Matthew smiled and picked up her bag. “Let’s hope it’s nothing a good night’s rest won’t cure.”
The next morning dawned cold and dreary as a November rain beat steadily against Leah’s window. After a quick breakfast in the hotel’s dining room, Leah and Matthew hired a carriage to take them to Seminary Hospital. The three-story red-brick building had black shutters and dormer windows peeking out from its steep roof. Such a large building could hold hundreds of sick and injured soldiers.
Matthew opened the door, and Leah passed through. Blue-uniformed men lounged on the first floor, and although some were missing limbs, others seemed healthy. They were all young, some with scraggly beards and others clean shaven, but hunger shadowed each of them. Whether they craved food, home, or simply something to do wasn’t clear to Leah, but she easily recognized the look of yearning that hovered around their eyes.
Matthew approached the nearest soldier, a blond-haired boy who was unsuccessfully trying to grow a beard. “Good morning.”
“Morning,” the soldier replied.
“Who’s in charge of the patients?”
It seemed like an innocent question, but a low sardonic chuckle passed among the soldiers. “Don’t know that anyone’s in charge,” the blond boy replied, “but the devil himself has hold of most of us.”
Leah gasped at the boy’s bold irreverence, but his compatriots only laughed louder.
Matthew didn’t appear to be fazed. “We’re here to see my cousin’s husband, Captain Caleb Whitaker of Indiana. Is there someone we should check with?”
An older soldier with an empty right sleeve spoke up. “Go up to the third floor and turn left. That’s where they keep the officers.”
“Thank thee.” Matthew took Leah’s arm and escorted her toward the staircase.
On the second floor, Leah passed through an open doorway. On either side of her, rows of cots stretched from one end of the room to the other, each cot occupied by a wounded man. Uniformed men and white-aproned nurses moved among the cots, seeing to the men’s needs. Without warning, the vilest odor she’d ever experienced took Leah’s breath. Mingled scents of unwashed bodies, unemptied bedpans, and putrefying flesh made her long to throw open the nearest window. Surely the patients would appreciate the fresh air, even if it did come with a dose of chilly rain.
A young man carrying linen stopped long enough to address Matthew. “Good morning, Friend. May I help thee?”
Leah relaxed upon hearing the familiar salutation. It was easy to identify a member of the Society of Friends. Their plain dress and speech singled them out.
“Thee is a Friend?” Matthew asked.
“I am Joshua Anderson from Salem Meeting, in Ohio. And thee?”
“Matthew Wall. We’re from Newport, in Eastern Indiana. Allow me to introduce my cousin, Leah Whitaker.”
Leah nodded to the young man. “Does thee work here? Is thee in the army?”
“I serve as an orderly here. I wanted to do something but couldn’t bring myself to join a fighting unit. What brings thee to Seminary Hospital?”
“I’m looking for my husband, Captain Caleb Whitaker. He may be with the soldiers from Indiana.”
“I know Captain Whitaker. This way.” Joshua pointed to the right.
Matthew and Leah trailed him through the maze of cots. The men’s pale faces drew Leah’s attention. Some wore stained bandages in need of changing; others moaned in obvious pain. What could she do to help the injured? What comfort could she provide?
None. The soldiers’ wounds were more than her box of medicinals could treat, and although she longed to clean the hospital from top to bottom, it was clear the need was greater than any one woman could fulfill.
The orderly stopped in front of a cot near the window. “Here’s Captain Whitaker. I didn’t know he was a Friend.”
“He’s not,” Matthew said.
Leah stood at the cot’s foot and stared at the sleeping man. The orderly had made a mistake. The gaunt man had a full beard. His skin had a yellowish tinge, and his hair was gray at the temples. “This isn’t my husband.”
Joshua picked up the card tied to the cot’s leg. “Captain Caleb Whitaker, First Indiana Cavalry.”
Leah shook her head in disbelief. Perhaps the soldier had the same name as her husband, but he wasn’t her husband.
“Well there’s one way to find out for sure,” Joshua said. “Let’s wake him up.”
