Although the rest of the day was a series of motions, Sophie faked her way through it and fell into bed, hoping the next few days, weeks, months, might bring answers.
* * *
The next morning, Sophie stepped off the bottom stair and almost ran into the doctor.
“Just the lady I needed to see.”
Sophie smiled. “Good morning, Michael.”
“May I have a word?”
“Of course.” Following him down the hall toward his office, Sophie’s heart began to beat a little faster. She felt as though she was being called to the principal’s office.
“Please, have a seat.”
Michael waited for Sophie to sit down and then sat in the chair behind his large, walnut desk. He sat back and pinched the bridge of his nose. Sophie squirmed in her seat, growing more and more uncomfortable.
“Christine explained to me that you were insistent on a young soldier’s care.”
Sophie nodded. “I was. I’m sorry, Michael if I overstepped my bounds.”
He held his hand up. “You didn’t.” He took a deep breath. “What I am unclear on, is if you know who he is?”
“No. None of us do. He hasn’t spoken.”
“He’s my nephew.”
Sophie’s head whipped up. “What?”
Michael nodded stiltedly as he dragged his hands down his face. “My youngest brother’s boy. He’s sixteen years old.”
“Sixteen?” Sophie stood. “How the heck did he get into the army?”
Chuckling sardonically, Michael slapped his hand on his knee. “He lied about his age, I would imagine.”
Sophie started to pace. “Wouldn’t he need paperwork for that?”
“I imagine it wouldn’t be difficult to forge.”
“Oh, Michael. I’m so sorry. What did his parents say?”
“My brother, Robert, has been at war for over a year now. He probably doesn’t know. My sister-in-law, however, sent me a missive several months ago. Topper disappeared with his older brother, Tracker, and she asked me to use my influence to find them. I have been unsuccessful.” Michael leaned forward. “Until now, of course.”
“Topper?”
Michael chuckled. “When Christopher was born, Travis was two and could not say Christopher. He was forever Topper after that.”
Sophie smiled. “Where do they live?”
“New York. I made some enquiries, and a Christopher Wade is listed as Private, 2nd Regiment, NY Vet Cavalry Company A. He is listed as eighteen years old.”
“What about Tracker?” Sophie chewed her thumbnail.
Michael took a deep breath. “A Travis Wade, also Private, is listed as deceased.”
“Michael,” she whispered. “I am so sorry.”
He turned wide eyes to her. “How did you know, Sophie?”
Shaking her head, she rubbed her temples. “I can’t answer that, Michael. There was just something that drew me to him. Maybe because Richard thought he was Jamie. I just felt he should be tended to.”
“Well, young lady, if it weren’t for you, he’d have been lost.”
“How did you know who he was? He was so beat up. Did he have dog—I mean, information disks?”
“No. I knew him as soon as I saw him. Nona and I visited with the family not so long ago, and he and I were able to get to know one another. He is the spitting image of his father, and he also has a mark on his shoulder that helped to identify him.”
“So, what now?”
“Well, he’s going to come home. Here, rather. I have sent a wire to Sarah, and I would imagine she’ll arrive in the next few weeks, but I’m going to suggest he stay with us.”
“Will she be all right with that?”
Michael chuckled. “We’ll find out, won’t we?”
Sophie sat down again.
“I’m going to visit with him today. I was hoping you might join me.”
Sophie raised an eyebrow. “Me? Why?”
“I understand you have a lovely singing voice.”
Sophie blushed crimson. “Christine likes to exaggerate.”
“It wasn’t Christine who told me. The hospital is abuzz with stories of the lady who calmed him with a song.”
Sophie waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, please.”
“Will you join me?”
“Well, of course. I’m not sure how much help I’ll be, but I’m happy to try.”
Michael smiled. “Excellent. I’d like to leave just after lunch.”
