by Ingis, Gail
“Hold up!”
Kate’s eyes widened. Her father. She spoke quietly to the men carrying Joshua, and they disappeared down the companionway. She turned slowly to face her enraged father, thanking God that gloves concealed her wedding ring. She tucked a stray curl into her bonnet that hid her short hair. “What has you so riled, Father?” she asked coldly.
He thrust his face close to hers. “If you think to flee with that raping darkie, you can think again, missy!”
She drew back at the foul smell of stale whiskey oozing from him. “I assume you mean Joshua. You said he was dead, so how could I be with him?”
“Don’t sass me, girl! I saw the bastard at the station with a young fellow.”
“I can’t account for what you saw. I spend every day at Benton Hospital, as you well know. Now I’m traveling with another nurse, accompanying injured soldiers to their homes. The hospital needed the space for more seriously wounded men.”
“No daughter of mine will help the damn Yankees.” He jabbed her shoulder, driving her backwards.
“For your information, we treat Confederate and Union soldiers!” Kate’s voice rose. “Don’t air your bigoted views around me!”
Passengers turned to stare at them. Leila and Cornelia were at her side. Leila called a crewmember. “Would you please escort this Southern gentleman off the ship? He’s becoming abusive.”
“A Southerner, ya say?” The sailor gripped Manning’s arm. “Come on, sir. Only soldiers and hospital staff allowed aboard, and ya ain’t neither.”
Red faced, with veins popping on his forehead, Manning struggled to escape the sailor’s grip as he was shoved down the gangway. “Bastards. I’ll find and hang the darkie who damaged my daughter.”
Tears ran down Kate’s cheeks. “He’s a cruel excuse for a father.”
Leila put her arm around Kate’s shoulders. “It’s so sad Kate. I’m sorry you have suffered such blatant prejudice.”
“He’s always been a dictator. He abused his slaves. Josh was only five years old when my father sold his mother, father, and siblings, leaving him without a family.”
Leila gasped. “That’s dreadful.”
Cornelia worried her bottom lip. “I’m afraid it happened often. And I understand domineering fathers. Mine was disappointed and angry because I chose to be a nurse. I think our free spirits bother them.” She walked along the deck. “Michael and Joshua are housed in the ballroom with other injured soldiers. There’s limited space, so we’ll have to share cabins.” She put her hand on the staircase rail. “Come on. Let’s go and see our men.”
Leila stopped to admire the staircase. She gasped as she looked up into a round dome wrapped in crown moldings of intricately carved wood. Angels floating in a heavenly sky were painted on the dome high above a shimmering crystal chandelier. “Oh my, isn’t the décor splendid?”
Cornelia looked up. “Oh, my, yes.”
“It is.” Kate continued up the stairs.
Leila followed her. “This boat is remarkable. Father took me to Europe on a colossal ship, and this one is every bit as opulent.”
Cornelia sighed. “It’s sad that this magnificent ship has to be used for war.”
They stepped onto the landing and walked into the ballroom. “Goodness,” Leila whispered. “The ballroom is even grander.”
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the ballroom crammed with injured men lying on pallets. The gasoliers added luster to the highly polished wainscot. Imported tapestries lining the walls above muted the sound of men’s voices. The poignant notes of a harmonica played “Home Sweet Home.”
Melancholy settled on Leila like a dark cloud. “Righteous or not, war is a waste of lives. Thankfully, music is a panacea for sorrow.”
“I feel blessed that I got my Michael back,” said Cornelia, “but I agree, war is pointless.”
“I think the music has Josh going.” Kate said as Joshua rose from the pallet and ripped off his bandages. “I know the war is dreadful, but it gives folks like my Josh freedom. I hate that so many lives must be sacrificed and pray that it’s worth the loss.” The music changed to a lively Virginia reel. Kate smiled. “Look at Josh. I’ve seldom seen him so joyful.”
With the last of the bandages off, he stomped to the tune.
Soldiers sat up on pallets, grinning. Others lay watching, too sick to move. Those more able-bodied danced and clapped to the reel.
Leila squeezed through the soldiers.
A boy played a fife, accompanying a man with a harmonica. He paused and grinned at Leila. “Do ya like the music, ma’am?”
“It’s lovely. How old are you?”
“I am twelve. So why ain’t ya dancin’?”
“Ladies, come, dance with us,” yelled a soldier. He grinned and put out his hand to Leila. “C’mon, dance the reel with me.”
Leila smiled and took the soldier’s hand. She enjoyed being able to dance again. They finished the last swing of the reel and sashayed to the front of their set.
Kate’s eyes sparkled as she faced Joshua and clapped to the tune of “Old Zip Coon.” His sensitive, seductive smile made his eyes gleam. He took her hands. Their eyes locked as they skipped down the center of the set.
A smiling Cornelia watched for a while then returned to Michael’s side.
Leila eventually stepped back from her partner. “Please excuse me. I need a breath of fresh air.”
“You take care out there,” he said, bowing. “The steamer has just entered the junction to the Missouri River. Plenty o’ Rebs on this river.”
