A Friend for Mrs. Lincoln

    The steady tapping of muffled footsteps and excited voices flowed into Jeannies room causing her eyes to fly open as dawn raised its sleepy head on Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1861. She cautiously cracked the door and peeked out to see a party of hastily dressed men leaving the rooms across the hall. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and called softly to the tall black porter running down the hall “ William, is there a fire? What has happened, why all the babble and confusion?”

    William hesitated a moment and bowed slowly in her direction. “ Beggin yer pardon ma’am, they’s no need to be alarmed, No fire or nothing, I just gots to make sure these gempum gets moved to another room. The President elect done get here way early and needs these rooms now. Don’t trouble your head none ma’am! It be all right,”

    Jeannie closed her door and leaned against the cool wood, closing her eyes to compose herself, questions flowing through her mind faster than rapids in a flooding stream. Why had the President elect arrived so early and under so much secrecy? Was she still going to be able to meet with him as Governor Seward had arranged? What should she do next? Her hands trembled as she mumbled . “Calm yourself, Jeannie, it will be ok. The Governor will let you know if things have changed. Get yourself dressed and be ready for breakfast.”

    The cold water from the wash basin hit her warm skin like a slap and helped her come to her senses. It did not take her long to dry with the cotton towel or mechanically put on the layers of clothing proper to a lady of her station in life. First the linen chemise, then the corset, 2 cotton petticoats, a steel hoopskirt and finally a plain gray floor length dress.  She gazed out the window, not seeing the dusty streets of Washington, instead remembering her reason for being at the Willard Hotel, preparing to meet the future President of the United States.

      Was it really nearly a month ago when her brother David joined her on the veranda of their Mosquito Inlet home in Florida? She could hear the rich baritone of his voice as he asked her to make the journey to Washington and deliver in person  to President Buchanan and President Elect Lincoln, the report of the Lighthouse Service Southern District. He warned her it could be a dangerous trip since she would have to travel alone, unescorted stopping in the ports of cities no longer in the United States. She begged him to go with her, but he could not, he was ordered to the garrison on the Dry Tortugas until further orders from the US Navy could be obtained. He handed her the maps, specially marked for President-elect Lincoln and asked that she secure them in her baggage. She could almost feel his arms as he hugged her tight and begged her to be safe. A chill ran down her spine as she remembered the two week long journey by sea dressed in black widows weeds and carrying most of her worldly possessions should she not be able to return to her beloved home in Florida. Now she was here in Washington waiting the completion of her task. Once done, she would decide whether to return home to Florida or to relatives in Pennsylvania.

    An urgent rumbling in her stomach snapped her back to the reality that she was hungry and needed to eat. She straightened her dark hair, assured her dress was neat and started for the dining hall, her heart beat rapidly in her chest. She stood in the doorway  keeping her eyes averted from the other guests while she waited for the head waiter to escort her to her table. It was embarrassing enough being a single woman, let alone a single woman dining alone in a public place. She noticed a tall slender gentleman with hair as black as a ravens wing, eyes the color of the Spanish moss in Florida looking in her direction. She caught his shy smile and tried to keep her face impassive of stone even as she involuntarily smiled back.  A deep voice behind her caused her to flinch. She glanced over her shoulder to see former New York Governor William Henry Seward approaching. She exhaled with relief.

    “What a lovely day Miss Montrose! May I be so bold as to join you for breakfast?” Seward bowed slowly and elegantly from the waist, a gentle smile on his Romanesque face.

    “ Governor Seward, sir! Such a delight to see you this morning. Of course you may join me for breakfast! You are just the gentleman I need to see!” Jeannie smiled and gently placed her gloved  left hand in the crook of his right arm. They silently strolled to the waiting table. The former governor carefully assisted Jeannie into her chair before taking his own. He ordered coffee for two as well as breakfast.

    “ Is it true Governor, is President Elect Lincoln here already? There was a great commotion in the hall this morning and I was informed that the President Elect had arrived. Am I still to meet with him?” The words gushed out of Jeannies mouth, pausing only when hot coffee arrived.

