Chapter Eleven
For the next few days, David confined himself to the fields from dawn until dusk and avoided Anna at all costs. He read General Lee’s beloved family home, Arlington, was confiscated by the Federals. They were turning it into a cemetery and intentionally planting Yankee graves as close to the front door as possible so the general and his family could never dwell there again. David learned the USS Kearsarge sank the CSS Alabama off the coast of France, a Union siege was taking place at Petersburg, and another battle was raging in Georgia. With all his heart, he hoped the Confederates would rebel and reign. Then the war would finally end and give him reason to leave without obligation.
A week and a half later, on June 28, Maggie celebrated her sixteenth birthday. He couldn’t help but notice the beautiful young woman she was becoming or how much she resembled her older sister. Entering the kitchen that evening, dead tired and covered with dirt-caked sweat, he heard the family conversing in the parlor.
Abigail came in to greet him. “We saved you some gingerbread cake,” she informed, handing him a piece on a plate.
“Why, thank you, Miss Abigail. I appreciate that.”
He set it on the counter, went upstairs, retrieved the token he’d made for Maggie, and brought it down to her. “This here’s for you in honor of your birthday,” he said, handing her the card he’d created.
She smiled faintly and accepted it from him. The cover said only, “Happy Sixteenth Birthday, Maggie.” She opened it. He had simply signed it, “David.”
“I didn’t put as much work into it as I did for your Christmas present,” he stated flatly. “That way, if you choose to throw it into the fire, it won’t be much effort lost.” He glanced at Anna before retreating to the kitchen.
She followed him. “David! How could you be so rude to Maggie on her birthday?” she snapped.
He shrugged, avoiding eye contact, and crammed half the piece of gingerbread cake into his mouth.
“You should be ashamed of yourself. I know she hurt your feelings before, but she was just a child then.”
Staring out the window at the dark barnyard, he shoved the rest of the cake into his mouth, chewed it quickly, and turned to face her. Their eyes met. He quickly tore his gaze away, walked past her, and went upstairs without saying a word. His heart ached more with each passing day, and he didn’t know how much longer he could stand it. If the war didn’t end soon, he’d consider breaking his promise anyway. It was much too difficult being near her.
Claudia and her mother arrived on the evening of July 3, and they brought a new puppy with them. The little terrier’s name was General Sherman, which David found disturbing. Right away, the ladies set to work preparing a picnic for the next day. When David asked what it was for, they informed him they planned to attend a parade down Main Street in the town of nearby East Berlin the following morning, and hoped he would escort them. Without giving a response, he went to the barn, sulked for an hour, and groomed Renegade. Finally, he returned to the kitchen.
“Ladies,” he announced, “I’m inclined to turn down y’all’s invitation.”
Sarah and Grace gawked at him.
“Oh, my dear boy, you can’t do that,” Sarah informed him. She smiled.
“Meanin’ no disrespect, Miss Sarah, but I have no desire to celebrate with y’all ‘cause I wouldn’t feel right about it,” he explained. “What with everything that happened this time last year and all.”
“Yes.” Sarah reached out and touched his arm. “You came to us.”
He frowned. The conversation wasn’t going the way he’d wanted. Taking them to their outing was yet another opportunity for him to be discovered, but he knew he had to relent. “Well, if it’s all right, I’d like to bring Renegade along then. He needs the exercise.”
“Why, that’s quite all right,” Sarah agreed.
She and Grace continued with their preparations, so he went upstairs. Abruptly meeting Anna at the top of the flight, he awkwardly looked at the floor and tried to side-step her, but she blocked his path.
“You have been avoiding me ever since the dance,” she harshly remarked.
Feeling her stare, he glanced up. Her eyes captured his.
“David,” she said, “I heard what you told Aunt Sarah. I certainly hope you didn’t turn her down on my account. If you did, I think it’s rather selfish.”
He glared at her. “Selfish? Come again?”
“What I mean is, I don’t want any hard feelings because of what transpired between us.”
“I agreed to go, Miss Anna, but not on your account.” He maneuvered his way around her. Stopping in the doorway, he turned to face her. “You know, I’ve tried mighty hard to please you, miss, and that’s all I have to say. Now if you’ll pardon me.”
“David, please…”
He went into the bedroom in an attempt to escape her. She didn’t follow him in. Expelling a frustrated sigh, she started down the steps. He heard the thump of little feet drumming down the stairs behind her and glanced out the window to see Claudia and Abigail run out onto the back porch. Anna followed and watched Claudia lead the little terrier around on a leash. The sun had begun to set, with all the colors of the rainbow represented. Abigail stood out in the yard, staring at her older sister.
