The Lincoln Penny

by Barbara Best

  Jane had carefully reviewed all measures available to her. The list she alone has created and practices daily with the help of Phoebe and Simon. Cleaning the man’s wounds with an alcohol and water mixture. Using boiled water and her saline solution. Replacing soiled bandages with clean ones. Making sure the man was nourished, washed and everything around him spotless, and never using instruments that hadn’t been sterilized.

  So far, in her short time at the hospital, Scamp has been her only patient to develop severe complications. Her methods were hopelessly limited and all attempts to help were futile. Yesterday afternoon, when Jane was going through the painful task of changing Scamp’s dressing, she noticed a change. Red, oozing tissue with unusual swelling. A sickening fetid smell told Jane without a stitch of experience what it was. Gangrene. And it had come on with ferocious speed.

  Richard immediately confirmed Jane’s suspicions. He explained what would come next to try and save Scamp’s life. Amputation, a second time! Five more inches of Scamp’s precious leg would need to be sawed off. Right above the knee!

  Jane immediately took it personal. This was her patient. She was horrified and her first reaction was to literally run to an unused part of the building and cry her eyes out. In the end, though, Jane forced herself to believe certain truths. That her best, in this case, just was not good enough. And no one is to blame. If she is to continue with her work, she must suck it up and put loss, frustration and grief at arm’s length. It comes with the territory.

  These observations would finally help Jane come to terms. After there were no more tears to shed, she washed her face and braced for the inevitable. She must remain optimistic for her patient’s sake. Maybe there is still hope. Maybe Scamp will have another chance.

  “You did everything you could, Miss Jane. Ain’t nothin’ you could o’ done better, ma’am,” Scamp told Jane in sharp raspy puffs of air, his eyes glazed over from mental and physical shock, and a good dose of laudanum, “Now don’t you worry none. It’s just the way of things. I’ll be fine now, ya hear.”

  What was really notable about this dreadful affair was Jane’s opportunity to move her treatments to surgery. Before the operation to remove more of Scamp’s leg, Jane had made sure all of Doctor Arnold’s instruments were sterilized and laid out on clean towels. He and his attendant’s hands and arms were scrubbed up to the elbow, they wore fresh aprons, and the surgical table and surrounding area were thoroughly cleansed. It had to be done in quick time, but thank goodness Richard was receptive to and tolerant of her demands. Jane reasoned it was one of her patients and sure to improve his chance of survival. If anything, she thinks the men rather enjoyed and were flattered by the extra attention. Jane had to admit with a smile she really poured it on.

  The operation, an awful ordeal, went amazingly fast. Although Jane’s mind is having a hard time comprehending it all, what she remembers with a cold shiver is poor Scamp laid out on a hard table with the ankle of his sound limb strapped down and a tourniquet applied high up on the diseased leg. Richard stood on the right side of the patient, a long slender blade in his bare hand. His assistant, a man named Cox, braced on the opposing side with a white-knuckle grip on either side of the place where the first round incision would be made.

  Seeing black spots before her eyes and fearing she might pass out, Jane recalls turning her head just as the scalpel cut through. She forced herself to concentrate on Scamps peaceful face for the remaining time. Thank God he was totally out and feeling no pain. For the moment anyway.

  They had used chloroform, and right now the poor guy is puking his guts up. But at least they have a fresh start and hopefully a better possibility at recovery. With luck and a prayer. The terrible affair is over and Jane is totally relieved Scamp had made it through.

  “Miss Peterson? Miss Peterson!” Savannah society’s leading lady is not accustomed to waiting, even though she will admit her visit is unannounced. This extra bit of time has presented an opportunity to study the young girl before her. Thus far, Mary Marshall is intrigued by her first impression.

  Strong and exacting, Mary has already learned quite a bit about Jane Peterson. A powerful force and her match she is told. The striking red hair and a quick glance at those smoky green eyes tell her, unequivocally, the blood of her Scottish ancestors runs through her veins. Even sitting, it is easy to judge the young lady is certainly as tall as they say. There must be a pair of very long and comely legs under that skirt.

