Field of Redemption

by Lori Bates Wright

  “Very well, this calls for action.” With two handfuls of her skirt, Cora marched down to where a kid soldier sat gaping at the spectacle going on in front of him. Before he saw it coming, she snatched the bugle from a rope at his side.

  “Ladies! To arms!” With a hand cupped next to her mouth, she rallied her troops. “Defend our domain!”

  Squawking out an off-key tune on the bugle, Cora’s reveille sounded like a cow caught in the fence.

  Women appeared out of nowhere. As they drew closer, Ian watched the proper Mrs. Elizabeth Lambert, wallop a fighting pair of men with a corn broom, breaking the handle in two across their backs.

  Fitz and two other men standing guard roared with laughter, open appreciation on their faces.

  “You’d think he’d learn to control his tongue with ladies present.” Abby noted dryly at Fitz’s exuberant oath.

  Another woman lifted a broomstick to sufficiently end another disagreement.

  “I could certainly use one of those brooms.” Merriment in Dottie’s eyes made Abby smile.

  Turning at the sound of screeching, they witnessed a barrage of peaches blast from the second story windows of Harbor House, bombarding the brawling men and effectively putting an end to fist fighting in the rose bushes.

  Abby looked up and was shocked to see Mama Ivy leading that charge.

  Mo and two of Farris’ men, lifted elbows to cover their faces, yelping like wounded pups with every direct hit. The bombardment continued until they finally gave up, lifting their hands and begging for mercy.

  A chorus of cheers went up as the ladies effectively cleared the yard of Farris’ rabble.

  Excitement fluttered among them while Cora stood at the head of the porch, taking in their victory as valiantly as any general having served a crushing defeat.

  Cora Dobbs and her Georgia Ladies Auxiliary Militia of Macon finally had their day.

  Fitz swabbed peach juice from the side of his head. “Dad blast it! This is why you don’t bring no women to a squabble.” Disgusted, he picked up one of the discarded peaches and was about to hurl it in frustration when he stopped. Hefting the fruit in his hand he dug inside and brought out a rock the size of a walnut where the pit had been.

  “And that, Lieutenant, is why you do.” Cora called down to him from the porch.

  Soldiers broke out in laughter all around him until Ian gave the order to round up Farris and his men.

  “He’s liable to puke all over us.” Fitz protested, but did as he was commanded anyway.

  Dottie moved to the porch and Abby heard her congratulating Cora on the successful peach maneuver.

  Smoothing a wisp of hair from her eyes, Abby watched them load Farris onto the flatbed.

  “He won’t hurt you again.” Ian came up beside her.

  “I know.” She tried to smile. “As much as I want to despise him for everything he’s done, I only feel pity. His own depravity was his greatest enemy. And ultimately his defeat.”

  “He won’t escape Camp Oglethorpe. I’ll be glad to know you’re safe at Brechenridge with no possibility of his getting to you.” Ian lifted her chin and lightly kissed her.

  “God, in His infinite mercy has granted the greatest desire of my heart.”

  “Oh?” Ian set her arm inside the crook of his own and they began to walk. “And what might that be?”

  “He gave me a man who loves me the way my father loved my mother. There’s no higher honor in my opinion.”

  “A high honor, indeed.” He grinned. “And one I look forward to living up to.”

  She leaned into the warmth of him. “I hope you always feel that way.”

  “I’ll always cherish you, Angel. Every obstinate, impetuous, irrational, ounce of you.”

  “Irrational, really?”

  Ian only laughed when she tried to move away from him.

  Dottie and Cora came up beside them, joined by Elizabeth and Mama Ivy.

  “You two best behave.” Cora raised a brow. “You’ll set the tongues to wagging.”

  “Let them wag, Cora.” Dottie held out a gloved hand as a soft sprinkling of snow began to fall. “They are young and in love. We could all do with a little more love this Christmas.”

  At the head of the street, General Hawthorne appeared with two columns of men riding behind him. As he approached, soldiers and militia men alike quieted down.

  Dusting hats on their thighs they looked contrite and prepared to return to camp.

  A lift of the general’s hand brought his unit to a halt. “What’s been going on here, Colonel?”

