by Jane Peart
“Coffee, I think. I’ve not tasted real coffee for some time. The blockade, you know….”
A rueful look passed over his face, but he did not discuss whatever he was thinking. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Wes promised and went out the door.
He was back before JoBeth had time to do more than remove her cape. As he came in, carrying a tray, he grinned. “Didn’t I tell you Mrs. Hobbs was the motherly type? She had already prepared this. I met her coming up the stairs as I went down.” He set down the tray on the table in front of the green velvet sofa. He poured two cups of coffee from the silver server and handed one to JoBeth.
“Mmmm.” She held it, inhaling its fragrance, before taking a sip. “What a treat! It’s delicious.” The pungent taste immediately seemed to revive her. She took one of the small, triangular-cut chicken sandwiches and bit into it.
With the food and coffee, JoBeth’s fuzziness began to disappear. She didn’t feel quite so overwhelmed by all that had happened.
“I really must report to my office and let Major Meredith know we’ve safely arrived. I will come back here at three-thirty. Does that give you enough time?”
“Oh yes, that’s fine.” She made a funny little face and said, “Everything seems to be moving so fast.”
“Yes, I know, but all these horrible long months of waiting are over. That’s what I’m grateful for, what I thank God for,” he said earnestly.
“Yes,” she nodded, wishing she felt more certain. He finished his coffee, set down his cup, and got up. He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed it. “Good-bye for a little while.” He picked up his coat and hat and moved over to the door. There he turned back, as if he had just remembered something. He looked at her with a broad smile.
“I almost forgot. Our rings, JoBeth. We must exchange them so that we can use them in the ceremony.” He drew his from the finger of his right hand and brought it over to her. He waited while she detached hers from the chain she had worn hidden around her neck for all these months. As she handed it to him, he leaned down and kissed her.
The kiss was sweet, reassuring. A warmth went over her. Wes was right: everything would be fine now. For a few minutes after he was gone, JoBeth remained motionless. She looked around uncertainly. She was really here in Washington, with Wes, and this was where she would be living. In just a matter of a few hours they would be married. At last all her dreams were coming true.
Chapter Twenty-Two
After Wes’s departure, JoBeth stretched out on the sofa and tried to rest. But she was too excited, too nervous, to sleep. She lay there looking around the unfamiliar room. Everything seemed unreal. Pictures of the last forty-eight hours flashed in her mind like images in a stereopticon. Everything that had happened since they fled through the night came back in vivid detail.
Too restless to lie still, she got up, inspecting the rest of the apartment. She went into the adjoining bedroom, pleased it was so nicely furnished and tastefully decorated as was the parlor.
She did not want to bother Mrs. Hobbs to ask for hot water for a bath. So she poured water from the pitcher into its matching pink china bowl and, using the lavender-scented cake of soap she was delighted to find in the dish on the wash-stand, bathed as best she could. Afterward she soaked a small linen hand towel with some precious cologne she had brought with her, patting it over her neck, shoulders, and arms.
Clean and refreshed, next she brushed out her hair until it crackled, then sat down at the dressing table to wind it into a figure-eight chignon. As she started placing the tortoiseshell pins into her hair to secure it, she saw herself in the mirror. Her brush still in hand, she stared at the girl in the glass as if at a stranger. In the unfamiliar setting, she hardly recognized herself.
The chimes of the ormolu clock on the mantel began to ring. Two-thirty. In an hour Wes would return. I must dress. Wes will be here soon, and then we will go to the church, and then—her imagination took her no further. Everything seemed unreal. She was here by herself, with no loving relatives to get her ready for her wedding. She pushed away any regrets. This was what she had chosen to do. This was what she wanted.
She unpacked the jade taffeta dress, made from the beautiful material given to her by Aunt Josie, who had never dreamed it would be worn as a wedding gown—to marry a man of whom they do not approve! JoBeth thought guiltily.
