia wasn't interested in Carl though he was a real fine gentleman.
The set over, she was delivered to a group of her friends. They were all chattering excitedly. The talk was all of Richard and Carl. That irritated her. She didn't like competition and normally did what she could to eliminate it but she knew in this case there was nothing she could do but grin and bear it.
The small groups sudden hush caught Virginia's attention. She looked up as Richard approached her.
"Virginia. It's nice to see you. You look lovely."
Virginia was thrilled! He had sought her out! She knew she was the envy of every girl present tonight.
"Why thank you Richard." Her eyes looked directly into his. She smiled. "You are looking very Dapper yourself!"
He extended his arm. "Shall we dance?"
"I would love too." She allowed herself to be led to the floor. She could feel Richards warmth radiating towards her. His hand at her waist was strong and sure. He led her around the floor. Her beautiful full dress swished and swirled as he led her expertly through the dance.
He danced with her several dances and when they were done with the set instead of returning her to her friends, he asked her to walk with him. They spent hours walking, talking and dancing together. When the night was through Virginia was in love.
Virginia saw a lot of Richard after that. Sometimes they were joined by Carl and Morgana. Virginia enjoyed those outings. Carl was very smart and funny. He brought out a lively side to the quiet and serious Richard. Morgana was a sweet southern belle. She saw the bright side of everything and the good in almost everyone. She had an endearing personality. Virginia could see why Carl had asked her to marry him.
Virginia's spring was filled with long romantic walks and sweet stolen kisses. By summer they were dating exclusively. It wasn't long before he'd asked her to marry him.
Virginia married Richard that next spring. Carl and Morgana stood up with them. It was a huge affair. The Dunham's and the Harrington's were both important families so over 250 people were in attendance.
Richard and Virginia spent their honeymoon on an enchanting island resort. Once home her heartache began. Southern families are supposed to produce an heir. But after several years one still hadn't come. By the time Virginia was 25 she decided to take matters into her own hand.
Now Virginia loved Richard Harrington with all her heart. He was a fine man and a fine husband. He swore he was okay not having a babe but Virginia knew that to be a lie for her benefit. She was a very competitive woman and all her friends, with the exception of Morgana, already had children. Virginia wanted... no needed one too.
Jack Fairview was a real good looking man. He was huge. 6'4 at least, with massive muscles from the hard work he did. More importantly he had Richard's size and coloring. He was fair haired and grey eyed though his eyes were dark with a black rim and Richards were a clear grey. If her baby should take after it's father and not her she needed to select someone close to Richard in looks. Jack was perfect and was Virginia's childhood friend.
His family was into sugarcane. He worked long hours spread out over several farms located in south central Louisiana. He'd always had a crush on Virginia but her daddy wouldn't have allowed her to date him so she never encouraged it.
Virginia approached Richard about having a ball during the carnival season. She included Jack and a few other friends from home giving them invitations to stay over at the house.
Virginia planned her party carefully. She wanted a lively busy party that she could slip away from with Jack and not be missed. Carl and Morgana would be there as well as family.
In the event that she failed to get away she wanted Jack there overnight. She would visit him in his room if she had to. She had no idea how she would convince him to go along with her schemes. She thought perhaps she'd have to get him drunk. Turned out to be much easier than that.
From the moment Jack arrived his eyes never left Virginia. She felt a little flustered by his intense gaze. He seemed hungry toward her and she was a little wary. Not enough to forget her plan though. Her desperation for a baby was a strong motivator. No. She would proceed but she didn't know quite what to expect from the man hungry to touch her soul.
Virginia made her rounds at the party, greeting guests and making conversation. Jack was always somewhere around, watching her, keeping his distance but following her just the same.