The Last, Long Night

by Ginny Dye

  “I wish I could go to Richmond,” she said fiercely. “I want to find Moses.”

  “I just might be able to help with that,” said a soft voice behind her.

  Rose whirled around. “Aunt Abby…” Abby held out her arms. Rose collapsed into them, her body trembling. “Moses…”

  “I heard,” she said gently. “I got here a few minutes ago.”

  Rose blinked her eyes at her. “Why are you here?”

  “To get you,” Abby replied. “I’m going to Richmond. I came to take you with me.”

  “To Richmond?” Rose gasped with disbelief. “Are you serious?” Her thoughts spun in dizzying circles.

  “I’ll keep John here with me,” June offered instantly.

  Rose shook her head. “John will stay with me.” She couldn’t imagine leaving the warmth and love of her little boy. And when she found Moses she knew he would need his son. Then she peered at Aunt Abby. “Will that be okay?”

  “Absolutely. We’re catching the train out tomorrow morning. We’ll be there by the afternoon.”

  Rose stared at her. “Carrie,” she said softly. Then her eyes swam with tears again. “And I can find Moses.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Carrie stepped back from her final patient and rubbed the small of her back. The last few days had been complete chaos as Richmond struggled to deal with the occupation. The Union had moved all Confederate soldiers to Jackson Hospital, and taken control of Chimborazo for the Union. Carrie was the only Confederate medical personnel still at Chimborazo; retained because the black soldiers had begged for her to stay with them. She’d heard that Captain Jones had stepped in to make the odd request a possibility.

  “I’m real glad you stayed with us, Miss Carrie.”

  Carrie smiled down at Charlie, his eyes clear and free of fever. “I’m glad, too,” she said sincerely. Many of the soldiers had shared their stories with her over the last few days. Her love for these men who had suffered for so long in slavery, and then had to walk through the agonies of war, had grown. She’d had mixed feelings about losing her patients from Chimborazo, but now she was simply glad she’d had the opportunity to care for these amazing men.

  “Them doctors from the Union took care of us back at the camp,” Charlie continued, “but it’s like you done care about us like real people.”

  “I do,” Carrie said firmly. “I know you’ve got a lot of challenges ahead of you now that you’re free, but at least you’re free. I’m so glad for you.”

  Charlie gave her a huge grin. “Yes’sum, we all be free now!” He paused, his expression serious. “Have you heard any word from the armies, Miss Carrie? I realize we be on different sides,” he said hesitantly.

  Carrie smiled softly. “I want this war over as badly as you do, Charlie. I accepted a long time ago that we’re not going to win it.”

  “That bother you, Miss Carrie?”

  Carrie struggled to find the right words. “I never thought this war should have happened in the first place. There are times when I wish the North would have just let us go in order to form our own country because it would have spared so many lives and stopped so much destruction, but in the end I’m glad I’m still going to be a citizen of the entire United States of America.” She paused. “And I can be nothing but glad that the slaves are free. I know that would not have happened if we had won the war.” She managed to smile at Charlie. “I’m sad because of everything that has happened, but I’m not bothered. We never had a chance to win this war.”

  Charlie watched her closely. “So you don’t mind telling me what is happening?” he asked eagerly.

  Carrie laughed. “My understanding from what I hear is that Grant and Sheridan are in relentless pursuit of our army. There was a serious loss for the Confederacy two days ago when Sheridan forced over eight thousand men to surrender.”

  Charlie whistled. “That be a lot.”

  “Close to a sixth of Lee’s army,” Carrie confirmed. “There was another battle at High Bridge. Our troops had set fire to the bridge to keep the Union from pursuing them. Your troops put out the fires and caught up with them. I think our troops managed to hold them off, but your soldiers are after them again.”

  Charlie nodded. “I reckon the war about over sho ‘nuff.”

  Carrie didn’t want to talk about the battles anymore. Every thought of it increased her fear of whether Robert would come home to her. “What are you going to do when the war is over?” she asked.

