Peggy leaned toward Sallie. “She’ll have it looking more like a funeral than a birthday. I’ll add other decorations and things.”
Sallie nodded and started to say something in return, but Amanda shot a warning glance in that direction. She would not have her daughter be critical of such generosity. The house would be lovely despite Peggy’s comments.
Amanda followed Abigail into the dining room. Her sister continued the spiel. “Refreshment tables will be set up here in the dining room, but we’ll have the musicians in the adjoining parlor. We’ll line the chairs up around the wall and have plenty of room for dancing.” She directed her lace fan toward a large room on the other side of the dining area.
“How many musicians are you planning to have, Mama?” Peggy winked at Sallie.
Abigail tapped her cheek with her folded ivory fan. “I think two violins, a cello, and a piano will suffice. Mrs. Wolfe from our church will take care of putting together an ensemble.”
Peggy raised her eyebrows. “What? No orchestra with horns and reeds and drums?”
“Oh, Peggy, my dear. Be practical. We’ve just come out of a war. No need to be ostentatious.” She strode from the room.
Peggy collapsed into a chair and stifled her giggles. “Sometimes I wonder if Mama really knows what’s going on.” She shook her head.
Amanda smiled. Her sister did seem to have her head in the clouds about the war, but at other times she gave the impression of being quite aware of it all. Perhaps this was her sister’s way of banishing all the demons of war, once and for all. Abigail’s voice called from another room. “Come along, girls, Amanda. There’s more.”
Sallie grabbed Peggy’s arm and pulled her along. Amanda followed them. What her sister referred to as the “music conservatory” was a rectangular space with a piano at one end and chairs arranged in small groupings for conversation or listening to a musical program. Landscape paintings and still-life pictures adorned the walls. Oriental carpets covered the gleaming hardwood floors. Yes, it would be perfect for the number of people expected.
After another half hour of touring and planning, Abigail brought them back to the front porch. They’d decided on a simple menu because some foods were still too scarce. Even what they had seemed too elaborate to Amanda, but she wouldn’t question her sister’s generosity.
After their good-byes and promises to visit again soon, Amanda climbed into the carriage beside Sallie, who took the reins for the ride home. She rested her hand on Sallie’s arm. “Your aunt Abigail means well, my dear. She wasn’t as close to things as we were. The Colonel had already sent her away before the attack on their home. Forget what’s happened in the past few months, and think about the lovely party you’ll be having in a few weeks.”
Sallie nodded, but Amanda noted the sadness still lingering in her daughter’s eyes. So easy to ask, but so hard for her sweet daughter to do. To distract her, Amanda said brightly, “Do you remember the time the war stopped for the day? News didn’t reach us in Woodville until days after Port Hudson fell.”
“Isn’t that the battle where Manfred’s brother was captured?” Sallie asked.
Amanda nodded. When Manfred came to see Sallie and rest of the Dyer family last summer, he had talked about his officer brother being taken prisoner, but they had no idea where Charles had been sent. Manfred had been lucky enough to be one of the soldiers sent away from Port Hudson before the siege began.
“If I remember correctly, a naval officer in the Union fell ill and died. As he was a Mason, a Masonic funeral was requested by his fellow seamen. The Masons in St. Francisville went down to the docks and escorted his body back up to Grace Church, where a proper Masonic burial was held. All fighting stopped that day in memory of the officer. Then the next day everything went back to the way it was and the war continued.”
Sallie furrowed her brow. “If they stopped the fighting for one day, why couldn’t they just quit then? Why do men have to fight about everything?”
Amanda pulled her close. “Some things are beyond our understanding, Sallie. We just have to trust that God can use even the great evil of war to bring about His greater good.”
Sallie didn’t reply, and Amanda noted her silence. Perhaps the death of that Union soldier had taken more of a toll on Sallie than she had let on. Maybe she should talk to her daughter about that terrible day.
But remembering the awful scene, she dismissed the thought. The war was over. Better to keep their gaze to the future and not dwell on the tragedies of the past.
