Rules of Decorum

by Leigh Lee

  With that in mind, he penned a message to Washington. In a few days’ time, a telegram arrived in answer, informing Jeff that an agent would be coming to investigate Miss Winfred. He was advised to discontinue any further contact with her and to have ready the letter he had received from the Confederate captain to hand over for review.

  ~*~*~

  Throughout the next week, Eugenia struggled to fulfill her duties alongside the captain. She was thankful he had not insisted on further visits to see Victoria. Yet it was torture to be in his presence, and the ache that arose within her heart every time their eyes met was hard to bear. Eugenia found it easier to use anger as her armor.

  The poor captain’s brows would arch in surprise with every unwarranted outburst she set upon him. His wounded look would cause more pain to slam in her chest. Still, somehow, they managed to fall into a stilted routine despite what stood between them.

  For weeks, the captain allowed her some latitude. However after enduring her snappish growls, he began countering her grumpiness with humorous remarks.

  Captain Bradford was so charismatic that despite her best efforts, Eugenia could not help cracking a grin in response. Many times, they both would dissolve into laughter. It was hard not to acknowledge the affection she was desperate to deny when laughing with him was like food for her starving soul. Eugenia fell prey to his charms once again as it was easy to bask in the glow of his radiant smile and things between them began to improve.

  Captain Bradford seemed pleased to regain a modicum of friendship with her. Once he learned that Eugenia’s father had also been a physician, he seemed delighted to take Eugenia under his wing and showered her with praise as she became proficient in new techniques. The trust between them grew stronger, and the captain allowed her to assist with tasks more complicated.

  One evening an elderly civilian, Mr. Franklin, came into the ward while Captain Bradford and Eugenia were making their final rounds. The man and his wife had been caring for a wounded black man named John Wells.

  When the Army of Northern Virginia had entered York, Pennsylvania, General Lee ordered the residents to pay indemnities in lieu of supplies, or risk destruction of their town. While they were there, the Confederates seized some forty black citizens and sent them south for enslavement. Most were free men and some, like John Wells, were landowners. When a raiding party of rebels came across his farm, John hid his wife and children in the root cellar and led the soldiers on a merry chase. John was shot, yet managed to evade them and fled to the Franklins’ home, friends of his, who lived near Gettysburg.

  At first, the wound had not appeared severe, but over time his leg began swelling. The Franklins had tried to convince John to seek medical help, but he had refused, fearing arrest or capture by the Confederacy. The wound began to fester, and out of desperation, Mr. Franklin came to the field hospital looking for a surgeon.

  It was late in the day when Corporal Rigby rushed up and informed them that a civilian wished to speak with a doctor. Eugenia went out to talk to the man, and once she learned of the concern, she bid Mr. Franklin wait while she went back to get Captain Bradford.

  After they arrived at the Franklin residence, and once Captain Bradford examined John’s leg, he glanced up at Eugenia, his face looking grim. Pulling her aside, he shook his head. “A Minnie ball has shattered the fibula bone and is lodged in the tibia. I am almost certain the lower half of his leg will have to come off. Do you feel comfortable administering the anesthesia?”

  It was the first time she would assist him in surgery, and he watched her face for signs of uncertainty.

  “Yes. I helped my father many times with surgeries.”

  Her quick assurance seemed to satisfy the captain, and he ordered her to go back to camp for the chloroform and other items needed.

  When Eugenia returned with the supplies, John Wells was telling the captain about his wife and two sons back home on his farm. “I’m a free man, and I worked hard to earn enough money to buy the farm. Doc, you can’t take my leg. I must tend my land to support my family.”

  After a more careful examination of the injury, Captain Bradford’s mood seemed to brighten. “The damage is not quite as bad as I had earlier thought. I have been exchanging correspondences with a former classmate from my university days who has developed new surgical methods to treat wounds to the extremities. It seems, John, you might be a perfect candidate for this progressive type of surgery.”