  Charlie stopped grinning and frowned slightly. “I don’t reckon as how I got an answer to that just yet. I joined up with the army when they came through my plantation down in Mississippi. I was real happy to fight to help set everyone free, but I ain’t thought much beyond that. I reckon I’ll figure it out, though.”

  Carrie nodded. She had heard the same story over and over. She was happy beyond measure that the slaves were free, but she knew they were going to need a lot of help to create new lives. She hoped there were enough people who cared about them to make it possible; that those who had fought for their freedom would fight just as hard to help them create a new future full of justice and opportunity.

  “You were a fine soldier,” she said encouragingly. “I imagine you’ll do just fine with whatever you decide.”

  Charlie stared at her for a few moments and then nodded. “I reckon you’re right, Miss Carrie. Did you know the doctor said I was going to get out of here tomorrow?”

  “Tired of my company, are you?”

  “Of course not…” Charlie broke off when he saw the laughter in her eyes. “I’m gonna miss you, Miss Carrie, sho’nuff.”

  Carrie squeezed his hand. “I’m glad you’re better, Charlie. You just keep taking care of yourself,” she added firmly as she pulled off her smock and prepared to leave.

  The sun was sinking low on the horizon when Carrie stepped from the ward, looking for Janie out of habit until she remembered she was now at Jackson Hospital. Oh well, they would have dinner together. All of them were now crowding into Moses’ room to eat so they could share that time with him. May cared for him during the day, treating him like he was a hero.

  So many gaps had been filled in with hours of conversation, but it had also increased her ache to see Rose. Surely it wouldn’t have to be much longer. She had sent a letter to Fort Monroe for Moses just the day before, but she didn’t know how long it would take to arrive. Simon had told her about the letter he had sent June so she was sure Rose was sick with worry and fear. She frowned as she thought about what her best friend must be feeling.

  “Sure is a nice day for a frown.”

  Carrie heard the words and registered the voice, but was sure her thoughts had conjured them up. She continued moving down the hill.

  “Maybe she didn’t hear you.”

  Carrie froze. How could she have conjured up Aunt Abby’s voice too? She hadn’t been thinking about her just then. Slowly, telling herself the whole time that she had to be imagining it, she turned toward the voices. She gasped when she saw the two women silhouetted against the woods, the setting sun casting a glow over their bodies.

  “Carrie!” Moments later Rose rushed into her arms, laughing and crying.

  Carrie stared in disbelief and then burst into joyous tears. Her heart swelled until she thought it would surely burst from her chest. “Rose! Rose!”

  “Carrie!”

  They went back to rocking and hugging, ignoring the stares of medical personnel passing by.

  “You’re two intelligent women, so I know you can say more than just each other’s names,” came a teasing voice.

  Carrie suddenly remembered the other voice she had heard. She froze again, her eyes growing wide.

  Rose laughed with delight. “It’s not a dream, Carrie.”

  “Aunt Abby?” Carrie whispered, turning slowly to see Abby standing with her arms open. With a cry she rushed into her arms, and began to cry and laugh all over again. “How… Where did you… When…?”

 
Abby laid a finger over Carrie’s lips as she held her back to stare into her face. “You’ll get your questions answered,” she said softly. “I just want to look at you.”

  Rose moved up to stand beside Carrie and wrap an arm around her waist.

  “Both my girls together,” Aunt Abby said quietly, struggling to control her emotion. “We’ve all waited so long…”

  Carrie stared from one to the next, struggling to capture her breath. Finally she shook her head. “I don’t care how you got here. I’m just so glad you’re real and that I’m not hallucinating.”

  “Mama!” A wail of protest split the air. A nurse stepped forward, a toddler squirming in her arms.

  “I’m sorry, Miss. I couldn’t keep him quiet any longer.”

  Rose laughed and reached for the little boy.

  Carrie put her hand out and stroked her finger down his tear-stained cheek. “John… You’re so beautiful. You look just like your daddy.”

  “Thank you, he…” Rose said, a brilliant smile on her face, and then fell silent, confusion clouding her face. “How did you know about John, Carrie? He hadn’t been born when Moses saw you at the plantation.”

