The Bride Price (12 page)

“So what is your association with the
hospital then?” She lifted her fork to her mouth.

“Many of the men I have trained come back
through the hospital, so I am called upon from time to time to
notify next of kin, or simply let them see a familiar face.
Recently, President Lincoln requested I train more men, as we’ve
been losing so many.”

“President Lincoln, himself? Not your
commanding officer?”

“Technically, I’m not part of the army. My
brother, Clayton, is quite close to the President, both personally
and professionally, so I report directly to Mr. Lincoln.
Unconventional, yes, but convenient for our leader.”

Sophie sat dumbstruck. She was speaking with
someone who knew her hero—personally. She was one degree of
separation from one of the greatest men who ever lived. Shaking
away her thoughts, she asked, “Has that been hard? Training so many
men who don’t make it?”

“I try not to dwell too heavily on the
losses. Luckily, we’ve had many more successes, so I try to focus
on that.”

“Where does your southern accent come from?
Do you have any family, Mr. Madden?”

“Richard, please. If you won’t call me
Richard, I’ll continue to call you, ma’am,” he threatened.

Sophie pointed her fork at him. “I
knew
you were doing it to irritate me. Yes, fine, I’ll call
you Richard. I think you should still call me Mrs. Ford, though.”
He raised an eyebrow at her and she folded. “Okay, fine. Call me
Sophie.”

“Sophie,” he acknowledged. “In answer to your
question, I am originally from Virginia. I don’t have much family
left. My parents and sister died from typhoid several years ago.
Clayton is my only family now and currently stationed in
Washington. His plan is to settle here when the war is over, as
neither one of us feel Virginia is our home any longer. Although, I
have a feeling his interests may be better served in D.C.”

“Do you see him when you’re called to
Washington?”

“Yes. I usually stay with him.”

Sophie watched Richard lift a glass to his
lips and noticed his hand shaking. She felt a warm flush start its
way up her neck. She had no idea why, but she suddenly felt
awkward.

Richard lowered his glass. “Why don’t we go
for our ride now?”

“I think that would be fun. I’ll run and
change.” Sophie made her way upstairs and tracked Betty down to
help her dress. She found the riding habit, clean and hung up in
the freestanding wardrobe.

It took her thirty minutes to get out of her
skirts and into the riding habit, and once again she wished for a
split skirt. She wasn’t really looking forward to the sidesaddle
again but knew she didn’t really have a choice if she wanted to
ride.

Just as Sophie stepped into the foyer,
Richard walked back through the front door. “I took the liberty of
having Samson saddled for you. He’s with my horse, right
outside.”

“Thank you.”

Taking her hand, he placed it on his sleeve
and gallantly led her outside. She noticed his hands no longer
shook and wondered why. She didn’t linger on her thoughts as he
helped her mount and held the horse while she tried to maneuver her
skirts. Once she was settled, he mounted and they took off at a
slower pace than he was probably used to, but she was grateful,
still not completely comfortable in the saddle.

“Why did you decide on living here, Richard?”
Sophie asked after a few minutes of riding.

“I met the Simmonds family years ago, shortly
after my acquaintance with Michael. I purchased the property partly
because it was next to the Wades, and partly because the horse
facilities were so new. I think that might have been why Lincoln
asked me to train the cavalry. I already had the perfect land,
which meant the Union didn’t need to look for or purchase
anything.”

She nodded and they lapsed into silence
again. The countryside overwhelmed her senses and she took several
deep breaths, almost in an effort to remember the clean smell of
fresh snow. She had never seen so much and the vastness of the
trees held her in awe. She couldn’t imagine this beautiful place
destroyed, and although she didn’t remember a whole lot about
Harrisburg, she hoped and prayed it stayed intact.

A man-made lake straddled both properties,
and they rode the perimeter in easy conversation. Sophie was
surprised when Richard brought their visit to a close. “We should
really get back. I have to go to Washington tomorrow to meet with
the President, and I’ll need to get an early start.”

Sophie nodded. “How long will you be
gone?”

“I’ll be gone for a few weeks, I’d imagine.
Meetings with President Lincoln are never short.”

