Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One)

by Teresa Greene

  “Now, you must tell me how you came to be at Harris Plantation.”

  Embarrassed, Kate’s cheeks turned hot and pink. More questions she did not care to answer. “Are you sure you want to know? It will shock you that I did something so risqué.”

  “I have to admit you have piqued my curiosity.”

  “I cut my hair, dressed as a boy, and joined the infantry.” It took a lot of effort on Kate’s part not to laugh. Her grandfather looked as if he would faint.

  He sputtered, “I don’t believe a word of it.”

  She chuckled, “I swear, Grandfather. It is the truth. David Harris was my captain and discovered my gender. That is why he sent me to his parents’ home. I convinced him not to send me back home.” She refrained from telling how he discovered her gender. There was no reason to shock him further. Some things were meant to keep secret.

  “I don’t understand. Why did you have to leave your home?”

  “My neighbor, Bob Lewis, is why. He tried to force me to marry him. I had to leave in a hurry because I detest him. He is a very powerful man with enough money to get anything he wants. He was determined to have me.” Just saying Bob’s name caused her to shudder. Truth be told, she hated him with all her being. “A life with him would be a sorry life indeed.”

  “I hate I couldn’t be there for you, Kate. I feel terrible because you had no one else to turn too. Surely, there must have been neighbors to help you?”

  “I couldn’t risk asking anyone for help. Mr. Lewis would have harmed anyone who tried to help me.”

  Patting her hand, he replied, “Kate, I wish you had come to me under other circumstances. The thought of you being forced away from your home by such an evil man is infuriating. You must have been so scared. You’re safe now. No one will ever harm you again. I am so proud of your courage and will to survive. You’ve got some grit.”

  “Thank you, Grandfather.” In that moment, Kate felt safe and loved. With the protection of her grandfather, Bob Lewis could never harm her again.

  Maybe she would find happiness living at her grandfather’s home. The house staff were well organized and kept the rooms immaculate. The house slaves were not as warm and friendly as they were at Harris Plantation, but she felt she might be able to change that. She wanted to feel the warmth she felt at Harris Plantation.

  She had been too busy to familiarize herself with the surrounding grounds, but she hoped to remedy that tomorrow. She couldn’t wait to meet Myra for their ride so she could get a bird’s eye view of the land her mother forsook for love.

  ****

  Up early the next morning, Kate couldn’t wait for her ride with Myra. She dashed down the oak stairs almost knocking her grandfather over in her haste to get outside. He had to grasp the banister to keep from tumbling down the stairs. “Grandfather, I’m so sorry.” She put her hand on his arm to try to steady him.

  He laughed. “No harm done. I’m still standing. I guess you’re excited about your morning ride with Myra.”

  “Yes, Grandfather, I’ll see you later.”

  He put a hand up to stop her. His voice firm, he stated, “Wait a minute, young lady. You are not leaving without an escort. I’ll not have something happen to you just when I have found you.” He chuckled, “Or rather you found me.”

  She had wanted to be alone with Myra, but didn’t want to argue with her grandfather their second day together. “Are you coming with us?”

  “No dear, I wouldn’t dream of intruding. I’ve asked Lacy to escort the two of you today. A very trusted employee, he will make sure you get back to me safely. He is in the stables waiting for you.”

  With a quick kiss to his wrinkled cheek she ran down the stairs. Over her shoulder she shouted before she disappeared out the door, “See you at lunch, Grandfather.”

  In her hurry, she missed the look of happiness on her grandfather’s face as she raced down the stairs. She had no idea how much contentment she brought to his life.

  A variety of roses grew along the sidewalk leading to the back of the house. She stopped long enough to admire the vibrant colors. A perfect red bud caught her attention. With a snap she broke it off and pressed it against her nose. Nothing smelled better than roses. She stuffed it behind her ear and continued around the house to the stables. The grounds were lush and colorful. She was in awe of the impressive plantation. Obviously, her grandfather was very rich with enough slaves to tend to his every need.

