Defiant Hearts Page 28

  “What are you going to say when you see him again?”

  “Insist on hearing the truth, no matter what it is.”

  “What if he asks you directly if you’re a Union spy?”

  “If he suspects me enough to ask that question, he already knows the answer to it; but I’ll tell him the truth, explain my reasons, and tell him I’ve stopped gathering information for his enemies.”

  Lily smiled. “I’m glad, and I’m proud of you. I’m sure everything will work out fine between you two.”

  “I hope so because I love him with all my heart and soul.”

  When Laura went to change Richard’s bandage the next day, the man appeared to be feeling much better and stronger.

  “Lily’s already treating me like a husband, Laura, so I guess I’ll have to marry her as soon as I’m up and around. I want you to know again how grateful both of us are to you for all you’ve done for us.”

  “It’s easy to be nice to you and Lily. I hope you don’t have to return to war, Richard, because it would crush her to lose you.”

  “With God’s help, Laura, it will be over before I’m healed and have to make that choice. I don’t want to leave her behind, but a man has to do his duty, hard as it is at times. I wouldn’t be worthy of her if I shirked it.”

  “You’re a good man, Richard Stevens, and I’m glad Lily found you.”

  As Laura tended his wound, the officer ventured, “Lily tells me you have a sweetheart, too, a soldier like me.”

  “Yes, he’s fighting down Petersburg way. If he gets to visit me soon, I’ll introduce you to him. I’m sure you two would be good friends. You’re much alike in personality and character, and have a lot in common.”

  “He’s lucky he found a good and beautiful woman like you.”

  Laura quipped, “Please feel free to tell him that when you meet him.”

  “I will if I get the chance. I have to tell you, I feel guilty about being safe and pampered when my friends and others are fighting so hard to save Georgia. I read about Sherman taking Fort McAllister on Tuesday. The paper said he’s reestablished communications with Washington. He’s been resupplied by one of those blasted Union ships since the fort fell and opened up the river for him, so he’ll be stronger than ever now. We need supplies and men in a bad way, Laura, but President Davis says he doesn’t have any to spare. It’s like he’s forgotten how important Georgia is to our Cause. Lordy, my beloved state’s gonna fall completely into those Yanks’ cruel hands. I never thought I’d see the day when that happened. We all figured we’d have them licked in less than a year.”

  “No one thought the war would go on for so long, and no one in power seems to be doing anything about negotiating peace.”

  “How can we make peace, Laura, when those Yanks demand our total surrender and subjugation? We can’t live as their slaves so they can free ours, though my family used free men on our plantation.”

  “If you don’t believe in slavery, Richard, why are you fighting this war on the Confederacy’s side?”

  “Because the North attacked us and I owe it to my friends and family. We have to protect our people and property. The Yanks have treated us like slugs for too long and they’ve taken unfair economic advantage of us. They were getting rich while we were heading for poverty. Every time we tried to improve our lives and businesses, they found ways to stop or impede us. We had no choice except to fight such injustice.”

  All Laura could say to a loyal Southerner was, “I suppose you’re right. But I still hope and pray a truce and compromise are possible, and soon.”

  * * *

  Amidst freezing temperatures, rain, snow, and sleet, a fierce battle at Nashville began on December fifteenth and raged into the sixteenth when Thomas and Schofield struck at Confederates under Hood and Forrest. Word spread and cheers arose in town when Richmond heard that a unit of one hundred forty-eight Rebels had fought off a detachment of four thousand Yankees. Jubilation was short-lived when the Confederate line seemingly crumbled under Federal pressure that first day. But Hood did not retreat; instead, he made another attack on Friday. At first, his second attempt looked promising, but hope faded fast on the muddy and icy slopes when they were taken by the Union. In a deluge of frigid rain, Hood implied failure by retreating south, leaving behind a major portion of his troops: almost seven thousand dead, wounded, and captured Rebels.