    “ Keep your voice down Miss Montrose and do not act so excited!” Sewards voice was sharp. He lowered his own to an almost conspiratorial whisper. “ Lincoln did arrive this morning from Harrisburg hours ahead of schedule. There were threats against his life in Baltimore so it was decided that he would come into Washington alone, undercover if you will, this morning. His family will arrive as scheduled this afternoon. We do not want to leak it out that he is here, although he is so tall and irregular looking that people may already be suspect. You will of course still see him this afternoon as planned.”

    The conversation paused as Jeannie inhaled the warm aroma of fried eggs, cured ham, hoecakes and buttered biscuits served by a dark skinned waiter. She bowed her head offering a brief prayer of thanksgiving before hungrily consuming her meal. She listened to Sewards  detailed instructions.

    “ I have you scheduled to meet with him at 3pm. That is shortly after Mrs. Lincoln and the boys arrive. You will also have an opportunity to meet her. That is probably the most important part of your meeting with Lincoln. I need you to befriend Mrs. Lincoln, become her confidant. You will invite her to join you for a private tea today as a start. She is going to need friends here in Washington and you are perfect for the job. I will put you on my payroll for your expenses here in Washington.”

    Jeannie stared wide eyed at the silver haired governor, in awe of what she was hearing, cheeks flushing with anger. “ I appreciate you arranging for me to deliver the reports and information on the Southern coastline to Mr. Lincoln, but I don’t recall being asked to take on befriending Mrs. Lincoln. I am not sure what my plans are after today, I will either go live with my sister in Pittsburg or go back to my home in Florida. I’m the wrong person to befriend Mrs. Lincoln. I know very little about life in Washington! I am only here a few weeks out of every year with my brother David! I think you are asking the wrong person!”

    Sewards blue eyes flashed like lightening, his voice rising sharply with each word.

“ You are precisely the right person! Who else can I ask in this town? You know as well as I do that this town is a southern town, southern in sympathy and many of the ladies who reside here profess love for the southern states, especially if Virginia decides to join her erring sisters in seceding. Miss Montrose, you demonstrated great courage and loyalty in traveling alone to bring the reports and the map to Lincoln. It shows you can be trusted. You have no permanent plans. I need you, no the country needs you, to stay here and help our new first lady on her way. I implore you to listen to me and do this!”

    Jeannie stared at Seward and swallowed hard before she spoke. “ I don’t believe this! You expect me to befriend a woman I don’t even know, help her adjust to a city whose customs I barely understand! Forgive for saying this but you are crazy!” The tightness in her throat caused her to pause for a moment. “ I am a patriot Governor, I love this country as a whole, not just for an individual state. That’s one reason I agreed to carry the report and maps to Mr. Lincoln, I felt it was my duty as a loyal citizen. David and I both thought it would help the new Government if war should come, which I hope it doesn’t. He is leaving it up to me whether to go to my sisters or return to my home. I figured once the messages were delivered I would make my decision. Now you compound the issue asking me to remain here. I don’t see how it would help.”

    Sewards hand was warm as he gently patted hers. “ Miss Montrose, I do not wish to add to your confusion. That is not my intention. You do not have much time to think about it. Your only opportunity will be this afternoon. I beg of you to consider the facts. If you remain here to befriend Mrs. Lincoln, you will be closer to your home and your brother, not a stranger in your sisters house. Keep in mind that you would be available if Mr. Lincoln and whoever his secretary of the Navy will be should need help with interpreting the maps. Now if you have finished your breakfast, I will escort you to your room so you can think about what I have requested. Who knows my dear, perhaps this might be the patriotic duty you can do for you country. I will see you this afternoon at 3pm. Do not be late!”

    Jeannie thanked Seward in a gracious yet distracted manner as she entered her suite. She walked to the window and stared at the street below, her mind moving in a thousand directions all at once. Ladies in fancy hoopskirts and calico work dresses ambled down the street; the former escorted by top hatted gentlemen, the latter by themselves or with slaves carrying baskets. She was such a stranger to this  bustling southern city. Tears came to her eyes as she longed for  the familiar marshes and sun filled days of home. She sank onto the nearby damask chair, her hands wringing in her lap. Closing her eyes, in an effort to calm her tumultuous thoughts, she tried to pray, seek guidance from God above, but too many images filled her head, images of her sisters modest home near Pittsburg crowded with laughter and children. Next she saw her home overlooking the blue waters of Rose Bay, the golden sun rising in the east, the smell of the salty air, the mournful cry of the seagulls swooping overhead

      A Sharp pounding of fist on wood, caused her to sit up quickly interrupting her revery. Rising quickly, she went to the door to see Jonna, the mulatto maid waiting, arms full of fresh linens. “ Beggin your pardon Miz Montrose. Are ya feelin alright? I was just bringin in yer fresh towels for later. I done changed yer bed already but did not have enough towels. I also has fresh water for ya. Will ya be wanten yer tea at yer usual time?”