  He motioned for Eugenia to follow him out of the room. Pacing, he ran his hands through his hair. His face wrinkled in thought. She could tell he was working the procedure out in his head as he spoke. “This will be tedious surgery.” He began, flinging a hand out toward her. “The first hurdle will be to remove the ball I saw lodged deep in the tibia bone. If we can do that without causing that bone to shatter, all metal particulates from the Minnie ball need to be removed. Our next step will be to splint the two sections of the fibula bone, then we must clean the wound and dress it with linen soaked with carbolic acid. After that, the wound is at risk for putrefaction. If the incision heals, and if the bones mend well, John might survive with his leg intact. Still, the recovery process will require time and meticulous nursing care.”

  “Please! Don’t take my leg!” John pleaded for the nth time from the other room.

  The man’s anguish was hard to bear, and it did not matter how many times Eugenia had seen amputations, it never got easier or less heartbreaking. She shouldered around to hide a swipe at tears.

  Captain Bradford’s worried eyes met hers when she turned back. “This surgery might be too much for you. I forget you are so young.”

  Eugenia forced her shoulders back. “I can do this, sir.”

  He gave her nod. “Then let’s wash up.”

  Chapter 9

  With the preparations for surgery made and instruments carefully laid out, Captain Bradford pressed a hand to John’s shoulder. “With your permission, John, I will try this new procedure. Though I can make no guarantees, I might be able to save your leg.”

  Eugenia took her position at the end of the table near John’s head. She bent close to his ear and said, “You have one of the finest surgeons in the army preparing to operate, and he will not take your leg unless it is necessary.”

  John calmed, his eyes hopeful. “Do what you can for me. My family’s welfare depends the outcome.”

  Eugenia administered the anesthesia and continued to reassure John until the effects of the chloroform rendered him unconscious. When she looked up, the captain smiled at her. His heartfelt approval was gratifying. She admired his skill and thought him to be a brilliant surgeon. He possessed the same dedication to medicine her father had always displayed, and she had learned much at the captain’s side.

  Pursuing medicine had always been her dream. To date, she had knowledge of only one woman in the country who had gained a medical degree. It had long been Eugenia’s goal to be the second, even if she had to pretend to be a man in order to achieve it.

  Now, as her eyes met those of the man she so admired, the look of pride on his handsome face caused her heart to flip with warm emotion. “You have a knack for this, Adams, and you handled yourself well just now. Have you ever considered pursuing a medical degree, son?”

  Eugenia smiled in answer. Once again, his uncanny perception surprised her. Would he have asked if he knew her to be a woman? Learning the answer to that question became vital to her.

  The surgery lasted far longer than most. It was a demanding process, but the meticulous effort paid off. Captain Bradford managed to remove the ball and bone fragments from John’s leg without causing further damage.

  As they worked late into the night, Eugenia stood close by dabbing sweat from her captain’s brow, and each time he needed a different instrument, she provided it without direction. Whenever he finished with a surgical tool, he ordered Eugenia to wash the instrument and douse it with alcohol before he allowed its use again. There were times when both his hands were
occupied and he required Eugenia to aid him with a clamp or tying off a vessel. He would give careful instructions, and he smiled at Eugenia when she followed his guidance with precision.

  After the surgery had been completed, they moved John to a room that had been scrubbed clean. The captain was emphatic about John’s postoperative care. He told the elderly couple that no one other than himself or Sergeant Adams should tend the man’s wound. “It is imperative that all bandages are washed, and dried in the sun before we use them,” he warned.

  Once John was resting comfortably, Captain Bradford and Eugenia sat side by side watching their patient sleep. “You performed admirably tonight, Adams. Your father would be proud. I was wondering where he studied, for he taught you well.”

  The question surprised Eugenia, and she was hesitant to answer. “I believe he attended Jefferson Medical College.”

  She immediately regretted her answer when the captain exclaimed, “My old alma mater. What year did he graduate?”

  “I-I do not know,” she stammered evasively. “It must have been in the early ‘40s.”

  He nodded. “Yes—that would have been before my time there.”

