“Rank has its privileges,” he told her.
From the shelves, he pulled down a wide-brimmed felt hat, a warm jacket of navy wool, new long boots, chaps, and gloves. After securing the chaps, he helped her into the jacket, then pulled her collar up by the edges of the material and drew her close.
“You make a very convincing boy. You have the walk down perfect.” Their faces were an inch apart and he sucked in a deep breath. “Good Lord, I want to kiss you in the worst way.”
Just then, several soldiers stepped through the door. She grinned. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
He frowned. “Stay close to me, a step behind. I’ll tell anyone who asks that you’re my brother, Kip.” He did up the top button of her shirt and tucked a strand of hair inside her hat. “Kip, Rosie, Summer Rose, Mrs. Charteris, you’ve a gamut of names. By the way, my love, no one but me, not even Hal, may ever call you Rosie. You are my Rosie, and only mine. I’m not too happy about Hal calling you Kip either.”
At the tent chapel, he asked about Chaplain Anders and Colonel English, but couldn’t find them. As they were leaving town, they ran into Irene Wood, who was hurrying toward the ambulance wagons. She slowed when she saw Daniel and stopped when he asked her about Chaplain Anders and the colonel.
“Colonel English went home to Boston, and Chaplain Anders left for Washington last week.”
“My brother, Kip, and I are on our way to Washington. Have you heard any news of General Buford?”
Irene peeked around Daniel, glanced at the dogs and looked directly at the boy. “You don’t fool me at all, Summer Rose. I’d recognize those eyes anywhere.” She hugged her. “I’m leaving for Washington now. I heard that Captain Keogh took him to General Stoneman’s house. I’ll be nursing at Harewood Hospital. From what I understand, Harewood’s full.” She hugged them both. “Wonderful to see you. I must be off now.”
Daniel and Summer took two days to get to Washington. Nip and Tuck had no trouble keeping up with them and were a great help in keeping Chauncey moving. The first night, they pitched the tent at an isolated spot a couple of miles upstream from the Army encampment at Pipe Creek. They made a fire, buried potatoes and onions in the coals, and cooked the steaks on a makeshift grill. The dogs feasted on the leftovers.
Summer surveyed the clear sky. “Let’s sleep outside.”
Daniel looked up. The new moon gave the stars and the Milky Way center stage. “Okay. Sleep in your clothes. We’ll sleep back to back.” Traveling with a woman was different. Especially this woman. He moved her into a shadow and kissed her nose, then kissed her more thoroughly. “I was told they cleared all the Confederates out of these parts, but you can never be positive, and I wouldn’t trust a number of our own men. I’m glad we have the dogs. However, it’s best if no one suspects you’re a girl. Understand?”
She nodded and kissed him, pressing her entire body tight against his.
He laughed and held her at arm’s length. “You aren’t convincing me.”
They awoke in the middle of the night, both nearly naked, wrapped around each other.
“Hell, I’m not very good at listening to my own orders, am I?” he mumbled, then pulled a blanket over their heads. “Come here.”
She wiggled out of her remaining clothes and rolled into his arms. “Sometimes, when I’m with you, I feel like a wild woman.”
“I like you wild.”
CHAPTER 20
WASHINGTON D.C.
As a herd of cattle pushed down Pennsylvania Avenue, Daniel used his knee to nudge Summer to a side street. She leaned into him, relishing his touch. In the fading light, the city was every bit as busy and noisy as Daniel had described. Summer glanced at everything at once, noting the half-finished capitol dome and the half-finished obelisk to Washington. A mass of animals and humanity teemed about them. Hammers rang from scaffolding which swarmed with black bodies. Soldiers with guns drilled to the cadence of their sergeant’s voice. A black boy darted across the street with a squealing pig slung over his shoulders.
She had been only nine when she’d come to the capital with her family in ‘54, and the city had been little more than a large village. She’d seen her first Negro slave on that trip. In fact, she’d been shocked to see men and women chained and auctioned in Georgetown. Now the city bustled with teamsters and hucksters, shouting, cracking whips, all their sounds mixing with the noise of the cattle.
