The Last, Long Night

by Ginny Dye

  A sudden flash of sunlight glistened off Matthew’s red hair, and he turned just enough for Robert to recognize him.

  Anger flared in Robert when he realized his friend was helping to burn the Shenandoah Valley. He could see Matthew talking to the officer standing next to the porch, but could only guess at what they were saying.

  Helpless frustration created a roaring in his head as he frantically tried to come up with the right strategy.

  “Be quiet, soldier,” Captain Hill snapped. “The last I checked I was the one giving orders around here.”

  He turned to gaze at Matthew again thoughtfully. “My best friend was one of the officers who escaped through that tunnel when you left word it was there. He had a rough time of it, but he was able to reach Fort Monroe.”

  “I’m glad,” Matthew said sincerely. “Captain Borden snuck me and another journalist out of Richmond in his personal wagon. I don’t think we would’ve stood a chance without his help. Peter was too sick to make it on his own. I owe the captain a deep debt of gratitude.”

  Captain Hill stared around the plantation and then looked up at Robert’s mother and aunt with stark compassion. “I’m under orders,” he said finally, his voice full of regretful resignation. “I’m sorry”.

  Matthew saw the spark of compassion in his eyes. “What would you do if it were your friend?” he asked quickly, knowing he had to fan the flames of compassion.

  “Fight to protect it,” Captain Hill responded immediately.

  Matthew managed to smile. “Since I don’t have a gun, and I’m only one man, I sincerely doubt I could stop you and your men from destroying Oak Meadows, so I can only use the weapon I have.”

  “Which is?”

  “Words,” Matthew said simply as he prayed for wisdom. “We’ve got a war to win, but we also have a country to rebuild. If we toss aside all our humanity in a thirst for revenge, we will win the battle and lose the war. You and I both know the South will lose. It’s just a matter of time.”

  Matthew took a deep breath and glanced up, somehow controlling his shock when he saw Robert standing on the knoll above him.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Matthew managed to keep his voice calm as he looked back at the captain. He could tell he was getting through to him. “Destroying the plantation of a man who saved my life and who risked everything to help a Northerner in the midst of war makes no sense. When this war is over, our country will need acts of compassion to balance the acts of vengeance and destruction. You have a chance to be responsible for one of those acts of compassion, Captain. I predict the ramifications will reverberate down through our nation’s history much longer than an act of destruction.”

  Determined not to look up and risk revealing Robert’s position, Matthew stared into Captain Hill’s eyes. He had no idea how Robert had gotten here, but he would not betray him.

  “You going to let this yellow-bellied newspaperman talk you out of burning this place?” a soldier yelled angrily.

  “Shut up!” the captain ordered and then turned back to Matthew. “You use your weapon well,” he acknowledged and then gazed up at the two women waiting quietly on the porch, their backs ramrod straight.

  “We’re done here,” he ordered brusquely, cutting off any soldier’s protest with a burning look. “I said we’re done. Head back for camp.”

  The soldiers, muttering, turned their horses down the drive and headed out.

  “Thank you, Captain,” Mrs. Borden said softly.

  Captain Hill nodded and tipped his hat. “I’m sorry to have frightened you, ma’am. Have a good day,” he added before he turned his horse and cantered away.

  Mrs. Borden hurried forward to squeeze Matthew’s hand. “My son is very lucky to have a friend like you,” she said softly. “I know how much you risked tosave our plantation. I will always be grateful.”

  Matthew held her hand tightly. “I wish you the best.” Then he had a quick thought. “There is a family about a mile from here; a young mother with four children. They’ve lost everything today.”

  “Lily Champion!” Mrs. Borden’s lips tightened as her eyes shone with unshed tears. “Her husband died in the first months of the war. I’ll bring her and the children here. They will be safe – for at least as long as we are,” she added firmly.

