Manfred parted the branches and discovered a group of men on horseback circling and yelling at a figure hunched in the dirt. Light flared from torches carried by men who wore white coverings over their head.
Manfred sucked in his breath. A young, colored boy, hands bound behind his back, tried to sit up. A whip cracked in the air and slithered like a snake across the boy’s back.
Edwin jerked and stifled a cry beside him, and Manfred reached out his hand to still him. He let the branches fall back in place and wriggled back from the scene, pulling Edwin to come along.
When they returned to their gear, Edwin hissed, “We can’t just leave that boy back there.”
“I don’t like it, but we have to. At least fifteen men are back there with guns and torches,” Manfred whispered as he packed his belongings.
“They’re gonna kill him. We gotta do something.”
“There’s nothing we can do without getting killed ourselves. Come on.” His heart pounded harder, and sweat dropped from his brow. He scurried to Lady and untied her reins. “With all the shouting, they shouldn’t hear us, but we’ll walk a little ways before we ride.”
Lady yanked at the reins, her head rearing back and then to the side. She must have seen the fire or smelled it. He turned her away from the noise and stroked the mare’s forelock. “Shh, Lady, it’s all right.” He led her through the trees until the sounds of the angry mob grew dim. Then suddenly a roar went up from the group behind them.
Whatever happened back there was not good. Greater urgency surged through him. “C’mon, Edwin, we have to run.” The moon offered enough light to see a thinning of the trees and then a road. He mounted Lady and pulled Edwin up behind him.
They raced down the path to escape the shouts. Manfred clung to the reins, his body bent forward, his face close to Lady’s neck. Dear Lord, forgive me for being such a coward. This wasn’t like any battle we faced in the war. God, help them. Help us all.
Manfred lay awake in the gray shadows of the creeping dawn a day later. After a frantic pace yesterday to get away from what they’d witnessed, they had crossed over into Mississippi. The image of what he had seen that night refused to go away. He choked back tears as the cries of the young black man rang in his ears. Nothing could be done to stop a mob like that. Men with hatred in their hearts would not be stopped by two unarmed young men. Great sorrow filled his heart at the idea of other scenes like that happening all over the South.
What evil had been born as the result of the past four years? Is this what the fighting had brought to the South? What was the use of so many dying if hatred flared up yet again, causing even more murder and mayhem? Manfred wanted only to see the good in everyone he met and take care of their illnesses and ailments. God willing, he’d do just that in the years ahead, but what could he do now?
Manfred stared heavenward as fingers of pink, lavender, and orange stretched across the sky. He’d pray this morning, but sadness hung heavy over his soul. Edwin still slept, exhausted by the hard ride from Alabama and away from the violence they’d witnessed. Another week or two, and they would arrive in Woodville. That is what he must dwell on, not the horrors of the night.
A dip in a creek or spring headed the list of things he wanted to do in the days left. He had no desire to face Sallie dirty and smelling of the road. Even now the thought of seeing her soon renewed his strength.
When the sunlight finally peeked through the lacy branches overhead, Manfred sat up and stretched. Nearby Edwin began stirring too. A few pokes with a stick brought the glowing embers back to life. Manfred prepared coffee in an old pot given them by Mrs. Jordan.
When the aroma of the brew wafted through the air, Edwin sat up and sniffed. “Umm, smells good. Anything left to go with it?”
Manfred poured a cup and handed it to Edwin. “Just a few biscuits and a little hard tack from what we picked up in the last town yesterday. I have dried fruit left we can have for lunch.”
Edwin scratched his face and took the cup from Manfred. He took a sip and smiled. “Going to be a good day today. We’re almost home. What day is it?”
Manfred shook his head and opened the packet of biscuits. “If I kept track right, it’s May 23. If we keep going like we have been, we’ll be in Meridian by tomorrow.”
The boys ate in silence for a few minutes. Manfred began a little mental calculation in his head. They left weeks ago early in April . . . Suddenly Manfred slapped his forehead. “Edwin, I clean forgot Sallie’s birthday. With the days running together like they are, I never even thought of it.”