“What is it, Abigail?” Anna asked.
Her little sister shook her head. “Oh, Anna. Don’t you see?”
“See what?”
“You’ve broken his heart, and you’re the only one who can fix it.”
“I wish I could, honey,” she responded. “I wish I could.”
David stepped back from the window. He knew how she could repair the damage. If she wasn’t willing to try, he wasn’t able to recover. He knew it was time to leave.
The morning of July 4 was hot and sunny. David remembered what he had experienced a year before on the Gettysburg battlefield. Hopefully, he wouldn’t get shot on this day as well. He drove Alphie to East Berlin while the ladies chattered happily, seated in the landau, with Renegade prancing behind. The spotted stallion was saddled and ready for a hasty departure if the need arose.
They rode into the small town. David tied Alphie and followed behind, observing as the ladies joined in the festivities. A parade commenced. Some local veterans made their way down the street, and a band played “Yankee Doodle.”
The crowd hollered, “Huzzah!” at the soldiers who walked and limped past: some smiling, some waving in response. A few wagons adorned in red-white-and-blue bunting barreled along, advertising local merchants. A group of children in patriotic clothing, carrying “God’s flag,” ended the procession. They tossed small pieces of red-white-and-blue colored paper to people lining the parade route. Sarah caught one and opened it.
“Picnic, games, and patriotic speech,” she read. “Town Square. Twelve o’clock.”
“It’s nearly that time now,” Maggie observed. “Why don’t we go over there?”
The ladies agreed. David reluctantly followed, carrying the picnic basket for them. He made certain his horse was within sight. Distancing himself as much as possible from the gathering, he ate very little ham, potato salad, and watermelon the ladies had brought along, and avoided Anna in every possible way. After excusing himself, he went back to the carriage. He untied Renegade, mounted up, and led his stallion around the perimeter of the square while observing from afar.
The crowd listened to a reverend preach about unification. He spoke of how God would decide the outcome of the war and of how blessed the day’s celebration truly was, since it was in honor of the country’s forefathers. The reverend’s words were undoubtedly a tremendous invocation. To David, it was a bittersweet remembrance. The speeches given by his commanders echoed in his memory. His regiment’s commanding officer, Major Conner, had instilled in his men that the Confederacy was fighting for Southern rights and freedom before the great battle at Gettysburg. Sadly, he was killed in the battle, as were so many other members of the Jeff Davis Legion. David choked back a sob. For him, the holiday was nothing like the happy occasion the North was celebrating, and he resented the Yankees for it. He doubted whether he, or any Southerner for that matter, could ever celebrate Independence Day again.
After the elderly preacher finished with a prayer, the ladies interacted with some of the town’s soldiers who had returned home on furlough. They threw horseshoes, played croquet, and fraternized beneath their parasols. He caught Anna staring at him, but she quickly looked away. By the time they were ready to depart, he had been waiting for several hours, and had tied Renegade to the back of the carriage. Without a word, he prompted Alphie toward home.
They arrived back just before sunset. The little church over the hill proclaimed the celebration, its bell pealing melodically through the thick evening air. Shots could also be heard. With each distant boom, David flinched. He realized he was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with his surroundings. The heartache he’d endured by Anna’s rejection was slowly eating away at him. The ladies climbed down without so much as a word of acknowledgment toward him, which hurt him even more. He unhitched Alphie and put the two equines out to graze. Standing at the pasture fence, he gazed out at the fields, watching the sun slip below the horizon.
Patrick rode into the yard. “‘Tis a fine night for celebratin’, don’t ye agree?” He stepped down from his little red roan.
David walked over to him. “I ain’t so sure,” he replied.
“Now don’t be discouraged. Today was difficult for ye, I know, but—”
“It ain’t that. It’s Anna.”
Patrick glared at him. He pulled a bottle of whiskey from his saddlebag.
“She’s rejected ye then, has she?”
Scowling, he grumbled, “I don’t wish to discuss it.”
Patrick chuckled. “Lad, she’s rejected ye on your own behalf, or don’t ye see that?”
He took the bottle Patrick held out to him. Gulping down several swallows, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve.
“There now, don’t ye feel a wee bit better?” Patrick chuckled again.
“Not especially.” He handed the bottle back.