    Jeannie smiled at the  peculiar dialect so familiar with both slaves and newly freed people of color. “ Thank you Jonna, you startled me. That’s fine.  Yes please, I will want my tea ready for about 4pm. Please bring enough for two, as I may have a guest.” Jeannie closed the door. She felt the coolness of the rich cherry wood as she pressed her forehead to the door. Had she really asked for tea for two, was she really planning on inviting a total stranger, Mrs. Lincoln?

    “ Stop it Jeannie, ring the bell and tell Jonna to bring tea for just one. You know you can’t invite Mrs. Lincoln, the future first lady. You do that and you will be implying that you are offering her friendship and what good would that do, if you are leaving in a few days. Use your head Jeannie. You are leaving Washington as soon as you can. You have no right to take money from the government and befriend a total stranger.” Jeannie strolled back to the chair by the window and sank into it slowly. “ Do you really believe that Jeannie? Could you really just walk away, ignore Governor Sewards plea for help and let the fate of the country fall where it may? You were raised a better patriotic daughter of America than that! Your Grandfather was at Valley Forge and fought at Yorktown to help form this country and you would just walk away and possibly leave the country floundering, falling apart when you might be able to help? Do you really want to go back to another country, to Florida or lay aside your life and be the spinster sister and aunt in Pennsylvania? You have always felt you were destined for more than life as a spinster plantation mistress or aunt. Think about it, could this be the destiny you were called for?”

    Jeannie paced the elegantly furnished suite muttering as she paced. “ Mr. Seward is right, these days you don’t know who to trust in this town or anywhere. Some cry for preservation of the Union while others call for secession. Some cry for both. Poor Mrs. Lincoln may not know who to trust. Certainly she has been the subject of much gossip as I have heard at the receptions I attended since I arrived here. Mr. Seward tells me I am a loyal patriot. I suppose if that is true then I would stay and make the attempt to befriend the poor woman. What can it hurt? If nothing else it will help me postpone my decision about where to go and what to do. Still is it really any of my business what happens to Mrs. Lincoln, do I have a right to interfere?” The hours passed as Jeannie debated what to do, first deciding to help then deciding to walk away. The warmth of the overhead sun brought Jeannie back to the reality that it was two o’clock.

    Jeannie hastened to change her dress to a lovely blue green plaid silk dress complete with white linen collar and cuffs. She arranged her hair once again in a neat bun at the nape of her neck, smiled at herself in the mirror and pronounced herself ready. Her hands trembling and sweating as she finished her preparations. Deeply breathing in fresh air to stop the incessant pounding in her chest, she quickly gathered the rolls of maps and reports into her arms. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and  offered a prayer for strength and guidance then walked to suite number 6.

    Jeannie’s knock on the door was firm yet gentle. She breathed a deep sigh of relief when Governor Seward opened the door. She slowly nodded her head in response to his bow and greeting.  “ Miss Montrose, please do come in. Right on time I see.”

    Jeannie was thankful for the long skirt fluffed out by the steel hooped skirt, it meant no one could see or hear her knees knocking like a blacksmiths hammer. The sounds of loudly laughing shouting children over powered her, causing her to glance in the direction of the noise and was stunned to see two small boys clad in dark wool pants and light checked shirts clinging and  tugging on  black wool clad legs. The shrieks increased as the figure sitting in the chair unclasped their arms and unfolded his long frame to stand. Jeannies eyes took in the wrinkled pants, frock coat and cravat tie distinctly resting under the right ear of the homeliest face she had ever seen. Her eyes rested on the rumpled hair and beard as she barely heard Governor Seward announce the President Elect of the United States.

    “ Willie, Tad, stop that shouting and go get your mother. We have company and you must mind your manners. We will continue wrestling later boys, I promise. Governor Seward, I apologize did you say this is Miss Montrose? Don’t tell me she is interested in a Postmistress appointment or something like that. I barely have a cabinet together.” The high pitched voice had no evidence of formal training and a distinct western twang.