Sophie stood and left his office. Wandering the halls of the house, she pondered the young man, and what kind of event would have made him leave his home at such a young age. Without answers readily available, she decided to visit Samson. He might not be able to talk to her, but he certainly made her feel welcome.
Approaching the stables, she waved to a few of the soldiers she’d gotten to know over the past few months and then made her way into the darkness of the barn. She let out a whistle and smiled when Samson’s trumpet of welcome came and then the familiar sight of him poking his head out of his stall. Sophie grabbed a brush and let herself into his stall. “Hello, boy. You are a sight for sore eyes this morning.”
Michael found her in Samson’s stall over an hour later and let her know lunch was ready. With a final pat, she bolted Samson in and followed Michael back to the house. They grabbed a quick bite and then took off for the hospital.
They pulled up to the front of the hospital, and Michael lifted Sophie down from his buggy. He followed her inside and they were met by Stephen. “Michael. He is awake and agitated.”
“Is he lucid?”
Stephen nodded. “Yes, as you requested, we’ve given him nothing for the pain.”
“Thank you.” Michael turned to face Sophie. “Follow me, please.”
They walked down the wide aisle toward the cot that held Michael’s nephew. He wasn’t hard to find, as he was the one yelling obscenities at “the bastards who took my hand.” Sophie couldn’t quite comprehend Michael’s calm. She didn’t know the young man, and her heart broke for him, tears already forcing to spill from her eyes.
One of the nurses tried her best to hold him still, but he fought her, and managed to clock her in the face with his stump. He screamed in agony, and Michael and Stephen rushed to assist. Sophie followed close behind.
“Topper.” Michael grasped the boy’s shoulders. “Calm down.”
Sophie checked on the nurse, relieved to see she was fine, and then made her way to Topper’s cot. He continued to resist Michael so Stephen lent a hand—and brute strength.
“We could give him laudanum.”
“No!” Topper bellowed.
“Topper, listen to me. Listen to my voice. You are safe here.” Michael sat next to him.
Sophie watched him calm, and then his eyes opened, sudden recognition flashing across his face. “Uncle?”
“Yes, Topper, it’s me. You are safe here.”
Topper broke down, and Sophie watched Michael pull him into his embrace. The soldier, now reduced to a frightened little boy, took comfort in the arms of the large man.
“All is well, Topper. You’ll stay with us, and Nona will take good care of you.”
“Not safe, uncle.”
“What’s not safe?”
Pushing away from Michael, Topper wiped his face with his hand and took a deep breath. “This…” he held up his stump, “did not happen on the battlefield.”
Sophie gasped and drew the attention of the young man. Michael turned and motioned her forward. “Topper, this is Mrs. Ford. She found you.”
“Well, I didn’t find you so much as I was brought to you.” Sophie smiled.
“Sophie understates her involvement. She is the reason your care has been so thorough.”
Topper nodded, his face still racked with fear. Michael stood and checked his pocket watch. “I’ll discuss your current status with Dr. Paxton and then we’ll take you home.”
“No! Uncle, you can’t.”
�
�Topper, whatever it is that you think is so dangerous is no longer a threat. You’ll be safe at our home.”
Michael walked away, leaving Sophie standing by the cot. She watched as Topper dragged a shaky hand through his hair. She pulled a chair up beside the bed and sat facing him. “Michael’s right, Topper. You’re safe now.”
“You don’t know anything,” he snapped.
Sophie clasped her hands together in her lap. “Probably true.” She smiled. “But it seems as though your uncle is determined, and I don’t think you have much of a choice.”
He let out an expletive.
“Son, if you use that language in front of a lady again, I’ll take you to task.”
Sophie turned to see Michael had returned, a look of irritation on his face.
“Sorry, Uncle.” Topper then turned to Sophie. “Ma’am.”
“We’re ready to go.” Michael’s expression softened, but his warning still hung in the air. “The nurses are gathering the items you came in with, and we’ll continue your care at home.”
