Love Stays True

by Martha Rogers

  “Oh, I don’t know. I might look better with a beard.” He fingered the sandy growth on his own chin.

  Clean shirts and trousers caught Manfred’s eye. He picked up a shirt and held it to his chest. “Must be one of Luke’s. The Graysons are being really kind to us. I’m glad we volunteered to stay and help them tomorrow. Finish your washing up and try this on.” He tossed the shirt in Edwin’s direction.

  Edwin sniffed the air. “I smell breakfast cooking, and it’s calling my name.” He pulled the shirt over his head and smoothed it around his waist. “A perfect fit. Must be Mark’s ’cause Luke’s more your size.”

  Manfred slipped on the other shirt. Edwin had been right. This one had to be Luke’s. His friend wouldn’t mind since they’d shared too much over the past two months. A few pieces of clothing shared between friends made the bond even closer, especially in times like these. The crisp, clean cotton hugged his chest and smelled like the sun and fresh outdoors, an aroma Manfred had doubted he’d ever have the pleasure to smell again.

  In a few minutes both men were dressed, and Manfred led the way downstairs to the kitchen where the Grayson family gathered around the table and greeted them with smiles and hearty handshakes.

  Mr. Grayson grasped Manfred’s hand. “I can’t thank you boys enough for staying to help us finish planting. It’s late, but we’ll have a crop. With what we did yesterday to prepare, we can be out in the field a little after sunup.”

  Manfred returned the man’s firm grip. “Glad to do it, and working will help build up muscle lost these past months.”

  “And thank you for the razor and the clothes. Be nice to wear something besides our uniforms to church this morning.” Edwin grinned and rubbed his clean-shaven face.

  “Just our way of thanking you. Mother has your things in the basket to wash tomorrow morning. You’ll have clean clothes when you’re ready to leave.” Mr. Grayson took his seat at the head of the table. The others found their places and sat down to breakfast. Mr. Grayson stretched out his hands and the circle completed itself. “Let’s thank the Lord for His bounty.”

  Manfred echoed his host’s feelings in the deep places of his heart. In the short time in their presence he had come to appreciate even more the sacrifices families all over the South as well as the North had made for their country. Many families like this one would never be complete again.

  After breakfast Mr. Grayson brought around the buckboard for the ladies and little Matt. The young men saddled horses and mounted them to follow the buckboard to the church.

  A large crowd had gathered on the steps of the white building. As the Grayson family arrived, several of the men hurried over to greet Manfred and Edwin.

  Manfred dismounted and answered questions as best he could. “Luke’s the only one I know about for sure. I think some of the other boys from around here may have been with us, but I didn’t know all their names.” He glanced over and spied Edwin answering questions too.

  They finally broke away and entered the small building. The service began with prayer then hymns of praise. After welcoming Manfred and Edwin to the congregation, the pastor began his sermon on the Resurrection.

  Manfred reflected on his family’s church in St. Francisville and imagined the service there today. His family would occupy a pew near the front as was Pa’s usual custom. Sallie and her family would probably be visiting her grandparents and attending church with them. How he longed to sit in the familiar pews of the church of his childhood. Then he remembered the damage done during the siege at Port Hudson and prayed the repairs had been made to bring the building back to full use.

  Halfway through the service the back door banged open, and the minister stopped in mid-sentence. The congregation turned, and a familiar figure ran down the aisle. Mrs. Grayson jumped up and met her son, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Luke! Luke! Thank You, God, thank You!” Luke held his arms open, and his mother flew into them and wrapped her arms around her son.

  Behind him four other soldiers raced through the door hunting for their families. Children cried, women wiped their eyes, and the men beamed as mothers and sons and wives and husbands reunited.

  Mr. Grayson stepped up to the platform. He cleared his throat and called for attention. “This is a day for which we all have hoped and prayed. The ladies planned a homecoming celebration for the day after the return of our men. Looks like that’ll be tomorrow. Everyone is invited to meet back here for dinner on the grounds at six in the evening.”