  Ian stepped forward with a casual salute. “General Farris directed a skirmish between the men, Sir. Then held Miss McFadden at gunpoint and tried to burn down the lauder.”

  “With her in it!” Cora added.

  The general’s concern was evident on his face. “Were you hurt, Miss McFadden?”

  “Not too terribly, Sir.” Abby’s hair fluttered around her shoulders.

  General Hawthorne turned to the soldier on a horse next to his own. “Captain, take this man in. See that guards are posted outside his cell.”

  The soldier moved to do his bidding.

  “Good work, Colonel Saberton.” General Hawthorne shifted in his saddle.

  “I had help, Sir.” Ian’s mouth quirked into a grin. “The Ladies Militia took matters in hand and deserve a medal for going above and beyond the call of duty.”

  Hawthorne laughed heartily. “Well then, Ladies, I commend you.” He lifted a salute and all other men followed suit in show of their respect.

  Standing with their various kitchen weaponry, the ladies beamed, exceedingly pleased with themselves.

  Cora, as usual, chose to speak for them all. “Thank you, General. We will take our medals and wear them with honor.”

  “Troops, fall in!” General Baker prepared his haggard militia to march down to their encampment.

  General Hawthorne signaled his men to change direction. With a salute to Ian, he kicked his horse forward to head up their escort to Camp Oglethorpe.

  Cora turned to Dottie rubbing the cold from her hands. “From the first day I found out Colonel Ian Saberton was assigned to Macon, I knew he was exactly what our city needed. We were set on keeping him from the start.”

  “He is brilliant, I must agree. He inherited a love of knowledge from his father.” Dottie threw a teasing grin at her son. “But those devilish good looks come from my side.”

  A twitter of agreement swept over the ladies standing nearby.

  “Fitz, return the men to camp.” Ian issued the directive to mount up, but not before Abby caught sight of his deepened color. “You ladies best settle in. The evening promises to be a cold one.”

  Elizabeth brought up the hood of her satin cape to cover her head. “If you’ll come with me, Mrs. Saberton, I’ll show you to our carriage.”

  “Will we see you in the morning before we leave for Brechenridge?” Dottie pulled Ian down to press her face against his.

  “We’ll ride with you as far as Gordon.” He gave her a fond embrace. “You’ll board the train there unless the rails are damaged. The carriage driver can take you the rest of the way south through Roundtree if need be.”

  “We’ll wait in the carriage, Abby.” In passing, Elizabeth gave Ian a pointed look. “Don’t be long.”

  Ian chuckled and drew Abby’s arm threw his. “If I had my way, I’d keep you here with me.” His hand covered hers. “But, with Christmas coming, it’s time to get you two home where you belong.”

  “I belong wherever you are.” Leaning heavily into him, Abby suddenly felt exhausted. She’d put in quite a day.

  “Once this is over, we’ll go wherever you chose.” He stilled, suddenly solemn. “You need to go rest. Your carriage leaves at first daylight.”

  He was awfully adept at giving orders. Tilting her head, she decided to help him work on that.

  “There it is.” As usual, Ian’s grin caused her heart to skip a beat.

  �
�What?” Abby looked around her to see what he was referring to.

  “The same green sparkle that first caught my attention.” He lifted her hand to his lips, his focus unwavering. “’twill forever beckon me to follow ye, lass.”

  Abby adored it when his Southern drawl took on a bit o’ her father’s Irish.

  Mimicking his tone, she gave him a saucy smile. “If it wouldn’t make tongues wag, Colonel Saberton, I’d kiss you right here in the street, I would.”

  Ian stopped and pulled her into his arms, a sly grin tugging his lips. “Do it anyway.”

  “Is that an order?”

  “Consider it a standing order.”

  Epilogue

  Brechenridge Estate

  Christmas Morning, 1864

  “It’s Christmas, Hickory!” Rachelle jumped up and down with excitement in front of a tall fir tree filling the entire corner. “Look in the back. We might find more presents!”

  With candles lit and strands of berries and popcorn crisscrossing the fragrant tree, the house had a festive feel despite reports of Sherman presenting the city of Savannah as a gift to his President this morning.