  Jane isn’t in the mood for company, but the impatient tap of the older woman’s cane can no longer be ignored, “I’m so sorry. It’s been a long twenty-four hours. Did you say, a ghost lady? I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “Why, my dear, you don’t know!” Mary is amused. The girl really has no idea what she is talking about. “The Mystifying Ghost Lady. That is what they call you in social circles, child. And I must say your illusiveness only adds to your mysticism. Doctor Arnold and Mrs. Hopkins have done a superb job of keeping you well hidden from us,” she chuckles. The wrinkles around her eyes easily crease in practiced good humor. “You know, people do talk. I am afraid they are looking for anything in conversation these days to steer them away from this dreadful war.”

  “Social circles?” Jane hadn’t realized people were talking. She wonders just who. With interest, she switches her focus from her room of patients to this tiny pistol of a lady with sharp black eyes and heavy lids set in paper-thin skin marked with age. Jane crosses the room in a few quick strides to greet her visitor and invite her in.

  Seeing that she has finally captured the girl’s full attention, “I am afraid it is most inexcusable of me to drop in unannounced and I do apologize. I am Mrs. Marshall. I assume you prefer my Christian name. It is Mary and that is perfectly fine with me. There are too many rules of etiquette in this day. By the time you are my age, my dear, you will be pretty particular about what rules you choose to follow and what others you happily discard. It is the right of passage, I always say.”

  Hmmm, more talk about me. So this is the rich and famous Mary Marshall, Jane thinks in wonder. Their city’s noble philanthropist, who has contributed immensely to the success of this hospital and to the support of her small ward. Jane looks down the hall for Doctor Arnold. He would normally make formal introductions for such an important official. Other than a stately black gentleman in a smart red double-breasted vest and starched white shirt waiting against the wall outside, no one is around. Jane nods at the man, who must be Mary’s escort and turns to her visitor, “And you must call me Jane. It’s so nice to meet a new face. And please, you are welcome anytime.” Jane extends her hand.

  After a brief hesitation, Mary’s mouth widens and the corners turn up. She finally takes Jane’s hand in an inappropriate, but very warm and sincere handshake.

  A hearty smile tells Jane that her visitor is quite pleased with this exchange. She notices there is one bottom eyetooth missing, giving the woman a sort of mischievous grin. Like a jack-o-lantern, only in a good way. Jane willingly smiles right back, “Come this way, Mary. Let me show you what we do here. I think you’ll find it pretty interesting.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

  When Jane arrives home later in the day there is much excitement. Clara is waiting for Jane at the door and quickly sets off to find her mother. Both Anna and Clara present her with a card, beautifully handwritten in an elaborate script.

  Mrs. Marshall

  Requests the pleasure of

  Mrs. Anna Hopkins and Miss Jane Peterson’s company

  at dinner on Friday, the ninth of October at eight o’clock

  West Broad & Williams Street

  “Will you go?” Clara asks, up on her tiptoes, peeking over Jane’s arm at the invitation.

  “Clara! Miss Peterson has just arrived home. Where are your manners? You must be famished my dear. Tessie is preparing your bath now. Dinner will be right at eight.”

  Jane laughs, looking at the note again, and then to Clara, “Do you think I shou
ld?” She sometimes feels sorry for Clara. There is so little for young girls to do around here; while in her time kids are crazy active. Parents cramming after school activities into every minute of their child’s day — gymnastics, music, sports or dance. Video games, movies, TV, texts, computers, and lets not forget at this age, boys to fill in the gaps. Stressed out parents, running them from place to place, trying to give their kids every opportunity to try something new.

  “Yes! Yes!” Clara breathes and claps her hands. “Mrs. Marshall is only the coolest and most prominent lady in Savannah.”

  “Clara!” Anna is astonished at her daughter’s outburst and does not approve.

  “Why Mother, aren’t you the least bit excited?” Clara tries with difficulty to use a more polite and gentle tone.