    “ Mr. Lincoln, this is Miss Montrose representing the Lighthouse Service of the Treasury Department. She has a report of the southern district lighthouses and recent maps courtesy of her brother who is now stationed at the Dry Tortugas since Florida has left the union.”

    The trembling in Jeannie’s gloved hands increased as she extended her fingertips and courtseyed to the President Elect. He bowed from the waist in a rapid jerking fashion as if springing back from a snake about to strike. “ Mr. Lincoln, sir, it is a pleasure to meet you and present you with a copy of the annual report of the lighthouses in the southern district. My brother David also prepared for you a map of the waterways and inlets of the various states in the event they would be needed by you since Florida and other southern states have left the union. He was concerned that Washington may not have recent information available. I do hope you will forgive my intrusion but Governor Seward and I both felt this information may be valuable to you. I have retained a copy for myself for as long as I remain in Washington, should you have any questions. I thank you sir for the opportunity to assist you as you take over the country in these troubled times.”

    “ I reckon I may need this in case war does break out. I know very little about navy matters.  I thank you for being the messenger. You mentioned you were available for only as long as you are in Washington? You do not live here?”

    “ No Sir. I live in Florida near Mosquito Inlet and the Smyrna settlement. That is until Florida seceded. I am uncertain if I will return there or travel to Pittsburg and live with my sister until things settle down. I will be remaining here for a few weeks until I can decide the direction to take.” Jeannie glanced quickly at Governor Seward whose thin lipped smile acknowledged her decision to try his plan. “ I trust that Mrs. Lincoln has safely arrived as well? I see the children are here.”

    “ Mrs. Lincoln is indeed here.” Lincolns voice echoed loudly like the boom of a cannon. “ Mother, please join me if you will. There is a lady here inquiring after you.” 

    The shrieks and howls from the bedroom increased. A voice rich with southern drawl rose above the din. “ Boys, stop that howling. Robert, come take your brothers for a walk so your father and I can have a moments peace. Mr. Lincoln I will be there in a moment. Boys stop that before I have to hit you! William Wallace and Thomas stop that! Robert get them out of here now”

      Jeannie assumed the average height stocky young man was Robert as she watched him drag the two younger boys from the room, each kicking and shrieking in protest as Mr. Lincolns laughter filled the room like a clanging gong. Jeannie watched as a short, squat woman with round face, rosy cheeks and thick dark hair entered the room with a slow gentle step graceful as a swan.

    “ Mr. Lincoln stop that laughter and discipline the boys please! You are far too indulgent with them! I can’t make them stop and behave when you egg them on by laughing. Mr. Seward, you must forgive my husband, he is not the disciplinarian in this family!” The woman spotted Jeannie and spun around quickly like a spinning top. “ What is that woman doing here? Madame who are you?”

    “ Calm yourself mother” Lincolns voice resumed its calm sobering tone. “ This is Miss Montrose, she was inquiring after you. Mr. Seward had her bring me some important papers regarding the southern coastline. Miss Montrose, may I present my lovely wife, the belle of Springfield, Mrs. Mary Lincoln!”

    Jeannie quickly offered the fingertips of her hand and courtsied. “ Mrs. Lincoln, what a delight and pleasure to meet you. Welcome to Washington Ma’am. Do forgive me for meeting with your husband in such an informal fashion, but my paperwork was of great importance and Mr. Seward arranged the meeting as soon as possible. My apologies for upsetting you.”

    Mrs. Lincoln’s eyes darted quickly over Jeannie taking note of her dress, hairstyle and demeanor as she accepted the pro-offered handshake. “ My apologies Miss Montrose for my hasty, sharp tongue. The boys are quite a handful and I am exhausted after our train ride here from Springfield. For a moment I thought you were one of many ladies who seek to flirt with my husband and gain favor. I was not aware that he had any meetings scheduled today or I would have seen to it that the boys were occupied and myself been better prepared. I am just so exhausted.”