Edwin laughed. “Well, I reckon your coming home will be about the best birthday present she ever got.”
Manfred’s brow furrowed. “I guess so, but it’d be nice to have a gift for her. I only pray her feelings haven’t changed since last year.”
Edwin swallowed the last bite of the slightly dry biscuit. “I’m sure they haven’t. I’m hoping to call on her cousin Peggy when we get home. And speaking of home, let’s get on the road. You ride first today.”
For once Manfred didn’t argue with him. His brother had slept soundly last night while sleep had been elusive for him. Nothing he’d seen in all the battles he’d faced had produced the nightmares of that one night in the woods. He’d never forget it, and for some reason he knew he mustn’t forget it.
After a few hours of travel they stopped to rest. Edwin eased himself onto the grass, and Manfred swung down from Lady and plopped beside his brother. A cloud of trouble hovered in Edwin’s eyes. “What’s the problem, little brother?”
Edwin chewed a piece of grass. “I keep thinking about the other night. What were those men thinking by torturing and killing another man?”
“I don’t know. I killed a few Yankees, but not with the anger and hate I saw in those men.” They hadn’t seen the men’s faces, but their voices and bodies spoke of a hate that bore deep into a man’s heart. Manfred stared at the toes of his dust-covered boots. He’d never have a satisfactory answer for what they’d witnessed.
“I heard tell of how many owners beat their slaves for no good reason.” Edwin’s voice trembled.
“I’m glad Papa didn’t keep slaves. He always said no man should own another, but I got a gut feeling we’re going to see and hear more like we saw last night.” As much as it hurt, he spoke the truth. Losing the war would make some men bitter and turn them to persecuting others.
Edwin seemed to contemplate the idea. Finally he stood. “All I can say is that I hope I never witness anything like that again. And if I do, I pray I can do something to stop it.”
Manfred rose and wrapped an arm about his brother’s shoulders. “So do I. Let’s get cleaned up and head for home.” The sooner they got there, the sooner he could begin healing and helping others.
After another sleepless night of nightmares and thoughts of marriage to Benjamin, Sallie had feigned illness Sunday and stayed in her bed all day. Mama had come in a number of times to check on her, but Sallie always pretended to be asleep. The only one she talked to was Lettie, but even then she couldn’t tell her what she’d overheard Papa say. She imagined many different scenes with her father as she tried to explain why she didn’t want to marry Benjamin. Her love for Manfred should be enough for Papa to understand, but not if he had his mind set on Benjamin as her husband.
She hadn’t even told Jenny what Papa said. If she spoke the words aloud, they may actually come true. As long as she kept silent and pretended to be too ill to see Benjamin, the proposal couldn’t happen.
Mama had let her stay in bed this morning, but now she must go down and join her family for dinner. Voices from downstairs drifted up. Then her mother shouted, and footsteps thundered up the stairway.
“Sallie, oh, Sallie. The most wonderful thing.” Mama burst through the door and waved a piece of paper in her hand. “A letter from Manfred. It’s a letter from Manfred.”
Sallie squealed and grasped the paper in her hand. “Where did it come from? How did you get it?” Her hands shook as
she held the precious paper.
“It came just now.” Mama wrung her hands. “Well, what does it say?”
Sallie scanned the page quickly then read again more slowly, savoring each word as she spoke them.
My dear Sallie,
I pray this letter finds you and your family well and safe. Edwin and I are on our way home, but how long it will take, I do not know.
My love for you has not abated in the least. It has rather increased and will do so until time shall be no more. This may not be in accordance with your feelings after these many months, but I pray it is so.
Upon my return I will formally request of your father your hand in marriage. I have placed my abiding faith in the Ruler of the universe and know all will be well once I am again in your presence.
Give my regards to your mother and father, and tell Hannah I think of her too. I pray you are both untouched by the horrors of this war and escaped the misery I have seen. Give my regards also to your brothers. I’m thankful they were too young for this conflict.
You may not hear from me again because the posting of mail is uncertain in many of the places we may be. Be assured, I will be home.