“I’ve heard ye lost your appetite and your talent for conversation.”
“Who told you that?”
Patrick grinned. “Anna came to visit me last week. She’s concerned for your welfare.”
David snorted.
“And she told me about the way ye behaved on Maggie’s birthday.”
“Yeah, well, I regret that now. But it’s too late, anyways.”
Patrick took a pull of whiskey. “Go fetch your horse,” he said and climbed onto Erin’s back. He rode toward the smokehouse.
David reluctantly obeyed without questioning. He walked into the barn, slid a bridle over Renegade’s head, climbed up onto his bare back, and led the stallion over to where Patrick was waiting.
“We’re makin’ a visit to the Montgomery’s this very eve,” Patrick announced.
David gawked at him. “Now? Why?”
“You’ll see, lad.”
They rode toward their neighbor’s farmstead as dusk descended. Upon their approach, they heard a dog bark. Patrick pulled a ham hock from his pocket and threw it at the little mongrel. The dog growled, chomped onto the bone, and ran off with it.
“Reckon that’s Corky,” David remarked.
Patrick motioned for David to follow him. They rode past the dark house to Mrs. Montgomery’s flower garden. Dismounting, they cut nearly all her lilies, climbed back up, and rode off under the cover of night.
Once they had distanced themselves, David asked, “What are all these here flowers for?”
“For Maggie. They’re her favorite.”
They returned to the Brady farm and dismounted. David took Renegade to his stall. Patrick was waiting for him at the back door, laden with stolen flowers. They went into the kitchen. The ladies had all gone to bed, so the two young men quietly scrounged around until they found eight vases of various shapes and sizes. They constructed bouquets and placed them throughout the house. When their job was completed, they sat on the porch finishing the whiskey and laughing about how shocked the Montgomery’s would be upon the discovery of their prized, missing lilies.
In the morning, after he had completed his chores, David came in from the barn to find Abigail and Claudia inspecting his CSA belt buckle at the kitchen table.
“What are y’all fixin’ to do with that?” he asked.
“I just wanted to show it to her,” Abigail responded.
“Well, y’all make sure to put it back upstairs when you’re done,” he instructed.
Grace and Sarah came in from the garden. Each set a basket of mulberries down on the table.
“I’m worried about her,” Grace said, glancing over at Claudia. “She’s been having more of those attacks. Doc Spencer says it’s probably from the fever she had two years ago.”
David looked at the little girl. The episode Claudia had experienced wasn’t a figment of his imagination after all. “Will she be all right?” he asked.
“We’ll have to wait and see,” said Grace.
Maggie came downstairs, followed by Anna.
Looking up to see a bunch of the lilies on the kitchen table, Maggie gasped. “Ooh! Where did these come from?” She picked up the vase and took in a deep whiff.
“They’re from me, Miss Maggie,” he said. “And there’s more in the dinin’ room and in the parlor.”
She smiled widely at him. “Thank you,” she sighed.
“They’re to make up for my bein’ ornery to you on your birthday,” he explained.
Maggie looked like she was about to cry.
He glanced at Anna. She smiled at him, but he was too hurt to return the gesture. He stared at the floor.
“David,” Maggie said, “may I please speak with you in private?”
He gave her a quizzical look, but followed her down the hall. Stephen appeared at the front screen door.
“Hello, Stephen,” she said. “Please come in. Everyone is in the kitchen.”
“Greetings, Maggie. David.” He removed his kepi and walked past them toward the back of the house.
Thinking nothing of Stephen’s unexpected arrival, David obediently followed Maggie into the parlor. She gestured for him to sit on the sofa and gracefully seated herself beside him.
“Miss Maggie?” He forced a nervous smile.
“I want to thank you for the flowers. They are so lovely, and it was very thoughtful. How did you know they’re my favorite?”
“Oh, I jist had a hunch.”
She smiled. “I’ve noticed lately how distraught you are. What seems to be the trouble?”
“Huh? Oh, nothin’.”
“You refuse to eat or converse with any of us. And it doesn’t look like you’ve been getting enough sleep. I’d like to know why.”
“I, uh,” he uttered.
Maggie glared at him for a moment. “Well, whatever the problem is, please stop it. Anna is worried sick about you.” She stood and added under her breath, “So am I,” before walking out of the room.
He reluctantly followed her to the kitchen. The two little girls finished saying their hellos to Stephen and took General Sherman outside.
“Where did all of the flowers come from?” Stephen asked.