Leila nodded and made her way out onto the companionway. Holding the rail, she gazed at the trees lining the banks of the Missouri and drew a deep breath. She lifted her face to the light breeze, her thoughts centered on Rork. Is he still in New York? Has he recovered? She missed him terribly but wasn’t sure she would ever see him again. His words echoed in her head. As soon as I’m healed, I will find you. She released a shuddering sigh. God help me, I want him.
“Why the sigh, lovely lady?”
Gasping, Leila spun around, her legs turning to jelly. “Rork!” Her hand flew to her chest, and her heart pounded. “Oh my soul. Where did you come from?” She tried to catch her breath.
He chuckled. “New York. The train arrived this morning, and I came straight to the docks.” He took her hand and held it against his heart. “I told you I’d find you,” he whispered. “I would find you anywhere in the world.” He kissed her fingertips and held her gaze for what seemed a lifetime.
“You would?” Mesmerized by his eyes, she swayed toward him, her lips parted.
“I would.” He drew her close and cradled her head against his chest. “I’ve thought of you every moment of every day you were away.”
“How did you know where to find me?”
He buried his face in her hair. “Cornelia sent me a wire.”
“Cornelia is a caring friend. I should have guessed she’d contact you.”
“Please tell me you’re pleased.”
“You forget I’m still married, Rork.” She swallowed hard, wishing it were not so.
He lifted her chin, leaned forward and lightly traced her lips with his tongue. “It doesn’t matter,” he said softly. “I’ll wait for you until the world ceases to exist.”
She sighed and sank against him as he claimed her mouth. He pulled her tight against his body and deepened the kiss. Heat raced through her blood, and she clung to him.
He finally broke the kiss. “Will you come west with me?”
“I’m married, Rork.”
“So you keep saying. Will you come with me or not?”
“I cannot.”
“I will go wherever you go. It’s as simple as that.” He put his hand on her backside and pressed her against him. �
��I will have you, Leila. Make no mistake about that.”
Her mind was spinning, and she fought to regain her composure. “I-I’ll be happy to accompany you when the time comes.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
She laid her palm on his cheek. “I have to resolve things with Hank. He must sign the divorce papers, and I’m not sure he will.”
Rork grimaced. “I’ll damn well force him to.”
A flash of light followed by a blast shattered the moment.
Leila stopped breathing. “Was that a gunshot? Please tell me I’m wrong.”
“No, you’re not wrong. Let’s go.” Keeping his arm around her waist, they ran.
Looking at the shore, Leila gasped. “More gun fire.”
A bullet slammed into the wood near their heads.
“Get down!” They ducked and ran. Bullets peppered the steamer. They catapulted into Joshua and fell, taking him with them.
“Everyone get down!” Rork yelled.
Leila grabbed Joshua’s arm. “Where is Cornelia?”
He pointed. “Over there.”
Leila glanced across the huge ballroom. Cornelia was crouched over Michael.
Joshua looked at Rork. “Who’s he, Leila?”
“Rork Millburn here.” Rork stretched out his hand.
“Joshua Formby.” He shook Rork’s hand, one arm around Kate. “My wife, Kate.” Another barrage of bullets hit the ship. “We must get to the center of the room.”
Grabbing Leila, Rork scrambled away as bullets smashed windows and sent shards of glass and wood flying.
An explosion lifted the ship. Shattering wood, along with screams of pain and distress, added to the pandemonium as men and pallets were flung to the starboard side.
“They’re bombarding the ship with cannons!” Rork yelled.
Air left Leila’s lungs as they slid along the polished floor and slammed into a wall. Rork fell on top of her. The ship listed badly, and water rushed into the ballroom.
“The ship is sinking!” Rork grabbed Leila and staggered to his feet. “We must get off the ship!”
Leila struggled in his arms. “Cornelia’s betrothed can’t move. We must help her.”
Rork stared at Leila. “I thought her betrothed was dead.”
“I’ll tell you about it later, but he lives. Please help her, Rork.”
“Of course, but get down and stay down.”
Joshua rose to his knees. “Mr. Millburn, stay with Kate and Leila. I’ll get them.” Within minutes, he was back, carrying Michael. Cornelia stumbled after him.
Rork herded the three women to the door and pushed, but water held it shut. Rork slammed his boot into the barricade. It shattered, and water poured in. “Hurry! Ladies, take off your petticoats or you’ll sink.”
Needing no further encouragement, they hiked drenched skirts and unhooked their petticoats, kicking them off.
Rork urged them out and forced the women over the rail. “We’ll have to swim, but make for the north shore. It isn’t far!” He followed them into the water and looked back. “Are you all right, Joshua?”
He nodded and slid over the rail, hanging onto Michael.
Fighting the drag of her dress, Leila shivered in the freezing water and struck out, swimming to the shore. Waves of water washed over her, filling her mouth. Fear rippled through her as memories of the Catskills flashed into her head.
“Keep going!” Rork yelled.
“M-my dress is dragging me down!”
Finally, her feet touched the bottom, and she waded to the bank and collapsed. Rolling onto her back, she lay panting.