  Men and women laughed and chatted. The minister joined Mr. Grayson at the altar. “I can think of no better ending for Easter Sunday than to have these men with us. Let’s thank God for them and pray for those still out there and for those families whose sons and husbands and brothers won’t be back.”

  After the prayer the families dispersed. Joyful calls and greetings crossed from buggy to wagon to those on horseback. Manfred’s heart swelled with longing for such a reunion. Only a few more days, and he and Edwin would be on their way to such a welcome home.

  He noticed Rachel sitting quietly in the back of the wagon and strolled over to her. He stopped beside her, his hat in his hands, fingering the brim. “Pardon me, Rachel. I don’t mean to intrude, but I know you’re thinking of Matthew.” At her nod he continued. “I’m really sorry he’s not here with us. You’re one of the many brave women who’ve had to say good-bye, and your courage is to be admired. God will bless you in a special way.”

  The young woman raised her tear-stained eyes to his. “Thank you, Manfred. Nothing’s going to bring him back, but little Matt will always know how brave his Papa and all the other young men were.”

  “Yes, ma’am. He can be proud of his pa.” Manfred mounted his horse and swiped at his damp eyes with his sleeve. His gaze took in the families rejoicing with their loved ones come home. He turned his horse and trotted over to join Edwin. Lord willing, he and his brother would reunite with their own family in a few short months.

  The atrocities and horrors of war would be left behind, and the South would once again become part of this great nation. The South may have lost the war, but her men had been brave. He prayed the people of the South could put this all behind them and work toward a better future.

  St. Francisville, Louisiana

  Sallie climbed into the buggy and adjusted the folds of her peach-hued skirt. Hannah sat beside her and beat her shoes against the seat support. “Hannah, do sit still. You’re making me nervous with that banging.”

  Hannah glanced sideways at her sister and pouted, but she stilled her feet. Papa hefted himself up beside Mama and clicked the reins. The horse clip-clopped down the old brick road to the Methodist Church where they would join with the members to celebrate Easter.

  Sallie missed going to Grace Church for Easter, but church officials said the building wasn’t safe with one wall leaning so. During the fighting the Reverend Mr. Lewis had made a name for himself when he ran down the hill with his coattails flying in the wind and waving a white flag. Grandma said he hollered all the way, “Quit firing at the church! Quit firing at the church!” They did, but not before shells hit one side and all but knocked it down. He promised the church would be rebuilt and stronger than ever as soon as the bricks, stone, and wood became available, but he’d left for another parish and wasn’t around to make sure it happened.

  Papa halted the buggy before the building, and the boys assisted Sallie and Hannah from the carriage. Papa helped Mama then secured the reins at the hitching post. The family paraded down the aisle and took a pew behind Aunt Abigail and Uncle Clark with their family. Peggy Bradford turned and mouthed “I want to talk this afternoon.” Sallie smiled and nodded at her cousin.

  The service this morning included special prayers for the men still away from home. The reverend prayed, “Father God, Almighty. We lift up our men to Thee today. Keep them safe as they continue to defend our rights and land. We look forward to the joyful time of the end of this war and their return. Until then, hold the
m in Thy hands.”

  Sallie gazed around the church. Where had they found so many white flowers to fill the space along the altar rail? The fresh scent of them wafted her way, giving hope of new life after all the death they’d witnessed in the last four years.

  The minister spoke of the sacrifice of Jesus and His willingness to lay down His life for those He sought to redeem. His glorious resurrection served as the promise of eternal life to all those who sought Jesus as Savior and repented of their sins.

  Sallie pursed her lips and frowned. She’d heard these words most of her life, but they held no meaning for her this day. If God was truly merciful, none of this would have happened. No war, no killing, no lives uprooted, and no destruction. As hard as she tried to fill her mind with happy memories and forget the past, the pictures still played in the back of her mind and resurfaced at times like this.

  After the service Sallie joined Mama and Papa on the church grounds. Members gathered in small groups greeting one another. Easter Sunday brought with it a promise of a new season, new growth, and new life. That’s what she had to grasp and hold for the future. Hope didn’t come easy, but she had to practice it now.

