The Lady and the Officer Page 4

  “It’s nothing,” he said, running a hand through his hair.

  Madeline plucked at the knot that held the rag in place. “Not according to the medical journal I just read. That wound needs to be cleaned thoroughly or poison could spread through your body.”

  “Please don’t concern yourself. The bullet has been removed, and the wound was dressed by a surgeon.” He walked to the window overlooking the yard. “How did you fare today? You weren’t troubled unnecessarily by my aides?”

  “What an odd question, considering what you endured.” Madeline shifted her weight, growing uneasy. “What of your soldiers? Did they prevail on the field?”

  “Indeed, my men covered themselves in glory. But great losses have been suffered on both sides. The wounded have overwhelmed the town of Gettysburg. I must move my headquarters to a tent so this house can serve as a hospital.”

  His grim expression galvanized Madeline to action. She began stuffing her soiled dress, hairbrush, and Bible inside her valise. “I won’t take up more of your time. If you would have Bo saddled, I will return to Cashtown. Reverend Bennett probably wonders what happened to his gelding.” Finishing her task as she spoke, Madeline picked up the valise and turned to exit the room.

  The general blocked her path in the doorway. “I didn’t mean you had to leave this minute. Do you have any idea what the Chambersburg Pike will be like?”

  She tried to step around him. “I believe so after reading that gruesome medical manual.”

  “Then you know it’s no place for a lady.”

  “How can I stay here if this house will soon become a hospital? I must return to the Bennetts’ at once.”

  The lady and the officer stared at one another for several moments.

  He was the first to give in. “Very well,” he said with a sigh, stepping aside. “I will accompany you to the preacher’s.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” With her path clear, Madeline marched out the front door.

  General Downing trailed on her heels. “Stragglers from both armies are desperate to get away from the battlefield, Mrs. Howard. Someone will steal those horses within the first half mile. We should cut through the back country, and you simply must have an escort.”

  She hesitated, finally hearing the wisdom of his words. Over her shoulder she said, “As you wish. Once again, I find myself in your debt, sir.”

  As soon as the horses were saddled, she tied her valise to the saddle horn and mounted Bo. Two of General Downing’s aides prepared to accompany them, one on each side. Madeline prayed none of their horses would stumble in gopher holes or become lost in the dark. Fortunately, they came across nothing to cause concern, and within the hour they rode up the lane to the Bennetts’, creating a clatter that brought the minister and his wife to the porch.

  “Thank goodness, Mrs. Howard,” called Reverend Bennett. “You have been spared by God’s grace.”

  Before she could respond, General Downing addressed the preacher. “My soldiers will secure the two horses in the barn, Reverend, and I will check on Mrs. Howard’s welfare as soon as possible.” He touched his hat brim and then disappeared into the darkness without another word.

  Madeline slid from her mare and handed the waiting soldier the reins without a chance to express her gratitude or even warn the general about the dangers of dirty bandages. She walked toward her lifelong friends feeling bereft… and strangely disappointed to be once again separated from him.

  THREE

  James washed the dust from his face and hands and dressed in the cleanest uniform he owned. With his decimated corps to reorganize—forming regiments into new brigades, brigades into new divisions, and combining divisions to fortify his weakened Fourth Corps—his laundry and personal appearance hadn’t been foremost on his mind. But now, with a pleasant errand before him, he tried to not look as disheveled as he felt. Even after thirteen hours in the saddle, he eagerly anticipated the hour ride to the preacher’s house. He’d dismissed his staff for an evening of rest and recuperation. Frankly, he could do without Major Henry’s sneers and thinly veiled questions about Mrs. Howard.

  Attempting to court a widow in the aftermath of a battle might indeed be folly, but James had a right to be a fool at this point in his career. He’d been a soldier since leaving West Point as a young man. After serving in the Mexican War under Winfield Scott, he’d risen quickly through the ranks. When the army splintered after the secession of South Carolina from the Union, there had been no question of his allegiance. Born and raised in a small town east of Philadelphia, he’d been promoted to the rank of major general with the outbreak of war.