  “Yes, sir,” was all she could think to say. To date, this was one of the biggest blunders she had made. All the captain had to do was check the college records to see if a student named Adams had attended. If not, all manner of questions might arise. It was just one more thing to worry about, and Eugenia prayed Captain Bradford was too busy to make the effort.

  Over the next month, Eugenia and Captain Bradford worked feverishly to keep John’s incision healing well. The captain demanded that no deviation of his orders should occur. Foremost, nothing was to touch the wound unless it was clean, including one’s hands. He further demanded that the patient be bathed, his clothing changed, and his bedding refreshed daily. After applying a special salve he had concocted himself, he ordered the wound redressed twice a day. There was also a list of healing herbs and medications Captain Bradford ordered dispensed four times a day. It was a demanding schedule, which required both of them to accomplish, but after a time the wound grew pink with healthy new flesh.

  During John’s recovery, Eugenia spent as much time as she could at his bedside talking to him. John was a God-fearing man with a deep love for his family, and his humorous anecdotes made her laugh and long for what she might never have—a family of her own.

  When she managed to secure copies of The Lancaster Intelligencer, she would read some of it to him. One night after he fell asleep, she continued to peruse the newspaper, hungry for any tidbit from her hometown. One article claimed an unnamed Pennsylvania lawman was reopening some unsolved murders. There was no mention of the Sheriff Dunlop’s death, but her father’s name listed among others caused her to blanch in terror.

  Perhaps it was only a matter of time before they extended the inquiry to include Sheriff Dunlap’s murder. Eugenia became light-headed and nauseated. Was her past finally going to catch up with her? Placing her head between her knees, she sought to regain her composure.

  A quiet whisper startled her. “Sergeant, are you ill?

  Eugenia lifted her head and stared into the face of Captain Bradford. “No, sir. Just feeling a little tired,” she lied, still swaying from the dizziness that threatened.

  He knelt in front of her, his eyes full of concern, and placed his hands on her arms to steady her. “You are as white as can be, boy,” he muttered with worry. “When did you eat last?”

  “I do not remember,” Eugenia replied, gripping the newspaper.

  Pressing a palm to her forehead, he continued. “I assume that you do eat, though I have only seen a plate of food in your hands once the entire time I have known you,” he teased with furrows creasing his brow.

  Eugenia managed to crack a lopsided grin, hoping to alleviate his apprehension. She leaned away from the handsome face that was far too close in proximity. “Yes, I do eat, Captain. I suppose I am just fatigued.”

  “Then off with you,” he ordered quietly. “I will stay the night with our patient.” Rising, he tugged her up, and resting his hands on her shoulders, he beamed at her. “I could not be more proud of the job you have done, son. No other man under my command has shown such dedication to his duty, nor would have any given up as much of his free time to accommodate the needs of a patient.” He halted a moment. “I know you are still young, Eugene, but you will grow into a fine man. If I am ever blessed with a son, I would be proud if he turned out like you.”

  Eugenia was speechless. Though not exactly the sentiment she longed from him, the praise was so heartfelt that it brought tears to her eyes. “Thank you, sir.”

  For a moment, they stared wordlessly at one another. “Ah hell, boy,” The captain finally said. Turning her about-face, he applied a swift swat to her rump. “Go back to camp, get some sleep. I can handle things here.”

  Eugenia gulped surprise at the unwarranted contact with her buttocks, but when she glanced over her shoulder and discovered his brilliant blue eyes glittering with unshed tears, she forgot her shock.

  How could she not love this man whose dark hair was tousled and uncombed for lack of time, and whose beard grew bristly because he spent so many hours making sure his patients survived? As she stared at his full lips, now curved into a generous grin, she grew overwhelmed by the goodness of his heart. He was exhausted, and still, he was more concerned about everyone else’s welfare, including hers.

  Before this evening, she had been trying everything she could think of to deny her true feelings for Jeffery Bradford. But seeing him now, she had to admit that she was smitten and longed for his love in return.

  “Thank you, sir,” she said, barely managing to keep the catch in her voice from being too apparent.

  He pointed toward the door. “Go.”