Returning to the Wades without any casualties
or runaway horses, Richard helped her dismount and, as he lowered
her to the ground, she noticed the smell of alcohol.

Probably why his shaking has stopped.

She wondered how much he’d had to drink, and
how he’d imbibed without her notice, as he walked her to the
door.

“Thank you, Sophie, for a wonderful
afternoon. I enjoyed your company immensely.”

“I really should be thanking you, Richard.
I’m sure you had a lot to do today and yet you took the time to
show me around. That was very nice of you and I appreciate it.”

She was a little embarrassed at her earlier
treatment of him, but he was gracious enough not to mention it as
they walked inside. They nearly bumped into Nona, who looked as
though she was on her way out. “Oh, Richard and Sophie, what a nice
surprise.”

“Good afternoon, Nona,” Richard said.

“Did you have a nice time, dear?” Nona asked
Sophie.

“Yes, Nona, it was lovely.”

“Richard, Michael mentioned you were off to
Washington tomorrow. We would love it if you would have dinner with
us tonight. Six o’clock?”

“Yes, Nona, dinner will be appreciated. I’ll
see you both at six o’clock.”

CHAPTER TEN

Betty collected Sophie at five-thirty and
helped her dress. Sophie chose a dark floral skirt with a simple
white blouse and a jacket that complemented the skirt. Deciding to
do her own hair, she attempted a simple chignon, but working with
hairpins was a bit past her skill level. More hair ended up
cascading down her back than staying in the bun.

What I wouldn’t do for a scrunchy right
now.

She went downstairs to see if there was
anything she could help with. A funny question to ask the wealthy
with servants, but her mama taught her right and she couldn’t help
at least asking. The house was alive with activity. Sophie didn’t
want to be in the way, so she made her way to the parlor. Inside
she found two boys sitting on the floor playing jacks and
marbles.

Adam and Elizabeth’s children?

She was about to say something to them, when
Elizabeth bustled through the door. “Boys, it’s time to get ready
for dinner. Please put your toys away and wash your hands.”

“Yes mama.”

She turned to Sophie. “Good evening, Sophie.
Have you survived your day without any of us? I hope you weren’t
bored.”

“Richard Madden took me riding today.”

“How nice.” She turned back to her boys.
“Thomas, Ambrose, please come and meet Mrs. Ford. Sophie, I’d like
you to meet my sons, Thomas is eight and Ambrose is six.”

The boys jumped up and bowed gallantly. The
introduction was made, and then, just as quickly, the boys took off
to get ready for dinner. Elizabeth laughed as they left, hoping
aloud they didn’t break anything in their haste to eat. She linked
her arm through Sophie’s and moved towards the foyer. The butler
stood at the open door, welcoming Miriam, Christine, and Andrew.
The group made their way back into the parlor. Adam, having managed
to corral the two young boys, joined everyone a few minutes
later.

Richard arrived promptly at six and was shown
into the parlor. He placed a lingering kiss on Sophie’s fingers,
and she blushed, embarrassed with the show of affection and
somewhat dismayed by the scent of alcohol on Richard’s breath,
heavier than earlier in the day. She sighed in relief when she was
saved by the butler, who informed everyone that dinner was
ready.

The group settled into relaxed conversation
as dinner was served. Adam and Andrew filled everyone in on what
was happening with the business, and Christine updated everyone on
life at the hospital. The family started grilling Richard about
what he was going to do while in Washington and he did his best to
provide as much detail as he could.

“Has the President said what he needs you
for, or for how long?” Michael asked.

“I believe it’s a strategy meeting. I imagine
I’ll be gone for several weeks.”

“I’m sure Clay will be glad to see you. It
has been a long time, has it not?” Nona sipped her wine.

“Yes, almost a year. It will be good to see
him.”

Sophie nearly dropped her fork when she felt
a hand on her leg. Richard’s hand. She pulled away and raised an
eyebrow in warning but he simply smiled serenely as though nothing
untoward had taken place. He made no further advances and Sophie
almost wondered if she’d imagined it.

Almost.