“Oh, they’re for me,” said Maggie. “Aren’t they lovely?” She flashed a smile at David, who faintly smiled back at her.
“They look familiar,” Stephen remarked. He scowled at David. Glancing down at the table, he noticed the abandoned belt buckle. “What do we have here?” He picked it up.
David’s heart leaped. Wide-eyed, he glanced at Anna.
“CSA? Where did you get this?” Stephen looked around at the ladies and glowered at David.
“Oh, that’s mine,” said Sarah, snatching it from his grasp. “One of the soldiers I attended to in Gettysburg found it on the battlefield, so he gave it to me. As a souvenir. In appreciation for my assistance.” She cleared her throat and shoved the buckle into her dress pocket.
Stephen smirked. “Too bad you don’t have the Rebel’s scalp for your souvenir instead. I only hope your patient got it off a dead Secesh.”
David frowned. “Ladies, pardon me, but I need to be tending to the hogs.” He walked outside. To his vexation, Stephen followed.
“Mr. Summers,” he called, compelling him to stop. Stephen caught up to him. “I know you cut those flowers from my mother’s garden last night. It’s fortunate you weren’t detected. If you had been, I likely would have shot you.” He sneered. “I won’t say anything, so as to spare Maggie any humiliation, but if you trespass again, the result could be…tragic.” He glared at him, his blue eyes piercing. “I do know this much. You, sir, are a thief.” He walked back to the house.
David smirked. He looked over to see the little girls frolicking with the puppy. Anna came outside and stood on the back porch step.
“Here, Tecumseh,” David hollered.
The puppy happily ran toward him.
“David, that’s not his name,” Abigail said.
“It’s General Sherman’s middle name,” he replied.
“It is?” asked Claudia.
“Here, Tecumseh! Come on.” David patted his thigh. The little dog yipped and jumped up.
“I don’t like your nickname for him,” Abigail said, wrinkling her nose. “It sounds funny.”
“It’s an Indian name,” Anna informed her.
“Call him somethin’ else, then,” David said. He flashed a painful glare at Anna, once again feeling the agony of her rejection. “How’s about namin’ him Li’l Heartbreaker or Li’l Buster? That’s what y’all should name him.”
Claudia gasped. “Oh, I like that. We can call him L.B. for short.”
They ran off, leading the puppy on his leash. David continued to glare at Anna for a moment. He walked toward the hog shed, leaving her to dispose of Stephen by her own devices.
The muggy days of summer dragged on, each one hotter and more humid than the last. Newspapers reported that Jubal Early’s Confederate army crossed onto Yankee soil, close enough to impose an assault on Washington. However, they were repelled into Virginia by Union reinforcements.
One afternoon in mid-July, David walked cornrows and looked up to see dark clouds form to the north. Deciding to round up the hogs, he confined them in their pen and brought the horses into the barn. The wind started picking up, and the sky blackened, letting loose cold droplets. He saw several of the farm’s feral cats take shelter. Anna ran across the yard, rounding up the chickens. She looked over at him, but he turned away and headed back to the field. He remembered he’d left his canteen under a tree. By the time he returned to the barnyard, rain poured down in torrents. He ran toward the barn. Large raindrops exploded on him like tiny bombs. Relieved to be inside, he pushed the door shut behind him, pulled his hat from his head, and shook the moisture from it. Placing it on a nail protruding from one of the beams, he rubbed Renegade down with a towel.
“It’s comin’ down in buckets, Renie,” he said.
The stallion nickered. He stared at something behind David, so he turned to see.
“Miss Anna,” he said, caught off guard by her presence. “What are you doin’ out here?”
“You and I need to talk.” She walked up to him.
The sight of her made him hesitate, for he was still recovering from his soak. “Oh.” He looked away. “There ain’t nothin’ you can say you ain’t said already. I heard you loud and clear at the dance, and I’m sorry I took the liberty of tellin’ you—how I feel.”
She took hold of his arm.
“You should jist pretend you didn’t hear it.” He looked back at her, but immediately regretted doing so. Those eyes of hers drew him in. “I was thinkin’ it might be best if I leave.”
She glared at him. “You made me a promise,” she emphatically stated.
“I know.” He winced. “And I wanted to keep it. But—”
“David,” she whispered.
He looked down at the floor, but allowed her hand to remain. “Miss Anna, I understand the state of affairs. We’re caught up in a unique situation. But I can’t help the way I feel. My feelin’s for you won’t change. They’ll only grow stronger. Since you don’t feel the same way, well, I reckon I should break my promise.”