Daniel whistled for the dogs and edged her to a side street as the herd of cattle rumbled by. The smells of yeast, fish, beer, and cattle mixed unpleasantly, and she was relieved when he leaned over and tied a handkerchief around her face, smiling his crooked grin. Their clothing, stiff with caked mud, was the gray of statues and monuments.
“I’ve never seen a girl so dirty.” He chucked her under the chin. “You’re a tough trooper, Rosie. Every day you surprise me.”
He pointed south toward the Executive Mansion. “Just the other side is a rough section called Murder Bay. Stay out of there. It’s full of thieves, prostitutes, and worse.”
They arrived at the house as a lamplighter walked by, lighting the gaslights along 18th Street. Becca and Ned Hostettler, a young German couple who had worked for the St. Clairs in Philadelphia since the war began, and who had traveled with Amelia to care for this house as well, came out and helped them unload.
Daniel made a quick introduction. The Hostettlers, both strong-boned and blond, with ruddy pink faces and pale blue eyes, could pass more for brother and sister than husband and wife. Ned still had a strong German accent, but Becca spoke as clearly as any American.
“Ned will run the horses and mule to the livery,” Becca said, sending a sly wink to Summer Rose. “Don’t worry so, Daniel. Chester loves Ned. He’ll take good care of him.”
She petted the big horse’s neck then snapped her fingers and whistled. “Nip and Tuck are you? I hope you’re good watch dogs. Daniel, put your saddlebags, equipment, and guns in the basement, and your boots at the bottom of the stairs.”
She took their outer coats and hats and held them away from her, wrinkling her nose “These clothes are foul. Daniel, bring her up through the kitchen. I have coffee or tea ready. And I just made vegetable soup. Maybe some warm soup would taste good.” She patted her thigh. I have some leftover chicken. Do you like chicken, boys?”
Summer Rose smiled. “They love chicken.”
In a workroom off the kitchen, she gave Daniel and Summer Rose long white robes and slippers and instructed them to strip out of their filthy clothes.
“I want your socks and smalls, too.”
When they were in the robes, she gave them steaming towels to wipe their hands, arms, and faces. Summer Rose tied her hair back with a black ribbon, pleased to be somewhat clean again.
After the dogs wolfed down the chicken and curled at Summer’s feet, Becca served large bowls of vegetable soup and toasted cheese bread to Summer and Daniel. “Ned fired up the boiler.” She scowled at Daniel. “You made this lovely girl ride a horse all the way from Gettysburg?”
He bit into the cheese toast. “I wanted to take the train, Becca. She insisted we ride. I’m finding my bride very bossy.”
He bent forward and slipped one hand beneath his wife’s chin, and she sank into the delicious warmth of his palm. He pulled her toward him, his other hand still holding toast in the air, while they kissed.
That was how Amelia first saw Summer Rose, sitting at the kitchen table in a white cotton robe, her dark hair damp and curling, her face glowing with the love Daniel spilled on her and with two dogs that resembled wild red wolves curled at her feet.
Becca saved the moment. “Mrs. St. Clair, do you believe our Danny made his bride ride all the way from Gettysburg? You could hardly tell she was a girl, and the mud … I hope it was mud. I’m heating water for baths.”
Daniel stood, his blond chest hair curling out from the neck of his white robe, the devil of a smile all over his face, and embraced Amelia. “Amelia, may I present
my wife, Summer Rose McAllister Charteris. Darling, this is Hal’s mother, Amelia St. Clair. She knew your mother.”
Summer Rose stood and took both of Amelia’s hands. “Daniel and Hal have spoken so kindly of you I almost feel I know you.” She lowered her eyes, aware of their robes. “Mrs. Hostettler took our muddy clothes before we could track miles of dirt through the house. Thank you for your hospitality.” She lifted her chin. “I’m very much looking forward to knowing you. I’d love to hear about my mother, and Daniel tells me you’re an artist. I look forward to seeing your paintings.” She dropped her gaze to Nip and Tuck. “I hope the dogs are not too much trouble.”
In that moment, Amelia understood all the gymnastics Daniel had gone through to marry this girl. Her face, her figure, the way she held herself, the timbre of her voice, everything he and Hal had said rang true. Amelia stepped around the dogs then sat and pulled the girl down beside her, still holding her hands.
