His Civil War Bride

by Christine Sterling

  Peyton could see all the lights in the distance as they rode up the long drive.

  Her father assisted her mother, and then Peyton onto the porch. Once inside, a man took her jacket and directed them to the ballroom. Peyton had been to many balls in the richly furnished house. The floor of the ballroom was covered with many small tables and chairs.

  Peyton noticed there were four seats to each table. She had no intention of playing cards. She would rather spend her time conversing with the young ladies. Catherine arrived with Christian and Peyton was so happy to see her friend. They didn’t have an opportunity to talk the previous day when they delivered sandwiches to the men in the field.

  She pulled Catherine into the sitting room and demanded to know everything Catherine could tell her. Was she well? What was it that caused her to not take visitors?

  “I’m married,” Catherine said.

  “Married?” Peyton’s voice came out as a high-pitched shriek.

  “You got married and didn’t tell me?”

  Catherine waved her hand. “Hush, Peyton. We’ve not told anyone but my father. When Christian volunteered, I realized that I could be a widow. What if they sent him off to fight? What if he didn’t come home? What if? What if? What if?” She grabbed Peyton’s hand. “I realized I can’t live for what ifs. I would rather have as much time as I can with Christian, as his wife; than no time with him as a woman who wanted to wait for everything to be perfect.”

  Peyton wiped a tear away with a gloved hand. “I’m so happy for you, Catherine. I truly am. I think I’m just sad I didn’t get to see you get married. Were you able to alter your dress?”

  “I didn’t even wear that dress. I was married in my day gown and Christian was in his uniform. My father was there, as well as Colonel Stout and Reverend Harris.”

  Colonel Stout? He had been present at her best friend’s wedding, and not her? “Don’t cry, Peyton. You are dearer to me than any sister could be. It was a very impromptu event. And then I just didn’t know how to tell you. I was so afraid of your disappointment that I avoided you for days. And then I didn’t know how to tell you. Please forgive me?”

  Peyton looked up at her dearest friend. “Of course, I forgive you. I couldn’t ask for a better husband for you, than your Christian.”

  “You’ll find your husband too, Peyton.”

  “Justin says he wants to put a halt on our courting until the war is over. He told me that having a wife would be too much of a distraction for his business.”

  Catherine’s eyebrows arched in surprise.

  “So, he still plans to court you?”

  “I even made this gown in hopes that I would be able to entice him enough to get married sooner.”

  “Has he proposed, Peyton?”

  Peyton shook her head. “But I know he will.”

  “Peyton,” Catherine turned and took Peyton’s hand, rubbing it lightly. “I want you to promise me that if the opportunity for love comes your way, you won’t turn it down.”

  “Don’t be silly, Catherine,” Peyton said. “We’ve talked about this for years. You would marry Christian; I’d marry Justin and we would be real sisters. Live next to each other and raise our children together.”

  “Yes, darling, but that was us talking as children. What is it about Justin that you love?”

  “Well…” Peyton had to think about it for a moment. She looked at Catherine who looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “There are plenty of things. I just can’t think of anything right now because you caught me off guard.”

  “I want you to think hard about that question, Peyton. And please do not miss the opportunity for real love to come your way because you are waiting for someone else.” Catherine pointed to the door. “There is Christian. I need to go join the others.” She stood and took Peyton’s hand once more. “Please stop by this week. We are living at Poppa’s home. You are always welcome.”

  Peyton nodded and watched Catherine leave the room. Her best friend, married! She was happy and joyful and sad all at the same time. She sat reflecting on Catherine’s words. Had she really wasted all this time simply waiting on Justin?

  Had she read too much into their relationship? She never even allowed the idea of another man to enter her head. She looked at the clock on the wall. She had been there for over an hour and Justin hadn’t arrived yet.

  All this trouble to make a dress, for nothing, she thought. She walked to the door and asked for her wrap. She put it around her shoulders and walked out into the cool night air. The lights on the porches were attracting flying bugs, so Peyton made her way down to the far end, where it was darker.

  “Be careful of the loose brick near your foot,” a voice said from the darkness.

  Peyton shrieked before recognizing Mason leaning up against one of the columns. “You scared me,” she chastised, placing a hand over her heart.

  “I apologize, I just didn’t want you fall.”

  “I’ll be careful. Thank you.” Peyton looked at Mason. He had shaved and was wearing a clean uniform. She moved a step closer and sniffed. Did she smell roses?

  “I purchased a total of eight bars,” he offered. “I hope I smell better than the stables.”

  Peyton laughed. “Much better. I hope you shared the soap with all of your officers.”

  Mason grimaced. “And give away what is surely going to be my prized possession? I can’t do that.”

  “What are you going to do with eight bars of floral soap?”

  “They remind me of someone.”

  “Oh,” Peyton said, stepping backwards.

  Mason reached out and grabbed her hand. She had left her gloves in the sitting room and he wasn’t wearing his leather ones. Her skin tingled where he touched her. Her eyes flew to her hand then back to his face.

  “Be careful,” he repeated. Peyton nodded and carefully stepped over the loose brick. “Would you care to sit for a while?” He motioned to a swing on the end of the porch.