Leah started to object, but the orderly was too quick. “Captain Whitaker?” He shook the soldier’s upper arm. “Captain Whitaker, you’ve got guests.”
The soldier opened his eyes slowly. “Water, please,” he said softly.
Joshua filled a tin cup from a nearby bucket and helped the soldier drink deeply.
“Thank you.” He passed a hand over his face and squinted at Matthew. “Matthew Wall, as I live and breathe. Is that really you?”
Leah gasped. It was Caleb.
Matthew squatted next to the cot and took Caleb’s hand. “It’s good to see thee, but I’m sorry to find thee like this. What happened?”
Before Caleb could answer, the orderly interrupted. “I need to get this linen to Ward B, but if thee needs anything more, just say the word, and I’ll do my best to help.”
“Thank thee for thy help,” Matthew replied. The orderly nodded and left. Matthew repeated his question to Caleb. “What happened to thee?”
A long sigh escaped Caleb’s lips. “A Confederate minié ball, that’s what happened. Hit me right here.” Caleb touched his left rib. “The doctor said it most likely took out a piece of my liver before it went out my back.”
Matthew whistled softly. “Thee is lucky to still be breathing. Where did thee see action?”
“Missouri. I was wounded at Fredericktown, trying to capture a twelve pounder. We lost only seven men, but many more were wounded. You wouldn’t believe the number of prisoners we took. At least eighty, if not more. But enough talk of battles. Why are you here?”
“To escort Leah, of course.”
Matthew stood, and Caleb looked at Leah for the first time.
“Leah?”
She opened her mouth to answer him, but no sound escaped her lips. Where was her voice when she needed it? She remembered her wedding day, how he’d poured her a glass of water and gone down on one knee to offer it to her. Had that really been only ten weeks ago? Leah cleared her throat, struggling to make her voice heard. “Yes, Caleb. Matthew escorted me here so that I may take care of thee.”
As though he couldn’t believe his eyes or his ears, Caleb repeated her name. “Leah.” He rubbed his eyes then returned his attention to Matthew. “Can you get me out of this place?”
“Is it safe for thee to leave?” Matthew asked. “If thee hasn’t recovered from thy wounds, surely the hospital is the best place for thee.”
“Lying in this cot hour after hour, day after day, with nothing to do except remember the battle and wish for home? I’ll never recover here. The nurses have their hands full with men in worse shape than I. All I need is some fresh air, good food, and to get away from this pestilence.”
Leah couldn’t argue with that opinion. From what she’d seen, the hospital offered little in the way of healing. “Matthew and I have rooms in the Willard Hotel. Perhaps thee would like to go there until thee feels ready to make the journey to Newport.”
“It was a difficult trip,” Matthew said. “The railroad companies may boast of the speed of train travel, but they’re mute on the subject of comfort. Poor Leah had the worst of it. There are scarce facilities for ladies, and we spent one night in an unheated, dark car waiting for a locomotive to take us into Washington.”
Caleb looked at Leah again. “It was good of you to come. The hotel is a fine suggestion. If Matthew will help me dress and gather my things, I’ll be ready to leave.” Caleb rubbed his bearded cheek. “And I’d love a shave, if Matthew will help me hold a razor.”
Matthew smiled. “I’ve never barbered another man,
but I’ll do my best to not cut thy throat.”
Both men looked at Leah. Her gaze traveled from her cousin to her husband and back again. What were they trying to tell her? “What is it?”
“Well Leah,” Matthew answered, “thee might want to return to the hotel and wait for us there.”
“Why?” she asked.
Matthew grinned at Caleb. Caleb returned the smile. It was obvious Leah didn’t understand their unspoken message, but what were they trying to say?
“Privacy, Leah,” Matthew explained. “Thee is not a nurse, and what we need to do is best done without thy watchful eyes.”
“Oh!” Leah felt the warmth in her face and knew she was blushing. She started to remind her cousin she was Caleb’s wife then thought better of it. Caleb would be more comfortable without her, and he was the one she’d come to care for. “I’ll find the orderly and tell him thee is leaving.”