  Now the conflict held duty, but no glory; responsibility, but little honor. After two long years, James had seen men commit acts repugnant to his Christian upbringing. Yet the interminable war dragged on, and he had no choice but to see it through. Tomorrow, or the next day, or the one after that, the new Commander of the Union Army would order him to follow General Lee through Maryland back into Virginia, perhaps finally bringing this juggernaut to a conclusion.

  At thirty-eight, James was no longer young. But unlike twenty thousand other unlucky souls, he also wasn’t dead. He intended to gaze on the lovely face of Madeline Howard for as long as possible, at least until she insisted he stop interfering in her life and go about his business. Tonight he rode alone to Cashtown, refusing offers to accompany him. If Mrs. Howard dressed him down at the front door, he would have no staff guards for an audience.

  However, it was Reverend Bennett who answered his knock fifty minutes later. “General Downing, I’m indebted to you, sir. Madeline said you provided shelter and saved my horse from certain procurement by the cavalry.”

  “You’re welcome, Reverend.” James stepped across the threshold. “I wondered if I might have a word with Mrs. Howard if she is still your guest.”

  “Yes, of course. I’ll see if she’s—”

  “Good evening, General Downing.” Mrs. Howard appeared on the stairs. “I’m pleased beyond measure you traveled to Cashtown again. I have much to say to you as well.”

  Reverend Bennett clapped his hands. “Why don’t you two make yourselves comfortable in the parlor? I’ll see if Mrs. Bennett has a pot of tea handy and some of those shortbread cookies left from dinner.” He gestured toward the small formal room.

  She spoke before James could collect his thoughts. “Thank you, Reverend, but I’m eager to stretch my legs after being confined indoors today. I thought the general and I could take a stroll if he doesn’t mind. I would like to show him your heartbreak.”

  “If he feels it’s safe on the road, then by all means.” Bennett’s gaze fixed on James.

  He rested his hand on his holstered sidearm. “I can assure you of Mrs. Howard’s safety, sir.”

  “I’ll just get my shawl.” She turned and moved gracefully up the stairs.

  While waiting for her return, James pondered the foolishness of his statement after what he had witnessed the past three days. Groups of men cut down by artillery shells, while one man was left unscathed. Bullets instantly killing a line of seven soldiers, leaving the eighth to drop to his knees in shock. There was no rhyme or reason in war. He couldn’t possibly guarantee he could protect Mrs. Howard from harm. Although, without a doubt, he would die trying.

  When she joined him at the bottom of the steps, she didn’t seem to notice his false bravado. She began chatting the moment they reached the street. “Mrs. Bennett and I tore bed linens into bandages all day. Then we packed up canned goods to be delivered to Gettysburg. With so many wounded soldiers taken to town, they’ll need extra food for weeks to come.”

  “You have a kind heart, Mrs. Howard, in light of your own troubles.” They walked inches apart on the narrow sidewalk. The lemony scent of her toilet water filled his head like an elixir.

  “I would imagine your hands are full after three days of battle.”

  “We’re still tending wounded in the field and reorganizing the troops,” he said, gl
ad the evening shadows hid his expression. “But if it’s the same to you, let’s not talk about the war.”

  “All right, but I must thank you for accompanying me last night. I hope I didn’t seem ungrateful for your kindness.”

  “Fatigue often circumvents our best intentions. I’m heartened to see you again. Have you given any thought to your plans? Will you live with the Bennetts until you are able to rebuild your home?”

  She remained silent so long that he thought she wouldn’t reply. Then she said, “I foolishly spoke in vain the other night. I have no money to replace my house. And the Bennetts have no reason to remain in Cashtown much longer.” She came to a halt on the sidewalk.

  James peered around, looking for anything that would indicate danger. But he could see nothing until the moon broke free from the clouds. Then a burned-out shell of a building appeared before them on a narrow lot. “I gather that is what’s left of the preacher’s church.”

  “The First Reformed Church and Cashtown school are no more.” She crossed her arms and shivered. “Stray shells hit both buildings, the same as my home.”