  Peyton walked over and attempted to sit down. As she backed her hoop up to the bench, the swing would sway out of reach. Mason held the swing still so Peyton could sit down. He then joined her.

  They sat in silence for a few minutes, just listening to the creak from the ropes as Mason moved them back and forth with his good leg.

  “Why are you out here, Peyton?”

  “I couldn’t stand to be inside for a moment longer.” She looked at him. “Why are you out here?”

  “The same. I don’t like crowds.” He gave a little scoff. “I know that sounds silly given that I’m in charge of training thousands of troops. But I would honestly rather be around three, maybe four people at the most.”

  “Tonight, was not was I expected.”

  “What were you expecting, Miss Fuller?”

  “I made this gown and there is no one here to see me in it.”

  “I’m here.”

  “That isn’t what I meant.”

  “I don’t know much about women’s fashions, but it is a beautiful dress, Miss Fuller. Made more beautiful by the woman that is wearing it.”

  Peyton cast her eyes downwards. “Thank you. I was hoping that…”

  “The man who is courting you would be here to see it?”

  Peyton nodded. “I know it is silly. After all, there is a war going on.”

  “The war shouldn’t keep you from living.” He paused for a moment before looking at her. “Or loving.”

  Peyton looked at the stars glowing brightly in the night. “My friend Catherine got married.” A sharp laugh burst forth from her throat. “I forgot. You already knew that.”

  “They weren’t telling anyone.”

  “Is Christian going to have to go fight?”

  “I need a supply officer here in Harrisburg. So as long as I need him then he will stay here.” She heard him sigh. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the final say. If they need him somewhere else, then I suppose the Army will send him wherever they deem it best.”

  “Are you
going to fight?”

  He shook his head. “Why do you ask that?”

  “I am just hearing that more and more men are being called to fight. I don’t normally know much about politics and all that, but I hear more about it now than I ever have. Things I don’t even want to think about.” She glanced up at him. “I don’t want to ever think of you going to fight.”

  He picked up her hand and placed a kiss on the curled fingers. Peyton could feel his breath against her skin and she almost felt faint. “I won’t ever go to fight, Peyton. They wouldn’t have me.”

  “Why ever not?”

  “Because, he whispered softly. “I’m broken.”

  Peyton’s eyes flew open and she pulled her hand from his grip before immediately taking it in her own. “You aren’t broken, Colonel Stout. You sustained an injury when serving your country. You still serve your country.”

  “Yes, but when I see the faces of the men that are going off to war, I know that I can’t stand up next to them.”

  “But you are leading them. Preparing them for whatever may come next.”

  “I close my eyes and I see the men that may never come home. I see young Pup marching across the land, scared if he will be safe.”

  “He’s nine,” she whispered.

  “Nine?”

  Peyton nodded. “His brother Henry told me. Said he didn’t want Pup to go fighting.”

  “He’s just a child.”

  “Even at eleven he is still a child. Even at twelve. When is anyone truly old enough to go to war?”

  “Peyton,” he whispered. “You are so innocent. I hope you never lose that.” His fingers grazed along her cheek. She leaned in just a little more. “Now I’ll have to worry about what is going to happen to him. I feel responsible for his care.”

  “I can see he looks up to you.”

  “But he needs a family. I thought about asking Lieutenant and Mrs. Miller…”

  The sound of the door opening caused her to jump from the swing and move away from Mason as quickly as possible. She tripped on the dreaded brick but straightened herself just as her parents appeared.

  Mason brought up all sorts of feelings inside her.

  She had never felt such a strong attraction before.

  She had never felt like this around Justin.

  Was Catherine correct? Was she so set on Justin Miller that she never considered anyone else?

  They had been courting for a year and she was no closer to a promise of marriage. Simply a wait and see.

  Didn’t she deserve more than that?

  Did she owe it to him to wait until the war over?

  “Peyton, I’m glad you are here.” Her father walked out the door and her mother followed behind.

  “Were you looking for me?”

  “I was actually looking for the Colonel.”

  Mason stood and Peyton noticed he put most of his weight on his good leg. “What can I do for you, sir?”

  “Mrs. Fuller and I were talking to Lieutenant Miller. He told us about the number of men coming into town over the next week. And that many of the officers will be displaced.”

  “Yes, sir. We are going to start tripling and quadrupling up, but we will make do.”

  “You don’t need to worry about that at all. There are at least a dozen families that are willing to open their homes to the brave officers of the Union blue. Why Mr. Adams has at least six empty rooms he is willing to spare.”

  “That is very generous of him, sir.”

  “We have a spare room as well.” Peyton froze, her eyes holding onto Mason. “I’d like to offer it to you if you would be so inclined to take it.”

  Peyton shook her head. Did her parents just invite the handsome Colonel to stay with them?

  “What do you say, Peyton?” her father asked, pulling her closer to the conversation.

  “I – I-….” Peyton couldn’t think of a single thing to say.

  “I don’t want to intrude or make Miss Fuller uncomfortable. The agriculture center will suit me just fine.”

