Waiting for His Return

by Carrie Turansky

  “Upstairs packing. I knew you’d want time to say good-bye.”

  “Thank you.” She squeezed Susan’s hand. They might clash over silly things, but in a crisis their loyalty ran deep.

  Rachel hurried to James’s room. Through the open doorway, she saw him by the bed, placing his drawing book in the saddlebag.

  He looked up. His gaze locked with Rachel’s. Then he clamped his jaw and continued packing.

  “May I come in?”

  “Yes, of course.” He spoke without looking at her.

  “You’re leaving?”

  “Yes, I’m meeting Thomas in town.”

  “What will you do then?” She crossed the room to stand beside him.

  “We’re headed to Franklin. The Confederates are gathering south of there. We believe they hope to take Franklin, then push north toward Nashville.”

  Goosebumps raced up her arms. “Franklin is only fourteen miles from here.”

  He looked up, apprehension flickering in his eyes. “I didn’t realize it was so close.” Frowning, he paced to the window and looked out. “Does your father have a plan to move you to safety if the battle comes this way?”

  Rachel shook her head. “Father won’t leave Springside unless troops march across the pasture. Even then he’d probably stay to care for the wounded rather than flee.”

  “Perhaps you and your sister should go to Bowling Green with your aunt and uncle . . . and Daniel.”

  Questions swirled through Rachel’s mind as she lifted her hand to her forehead. Was the battle finally coming to their doorstep? Were they truly in danger? Should she leave Springside?

  James moved to her side and took her hand. “I’ll speak to your father about taking you north, at least until things settle down. You should be safe there.”

  All the hair-raising stories James had told them about rushing to the front lines to capture the action for his drawings flooded her mind and sent a terrifying jolt through her. “How will you stay safe?”

  “I’ll be fine. Nothing’s going to happen to me.”

  She pulled her hand away. “Is that what you said before you were captured at Cold Harbor?”

  “Rachel, please, let’s not quarrel.”

  “How can we avoid it when you have so little regard for your safety?”

  “That’s not true. I take every possible precaution.”

  “But you admitted the risks you took led to your capture. You could’ve remained in a safer position, but you stayed to finish that final sketch, and that’s when you were taken.”

  “Yes, but that was before I spent three months in a Confederate prison.” His expression softened. “And before I met you.” He took her hand again and looked in her eyes. “Rachel, I promise I’ll be careful. But I have to go. Please try to understand.”

  She waited, hoping he would promise to speak to her father about his feelings for her. But he only searched her face once more, then released her hand.

  “How will you get to Nashville?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

  He placed a shirt in the saddlebag. “Perhaps your uncle will allow his driver to take me in his carriage.”

  “I want you to take Lady.”

  He frowned. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “I suppose that would work. Amos could ride Ranger and bring Lady back after I get to the hotel.”

  She lifted her chin. “No, I want you to keep her.”

  His expression softened. “Oh, Rachel, I know how much Lady means to you. I can’t take her.”

  “Just keep her until you buy another horse. Then you can return her to me.” Hopefully Lady would carry James out of danger and bring him safely back to her.

  James nodded, his eyes shining. “Thank you. I’ll take good care of her.”

  “I know you will.” She sent him a tremulous smile. “Please, take care of yourself.”

  “I will.” Then he leaned down and placed a feather-light kiss on her cheek. “I’ll write. I promise”

  Rachel’s spirit lifted, and her heart took flight. Surely that kiss and promise to write meant James cared for her. He would return, not just to bring Lady home, but to see her again.

  Chapter Ten

  James’s back ached as he hovered over the desk in his hotel room in Nashville, finishing the drawing depicting the Battle of Franklin. He yawned and rubbed his eyes, trying to wipe away the gritty feeling.

  For the past seven days, Thomas and he had traveled with the Union troops as they took their stand at Franklin and held back the surging Confederates. But there had been devastating losses on both sides. General Hood and his Confederate soldiers weren’t giving up. Troop movements seemed to indicate they were regrouping, and this time Nashville could be the target.

