Tall Tail

The Cast of Characters

The Present

Mary Minor Haristeen, “Harry”—A Smith graduate in art history, she wound up back in Crozet, Virginia, where she runs the family farm. Her two cats and dog are her constant companions.

Pharamond Haristeen, DVM, “Fair”—Harry’s husband is an equine vet specializing in reproduction. He has long ago given up keeping up with his wife. She sometimes mystifies him, but he loves her.

Susan Tucker—Harry’s friend from cradle days. They tease, bicker, and prod each other along. They are good at handling each other.

Ned Tucker—Susan’s husband, a lawyer, is now a representative in the House of Delegates.

Governor Samuel Holloway—a World War II naval hero, the former governor, Susan’s maternal grandfather, at ninety-six is dying of leukemia. His mind is razor sharp.

Penny Holloway—the governor’s wife, Susan’s grandmother, struggles to keep everything and everyone on an even keel. She is mostly successful. Like her granddaughter, she is a good golfer.

Millicent Grimstead—Susan’s mother, who spends much of her time now at her parents’ estate, Big Rawly, to help with her father.

Edward Holloway Cunningham—Susan’s cousin is a state senator with a big following. He is now running for a Senate seat in Washington, feeling Richmond is too small for him. He rides on his grandfather’s coattails.

Mignon Skipwith—A young writer and researcher, she works with the governor as he writes his autobiography. She is discreet and reliable.

Barbara Leader—A home nurse, Barbara tends to the governor, jollies him along, and gives him his meds as well as restorative bourbon. She was a class behind Harry and Susan at Crozet High. They weren’t close, but they all like one another.

The Eighteenth Century

Catherine Schuyler—at twenty, intelligent, levelheaded, and impossibly beautiful, she is learning from her brilliant father about business. She already has a reputation as a leading horsewoman.

John Schuyler—A former major in the Revolutionary War, only a few years older than his smashing wife, he is powerfully built and works hard. As he is from Massachusetts he can miss some of the undercurrents of Virginia society.

Rachel West—Two years younger than her sister, Catherine, she, too, is beautiful but her beauty is softer, sweeter. She’s easy to please, ready to help, and possessed of deep moral conviction.

Charles West—Captured by John Schuyler at the Battle of Saratoga, the then nineteen-year-old marched all the way to The Barracks prisoner-of-war camp outside Charlottesville. The second son of a baron in England, he had the good sense to stay in America. Like John, he is dazzled by his wife and knows how lucky he is.

Karl Ix—A Hessian also captured. He and Charles become friends in the camp and continue working together after the war.

Francisco Selisse—A man of middle years, he made a pot of money, first through marriage and then from his own efforts. Aesthetically attuned, ruthless in business, and hard on his slaves, he is not well liked.

Maureen Selisse—The daughter of a Caribbean banker, she was a great catch for Francisco. Keenly aware of her social position, she is also accustomed to getting her way. While the love has faded for Francisco, she hates that he carries on with a beautiful slave, making little attempt to hide it.

Hiram Meisner—The county constable responsible for catching criminals and runaway slaves. He’s not a bad fellow, and does his job without much enthusiasm.

Dennis McComb—As Hiram’s assistant, he evidences more enthusiasm. Not bright, he sees the world in black and white.

Ewing Garth, the father of Catherine and Rachel, is a loving man, brilliant in business. He is a creature of his time, but one who can learn. He helped finance the war and hopes the new nation can hold together. A widower, he misses his wife, a true partner.

Bartholomew Graves, an Irishman, was an artillery officer for the British in the war. He, too, was at The Barracks. He escaped to build a new life.

Mary Graves, younger than her husband, is sensible, well-built, adoring, and keeps a happy home for the veteran. They are well suited to each other.

The Slaves: Big Rawly

Aileen (Ailee) has cat’s eyes, a voluptuous body, and a joy for life. She loves Moses. Francisco lusts after her, forces himself on her, and beats her if necessary. She avoids him as best she can and refuses to let him dampen her joys.

Moses Durkin works in the stable with his father. His love for Ailee is all-consuming. He wants to protect her, but how?

Sheba is Maureen Selisse’s lady-in-waiting. Really, she’s Maureen’s right hand and she enjoys the power. She’ll destroy anyone who stands in her way.

DoRe Durkin, Moses’s father, limps from an old fall from a horse. He’s worried about Moses, who he fears will do something very foolish.

The Slaves: Cloverfields

Bettina is a cook of fabulous abilities. She’s the head woman of the slaves, thanks to her fame, her wisdom, and her wondrous warmth. She also has a beautiful voice. Bettina’s view: “I could be a queen in Africa, but I’m not in Africa. I’m here.” She made a vow to Isabelle, Ewing’s wife, as she died. Bettina vowed to take care of Catherine and Rachel. She has kept her pledge.

Serena is young, learning from Bettina both in the kitchen and out. She has uncommon good sense and will, in the future, wield power among her people.

Jeddie Rice is eighteen, a natural with horses. He loves them. He’s been riding, working, and studying bloodlines with Catherine since they were children. Like Serena, Jeddie has all the qualities of someone who will rise, difficult though the world they live in is.

Tulli—A little fellow at the stables who tries hard to learn.

Ralston—Fifteen and thin, he, too, is at the stables. He works hard.

Father Gabe is old, calm, watchful. He accepts Christianity but practices the old religion. Many believe he can conjure spirits. No matter if he can or can’t, he is a healer.

Roger is Ewing’s house butler, the most powerful position a male slave can have. He has a sure touch with people, black or white.

Weymouth, Roger’s son, is in his middle twenties. The hope is he will inherit his father’s position someday, but for now he’s fine with being second banana. He’s a good barber and in truth not very ambitious.

Barker O., powerful, quiet, he drives the majestic coach-in-four. He’s known throughout Virginia for his ability.

Bumbee fights with her husband. Finally she moves into the weaving cabin to get away from him and to comfort a lost soul.

Ruth has a two-year-old and a new baby. How she loves any baby, kitten, puppy, and she gets to show this love to save a little life.