Cole's Promise

by Susan Macatee

  “Mrs. Densler?” Cole asked.

  “The owner of the house. She’s a widow with two daughters just a bit younger than Miss Hirsch.”

  Cole nodded. “Good thinking. But what do you know about Roderick?”

  “He’s a young doctor I ran into at a medical seminar in Philadelphia before the war.”

  “Philadelphia?” Cole scowled. “Isn’t Claire from there?”

  Worley frowned. “Claire…oh, you mean Miss Hirsch.” He grinned. “Hadn’t known you two had grown so familiar.”

  Cole ducked his head, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Well, yeah, Doc. We had a few moments in camp, then I had to go. I decided if I survived, I’d try to find her afterward.”

  Worley whistled. “That serious, is it?”

  Cole shoved his hands in his pockets, shuffling the toe of his boot in the soil floor of the tent. “If you must know, I plan to propose to Miss Hirsch.”

  Worley’s salt and pepper brows rose. “Is that a fact?”

  “It is, Doc. I plan to ask her today.”

  The surgeon slapped Cole on the back. “Well, good luck to you, Lieutenant. From what I’ve seen of Miss Hirsch, she’s a fine woman. She’ll make a good wife.”

  Cole sighed. “I just hope she’ll have me, Doc.”

  Ten minutes later, Cole approached Mrs. Densler’s porch. Doc had given him the directions and address so he wouldn’t stumble onto the wrong place. He hoped Claire hadn’t gone out for any reason. This was going to be a hard enough task.

  He set one foot on the bottom step and gazed up at the closed door. A window at the side of the door was open, lace curtains blowing occasionally in the gentle breeze. No sign of anyone in the room. He’d have to knock.

  Lifting his hand, he rapped and listened for the sound of footsteps approaching. An army steward yanked the door inward. “Lieutenant.” The tall, thin lad stood at attention.

  “At ease, Private.” Cole glanced into the foyer. “I was just wondering if Miss Hirsch is here.”

  “Oh.” The lad’s eyes widened. “She’s working in the kitchen. Come inside and I’ll fetch her.”

  Cole nodded and stepped inside, while the private strode down the hall. He swept off his hat and held it in one hand, pacing the polished floor.

  The sound of light, female laughter caught his attention. An older woman stepped toward him, her movements slow. She nodded, a wide smile flitting across her broad face. “You’re here to see Miss Claire?”

  “Why, yes, ma’am. I am.” He shifted his hat from one hand to the other.

  “She’ll be right in, Lieutenant.” She motioned with a plump hand toward an open door. “Have a seat in the parlor. I’ll tell her to meet you there.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “I’m Mrs. Densler.” She introduced herself. “The owner of this house.”

  He nodded. “Lieutenant Manning of the 64th Pennsylvania.”

  She inclined her head and led him to the room. He followed her invitation and sat on an upholstered settee across from an empty hearth.

  As her footsteps disappeared down the hall, Cole breathed deeply, still fidgeting with his hat.

  A few moments later, a sound at the door drew his gaze. Claire’s face appeared.

  “Oh, Lieutenant. Mrs. Densler told me you’d come to pay a visit.” She stepped into the room.

  He stood, motioning her to the seat he’d vacated. “I’d like to speak with you, Claire.”

  She swallowed but gathered her skirts and slid onto the settee. He settled beside her.

  After a moment of strained silence, he cleared his throat but couldn’t bring himself to utter a word.

  “Lieutenant…Cole,” Claire’s soft voice penetrated his anxiety. “Is something wrong?”

  He glanced at her. Her brow knitted into a frown. “Oh, no. Since learning you were here…in Gettysburg…” He hesitated.

  She nodded. “Please, go on.”

  He shifted his hat to his other hand. “It’s just I’ve been thinking a lot about you. How lovely and gentle you are. I’d thought to ask my best girl back home to marry me once I returned home on furlough, but she doesn’t want me anymore.”

  Claire swallowed but didn’t speak.

  Cole continued, needing to get this out quickly. “I care for you deeply and would be proud to have you consent to be my wife.” He caught her gaze. “If you’ll have me.”