She shook out the tiered skirt and stepped into it. Then she slipped on the bodice, which was embroidered with darker-green soutache braid. Starting to fasten the tiny hooks cleverly concealed under a narrow placket, she recalled instructing the seamstress to put the hooks down the front. She had known there would be no one to help her dress on her wedding day.
Lastly she slipped in her small pearl pendant earrings, then got out her hatbox and opened the lid. Unwrapping her bonnet from the tissue paper in which it was swathed, she took it out. She held it in front of her for a moment, admiring it. It was the prettiest one she had ever owned. Lined with fluted pink chiffon, it was trimmed with green velvet leaves in which nestled a single pink silk rose. Aunt Josie had selected the trimmings herself at her milliner’s, declaring it perfect to wear with the green dress. Tying the wide green satin ribbons under her chin, JoBeth fervently hoped her aunt would eventually forgive her for eloping.
She was just buttoning on her gloves when a knock came at the door. It had a jubilant sound, as did Wes’s voice announcing, “JoBeth, I’m here.”
Her taffeta skirts swishing, she crossed the room to open it to her smiling husband-to-be.
The interior of the church was dim and drafty. To JoBeth it had a strange, almost mysterious aura with its curved nave and shadowy arches. Entering, she felt the full impact of this solemn occasion. Wes covered her trembling hand with his, smiled down at her while they walked together down the long aisle. In the vestibule, JoBeth had been introduced to Major Meredith and to the regimental chaplain’s wife, who were going to serve as their witnesses. Major Meredith was exactly as Wes had described him. His face, with its strong features and determined expression, revealed much of the qualities and character Wes had attributed to him. There was also an unexpected compassion in the deep-set eyes as he looked at them. Why? she wondered as they took their place and the chaplain opened his prayer book to begin the ceremony.
It was certainly not the wedding of her girlhood dreams. There was no organ music playing the traditional marches, nor was there a chosen soloist to sing her favorite hymns, nor did she know the clergyman who officiated. He read the ritual in what Wes told her later was a New England accent.
The ceremony was brief, but they both gave their responses in clear, sure tones, gazing happily at each other. JoBeth felt slightly delirious, as if her head were floating somewhere up over them and she were looking down on the scene. The words of the ceremony seemed natural to her. She had memorized them by repeating them each night after her bedtime prayers. She used to take out her pledge ring, hold it, and say the same promises she was making today. Ever since Wes had told her about betrothals in the olden days, she had cherished the idea. Speaking the words out loud “before God and this company”—although the church was empty except for them—was only a confirmation of the promise she had already made in her heart. Of course she would love, cherish, and obey Wes, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, keeping only to him however long they both should live. There was no question, no doubts. All the uncertainty she had felt earlier had disappeared. This was a sacred moment. These were sacred promises, to be kept forever.
Exchanging their rings was only a repetition of what they had done in the Hillsboro churchyard, the fulfillment of all their hopes, prayers, dreams.
After they had all signed the register, Wes and JoBeth thanked the chaplain and his wife, then left the church with Major Meredith. As they came out onto the steps, they saw that a light drizzle was falling. The late afternoon sky was dark, heavy with clouds. Standing on the church steps, Major Meredith said, “You have a few mo
re days of leave coming, don’t you, Lieutenant? If I weren’t required to report back to duty, I would insist on treating you two to a wedding supper at one of the city’s finest restaurants. As it is, I have done the next best thing. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering a catered hamper from that same restaurant to be delivered to your address with my compliments. Perhaps it is even better this way. I know you both have waited a long, worried time to be together.” He gave a brisk salute to Wes and bowed to JoBeth. “So I will not delay you. I admire your bravery and render my best wishes for a long and happy life together.”
He saw them into their hired carriage waiting at the curb and bid them good-bye. By the time they arrived at Mrs. Hobbs’s house, it was raining steadily. Wes held his military cape over JoBeth to protect her bonnet, and they ran up the steps. They had been given a key to the front door, and they let themselves in, then went quietly upstairs to their apartment.