    “ Mrs. Lincoln there is no need to apologize” Jeannie cast a sidelong glance at Seward. “ I am sure you are exhausted. May I offer you an opportunity for some peace and quiet by inviting you to my room across the hall for tea? I have tea ordered for 4 o’clock and I would be delighted to have you join me. Perhaps it would help calm your obviously frazzled nerves. No one would disturb you there.” Jeannie held her breath, unsure of what answer she hoped for.

    Mrs. Lincoln looked up at her husband, eyes full of question and concern. Jeannie saw the gentle tender smile he gave her a sign of his approval. “ Miss Montrose, I accept. I shall be there shortly after 4. Thank you for being so kind. It will be nice to have some peace and quiet for a change.”

    Jeannie dipped her knees in a graceful courtsy and walked to the door. Governor Seward opened the door for her a sly smile on his face as he whispered, “ I knew you would make the right decision.”

    The persistent pounding of running feet and shouts echoed down the hall as Jeannie entered her bright sunlit room. She glanced at the sight of the Lincolns two youngest sons chasing each other in escaping from the elder son. She shook her head in disbelief at their wildness. She heard their mothers shrill voice call out to them and heard the loud bang of the door slamming shut. Poor Mrs. Lincoln, she thought to herself, not just poor Mrs. Lincoln, but our poor country. If Mr. Lincoln can’t control his own children, how can he bring this country back together? Shaking off the horrible thought of permanent disunion, she quickly prepared the room for her guest.



















Chapter 2

    Jeannie was amazed at how quickly time passed once the awkwardness of the first afternoon tea had passed. It was now habit for Mrs. Lincoln to join her at 4 o’clock for “peace and quiet”. Today would be  their last tea before the inauguration and Mrs. Lincolns move to the Presidents House. Jeannie straightened her collar as she stared in the mirror at her face, the color of pale cream surrounded by hair as black as ravens wings and eyes the color of rich emeralds, silently hoping that this tea would be her last and she would be able to leave Washington and travel she guessed to the safety of  Pittsburg since Florida was still remaining in the Southern Confederacy.

    An insistent bang on her door interrupted her preparations. Jeannie hastened to answer it fearing it was Mrs. Lincoln and the tea table was not ready. Taking a deep breath she opened the door to see silver haired William Seward standing there. He thrust himself into the room before Jeannie could invite him. Jeannie drew back her heart pounding, her right hand across her chest as if to protect herself from his presence. 

    “ Miss Montrose, there is not much time before Mrs. Lincoln arrives. I must warn you, she is going to invite you to move into the Mansion with her. She values your friendship and opinion. You must accept and do as she requests. You may be her only friend in Washington. She has come to value you and your opinion. I agree with her, your dignity and discretion far outshines hers. You may be her only saving grace. I will place you on the State Department Payroll as a clerk to cover your expenses and no one will need to know what you are really doing. ” Sewards voice was smooth as butter fresh out of the churn.

    “ Governor Seward, I am not in the habit of having gentlemen burst into my rooms unannounced and uninvited. I am also not in the habit of having gentlemen who are not kinfolk tell me what to do. I have kept Mrs. Lincoln occupied and calm, cultivated her friendship and tried to guide her socially until time for her to become first lady. I feel that I have done my part. It is time for me to move on. She must stand on her own.” Jeannies voice was sharper than any new blade.

    “ You have done all I requested and more, but there is more to be done. She will need a friend now more than ever to help her in the Mansion and as first lady. You must do this. Besides, you have no formal plans, do you, for what you will do now?”

    “ Mr. Seward, it is none of your business what my future plans are! You are not family and I do not have to tell you anything! If I decide to go home to Florida and live in a foreign country, then so be it. If I chose to go to Pittsburg with my sister or even stay here and apply for a job as a Treasury clerk, then that is my business and not yours!” Jeannie spit out the words in rapid succession then took a few deep breaths to calm herself. “ I do like Mrs. Lincoln and some days I even feel sorry for her, but she is not my responsibility. If she succeeds or fails in Washington is up to her, not you or me. She would be very angry if she knew that you were the machine behind my approaching her. Mr. Lincoln would be angry as well at you appointing yourself as the expert on their lives and business! You need to focus on doing your job and not meddling in others lives! I will thank you to take your leave now before Mrs. Lincoln gets here and your machinations are uncovered!”