When dinner was over, the men retired to the
library and the women went to the parlor. Sophie was roped into a
game of jacks with the boys and found herself on the floor laughing
at how bad she was at it. The ball kept getting away from her and
so, rather than picking up any jacks, she was forced to catch the
ball. Hearing a noise at the doorway, she looked up to find Richard
staring at her strangely. She didn’t have a chance to ask why as
Adam and Elizabeth gathered the boys up and took their leave.

Andrew had escorted Christine and their
mother, so when Miriam was ready to go soon after, he took them
both home. Richard was the last to leave, and despite the early
morning wake-up call, he lingered and waited for everyone to
leave.

“Sophie, would you join me on porch for a few
minutes?”

Sophie gave a slight nod. “I suppose.”

Richard escorted her to the front porch and
settled her in one of the big chairs. He sat next to her, and they
spent a few minutes staring at the perfect winter scene in front of
them.

“What time do you have to get on the road?”
Sophie asked, breaking the silence.

“I’ll be leaving at four.”

Sophie raised an eyebrow. “In the
morning?”

“Yes.”

“Whew, that is early. Are you riding, or
taking a carriage?”

“I’ll be taking the train.”

Sophie didn’t really know what else to say.
She felt a bit awkward and wasn’t altogether sure why Richard asked
her to sit and talk with him. Rising to her feet, Sophie faced him.
“Well, you should probably get going. Four o’clock is not very far
away.”

Richard stood as well. “Yes, you’re right. I
should go.”

Grasping her upper arms, he leaned down and
placed his lips on hers. Sophie pushed him away, nauseous by the
overwhelming stench of yet more alcohol on his breath.

Where is he finding this stuff?

“What are you doing?” she screeched.

“I’m simply saying farewell,” he slurred.

Sophie wiped her mouth with the back of her
hand. “Well, I did not give you leave to accost me.”

“Is that what I did?”

Sophie scowled and turned to leave but he
reached out, took both her hands, and placed a kiss on each of
them. “I certainly hope we’ll see each other soon, Sophie. I won’t
stay any longer than absolutely necessary.”

Yanking her hands away, she rushed inside and
up to her room.

* * *

James Emerson sat up and turned his head at
the sound of his door creaking open. A young woman shuffled inside
and he had a flash of memory.

She smiled and made her way to the bed. “Good
morning, sir. How are you feeling?”

“You’re the one who found me, right?” he
asked.

Her light blonde head bobbed up and down.
“Yes. I wasn’t sure if you’d remember. My name is Amelia
Powell.”

Her ice-blue eyes crinkled at the corner and
James thought she looked like…

Who? Who does she look like?

He swore and rubbed his forehead. Nothing. He
couldn’t remember anything.

“Sir? Are you all right?”

James nodded slowly. “Yes, sorry. I’m feeling
much better today.”

The black woman who’d been looking after him
brought a tray and set it on the bed. “The doctor says you’s needs
to get outta bed an’ walk around today.”

James smiled with relief.

“You jus’ need to eat an’ get ya strength
back. You be back on your way in no time.”

Back on my way to where, though? I don’t even know
who I am.

He nodded and picked up a piece of toast. A
liberal portion of jam had been spread on top and he grinned up at
Della. “You remembered exactly.”

“Yessuh. It’s my job to knows.”

James swallowed. “Well, I appreciate it. I
don’t think I’ve ever had a better piece of toast in my life.”

Della’s cheeks reddened as she turned to
gather the supplies to change his bandage.

“Daddy says you’re a lieutenant,” Amelia
said.

Was he? He didn’t know. The decorations on
his military coat indicated he was, but he would be hard pressed to
tell the difference between the bars of a lieutenant, a colonel, or
Captain Kangaroo.

James shrugged. “Yes, I suppose I am.”

“Of the cavalry.”

Cavalry…that means horses, right?

James nodded. “Yes.”

Amelia smoothed a hand over her skirts. “Did
you lose your horse?”

“Miss Amelia,” Della admonished. “The po’ man
don’t know what end’s up, chil’. Let him alone.”

James sipped his coffee and smiled gently. “I
don’t know what happened to my horse. I don’t know what happened to
my unit, either.”

Or my mind, for that matter.

“Daddy has three horses hidden in the
barn.”