The Lieutenant's Promise

by Aileen Fish

  Levi could see her arms shaking and he almost laughed. If she wanted to be contrary, he’d give her a run for her money.

  “Wonderful! Will you be staying long, Mr. Lucas? I’d be relieved to know there was a man on that farm.”

  Em chewed her lower lips but kept quiet.

  Levi needed to be vague so Em didn’t have explanations to make when he returned to his company. “I can only stay a short time. I wanted to help with the harvest over the next few weeks, and getting the fall crops in the ground.”

  Mr. Harris finished tallying in his book. “Did you need anything while you’re here?”

  “No, thank you. We’d best be on our way.” She turned and marched out, leaving Levi to trail behind.

  Levi climbed onto the wagon bench beside her, grateful he didn’t have to fight for the reins for a change. He wasn’t about to speak, knowing she was ready to explode after he’d called himself her beau.

  “Why?” she finally asked.

  He wasn’t about to play innocent. “It was the first thing that came to mind.”

  “You couldn’t say you were Tom’s friend, or the new hired hand?”

  “I suppose I could have, if those had come to mind.”

  She made a noise somewhere between a growl and a squeal. “Do you realize what I’ll have to cope with when you leave? They’ll assume I was jilted, or that I sent you away, which would make me appear to be the most foolish girl in the county, seeing how few men there are of marriageable age nearby.”

  “I hadn’t thought that far ahead. I did tell Mr. Harris we’d agreed to wait until Tom came home, so it’s reasonable for them to think I went back home to wait.”

  “As long as they don’t see Tom in the meantime.”

  That was something he’d forgotten. “At least Mrs. Harris wasn’t around to hear. It might not be as bad as you think. Mr. Harris will forget the discussion in no time.”

  Now he wished he’d thought before speaking in the store. Or waited to let her answer the question. But he wasn’t a man who waited for others to take the lead. His superior officers had noticed that early on after he enlisted, and had promoted him quickly.

  Em was like him in that way, first to step up when the need arose. He was used to taking orders, but she probably hadn’t since her father had died. All Levi’s efforts to be helpful likely had the opposite effect on her. “It must be difficult for you to have someone around who is used to running things. I imagine your hired hands never told you the best way to do something.”

  She sighed. “Jasper had worked for us long enough before Pa died that I didn’t bother to tell him how to do things. Most of the time I didn’t need to tell him what to do. He knew the routine better than I did.”

  “And now some stranger finds fault with everything you do.”

  “Sure seems that way.” She plucked at her skirt. “Do you?”

  “What? Find fault with you?”

  “Yes.”

  “No, not really. You take risks that worry me. You are smart, but sometimes I fear you aren’t considering how smart your opponent is.”

  “Perhaps I don’t consider anyone my opponent.” She glanced up at him around the brim of her bonnet. “I’m not fighting any battles, unless you count the locusts and tomato worms. Mr. Harris will buy anything we produce, so there’s no race to be the first to harvest. We only need to gather the crop before it turns bad.”

  “Times are changing, at least for now. We have no way of knowing whether General Price will make a stand somewhere or push on until he finds our camp. What we do know is he and Governor Jackson won’t sit back and allow anyone else to control Missouri. Right now, your farm lies between the two armies. You cannot be too cautious.”

  What scared him the most was knowing when the rebels came through, all the smarts in the world wouldn’t help Em keep her family and farm safe.

  CHAPTER SIX

  A few days later, Levi woke at dawn as usual and went to the house for a cup of coffee. He found Em at the stove frying up some eggs and pork steaks. “Good morning,” he said. “What’s on the schedule for today?”

  She dished the eggs onto several plates. “I’ll start weeding in the vegetable plots and see how much daylight I have left when I finish.”

  “I think Tom and I should go south a ways and look for signs of Price’s men.”

  Em paused in her work. “Do you think they’re coming soon?”