  As agreed, no opposition prevented his take over. Neither was Savannah destroyed in the taking.

  “I’ll let you hold my doll, if I can play with that whirly thing.” Rachelle’s dark curls were caught up in a satin bow at the back of her head which matched her new Christmas dress. She looked like a little porcelain doll herself.

  They all laughed when Hickory made a face.

  A couple of toys and several opened packages were scattered beneath the tree, all indications that Dottie and the other women had been putting aside gifts all year.

  Christmas day had dawned with heavy clouds and an icy nip in the air, as each one of them said a prayer for the men they loved. With such a precarious turn of the tides, the new year held many uncertainties.

  Aurora was seated at the Steinway grand piano, playing Christmas carols while her mother looked on. Both were noticeably quieter than usual.

  Dottie and Tori sipped wassail as the savory aroma of stuffed goose filtered through the house from the kitchen.

  Unexpectedly, the hinges of the large wood door groaned as heavy boots sounded on the marble floor of the foyer.

  “It’s the Yankees!” Mrs. Charlotte exclaimed, crawling under the piano and knocking her Christmas hat askew.

  “Colonel!” Hickory’s eyes lit up as soon as Ian stepped through the door.

  Completely surprised, Abby met him with a hug as he greeted Hickory.

  Fitz stepped in behind him, and pulled the hat from his head.

  “How did you get here?” Dottie was also on her feet.

  “We came down from Athens.” Ian held her so tight it brought tears to her eyes. “General Wheeler approved my leave for a couple of days before we move camp to Columbus on Wednesday.”

  Hickory tugged on the arm of his coat. “You think maybe we could play chess while you’re here? Mrs. Dottie got me a board with a king and everything. I’ve been practicing with Rachelle, but she’s not very good.”

  “We’ll play a game or two right after dinner.” Ian ruffled the boy’s hair, causing a small giggle from Rachelle. “I’m starved.”

  “Somethin’ sure smells good in here.” Fitz bent and offered his hand to Mrs. Charlotte. With a bit of coaxing, she came out of hiding. Smoothing her red plaid dress, she righted the miniature Christmas tree atop her head.

  “That, there, is what I call a fittin’ get-up for the Yuletide, ma’am.” Fitz winked with a click of his tongue.

  Charlotte Haverwood tapped his arm with her fan before flapping it open with a titter.

  Abby was thankful she’d let Tori talk her into wearing her hair up. And, now, Aurora’s cream-colored dress she wore didn’t feel quite as overdressed as it had moments before.

  “Merry Christmas.” Ian offered her his arm, with a kiss against her temple.

  “Merry Christmas.” Accepting his offer, Abby smiled up at him and almost forgot to breathe when his gaze fell to her lips.

  The children brushed past them as Dottie came back into the parlor with a tray full of steaming mugs. The pungent smell of wassail filled the room.

  Fitz gladly accepted a mug and sat on a settee near the warm blaze.

  The children took cookies and milk from another tray Tori brought in, and joined Fitz by the fire.

  “Now this feels a little more like Christmas.” Dottie smiled as she served Ian from the tray.

  With obvious effort, he tore his attention from Abby to take a warm cup.

  “Did you know Cook’s makin’ us a whole goose for dinner?” Hickory asked with a white mustache glistening on his lip. “A real Christmas dinner. Like the rich folks have.”

  “Only one cookie for now.” Tori stopped Rachelle from taking another. “Dinner is just about ready. You’ll want to have room for Bread Pudding.”

  “Colonel?” A somber expression on Hickory’s face caught Abby’s attention.

  Ian crouched beside the boy. “What is it, Hickory?”

  “You just came from Macon, right?”

  “I did.” Ian nodded.

  “Abby’s been talking to me about the baby. The one Eliza Jane calls Samantha. How she’s my flesh and blood and I got no right to wish she wasn’t born.” Hickory’s quiet admission made them all turn his way. “Sallie woulda wanted me to be nicer to her.”

  “I believe Abby has given you sound advice.” Ian’s eyes watched the boy draw swirls on his milk glass with a finger, keeping his eyes averted.

  “She’s my baby sister. I wish I could give her some of my presents.”