Topper scowled but didn’t comment as he pushed himself off the cot. Unsteady, he reached for the wall, forgetting about his injury but Sophie grabbed his bicep before he could hurt himself. She saw embarrassment register in his expression, so she quickly said, “Oh, Topper, I’m sorry. I lost my balance there for a second. I appreciate your assistance.”
His eyes widened in surprise, but he nodded and didn’t pull away as she slipped her hand in the crook of his arm. “Can you walk?” she whispered.
“Of course I can walk. I’m not an invalid.”
“Right. Of course not.”
Sophie led Topper down the aisle, all the while assisting without looking as though she were assisting. They met Michael at the entrance and then they made their way out to the buggy. Michael waited for Topper to pull himself inside before taking Sophie’s hand. She climbed in beside him and tried to give him an encouraging smile. It didn’t seem to work.
* * *
February and March passed without much progress. Sophie spent as much time as she could with Topper but without answers as to who the threat was. He never said the name of the man who had caused him so much fear, he woke up screaming in the middle of the night. He refused to speak about his injuries and how he got them, and Sophie did her best not to push.
* * *
“Eyes open, men,” James yelled. He glanced to his right at Sergeant Mitch West. Mitch had rapidly become a confidant and ally. “You, too.”
Mitch chuckled and gave him a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”
Brigadier General William W. Averell, mounted to his left, moved forward and James followed. It was the third attempt to cross the Rappahannock, but trees and a unit of Confederate sharpshooters stood in their way.
“I’ll take twenty.” Major Samuel E. Chamberlain moved out in front him and broke away with the closest group of men.
James and Mitch pulled their horses back and sat with Averell while Chamberlain advanced toward the river. James pushed his hat back for a better view. “He’ll never make it.”
How do I know that?
Averell crossed his arms over the pommel of his saddle and leaned forward slightly. “You never know.”
As James watched the major lead the group, he reflected on the last two months and his unusual journey to his current location in Kelly’s Ford, Virginia. He’d spent another week with the Powell’s and then out of nowhere, a group of cavalry officers had passed through and allowed him to ride with them until he could meet up with his own.
Of course, he never would.
In February he’d pulled Mitch out of a sticky situation with a married woman, and ever since then they’d been partners. Mitch knew about his memory loss and covered with the higher ups to keep him in their unit.
Heavy fire brought his focus back to the present. James followed Mitch into cover and then he didn’t have much time to think. A shot rang out and Chamberlain was thrown from his horse.
“Let’s go, men!” Averell yelled.
“Is he out of his mind?” James groaned as Averell started to cross the river.
Mitch dug his heels into his horse. “Come on.”
They followed Averell, the water running a little faster than James liked. In the end, it took over two hours to cross. Mitch let out a holler as the last man made it to shore and James mirrored his relief—internally.
“Just think, Jimmy, my man. We’ll be in Harrisburg before you know it. I heard there’s pretty ladies and the best horses in the nation, all within ten miles of one another.”
James laughed and shook his head. “Are you sure they’re not saying that the horses are the pretty ladies?”
Mitch swore with a frown. “What do you take me for, Jimmy?”
James shrugged. “I’m just sayin’ I’m not sure which one you’re more excited about mounting first.”
Mitch managed to catch James over the head with his crop. James laughed louder.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Richard didn’t return to Harrisburg until the beginning of April. The flowers, sprouting out of the earth as the snow melted, reached for the sun that shone a little longer, indicating the beginning of spring. Although the days were still quite cool, the absence of subzero temperatures seemed to put a skip in everyone’s step. Everyone but Sophie, who still hadn’t found anything to indicate how to get home.
On an unusually warm morning, Sophie made her way out to the stables to visit the horses, as she did as often as she could before starting her day. Her heart swelled as she called Samson’s name and he whinnied for her. As she stood outside Samson’s stall, she heard her name, and turned to see Richard walking towards her.
