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Very interesting introspection on everyone's parts. Kind of unique twist getting Katy's POV. That's not something we see happen very often so it was a nice change of pace.

Also no June 10th announcement here as well. Just lots of confused emotions all around. I liked that Pam warmed up to having Jim's arm around her. I find it telling that Jim's arm around her shoulder is warm and safe whereas Roy's is heavy and awkward.

Doing a great job getting into everyone's heads with this chapter.

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Really good job on creating an intimate moment with Jim and Pam in the stairwell there. Both Jim and Pam are finally free to explore their feelings for each other and seeing how that realization bloomed was really sweet. I also liked how Jim stood up for Pam there in the kitchen. Good job Jim.

Pam's realization that Jim has been holding himself back from really touching her was a great moment of clarity on her part. Likewise the fact that she reaches for him was adorable to witness.

Roy's an ass.

Really interesting to see Katy's POV show up again. I like that she has the wherewithal to avoid Roy. I mean seriously a drunk dial from a bar? I reiterate my previous statement about him.

Though I do wonder since he's struck out with Katy if he's going to try and get Pam back. This new version of Pam though I think also has the clarity to see what kind of future that might bring.

Obviously I really liked this chapter. Can't wait to see how it all wraps up.

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Your talent for world building is on display once more. I love this AU you've got going. Speaking as a bit of a military history buff, the feeling of the immediate post-Civil War days is spot on.

I loved the instant connection between James and Pamela. Lovely to see all those sparks flying between them. Roy is setting up to be a proper villain here. And now time for some thrilling heroics maybe? I've got all sorts of ideas of where you might take this. Can't wait to see where we go next.

Magnificent job.

Author's Response: Thanks so much warrior! I love history but my husband is the huge military history buff in our house and so I picked his brain a bit. ;) I did try to make everything as accurate as possible; all the battles, raids and commanders are real. Also the first factory in Asheville was indeed Enfield Rifle Co so that was an easy fit. 

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Very good for Jim to be doing as much of the honorable things as he can. I'm very much enjoying the quality of Col. Halpert here. This is a Jim who's not scared off easily and I love that.

Nice touch with the line from Casino Night. Very fitting for the period as well.

I didn't think Roy would take this lying down. However he also has a posse now. But Jim has an Army issue revolver and in the hands of a skillful marksman, those are powerful weapons.

Really looking forward to the next update on this. You're just amazing at setting the scenes and conjuring up all sorts of great images.

Author's Response: Thanks, warrior, so very much! Yes, I would like to think this is who Jim would be having faced what he’s had to face and the upbringing he had. Thank you! 

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Yeah, so that's an intense way to start out this chapter. Especially after I watched that YouTube clip you put in there. War is hell and its effects are so very long lasting. I think you describe it all very well, even if it's somewhat heartbreaking to envision.

As if we need any further evidence of how awful Roy is, there he goes being even worse. Thank goodness for Ms. Rebecca and her timing. Given that new information, yes I could easily see that Roy could have started the fire. Also makes sense as to why he didn't show up until the house was gutted. Other than him being the coward that he is. Also makes sense why Pam didn't want anything to do with him afterwards.

I'm so very impressed with the way you're writing Pam. I agree with James, Queen Victoria and her propriety be damned, this Pam is more than just a pretty face. It gives a lot more depth to her character. I absolutely love that she has that steel in her spine. Methinks she'll need it once they finally get to Philadelphia and they have to deal with the outcome of James not only breaking his engagement, but coming home with a wife.

Ok, now shall we talk about that bedroom scene? I mean holy smokes. Everything leading up to it as well as how you wrote it all. Just amazing. Not only is their first night together like that so beautiful to imagine it's also such a great counter point to the beginning of this chapter. I know I've said this before, but I do truly love how James is portrayed here. A man of character and integrity. He's so loving and tender with her. Clearly she's nervous about everything. That he takes his time with her the way he does is just wonderful to read. Their connection is just so strong. Yeah, great scene there.

Author's Response:

Thank you so much, Warrior. 

Yes, Philadelphia might get a bit interesting and Pam will certainly need her toughness. ;)

I love James too. There is a bit more freedom in a pre-show complete AU like this in that I can shape them based on different experiences than the ones on the show. 

Thanks as always! 

