Awakened by distant cannon fire, Sarah reached across the bed for Malcolm. He wasn’t there. She sat up and found him standing at the window in full uniform, gazing off in the distance.
He must have sensed her stirring. He didn’t turn around, but said, “John Reynolds was killed yesterday in a skirmish at Herbst’s Woods. He’d just arrived to assist Buford.”
Sarah rushed to her husband, almost tripping on her long nightgown, and wrapped her arms around him. She pressed her face into his broad back. “Oh, darling, I’m so sorry. He was a good man. And poor Kate! She must be devastated.”
Malcolm ran his hand through his thick hair. “We graduated together at the Point. There wasn’t a better soldier — or man.”
“I must go to Kate. Perhaps she’d like to stay with us a while.”
Malcolm turned from the window and pulled Sarah close. “My love, that won’t be possible. I just received orders from General Meade. The Confederates are heading this way, and I’m to lead the Pennsylvania cavalry.” He took a deep breath and audibly exhaled. “You’ll need to go to your sister’s house in town. By this afternoon, I expect General Lee will have set up camp here.”
“Here? At our house?” Sarah disengaged from Malcolm’s embrace and fingered the embroidered flowers on the nightgown her sister had made for her trousseau. She looked out the window, staring westward. “Are you sure?”
“I’d bet on it,” he answered. “The Army of the Potomac is forming its defensive line southeast of town, waiting for Lee’s attack. The Rebs will most likely tramp through our property today, spend the night here, and head through town tomorrow. I’ve instructed Sully to take the animals east to the old homestead. I’m sure the Rebs will help themselves to our vegetables, but I’ll be damned if I let them take the cattle and swine.”
Sarah’s knees buckled, and she slid to the floor. She clamped her arms around Malcolm’s legs and sobbed. “I won’t let you go.”
He caressed her shoulders. “I forget how inexperienced you are with the life of a soldier.” His hands lifted her delicate body, the body he worshipped. He raised her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. “This is my duty, Sarah.”
She thumped his chest with her fists, but then went limp in his arms. “I wish you were just a farmer.”
He laughed and stroked her cheek. “It’s a bit late for that. Besides, most of the farmers in Pennsylvania are soldiers now.” He led her to the armoire and took out her gray riding dress, laying it on the bed. “Get dressed, my love, and see me off. Once I’ve reported to General Meade, I’ll visit you this evening at your sister’s.”
“Will you be able to leave your men with the Rebs coming?”
“They won’t attack at night, but by tomorrow, I’m afraid every building in town will become a hospital.”
Sarah covered her face with her hands. “I can’t believe they’re so close.”
“Let’s hope they respect our property. I’ve heard the Rebs are kinder than our side in that regard.” He gathered her in his arms. Rubbing her back until she settled, he then cupped her buttocks, lifted her, and kissed her soundly.
That evening as the sun set, Malcolm rapped on Caroline’s door, just off Baltimore Street.
Sarah answered and pulled him quickly into the house, leaping into his arms and peppering his face with kisses. “Oh, Malcolm, I behaved like such a child today. Can you forgive me?”
He returned her kisses fervently, and said, “Sarah, I cannot be cross with you.”
She led him through the house to the back porch, where a garden bloomed with roses, and a gentle breeze furled the Pennsylvania state flag. “I wrote you a letter today.” She withdrew the stationery from her cuff and handed it to him.
He passed the letter beneath his nose to inhale the lavender scent, and then handed it back to her. “Read it to me.”
They sat together on the porch swing, and she unfolded the paper. Her hands trembled as she smoothed it out. “Dearest,” she began. “Forgive me for adding a burden to your duty.” She looked up at him plaintively, and he nodded for her to continue. “As you remarked, I am inexperienced, but I married you knowing full well that you are a soldier. I had hoped that when you returned this last time it would be for good. I suppose it was foolish of me, and wishful thinking, but I never thought the war would go on this long. Please be patient with me, and know that I live for you and our love. Nothing is more important to me than knowing your mind is clear when you lead your men. Know that I am yours forever, and that if your life should end in the service of our nation, I will carry your name for the rest of my life. No one could ever replace you, my dearest, and our time together will sustain me, whatever the future brings.” A tear trickled down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away. “Your adoring wife, Sarah.” She folded the note, returned it to its envelope, and fitted it into his breast pocket, just above his heart.
He patted his pocket. “I will keep it here.” He rose from the swing and held a hand out to her. “I have to return to camp before dawn, but nothing would please this soldier more than to hold his beloved.”
She stepped into his embrace, pressing her face against his chest. “My sister prepared the guest room for us. The bed’s small for two, though.”
Malcolm kissed the top of her head. “No matter. We will be one.”