  “I have no idea when they’ll come. I expected it before now, but my guess is they are gathering more men in Arkansas.”

  “I thought Major Clanton sent men south of here to watch for the rebels.”

  “He did. But he doesn’t expect Tom and me to sit on our tails and let Price get this close to Springfield. We want to catch them as far away as we can.”

  “Do you plan to be gone long?”

  He considered the distance they might need to cover, then nodded. “As far as I know, Major Clanton stationed men along the Wire Road. I think Tom and I’ll go southeast toward Nixa. We don’t know which route Price will take when he moves forward.”

  “I’ll pack some food.”

  Levi and Tom left an hour later. The morning was warm, the air not having cooled much overnight. They avoided the neighboring farms so as not to attract attention, following a narrow path through woods and rolling fields.

  Whistling softly while he walked beside Levi, Tom went quiet for a bit before speaking. “Is there something between you and my sister? Something more than just flirting?”

  Levi considered his words carefully. He couldn’t deny the attraction between them but didn’t want to worry Tom. “Nothing has been said between us. Besides, I seem to rub her the wrong way.”

  “She’s at her happiest when she’s bossy. If you want her to like you, keep getting on her bad side.”

  That made him chuckle. “I do that without even trying. Even if she were attracted to me, I couldn’t expect her to follow the army around for a few years. That’s no life for a woman.”

  “You could get stationed somewhere where she’d be able to live.” Tom picked up a rock and tossed it down the path.

  Levi had considered it one night while lying in his room in the barn. “What would she do all day? She’s used to being busy all the time.”

  “I dunno. Take in mending? Sew baby clothes?”

  Baby clothes. A family with Em. It was a nice dream, but for now, only a dream. “I can’t think about it until I can offer her more than simply being a lieutenant’s wife.”

  Tom scratched the back of his neck. “Well then, you’d better not let her get the wrong impression. She hasn’t had a beau before, so she might make more of your attention.”

  Had he been paying her the wrong kind of attention? He thought he’d been keeping his feelings inside. “I’ll do my best not to let her get hurt.”

  ~*~

  A horse came up the drive the next morning while Em was hauling water to the tomatoes. Rufus ran barking toward the sound. Em rounded the house to find Walt Dutton dismounting. Hadn’t he gone to fight with General Price’s men? A wave of clammy chills washed over her. Why was he here? “What can we do for you, Walt?”

  “I’m looking for Tom.”

  “He’s not here.”

  “He’s been gone awhile, and I ain’t seen him with the loyalists ‘round here. Where’s he gone?”

  “He’s gone to school in Chicago,” she said, giving the lie they’d agreed upon when he enlisted.

  “Chicago? What good is schoolin’ gonna do him here?”

  “I’ve got chores to finish, Walt. Was there something else you needed?”

  “I heard tell he’d joined up with the Federal Army,” Walt answered.

  Em folded her arms across her chest. “Who said that? They obviously were mistaken.”

  “It’s just talk around town. Heard the same about the Kellogg boy. Said his family wants to keep Missouri in the Union.” Walt spat in the dirt. “Folks ‘round here aren’t too happy with
people sidin’ against the Governor Jackson.”

  “With Tom in school, we obviously can’t fight for either side, so you might as well be on your way.”

  Rustling sounds came from the woods behind the house. Lord, please don’t let Tom come home now! She refused to turn and look. Rufus’s silence made her fear the worst.

  Walt’s expression didn’t change when he glanced that way.

  “Hello there,” Levi’s voice came from behind her.

  Em breathed a sigh of relief, her entire body sagging. “Levi, Walt is looking for Tom and he’s having trouble believing he’s gone to Chicago.”

  “If Tom were here, I wouldn’t have come to help out, would I, cousin?”

  She offered him a small smile for staying with her story. “That’s right.” Turning to Walt, she hoped she sounded dismissive. “You’ve wasted your time stopping by. I wouldn’t want to keep you any longer.”

