Flirtation on the Hudson by J.F. Collen

Author:J.F. Collen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction, new york in the 1800s, pioneer passage west, west point, womens issues, literary fiction, womens fiction, american old west
Publisher: Evolved Publishing LLC
Published: 2019-09-08T16:00:00+00:00

In one motion, every cadet seated in the tavern stood and they all joined in the chorus:

O! Benny Havens, oh! O! Benny Havens, oh!

We’ll sing our reminiscences of Benny Havens, oh!”

They all sat back down again and resumed their drinking as if no interruption had occurred.

Benny winked at Nellie again. “I ‘av a system, yes, I do. I employ a scout nightly and we hustle the underclassmen out when the big brass come in,” he said.

No sooner had he made that statement when a boy came running in. “Ye’ve got less than ten minutes before General Ambrose Burnside arrives!” the lad panted.

“That scalawag!” said Benny. “‘T’will be good to see ‘im again.”

Nellie jumped up, ready to run. But Magruder took another sip of his second Hot Flip, and banged his fork on the bar. “Burnside was in here so much when he was a cadet, he had his own stool! Eventually he carved his name on it. Dawdle awhile. You haven’t even taken more than three sips of your cider Hot Flip.”

“How can you be so cavalier when the fruits of your four years of hard labor are in jeopardy?” Nellie demanded.

“The lookout is stationed at the top of the cliff stairs. We still have plenty of time to leave, if we deem it desirable. The carriage road winds way around before it meanders here. Therefore, I propose you drink your beverage while we discuss the pros and cons of this important decision,” said Magruder, unperturbed.

Nellie took another sip. It is actually quite delicious. “I am forced to confess I do enjoy the caramelized flavor.”

The fire crackled nearby. Many uniformed cadets still lounged about, eating their comfort food, chatting companionably with each other and with Benny and his wife.

“I confess I remain unenlightened as to why they call it a ‘Hot Flip,’” said Nellie.

“Well now, what ye might call a ‘red-hot poker’ apparently some fine folk call a ‘flip dog.’ We couldn’a rightly call a food a ‘hot dog’ so that left ‘Hot Flip,’” answered Benny, again bestowing his ready smile on her.

Nellie looked skeptical at that explanation, but she had no time to retort.

Emerging from the murky shadows of the back of the bar, Zetus, Anastasia’s solid-framed cadet suddenly loomed in front of her like an impenetrable wall. A gasp of surprise escaped Nellie.

“Zetus S. Searle,” she exclaimed as simultaneously he said, “Cornelia Rose Entwhistle!”

“I am shocked to see you here!” They both said at the same time.

“You must leave at once.” They both said together again.

Anastasia’s beau is correct! Nellie thought. I care not a whit for the opinion of William T. Magruder, whose motives are questionable, even in the mildest of circumstances.

A second urchin burst through the door. “Burnside just got joined by bigger brass than him. Ulysses S. Grant....”

“To the windows and back door men! Make haste!” said Mrs. Haven in a loud whisper.

Nellie turned to follow the command, panic rising in her heart.

Magruder pulled her elbow back. “Why do you scamper like a scared squirrel? You are a civilian.

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