Virginia
The farther south Manfred and Edwin rode past Richmond and down to Powhatan, the closer they came to Tennessee, but that was still days away. Memories of Nashville and the horrors of the war there raced through Manfred’s mind. He stiffened his back and shoulders. No need to dwell on that. He reined in his horse and dismounted.
“This seems as good a place as any to stop for a rest and some food.” He tethered his horse to a tree and untied his pack.
Edwin did the same and opened his pack. He sat down beside Manfred. “When we get back to Tennessee, do we have to go back by Nashville? I don’t think I ever want to go there again.”
“I know I don’t either. We’ll head on down toward Alabama and cross over into Mississippi from there.” No matter if it took a few more days, that part of Tennessee had no attraction now and wouldn’t for a long time to come.
He figured at least several more weeks of travel before crossing into Mississippi and making their way westward. What would they find there and in Louisiana? He prayed Ma and Pa were all right and that they hadn’t lost the shipping company. He wanted the Dyer family to be safe, but stories of damage along the river in Mississippi and Louisiana after the loss of Port Hudson continued to cloud his thoughts. How he longed to gaze into Sallie’s eyes and caress her red gold curls.
They ate in silence, then Edwin banged his cup against a tree to empty it. “I’m glad this war is over,” he admitted.
“Hmm. A little different feeling than you had a week or so ago.” Manfred eyed his brother and tipped his hat back. Edwin had grown stronger and had matured in the days since their release.
“We’ve been very fortunate to have met people so willing to help us. This is the last of the food Mrs. Dobson gave us before we left Hanover.”
Edwin drew his knees up to his chest. “That was an experience I’ll never forget. I wonder what happened to those men?”
“Don’t know, but I hope we don’t meet up with them again.” He lifted his canteen to his lips and gulped down the water then brushed his sleeve across his mouth. “Water’s getting low too.” There had to be a river or stream in the mountains they planned to travel in the next few days.
“How far to the next town?” Edwin downed the last of his biscuit and dried fruit.
“Not sure, but according to the map we came through Goochland and we should be in Powhatan in another hour. If we don’t find a stream or creek before then, we’ll have to ration water until we do.” Manfred stretched his legs out straight and contemplated the dusty toes of his boots. “We both could use a little cleaning up too.”
Although they had gone months without good hygiene in prison, he wanted more regular baths and chances to clean up now they were free. Perhaps a hotel in Powhatan would offer baths for a small fee. By sleeping outdoors, they had managed to save the few coins from Mrs. Grayson. Even now her generosity touched his soul.
The saddlebag contained one day more of provisions. Tomorrow they needed to stock up for the next week with those few coins.
When they reached Powhatan, Manfred once again counted their money. He frowned and stopped. “Let’s camp outside of town and save what little money we have for food tomorrow.”
“Yeah, doesn’t look like we could find a place here.”
A few minutes later they set up camp thirty or forty yards from the road.
Edwin arranged his pack into a makeshift pillow. “Think I’ll call it a night.” He settled himse
lf on the ground and pulled his hat down over his face. In a few minutes his gentle snores joined the chorus of crickets and other night insects.
A full belly and gentle night breezes lulled Manfred into drowsiness. Morning couldn’t come soon enough.
CHAPTER 16
* * *
Virginia, Saturday, April 29, 1865
THE FIRST RAYS of sunlight awakened Manfred. He shook his head to clear it and sat up. Then he reached over and pulled a folded piece of paper from his pack. Reading his letter to Sallie again would help him wake up. He opened the missive and reread the words written a few nights ago. In all the excitement and turmoil of the past few weeks, he had yet to find stamps and post it.
Thanks to their horses they had made good time and would soon be in Marion. Since leaving Powhatan eight days ago they’d traveled about twenty miles a day and had even been able to ride by train to Wytheville. They still had about twenty to go until Marion. Most of the towns they’d come through had seen little damage since most of the big battles had been farther north or down south in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Mississippi.