  James dipped his brush in the china-white paint and stroked highlights on the clouds over the sketch of the battlefield scene. He needed to finish his drawings tonight. First thing tomorrow they would be sent to New York by special courier along with Thomas’s article. Hopefully they would convey the bravery of the troops and stir up prayer and support for the dire situation in Tennessee.

  But what would happen in the week before the story and drawings were published? Would Nashville be able to defend itself against the Confederates, or would it become another casualty of the war?

  And what about Rachel and her family? His stomach twisted as he tried to suppress his anxiety. Before he left Springside, he’d urged Dr. Thornton to take Rachel and Susan north until the danger passed. The doctor assured him their safety was his highest priority, but he didn’t believe moving them would be necessary.

  James shook his head. Surely after all the injuries the doctor had treated, he realized a cannonball was no respecter of persons. If the battle came to Springside, they would all be in great danger. Perhaps the doctor would change his mind and take everyone away to safety.

  Thomas entered the room, his expression grim. “I spoke to Colonel Clarence Miller. He says they’re pulling out in the morning. I believe we should go with them.”

  James nodded and wearily rinsed his paintbrush.

  “Are you about done?”

  “I have a few more details to add to General Schofield’s horse.”

  Thomas sat on the bed and tugged off his boots. “It’ll be good to sleep in a warm bed for a change, rather than out in the open.”

  James nodded and focused on his drawing. The sooner he finished, the sooner he could get some well-deserved rest . . . but would he be able to fall asleep with so many disturbing thoughts on his mind?

  Had Rachel left for Kentucky? Would Kincaid be able to protect her if the need arose? Would she fall for the lawyer’s charms? The thought of her riding off with Daniel Kincaid made his hand shake.

  A black mood descended over him. He tossed his paintbrush aside and rose from the chair.

  What did it matter? He had no idea how long this blasted war would last. It could be years before he’d be free to settle down and give Rachel the kind of life she deserved. Maybe she should marry Kincaid. With his family connections and new law practice, he could provide a safe and stable life for her.

  But a knife pierced James’s heart as he thought of Rachel in Daniel Kincaid’s arms. He had to get back to Springside, but how could he do that with troops from both sides encircling Nashville?

  ****

  Rachel lifted the evergreen garland and handed it to Esther. “Drape it a bit more before you reach the next nail.”

  Esther stepped up the ladder. “All right, but it don’t seem right puttin’ up decorations when we just come through a terrible battle and there’s wounded men in the house.”

  “That’s precisely why we need to decorate. Our victory at Nashville is worthy of celebrating, and Christmas is an even more important reason.”

  “Well, celebratin’ is the last thing on your father’s mind. He hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in three weeks, ever since those rebels attacked Franklin.”

  “I’m s
ure it will cheer him to see our decorations.” Rachel stifled a yawn. She’d been up late several nights in a row helping Father care for the five wounded men he’d brought home after the battle of Nashville.

  With all the turmoil in the area, her uncle, aunt, and Daniel had decided to stay through Christmas and do what they could to help.

  There had been no word from James. Her hands felt clammy as anxious thoughts taunted her again. Had he been captured or injured at the Battle of Franklin? Much of the fighting had happened at night, and there were frightening stories of hundreds of casualties on both sides.

  Then early in December, the Battle of Nashville had been fought south of the city. Springside lay several miles to the east, so thankfully, they’d only heard the cannon fire and seen the smoke of the battle from a distance.

  Now Christmas was only three days away. She prayed James was safe and well, but each day when no letter arrived, she fought her own battle against fear and despair. How could she go on if she lost him as she had Andrew? Oh, why didn’t he write and set her mind at ease? At least she would know he was alive and not locked in some terrible Confederate prison or dying in some dreadful field hospital.