  Walt pushed his hat back on his head, studying Levi. “Why haven’t you joined up with Price’s men, ‘cousin’?”

  “It’s not my argument to take sides in. I’m just here to make sure my family doesn’t lose their farm.” Levi’s fingers pressed into Em’s arm and he tugged gently. “We need to get back to work. Feel free to water your horse before you go,” he called to Walt as they walked away.

  Em took two steps to his one in order to keep up while he led her to the barn. If she didn’t know better, she’d think Levi was angry with her. It wouldn’t be the first time.

  Maggie sat in the cool space of a dark corner polishing the leather harnesses and reins. “I heard voices.”

  “Walt wants Tom to join the rebels,” Em explained.

  “What did you tell him? I hate to think what they’d do if they found out Tom’s in the Union army.”

  “I told him the usual story. He didn’t believe it.”

  Maggie spoke to Levi. “What do we do?”

  “We keep Tom hidden. He stayed in the woods when we heard Walt. He’ll come out when he thinks it’s safe.”

  “How long can we hide him?” Em asked. She began to realize how right Levi had been about the risks they took remaining on the farm. “How long before we can feel safe in our own home again?”

  He met her gaze, holding it for a long moment. “I don’t have an answer for that.”

  Em felt a deep connection with him in just that look. He didn’t offer her reassurance, but she trusted that he’d do everything he could to keep them safe. His eyes moved to indicate Maggie. Em looked for an excuse for them to leave. “Levi, can you help me in the springhouse? I need to make room for the jars of tomatoes we’ll can next week.”

  When they were a good distance from the farm, Levi asked, “How well do you know the Dutton boys?”

  “We grew up around them, but were never what I’d call friends.”

  “Is Walt likely to make trouble after seeing me here?”

  “There’s no telling what those men will do,” she said. “The fact they’re siding with the rebels says enough.”

  “Good point.” He opened the door to the springhouse and let Em enter.

  The interior wasn’t large, but the stone-front structure was built into a small rise, which kept the temperature cool in the summer. Sometimes she’d escape there in the heat of the day for relief from the unbearable sun. She upended an empty crate and sat, waiting for Levi to explain his need for privacy.

  “I’m going to say it again. I think you and your family should move north until it’s safe.”

  At first, she could only flap her jaw, words failing her. “I thought we were past this. You know my opinion on leaving the farm.”

  “What if the Dutton boys come back when Tom and I aren’t here?”

  “Then I can honestly say you aren’t here, and they’ll leave.”

  “General Lyon has cut off supplies south of Springfield. Price might order his men to raid the local farms. They could take your wagon and mule, along with the crops, your stores here.” He motioned to the wooden shelves lining the walls.

  “And a tornado could hit, destroying even the house and barn. We can’t run away from everything that might never happen.” She slumped, her shoulder dropping, uncaring how she looked. “I can’t keep fighting you like this. Please, can we stop? Not for the moment, but for good?”

  With the light from the open door, Em saw his features soften. He squatted at her feet, reaching for her hands, rubbing his thumbs gently over the backs of her fingers.

  “I’m sure you know this already, but I care about you, Em. You and your family. I can write my uncle in Iowa. He’ll help you find some land to start over, if you’d like, or just a place to stay until it’s safe.”

  “Is anywhere safe?” The warmth of his hands on hers gave her the courage to speak her mind more thoroughly. “I’ve heard about the battles in Virginia, South Carolina. General Lyon already declared war on Governor Jackson and the rebels here. The division between north and south is being clearly drawn. There’s no line across which the rebels won’t cross. Have you asked your family to go north?”

  He shook his head. “It’s different in the city. Well, somewhat different. The only civilians who’ve been killed up north were protesting. I have no fears about where my family lives, and their safety. I’m sure if I asked, they’d put you up for a time, if you’d prefer.”

  “Do you know what they’d assume if you asked that of them? Even bringing my family with me would lead to questions.”