  Laura could not comprehend why the Rebels, outnumbered more than two to one, would assault a heavily fortified city that had been in Union hands for three years. She read the newspaper reports that were printed both days and hung upon every word guests spoke about the tragic incident, all the while praying for her family’s safety and survival. She could not celebrate victory when it was declared, though it vanquished the peril for her family, because so many Southerners had suffered, soldiers like Richard and Jayce who, in their misguided ways, were fighting for the wrong side. Yet, it was another crucial triumph for the Union, another move closer to peace.

  When Laura met with Ben, she handed him a book with underlined words, words with double meanings to both of them. While he scanned the markings, she toyed with buttons on her flannel overcoat, the dual cape collars providing extra warmth to her shoulders and arms. Her feet, though clad in high shoes with laced closures, were chilled. Even cotton stockings, gloves, undershift, scarf, and light wool garments failed to ward off today’s frosty weather. She wanted Ben to hurry so she could give him her bad news and return home.

  The man disguised in a gray wool uniform looked up, smiled, and said, “I guess you’ve heard about the fightin’ over Nashville way.” After Laura nodded, he asserted, “By all accounts, Hood and Forrest are finished, on the run, but they’ll be caught soon. Grant thought he was gonna have to head over there himself when Thomas kept a’stallin’ his charge. I’ll tell him what you reported about Davis’s plan to strengthen the ports at Savannah, Charleston, and Wilmington before all routes to them are cut off.”

  Laura knew that was Ben’s way of telling her he had understood the message in the book given to him.

  “Won’t be much longer afore Petersburg falls. Lee’s got seventy-two thousand troops there now, his largest force so far, but he ain’t got no room to maneuver the way he’s squeezed in tight and stretched thin as a string. All he can do is hold on a mite longer while the Union line gets stronger and wider. He’s gotta be gettin’ nervous with Federals crushin’ the South in ever’ direction and with no hope of reinforcements or supplies.”

  Since Jayce might be in that area, that news distressed her, but she concealed her reaction from her contact. Before she could ask her customary question about news of her family, Ben made a surprising disclosure.

  Ben grinned and said, “This oughta make you happy. I exchanged telegrams with your father before I came to meet you. He says to tell you he’ll probably be seein’ you within a few weeks, so to watch for a letter from him.”

  “Father’s coming home soon? Why? Is he injured?”

  “He’s gonna be reassigned, he said, and he’s doin’ fine; so are your brothers, but they’re stayin’ with Schofield in your father’s old company.”

  “Thank you, Ben, and that does make me happy. However, I’m afraid I can’t do the same for you; I have a complication at the hotel that is going to hinder my work for a while.” Laura went on to explain about Richard’s arrival and bedridden state. “Until he heals and can leave, I’ll have to be extra careful so Lily and I won’t get caught.” She saw Ben scowl, then, seconds later, relax. She awaited his response and it came forth within seconds.

  “It’s unwise to take any chances, Miss Laura. Just do the best you can until he’s gone. Besides, the way things are goin’ in our favor, this war should be over soon; or you’ll be back with your father.”

  Laura was amazed by his reaction. “You don’t have to be concerned about me and Lily changing sides because we believe in the Union. We’ve heard all of the South’s motives for secession and war, and some migh
t be accurate, but nothing Richard can say will influence us adversely. Thank you for being so understanding about my predicament; I truly appreciate it.”

  “You’re the one who needs the thankin’, Miss Laura, for all you’ve done. If you hear anythin’, just leave a note in the tree; don’t risk tryin’ to meet with me for a while. If I get any news for you, I’ll word it real innocent-like and mail it to you.” As Laura smiled and thanked him again, Ben thought about the big surprise in store for her soon…

  As Sherman demanded Hardee’s surrender at Savannah, Laura received a letter from her father, much sooner than she had expected and with an astonishing message. She told Lily, “I’m supposed to join him in Washington next week; that’s what the invitation to a late dinner at the Greeleys on Wednesday means. I can’t imagine how he got this letter to me so fast, unless someone had to take dispatches to Washington and it was included with them, along with instructions on how to get it to me without it being posted from there.”