  Did she just say coolest? Jane beams at Clara. “Well then, you must help me write a note to accept.” Jane had learned the social season has just begun and usually lasts through spring depending on the weather. It will be her very first formal affair. And from what Clara said, hosted by one very cool lady.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

  “I have it on good authority that General Lee may be in town.” Anna nonchalantly takes a small measured mouthful of her plum pudding at dinner. She heard General Lee had business at old Fort Jackson with President Davis. Since Fort Pulaski was lost, residents of Savannah relied heavily upon Fort Jackson and two ironclads that patrolled the Savannah River, the CSS Savannah and CSS Georgia. These are the only remaining fortifications and critical positions that will keep the Union Navy from coming right into their port.

  “The Robert E. Lee! Here. No way!”

  “Yes way!” Anna rejoins with a smile, but then adds more seriously, “But do you know him, dear?”

  “No, I’ve only heard of him, of course. Who hasn’t?” Jane disguises her excitement a little.

  “General Lee’s visit to Savannah would be most rare now. But his military career has brought him here on many occasions. Most importantly, for the rebuild of Fort Pulaski in early years, which called for his engineering skills. For his leisure, General Lee has stayed at the Mackay home on Broughton. He is a close friend of Elizabeth Mackay’s son.”

  “Are you thinking he will be at the dinner party then?” Wouldn’t that be a hoot!

  “One never knows. Truth be told, the General is a shy man and takes great pains to avoid large numbers of people. Mary Marshall’s dinner parties are some of the grandest in town.”

  “I met Mrs. Marshall today.” Jane tells Anna and Clara about her special visitor at the hospital. She doesn’t mention learning she is called the Mystifying Ghost Lady and how it troubles her to know people may be talking. This can only raise suspicions about her past. Jane thought she had done a pretty good job of keeping a low profile. Those in the small circle she travels have been protective and gracious enough to accept the fact she is different, even adapting and picking up on some of her ways.

  Jane gets up and walks over to the heavy marble-top sideboard with pretty leaded glass doors on the front. She helps herself to some dessert. Their dinner tonight is set out buffet style and the three of them have learned to do without Phoebe so much, allowing her the extra hours to work at the hospital.

  Jane is impressed Anna will consider an adjustment to this more informal way of dining. Then again, anything that had to do with helping the war effort, even if it meant giving up one’s conveniences and comfort, is done willingly and without reservation. Sacrifices were gladly made, especially if their loved ones are out God knows where, risking life and limb for the cause. Anna and Clara were more than willing to help Jane and the hospital. This is a proud, patriotic bunch that believes in the South. They believe in what it stands for and will do what they can to show their support.

  Anna waits for Jane to return to the table and be seated. “Well, what do you think of our grand lady?”

  “She seems very nice, and I am pretty sure she dropped by to check me out. I guess I passed.” Jane laughs, thinking about the invitation. “She was curious about my ward, my patients, having heard about it from others. You probably know she owns the building where we have our hospital, and a lot of others in town? She wanted to make sure I was aware of that fact. You’ve got to admit, that’s quite a feat for a woman,” Jane stops short of saying, in the 1800s, “and she’s proud of it too. She should be.”

  “Yes, our Mary is quite a novelty in these parts. Our great lady of influence.” Anna leans in secretively. “And it wouldn’t surprise me to learn our General Lee is on Mrs. Marshall’s invitation list.”

  “Have you heard if Susan is invited?” Jane likes Susan very much, although they have scarcely spent any time, one-on-one. Since the twins’ recovery from measles, she has always accompanied Anna and Clara on visits to the Caldwell residence. This is something she would like to change. She longs for a friend her own age. Jane is not sure what either of them would talk about at first, or have in common, but she imagines that would come as they got better acquainted.

  “Certainly not! Susan is in confinement, the final weeks, and Richard recommends rest. Although . . . she says she feels exceptionally strong. She continues to take exercise and drink those odd concoctions of yours. Susan is sure that it helps and appears quite fit for a young woman in her delicate condition.”

