Defiant Hearts Page 12

Laura took down her curls to retrieve many tightly folded slips of paper, then removed the fake bandage to recover a detailed map. As she was doing so, Ben used two blankets to make a shelter under which he could light a candle to read them to see if he had any questions before they parted. Holding the candle close to the first paper, he squinted to make out small but legible script. His gaze traveled the words with interest and astonishment: 62,000 at Petersburg as of 7/10/64: 8,000 Art., 44,000 Inf, & 10,000 Cav., ample Hvy & Lt art. Ben knew what the abbreviations meant: Art=Artillery, Inf=Infantry, Cav=Cavalry, Hvy=heavy, and Lt=light. Commanding officers’ names were given on the second piece she passed to him: Gen. R. E. Lee, Lt. Gen. A. P. Hill, Gen. Wm. Mahone, and Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton. She had added that Gen. Ewell still head ofDept. of Richmond, Gen. Bragg still Pres. D’s adviser.

  A third page revealed Richmond had two defense lines and disclosed facts about one: Inner Line—earthworks circle city 5 mi. from Cap. 25forts, each manned by small unit. Forces inc.: 4 batts of Hvy art, 5 div., & other detach. of art. and engineer comps. 3,000 locals ready for action if needed.

  The fourth paper, all slips neatly numbered at their tops, provided facts about the Outer Line: 65 mi. ring of earthworks, 7-9 mi. from Cap. Has many forts & strong fortifications & signal towers. Strength unknown.

  “Everything mentioned is marked on the map I made, but I didn’t record locations for the telegraph wagons because they change daily. The explanations for my symbols are written around the borders of the map.”

  Ben nodded understanding, but kept reading so he could finish as quickly as possible. The last notations told him that Manchester, the town across the river from Richmond, had five forts. One guarded Belle Isle where prisoners were kept and another protected two railroads and the main roads to Petersburg. He learned there was a large garrison at Bellona Arsenal & Foundry, and there were guards and watchposts at Tredegar Ironworks: two vital locations for the Confederacy. Ben’s gaze scanned the map, greater astonishment filling him as he noted its detailed markings.

  His dark gaze locked on Laura’s face. “Do you know how valuable this message is?” He watched her smile at his implied compliment. “Grant’s about as calm as a knot on a log, but he’s gonna jump with joy when I put it in his hands tonight. How did you get such guarded information?”

  Laura explained how she and Lily had worked together to obtain it. “If the time comes when I can’t meet with you, Lily Hart will take my place. She’s a little shorter than I am, about my size, has long blond hair lighter than mine, and pale-blue eyes. When you see her, you’ll think she looks angelic, so Angel will be her code name and she’ll know mine is Vixen.”

  “You’re amazin’, Miss Laura, downright amazin’. One of the Union’s best agents. General Grant and President Lincoln will honor you one day.”

  Laura smiled again, delighted to be so helpful to her country and its leaders. Ben asked with a sparkle in his eye if she would like to see something interesting, and she nodded in curiosity.

  As he withdrew a paper from his pocket, he divulged, “Mary Bowser’s contact passed it to me yesterday to give to Grant tonight. You know who she is, works in the Davis home as a servant. Read it; it’s a copy of a letter from Jeff to Lee, hardly dry from the sweat on his hands Tuesday.”

  Laura read the message: “Genl. Johnston has failed and there are strong indications that he will abandon Atlanta…It seems necessary to relieve him at once. Who should succeed him? What think you of Hood for the position?” Laura looked at Ben and murmured, “Just as we thought.”

  “Yep, this matter’s got Davis caught in a big gale and he’s hopin’ Bragg can release him while he’s in Atlanta. Take a look at this one, too. Fresh from Davis’s hand today. Got hold of it less than two hours ago. It’s clear as a sunny day Ole Jeff wants Johnston gone.”

  Laura took the page and read: “It is a sad alternative, but the case seems hopeless in the present hands. The means are surely adequate if properly employed, especially the cavalry is ample.” Her mind echoed, Cavalry…, then filled with images of Jayce Storm. Would he be sent to Atlanta, she wondered, far from her and into the gaping jaws of peril? Was he safer fighting Grant at Petersburg or challenging Sherman in Georgia? Neither, she concluded sadly.