“Good,” Caleb said.
“And I’ll wait for thee at the hotel.”
“Good,” Matthew repeated.
Since it was obvious neither man wanted her there, and feeling very much like the runt in a litter of piglets, she turned and marched out of the hospital.
“We’ve got a problem.”
Leah stood in the hallway outside her hotel room and looked at her cousin. “Is something wrong with Caleb?”
“He will never make it up the stairs. He nearly passed out walking from the carriage. Six flights of steps will kill him.”
“Where is he now?”
“In the lobby. I told him I’d fetch thee, and we’d all have dinner in the hotel’s dining room. But Leah, he’s much sicker than he led us to believe.”
“I’ll go downstairs and meet him. Will thee explain the problem to the desk clerk? Perhaps something can be done for Caleb. All he needs is a quiet room with a bed.”
“Of course.”
Leah retrieved her reticule and hurried down the stairs. She found Caleb leaning against a wall near the back of the crowded lobby. His eyes were closed, as though he tried to conserve every ounce of unnecessary energy, and his uniform so loose he looked like a well-dressed scarecrow. Without the beard, she could see clearly the hollows of his cheeks and the dark circles under his eyes. God only knew what illnesses circulated within his emaciated body, but with the Lord’s help, Leah would make her husband well again.
She scanned the lobby for an empty seat where he could rest, but blue-coated officers occupied each couch and chair. Couldn’t they see their comrade in arms needed help? She moved to a couch where two men lounged while smoking their cigars. “Excuse me, sirs.”
The two officers stood and smiled at her. “Well what do we have here?” the taller man said. “A little Quaker dove in the midst of war hawks?”
The shorter man chuckled at his friend’s joke. “What can we do for you, ma’am?”
“My husband is recovering from injuries he received at the Battle of Fredericktown.” Leah gestured to Caleb. “Would thee be kind enough to allow him to rest on this couch while his room is being readied?”
The two men studied Caleb then looked back at Leah. “I see he’s with the First Cavalry of Indiana,” the taller one said. “First time I’ve heard of a Quaker captain.”
Leah didn’t want to waste time explaining the circumstances. “As soon as I settle my husband into a room, I will return the couch to thee. However, I can’t say how long that may take.”
The shorter man moved away from the couch. “Of course you may have our seats, little Quaker. Despite what the Rebs say about us, chivalry is alive and well among the Union officer corps.”
The two men laughed and moved away. Leah returned to Caleb and touched his shoulder. “Caleb?”
His eyes flew open, and he straightened. “Yes, Leah?”
“Come and sit down.” She gestured to the empty couch. “Matthew will be with us soon.”
Caleb offered his arm, and she placed her hand on it. But a few steps later, it was clear Caleb needed her assistance more than she needed his. She slid her arm under his shoulder and across his back in order to bear his weight. He collapsed onto the couch.
“Thank you,” he said.
“I’m not sure thee should have left the hospital.”
“The place was driving me mad. So many men were in worse condition than I, it was difficult to get care. The doctor said there was nothing they could do for me that couldn’t be done by my own family. But I never expected to see you.”
“Who did thee expect would come?”
“Rose or perhaps my brother.”
“Thee has a brother?”
“Yes. He lives in Randolph County. Didn’t Rose tell you?”
There was so much about her husband she didn’t know, but before she could ask any questions, Matthew joined them. “Good news. There’s a large suite on the second floor that’s come available.” Matthew held up a key. “Shall we go?”
Leah bent to help Caleb.
“I don’t need any help,” he said, pushing her arms away.
But it was clear he did need help. He moved to the couch’s edge and tried to lever himself up with his arms, but he was too weak to do such a mundane task. Caleb’s gaze met Leah’s.
He didn’t want her help. He didn’t want her at all.
She walked away from the couch and turned her back. She could hear Caleb’s labored breathing and the grunts of effort that standing and walking cost both Caleb and Matthew.