  Carrie smiled, joy exploding in her heart, and held out a hand to each of them. “To quote a friend, ‘You’ll get your questions answered’.” She began to walk rapidly down the hill. “We have so much to talk about, but first I have something to show you.” She shook her head when she saw both of them open their mouth to ask questions. “Not another word,” she said playfully as her heart threatened to burst wide open again.

  Carrie was laughing as she hurried up the stairs to the house. “This is my home,” she explained simply, not bothering to say anything else. She waved at May and Miles when she strode into the house, but didn’t bother with explanations; instead she pulled Rose and Aunt Abby up the stairs, John grinning happily as he bounced on his mama’s hip. If Moses was sleeping, the clatter of footsteps was sure to wake him.

  She slowed when she reached his door, and then put a hand out to stop Aunt Abby. She smiled and nodded at Rose. “There is a surprise in there for you,” she said, hardly able to contain herself.

  Rose stared at her and then walked into the room. Her scream sounded a moment later. “Moses!” A sound of joyous laughter exploded from the room. “Moses!”

  “Rose! My Rose!” Moses’ booming voice vibrated through the house.

  Only then did Carrie walk into the room. Rose was down on her knees beside the bed; her head nestled on her husband’s shoulder, John dancing around on the floor with excitement.

  Carrie scooped him up where he could stare down at his father.

  “Daddy! Daddy!”

  Moses’ face was split with a grin as he looked up at Carrie. “I know… I know...” he said, “I’ll get my questions answered soon.”

  “Your questions?” Rose breathed. “I can hardly believe I’m really seeing you. I’ve been so worried.”

  “Me, too!” Aunt Abby said as she walked into the room.

  Moses’ shout could be heard through the house again.

  Carrie was laughing so hard tears were pouring down her face. John was bouncing in her arms, straining to reach his daddy.

  Carrie sobered long enough to take control of her patient. “I’m sorry, John, but your daddy can’t hold you right now.”

  “Not hold?” he asked sadly, his face puckered with confusion.

  Rose looked up at Carrie and then reached to take John and draw him close. “How bad is it?” she asked softly.

  “He’ll get well,” Carrie said firmly, “but his wound was serious.”

  “Carrie saved my life,” Moses said gruffly. “I was almost dead when they brought me into Richmond.”

  Rose lifted shining eyes of gratitude.

  Carrie squeezed her hand tightly. “He can’t get out of this bed for at least ten more days. His wound has to have time to heal or the infection could come back. I don’t suppose,” she added teasingly, “that he’ll care about moving as long as he has you and John to look at.”

  Her mind turned to practical matters. “All our boarders are gone. They left when Richmond was evacuated. You, and John, and Aunt Abby will stay here.”

  Rose fought to bring her swirling thoughts into place. She wasn’t sure a heart could contain so much joy. She simply couldn’t believe she was in Carrie’s house; holding Moses’ hand, and looking at her best friend. Yet, after almost four years apart, it was as if they had never been separated. And Moses was alive!

  Aunt Abby understood the intensity of her feelings. “How about if we give you some time alone with Moses? Then you and Carrie will be able to talk.”

  Rose nodded automatically, and then turned toward the door when she heard a shuffling noise. She gazed at the man staring at her with a burning look in his eyes. Why was he looking at her that way?

  She glanced over and saw Carrie staring at the man with a huge smile on her face. Then she turned back to the stranger whose eyes had never left her face, taking in his handsome features; not understanding the sudden, mysterious connection she felt with someone she had never seen. “I’m sorry, do I know you?” she asked in confusion.

  “Take a good look, Rose,” Moses said.

  Rose was stunned to see Moses smiling as well. “What’s going on here?” she asked, her thoughts spinning even faster. She turned back to the man at the door. “Who are you? Am I supposed to know you?”

  Jeremy smiled and stepped forward. “Probably not. I imagine I have changed quite a lot from the day I was born.”

  Rose stared at him, her mind not registering what he was saying. “The day you were born? What does that…?” Her question broke off as she stared in shock, suddenly realizing she was looking at a white, male version of herself. Her mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out.