  “Those Rebs are foolin’ themselves, Miss Laura; the odds are against ’em. I can’t blame Davis for wantin’Johnston replaced; he’s been backin’ and fillin’ like he ain’t got a grain of sense or a dipperful of courage. Word is, his boys are gettin’ all dragged out and they’re bound to roll over soon.”

  Laura knew it was no secret that Johnston had been advancing and retreating and that his troops were exhausted and riled against him. But if Hood replaced him, Sherman was in for a long and bloody siege.

  “I’m guessin’ you’ve heard Early’s safely back in Virginia after kickin’ up a row across the river. The ole boy had his troops runnin’ lickety-split for safety. No two ways about it, Miss Laura, Early’s got spunk. If his boys don’t wilt down, he’ll keep right on nippin’ at Sheridan’s heels.” As Ben put away the papers she had given to him, he told her she would be warned before a Union attack on Richmond so she could flee to safety, but that the city looked too secure to take at present.

  “I can’t say that saddens me, Ben, since I’ve nowhere to go if I leave Richmond, and I certainly wouldn’t fare well if I exposed myself to the Yankees for safety. Can you use your sources to obtain information for me about my father and brothers? The last I heard, they were near Memphis.”

  Ben nodded. “I will if ain’t above my bent.”

  “Thanks, I’m worried about them.” There was another man’s fate that also concerned her: Jayce Storm’s. “What’s the news from around Petersburg?” she questioned smoothly. “It was quiet while I was there earlier.”

  “About the same: Grant’s pushin’ hard and Lee’s holdin’ tight as a steel trap or backin’ slow as a turtle. All we need is one door to open and we can wallop them into submission. Fellow Carolinians or not, they’re wrong, but I don’t want more killed than need be to bring ’em back into the fold.”

  “Have there been any big battles recently?” Is Jayce alive, well?

  “None to speak of. We just keep whittlin’ ’em down. We got ’em outnumbered, but them Rebs are stubborn as mules. I hafta admit, they’re brave and cunnin’, and skilled at fightin’ and shootin’.”

  “I hear General Mahone and Hampton’s names mentioned frequently, but haven’t been able to collect facts on them. Do they give you trouble?”

  “If the Rebs lost those two, their cavalry corps would suffer big. They’re mostly ridin’ southwest of town, guardin’ them railroads and stations. Surely would give us an advantage if we could cut those lines. You best be hightailin’ it home, Miss Laura; that moon’s ridin’ the sky fast.”

  “You’re right. Stay safe, Ben. If I’m not here next week, it’s because I have nothing new to report, so I won’t risk coming to tell you that.”

  “That’s smart. You be real careful goin’ home, Miss Laura.”

  As she brushed her loosened curls and secured her flowing mane with a ribbon at her nape, Ben folded and packed away his blankets and candle. She discarded the fake bandage, tossed a dark shawl over her flaxen hair, and mounted. She exchanged smiles with her contact and departed.

  Two miles from her destination, Laura found herself surrounded by five mounted Rebel soldiers who had been concealed in the trees. Their leader demanded to know who she was and why she was on the road so late.

  She tried to remain and appear composed as she told the officer, “I’ve been to Petersburg to deliver toys to injured children and I lost track of the time.” She hoped he didn’t notice she hadn’t spoken her name.

  “Why are you traveling alone? Why didn’t you sleep in Petersburg?”

  “This isn’t enemy territory, sir, so I assumed I was in no peril, surely less danger than if I had remained in a city under enemy siege. If you will recall, most men are off fi
ghting the war, so escorts are lacking. I also have a weapon with me and know how to use it.”

  “If you can protect yourself, how come we took you by surprise?”

  Laura again used a polite tone and pleasant expression to reply, “Since you are clad in a Confederate uniform, sir, why would I draw a weapon or fire upon you? I have a pass from General Ewell if you’ll allow me to remove it from my reticule and show it to you.”

  “Passes can be faked, ma’am.”

  Laura focused an astonished look on him. “Whyever would I do such a foolish and dishonest thing? My pass is authentic, sir.”