  She pulled in a calming breath and lifted her face to the sunlight streaming through the ruby-colored glass above the front door. Lord, please take care of James and help me trust You. She could not let fear win this battle. Her victory would come as she turned each anxious thought into a prayer and held on to hope. James would write soon, just as he promised.

  Susan came in the front door toting a basket of holly with Daniel at her side. “Oh, now it looks like Christmas!”

  “Yes, you’ve done a wonderful job.” Daniel sent Rachel a lingering smile.

  “Thank you.” She couldn’t deny she enjoyed his attention and compliments. He obviously hoped to win her affection, but thankfully, he hadn’t spoken to her about his feelings. She wasn’t sure what she would say if he did or how she could explain that her heart belonged to another.

  “Where do you want me to put this holly?” Susan removed her cloak.

  Rachel nodded toward the parlor. “Why don’t you arrange it with the evergreens on the mantel?”

  Susan nodded. “Come help me, Daniel.” She took his arm and guided him away.

  He glanced at Rachel with an imploring look as he passed.

  She glanced up at Esther and pretended not to notice.

  As soon as they entered the parlor, Esther clicked her tongue. “That man has feelings for you.”

  Rachel tugged on the hem of Esther’s skirt. “Shhh!”

  Esther chuckled. “It’s true.”

  “Well, you don’t have to announce it to the world.”

  “I’m not. I’m just sayin’—”

  The front door flew open, and a Union officer burst in.

  Esther yelped and grabbed the ladder. Rachel’s hand flew to her mouth.

  The bearded officer spun toward her with a broad smile and held out his arms. “Merry Christmas!”

  She gasped and dropped the garland. “Nathan! Oh, Nathan!” She leaped toward her brother and hugged him tight. He felt more solid than before, and his jacket carried the delicious aroma of wood smoke and pine needles.

  “Thank You, Jesus!” Esther hurried down the ladder

  Susan ran into the entrance hall and squealed. Nathan laughed and swung her around. Daniel joined them, smiling at the happy reunion.

  “What’s all the commotion?” Father called, coming down the stairs.

  They all turned and grinned up at him.

  His eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. “Nathan?”

  “Hello, Father.” Nathan’s voice cracked.

  Father opened his arms, and they embraced. “Oh, son, it’s so good to see you.”

  Rachel blinked back happy tears and placed her arm around her sister’s shoulders. Seeing her brother safely home was such a wonderful gift. Now if only she would hear from James, then her heart could be at peace.

  Chapter Eleven

  With the last rays of sunlight fading in the west, James walked across the front drive at Springside. He’d risked his friendship with Thomas and his editor’s wrath to make it back to Nashville by Christmas Eve.

  Candles flickered in the parlor windows as shadows of dancing couples floated past. The melodious strains of a waltz reached his ears as he mounted the front steps. His heartbeat quickened. Soon he would take Rachel in his arms and dance with her around the room. Then he would tell her everything in his heart, and she would answer with a promise to be his.

  Before he could knock, the door opened and Susan appeared on the arm of a young Union officer.

  “James! What a wonderful surprise.” She invited him in and introduced him to her companion, but James barely heard what she said.

  He removed his hat and set it on the side table, then strode to the parlor doorway. The furniture had been pushed to the sides of the front and rear parlors, opening a large center area. Several couples danced to a tune played by a fiddler and pianist, while at least a dozen others, including three men with bandaged injuries, sat around the edge watching. The scent of pine and cinnamon hung in the air.

  James spotted Rachel on the far side of the room, and his heart beat faster. She wore a wine-colored dress with rows of ruffles and a tempting view of her neck as she danced with a tall, bearded Union officer. He guided her into a turn, and she gazed up at him with a look of pure delight in her eyes.

  James’s spirit sank like a heavy rock thrown in a pond. Maybe he was too late. Perhaps he shouldn’t have come at all. He stepped back and bumped into someone.

