This tragic love story occurs in the mid-19th century in Mississippi between Henry Vick and Helen Johnstone. Henry, a young man from a prominent family, meets the beautiful and wealthy Helen when he seeks help at a nearby plantation after his carriage overturns. The two fall in love and eventually become engaged, with plans to marry on Helen's 20th birthday, May 21, 1859.
However, a series of unfortunate events unfold that ultimately lead to a devastating outcome. A disagreement between Henry and his childhood friend, James Stith, over the treatment of Henry's servant Jake, results in a bitter falling out between the two men.
Weeks later, while in New Orleans for wedding preparations, Henry encounters an angry James, who challenges him to a duel at dawn. Having promised Helen never to kill his opponent in a contest, Henry fires into the air while James takes aim and shoots Henry in the head, killing him instantly.
Henry's body is brought back to Mississippi, and on what would have been their wedding day, a heartbroken Helen attends his funeral wearing her wedding gown and a black veil. She pledges her eternal love to Henry and promises never to give her heart to another. This poignant tale of love and tragedy continues to resonate as a reminder of the powerful impact of loyalty, honour, and devotion.
The open road stretched before us, beckoning us to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. We set out from Vicksburg, Mississippi, the historic town known for its charm and Southern hospitality. Our first stop was the Corners Mansion Inn, a grand old mansion where we spent the night in luxury and indulgence.
The following day, we ventured to the Levee Street Marketplace, a vibrant hub of local culture and commerce. We strolled among the stalls, admiring the handcrafted goods and sampling the delicious fare of the Deep South. From there, we continued to the Vicksburg National Military Park, where we explored the hallowed grounds and learned about the history of the Civil War.
Our journey then took us to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where we visited the Visitors Center & Museum and discovered the rich heritage of the Mississippi Delta. We also stopped at Mont Helena, a beautiful plantation home with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
As we made our way to Clarksdale, Mississippi, we drove along the Blues Crossroads Highways 61 and 49, taking in the sights and sounds of the region that gave birth to the blues. At the Delta Blues Museum, we were immersed in the area's musical history, learning about the legends who paved the way for modern music.
Our final stop was at the iconic Hollywood Cafe in Hollywood, Mississippi, where we savoured the flavours of classic Southern cuisine and basked in the ambience of a bygone era.
As we left Clarksdale, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills of the Mississippi Delta. We hopped back in our car and made our way towards Tunica, eager to take in the natural beauty of the Mississippi River at sunset. The Tunica River Park did not disappoint - the tranquil waters were bathed in a golden light, and we spent a few blissful moments just taking in the scenery. As the sky turned from gold to pink to purple, we realised we were hungry and decided to head towards our final destination for the night, the Hilton Garden Inn Memphis East Germantown. The drive took us through some charming small towns, and we chatted happily about the memories we had made that day. Finally, we arrived at the hotel and were delighted to find a cosy room waiting for us, complete with all the amenities we needed to make our stay comfortable. We couldn't wait to explore Germantown and see what adventures the next day would bring.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