      Jeannie threw open the door and stepped aside, using her arm as a guide map for the elderly statesman to exit. Seward bowed low from the waist, face flushed with anger and hastened across the hall as Jeannie pushed the door closed as one pushes a swing to fly higher. Crossing her arms over her chest, she leaned against the cool wood and mumbled venomous words to herself.  She strode to the mirror and stared at her reflection, cheeks red as tomatoes, eyes flashing like lightening.  “ Who does he think he is anyway, telling me what to do? He has no right to dictate to me or anyone else. Poor Mrs. Lincoln, she is right about him. He is a sneak. He worry’s about protecting her from gossip and southern sympathizers, she really needs protection from him!”

    Jeannie heard the still small voice speaking calmly inside her head, sounding like a repentant whisper. “ The Governor is right you know. She may need you in the days to come and what else do you have? You can’t go home to Florida, that would mean betraying the country you have come to love so well and to go home to your sister would mean admitting your failure to find a husband and begin your own family. You can’t stay here, he would block you getting any government job appropriate for a lady. You have no choice. You know that. If Mrs. Lincoln asks, then you must say yes.” Tears flowed down her face as the reality of her choices settled in her brain as a bear settles down for a long winters nap.

    Three sharp taps returned Jeannie to the present. She hastened to the door, opened it to find the maid with the tea table. She signaled Jonna to complete the set up. The basin of water felt cool to Jeannies face as she wiped all traces of her tears. She watched as Jonna silently exited and waited for the light tap signaling the arrival of Mrs. Lincoln. She did not have to wait long. She straightened her shoulders, forced a smile on her face and opened the door.

    Mrs. Lincoln smiled brightly as she glided into the room, to find her usual seat on the settee, her flounced skirt folding onto the seat like a collapsible fan. “ Miss Montrose, I have come to value your friendship in these past few weeks. I will be blunt and to the point. I am asking you to move with me to the Mansion tomorrow and remain there as my secretary and assistant. Please tell me you will do this.”

    Jeannie forced a smile as Mrs. Lincoln spoke quickly. She offered her tea and a plate of sandwiches before answering. “ Mrs. Lincoln, your offer is very kind. I am quite stunned and flattered” Jeannie hoped her voice sounded convincing. “ It is an honor to think of living in the Presidents House with you, however I am not so sure it would be proper. Besides you have your family with you to help you adjust to your new dwelling and duty.”

    Mrs. Lincoln waved her right hand as if shoeing a fly. “ Nonsense Miss Montrose. My family will be returning to their homes sometime after the Inauguration and as you are well aware I have few if any friends in this town! Not one of Washington’s famous socialites has deemed fit and proper to pay call on me. You and I have discussed this before. Not even Miss Lane, President Buchanans hostess has seen fit to invite me to my new home. You may very well be my only true friend. I need you and I am well aware that you have not decided if you are returning to your beloved south or going to reside with your sister. I can resolve your problem by having you stay with me. I can’t afford to pay you but your rooms and board would be free. You must say yes, I insist. I spoke with Mr. Lincoln and he agrees with me. Besides, the boys enjoy you.”

    Jeannie chuckled and sipped her piping hot tea before replying. “ Mrs. Lincoln, your offer is very kind. You are right, my plans are not finalized. You have not given me much time to think about it. Tomorrow is inauguration day, you will be moving.”

    “ That is why I need you. I know you may have wanted to attend the ceremony but I could use you to supervise the transfer of our belongings and get us set up in the house. I can also use you to watch the boys during the Ball in the evening. Please Miss Montrose, say you will help me!” The tears in Mrs. Lincolns pansy blue eyes were visible to Jeannie.

    Jeannie sighed deeply. “ Very well Mrs. Lincoln, if you insist, I will help you get settled. I will get my things packed and prepared for transfer as well. Tomorrow will be a very busy day for both of us! Would you like more tea? It may be the last tea you have in peace and quiet for a long time to come!”

   









































































Chapter 3

    Inauguration day dawned cold gray and somber, with a raw wind rustling through the barren trees. A babble of excited, nervous voices echoed up from the street. Jeannie dressed quickly in a brown wool dress and checked that her trunks were packed and ready to go. Footsteps hastened in the hall, as doors creaked open then slammed shut, accompanied by a loud shout from one of the Lincoln sons echoed across the hall. Glancing out the window she saw scores of armed troops walking the streets. She jumped at the bright flash on top of the building across the street until she realized it was the barrel of the sharpshooters gun. “ Oh Lord,” she prayed, “ Protect Mr. Lincoln as he rides to the Capitol and his destiny. Only You know the burdens he bears and what lays ahead for him. Help Mrs. Lincoln too. While I am talking to you, help me as I go to help them!”

