Original Work The Stuarts of Texas

Col Stuart completed the basic list of clothing his wife would need on the trip to Texas. Knowing without a doubt that she would consider it totally inadequate and try to at least quadruple the amount. Calling Samantha in, he handed her the list and watched with amusement as she scanned the list, looked bewildered, and read it again.

With color rising in her cheeks, she asked. “What is this supposed to be? I thought we were taking as much as we could to Texas, this isn’t even enough for a week much less a long trip into the wilderness!”

“It’s what we will have to get by with for the time being.” He said with a slight smile. “Besides, we can get more when we arrive.”

“What about my gowns, frocks, shoes, hats, furs, and unmentionables? I do not see them on the list, and again, this is only enough for a week or so, NOT a long one way trip to another state to take up residence. This list is unacceptably short!” She fumed.

“Look my dear, this is more than you will need until we reach Texas. Once there, we can send for all your other things to be shipped out there. And as I said, we can purchase new items once we get there.”

“It will take months for us to reach the Texas border, and I absolutely cannot make do with this meager supply of clothing. I will decide what I’m bringing along as you do not understand a woman’s needs” Samantha said.

“Dearest, you must trust me. We will be traveling very light, and making very good time. You will not need more than this. Please keep your dark green dress ready for wear, as that is what you will need when we leave.”

“I will not wear that drab dress anywhere, much less when we leave. I’ve been planning on wearing my gray riding outfit on the first day then daily changing clothing as the mood or situation suits me.” She replied with a pout.

“We can’t do that. Everything on that list covered what you will need for the trip and you simply must wear the green dress. I can’t tell you why, you have to trust me on this. Have I ever done anything that wasn’t in your best interest?”

Samantha stood pensive for a moment then searched her husband’s eyes for any hint of more information. None was to be had. “What is to become of all my beautiful clothes?” She asked.

“Like I said, we can box up everything and have it shipped to us later. What is on the lists is more than what we will need for the trip. I can’t tell you anything more than that. Everything must be done with the utmost secrecy, even our destination must be kept secret lest an accidental slip be the ruin of us all. Please pack all of your and Angeline’s stuff into the smallest trunk you can, and I will pack for my self and the boys.”