  “The last time I saw Eliza Jane, she had an armload of presents for her. When Eliza Jane’s husband comes home, they have decided to keep Samantha as part of their family.” Ian provided. “I think maybe you should write her a letter or two. The Lamberts would be glad to read them to her. Maybe you could draw her a picture.”

  Tori put a hand on Hickory’s shoulder. “That’s right. And one day when she’s older, she can come visit you to see for herself what a wonderful young man you are. Rachelle enjoys playing with you very much.”

  Hickory smiled. “And I could show her how to play chess, too.”

  Their thoughtfulness toward him warmed Abby’s heart.

  “I believe dinner is ready.” Dottie said from the doorway.

  Looking around at the eager faces of the folks who would hopefully be family one day soon, Abby took in Fitz’s nod toward Ian.

  “Actually, I have something I’d like to say first.” Ian went to Abby’s side, clasping her hand in his own.

  Mrs. Charlotte hushed Aurora who sighed from the piano bench.

  Lifting her hand to his lips, he removed a gold circlet from his breast pocket.

  All Abby could hear was her own pulse pounding in her ears.

  Two or three quiet whispers were heard around the room, but Abby just stared at him, wide-eyed and unmoving.

  “Abby, do you remember when I asked you to trust me?”

  She slowly nodded.

  “Well, do you trust me enough share your life with me?”

  Her eyes clouded over as she nodded again.

  “I love you, Abby, and I want to know that you’ll be mine when I come home to stay.”

  She moistened her lips.

  He placed the circlet on her fourth finger. “Every time I see this, it will remind me that you are my greatest treasure.”

  Ian brushed his lips against hers. “Let’s get married tonight.”

  “You can’t get married tonight. It’s just not done.” Mrs. Charlotte shook her head, causing her tight ringlets to bob. “No wedding? No reception? And it’s the sabbath and Christmas Day besides.”

  “He done stopped by the parson’s on the way in. Him and his wife’s gonna be here ’bout seven.” Fitz rubbed his hands together. “So let’s eat.”

  Blinking back tears, Abby could barely take it all in. Here, with her
hand in Ian’s, she knew there was only one answer to his question. “I’d be honored.”

  Cheers sounded from all around them. Ian pulling Abby into an enthusiastic embrace.

  “My gift for you isn’t nearly as exciting.” Abby bent to recover a small package from under the tree wrapped in plain brown paper and twine.

  “You gave me your promise to be my wife. I couldn’t ask for anything better.” Ian untied the string. Unfolding the paper, he lifted her painstaking attempt at a knitted scarf. One end hung awkwardly wider than the other.

  Looking at it now, Abby skewed her lips and gave Ian an apologetic shake of her head. “You can always use it to dry your horse.”

  Ian draped the wool over his shoulder. “I’ll do no such thing. It’s just my style. Besides, green’s my favorite color.”

  Ian’s spontaneous kiss surprised her and got an appreciative response from the others.

  “I brought another gift for you, too. Call it a wedding gift.” Ian reached behind her to accept a flat velvet box from Dottie.

  Abby knew the box held his grandmother’s costly earrings.

  Lifting the lid, she was again awed by the sparkle laying inside. “Thank you, Ian, they’re exquisite.”

  “Look inside. There’s more.” He urged with a smile.

  Tucked into the top of the case, was a folded paper.

  As she read, her mind began to spin. The document looked like a deed, but she couldn’t guess what this had to do with her.

  “I bought you ninety-two acres in Bibb County from Walter Dobbs.”

  Her gaze flew up to search his.

  His eyes sparkled with sincerity. “Outside of Macon. It’s a good piece of land. Flat with plenty of space for kids to play. Even room for a garden on the west side. Mama Ivy said she’d be happy to come grow a few vegetables for us. Mrs. Oberhaus agreed to come live there, too. I figured we’ll need a cook and there’ll be plenty of mending. She knows it won’t pay much, but it’s free room and board for her and her girls.”

  “What are you saying?” Abby had to remind herself to breathe.

  “I bought the land and applied for a charter to build your children’s home. The Julianne S. McFadden Home for Orphaned Children.”