  Grandpa stood near his buggy talking with Colonel Bradford. Her uncle wore his uniform with such pride. His white hair and elegant mustache completed the picture of an officer of the Confederate Army. His regiment had come home on furlough for a few days of rest before resuming their duties.

  Peggy peeked around her father’s back and waved to Sallie. She said something to her father then hurried over to grab Sallie’s hand. “Come ride with us back to Grandma and Grandpa’s. It’s been so long since we visited.”

  Sallie called out to her mother, “Mama, I’m going with Peggy if it’s all right with you and Papa.” The ride would give them time to talk without Hannah’s ears picking up every word. Not that she really minded her sister listening, but some things she and Peggy said were for their ears only and not those of little sisters.

  Mama hugged Sallie. “Of course, dear. Run along. Have a nice chat with your cousin.”

  Sallie and Peggy hooked arms and rejoined the Bradford family. Her uncle assisted her up onto the carriage seat. She settled herself beside her cousin in the back.

  Peggy giggled and grabbed Sallie’s hand. “Oh, Sallie, I’m so excited Mama wants to have your party at our home.” Then her expression sobered. “If only Manfred and Edwin could be here with us.”

  “Yes, that would so wonderful, but . . . ” She stopped and peered at her cousin. The color rose in Peggy’s cheeks, and Sallie grinned. “Margaret Elaine Bradford! Are you keeping secrets from me? I detect some interest in Edwin.”

  Peggy placed a finger against her lips. “Shush. Not so loud. He came calling on me twice before he left again last summer, and he’s written me several times. Oh, Sallie, he’s as wonderful as your Manfred.”

  Still smiling, Sallie placed her arm around Peggy’s shoulders. “Well, I don’t know about that, but then they are brothers, so I’ll take your word for it. Although I don’t see how anyone can be as nice and sweet as Manfred.”

  “Humph. Of course you don’t.” Peggy laughed and clasped her hands together. “Oh, I’m excited about having your birthday party. It’ll be such fun.”

  Sallie merely smiled and listened to her cousin’s chatter. As the daughter of a plantation owner Peggy had much more free time on her hands. Of course Uncle Clark had given most of the slaves their freedom when the house had been damaged, but a few remained. They must have decided that life with her uncle was better than the unknown they faced with freedom. Although she didn’t like the idea of owning people, having servants at one’s beck and call did make life easier.

  The carriage halted in front of the Woodruff home, and the girls stepped down then ran up the steps and into the house. Mama halted them in the entryway. “Girls, girls. Slow down. You are young ladies now and not hoydens.”

  “Yes, Mama. I’m sorry.” Sallie removed her bonnet but turned to wink at Peggy, who stifled a snicker.

  Hannah hopped up the steps, her special shoe clomping on the boards. She grabbed her cousin by the waist. “I’m so glad to see you, Peggy. Will you come up to my room later? I want to show you some of my needlework.”

  Peggy tweaked one of Hannah’s curls. “I’d love to. I understand you have quite the talent for needlepoint.”

  Hannah’s cheeks grew pink at the compliment. Sallie wrapped her arm around Hannah’s shoulders. “You heard right. Her stitches are much neater than mine, and the back of her work is almost as good as the front. Mine is all knots and snarls.”

  “I’m sure you both would put mine to shame, but right now the aroma from the dining room is calling me. Flora’s sweet potatoes are begging to be eaten. Come on.” Peggy grasped Hannah’s hand and ambled into the room where the remainder of the family gathered.

  The table had been extended to provide room for the larger group. Grandma’s best china and silver glistened and shimmered in the sunlight. Grandpa said grace and thanked God for the bounty and their safety through the past year.

  Sallie enjoyed having her brothers home again. She had missed their teasing and antics over the last few days. Will had grown so tall over this past year. In church this morning she noticed his head was almost even with Papa’s in height. Even Tom seemed taller than a few days ago.

  Will’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I say, Peggy, you look happy today. Are you thinking about a certain young soldier named Edwin Whiteman?”

  Heat filled Peggy’s cheeks with a bright red glow. “Now why should that be of importance to me, Mr. Will Dyer?”