  “I can’t believe you’ll be leaving me so soon. I knew this day would come, but not before the war ended. I’m going to miss you terribly, Laura.”

  “Just as I’ll miss you, but at least you have Richard here with you.”

  “That will make it easier for me. What about the hotel? Do you want me to continue running it for you or do you plan to sell it?”

  Laura had already made that decision. “No, I’m going to give it and this house to you as a wedding present.”

  The young woman’s blue gaze widened. “You’re going to do what?”

  Laura laughed in joy and at Lily’s disbelief. “You heard me correctly, Miss Hart. Clarissa gave them to me, and I’m giving them to my best friend. You deserve them, dear Lily, more so than I did.”

  “What will your father say?”

  “I’m sure he would concur with my decision, though they’re mine legally to do with as I choose. Besides, there’s no way I can sell property during the war and, even if I could, I would get little for it. I would much rather you have this house and the Southern Paradise. With you and Richard as owners, he’ll be less likely to leave Richmond.”

  Lily smiled. “You’re sneaky, Laura Adams, and totally unselfish.”

  Laura advised, “Just keep this news to yourself until after I handle the legal procedure on Monday; then you can share your wonderful secret with Richard. As far as he’s concerned, I’ll be returning home to Fredericksburg. Don’t tell him my real name. He’s a proud man and loyal Southerner, so he might not want to accept a gift from a Unionist and daughter of Colonel Howard Adams. Nor do you want your future patrons to think I tainted the place; that could ruin your business, which should increase after the war. Don’t worry, you won’t have any problems; you’ve learned everything about running the hotel. It will be yours by Monday night, so you can do with it as you please—change its looks, expand it, sell it later and move to Georgia, or keep it as it is: the choice is yours.”

  “It sounds so exciting. Heavens, how my life has changed in the last few months—no more prostituting, becoming the owner of this hotel, finding true love, and losing you.”

  Laura was delighted by Lily’s reaction; it was the first time in ages she had mentioned her former profession without seeming ashamed and depressed. Lily was stronger and more confident now, and Laura was proud of her. “Don’t be sad about me leaving; things are wonderful for you, and you’ve earned them.”

  “You will write me later to let me know how you are? Perhaps even return one day for a visit, for lots of visits?”

  “I promise, because I won’t be that far away and we will remain best friends forever.”

  “I’m so glad you came into my life, Laura. Because of you, I found myself again; and I love you dearly for that gift.”

  “We’ve been good for each other, Lily, and I love you dearly, too. Speaking of love, I hope Jayce comes to see me before I leave next week; we still have an important matter to clarify. If he doesn’t, I’ll leave a letter for him with you. Of course, it will have to be vague, because I can’t tell him who I am and where I’m going, not on cold paper. Besides, we’ve already made arrangements about when and where to meet after the war in the event something separated us.”

  Aware they would be separated soon, the two women chatted for hours about their last twenty-two months together, their dreams and plans for their futures, and their close friendship.

  While Laura and Lily were meeting with a local lawyer about the sale of Laura “Carlisle’s” property to Lily Hart for a small sum of money which Laura supplied to make the sale appear convincing, Sherman advanced on Savannah, and Early and Sheridan both sent reinforcements from the Valley to Petersburg. The two women heard that disturbing news en route home afterward; one piece would affect Richard and the other, Jayce.

  “That’s awful, Laura. It’s where Richard’s company was heading to help protect that city from that terrible beast. What if he decides to rejoin them since he’s feeling so much better? Under your skilled care, his wound is healing nicely. He might think he’s needed and strong enough to go. Men can be such proud and stubborn creatures!”