Lovingly and faithfully,
Your own Manfred
At the end she collapsed on the bed and held the letter in her lap. “Oh, Mama, he does love me.” The aroma of the lilacs beneath her window drifted upward on the late spring air. She breathed deeply of the perfume scenting her room. They would forever be her favorite flower.
Mama grasped Sallie’s hand and pulled her to stand. She embraced Sallie and whispered, “Oh, my child, I’m so happy for you.”
Sallie laid her cheek against Mama’s shoulder. “He said he’s going to ask Papa properly if he may marry me.” She pushed back and gazed at Mama.
Mama nodded. “Yes, that will be wonderful, but we mustn’t make any other plans until Manfred speaks with Papa.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, my, Benjamin Elliot. This will make a difference.”
“Mama, Papa can’t allow Mr. Elliot to ask me to marry him now. Manfred is coming home soon, and he’s the one I want to marry.” She paused a moment and worried her lip. “I’m sorry, Mama, but I overheard Papa and you talking when I arrived home from the party.”
“I see, and that’s why you’ve feigned illness these past few days.” At Sallie’s nod, she continued. “You didn’t hear it all. I told him about the letter from Edwin. Papa then said that if you heard from Manfred in the next few days, he would deny Mr. Elliot the privilege of asking your hand in marriage.”
New joy soared within Sallie. Papa had understood after all, and she’d made herself sick for nothing. She didn’t care. Benjamin could find another girl to shower with love; her own love was coming home. “June will make a perfect month for a wedding.”
Mama gasped. “Sallie, that’s only a few weeks away.” She shook her head. “No. June won’t do. Maybe by July or August.”
“Mama! It’s too hot to have a wedding then. If we can’t do it by the end of June, then . . . ”
“Then you’ll have to wait for October.” Mama grinned.
“Oh, dear.” Sallie chewed her lip then suddenly smiled and hugged Mama. “Listen to me. You’d think Manfred was already home. I promise to be patient and wait until he’s here before worrying about a wedding date.”
“Now that sounds more reasonable.” She hooked Sallie’s elbow with her hand. “Let’s go down to dinner. Mr. Elliot is downstairs with Jenny.”
Sallie noticed the gleam in her mother’s eye and the hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth. “Mama, you left Jenny to entertain Mr. Elliot? Now who’s the matchmaker?”
“Not me, my dear. I’m letting nature take its course. Come, let’s go down.”
The murmur of their voices reached Sallie before she stepped into the hallway. She entered the parlor to find Jenny on the sofa with Benjamin perched on a chair across from her.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Elliot.” Sallie extended a hand toward the young man.
Benjamin stood and clasped Sallie’s hand between both of his. “Good afternoon, Miss Dyer. I understand you’ve had correspondence from Manfred Whiteman.”
“Yes, I have. He’s coming home and will be here soon.” Sallie squared her shoulders. “I shall be waiting for him and . . . ”
“And you’d rather I not come calling on you. Right?”
Sallie noted his arched eyebrow. “Yes. You needn’t waste your time with me, but I do thank you for the time we spent together. Your presence did make my party much better.” Not as good as Manfred’s would have, but then she hadn’t lied because she had enjoyed the party with Benjamin.
“It was my pleasure, Miss Dyer.” He turned and bowed to Jenny. “And ’twas an extra pleasure to have you with us, Miss Harper.” He straightened and extended a hand toward Mama.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Dyer. I’ll take my leave now and leave your family to make plans.”
After Benjamin’s departure, Jenny reached for Sallie’s hand. “Come sit here and tell me all about Manfred’s letter. Where is he, and how is he?”
Sallie sank onto the sofa and arranged her skirts to lie flat then reached over and grabbed her friend in a hug. “Oh, Jenny, he’s all right, and he’s coming home, and he still loves me.”
She sat with her arms around her friend for a moment longer before sitting back. “The letter was posted several weeks ago. He and Edwin are well and making their way home. He said he’d ask Papa properly for my hand when he returns.”
Jenny clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, that’s wonderful. It’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time.”