  Transfixed by her surroundings, she jumped when she heard a voice which sounded as if it came from a deep barrel. “Miss Monroe, are you ready to ride?”

  She swirled around toward the voice. A stout, tall, ominous, looking man with brown curly hair ambled toward her. He looked to be in his late forties or early fifties. He was leading Betsy and an enormous, beautiful, brown thoroughbred from the stables. She couldn’t take her eyes off the horse. Never had she seen such a magnificent animal.

  “Hi, I’m Lacy. He is something isn’t he? Clyde belongs to your grandfather. He bought him from the Harris’ who raise prize thoroughbreds. Since your grandfather doesn’t ride as much as he use to, I exercise him. Are you ready to go?”

  “Clyde is gorgeous.” She stroked her hand over his nose.

  Even though Lacy looked dangerous, she felt comfortable with him. Most people were probably intimidated by his size and facial expressions, but she felt at ease with him.

  He waited until she mounted Betsy before he swung into the saddle. Ready to see Myra, she pressed her knees into Betsy’s side and trotted toward Harris Plantation. Odd, Lacy rode a few feet behind her. She pulled back on the reins and halted Betsy. “Why don’t you ride beside me, Lacy so you can explain the workings of grandfather’s plantation?”

  “Your grandfather told me to escort you, but not to interfere with you and Mrs. Harris. I’ll ride back here, Miss Monroe.”

  “I insist you move to my side, and please call me Kate.”

  When he moved to her side, she could tell by his demeanor he would rather be back at the stables than having to escort her.

  “Is something wrong, Lacy?”

  At first he said nothing. He kept looking ahead, as if afraid to look into her eyes. After several seconds he replied, “Mr. Talbert said you grew up on a small farm. I guess you don’t know social rules. Most women of your standing wouldn’t speak to me, let alone expect to me ride beside you.”

  Smiling, Kate returned, “I consider us all the same. Yes, I was raised on a small farm and know nothing about social rules. I hope I don’t ever learn them.”

  “You’re different than what I’m accustomed too.”

  Curious, she asked many questions pertaining to the plantation. The silent type, it was hard to get information from Lacy. In the end she gave up and enjoyed her surroundings in silence.

  After about thirty minutes of riding she was excited to see Myra appear over the hill. She had not come alone, Jacob was with her. Lacy reined his horse in and waited a few feet behind her.

  “Hi, Kate, I hope you don’t mind I brought Jacob with me. He arrived at our home early this morning to call on you. I told him you had taken up residence with your grandfather, Roy Talbert, and could ride over with me to see you.”

  “Good morning, Kate. I hope you don’t mind my tagging along.”

  Kate gave him her most dazzling smile. “Of course not, Jacob.”

  She introduced Lacy, who simply tugged the edge of his hat and kept his distance as they spent a few minutes in conversation.

  They rode together for almost an hour so Kate could survey the immense Talbert land boundaries. It was difficult to believe her mother left all this grandeur. Green rolling hills, huge forests, and fields of cotton were visible as far as the eye could see.

  She must have loved her father with a true passion to give up all this beauty for a life on a small farm. Her mother worked from morning until night cooking, canning, gardening, and sewing. If she would not have married her father, she would probably have had a life of lei
sure. Not any of that mattered to her mother. She had a very happy life because she had found love.

  “The fields of cotton look like tiny snow balls.” Kate remembered the time she and Jake once helped one of her neighbors pick their cotton crop. For their kindness they received cuts and gashes to their hands. It would be fall before the cotton would be ready for harvest and she felt pity for the slaves who would have the chore of harvesting.

  “It is beautiful. Did your parents grow cotton on their farm?”

  Kate looked at Jacob and smiled. “Heavens no. We didn’t have the farm equipment or help to take on such a demanding crop. Mostly we grew vegetables that we sold at the market in Durham. After my parents death grandmother and I just barely got by.”