  “You’re the family of my friend.”

  Disappointment hit her with those words. She hadn’t realized how much she’d really hoped his concern meant something more. He was the most confusing man she’d ever known.

  He squeezed her fingers. “Once Tom and I return to our company, we won’t be able to get word to you.”

  “We’re used to acting quickly when the winds pick up or we see the clouds turn green on the horizon. If we hear guns or cannons, Maggie and I can get everyone into the basement.”

  Levi held her gaze, only the sound of his breaths filling the room. He wavered in his squat, either losing his balance or leaning toward her with a purpose, then caught himself. He lifted her hands to his face, kissing her fingers before rising. “Well, where did we need to make room in here?”

  ~*~

  August 9, 1861

  By the end of the week, there was still no sign of the rebels returning north. Luckily, neither of the Dutton boys had come to the farm looking for trouble. Levi and Tom left early in the morning to scout toward the southwest.

  Tom shifted his rifle to his other hand and kicked at a beetle crossing the dirt road. “I talked to Em this morning. I probably shouldn’t say anything to you, being my lieutenant, but I considered not returning to Springfield.”

  “Since you know the penalty for desertion, and you’re talking about it, I’m going to assume you came to your senses.” Or his sister had convinced him how unwise it was.

  “I guess I was never serious about it, but seeing Walt Dutton here made me realize the situation I put my family in.”

  Halting a moment at the crack of a twig from their right, Levi waved for Tom to do the same. He held a finger to his lips and, crouching low, stepped carefully toward the sound. Ducking behind a wild rose, he waited.

  A man appeared from behind a tree carrying a small trap in his hand. He walked in the opposite direction, and Levi noted the rifle strapped to his back, and a dead rabbit in his hand. He wasn’t in uniform, but something about him brought up the hairs on the back of Levi’s neck.

  As the stranger disappeared into the woods, Levi motioned to Tom to follow. They stalked after the man as quietly as possible. When the underbrush began to thin, exposing them more easily to anyone looking, they stopped and listened.

  After about fifteen minutes of hearing nothing, Levi moved forward, staying in the shelter of the woods. Three tents stood below the crest of a hill, and several men sat nearby. The trapper held up his kill as he neared them.

&nb
sp; They were too far to hear voices, but Levi could see one wore the gray of the Confederate Army.

  “They’ve come,” he said softly.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “Do you think they’re alone?” Tom whispered.

  “We’d be able to see more tents if the others camped here, but we can safely assume there are other rebels nearby. Or on their way. We need to get word to Springfield.”

  Tom nodded.

  “Where are we? What’s this area called?”

  “Oak Hill,” Tom answered.

  “You go straight to camp and tell Major Clanton they’ve reached Oak Hill. I’ll gather our gear from the farm and follow behind.”

  “Yes, sir. Tell my family goodbye for me, please.”

  “Of course.” Levi had a momentary flash of guilt at the thought he was keeping Tom from his family, but the need to see Em one last time before they went into battle was greater than his guilt.

  She was leading the cows in from the pasture when Levi reached the farm. “You’re home in time for supper,” she called out.

  “I can’t stay,” he replied when he drew near.

  Her face grew pale. “Where’s Tom?”

  “He’s gone to Springfield. We spotted some Confederate men camped near Oak Hill. I need to pack our belongings and report to the major.”

  “So close. Will you attack them there?”

  “I pray they don’t move any closer before Clanton can gather the troops. I don’t know if General Lyon and his army have arrived in Springfield yet. My hope is that we can march immediately.”

  Em’s eyes began to well. “I’ll go pack Tom’s gear.” She turned and hurried to the house.

  ~*~

  Ma looked up from kneading dough when Em rushed inside the house. “You’re running like hornets are after you.”

  “No. Tom and Lieutenant Lucas are returning to Springfield. I’m to collect what Tom needs for the lieutenant to take to Tom.” Em hurried into the boys’ room.