  “Spies are everywhere, even in the shape of a beautiful woman.”

  “You flatter me, sir, but do I look like a spy?” When the man stared at her in silence, she almost spat the words, “That’s ridiculous! Move aside and allow me to pass. Southern gentlemen do not accost southern ladies. I have General Ewell’s permission to travel at will and under his protection.”

  “I’m afraid proof will be necessary.”

  “Proof? I told you, sir, I have a pass from General Ewell. Do you dare to call me a liar and to ignore the authority behind the paper I carry? If you doubt my claims, take me to his home immediately for the proof you demand, though I doubt he will be happy at being disturbed at this hour.”

  “Perhaps I should hold you until morning when I can verify your story with General Ewell and the hospital in Petersburg.”

  Laura stared at him. Her tension increased at the thought of bringing attention to herself; regardless of the fact she had a credible reason to explain her trip, the time lapse between this moment and when she left the hospital could present a problem if her story was investigated. For now, bluffing was best. “Arrest and detain me overnight? Surely you jest or have lost your senses.”

  “If you have nothing to hide and want this matter ended quickly, allow me to search your belongings and person.”

  Laura was alarmed, but didn’t panic. Either the man was suspicious of her or was only being careful. “Search me? I am a lady, sir! How dare you make such an offensive suggestion!” she charged with as much indignation as she could feign.

  “I dare because this is war, ma’am. Is it a search or a cell?”

  “I insist we ride to General Ewell’s home this instant.”

  “As you pointed out, ma’am, it’s late, so it will have to wait until morning, because I will not search a lady without her permission.”

  “Permission?” she scoffed. “This is clever coercion, a sly ploy for your amusement on a dull evening. Check me if you must, but be quick, and be forewarned this incident will not go unreported or unpunished.”

  “I have my duty and orders, ma’am, so dismount, please.”

  “I will not!” Laura refused to place herself at a disadvantage on the ground with five men encompassing her. If necessary, if she remained on horseback, she could attempt an escape. “As for you, sir, you go far beyond the meaning of obedience and carrying out your duty with this misconduct.”

  “So be it; remain mounted. Jim, search her handbag. Willie, check those pouches. If you’ll allow me, ma’am, I’ll examine your pockets.”

  Laura sat stiff and straight as the man wriggled his hand into one empty pocket and then the other. She permitted him to remove her shoes and make certain no notes were hidden in them. She wasn’t wearing a hat to be inspected, but the man lifted her dress and looked for concealed pockets on her skirt and petticoat: none were places she ever used to hide things because they were the first ones to be checked. “This is an outrage! Are you quite finished, sir?” she asked in a frigid tone that hid the terror she felt.

  “Anything, men?”

  The man who had invaded her reticule related she had a travel pass from General Ewell, but nothing suspicious. Willie reported there was only an empty cloth sack in her saddle pouch.

  “It was filled with ragdolls and stuffed animals earlier,” she told him. “Why are you raking me with your eyes?”

  “Just making sure you aren’t wearing any jewelry where notes could be hidden. Messages are often concealed in such small places.”

  “Not by me, sir! May I go now?” she asked in a vexed tone.

  “I apologize for delaying you, ma’am; you can be on your way.”

  “The delay, sir, is not what you should apologize for; your shameful behavior is what is in question. No gentleman treats a lady in this manner.”

  “I’m sorry, ma’am, but war prevents us from being gentlemen.”

  “Nothing, sir, should provoke such a crude breach of manners. If not for your accent, I would suspect you are no Southerner.”

  “Rest assured, ma’am, I’m from Louisiana and proud of it.”

  “Perhaps men from the Deep South aren’t reared and taught as we Virginians are. Our men would never behave as you just did. Good-bye, sir.”

  “Good night, ma’am, and have a safe journey.”

  “With you left behind, sir, I shall have both.”

  As Laura left the unnerving scene, she told herself she must come up with a different story to explain her late outings; if she came across the same men twice, she wouldn’t be believed. Perhaps, she reasoned, she should set up a daytime schedule with Ben to reduce the chances of creating suspicions. In the past, the road had not been so heavily traveled, in particular at night. Recently, she was encountering soldiers on almost every trip, and surely her good luck was going to run out one evening.