  “Whoa there.” Dr. Thornton steadied him.

  He faced his friend. “Hello, sir.”

  “James, welcome! We didn’t know you were back in the area. Glad you’ve come to join us.” A merry smile lit the doctor’s face as he leaned closer. “There’s a certain young lady who will be very happy to know you’re here.”

  James cast a solemn glance over his shoulder. “I don’t know. She seems quite taken with her current partner.”

  Dr. Thornton chuckled. “She always has been fond of her brother, but I’m sure she’ll save you a dance.”

  “Her brother?”

  “Yes, Nathan is home with us until the new year.” Dr. Thornton clapped him on the shoulder. “Why don’t you go in and let Rachel know you’re here?”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you. I will.” He spun around and headed through the parlor door. Searching the room, he found Rachel again, but she had changed partners. Now she danced with Daniel Kincaid. Her bright eyes and beaming smile made it clear how she felt at him.

  Setting his jaw, he marched across the parlor and tapped Daniel’s shoulder. “Excuse me.”

  A soft gasp escaped Rachel’s lips. Daniel turned. His dark brows dipped, but he released his hold on Rachel. All around them, couples slowed and exchanged concerned looks.

  “Shall we?” Before she could answer, James took her in his arms and waltzed her across the floor in perfect time to the music.

  She sent him a flustered look. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “I wouldn’t miss my chance to dance with the most beautiful woman in the room.” He tightened his hold, bringing her closer.

  Her cheeks blazed. “It’s not polite to break into the middle of a dance like that.”

  “I’m sorry, but I’ve missed you terribly, and I couldn’t stand seeing you in the arms of that . . . Kincaid.”

  Doubt filled her eyes. “If you missed me so much, why didn’t you write?”

  He missed a step, but quickly recovered. “We were in the field at Franklin for several days and then behind the lines in Nashville—”

  She stiffened. “You’ve been in Nashville, and you didn’t send a message?”

  Suddenly the room felt too warm, and he wished they would open a window. “I was working night and day, then we were called away to follow General Schofield. I just returned to Nashville today, and I didn’t
have time—”

  Her eyes blazed. “James Galloway, I was worried half to death about you for an entire month, and you couldn’t find time to write me one letter?”

  People slowed and turned to look their way.

  Heat flooded his face, and his collar felt entirely too tight. He swallowed and looked around at the festive room and dancing couples. “I’m sure you’ve had a miserable time with Daniel here to keep you company through the holidays.” He didn’t usually resort to sarcasm, but her irritation was uncalled for.

  “If that’s what you believe, then you don’t know me at all.” Her eyes glistened with tears as she pulled away.

  The song ended, and the other couples clapped. She glided away to the refreshment table. Daniel approached and offered her a glass of punch. She accepted it with a smile. He leaned closer and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and took Daniel’s arm. They walked past James, across the entry hall, and into her father’s library.

  James’s anger roiled like a bubbling cauldron. He grabbed his hat and strode out the front door without a backward glance.

  ****

  Rachel buried her head in her pillow to stifle her sobs. James was gone, and she’d probably never see him again. Oh, what a terrible mess she’d made of everything!

  A soft knock sounded at her door. “Rachel? It’s Susan.”

  She wasn’t sure she wanted to talk to anyone, but she sat up and wiped her cheeks. “Come in.”

  Susan slipped in and shut the door. “I heard you crying.” She sat beside Rachel on the bed. “What’s wrong?”

  “Oh, I feel awful about the way I treated James tonight.”

  “What happened?”

  “I scolded him for not writing and then I tried to make him jealous by flirting with Daniel.”

  Susan’s eyes widened. “No wonder he left in a huff.”

  “I never should’ve let my temper get the best of me, but I was so upset he hadn’t written. Then he marched in, so cocksure of himself. He broke right into the middle of my dance with Daniel and whisked me away.” Remembering how he’d pulled her into his arms and danced with her across the floor made her heart pound.