  Carrie laughed and stepped forward. “Rose, I would like to introduce you to your twin brother, Jeremy.”

  “Jeremy?” Rose whispered. She stood slowly, taking in every feature that told her it was true, but her mind simply couldn’t absorb it. Her eyes swung back to Carrie.

  “I promise we’ll answer all your questions,” Carrie assured her. “It’s true. Pastor Anthony, the man who set up your escape through the Underground Railroad, was Jeremy’s adopted father. I figured it out after I went to the plantation two winters ago. It’s quite the story.”

  Rose swung her eyes back to Jeremy and then stepped forward. “You’re my twin?” she said unsteadily, her eyes burning into his; her heart telling her it was true. Suddenly a smile exploded on her face. “And you’re okay with me being black?”

  “As long as you can put up with me being white,” Jeremy assured her, and then reached out to take her hand. “Hello, sis. It’s been a long time.”

  Rose gave a cry and flung herself into his arms. “Jeremy! My brother!” Great sobs of joy ripped through her body as she clung to him. Finally she stepped back. “How can one person take so much joy?” she murmured, her eyes traveling around the room.

  “I’m asking myself the same question,” Carrie responded.

  “As am I,” Aunt Abby said in a voice thick with tears.

  “Even men can’t take this much joy,” Moses said gruffly, his eyes shining with tears.

  May stomped into the room just then with a huge platter of food. “Ain’t never heard so much noise in this house as long as I been here,” she stated in a voice full of happiness. “I reckon all of you done built up a right big appetite. I got Miles bringing up some more chairs. We ain’t got nothing fancy to eat in this beat up old town, but I reckon I can fill your stomachs.”

  It was almost midnight before Carrie and Rose were alone. Carrie knew the celebrations and talking would go on for several more days, but she had shooed everyone out of Moses’ room so he could get some rest, assuring Rose she could sleep with him again in a few days. John was asleep in a corner of the room, snuggled in a crib May had found in the attic. Rose and Aunt Abby had met Janie and Clifford
, and Hobbs had stumbled in shortly before midnight, exhausted from a long day at the hospital. She had sent him to bed, telling him she’d fill him in on everything the next morning. He had been too tired to protest. Aunt Abby was tucked into the room next to theirs, with a promise Carrie would have her all to herself for a while the next day. Carrie was holding the secret of Matthew being here; wanting to enjoy the renewed celebration when he arrived for breakfast the next morning.

  Rose settled down in the bed next to Carrie’s and just stared at her.

  Carrie stared right back, letting the silence linger as cool air swirled in through the filmy curtains. She took a deep breath, thankful there was no longer the smell of smoke. “You don’t seem real to me yet, either,” she finally said, breaking the silence.

  Rose smiled. “You always know what I’m thinking,” she said softly, her eyes filling with tears. “I’ve missed you so badly. There were times I was afraid things wouldn’t be the same again…”

  “…That we both would have changed too much,” Carrie finished for her. “I know. I felt the same thing. But it’s like…”

  “…we were never apart,” Rose said with a laugh. Then she sobered. “We haven’t talked about Robert.”

  Carrie sighed heavily. “He’s with Lee’s Army. At least I hope he is. There is so much chaos since the city was occupied that we haven’t been getting any reports. I don’t know if he’s dead or alive, or perhaps a prisoner of war.”

  Rose gasped. “That’s horrible!”

  “I suppose I should say I’m used to it,” Carrie said, “but I don’t suppose you ever get used to not knowing if someone you love is dead or alive. But you know that…”

  Rose nodded. “Yes...” she whispered as she looked at the wall. “I can still hardly believe Moses is right next door.” She swung her eyes back to rest on Carrie’s face. “Matthew told me Robert was missing for ten months.”

  “Yes,” Carrie said, a smile finding its way to her face. “I know Moses was the one who saved his life and took him to the black family who so changed him,” she said softly. “I will forever be grateful. The months he was missing were the most difficult time of my life, but it also made him into the man I could marry. You’ll find he’s very different.”