  “Oh, none, except that last summer he looked at you like a fox eyeing a chicken.”

  Mama gasped. “Will Dyer! I will have no such talk at my table.”

  “Sorry, Mama.” He ducked his head, but not before Sallie saw the twinkle still there. Poor Peggy. It was too bad she didn’t have younger brothers, or she’d be used to such talk. Peggy’s older brothers were more like protectors than anything else. They were off fighting the war with the other young men.

  Papa’s voice drew her attention back to the dinner table. He addressed her uncle. “I understand that you and Abigail have offered your home for our daughter’s birthday.”

  “That’s right. We’d be pleased if you will accept our invitation. The repairs are all but finished, and our home will be ready for a celebration.”

  “That is generous of you, Colonel.” Papa’s gaze landed on Sallie, and he smiled. “We will be honored to accept the offer. We’ll have a grand party at Magnolia Hall.”

  Sallie squeezed Peggy’s hand under the table as Grandma Woodruff stood and signaled the end of dinner. “With that settled, I think it’s time we go the parlor. The girls will entertain us on the piano.”

  Peggy played a piece by Mozart, and Sallie sat near the window gazing out toward the road. She imagined Manfred walking up the drive. After the applause for Peggy’s music Sallie followed with a more rousing tune, and Hannah ended the recital with the “Minute Waltz.”

  At the end of the selection Hannah hopped up. “I chose a short piece because I want to go upstairs and change clothes. This stiff fabric is making my skin itch.”

  Papa laughed. “Of course, my dear. You run along. Thank you for entertaining us.”

  Sallie envied Hannah’s freedom in dress and wished she could be rid of her hoops and crinolines, but Mama insisted on wearing them on Sundays. A change of garments would be welcome right now.

  Peggy grabbed her cousin’s arm. “Let’s go out to the porch and wait until Hannah calls for us.”

  Sallie followed her cousin. They settled in the wicker chairs there, and Sallie crossed her arms about her chest. In a week or so the weather would be much warmer, but today was pleasant with a gentle breeze cooling the air.

  Peggy sighed. “Isn’t it a glorious day?”

  “Yes, it is. Makes me wish I was younger and could run about and enjoy the sun.”

&nb
sp; “Surely you jest, Sallie. Our mothers never allowed us to ‘run about,’ as you say, especially in the warm sun.”

  “I suppose not, but something in me now wants to run across the lawn with my hair streaming out behind, basking in the warmth of the spring sun.” A sigh escaped her lips. If only she could turn back the clock to the days before she became a young woman, to the days before the war tore apart everything she held dear.

  “I know, but that would be difficult with our skirts as bulky as they are. Besides, the sun isn’t good for our complexions. Mama says we must protect our skin at all times against the elements.”

  “Yes, Grandma says the same every time we leave the house on a sunny afternoon.” That explained the abundance of hats and parasols in Grandma’s wardrobe.

  Voices floated out from the parlor where the men enjoyed their after-dinner time. Papa spoke to the colonel about their home in Woodville.

  “We were very lucky not to have had more extensive damage. The house will be ready for our return by the end of June if the rains hold back.”

  “I don’t believe Magnolia Hall would have been so damaged had it been farther away from Port Hudson. I’m thankful I had already sent Abigail and Margaret away.”

  “Yes, they didn’t experience the threat of battle like my womenfolk did. I’m thankful Sallie had the wherewithal to fire the gun I gave her for protection.”

  Sallie’s heart lurched then thudded in her chest. Papa knew what she had done. Of course he must, because he had been in the house later, but why had he not said anything? Perhaps he knew it would upset her to talk about it. He knew and understood, but how would she ever explain it to Manfred?

  CHAPTER 10

  * * *

  Virginia, Monday, April 17, 1865

  MANFRED GAZED ABOUT the churchyard where families swarmed over the grass. Seeing Luke reunited with his family caused the longing for his own family to rise to the surface. With Luke home the planting had gone even faster this morning. Manfred planned to tell Mr. Grayson that he and Edwin would be moving on tomorrow morning now that Luke had come home.