JoBeth moved to the center of the room and stood for a minute, idly picking up a porcelain bird figurine, examining it. She could hear the rain pounding on the roof, giving the cozy little parlor a feeling of sheltered intimacy. Slowly she turned around and smiled.
Wes walked over to her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders, then very carefully untied her bonnet ribbons and removed her bonnet. He tossed it on the nearby table, then smoothed back her hair from her forehead, regarding her with infinite tenderness. Cupping her face in both his hands, he said softly, “Welcome to our home, darling wife.”
“Oh, Wes, wife! That sounds so wonderful, so special.”
“It is wonderful, and you are special. I thank God for you, JoBeth. I want always and only to make you happy, make you glad that you went through all you did and married me.”
“Married. It hardly seems possible.”
“But it is, my darling,” he said, then kissed her. It was a long kiss but very gentle. “I love you, JoBeth, more than I can ever tell you.” He took her hand and led her over to the sofa, eased her down to sit beside him, took her into his arms, and began to kiss her.
His kisses were slow and sweet, as if they had all the time in the world. He whispered her name over and over, kissing her again and again. An unspeakable joy surged all through JoBeth. The promise of their dream had been fulfilled. Their pledge had held, their wait had not been in vain, their faith had been rewarded.
Just then a discreet knock sounded at the door, and reluctantly they moved out of their embrace. They looked at each other questioningly. Then Mrs. Hobbs’s voice came from the hall. “Lieutenant Rutherford!” Wesley gave JoBeth a helpless shrug, then got up, went to the door, and opened it to an apologetic Mrs. Hobbs.
“I wouldn’t have disturbed you, but this was just delivered.” She held out a wicker basket, its handle tied with a silver-edged white satin bow. There was a card on which was written, “Best Wishes to Lt. and Mrs. Wesley Rutherford.”
“Thank you very much, Mrs. Hobbs. We were expecting it. A gift from my commanding officer.” Wes took the basket from her.
Mrs. Hobbs peered around Wes at JoBeth. “Is there anything more I can do for you? I thought perhaps Mrs. Rutherford might not be used to our Northern weather—a hot water bottle, maybe?…” Her voice trailed away as if she suddenly realized the ridiculousness of her statement.
“That is most kind of you, Mrs. Hobbs. JoBeth—Mrs. Rutherford—is tired, of course, but we shall be just fine. Thank you.” Wes stepped back, ready to close the door, but she stood there for a few seconds longer.
“Good evening, Mrs. Hobbs, and thank you again,” he said firmly.
“Ah yes, Lieutenant. Well, if there should be anything—”
“That is indeed most kind—” Wesley again made an attempt to shut the door and this time succeeded. He turned around, made such an exaggeratedly bewildered face that JoBeth smothered her giggles with her hand. However, the ludicrous incident somehow broke through whatever stiffness either might have felt. As they unpacked the wonderful gift basket of delicacies—roasted squab, shrimp salad, dinner rolls, pears, grapes, chocolate eclairs, and a split of French champagne—they laughed and talked like old, carefree times.
Part Four
Fall l863
Chapter Twenty-Three
JoBeth awoke in the depth of the feather bed alone. Dazzling October sunlight spilled in through the bedroom window. Wes was already gone. She must have slept through his departure. She felt disappointed to have missed fixing him at least a cup of coffee before he left, as a proper wife should. She sat up, yawning. Then she saw the note he’d left on his pillow beside hers.
Dearest One,
As you’re beginning to find out, soldiers reveille early. Did not want to disturb you. Love you and will miss you all day until I return this evening.
Ever your devoted husband,
John Wesley Rutherford.
She smiled fondly, kissed the signature, saying softly, “And I am Mrs. John Wesley Rutherford.” Saying it still thrilled her. They had been married nearly six weeks, and Wes still treated her as a bride.
She stretched out her left arm, gazing proudly at her hand, on which the gold pledge ring circled her third finger. The ring she had worn on a chain next to her heart for so long. How lucky she was, how blessed! All the partings, all the sadness, all the heartache, for them was over.