  On Friday, newspapers revealed more bad news for the Confederacy, including the fact that Forrest was being contained and prevented from destroying Sherman’s supply lines from Tennessee to Georgia. Early was back in Virginia, safe and harassing the Yankees.

  Before his departure at midmorning, Captain Munns let it slip to Lily that Confederate representatives were in New York to meet and discuss peace with those from Lincoln, but the outcome looked dubious.

  Laura noticed how taken Munns appeared to be with Lily, but her friend’s expressions revealed sadness and disinterest whenever the officer wasn’t looking at her. Those conclusions told Laura that Lily was being torn between her feelings for Richard and her current lifestyle.

  Almost a week had passed when Lily gave hints about her feelings while Laura was getting ready to go help in one of the hospitals.

  “Have you ever really thought about being killed or captured and being imprisoned for what you’re doing?”

  Laura pondered Lily’s query before responding, “Yes, last Thursday night. For a while, I was terrified bone deep. I admit our work is always challenging and fulfilling, and often it’s exciting. The eventual reward seems worth the risks. To obtain peace and freedom, we should be willing to sacrifice as much as our men do. I don’t want to die or be incarcerated in one of those horrid prisons, but I must continue helping the Union. If you want to stop, Lily, I’ll understand.”

  Lily shook her head. “I’m more afraid for you than for me, Laura; you’re the one who takes the largest risks.”

  “Thanks, Lily, but you take the same risks I do, just in different ways. I couldn’t gather most of the information I do if not for your help and courage. We’re a team, my dear friend, and you’re as important as I am.”

  Lily smiled. “You always make me feel better about myself.”

  “That’s because I know your true value when you underestimate it.”

  Lily shook her head. “I know who and what I am, but thank you.”

  “You are far more than you believe, Lily, far more. You’re too hard on yourself. You blame yourself for unfortunate things beyond your control.”

  “I started my roll of bad luck, so I’m responsible for it.”

  “You fell in love with the wrong man; that isn’t a crime or a sin; you didn’t know he was misusing and betraying you. Your love was pure and strong; he was the weak and evil one. Forgive yourself, Lily. You suffered from that mistake, but you learned from it. Look how strong, wise, and brave you are now. Don’t keep punishing yourself, please.”
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  “It isn’t easy to follow your advice.”

  “I know, but aren’t the best things in life worth fighting for? If they came easy and swift, would they seem as important and valuable?”

  “I suppose not, but that truth changes little, if anything, for me.”

  Laura sat on the edge of a cot beside a soldier with two bandaged hands, both burned badly. She used an invalid feeding spoon with a circular handle to place thick soup in his mouth. Every so often, she held a cup with a curved spout close to his lips so he could drink warm herbal tea. The man was weak, suffering from many injuries on his scrawny frame, and was unable to tend himself. His gaze was dull and his expression sad, both revealing anguish and misery at being helpless. She heard his stomach rumble in warning before his bowels spewed forth an uncontrollable rush of liquid and foul wind. The stench of diarrhea filled the hot July air, and she struggled to control her nausea. The humiliated man began to weep like a child and begged her forgiveness between sobbing gasps. Tears rolled down his cheeks and into his mussed hair. She placed the bowl and spoon on a nearby table as she wondered what to do for him.

  An older woman hurried over and comforted him before telling Laura to fetch her clean linens, a fresh nightshirt, soap, and a basin of water. After returning with the items, Laura was told to please handle another task while she—a fiftyish wife and mother experienced with illness—bathed and changed the tormented man.

  Laura’s gentle fingers moved damp hair from his teary eyes as she said, “God bless you, sir, and get well soon. Have faith in His healing powers.”

  “Thank you, Miss Laura, you’re an angel from heaven.”

  She left the heartrending scene, passed the forbidden contagious ward, and went to see where she was needed most. A surgeon halted and summoned her into a side room to assist him with the removal of a bullet in a man’s thigh. His pants leg was cut away and the bloody area exposed.

  “Have you ever done this before, Miss Laura?”