Releasing his arm, she said, “I won’t allow you to break your promise to me.” She sighed. “I’ve been trying to put this off for as long as I possibly could. David, your promise to Callie, was it an empty one?”
He shook his head. “No. I meant it when I promised to take care of her,” he explained.
“And how do you intend to do that?”
“By lookin’ after her, like I would if she was my sister. I never said anything about marriage, and she’ll jist have to realize I ain’t in love with her. By the time I git back, there’ll be plenty of other fellers home from the war, and she can have her pick.”
She snickered.
The smile that spread over her face caused him to grin back. “Besides, I don’t know if I want to stay in Morgan County once the war’s over. I reckon I’ve acquired a taste for wanderlust.”
“Well, if our trip to Harrisburg is any indication, traveling with you would certainly be an adventure.”
He paused, wondering what she meant by her remark. “Miss Anna, what I said to you at the dance is true, but I don’t want you to love me only because I love you.”
Loud drumming fell upon the roof. He walked over to the window and looked out.
“It’s hailin’,” he said and expelled an exasperated sigh. “This won’t be good for the crops.”
He turned to see her right in front of him. She reached up, laying her hands against his chest. His mouth fell open. He felt his heartbeat accelerate, reverberating in his ears.
“Anna,” he said softly, his voice breaking. “Please don’t tease me. My poor heart can’t take it.”
She smiled, her eyes glittering as she moved her hands up over his shoulders. “I can’t stand to see you suffer anymore. And the truth is…I feel the same way.”
He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her close.
“I was afraid to tell you because of the complications it presents.” Her expression changed to sadness. “And you’ll leave when the war ends.”
She laid her head on his chest. He held her tighter.
“I’ve been in love with you ever since you first came to us.”
Breathing in the scent of her hair, he said, “I won’t leave if you don’t want me to.”
She looked up. They gazed into each other’s eyes.
“I’ve been in love with you since that day I first saw you on the road,” he said. “No, since I had that dream about you.”
She smiled at him. The pelting on the roof subsided. Unable to resist her sweet smell, he brushed his lips against hers.
She gently pulled away. “Now, what shall we do about our predicament?”
He grinned in response. “We’ll find a way to be together. I promise.”
The rainstorm outside eased, and the rattling on the roof turned to light thumping.
“Let’s not tell anyone just yet,” she requested.
“Reckon everyone knows already to some extent. Except for maybe your sister, Maggie.”
“Well, I think we should be discreet for now, don’t you?”
Taking his hat from the nail, he gave Renegade a pat on the neck. The little horse, who had been observing their interaction, shook his head.
David laughed. “Well now, ole Pard, why don’t you think we should keep it a secret?”
The horse softly nickered in response.
“What’s that?” he said, cupping his ear to the horse’s muzzle. “You think we should yell it from the rooftops?”
He smiled at Anna. She giggled.
“I know that’s what I’m fixin’ to do. She loves me!” he hollered, throwing his arms out wide.
Renegade whinnied and stomped his left front hoof, causing Alphie to take notice. He immediately became disinterested, however, and returned to his fodder.
“Shhh!” Anna reacted. “Let’s keep it under wraps for now.” She pulled the barn door open and headed toward the house, making her way around the puddles.
He followed her, feeling like he was walking on air, or drunk, or both, and his knees were wobbly. He kept repeating the words she’d said to him over and over in his mind.
It really did happen, he thought. She really does love me. His heart thumped with exhilaration.
News came two weeks later that General Jubal Early’s Rebels crossed into Pennsylvania. They were nearby in a small town west of Gettysburg called Chambersburg and had torched the town. The news spread eastward like wildfire.
Anna pulled David aside when she was sure they were alone. “You know how I feel, but if you want to leave, this is your chance,” she said. “The Confederates are close, and I know you still believe in their cause.”
He stared at her sadly. “Oh,” was all he said before returning to his chores.
That afternoon, he tossed the idea around in his head, considering her proposition. Reentering the house, he found her preparing supper with her aunt.
“I made you a promise,” he stated solemnly, hoping he wouldn’t regret his decision. “I ain’t fixin’ to go anywhere.” He sighed, for part of him wanted to be back in the fight.
She nearly threw her arms around his neck, but stopped herself short. “Thank you,” she replied with a smile.
He smiled back, leaned in, and whispered in her ear, “I love you.”