Well worth the wait for this. I mean there's just so much going on. This feels like a huge moment. They're finally in Philly and everything that entails. There's absolutly a change of pace with Besty here. Ususally in fic she's seen as warm and loving. Here she's quite cool to Pam and Jim. Of course the reasons are there. Seems like Jim's caused a bit of scandal with bringing home not only a wife, but a Southern wife.

You can feel all the emotions just simmering under the surface of propriety and society here. I don't blame Jim at all for just wanting to shut the world away and stay closed off with Pam. However if there's one thing we've seen time and again with this Jim, it's that he doesn't shirk his duty, regardless of how hard it is.

Of course the connection he and Pam share, especially in private is wonderful to see. Jim not really giving a damn about the "proper" way to do certian things feels very in character. Why should anyone else care about how he and Pam show their feelings for each other in the privacy of their own home?

That scene at the end though. Just beautiful. There Jim is brooding and here comes Pam. Showing him in word and action he's not alone. That she can help soothe the pains he's gone through in the past and those he'll face in the present. The big takeaway is of course he's let go of that feeling that men of his status don't marry for love. He did and found something so precious with Pam that the rules be damned. Magnificent writing as per usual.

Author's Response: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Warrior. Yes, I took a slightly different route with Betsy and you will see that with several of his family members but I really want to explore some aspects/struggles of this time. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

Have I ever said how much I love this story? Because I really love this story. The pace of the writing, the descriptions, the tension, the feelings between Jim and Pam all of it, just superb.

Anyway, I liked the image of Jim there in the dress shop. Paper is boring so go be with Pam. That's the Jim from canon we know and love.

I wonder if the arrival of a new maid will complicate anything? Remains to be seen.

James and Pam waking up like that was a treat to envision. Their room is their sanctuary and what they do in there is their buisness. Damn whatever society may say. I love that hint of rebellion in both of them.

Gerald seems a very imposing figure. Very much the masculine head of the family well set in the walls of partriarcal society. I'm sure he expected James to bow to his whims. However James has steel in his spine. I love that so much. In canon often Jim would back down from a hard situation. James here doesn't and I think that's wonderful. Methinks he'll need it as we go forwards.

Larissa is still a hoot-and-a-half. I'm really glad someone in the Halpert clan is on James' side. Even better that it's this firey Larissa. James is surrounding himself with strong confident women. He's not only not afraid of those confident women it seems he's getting stronger by it too. Wonderful.

More levels of political intrigue there over cigars and drinks. Still feels like storm clouds are brewing on the horizon.

And finally back to James and Pam. The image of him brushing her hair is just intimate. The banter they share through all of that shows that even in this new time and place, the core of these characters is there and I'm so very much here for all of that. Can't wait for more.

Author's Response: I am so thrilled you love it so much, Warrior! Julienne adds an interesting twist to be sure. ;) I wanted to portray Gerald and Betsy as good people in a very difficult situation. The pressures on them both politically and socially are different from their children, whom they raised to be independent thinkers that still work somewhat within the system. James is firm in his stance against his father, partly due to his experiences with war, also because this is an issue he will not compromise on, for obvious reasons. I also think that Jim on the show was poorly portrayed in that regard and for comedic effect. You can be a non-confrontational personality but still be convicted in your beliefs, which is the way James is truly. Thank you so much for reading! 

Always great to see an update here. Love the introduction of Markus. Great to see another character from canon as well as a trustworthy sould to help keep an eye on things.

Jim's trip to the shipyard was interesting to say the very least. Brody is a dressed up scallyway if I've ever seen one. The fact he's so brazen about things seems not to bode well. However if/when things come to a head, I highly doubt he'll stand any kind of chance. That monster of Col. James service days may be hidden and resting for sure, but it's still there. I got the feeling that his service was what was expected of him. It was his duty and he fulfilled it to the utmost, but there was no deep passion in his wartime service besides tyring to do right by his men. Now however James has something worth protecting. If his rage in war was roused to serve his men, how much worse would it be to defend Pam? Not sure I want to see that and if Brody was smart, which it doesn't seem like he is, that rage is something he, Brody, would never want to see.

Getting beyond that, the birthday part was delightful. The connection Pam and James share just continues to strengthen. Her first gift of gloves is practical. Her second gift of the cufflinks, shows not only that she pays attention to him, but she's activly trying to be part of his life. Not just playing the dutiful wife, but endevoring to be a partner worthy of him. Love it. I'll get to her third gift in a moment.