  Silently, they watched a curl of smoke trail toward the clouds. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Howard. Your townspeople suffered much through no fault of their own.”

  She turned her back on the wreckage. “The minister and his wife will leave soon for Gettysburg. There’s nothing for them here. They’ll live at the Lutheran parsonage and assist with the wounded.”

  “Will you join them? Perhaps yesterday’s reading may serve you after all.”

  She shook her head. “Only one room is available at the parsonage. I can’t inconvenience the Lutherans or the Bennetts more than I already have. Besides, considering my queasiness with seeing your wound, I doubt I would make a good nurse.”

  “If I could… if you would allow it… ” He struggled for the proper words, while his one opportunity was about to slip away.

  Mrs. Howard turned her face toward him. “State your mind, General. We must return soon so Reverend Bennett doesn’t worry.”

  “I wondered if I might write to you once you’re settled. And may I hope for an occasional letter in return?” He blurted out the two sentences in quick succession.

  “Yes, I would like that, but I’m not sure what I’ll say with little to keep me busy.” She began walking briskly in the direction they had come.

  “The weather, the local harvest, perhaps an interesting tidbit you heard from a neighbor—I would relish any news from you.”

  Laughing, she cocked her head to one side. “At the very least, my letters will make for a good sleeping tonic, considering your worrisome career.”

  James tried to think of a witty retort or a way to express his delight, but one banality after another came to mind. They reached the preacher’s front yard without exchanging another word. Then fate looked kindly on the hapless officer.

  “General Downing,” Reverend Bennett called from the porch. “If your troops aren’t leaving town at daybreak, please come to supper tomorrow night. You may also bring your staff. We have food to cook and eat that won’t travel well.” The minister beamed at Mrs. Howard and then at him.

  James spoke without a moment’s hesitation. “Yes, I accept. Thank you.”

  Climbing the steps, she angled a smile over her shoulder. “Before tomorrow night, I’ll assess the weather, observe the harvest, and eavesdrop on the neighbors. I shall be ready for you, sir.” She entered the house and let the screen door slam behind her.

  James was left speechless in Cashtown once again.

  Madeline awoke with an odd sense of confusion for the third morning in a row. She glanced around the austere furnishings of the Bennett guest room trying to regain her bearings. The memory of her home burning to the ground returned with a bit less pain than the previous two days.

  When God closes one door, He opens another.

  She wondered about her mother’s favorite saying in light of her recent acquaintance with General Downing. Would he be her newly opened door? How could he be? The Union Army would only be in Pennsylvania as long as Confederate troops remained on Northern soil. Then the general and his corps would undoubtedly go to where the war took them, while she remained in Adams County where she’d lived her entire life.

  But where exactly would she live? Certainly not in her cobwebby, mice-infested barn. And she couldn’t live here when the Bennetts moved to Gettysburg. Not for the first time in life Madeline yearned for brothers and sisters. A large family provided a place to go when disaster struck, or at least someone to lend a sympathetic ear with well-intentioned advice. Her parents’ untimely deaths had left her bereft of close relatives. Madeline thought back to happy childhood summers when her mother took her to visit her sister in Virginia. How she’d enjoyed playing hide-and-seek with her younger cousin, Eugenia. But angry words between the two brothers-in-law had put an end to their yearly visit.

  Shaking off pointless reminiscences, Madeline washed, dressed, and headed downstairs to be useful. After all, with any luck she would see General Downing again tonight.

  “Good morning, my dear.” Mrs. Bennett’s smile couldn’t get any brighter. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Like a lamb. What can I help you with, ma’am?”

  “There will be plenty of time for work. Sit. Try my cornbread and tell me your plans,” Mrs. Bennett said invitingly as she filled two porcelain cups with coffee.

  Madeline laughed with little humor. “I was just pondering my limited options while getting dressed.”

  Mrs. Bennett set a plate of cornbread in front of her along with her coffee. “Don’t think you wouldn’t be welcome with us. Every able pair of hands can be put to good use at the hospital. Mr. Bennett has already ridden there to work, but he’ll return in time for supper.”

