Free The Flip by Michael Phillip Cash Page A

details, as his family financed most of Hemmings’s business ventures. He had recently left his safe bank position to join up. It had caused a huge fight. Only the agreement that he would work in Washington on the general’s staff quieted his father’s opposition. He hoped that Tessa would notice him now that he was dressed in blue. Though only a lowly lieutenant, he had the important job of being adjunct to General McClellan. It was an easy appointment that his neighbor, Frank Hemmings,had been able to secure for him. The general had worked with Hemmings at the Illinois Central Railroad. When Lincoln appointed him general-in-chief of all the Union armies, Gerald volunteered and was given a position in Washington to help move supplies to the troops. Though he was horse mad, he was in no hurry to get himself killed. Let Lewis run around playing soldier on the front lines. He was content doing his share in Washington, coming home for brief visits and keeping his eye on Tessa. She didn’t know she was going to be his wife. Let her enjoy her flirtations, the attention of all her admirers. As long as they ended up together, he didn’t much care about the rest.
    Nothing but the best for Frank Hemmings.A string quartet played in the corner of the vast parlor. Silver dishes and trays held steaming food. The punch bowl, a family heirloom made by Paul Revere himself, rested in the center of the giant buffet, fruit floating on the surface of the iced punch.
    “She is beautiful.” Lewis came up next to him, watching their hostess. He had a black handlebar mustache, lean cheeks, and fierce eyes. He raised his silver cup to salute her with an appreciative grin.
    “Hands off, cousin. Mine,” Gerald snarled.
    Lewis was both older and taller, with an air of sophistication that always turned a lady’s head. Long hair skimmed his collar; he stood atease, a faint smile on his thin lips.
    “You haven’t declared yourself yet, Gerry. As far as I’m concerned, it’s open season.”
    Gerald pulled a eight-inch object from his pocket. He opened it, making sure the fan was still as perfect as when he had purchased it. “Don’t poach on my preserve, Lewis. I believe I’ve made my intentions clear.”
    “To everyone but the lady, it seems.” Lewis laughed, as he gestured toward the retreating back of Tessa, who was leaving the room to walk in the gardens with another man. “Hunting season has just started.” Pulling a flask from his breast pocket, Lewis offered his cousin a sip. Gerald declined, leaving both Lewis and thepunch at the buffet.
    Gerald bit the end of a Spanish cigar as he leaned against the frame of the French doors leading out to the garden. Jasmine perfumed the air; strains of the violins seeped out into the night air. It was chilly, and he wondered if Tessa had her wrap. He sucked hard on his cigar, the glowing tip the only evidence of his presence. He heard a giggle followed by a smothered gasp. She was being kissed. He felt his face redden with embarrassment. She was supposed to be his; they had an informal agreement. He ground his cigar purposefully into a planter, leaving only a taste of bitterness in his mouth. His cousin’s smile mocked him from across the room. Gerald’s collar felt too tight. He ran a finger around the inside,knowing everybody was watching him with a mixture of curiosity and pity. What was she thinking? They were promised to each other, yet she took every opportunity to tease and flirt with other men. He joined the army for her to notice him, and his uniform brought nothing but contemptuous remarks from her. He was only a lieutenant; he wouldn’t see action; how was she supposed to brag to the other ladies?
    Tessa’s companion, her mousy governess, peered through the darkness, looking for her charge. “She’s over there.” He pointed to the rustling bushes. “You’d better get her out of there before you have to explain where she’s been to her father.” He spun on his polished