Rork helped Joshua drag Michael to dry ground and knelt beside Leila. “Will you be all right?”
She nodded. He urged her up, then Cornelia and Kate.
“Get into the trees and wait for me. I’m going back to help the injured men.”
“Wait.” Joshua ran to the trees with Michael and put him down. “I’ll come with you.” Rork nodded, and together they waded in and swam back to the sinking steamer.
“Please don’t die,” Leila whispered as they disappeared from sight. Through the dwindling daylight, she stared at hundreds of bodies floating in the water and soldiers frantically making for the shore. She crawled to Cornelia, who leaned over Michael. “We need to find a way to keep him warm, Cornelia.”
Kate joined them. “Let’s cover him with foliage.”
“I wonder where the nearest settlement is. We need to get help.” Leila ripped off leafy branches to cover Michael. “We’ve been on the water since early morning, and the sun is setting, so we must have come a fair distance.”
Teeth chattering, Kate helped Leila cover Michael. Leila said, “According to the Captain, we could be near Boonville. But the settlement is on the south bank, and the river can’t be crossed here—not sure the river can be crossed anywhere.”
Cornelia stroked Michael’s cheek. “Please live, I pray.”
At last Michael was covered. Leila wrapped her arms around herself and tried not to shiver. “One can’t attempt to cross the river here anyway—too many Confederates roaming about.” Leila jutted her chin. “I’m going to fetch help.”
Cornelia glanced at her. “Maybe the soldiers’ commanding officer could go with some of his men. It’ll be dangerous.”
Leila scowled. “Almost all of the men are injured.” She swept an arm around at the men in the water and many strewn on the shore. She swallowed. “O-or dead.”
Cornelia grabbed her arm. “Please wait for Rork and Joshua.”
“No, I’m going!” She wrung as much water as she could from her sodden skirt and struck out, heading west.
Chapter 19
Rork panted, spitting water as they dragged men from the ship that had settled on the riverbed. “Let’s look in the decks underwater. There may be men trapped in air pockets.” He waded through debris with Joshua. “Don’t swim into the debris when we come up.”
Returning to the stricken ship, visibility was almost zero in the fading light. Rork swam into a lower deck. He ignored trapped bodies. He was able to see legs kicking frantically in the stairwell dome. With a few powerful strokes, Rork burst into a pocket of air next to a soldier, drawing deep breaths.
The man flailed wildly. “Get me out! Get me out!”
“We will get out. Are you injured?”
“Not badly.” His eyes rolled, and he clutched and pushed on Rork’s shoulders.
“Stop! You’ll drown us both!”
“Got to get out!”
Rork brought his hand up and delivered a slap across the man’s cheek. “Keep it together, man!” Rork looked at him hard.
He nodded. “Sorry, I-I’ll try.”
“Take a deep breath, then dive, but work with me. Okay?”
He nodded.
Rork took his arm and dragged him down to escape through an opening. As they emerged, the man lost his nerve and grabbed Rork’s shirt. Bubbles poured from the soldier’s open-mouthed scream.
Exerting all his strength, Rork punched him. The man went limp, and Rork wrapped his arms around his chest and kicked hard, rising to the surface. Keeping the man’s head above water, he struck out with one arm, heading for the shore. His injured shoulder ached as he pulled the soldier onto the shore. Flashes still emanated from the opposite bank, but they were too far for bullets to hit them. He realized the Confederates were picking off survivors’ unfortunate enough to reach the opposite bank. He clenched his jaw. “Damn sons of bitches!” Kneeling, he pummeled the soldier’s chest until he vomited.
He looked up at Rork. “Thank you,” he said hoarsely.
“Keep low and get your ass into those trees.” Rork waded back into the water.
Joshua’s voice bo
omed across the water. “Rork!”
“I’m here.” He swam toward Joshua, faintly outlined in diminished light.
“There are bodies crushed under the ship. Nothing we can do for them. But I think some are still trapped in the lower deck.”
“Over here! We’re over here!” a man yelled. More voices screaming for help skimmed across the water.
“Let’s get them first.” Joshua said as he and Rork followed the voices. Men clung to an overturned lifeboat, blood pouring from wounds.
Rork reached the boat first. “Help me right it.”
“Need to get them off it first.” Joshua ripped their hands off the hull.
“Are you mad?” a man cried, trying to regain his hold.
“Let go, damn it!” Rork barked. “Okay, let’s flip this thing.” Breath rasping, Rork ground his teeth and ignored the pain in his shoulder as they slowly righted the lifeboat.
One by one, the exhausted men clambered into the boat, murmuring their thanks.
“We need to find planks to use as oars,” Rork said.
“Way ahead of you.” Joshua tossed planks into the boat. “Let’s find more survivors.”
The lifeboat pulled away, the men chanting the strains of “Amazing Grace.” The boat rose and fell in rhythm with the makeshift oars sweeping through the water.
Hours later, surrounded by moonlight and silence, Rork and Joshua crawled onto the shore and lay on their backs, staring at a starlit heaven. The moon slowly crept higher into the sky. “You all right?” Rork croaked, hacking up water.
“Yeah.”