  “When will you join him in Gettysburg?” Madeline asked as she slathered her bread with warm butter.

  “Day after the morrow. But he’ll seek permanent accommodations for us and apply for a position at the seminary. Cashtown residents won’t have money to rebuild their church for many years. You may live with us once we find a house.”

  Madeline knew this poor woman in a faded dress with one cloak to her name didn’t need another mouth to feed. “You are so kind, ma’am, but I decided to write to my favorite aunt. I’ve always been fond of her and she of me. I know that under the circumstances she will insist I make my home with them.”

  “Your aunt?” Mrs. Bennett sounded skeptical. “You haven’t spoken of her in many years.”

  “Aunt Clarisa and Uncle John live in Richmond.”

  Mrs. Bennett’s disbelief changed to shock. “Richmond is the capital of the Confederacy! You would be moving to the heart of Dixie.”

  Madeline cut another piece of cornbread with her fork. “Hardly the geographic heart, ma’am, considering Richmond is a scant hundred miles from Washington.”

  The older woman clucked her tongue. “The number of miles makes little difference.” Suddenly, she gripped the table as though dizzy. “Your uncle isn’t a slave owner, is he? That is such ghastly business.”

  Madeline considered fibbing but dismissed the notion. A person shouldn’t lie to the wife of her preacher. “If my memory serves, the Duncans own a few slaves who work in the house. But they live in town, not on a plantation. My uncle makes his living as some sort of treasurer.”

  “Slavery is slavery. It’s an abomination.”

  After an uncomfortable moment, Madeline replied in a soft voice. “Then we must both pray for a swift resolution of the war and slavery’s abolishment. But their lifestyle doesn’t alter my current circumstances.”

  “Amen!” Mrs. Bennett rose to her feet to refill their coffee cups. Changing the subject, she asked, “Are you eager to see General Downing this evening? I thought we could serve fried chicken, succotash, fresh corn, and cucumbers. What say you?”

  “That sounds delicious, but I thought we were using leftovers that won’t travel or keep well.”

&nb
sp; Mrs. Bennett tsk’ed rather primly. “We can’t serve dried bread, deer jerky, and two-year-old preserves when a general and his staff come to call, especially not considering… ” The rest of her sentence hung in the air like laundry on the line.

  Madeline nearly choked on her food. “Considering what, exactly?”

  Mrs. Bennett picked up her empty plate and bustled to the sink. “Considering the fact the gentleman checked on your welfare two days in a row and then made a third trip here last night. Surely you don’t believe that’s ordinary behavior for a military man.” She dropped her voice to a whisper. “Scores of people have been uprooted and rendered homeless after a battle. An officer keeps his focus on the task at hand, unless… ”

  “Unless what?” Madeline’s back stiffened at the suggestion of impropriety.

  “I mean no offense, my dear, but I think the man is sweet on you. And I saw your eyes glow like stars when he arrived. Beggin’ your pardon, of course.”

  She shook her head. “Nobody courts during wartime.”

  “Quite the contrary. Many a young man proposes on the eve of his enlistment and then marries the gal the next time he’s home.”

  Madeline stood and went to the sink. She began washing the dishes for something to do. How could she balk at Mrs. Bennett’s conjectures when James Downing had crossed her mind no less than a dozen times? “We’ll just see if he drops to one knee and pledges his undying love after dessert.”

  “He might if you play your cards right.”

  “Mrs. Bennett! Our sect doesn’t allow card playing, as you well know. Your husband would be aghast to hear you say that.”

  “You know very well what I mean,” she said with a wink.

  A few minutes later, Madeline left the room to get her laundry. She planned to stay busy helping Mrs. Bennett prepare for the move, and also to keep her mind from fixating on the woman’s preposterous ideas.

  That evening Reverend Bennett was pacing the front hallway, anxious for his supper, while his wife paced the kitchen, hoping her chicken wouldn’t dry out in the oven. Madeline rearranged a vase of wildflowers for the third time.