Edwin stretched and stood up from his bedroll. “I’m sure glad those folks back in Hillsville told us to come up this way to go through the mountains.”
Manfred put away his letter and opened his pack to pull out a few cold biscuits and hardtack. “I am too. I hadn’t thought about trying to get over these mountains, and when that man at Hillsville said to come north by train to Wytheville and down through the pass to Marion, I thought it crazy at first until he explained.”
“Whatever it took, I’m glad we’re here now.” Edwin reached for a biscuit. “Let’s eat and be on our way. We’re close to Tennessee, and that’s one state closer to home.”
That day proved to be uneventful. The haze over the mountains did have the look of smoke, hence their name. The mountains rose on either side and grew taller as they rode toward Marion in the foothills. Occasionally Edwin whistled or hummed a few bars to a song, and Manfred joined in.
Later Manfred spotted a stream flowing through rocks of a full creek bed and jumped down to fill his canteen. As he drank, he gazed around appreciatively. “This is beautiful country around here with the mountains. From the green of the plants and trees, they must have had some good rains this spring.”
That was one thing Manfred enjoyed about traveling on horseback. He had a chance to really see the country and drink in its many features.
Once again on horseback they continued south as the sun dropped low to the west. They rode into the town of Marion in late afternoon. Here there was a little more evidence that a war had been fought, with bullet holes riddling a local covered bridge.
In the livery stable’s side yard a blacksmith worked at his anvil. His muscles rippled as he pounded a horseshoe. He paused in his hammering when he glanced up to see Manfred and Edwin. “What can I do for you fellas?”
Manfred tipped his hat. “We’re looking for a place to rest our heads and get a good meal. Don’t have much money left.”
“We have an inn, but not sure it has any room available now.” He laid down his tool and wiped the sweat from his brow with a rag. “Stable’s clean, and I only have one horse to care for now. You boys can stay there tonight with your horses. It’ll cost you both a dime.”
Manfred nodded. “That sounds all right to me. How about you, Edwin?”
“Fine with me.” He swung down from his saddle and scanned the street. “Sleeping on hay will be much more comfortable then the hard ground of the past few nights.” He glanced around the area. “Looks like you might have had a battle around here.”
The smithy tossed the rag aside. “We did a few months ago just before Christmas. Our town paid the price for being the location of the communication lines for the South. Most of the fighting took place at the east end of town for two days. The North wanted to destroy the covered bridge across the Middle Fork Holston River.”
Manfred shook his head. “We know what that’s like. We fought at the battle of Nashville and were taken prisoner there last fall.”
The smithy stroked his black beard. “I’m not sure people will ever understand how much was lost in these past four years. We’re doing what we can to survive, but it’s been hard. Where you boys headed?”
Manfred dismounted and ambled over to the blacksmith. “Louisiana. I’m Manfred Whiteman, and this here’s my brother Edwin.” He offered his hand, and the burly man grasped it firmly.
“Bart Jensen. Welcome to the town of Marion.”
Manfred scanned the street then asked, “Anywhere to get a good meal around here?”
The smithy’s gaze went from Manfred to Edwin then back to Manfred. “We have a tavern, but my missus is fixing supper. You can put your horses in a stall and join us.”
Manfred removed his hat. “That’s kind of you. Are you sure she won’t mind?”
“Not my Amy. She’ll be happy to see you. Let me finish this shoe, and we’ll mosey on over to the house.” He pointed to a wood and stone structure across the way. “You can stash your stuff in the vacant stalls in the back of the stable.”
While Manfred and Edwin tended their horses, Bart headed to his house then returned a few minutes later. “Amy said that would be fine, but I need to finish shoeing this sorrel first. You can wash up over yonder. I keep a basin and soap to clean up before going to the house.”
When satisfied with the job, he slapped the horse on the rump and waved to Manfred and Edwin, who had just finished washing up.
“Come on, boys. Time to eat.”
A petite, dark-haired woman stirred a pot over a fireplace. When she turned, her advanced state of approaching motherhood became evident.