After several long minutes, Caleb was at her side. “Why don’t you go into the dining room and arrange a lunch to be delivered to our suite?”
“They do that?” She immediately regretted her words. Caleb would probably find her ignorance of such things laughable.
“Yes,” he replied. “Especially if one is paying for a suite. I assume Rose sent some cash with you?”
Leah nodded.
“Good. Order whatever you’d like.”
Leah turned and walked toward the dining room. How she’d like to be back in Newport at this moment, tending her bees. Alone.
Chapter 7
The suite was much too elegant for Leah’s comfort. Yards of brocade covered the windows, and plush carpet softened her footsteps. An upholstered settee and chairs furnished the sitting room, and the two bedrooms on either side had spacious beds dressed with linen sheets and silk coverings.
Matthew disappeared after lunch, saying he wanted to see the sights of Washington, leaving Leah alone with Caleb.
Her husband sat by the window looking out at the rain, his head resting on his hand. Leah searched Caleb’s face for signs of discomfort but found only fatigue. “Would thee like to lie down?”
“I’m tired of beds and sickness. If the weather were better, we’d go for a ride in the country. Fresh air and sunshine would do me good.”
He could barely sit erect. How did he think he could manage a ride in the country? “The kitchen staff gave me radish leaves. The juice, mixed with honey, will be good for thy liver.” Leah dipped a large spoon into the pitcher of mixture and held it to Caleb’s mouth.
He frowned suspiciously at the spoon. “How do you know I suffer from problems of the liver?”
“The whites of thine eyes are yellow as well as thy skin. And thee told Matthew the shot damaged thy liver. I can also see thee has a fever. I don’t have to be a physician to diagnose what is so plainly evident.”
“You and your box of medicinals. Do you think honey will cure everything?”
“Not everything, but neither will it hurt. Now, will thee take the medicine, or will thee continue to scowl like a four-year-old?”
Caleb’s eyebrows shot up in obvious surprise at her forceful tone. Leah grinned at him. Despite the times her voice had refused to show itself, and despite her husband’s poor condition, her position as wife and caregiver empowered her. She knew what to do for him, and she intended to do it. Caleb opened his mouth, and Leah slipped the spoon between his teeth. “Four times a day, I think. Until thy skin an
d eyes return to their normal color.”
“At least the honey masks the taste.” Caleb shifted in his chair so that he faced the sitting room rather than the window. “Tell me about my family.”
“Everyone is well,” Leah answered, lowering herself onto the settee. “Stephen spends every day with his colt and is learning his letters. Olivia does well in school and has begun to accept me. Rose is healthy. Joseph intends to marry and bring his wife to live on the farm.”
Caleb stared at her for a few moments, as though disbelieving so much could have happened in the short time he’d been gone. “I believe you are leaving out a lot of details. Who is teaching Stephen?”
“I am,” she said.
“I wondered if you could read and write.”
“Of course I can. We Friends believe strongly in education. Why did thee doubt my ability to read and write?”
“Because you never wrote to me. I assume you received my letter.”
The letter. The one that said so little. “Yes.”
“You had no interest in writing me?”
Leah shrugged one shoulder. “I didn’t know what to write.”
Caleb watched her as though she would suddenly erupt with all the unspoken feelings she’d been guarding. But Leah wasn’t about to tell him how disappointed she’d been with his curt message.
Caleb cleared his throat. “I don’t believe Olivia simply woke up one morning and decided to start calling you mother. Did she give you any problems?”
Leah turned her head. Olivia would consider it a breach of trust if Leah told Caleb about the beehives. “She took it very hard when thee left. Olivia wants to please thee. She wants to earn thy esteem and be treated with respect, but thee thinks of her as a little girl.”
“She is a little girl.”
“She is a young woman.”
Caleb’s dark brows drew together. “You’re dodging the question. Did she give you any problems?”
She should tell her husband the truth, but how could she do that and keep Olivia’s trust? “Does thee remember when I told thee God would open a way?”
Where the Heart Is Romance Collection Page 33