  “Surely Richard’s smart enough to realize it’s a lost cause and he would be endangering his life for naught. Yet, you could be right; I know my father and brothers have done things I thought were foolish. I’ll tell you what, dear Lily,” she leaned close and whispered, “we could sneak laudanum into his food or drink; that would make him believe he’s still weak and vulnerable. I have enough left to keep him in bed for a week or two, though it would be deceitful of us.”

  “I don’t care; I don’t want to lose him. Do it for me, please.”

  “I will, and I’ll take the blame if he discovers my mischief. I’ll tell him I did it so he would remain here long enough to heal completely, that he was deluding himself about being ready to return to the war. Perhaps if you use your charms to persuade him to marry you now instead of waiting until the war is over, that might keep him here. Too, with me leaving and you owning the hotel, he could feel that his duty is to remain here to help you. And,” Laura continued her list of reasons as they came to her, “stay to protect you with dangers increasing for Petersburg and Richmond. If he feels he must fight, he can do it from here.”

  As they stopped at a corner to wait for several wagons to pass, Lily said, “You’re so smart, Laura. I’ll work on him.”

  “Perhaps they’ll influence him to stay, but we both know from experience, it’s hard to choose between love and duty to one’s country. True love is strong, but it can be destroyed if abused, and there are forces abounding these days which it can’t battle alone. Well, here we are, so go upstairs and get busy protecting your beloved from himself.”

  After Laura checked with Belle and Cleo to make sure no problems had arisen during their absence, she went to the house to take care of several tasks. She realized she could carry only so many of her possessions on horseback, especially while sneaking through two lines of soldiers to reach her destination. She sorted them into two portions, one for herself and one to give to Lily. Later, she could purchase what she needed in Washington or return to Greenbriar to fetch clothing she left there.

  When she finished, she summoned Lily. “Before Alvus leaves for the night, we’ll get him to help us move Richard over here, and I’ll use your room until my departure. Everything in the drawers, I’m giving to you; I can’t risk being loaded down with too much weight if I have to ride fast. I have everything I want and need packed and ready to move.”

  “You can’t do that, Laura. It’s much too generous. You should stay here until you leave.”

  “No, you and Richard should have privacy, and it will give me time to help you two get settled into your first home.”

  “Our first home…how wonderful that sounds, but we can wait a while longer, and you can’t give away your clothes.”

  “I have plenty more at Greenbriar and Father can buy me whatever I might need in Washington. Please, take them; it will m
ake me happy. You want to look your best as the hotel owner and Richard’s wife, right? So, you can’t refuse my offer. Besides, you don’t have the money to purchase more, even if quality garments were available. Please.”

  “If you’re certain?”

  “I am, so it’s decided; they’re yours. Now, while I finish tidying up and fetching Alvus, you tell Richard he’s moving next door.”

  After Richard was settled in his new bed in Clarissa’s old room which was larger and more comfortable, Alvus left to continue his remaining chores.

  He said in an emotion-choked voice, “This is too kind of you, Laura; we shouldn’t be putting you out like this.”

  “How can one be too kind, Richard?” she jested to calm him. “The hotel and house belong to Lily now, to both of you after you marry, which I hope is very soon because there’s no reason to wait until the war is over. Since your home and plantation in Georgia were lost, this is a wonderful place to live and work. Lily can teach you all about the business, just as I taught her. I’ll be leaving in two days, so her old room is fine for me. After I’m gone, you can make another rental room out of it to increase your earnings. You’ll find the cellar is well stocked with staples; I purchased as much as possible while supplies were available and I had the cash. You can decide whether to keep all of them for your needs or share part of them with the unfortunate. However, I must caution you against being too charitable too fast since it’s impossible to obtain more and those that are available sell at extravagant prices, and Confederate currency, I’m sorry to say, is worth little these days. Without food for your guests, your hotel can’t stay in business. Many shops and businesses have already closed from a lack of goods to sell, and the blockade tightens every day. Well, that’s all the advice I have to give, so welcome to your new home.”