  “Nonsense, son,” Mr. Fuller said. “You will still be close enough to Camp Curtin, but this way you can rest in the evenings. Your officers won’t be much good to men in Philadelphia if you keep operating without sleep.”

  Peyton moved forward. “I think it is a grand idea, Colonel. Perhaps Pup can come as well?”

  “Fine idea, daughter. Is that the boy your mother mentioned?” Peyton nodded. “Please bring the boy, Colonel.”

  Mason looked at her for a moment with appreciation sparkling in his eyes. The corner of his lips curled into a smile. “I appreciate it, sir,” he said holding his hand out. “I’ll be sure to let my men know of Harrisburg’s generosity.”

  Chapter 9

  Mason sat at his desk and rubbed his eyes. It had been a long day and promised to be a longer night. Mason could hear the rain beating down on the roof.

  Training in the rain was miserable, but the weather didn’t care. He was looking forward to finishing his business for the day and climbing into his comfortable bed.

  The men relished their new barracks – staying with local families. He had noticed a definite improvement in morale.

  He was prepared to continue staying at the agriculture center, but when Mr. Fuller offered him the opportunity, he jumped at it.

  Not only had they been very generous, allowing him to stay there; they even took Pup in as a member of their own family.

  The boy flourished under the care and attention of Mrs. Fuller and Peyton. Pup even confessed that he was hoping for a new Ma and was thrilled to find out that he would be living with the very woman that he had pegged for the role.

  He knew Pup wanted a real family, both a father and a mother. He made it clear that he viewed Mason as that father figure he was so desperately seeking.

  Peyton was too young to be cast in the role of mother to a nine-year old. She took Pup under her wing, much like a big sister.

  Something in Mason’s heart broke as he realized that Peyton was at the age where marriage and family was important. If she continued to wait, then she would be regaled to spinster status in less than two years.

  At one point he did dream of having a wife, a home of his own and children. He wanted a woman that he could love and protect.

  Truth be told, he wanted Peyton.

  Therein lies the rub, he thought quoting Hamlet. However, there was very little Mason found humorous in the situation.

  There was nothing Peyton would find in him as marriage material. He was scarred and could barely walk when his leg was acting up.

  Still, she was kind to him. She was a delightful hostess, making sure that he was comfortable and keeping him company before he headed to bed.

  “Sir?” The voice of his First Sergeant called. “Lieutenant Miller is ready to see you.”

  Mason dragged his hand down his face. “Send him in.”

  Lieutenant Miller walked into the office and took a seat on the wooden chairs in front of the desk.

  “I need you to prepare for the Pennsylvania Sixth to leave tomorrow evening.” Mason watched Christian’s eyes raise in surprise.

  “I’ll make sure everything is crated and ready. Has there been another order asking for more troops?”

  “Every day, Lieutenant Miller.” Mason reached inside his box and pulled out a piece of paper. “This was delivered to me from Philadelphia. Do you want to know what it is?”

  “Should I?”

  Mason held the folded paper between two fingers and offered it to Christian. Christian opened the paper and his eyes went wide as he scanned the document.

  “This is a copy of my supply manifest. It lists everything we currently have.”

  “It was found on a Confederate runner.”

  “How did he get it?”

  “That is what I want to know.”

  “Sir, you don’t think…?” Christian left the question unsaid. The penalty for espionage was death.

  “I don’t. You have too m
uch to lose. But it does mean that someone in the ranks had access to this information and is selling it.”

  Mason watched as Christian scrunched his face in thought. “I know everyone that comes into the supply office. I can’t think of anyone that might have done this.”

  “No one at all? There has been no one you’ve left alone near the books.”

  “No sir.” Suddenly Christian’s eyes flew open wide. “Except for one person.”

  “Who is that?”

  “Sir, would you allow me to investigate before I say anything? I don’t want to falsely accuse anyone.”

  “Good man. Yes. See what you find out and report back.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Not at this moment.”

  “Sir, if I may?”

  “Speak freely, Lieutenant.”

  “I wanted to let you know about Miss Fuller.”

  Mason’s ears perked up.

  “What about her?”

  “You know my brother was courting her.”

  “I thought he still was.”

  “Perhaps he is. I’ve not spoken to him much about it. I just wanted to let you know that if anything were to happen between you and Peyton, well, Catherine and I wouldn’t be disappointed.”

  Mason gave a smile. “Thank you. I’ll take that under advisement. Dismissed, Lieutenant.”

  Christian stood and placed the paper back on the desk. He saluted and turned, leaving the room.

  Mason leaned back in the chair, stretching his leg under the cramped desk. He would need to apply liniment to his leg soon. He opened the drawer looking for the bottle.

  It wasn’t where he normally kept it. He must have left it on the side table near his bed. He made a mental note to pick up another one just to leave in at the camp.

  He rearranged the items in the drawer, his fingers brushing against a paper wrapped bar. He pulled it out and lifted it to his nose. The smell of roses filled his senses. It reminded him of Peyton.

  Shoving the bar in the drawer, he knew he needed to get home and see her. Just being in her presence would be enough for him.

  He donned his coat and bid the Sergeant goodnight before turning his collar to the rain and starting the walk towards the Fuller house.