“What’s this news I’m hearing about?” Papa stepped into the room, his mouth set firm as though angry, but his eyes twinkled, revealing his true mood.
“It’s a letter from Manfred, Papa. He says he loves me, and I love him with all my heart.”
Papa nodded. “I see. Then I suppose when he asks for your hand, you want me to give my blessings?”
“Oh, Papa, I do, I do. He’ll be home shortly, and . . . oh, Papa, I do love you.” She leaned across and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Papa grunted, “Harrumph.” Then he smiled. “Thank you.”
Sallie’s heart sang with joy and pictures of past miseries blurred, replaced with the images of what would lie ahead in the coming year.
CHAPTER 25
* * *
Mississippi, Tuesday, June 6, 1865
AFTER TWO WEEKS of hard travel from Tuscaloosa and stopping only to eat or rest for a few moments during the day, Manfred and Edwin had arrived in Mississippi near their destination. In another hour or so they’d be in Woodville. Now at dawn, Manfred scrambled from his bedroll to clean up for the day ahead.
He found the soap Mrs. Jordan had stashed in his saddlebag and headed for the creek. Edwin soon followed him. Manfred splashed the warm water on his face and longed for a razor to shave away the stubble on his chin. After washing his upper body, Manfred dried with the tablecloth that once held provisions then donned his threadbare shirt. Amazing what a little soap and water could do for a man’s energy.
He handed Edwin the reins. “It’s time for you to ride for awhile.”
For the next hour they alternated riding Lady, but neither did much talking. The things Manfred had seen and done this past year shaped him into a new man, ready to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor. No one could erase the past, but a future could be built on the hopes for a better world. The battles of Franklin and Nashville lay behind him, but the days ahead would write a new story for those who worked hard and followed their hearts.
His heart filled with emotion. “Edwin, I’m making a vow here and now. When I become a doctor, I’ll never refuse treatment to any man, regardless of his color and station in life. I’ll always remember the protection and care we’ve received from perfect strangers and strive to do the same for those I meet in the future.”
Edwin said nothing but nodded his head in a
greement. He’d join his father in the shipping business and be a better man for his experiences.
In the next hour the terrain changed, and Manfred grimaced at the sight of the damaged and deserted buildings they now passed. Then he stopped in his tracks and grabbed Edwin’s arm. “It’s the Harper home.”
Bile rose in his throat at the scene before him. The house lay in charred rubble, two chimneys standing as sentinels at either end as harsh reminders of how close the war had come to home.
Edwin gasped. “Oh, my, Manfred. What happened here?”
Fear coursed through Manfred’s veins like ice water. Where were the Harpers? If this had happened to the Harpers, what would they find at Sallie’s home? “I don’t know, but pray the Harper family is safe. Pray they escaped before this happened. Come on, there’s nothing for us to do here.”
He turned away then quickened his pace toward the town. His heart pounded with dread for what they might find there.
Shortly the out buildings of Woodville came into view. Just before they reached the main center, Manfred turned south toward the Dyer home.
A few minutes later houses came into view. He broke into a trot. “Come on, Edwin, I see the Dyer place.” As they drew closer, Manfred caught sight of three figures working in the yard. The damage to the structure now became apparent, and he couldn’t see any evidence of the womenfolk nearby.
The taller of the three men raised his head from his sawing and watched their approach. Suddenly a smile split his face, and he waved his hat. Manfred recognized Mr. Dyer and signaled back.
Manfred broke into a trot then a dead run to meet the man running toward him. They wrapped their arms around each other. The older man pulled back and gazed into Manfred’s eyes.
“I can’t believe what I’m seeing. We’ve prayed and waited for this day so long.” He shoved his hat back from his forehead.
Two boys raced up and grabbed at Manfred and Edwin.
“Hey, Will and Tom. My, how you’ve grown. You’re not little boys anymore.” Manfred started to ruffle Will’s hair as he had in the past but stopped his hand in midair as he realized the boy stood as tall as he. He extended a hand to the boy instead.
Love Stays True Page 21