She glanced at her aunt, who gawked at them.
“The two of you seem to have found some sort of resolve. Is there something I should know about?” She raised an eyebrow at her niece.
Anna smiled. “No, Aunt Sarah.” She returned to her preparations.
Sarah threw suspicious glances at them. Seeing his opportunity to avoid an uncomfortable situation, David sauntered out to the barn.
July blended into August without anyone much noticing the month had changed. David read about how Mr. Lincoln had vetoed the Wade-Davis Bill, which was a harsher version of his reconstruction plan. Certain members of Congress were labeling the Yankee president a dictator because of it.
Maggie occupied her time with Lila. The two of them frequently set off on little adventures, mostly riding into nearby towns. Escorted by Lila’s grandfather, the girls searched for boys their own age, which were few and far between. Nearly every male in the area had enlisted. David learned that Lila’s brother had been killed at Sharpsburg, or Antietam, as the Yankee’s called it.
Abigail left to spend a week in Dover with Claudia and Grace. She returned home by way of a neighbor and brought the dog, Little Buster, with her. As her sisters and aunt greeted her home, David walked toward her.
“Why’d you bring that mangy ole mutt home?” he asked with a hug and a smile.
She knew he was teasing. “He’s a gift for you,” she said.
He snickered. “Oh, no! I ain’t in need of a dog, thank you.”
He glanced over at Anna, who smiled back at him.
On the following afternoon, he entered the parlor to find Abigail sprawled out on the sofa, fanning herself. She promptly sat up.
“I borrowed a story from Mrs. Burrows,” she said, springing to her feet. “And I was wondering if you would read it to me.”
He agreed, so she ran upstairs, found Anna, and led her to the parlor.
“It’s called Romeo and Juliet,” said Abigail. “Have you ever heard of it?”
“Of course,” Anna said. She took the book from her sister and opened it. “This is your line,” she said, handing him the tome.
Glancing down, he grinned and decided to indulge them by playing along.
“But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?”
Anna and Abigail snickered at his drawl.
“It is the East, and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon who is already sick and pale with grief.”
He looked at the two sisters, who were grinning at him. “Why are we doin’ this?”
“Oh, I just thought it would be nice,” Abigail responded. She snatched the book from his grasp and handed it to Anna. “Your turn,” she said.
“O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo!”
In true melodramatic fashion, she held the back of her hand to her forehead, pretending to swoon. David reached out to catch her. They burst into laughter.
“All right,” he chuckled. “That’s enough.” He shook his head, grinning, and went out onto the front porch.
The girls giggled and conversed in the parlor before coming out to join him.
“It seems as no surprise to Abigail,” Anna told him. “She intentionally brought that book home to manipulate us into a romantic situation. She has become our own little matchmaker.”
Tempted to take Anna’s hand, he resisted, embarrassed by Abigail’s presence. “Well, the last thing I’d want is for us to be like Romeo and Juliet,” he remarked.
“Why is that?” asked Abigail.
“Y’all know what happened to them. They died.” He winked at Anna. “And it’s mighty hard to carry on a relationship when you ain’t breathin’.”
The girls giggled again.
An intrusive feeling of remorse swept over him. He recalled how Jake and Callie’s engagement abruptly ended with Jake’s untimely death. The same thing had happened with David’s parents, whose long-time marriage ceased with the death of David’s father. Now he got it, Romeo and Juliet spelled tragedy. He hoped his blossoming romance with Anna wouldn’t end in disaster as well.
As August progressed, so did the harvest. News came that the Union army was now paying black and white soldiers equal pay.
When he learned of this, David remarked sarcastically to Patrick, “I reckon this makes ole Frederick Douglas happy.” Patrick glared at him, so David elaborated. “You know, the black feller who was a slave and now he’s an abolitionist and a writer.”
Patrick nodded in recollection. “Aye. I’m sure he’s in favor of it,” he replied, tying a bale of grass hay.
“Yeah.” David snorted. “He’d be in favor of slittin’ every plantation owner’s throat, I reckon.”
A few days later, Sarah brought home a copy of the Philadelphia Enquirer, which advertised the “Great Central Fair,” which was being held by the Sanitary Commission in that city.
“I wish we could go,” Anna said to him. “Perhaps we could attend next year. Wouldn’t that be splendid?”
“If you say so,” he replied, although he had no real desire to go there.
“Who knows,” she said. “The war might be over by then.”