  Matthew smiled, wishing he could stay longer, but knowing he was already pressing his luck with the captain. “Goodbye, Mrs. Borden. I hope we will meet again under more pleasant circumstances.”

  “Just about anything will be more pleasant circumstances, Matthew,” Mrs. Borden said, relief and gratitude shining in her eyes as she brushed away the tears.

  Matthew tipped his hat and moved away from the porch before glancing up toward the knoll. Robert stood there in the same place.

  The two men exchanged a long look. Robert lifted his hand, and even from this distance, the sun glistened off his teeth when he smiled.

  Matthew breathed a sigh of relief and urged his horse into a gallop to catch up to the captain.

  His heart pounding wildly, Robert remained where he was until Matthew disappeared from sight. He knew exactly how close he had come to truly losing everything. Suddenly the loss of the horses didn’t seem so huge.

  Yes, he would have to start over again, but at least he had a home to return to. Most importantly, his mother and aunt still had a home to live in – at least for today.

  Tomorrow might change all that, but for today, Matthew’s courage had saved everything important to Robert. Bitterness ebbed from his heart, leaving gratitude to take its place.

  Robert knew he should turn and disappear back into the woods. He longed to spend time with his mother, but darkness was coming, and he should return to camp. He yearned to spend just one night on the plantation, but he knew if he was discovered there no amount of talking would dissuade the Union from destroying the home of a Confederate captain.

  The best thing he could do was leave his mother and Aunt Pearl safe on the plantation and pray another raiding party didn’t make its way to Oak Meadows. He made his decision; then turned Granite, and headed straight for the house. He couldn’t be this close and not visit his mother and aunt.

  He saw his mother tense at the sound of hoof beats when Granite broke out into the clearing. Robert was grateful for the protection the rapidly approaching nightfall offered. He sat quietly for several moments and listened for sounds that would say the raiding party was returning, but only hooting owls interrupted the quiet.

  His mother moved forward to the edge of the porch and peered into the shadows. “Who is out there?” she called sharply.

  Robert smiled. “Mother,” he called softly, walking out from the shadows.

  “Robert?” His mother leaned farther forward. “Robert? Is that really you?”

  Robert laughed as he swung down from Granite, leapt up onto the porch, and swept his mother up in his arms. “It’s me. It might be a good idea to go inside.” He wrapped his arm around her, drew his aunt close with his other arm, and pulled them into the house.

  He waited until he had them at the back of the house in the kitchen before he said anything else. “It’s good to see you both.”

  Robert’s mother made no attempt to brush away the tears watering her laughter. “How…? Where did you come from?” She reached up to pat his cheek. “It’s really you?”

  Aunt Pearl gripped his hand tightly and wouldn’t let go.

  Robert settled them both in chairs around the table. “I can’t stay long,” he said quietly. “I have to get back, and it won’t be safe for you if anyone finds me here, but I couldn’t leave without seeing you.”

  “They were going to burn Oak Meadows,” his mother gasped suddenly. “Then a friend of yours…”

  “Matthew Justin,” Robert said. “I saw the whole thing.”

  “What?”

  “I was hiding up on the knoll. I got here just as the soldiers did. There was nothing I could have done,” he admitted reluctantly. “Matthew saved O
ak Meadows.”

  “He is a good friend,” his mother said, “though from what he said you’ve given him every reason to be.” She told him about Matthew’s description of the prison escape, and about the captain’s friend who had found his way to freedom.

  “We go back a long way,” Robert said quietly. “We decided we wouldn’t let the war destroy our friendship. He means a lot to me.”

  His mother settled back in her chair. “I can only hope there are more friendships like yours when this war is over.”

  Robert gripped her hand. “How are you? I found your note a few weeks ago, so I thought you were in Winchester.”

  “I saw the letter was gone when I got back. I so hoped it had been you.”

  “Winchester didn’t seem like a wise place to stay once the North won that last battle,” Aunt Pearl snapped, her eyes angry but sad. “They commandeered my home as a hospital and suggested we find somewhere else to live. Like we had another place around the corner,” she snorted.