    A loud knock snapped Jeannie back to attention. She opened her door to see two formally dressed men with white cockades on their coats greeting Mr. Lincoln across the hall to escort him downstairs, she assumed them to be the inaugural Marshals. She hastened to Mrs. Lincoln, formally dressed in a midnight blue velvet cloak and bonnet.

    “ Mrs. Lincoln, is everything ready to go?’

    “ Oh yes, Miss Montrose, they are loading the wagons now and will be back for your things in a moment. I am sorry that you will have to ride in the wagon but I am told that there are simply no carriages available for you. Oh how I wish you could join us at the ceremony, to see the fulfillment of my lifelong dream. Oh, my carriage is here. I must go. I will see you at the Mansion.” Mrs. Lincoln was pacing the floor, wringing her gloved hands and glancing about her, waiting for her escort.

    Jeannie offered a smile and a wish for good luck, watching Mrs. Lincoln float down the stairs, her head held high as if on a cloud.  Within minutes the porters were carrying Jeannies trunks down to the waiting farm wagon. Jeannie tied on her green velvet bonnet and descended the stairs to the side street below. A black porter offered her his strong arm to assist her up to the cold wooden seat of the lead wagon. The wind blew across her face, sending shivers down her spine. The silence of the inaugural parade stunned her. There were no bands playing no cheering crowds. Jeannie saw the dark blue of military uniforms scattered on each street corner, the soldiers faces as solemn and impassive as stone. The clatter of the horses hooves and the rattle of the wheels sounded a dirge as the wagon full of trunks and valises wound its way down alley ways to the Presidents Mansion.

    Jeannie’s hands and knees trembled as the wagon entered the south gate and wound its way up the lawn to the looming crumbling White House, so named for the white paint on the outer walls. Blood rushed to her ears in response to the incessant pounding of her heart. The driver helped her down from the wagon at the north entrance. Jeannies eyes darted quickly in search of a non-existent guard. She slowly approached the white door taking two steps back as it swung open seemingly of its own accord. She entered slowly and threw both hands across her chest when a thick irish brogue greeted her.

    “ My goodness gracious, you startled me sir! I am Miss Jeannie Montrose, here with the Lincoln belongings!” 

    “ Beggin yer pardon ma’am. I did na mean ta scare ya! I am Edward McManus, old Edward I’m called, the head doorkeeper to Presidents. Ye’ll be wantin ta get the Lincolns settled in will ye?” The brogue was thick and jolly, the face ragged, the smile toothless like a jack o lantern. He pointed to a tall dark man.  “ William here will show ye the way. Come along boys, don’t be dilly dallyn, get them trunks upstairs, theys no time to waste!”

    Jeannie turned in the direction of the pointing bony finger and gazed upon a tall  black gentleman attired in a dark gray suit. “ Follow me Miss up the stairs in front of you to the family’s rooms. You may direct the trunk placement from there. I am William Slade , the chief butler for the house. I will show you around later. For now I will show you the bedrooms so you may get everyone settled.”

    Jeannie hastened to follow William up the stairs catching quick glimpses of shabby carpet, peeling paint and wallpaper and dusty chandeliers. The cold stillness struck her as she slowly climbed the stairs. She felt as if she were entering a lifeless tomb in a graveyard, she half expected to see the pale ghost of Jefferson or Adams round the corner and frighten her. She glanced to the right as William pointed out the Presidential Offices and they turned left to the family quarters. In the pale sunlight, the long hall resembled an endless vacuum, the doors to the rooms like toothless grins. Williams voice startled her.

    “I will show you and the Lincolns around later ma’am. The two rooms down the hall and to the left are the rooms traditionally used by the President and his wife for their private rooms. The other rooms may be used as they wish. The workers will have the trunks in the hall and you can tell them which room they go in. Miss Lane has ordered a meal to be served when the Lincolns arrived and she ordered the beds made. Mrs. Lincoln will of course wish to purchase her own linens as soon as possible. Also, you will need to prepare a shopping list for market. There is only enough supplies for supper tonight and breakfast in the morning.”