David nodded, glancing through the newspaper. “This says General George B. McClellan has been nominated for president by the Democratic Party. Lookee here.” He showed Anna illustrations of the Democrats as donkeys and the Republicans as elephants. Turning the paper back around, he read on. “It says the Republicans changed their name to the National Union Party so’s they could attract more Democratic voters. And ole Abe Lincoln is runnin’ for a second term in office.” He put the paper down and wistfully sighed. “I wish I could vote.” But after reflecting for a moment, he said, “No, maybe I’m glad I can’t, because I wouldn’t know which tyrant to vote for. Neither one has the insight on how to end this war.”
“You’ll be able to vote one day,” said Anna. “Just not right now.” She smiled and took his hand.
That night, after everyone had gone to bed, David tossed and turned, finding it difficult to sleep due to the heat and his exhaustion. His mind finally gave way to a dream. In it, he was being chased by a white elephant. The beast got so close David startled awake. He pondered its meaning and whether the elephant represented a battle. His comrades had referred to experiencing battle as “seeing the elephant.” On the other hand, it could have had something to do with the Republicans and the upcoming election. Confused, he lay there contemplating for hours.
On September 3, he learned Atlanta had been captured. General Sherman’s philosophy of waging total war by forcing poor innocent women and children into submission had begun. The news shocked him, for the summer had almost gone by without incident. He was glad the terrier’s name had been changed from General Sherman to Buster, so he wouldn’t be tempted to kick the little canine out of spite. He realized the war might finally be coming to a close. It seemed like there was an endless supply of Federal soldiers eager to offer themselves up for their righteous cause. Starving Rebel soldiers had reportedly deserted by the thousands, and the Union army was tightening its stranglehold. Both by land and by sea, the Yankees were proving their superiority. They had even captured Mobile Bay in his beloved state of Alabama, but so far, they had failed to take the city of Mobile itself. Glorious Dixie was falling.
He tried to push thoughts of defeat to the back of his mind, dwelling on Anna instead. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, they stole away to be alone together. In their intimacy, they held hands and discussed their future. One afternoon, they met in secret behind the tool shed.
“I ain’t goin’ nowhere,” he impressed upon her. “‘I love you, Anna. But your kinfolk need to be told. I don’t know how much longer we can pretend there ain’t nothin’ between us, and it’s too difficult for me to keep my feelin’s bottled up.”
Anna softly caressed his cheek, making him want her even more.
“I’m just as in love with you,” she cooed. “And I want to tell my family too. But this isn’t the right time. We’ll tell them when the war’s over.”
“Who knows when that’ll be,” he said in frustration. “I don’t want to wait that long to be with you.” He sat on the ground and pulled her down beside him. Wrapping his arms around her, he started kissing her face.
“David,” she whispered, gently pushing his head away. “We have to wait.”
“It’s all right.” He pulled her close again, but she resisted. “Anna.” he said, exasperated. “Are you havin’ second thoughts?”
“No, of course not.”
He wasn’t convinced. “Are you sure you’re in love with me?”
“Yes, of course.”
She hugged him to reassure his doubts.
“I hope so, darlin’. ‘Cause I’m so in love with you I reckon I could bust.” He grinned at her. “I want to kiss you right now.”
She smiled. “You know it isn’t proper. We can’t kiss until we’re engaged, whenever that happens.”
They embraced, both fighting the urge to allow their passion to seethe. A strange sound, like a whimper, caught their attention. Looking up, they saw Maggie standing over them.
She glared at them and roared, “How could you!”
David sprang to his feet, but Maggie was already running toward the house.
“Maggie! Wait,” he yelled, knowing his request was in vain. He turned to help Anna up. “Well, the cat’s out of the bag now,” he remarked. Anna’s shocked expression alarmed him.
“Oh, David,” she sobbed. “Whatever shall we do?”
He held her, comforting her by speaking softly. “We both knew it would come to this. Don’t fret. Everything will be fine. You’ll see.”
“Not if she tells someone, like the Provost Marshal,” she said, wiping tears from her cheeks.
“She won’t turn me in. Don’t you think she would’ve done that by now if she was gonna? She might not be too fond of me, but she would never do anything to hurt you.” He held her gently while she regained her composure. “Come on, let’s go face the firin’ squad.”
He grinned down at her. She smiled through her tears, took his hand, and walked with him to the house. They went into the kitchen.
“Anna,” her aunt sternly called out. “Come into the parlor.”