She tossed the covers back, got up, and dressed. She boiled water on the little spirit burner and made herself a cup of tea. Sipping it, she went to the window and looked out. The day promised to be delightful. The leaves on the elm tree outside had turned golden and were dancing in a brisk wind. Perhaps she would go for a walk.
When she had first come to Washington, Wes had cautioned her about where she should go on her own. Washington was a dangerous place these days. All sorts of unsavory people had come to the Union capital for all kinds of reasons, many of them nefarious. Crime and vice were rampant, and certain streets no sane person would risk going into. The police tried to keep the most flagrant lawbreaking in check, and the newspapers were full of floridly written accounts of raids on gambling dens and houses of ill repute.
However, this neighborhood was filled with other homes like Mrs. Hobbs’s and was pleasant and safe. Although in the beginning JoBeth had felt somewhat timid to venture out by herself, she no longer felt at all that way. Washington was a cosmopolitan city and a stimulating one, and she very much enjoyed exploring it. She liked to stroll on the tree-lined avenues, and she especially liked window-shopping along the streets of fine stores displaying all sorts of luxuries and commodities unavailable in the blockaded South. Here was no visible shortage of anything. Certain items that Southerners had long been deprived of having were displayed in abundance.
Sometimes it appeared as if there were no such thing as a war going on. People on the streets were smiling, fashionably dressed women promenaded, others drove by in barouches. Children, often accompanied by black nurses, rolled hoops along the sidewalks or wheeled velocipedes. There were also soldiers in many kinds of uniforms: whole regiments who had rallied to the Union cause, colorful Zouaves who looked as if they were on their way to a costume ball. Vendors of all sorts plied their trades: there were ice-cream dealers in small booths, chestnuts being roasted on small portable stoves, flower stalls, an Italian organ grinder playing melodies as his little pet monkey held out a tin cup to passersby.
All this was fun and entertaining diversion for JoBeth, who, in spite of her new happiness, had times of homesickness. She was often alone, because Wes’s duties in Major Meredith’s office required his putting in long hours, working late. If she had not followed her own inclinations of curiosity about her new surroundings, coupled with her sense of adventure, time might have often hung heavily on her hands.
The letter that JoBeth had both waited for and dreaded receiving came.
Dearest Child,
You may be sure there were mixed reactions here to the news of your marriage to Wes. Although Aunt and Uncle Cady, after their initial shock, were tac
tful enough to refrain from expressing what I am sure they must have discussed—and certainly how they feel—in private. You know Uncle Madison, and it is understandable when you realize how strongly he feels about the Cause, and of course, they have two sons fighting on the opposite side from Wes. I realize there are other families divided like ours, only none that we personally know of. I truly believe it was mostly dismay that by this you have cut yourself off from the rest of the family—at least for the duration of this horrible war. Aunt Josie came to me later and asked me point-blank if I knew about it before you left. I could honestly tell her only that I felt somehow your love would show you a way to be together. Truthfully, even when you left here to go to Richmond, I wasn’t sure what would be the outcome. I did get a letter from Amelia, which I now enclose so you can read for yourself.
JoBeth unfolded the other letter and read it.
Dear Friend,
I sit down with hammering heart and trembling hand to write to you. I have just seen your precious daughter off into the night with the man she loves. I pray we can trust him to protect and love her as she deserves to be loved. I can only commend you, Johanna, on the job you have done in rearing this lovely young woman. She is a credit to your training, nurturing, and caring love. She is not only accomplished in all the ways our society demands but has an inner goodness that shines out through her outer self. A fine, sweet, true heart and soul. I feel sure by the time this reaches you, you will have received word from her. May God be kind to these two young people who love each other so dearly and face such hard times ahead.
She turned back to her mother’s letter.
Of course, I agree with all that she says about you, my darling. I just hope Wes appreciates the jewel he has now in his possession. God keep you and bless you both. You have chosen a hard road to walk together, but I am sure our Lord will be an unfailing source of strength for you both.
