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Storyteller's Cabin |
Written by Cathy Kaemmerlen
with Craig Dominey
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Alice's story begins in 1849 at the Hermitage of Murrell's Inlet, S.C., seashore home of the Flagg family, owners of the great Wachesaw Plantation. Alice Belin Flagg lived with her mother and brother, Dr. Allard Flagg, who took over as family patriarch when his father, and Alice's father, died. As the head of the house, it was his responsibility to see to his sister's upbringing. And she was being brought up to marry into the South Carolina aristocracy.
"Every woman must leave her mark on the earth," Alice's mother would say. Indeed, every Georgetown County plantation princess was expected to marry a plantation prince, period - no questions asked, no exceptions made.
But who can control one's heart strings? It would be Alice's fate to fall in love with a common lumber man - handsome and successful in his field, but still far beneath her required station. His name was John Braddock, and he was a man who worked with his hands. He knew nothing about plantation society, other than as his employers.
They met one day while Alice went riding. Alice had a strong rebellious streak, and loved to ride fast, ignoring her family's warnings. Horseback riding gave her a sense of freedom she could not enjoy at home, where there were so many expectations of her as a young Southern belle. On horseback she could be free, and could be the Alice Flagg she wanted to be.
As she rode onto the main path that day, she suddenly spotted some men clearing the road of a fallen tree. One of the lumber men caught her eye. His name was John Braddock, and before they knew it, the two were instantly drawn to one another. Their tragic courtship was about to begin.