“We need a good watchdog. I found two soldiers asleep in our shed. Becca, that soup smells delicious. Would you fix me a bowl, too?” She turned to Summer and lifted the girl’s hand. “Tell me about your wedding. Your ring is lovely.”
“Thank you,” Summer held the ring to the light. “I have never seen anything like it. And our wedding was perfect.”
As she finished telling all about it, Summer hooked her arm beneath Daniel’s and leaned her cheek against his shoulder. “Daniel and your son were all kitted out in their dress uniforms. The nurses just about swooned.”
Daniel chuckled. His big fingers rested on her arm, and he squeezed. “Were we at the same wedding? I only saw you.” He picked up his wife’s hand and kissed it. “I need to clean up and go over to where General Buford is. Are you all right here without me? I don’t like to leave you alone so soon, but I should go.”
“I’ll be fine. Mrs. St. Clair will take good care of me. Do what you need to do.”
Daniel turned to Amelia. “I have a favor to ask. Summer Rose needs new clothes: everyday things, all that fluff that goes underneath, and at least one formal dress, probably two. Whatever you think she needs.” He winked at his wife. “Buy whatever you want. Amelia knows how you’ll be expected to dress. Would you help her, Amelia? I’m not sure how or where women procure clothing. Make sure it’s billed to me, not my father.”
Amelia clapped her hands. “What fun, Daniel. I may bankrupt you. Go take your bath while I plan with your lovely bride.”
Amelia and Summer were still sitting at the kitchen table a half hour later when Daniel, groomed and polished, came to say goodbye. He looked the epitome of the handsome warrior, with his sword and sash and gleaming leather.
As he stood there with hat in hand, Ray and Grace Stone came through the kitchen and more introductions were made. Son of the St. Clair’s butler, Ray Stone was a major and a surgeon, a serious man with silver blond hair, a small square beard, and startling blue eyes. Decked out as formally as Daniel, except he wore the bright green sash of the Medical Corps, he was one of the small herd of doctors trying to keep General Buford alive. Daniel and Ray decided to walk over to General Stoneman’s house together.
Grace unpinned her hat and handed it to Becca. Petite, with dark hair and eyes, Grace smiled with her lips tight, for her teeth went every which way. She sat on the other side of Summer Rose.
“I am so pleased to finally meet your husband. Ray’s father told me so much about Daniel, and his n-name is always in the p-papers.” Her last words stammered, and she blushed. “Mr. Stone has known him since he was a baby. I’m glad to meet him at last. You too, Summer.” She turned to Amelia. “Thank you so much for inviting us here.”
Becca came into the kitchen, dropping a towel over one arm. “Your bath is ready. Miss. Ruthie will help you.”
Amelia got to her feet. “I’ll take her up, Becca. What room did you give them?”
“The Rose Room. Where else would I put a girl named Summer Rose? And even though it’s almost winter, Daniel likes that upstairs porch.” She nodded to Summer Rose. “I unpacked your bag and laid some things out for you.”
Amelia smiled. “Our bride looks exhausted. We’ll dine informally this evening, since the men are away. Come, my dears. Becca, send up a tea tray to Summer’s room, please. What room are you staying in, Grace?”
“The one with the red wallpaper.”
Amusement danced in Amelia’s smile. She lowered her voice. “Ah. The ladies call that the Red Room. The men secretly dubbed it the Passion Room.”
Grace linked her fingers and propped them under her chin. “Oh, I hope it works for Ray. I want a baby so terribly. My father offered a hundred dollar gold piece to my sister or me, to whomever produces the first grandchild.” She rolled her eyes. “I want that gold piece!”
Amelia coughed. “Change into a comfortable wrapper, Grace, and come over to Summer’s room. We’ll have tea while she bathes.”
CHAPTER 21
THE ROSE ROOM
Tea proved not to be the nightmare Summer envisioned. The Rose Room consisted of a bedroom painted a warm rose color with a small sitting alcove and a large dressing room. A door led from the sitting room onto an upstairs porch. In the dressing room sat a huge porcelain tub, steaming behind a canvas curtain, which kept the fragrant warmth inside the tent-like affair. She shed her robe and sank into the foamy hot water.