    Jeannies heart sank to her feet like a rock thrown into a lake when she heard that there was little food in the house and no rooms readily assigned to the Lincoln’s guests. She thanked William and peeked in each room to decide who would stay where.  Offering a silent prayer that Mrs. Lincoln would approve of her decisions, she immediately placed Willie, Tad and Robert in the farthest bedroom down the hall to the right. She chose the small room next door for herself, knowing she would not need much space and would be leaving in a few weeks anyway. She divided the remaining rooms between the guests. With quiet calm voice and watchful eye, she directed two black servants where to place the trunks.

    Three loud booms echoed through the halls, causing her to run to the dirt streaked floor length windows. She realized she was hearing the gun salute announcing to the world that a new President was in place. With pounding heart she hastened to unpack Mrs. Lincolns clothes and hang them up. She gasped at the massive colorful array of gowns and dresses, silk, velvet, cotton, satin, with bonnets of the same bright material. That task complete, she placed the presidents snow white shirts and deep black suits in his closet. She shuddered at the scratched and damaged bedsteads and chairs, looking as if they had been imported from a battle in the late war with Mexico.

    Muttering to herself she entered the hall once again and walked to the boys room. She decided not to place their clothes, it would give her something to do with the boys when the Lincolns were at the Ball. A loud noise caught her attention. She hastened to the hall and saw a tall familiar looking dark haired man walking towards the Presidents office.

“Who is he? Where have I seen him before?” She ducked into the bedroom to avoid his glance, frightened that she was alone in a strange house and unarmed. She resolved to purchase a derringer as quickly as possible. She sank on the bed trembling like the aftershock of an earthquake arms crossed over breast, as the reality of her position in the presidents house hit her like an ice cold snowball.

    She was sitting there some time later when a babble of excited voices coming up the stairs reached her. Holding her breath, she slowly she got to her feet to see who was approaching. With trembling hands, she straightened her wide skirt and with slow step entered the hall. Loud child-like shrieking pierced her ears. Breathing deeply, she recognized the voices of Willie and Tad. Seconds later they bounded into the hall stumbling over each others feet in a race down the hall. Mrs. Lincolns exasperated voice pleaded for them to stop.

    “Willie, Tad, come here!” Jeannie called out and gestured sharply with her left hand.

“Here is your room. You will be sharing it for a while. Come here and put your clothes and toys away!”

    With great pushing and shoving, the boys entered their room each shouting “ Where is my room, Ma promised me I would have my own room! I’m not sleeping with you ever again, you can sleep in the hall.”

    Jeannie rolled her eyes and watched as the new President picked up the bickering boys, by the backs of their coats,  one in each hand, “ Calm down boys. I reckon your Ma did promise you each a room, but you will have to wait till your aunts and cousins go back home. Now get your things unpacked and be ready for supper soon. Now, at once! And don’t be troubling Miss Montrose tonight!”

    Jeannie watched as the boys hugged their father and went into the dark bedroom.

“ Mr. Lincoln, Mrs. Lincoln, the butler William has informed me that Miss Lane has ordered supper for all of you this evening to welcome you. Would you like me to order it served and do you wish it here or in the dining room downstairs?”

    The Lincolns looked at each other, quizzically. Mr. Lincolns shoulders rose and fell rapidly. Mrs. Lincoln frowned as she replied. “ It is nice of Miss Lane to order supper for us considering she did not even have courtesy to invite me to call and see how this house runs! I suppose we should eat here if possible since I am not sure where the dining room is in this dusty cavernous house! There is so  much dust and disorder! I don’t know how we will find anything here. Thank goodness you are here Miss Montrose to assist us! Please get dinner somehow, someway!”

    Jeannie started to the stairs to find the kitchen when she noticed a dull cord hanging near the entrance to an oval shaped room. She pulled the cord and jumped when she heard a dull ring. In moments William was standing beside her. She requested the meal be brought to the Oval room and informed him that she would be remaining with the children. She looked about her and wondered, what have I done, what have I gotten myself into? Shaking her head, she went to her room to rest and dine in quiet. It was best if she left the family to enjoy themselves on this first night in their new home. She smiled at the happy babble of male and female voices and the shouts of the children.