Bart stepped to her side and put an arm around her shoulders. “Amy, these boys here are Manfred and Edwin. They’re the ones I invited to share supper with us.”
Amy’s smile welcomed them even before her words. “Hello, Manfred and Edwin. We’re not having much, but you’re welcome to what we have.” She reached into a cabinet for a large bowl. “Go on and have a seat. I’ll be dishing up rabbit stew in a few minutes.”
After supper Manfred and Edwin joined Bart and Amy in the corner of the room serving as both kitchen and parlor. Amy eased into the ladder-back rocking chair. “Wish we had another room for you boys to spend the night.”
Manfred shook his head. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll be fine in the stable with our horses.”
Bart stood next to the rocker where Amy sat. “You said at dinner you’re from Louisiana. Amy is from North Carolina. She and her mother came here to live with relatives over three years ago. We met, fell in love, and married a little over a year ago.”
“I pray your family back home is all right, Mrs. Jensen,” Manfred said.
“Thank you, Manfred, they are, but Papa advised Mama to wait awhile before returning. My two younger brothers are here with her.”
Bart caressed his wife’s hair with his free hand. “Like I said earlier, the Yankees did come through this area and did some damage. We thought they’d burn the courthouse the way things were going, but it survived. Some of the outlying farms didn’t fare so well. If it hadn’t been for Susan Allen out at one of those farms, the bridge would have been burned, but she kept putting out the fires the Yankees set.”
Manfred glanced toward Edwin then back to Bart. “Is there any way we can help for a few days?”
Bart stroked his beard then furrowed his brow. “I think there is. We’re sending a group of men out to the Hilton farm to clean it up and do a few repairs. Most of the work here in town is about finished.”
Although they were anxious to be home, the obligation to help those whose lives had been disrupted by battle took more importance. With Edwin being agreeable to staying, Manfred stood and said, “We’d be proud to help. Just tell us what we can do.”
Bart reached out to shake Edwin’s then Manfred’s hand. “We can get right on it Monday morning. We’d be honored to have you attend
church services with us in the morning. You’re not the first soldiers to come through wanting to help, and we appreciate it.”
Manfred picked up his hat. “Thank you, Mrs. Jensen, for your hospitality.” He turned to Bart. “We’ll go on out and settle down in the barn.” Warmth filled his heart at the thought of helping out. It was worth the delay. Besides, the horses and they needed their Sabbath rest.
St. Francisville, Louisiana
Lettie slipped a final hairpin into Sallie’s curls and stood back to survey the results. “Miss Sallie, you look elegant. Mr. Elliott is a lucky young man.”
Grandma kissed Sallie’s cheek. “Yes, my dear, you look lovely.”
Sallie turned in front of the mirror, and a young woman she hardly recognized stared back. Mama had done wonders with her blue silk dress. The added lace, ribbons, and flowers gave the garment a completely new look, feminine but not fussy. “It looks like new! Thank you, Mama.”
The mirror reflected Mama’s smile as she fluffed the lace around the neck. “It turned out to be easy to alter. I’m glad you like the results.”
Hannah burst into the room. “Mr. Elliot is downstairs waiting for you. He looks so handsome in his uniform. I wish I was eighteen.”
Sallie laughed. “And this is the little girl who didn’t want to go to my party with Jeremiah Simpson?”
“Humph. He’s a boy, not a man like Mr. Elliot.” Hannah planted her hands on her hips. “Besides, Jeremiah is always teasing me.”
Mama embraced Hannah, “Oh, my little one, how wonderful it is to have you around to brighten my day.” She peered over at Sallie. “Mother and I will go down first to greet Mr. Elliot, but I think you’d best be going downstairs before Papa comes for you himself. “
Sallie counted to twenty after they left. She breathed deeply and tossed a light shawl across her arm. Tonight would be one of fun and gaiety. The war had ended, and that was cause enough to celebrate. Although she’d rather attend the party with Manfred, Benjamin Elliot would be a good escort. She grinned one last time at her reflection. Yes, she would have a good time this evening.
Love Stays True Page 14