Amelia set a teacup, also steaming, on the windowsill. “Be careful, Summer, I put a little brandy in the tea to help relax you.”
Summer Rose nodded and leaned into the sudsy warm water which caressed every sore inch of her body. She closed her eyes becoming conscious only of the warmth and sounds: the click of latches and rustling of skirts, the fire crackling. She sank deeper, only half listening to the conversation, until Grace mentioned someone sleeping with someone who wasn’t her husband. Summer Rose sat still, straining to listen.
“My sister heard she’s a hussy, goes after any man in uniform,” said Grace.
The maid left and Becca’s rosy face peered around the canvas curtain. “Feel better, liebchen?”
More hot water filled the tub, and rose-scented salts permeated the room. Summer rolled her head back as Becca lathered her hair and rinsed it with more of the lush smelling water. All her aches seemed to disappear. When the time came to step out of the tub, Becca wrapped her in towels and guided her to a little dressing table.
She picked up the cotton nightgown that Summer had brought with her. “Did you make this?” Summer Rose nodded, and Becca pursed her lips with admiration. “The pleats and the stitching are beautiful. I love the little band of roses you embroidered. Here, let me help. I have a clean robe.” She pointed to a jar of cream. “Rub that into your elbows and heels.”
A robe of rich red, quilted velvet cocooned Summer’s body. She suspected it was one of Amelia’s. Becca whispered, “Washington bleeds gossip. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt.” Then louder, she added, “Come out and sit by the fire. I’ll comb your hair.”
Summer touched Becca’s hand. “I haven’t felt so pampered since before my mother died. Vielen dank.”
Becca shook her head, smiling mischievously. “I think that young husband of yours pampers you a bit. He’s besotted, liebchen, besotted. I’ve known Daniel since he first came to Washington, and every mother dragged her daughter here to see him. Never has he treated a woman like he treats you. And how he looks at you? Oh, he melts my heart when he looks at you.”
Summer Rose giggled. “He melts mine, too.” She held a finger to her lips. “Don’t tell anyone. We don’t want that tidbit to bleed all over Washington, do we?”
Becca arched her pale eyebrows. “Smart cookie.”
The sofa of dark blue damask stood by the fire, and Summer set her feet on a fringed, round ottoman while Becca dried and combed her hair. Amelia fixed plates of tea sandwiches and angel cake, iced with coconut and candied pineapple. “Did you make this cake, Becca?”
Becca nodded.
“May I have th
e recipe?”
She fell asleep amid gossip about Delores Baldwin, who had gotten sick at Mrs. Blair’s soirée, and Pamela Kaufman, who had slapped her sister in public; then Melanie Somebody who had a black eye and claimed her baby hit her.
“You know it’s that husband of hers,” she heard Amelia say.
“I heard she deserved it. Daddy said it’s a wonder he didn’t shoot her. She’d gone way past flirting with that young lieutenant of artillery. You know. The one all the girls fussed over last week.”
“Do you really believe she deserved a beating?”
Grace laughed an unkind laugh then whispered. “My father certainly would think so. Her husband found her naked with the lieutenant.”
Summer’s young husband found her asleep on the sofa. He touched her arm and she blinked awake. When she saw him there, she sat up and stretched. “Oh, Daniel, I meant to stay awake for you. What time is it? How is your general?”
The dogs had come upstairs with him and curled in front of the fire. “I took them outside and thought it best if they stay here with us tonight. Mr. Stone did not look happy. Don’t look so worried. He’ll come around.”
Daniel had removed his jacket and now sat on the other end of the sofa, slipping out of his boots. He seemed very tired. “It’s after midnight, and General Buford is dying. His fever keeps coming back. He sinks in and out of delirium. He recognized me, but he’s fading quickly. The scene was about as bad as you can imagine.”
He shook his head, looking terribly sad. “I don’t know which is worse, wasting away or having your head blown off on a battlefield. He’s only thirty-eight. Pattie, his wife, and their children are too ill to travel. They’ll never see each other again. I can’t even think about it.” He dropped his chin to his chest. “I heard talk that they’ll promote him to Major General, a death bed promotion. I think that will please him.”
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