  On the other side of the road were fields of tobacco. She stopped to watch the slaves bent over in the morning sun chopping off the top part of the tobacco stalks, which allowed the remaining leaves to become larger and heavier. The leaves were still weeks from being ready to be primed. Even though it looked as if it was back breaking work they sang, “Bringing in the Sheaves”. Men and women with beautiful voices harmonized together to make the chore seem easier.

  It must be a hard life, especially when you did not get paid for the work. She had empathy for the slaves knowing they had no choice but to obey their owners. They worked from sun up to sun down on land they would never own.

  As the riders dismounted to walk along the creek, Jacob finally asked the question she knew he had been dying to ask. “Kate, would you consider a position at Chimborazo Hospital? Hundreds of injured soldiers arrive daily. We are in dire need and I have informed the hospital matron, Lucinda, of your nursing abilities. I was impressed with your knowledge when we were at Chancellorsville, and I promise your services would be greatly appreciated.”

  She would need something to keep her mind occupied and off David. Work was the most logical solution. “I’ll speak with my grandfather and see if he will give me his consent. I am sure Myra communicated to you that I have been estranged from my grandfather. I was angry with him for denouncing my mother when she fell in love and married his overseer, my father, and they left Virginia. We have reconciled and I don’t want to upset him my second day of residence in his home.”

  He removed his hat and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his arm. “I understand, but I do want you to know we need you. You are compassionate as well as resourceful. Just what the wounded men need.”

  “She is a strong, young woman who we have come to love at Harris Plantation. I know Edward misses her. She kept the books balanced, a job Edward detested. I think he misses Kate more than I do. Everyone misses her, even the staff.”

  Hearing Myra speak of Harris Plantation caused a feeling of sadness. She had so loved it there. She missed the friends she had made, but mostly she missed Myra and Edward. Both of them had made her feel special.

  ****

  It was past lunchtime when Kate arrived home. She hurriedly washed away the dust and changed into a dress. Guilt tickled over her when she stepped into the dining room to find her grandfather had waited on her. “I’m sorry, Grandfather. It was inconsiderate to keep you waiting.” She plopped into her chair and placed her napkin in her lap. “The time got away from me.”

  “Don’t fret.” He patted her hand. “I didn’t mind the delay.” Jenny entered and placed a plate in front of her. “Mmm, that smells great, Jenny.”

  “It is potpie, Miss Monroe.” Kate was so hungry her stomach rumbled as soon as she smelled the food set before her.

  “How was your ride, my dear?” Roy asked.

  “It was wonderful. Your plantation is beautiful, Grandfather. I can’t believe how immense it is. I felt I could be swallowed up in all its glory.”

  “It will all be yours someday, so I’m glad you love your new home.”

  She stuck her fork into the crust, and scooped up a mouthful of vegetables. “This is delicious.”

  “Save some room for dessert. We are having peach cobbler.”

  A little nervous, she placed her fork on her plate. “I have something I need to ask you, Grandfather. Dr. Jacob Greene rode with Myra and me today. He offered me a nursing position at Chimborazo Hospital. He informed me they were in dire need of nurses. More injured and dying troops are being admitted every day. They are overwhelmed with all the injured soldiers and could use my help. I really have a desire to help Grandfather, but I would like your consent.”

  He shot her an arched look. “Kate, I don’t think it is proper for a young lady of your standing to put yourself into such bleak circumstances. I think you are too delicate to face the death, disease, and pain you will see young soldiers endure. Please reconsider and spend your time here with me. I am just getting to know you and am enjoying your company.”

  “Grandfather, Myra communicated to me that you have given thousands to the Southern Cause. I would also like to help. When I helped at the field hospital at Chancellorsville, it was the hardest thing I had ever been involved with, but at the same time it was very rewarding. I learned so much about natural medicines and nursing from Grandma Monroe that I was an asset. I want to make a difference.”

  By his expression he wanted to say no. It was several seconds before he spoke. “I will give my consent on one condition. I keep a townhouse in Richmond so I have a place to reside when I’m in the city to conduct business. We’ll both stay at the apartment so we can at least dine together. We have a lot of time to make up.” He squeezed her hand. “You will have to have a chaperone, and it might as well be me.”