Sophie smiled. “Mr. Madden, you’re home.”
“Yes, ma’am, I am.” He smiled as he strode over to her, took her hand, and placed a kiss gently on her fingers.
Pulling her hand away from him, she slid it behind her back. “How was your trip?”
“It went very well, thank you. How have things been here? Have you been surviving?”
Sophie laughed. “Yes. I started volunteering at the hospital. It helps the days go by quicker. You must come up to the house. The Wades will be thrilled you’re home.”
“I actually have several things to do before I settle back in. I thought I might visit later today once everything is completed. Would you please let the Wades know that I’ll come by at six o’clock?”
Sophie chuckled. “Dinner time. Convenient.”
Richard grinned. “I thought so.”
He appeared reluctant to leave her, and once again, Sophie felt off kilter. “I should get back to the house. Christine will be by shortly to take me to the hospital.”
“I look forward to dinner.”
“I’ll see you later.” Sophie made her way back to the house.
Christine pulled up in her little carriage as Sophie stepped onto the front porch, so the girls let Nona know about Richard and then rushed off to the hospital.
Sophie was glad the day passed quickly.
Word got around that Richard was home, so the entire Simmonds family, sans children, planned to converge on the Wades for dinner.
Elizabeth arrived just after five o’clock, followed closely by Christine and Miriam. Adam and Andrew were detained with some import issues, so were going to be a bit late. The girls were having wine in the parlor when the butler showed Richard in.
“Good evening, ladies. Am I the first to arrive?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, you are,” Christine said. “May we offer you a drink?”
“Yes, that would be nice, thank you.” He made his way to Sophie and drew her hands to his lips. As he leaned closer, Sophie noticed the smell of alcohol again, and pulled her hands behind her back, shying away from the smell, relieved when Adam and Andrew arrived a few minutes after six and they were shown into the dining room. The table was alive with animated conversation. The hot topic, of course, was Richard’s meeting with the President.
“Richard, we’re all dying to know. What’s the news from Washington?” Michael asked.
“Yes, Richard. Do tell.” Adam’s sarcastically laced comment drew a smirk from Andrew.
“Lincoln has his eye on a First Lieutenant, James Emerson, who’s under Grant’s leadership. Despite being wounded a few months ago, the man has shown himself to be not only a great leader of men but exceptional at strategic fighting. Lincoln has ordered that he and a few of his men make their way here. They will arrive tomorrow. Lincoln believes that he and I can partner to train more men. I’ll concentrate on the horses and Lieutenant Emerson will focus on the men.”
“So, what does that mean for you? No more front lines?” Andrew sipped his whiskey.
“For the time being, I’m home, with no orders to do anything differently at present.” Richard stared at Sophie.
“That must be a relief.” She gave him an awkward smile.
“Yes, I have to admit, it is.”
Everyone was in great spirits and once dinner was over, the women retired to the parlor while the men went to the library.
The moment the girls walked into the room, the ladies begged Christine to play for them. She chuckled and sat down at the piano, insisting Sophie sing with her. It took Sophie a little longer to acquiesce. She should have known it was futile to try to bow out of it.
Christine started a tune that Sophie was familiar with so she sang along. Finishing the song, Sophie turned to see Adam leading the men back into the parlor, clapping as they entered the room.
“Sophie, that was astounding,” Richard said.
Sophie blushed. “Thank you.”
“Where did you learn to sing like that?” Christine asked.
Sophie shrugged. “I guess I have always sung. I never really thought about it.”
“Well, you and Christine will need to play again!” Elizabeth said.
“Yes, I agree.” Richard smiled.
“Thank you, that’s very nice.” Sophie lowered her head.
The evening wrapped up shortly after the impromptu performance by Sophie and Christine. As everyone made their good-byes, Richard hung back. Once the rest of the guests left, he insisted Sophie join him on the porch. “Sophie, you have a wonderful voice.”
The Bride Price Page 11