  When the day arrived that John Wells had healed enough to go home, Eugenia made sure she was available to drive the ambulance that would take him to the train station. Though he still walked with a limp, Captain Bradford had assured him that with continued exercise he would regain full use of his leg.

  As the orderlies assisted him into the railroad car, John Wells called out to Eugenia, “Thank you.”

  Eugenia waved to him, blinking back tears. Of all the men who had died in her presence, to have one beat remarkable odds was thrilling. While under her care, John had become a good friend. The Confederate Army had moved south, and the danger of being forced into slavery went with them. She was going to miss him but was delighted he would be reunited with his family. John was one of the lucky ones, and it did her heart good to know that he was going to be all right.

  It was almost time for the evening mess call, so Eugenia clucked to the horses, and turned the ambulance around, awaiting the two orderlies who had come with her. Her mind was busy with thoughts of John Wells, and she almost missed seeing Private Alex Lawson stumble in front of the horses. She had to draw up on the reins to keep from trampling him.

  “Lawson, what are you doing here?” she asked.

  Lawson jumped and looked about. Seeing the ambulance, he squinted and placed a hand on the flank of one of the horses to steady himself. “I were gist here sayin’ so long to a mate o’ mine.”

  Since their last encounter, she had tried to stay out of Lawson’s way. Not that it was that hard to do. He was an accomplished whining hospital rat repeatedly assigned to “Company Q,” the term used for soldiers too ill to perform their duties. Every morning one of Captain Bradford’s first tasks was to attend to surgeon’s call, where sick soldiers showed up at his quarters claiming to be unfit for duty. Lawson had faked a long string of illnesses, which allowed him to sleep off the effects of a night of drinking.

  Eugenia glared down at him in exasperation. “Do you have permission to be off the hospital grounds?”

  “What biznuss is it o’ yours?”

  “It is the business of the one who will give you a ride back to camp,” she retorted.

  “I will walk!�
�� Lawson snapped. He lifted his hand off the rump of the horse to wave her off, and having given up his means of support, fell over and hit the ground with a thud.

  It would be an impossible task to get him into the ambulance in his inebriated state. Looking through the crowd of people for help, Eugenia spied the two orderlies returning. She hailed them over and pointed to the ne'er-do-well who was struggling to stand. “Lawson is drunk again. We should take him back with us. Do you think you can get him into the ambulance?”

  As soon as the two young orderlies saw Lawson, they grimaced and shook their heads in unison. Having also had altercations with Lawson in the past, neither wanted anything to do with him. They both offered numerous excuses why they felt it best to leave him where he was.

  Eugenia listened but then shrugged. “I do not want to explain to Captain Bradford why we left him here to terrorize the town folks. Do either of you?”

  Grumbling, the two conceded, pulled a stretcher out of the ambulance, and headed toward Lawson.

  At this hour of the day, the station was busy with townspeople and military personnel, all crowding onto the boarding platform to take advantage of the last train of the evening. As soon as Lawson spied the orderlies coming toward him and realized their intent, he struggled to his feet and ran. He led the two men down the street, weaving in and out of groups of bystanders.

  From the height of the driver’s seat, Eugenia had a good view of the commotion. Lawson’s antics attracted the crowd’s attention as the two outraged orderlies ran after him with the litter still in hand. Realizing that this was getting them nowhere, the men dropped the stretcher and raced after Lawson from two different directions. They cornered him and wrestled the besotted man to the ground. Cheers went up from the crowd as the orderlies rolled him onto the stretcher and carried him back to the ambulance.

  Lawson seemed content to snore in the back while his three rescuers crowded onto the driver’s perch. They agreed the dropping night temperature was preferable to the stink enveloping the ambulance. Eugenia still did not know what Lawson was doing at the station, and from how inebriated he was, she doubted he did, either. As much trouble as he had caused them, and as useless as he was at camp, she had to wonder if she did the army any favors by bringing him back. When Captain Bradford learned that Lawson had made an unauthorized trip to town, he assigned the private to latrine duty for the next two weeks.