  “Thank God we have Oak Meadows,” his mother murmured and then turned to him with a deeply troubled look. “They’re all gone, son.”

  “Who is?” Robert asked though he was certain he knew.

  “Our slaves. They are all gone.”

  “Yes.”

  His mother peered at him. “Yes? That’s all you have to say?”

  Robert could tell his mother was confused. “I don’t have time to tell you the whole wonderful story, Mother, but I have changed. I would have given all the slaves their freedom, anyway. I’m glad they got an early start on it.”

  Silence was thick in the kitchen as his mother stared at him.

  Robert squeezed her hand. “You told me one time I had become like Father. You were right. Anger and hatred were eating my soul. But a wonderful black family saved my life after I was wounded in battle. Being in their home for six months completely changed me.”

  His mother finally found her voice. “I’m glad,” she said softly, tears once more streaming down her face. “I so look forward to hearing your story. Oh, Robert! Knowing your heart is free means the world to me.” She reached forward to stroke his cheek gently.

  Relishing her touch, Robert closed his eyes for a moment. For too long, the anger in his heart had built a barrier between him and his mother. The gentle gesture, coming to him now as a war-weary soldier was more welcome than he could have imagined.

  “I love you, son,” she whispered.

  Robert opened his eyes, not ashamed of the tears that made them bright. “And I love you, too,” he told her, gazing into her strong eyes that suddenly blurred with tears again. “Mother? What’s wrong?”

  “Your brother…,” she whispered.

  “What happened to Abe?” he asked, dreading the answer that was sure to come.

  “I received word a few weeks ago that he was killed in Atlanta,” she said thickly. “He didn’t want to fight…” her voice broke.

  “But they’re calling up every one of fighting age, and he didn’t have a choice,” Robert finished, a deep ache swallowing his heart and welling in his soul. Vivid memories of his brother swirled through his mind. He could see Abe laughing as they explored the mountains for days on end - camping around glowing fires and eating game they had killed and cooked. His brother had never had the love for the plantation that Robert did, but he’d had big plans to be a businessman in town.

  His mother stroked his cheek again. “I’m lucky to still have you. So many have lost their sons and their husband, too. I pray this war ends soon so it doesn’t take you.”

  Silence gripped the room as sadness swirled through like a thick, relentless fog. Robert shook off the sadness, knowing his brother’s spirit would ride with him all the way back to camp. Robert could let the loss penetrate his heart then; when the memories surrounding him at every curve would help him deal with it.

  “You have a new wife, too, don’t you?” his Aunt Pearl asked.

  Robert grinned, letting her change the subject from death to life. “The most beautiful, wonderful woman in the world,” he said happily. “I still can’t believe how lucky I got! Both of you will love her.”

  A sound in the distance had him snapping to attention and springing to the window. He held up his hand to the women to keep them quiet as he listened carefully. He finally breathed a sigh of relief and turned back to them. “I’ve got to go,” he said reluctantly. “Will you be okay here?”

  His mother nodded quickly. “This war has toughened all of us,” she said firmly. “I’ve learned to do things I never thought I could, and I find I enjoy taking care of myself. We have enough food in the cellar to take us through the winter. Thanks to Matthew, we still have a home. We’ll be fine.”

  “Then I must…”

  His mother interrupted him. “Robert! I almost forgot about Lily.”

  Robert looked at her sharply. “Lily Champion?” She had been a grand friend when they were growing up. He could hardly wait for Carrie to meet her. “What about her?”

  “Matthew told me their place was burned today.”

  Robert groaned.

  “Her husband, Crandall, was killed at Manassas. She’s been raising those four children on her own ever since. They had only two slaves. Both of them are gone. They stayed until a few months ago because they love her so much, but those Union soldiers convinced them they were making it harder for the North to win if they stayed.”