I really liked the conversation he had with Betsy. At first it seemed Betsy wasn't really taken by Pam. After all, James broke a very strong engagement for this lady from the South. That she's willing to say Pam has won her over is lovely. This is really where I see she's bound by the proprieties of the day. She would probably like to be more demonstrative, but she has a duty to be proper. So this is as close as she can come to any sort of affection we might want to see. James knows that and it's clear he is grateful for his mother's blessing.

Pam's third gift of *ahem* the French way of things was delightfully steamy. More than likely James' mind was more than a little melted. Love saucy private Pam there. Again she's more than a match for James and I'm here for every second of it.

So something's afoot with Julienne. I got the vibe from the off. Really looking forward to seeing what's going on. Masterful work as always.

Author's Response: Thank you warrior! It's always so interesting to hear your thoughts and I appreciate it very much. :)

First of all, really glad this one's back. I'd been missing it. I get other projects came up, which is fine. Still glad to be back here with this one.

More intrigue to be sure. Again I don't think it was some random happenstance that led to Thomas' death. There seems to be far to many undercurrents flowing through the streets. Even more so with that talk of the younger Moore brother and where he might tend to spend his time.

A bit more history of the Halpert family too. And some interesting conversation between Markus and Larissa. That could be fun to explore.

However as always it's in the private moments with James and Pam that this story shines. First in the stable where Pam just knows to come and find him. How they can not exactly cast off the worries of the world, but share them with each other. Same there in the study. Love that Pam is willing to talk to him in a way many other women of the era might not. And James in kind is more observant of her than many men of the era too. Love it. And maybe a nod to canon there? James and Pam are fairly new to their relationship yet here comes the little one. Not that James needs even more of a reason to protect her but still. Great update. Now to go read the companion piece!

Author's Response: I’m glad you appreciate their private moments because those are my favorite to write and I see them so vividly in my mind. Thank you Warrior! 

Starting out, did James win Sargent off on none other than Ulysses Sam Grant? Cause it kind of sounds like he did. Thanks for putting that in. Lots of fun for those of us who are also history nerds as well. Now back to reading.

Pamela's devotion to James is still as touching as ever. That she wants and offers to help him in his endeavors is proof of this. The thing I realize now is that while James would never discount her, many others would. Foolish be they of course.

Another historical reference with Clara Barton! Lovely. Same with Dwight's cameo. Absolutely he'd be concerned to have Pamela walking around. The flashback to Gettysburg brings in a lot of depth to James here. He's been through a lot and feels he has a debt to pay. His fear that this love that he's found in Pamela will be the price to pay that debt feels very real.

Hello little Margaret. That's a thread that still feels important.

Then to end things on a tender moment in bed like that was lovely. Pamela revealing the results of her own efforts was great. James' fatherly advice for his son strikes of the man of honor we know James to be while the advice to his daughter shows the charm and wit he also has. The 'stay away from men,' made me crack up and repeat it to my wife. Onto more!

Those first tense moments of James waiting outside the room were rough. Then when the doctor came out and said Cecelia was born and that Pam was still alive were a literal weight off my shoulders. How are you so good at writing these kinds of things?

Sad to see Markus leaving, though very nice to see his intentions for Larissa being more manifest. James in bed with Pamela and Cecelia was a sweet and tender moment for sure.

However James was right. They intentionally targeted Pamela. Let him burn indeed. Feels like James will be up for this challenge.

Yeah bit S9 feelings there at the start. James being away from Pamela and cold when they are together.

Gerald's fatherly encouragement and wisdom was great to read. I'm reminded of the time when James remembered coming home after fighting a bully fearing his father's wrath only to have Gerald say "well done." It's clear to see where James' sense of honor and duty come from. It might be a bit stiff due to the pressures of the time, but clearly Gerald holds James in high esteem and it's great to see that come through.

Then the confrontation. James is confident in his target and knows what he's after. The safety and security of everything he holds dear. However it's Peter who pulls the trigger. Wasn't expecting that.

Then finally James comes home to Pamela. She there to ease his fears and bring him home to her. A very touching a memorable scene for sure. Very much feels like the sensation of Jim and Pam holding each other once more in the parking lot in "Paper Airplanes." Forget the fear and doubt, and just be with the one person who makes it all worthwhile. Loved it.