  “I am so glad she’s doing well.” Jane puffs up with satisfaction. “Those concoctions you mentioned are just a natural way to get more vitamins and she’s been drinking a lot of purified water, like I asked. That’s good for her too.” Although science in the 1860s is on the brink of medical breakthroughs, they aren’t by any means there yet. There are few health regulations, no sanitation, and old ways of doing things.

  With a great amount of respect, Susan and her mother had consulted with Jane about Susan’s bout of childbed fever that nearly killed her when a midwife delivered the twins. On Jane’s advice, Anna and Susan had insisted Richard be the one to deliver Susan’s child this time. Jane’s ideas about treatment were a convincing argument. Although Jane wouldn’t think of delivering Susan’s baby, she would at least be there to assist, and ensure Doctor Arnold worked with washed hands and sterile equipment in a clean environment. Fortunately, with gentle coaxing from all three women, the good doctor agreed to be present for the birth and abide by their conditions. Jane is especially proud of clearing this particular hurdle.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

  Pinch me, I must be dreaming! After leaving their cloaks with a servant in the wide entrance hall with a beautifully painted floor cover and spectacular staircase, Jane and Anna are directed into the richly decorated drawing room where the graceful hostess is greeting her excited guests. Jane admires Mrs. Marshall’s beautiful silver gray gown that shimmers as she moves. The color compliments her hair, which is dressed in electric blue ribbon and captured in the back by a gorgeous tortoise shell comb with coral beading.

  Jane nervously waits her turn with Anna in a line behind other guests who had already arrived. Finally introductions are made. Mary, with a sparkle in her eye, extends a gloved hand and welcomes Jane, putting her immediately at ease and adding sincerely, “I hope to further our acquaintance, my dear.”

  It is impossible to believe Jane is present among the most recognized, respected and extremely successful members of Savannahian society. Upon Anna’s insistence, she had been tutored on all the well-known patriarchs of their city and Mrs. Marshall’s promising guest list. Anna has also kept her pledge to thwart any potential for Jane to make a fool of herself. Jane is wise to remain close by Anna’s side as they mingle and make light conversation. So far she is encouraged, having received several nods of approval from Anna and others at the party.

  In their rounds, Jane meets impressive Major and Mrs. John Screven. Anyone who has toured Savannah in Jane’s time has heard about the Screvens and their powerful lineage. Anna told Jane Major Screven is currently commissioned major of artillery in command of the Savannah Volunteer Guards Battalion. In addition
to his military service, it seems he is a wealthy rice planter, and follows in his father’s footsteps as president of the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad Company.

  Then there’s Mr. George Nichols and his pretty wife, Maria. Mr. Nichols owns a newspaper and printing business on Drayton and Bay Street, his biggest client being the Confederate Government. He is also heavily involved with printing new books for their schools to help children develop a sense of patriotism for the Confederacy. Anna told Jane Mr. Nichols is quite an accomplished composer and a freemason as well.

  Jane is also introduced to Mr. Aaron Champion, another familiar name. Her suspicions are confirmed when she finds out he is the owner of what is known in Jane’s time as the Champion-McAlpin-Fowlkes House on Bernard Street. On a carriage ride through the city, Anna had pointed out the residence to Jane and explained Mr. Champion is a widower with an only daughter, Maria Sophia. Jane was surprised to see the house in 1862 is constructed with gray brick. Years later, it had obviously been covered over with stucco. She is also pretty sure she recalls Mr. Champion is the man that would hide his bank’s gold in a garden well when General Sherman’s forces take Savannah in 1864.

  Another couple, also a Screven relation, is Thomas and his wife Adelaide. Thomas is in military service with the 18th Battalion, Georgia Infantry and has been home long enough to recover from a serious ailment. In conversation, he assures everyone concerned, that he is quite fit to return to duty in Virginia, posthaste. Anna says this comes as sorrowful news to his affectionate wife, whom she suspects may be in the family way.