  Robert tightened his lips and nodded. “I’ll go get them,” he said quickly. “It’ll take me a while because I have to stay in the woods, but I’ll bring them back.” He turned and strode out the door.

  Frost lay heavy on the ground when Robert finally broke out of the woods into the clearing around his mother’s house. Lily carried her youngest daughter, Matilda. Robert cradled six-year-old Luke in his arms. The two older children were exhausted, but the excitement of riding Granite through the woods had kept them awake enough to cling to the saddle as Robert led him through the darkness.

  Robert’s mother and aunt had been watching for them. As soon as they walked onto the porch, the door swung open, and the exhausted family was ushered into the parlor. The children stood numbly in front of the flickering flames, their faces reflecting their confusion and loss.

  “You poor babies,” Robert’s mother murmured, and then turned to Lily. “Your rooms are ready,” she said softly. “There are plates of cornbread and glasses of milk for all of you. You’ll have a real breakfast in the morning.”

  Tears shone in Lily’s eyes. “Thank you. I don’t know what…”

  Mrs. Borden stopped her. “Hush now. That’s what neighbors are for. You get some rest. We’ll talk in the morning.”

  Aunt Pearl led them to their rooms. When they had disappeared, Robert turned to his mother. “She and the kids were huddled under the big oak tree, shivering and almost in shock when I got there. Matthew didn’t only save our plantation – he probably saved Lily and those four children.” He shook his head and yawned. “I have to go now.”

  “You should get some sleep,” his mother protested. “You must be exhausted.”

  “I’ve got to get back,” Robert replied.

  “What’s going to happen, Robert?”

  He didn’t pretend to misunderstand what she was asking. “We will lose the war,” he said evenly. “It’s just a matter of time.”

  “How much time?” his mother asked; a small catch in her voice the only thing that revealed her deep emotion.

  “I don’t know,” he answered honestly. “I know Lee can stretch it out longer than anyone else, but quite frankly all that means is that more people will die, and more property will be destroyed. The South simply doesn’t have the ability to win this war.”

  “I’m just so glad my boy is still alive,” his mother said fervently, her eyes glistening with tears.

  Robert caught his mother in a warm embrace. “I’m so grateful I was able to see you, and that you and Aunt Pearl still have a home.”

  “It�
�s because of you,” his mother said quietly.

  Robert shook his head. “Matthew saved it.”

  “Yes, but your kindness set all that in motion,” she said softly, touching his face again. “Each day I learn that every single action we take has its own consequence – for either good or bad. Your decision to help Matthew and his friend escape, and Matthew’s decision to let others escape through the tunnel, put a kindness into action that has found its way to Oak Meadows.”

  His mother turned around and stared at the columned house and then swung her gaze out to the barns. “Your friend Matthew has quite a way with words. He said something to the captain that I’ve been thinking about all night.”

  “What was that?”

  “He said, ‘Destroying the plantation of a man who saved my life, who risked everything to help a Northerner in the midst of war, makes no sense. When this war is over, our country will be need acts of compassion to balance the acts of vengeance and destruction. You have a chance to be responsible for one of those acts of compassion, Captain. I predict the ramifications will reverberate down through our nation’s history much longer than an act of destruction.’ He was so right.”

  Robert stared at her, the truth of Matthew’s words sinking into his heart. “Thank you,” he whispered as he hugged her again and then strode out into the cold night.

  Granite looked up from the bucket of oats Robert’s mother had left out for him and snorted as if to say he was ready for what came next. Robert laughed, swung up into the saddle, and headed back into the woods.

  Chapter Twenty

  Carrie had already heard the news when her father stomped up the front steps, strode into the foyer, and scowled at her. “Lincoln was re-elected,” she said softly, knowing the news had crushed any hopes her father still had left.

  Thomas nodded morosely, looked around at all the sober faces in the parlor, and sank down in his chair next to the roaring fire. “Yes. Lincoln was re-elected.”