The Lady and the Officer (46 page)

“Why not?”

“Because… because we have no preacher.”

“He's inside, waiting for us.”

“What about a witness?”

“Mrs. Lang is also inside the chapel, doubtlessly peeking out the window.”

“But you have no ring.”

“Indeed, I do.” James withdrew a narrow gold band from his breast pocket. “I purchased it months ago just for this propitious occasion. I ordered a wedding dress in your favorite color and spent the entire morning picking these.” He held out the flowers. “Not a bad bunch, if I do say so myself. You know I love you and I suspect you love me. So, Mrs. Howard, what seems to be the problem?”

Staring at the wildflowers, Madeline smoothed her hands down the imported silk. “Green is my favorite color and the flowers are lovely, but haven't you forgotten something?” Her voice sounded small and childlike. “You haven't
asked
me yet.”

James flushed to a deep shade of scarlet. “Madeline, I cannot bear another moment without you as my wife. Before another war starts, or we're captured by bandits, or lightning strikes the steeple, will you marry me?”

Her gaze turned skyward. “There's not a cloud in the sky, but very well, General Downing. I will marry you here and now. After all, Virginia is almost starting to feel like home.”

Cashtown, Pennsylvania

A
UGUST
1865

“Scat!” Madeline brought her broom down inches from the rodent's long, skinny tail. “I'll teach you what happens when somebody other than me naps on my new feather pillow.”
Whap.
When the broom handle stuck the pine floorboards with a resounding echo, the gray mouse scuttled through a hole to freedom. “And stay out!” She shouted at the top of her lungs.

With the battle temporarily stalemated, Madeline climbed down the ladder to the first floor in search of cooler air outdoors. She was greeted, however, by Reverend and Mrs. Bennett wearing expressions of shock, and her new husband, his expression mirthful.

“Mrs. Downing,” said Reverend Bennett. “Have we come at a bad time?” His wife stepped closer to his side.

Madeline was flummoxed. “No, I'm always pleased to see you two. Let's go sit in the shade. I have a jug of tea cooling in the root cellar.” She brushed her palms together.

Mrs. Bennett glanced toward the loft window. “Shouldn't we invite your houseguest to join us?”

“Houseguest? No one is here but James and me.” She stared at the pastor's wife in confusion.

“Then who fell asleep on your bed?” Mrs. Bennett spoke softly so as not to be overheard by the intruder.

It took Madeline a few moments before comprehension dawned. “Oh, my. I beg your pardon. No one was supposed to hear my temper tantrum. A mouse has invaded our bedroom. He insists on leaving behind muddy footprints… or something worse.”

Both Bennetts tried unsuccessfully not to laugh.

“Don't be fooled by Madeline.” James stroked his beard, which he recently clipped very short. “She treats me the same way as the mouse if I roll onto her half of the bed or pull too much of the quilt to my side.”

“Oh, James.” Madeline blushed at his boldness in front of the preacher—a man she'd known most of her life. “Be careful or all you'll get for supper is a piece of cheese.” She linked arms with him as the foursome walked to the shade of an ancient maple.

The tree, like the horse barn, had remained untouched during the artillery shelling that destroyed her home. Thanks to the residents of Cashtown, all residue of that horrible fire was gone. Over the original root cellar—her refuge—James was building a new house atop the river rock foundation. Board by board, nail by nail, the two-story clapboard with a wide wraparound porch and tin roof would shelter their family for years to come. A family she hoped would steadily increase in number.

“The place is coming along nicely, General Downing.” Reverend Bennett shaded his eyes from the sun's glare. “Astounding progress in two short months.”

“James, please, sir. I resigned from the army and no longer use my military title. I have become a simple Pennsylvania farmer.”

“No, sir, I don't think I could call you that, not after your exemplary years of service to our country. Why, a day doesn't go by that I don't hear about your valor on the battlefield. The men of the Fourth Corps served proudly under you and will sing your praise until their dying day.”

Settling back on her elbows, Madeline stretched her legs out in the grass. James would allow the minister to ramble on about the war. He would clench his teeth but not interrupt, because it did no good whatsoever. Men loved to talk war stories… except for her beloved husband. James was determined to become a horse breeder and trainer as Tobias
had been. His West Point education left him ill-prepared for life after the army. So when he finished working on their house for the day, he read books about horse husbandry by the fire. He vowed on their wedding day never to take up arms against his fellow man again. James didn't even like hunting deer for meat for their table. But Madeline didn't care if their diet consisted of beans, corn, and barley. His gentle heart belonged to her. And what woman in love could ask for more than that?

“Let me know when you're ready for roof rafters.” Reverend Bennett finished his drink and rose to his feet. “Men from far and wide will come to help. Everyone wants you settled in the new house as soon as possible. We're all happy you decided to make Cashtown your home.”

“You two need to give the barn loft back to the mice,” Mrs. Bennett said as she fanned herself with her apron.

“What a splendid idea,” Madeline agreed eagerly. “James promised we'll be in by the first snowfall.”