The two young lovers exchanged glances. He smiled reassuringly and followed her down the hallway. They entered the parlor to see Maggie, still awestricken. She glared so hatefully at David that he shuddered. Abigail sat on the piano bench, stroking Tabby, a wide smile spanning across her face. Her aunt didn’t look so happy. Anna took a seat on the sofa. He started to sit next to her, but caught Sarah’s disapproving glare, so he meekly placed himself in a chair beside her instead.
“Maggie tells me she has witnessed something behind the tool shed. Would you care to explain to me what it is you think you are doing?”
He grimaced and glanced at Anna, who was staring down at the carpet. “Um, Miss Sarah, Anna and I were, uh—”
“Do you recall the discussion we had several months ago?”
“Yes’m.”
“Were you not listening?”
“No ma’am. I mean, yes, ma’am. I mean—” He grunted in aggravation. “None of it can be avoided.”
“I will not allow my niece to be the object of your amusements.”
He stared at her, stunned, and didn’t know whether to be hurt or angry. “That ain’t the case.”
“Then what is the case, sir?”
“He loves her,” Abigail blurted.
Anna looked over at her little sister.
“And she loves him,” she announced, pointing at Anna.
“Oh, dear,” Sarah said.
Maggie cried out. She sprang to her feet. “Oh, Anna! How could you?” She ran down the hall and up the stairs.
Abigail giggled.
“I warned you to quell your infatuation, young man,” Sarah scolded.
“Yes’m. And I tried. But it only made my feelin’s for your niece grow stronger.”
He stood, sat beside Anna on the sofa, and took her hand. They gazed into each other’s eyes.
“I’m in love with you, Anna,” he proclaimed in front of her family.
“And I’m in love with you,” she replied with a smile.
“Oh, dear,” said Sarah. “This is quite a pickle.”
David and Anna looked at her, both smiling at once.
Sarah’s expression grew serious. “Abigail, please go to the dining room and fetch the letter I received today.”
Abigail complied by walking into the next room.
“To be young and in love is a very special thing,” Sarah went on. “But to be young and in love with a war between us and a country divided…” She shook her head.
“The war is bound to end someday, Aunt Sarah,” Anna said. “We can wait until then.”
“Can you, my dear?” Sarah took the letter Abigail handed her. “If you are both as much in love as you declare to be, then it’s only a matter of time before—”
David cleared his throat, embarrassed by the implication. “Who’s the letter from?” he interrupted.
“My dear Bill.” Sarah pulled it out of the unsealed envelope, unfolded it, and scanned it over.
David guessed she must have reread the letter all afternoon.
“What does it say?” asked Anna.
“That he misses all of us, and he’s anxious to return home.” She sniffed and held the letter to her breast.
“Does he know about me?” David asked.
Sarah shook her head.
David wondered what would happen when Bill learned a Confederate was living in his niece’s house.
Will he return home with a vengeance to kill me? He wondered. Slightly shuddering at the thought, he decided not to worry about that until the time arose.
“Aunt Sarah, I know we should have told you sooner,” Anna said.
Sarah frowned. “We’ll just have to find a way to deal with yet another dilemma you’ve presented us with, young man.” She glanced at him, forcing a fragile smile.
Guilt stricken, his heart sank. Once again, he wished for his mother, even though he knew she would be flabbergasted as well.
“Aunt Sarah, it isn’t his fault. I’m just as much to blame.”
“No one is to blame.” She sighed. “Anna, please be a dear and go check the henhouse for any new eggs. I’d like to speak to David for a moment.”
Anna did as she was told.
Abigail flashed a grin at him and followed her sister.
Moving across the room, Sarah sat beside him. “Oh, my dear boy.” She folded her hands in her lap. “If ever there was anyone who I would choose for my niece, it would be you.”
Amazed by her statement, he braced himself, expecting her to say his days with them were numbered. “Miss Sarah, I’m very sorry for the trouble I’ve caused.”
She patted him on the knee. “We found a way to keep you here, and we’ll find a way to resolve this too.”
He wasn’t sure what she meant by that, but decided to proceed with his question, anyway. “In that case, since Anna’s pa is gone and your husband is absent, I reckon you’re the one to ask.”
She furrowed her eyebrows. Waiting for him to continue, she coaxed, “Ask me what?”
He glanced around the room, his expression changing from uncertainty to anxiety. “Miss Sarah, I’d like to ask for your niece’s hand. In marriage.”
Sarah gaped at him. He knew his question was far, far more than she had bargained for.