  She clambered up almost upsetting her chair, and kissed him on the cheek. “Oh, thank you, Grandfather.”

  Pointing his finger at her for emphasis, he insisted, “There is one more stipulation, my dear. Lacy is to escort you to and from the hospital every day. You are not to leave the townhouse without him. Do I make myself clear? I will not have you harmed. The city is not safe for a beautiful young woman.”

  Delighted, she exclaimed, “Yes, I promise not to leave the apartment without an escort, Grandfather.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Kate viewed her reflection in the cheval mirror for her first day at Chimborazo Hospital. Her hair had grown quickly, making her look more sophisticated. She tried to pin her wild curls back from her face so they would not hinder her as she worked. Even in the simple dress and apron worn by all the nurses, she thought she looked pretty.

  As always her thoughts turned to David. She wished she could see him. She missed him and had not received a letter since leaving Harris Plantation. Even though it had only been a few days, it seemed as if it was an eternity. It tore at her heart to know he would marry another. Yet, she needed to move on with her life. Time would heal her broken heart.

  Her grandfather was in the dining room waiting for her to join him for breakfast. “Good morning Kate, you look lovely. I hope the day goes well for you.”

  She slipped into her chair. “I’m so nervous. Even though I helped out at the field hospital, I’m afraid of making a horrible mistake. What if I do something wrong and someone dies?”

  “You can still back out. You don’t have to go.” He leaned back, crossed his legs, a hint of a smile on his lips. He hoped she would back out. She could see it in his eyes. Of course the thoughts of her being in the midst of all the death and sickness worried him.

  A frown creased Kate’s brow. “Oh, no Grandfather, I wouldn’t dream of backing out now. I feel obligated to do my part. Especially with my knowledge I obtained from my grandmother. I have to at least try.”

  “It is your choice to make, my dear.”

  Her nerves kept her from eating. She was much too anxious. Her grandfather finally finished his breakfast, and the two met Lacy out front. It was a short buggy ride to the hospital since her grandfather’s townhouse was East of Richmond.

  The massive hospital came into view, and the size alone caused butterflies to flutter in her stomach. It stood on a hill and looked more like a large
town instead of a hospital. Her grandfather escorted her to the front entrance. She trembled when he tucked her arm under his.

  “Please come home if it is more than you can tolerate. I’ll be there waiting for you.”

  “Have a great day, Grandfather. I’ll see you when my shift is over.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on his rosy, wrinkled cheek. Before she changed her mind, she quickly walked through the door.

  The matron of Chimborazo Hospital was waiting to speak to Kate about her tasks for the day. “Hi, I’m Lucinda. I’m pleased to meet you. Jacob has sung your praises since he found out you were residing in Richmond. You must be a very special nurse to impress him. He is an excellent doctor. In fact he is the best doctor we have on staff here.” Lucinda took her arm and guided her to the chair across from her desk.

  She smiled politely and tried to calm her nerves as she peered into Lucinda’s eyes. Desperately wanting the position, she chose her words carefully. “Yes, I agree. When I volunteered at the field hospital at Chancellorsville, I was amazed at his surgical skills. No matter how hectic things got, he stayed calm and saved many lives.”

  “Which school did you attend to get your medical education?”

  The butterflies in her stomach intensified. She did not want Lucinda to show her the door her first day. The truth was best, so she took a deep breath and explained, “My grandmother was a natural healer and taught me everything she knew.” Kate could tell Lucinda was taken aback. She could understand her concerns since she didn’t have any formal education.

  “As you probably already know we have five hospitals with thirty wards to each division, which each house forty to sixty wounded soldiers. We have also erected one hundred Sibley tents which house eight to ten convalescent patients. It is a massive undertaking to hire enough doctors and nurses for the care of the thousands of soldiers treated each day. We are short handed so we’ll see how well you do.”

  Her whole body seemed to relax. At least she would have a chance to prove herself to be a good nurse.