“Walk me to my buggy, Madeline,” said Mrs. Bennett. “I picked up your mail in town and brought lamb stew and an apple pie for supper.”

“You've spoiled me so badly I won't know what to do in my new kitchen.” Madeline flashed her husband a wink.

At the road James shook hands with Reverend Bennett, smiling and waving until they turned onto the road. Once the buggy disappeared, he encircled her waist with his strong arms. “Mmm. Lamb stew sounds delicious.”

Laden down with the pie and a kettle of stew, Madeline was trapped in his embrace. “I think so too, and you really should let them help us beyond just bringing the occasional meal. They want to so badly, and I don't think Reverend Bennett will take no for an answer.”

“They've already done plenty by organizing that party for us. People brought bedding, crockery, almost everything we'll need. The men helped me put in a late crop of hay and corn. And at least a dozen members of my former corps promised spring foals to start our breeding stock.” James took the pies from her armload.

“That's what friends and neighbors do. They help one another.”

“I've never had neighbors before, only fellow officers in the military.
Besides, rebuilding this house is something I wanted to do for you. A labor of love—my love.”

“And I love you, but letting them help will get us under roof that much sooner.”

“And curtail the romantic atmosphere of the hayloft?”

“The mice would like their domain back.”

“Won't you miss cooking over an open campfire?”

“I have my eye on a new coal stove in town.”

“Your pioneer ancestors would cluck their tongues,” James murmured as he nuzzled her ear.

“Not the female half. They would understand. Besides, you promised me a proper honeymoon when we move your furniture from Philadelphia. I'm eager to travel east.”

James kissed the bridge of her nose. “Your wish is my command.”

“In that case, hold this pie and Mrs. Bennett's kettle of stew so I can open this letter. It's from my aunt in Richmond.”

As they strolled up the dirt lane, Madeline's eyes skimmed over Clarisa's small, precise handwriting. “Goodness, so much news! I'll read you the whole letter at supper. But the best part is Eugenia is getting married in November. She begs me… us to come to her wedding. Oh, James, I do wish to honor my promise, but I don't want to travel alone. Please say you'll come with me.”

He sighed wearily. “Maddy, how could a Yankee general show his face in Richmond? That town has suffered greatly.”

“But it was the Fourth Corps—your men—who put out the fires or the destruction would have been so much worse.”

“Few citizens will remember that detail, my love. Your family might not be able to relax if I'm there.”

“My family remembers. That's why your name is also on the invitation.” She showed him the envelope.

James shook his head with a slow smile. “You win, but I refuse to wear my uniform. I'll dress as a simple horse breeder or I won't go.”

Madeline wrapped both arms around his waist. “I thought the Downings had sworn off lives of subterfuge.”

“Hmm, why don't we implement that pledge after your cousin's wedding?”

“Very well, Mr. Downing, but don't blame me if you're mistaken for a stable boy and asked to move buggies to the back alley.”

“To see you wearing one of those outrageous hooped gowns, Mrs. Downing, it's a chance I'm willing to take.”

D
ISCUSSION
Q
UESTIONS

1.
How is Madeline Howard victimized by both armies when the war comes to Cashtown, Pennsylvania?

2.
Why does Richmond, Virginia—the capital of the Confederacy—seem like Madeline's only alternative when forced to relocate?

3.
How does Eugenia's upbringing and home life differ from what Madeline experienced?

4.
Elliott Haywood has a position of responsibility and authority in the Confederacy. Why does he assume the best about Madeline's integrity throughout the story?

5.
Nothing goes right for General Downing in terms of courting Madeline. Why is it so easy for Major Henry to thwart his efforts and why would he choose to do so?

6.
Madeline finds herself a spy quite by accident. How does living with the Duncans allow access to sensitive military intelligence?

7.
Despite being the enemy, Colonel Haywood is a hard man to resist. What qualities make him so appealing?

8.
The upper-class citizens of Richmond attempt to carry on as normal, despite the war creating privation among the poor and working class. How is that possible?

9.
Why does Madeline participate in holiday festivities if her heart is with General Downing?

10.
How does having a fishing boat make Captain George effective as a spy?

11.
Madeline's visit to Culpeper to see General Downing cements their relationship. Why does she choose to return to Richmond?

12.
Colonel Haywood endeavors to restore Madeline's reputation even if it jeopardizes his own. Why would he go to such lengths when she's in love with someone else?

13.
What makes Kathleen O'Toole so determined to undermine Madeline?

14.
Why is Aunt Clarisa loyal to her niece even after learning the truth about her activities?

15.
Madeline's love for James and her patriotism for her country inspire her to steal documents for the Union Army. What causes her to lose her taste for espionage work?

A
BOUT THE
A
UTHOR

Mary Ellis and her husband, Ken, live near the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, home to the last remaining GAR Hall in Ohio, and Hale Farm and Village, home to annual encampments and reenactments of Civil War battles. She is an active member of the local historical society and Civil War Roundtable, where she served as secretary for several years. She has enjoyed a lifelong passion for American history.