  Claire’s face paled. “I-I’m not sure what to say, Lieutenant…Cole. I do care for you, but it’s just that…that…” She stood and paced the floor. “I don’t think I’m ready to be any man’s wife.”

  Cole stood and reached for her hand, but she stepped away. “Are you saying you won’t marry me?”

  She shook her head. “I can’t…I just can’t.”

  Cole’s jaw clenched. He placed his hat on his head. “I’ll take my leave, then. Goodbye Claire.”

  He strode from the room and out the door, glancing back once to see if she followed. No sign of her. At the foot of the porch steps, he stopped to take a deep breath. He’d been right all along. No woman could be trusted. And no woman would ever be faithful only to him.

  Proposing had been a big mistake. One he’d never make again.

  Chapter Eight

  Claire spent a miserable night tossing, unable to sleep. She’d made a mistake. A big mistake. Richard had died nearly two years ago, and she’d been hurt deeply by his death. But now when she finally had the chance to love someone again, she’d turned him down.

  She should go to him, explain her fear, then maybe he’d take her back, wouldn’t hate her, as he likely now did. But fear paralyzed her. Every time she convinced herself to go to his camp and speak with him, the last glimpse of his clenched jaw, his stiff back as he left the house, stayed her. He’d never believe her now.

  She sat in the kitchen as Mrs. Densler placed a cup of steaming coffee before her. Claire stared at it, unable even to reach for the cream or a spoon to add sugar.

  Mrs. Densler settled into a chair across from Claire and pushed the crock containing fresh cream to her.

  Claire tensed. The sting of tears welled in her eyes.

  “My dear, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve gotten news of someone’s death.”

  “Might as well have,” Claire admitted. “I did a stupid, foolish thing yesterday and don’t know how to fix it.”

  Mrs. Densler’s plump hand snaked across the table toward Claire. “Tell me what it is. There’s nothing so bad it can’t be fixed.”

  “I’m afraid this is.” She gulped, then lifted a hand to cover her mouth.

  “Does it have anything to do with that handsome lieutenant who stopped by?”

  Claire nodded, casting her gaze to the coffee growing lukewarm in her cup. “It has everything to do with him.”

  “Oh, my dear…has he told you he’s leaving?” Mrs. Densler frowned, stirring sugar into her own cup. “Is that what he came to tell you?”

  “No, nothing like that.” Claire took a deep breath. “In fact, he wants me to marry him.”

  Mrs. Densler beamed. “Oh, my dear, how wonderful!” Her smile dissolved. “But what is this terrible thing you’ve done?”

  “I turned him down.” Claire wrung her hands under the table.

  “But why?”

  Claire bit her lip. “I’m afraid to pledge my heart to another soldier, who could die in battle. Richard promised to return but never did.”

  Mrs. Densler nodded. “And you’re still grieving for him. But he’s gone and you’re alive. You must live your life without him, and you’re still a young woman.”

  Claire nodded. “But it’s so hard to trust that the man you love will return to you.”

  Mrs. Densler shook her head. “None of us has that guarantee. My own husband died of typhus, and I was left with two young daughters to raise alone.” Her gray eyes narrowed. “Tell me, do you love the lieutenant?”

  Claire nodded. “Yes, very much. I’d believed I would never
feel love for any man again, but I have stronger feelings for Cole than I had for poor Richard.”

  Mrs. Densler smiled. “You see. This match was meant to be. You love each other, and he’s asked you to be his wife.”

  Claire wrung her hands in her lap. “But I’ve ruined it. I turned him down.”

  “Go and find him. Tell him you’ll marry him.”

  “I…I don’t know if I can.”

  “Of course you can. Go find him now.”

  Claire glanced around the room and swallowed. “You’re absolutely right, Mrs. Densler. I’ll find him right away.”

  Claire raced on foot to the camp. The sentries frowned as she tried to explain that she needed to see Lieutenant Manning.

  A thin dark-haired corporal removed his cap and scratched his head. “How do we know you’re who you say you are? You need a signed pass to enter camp.”

  Claire sighed. “Then can you at least send for the lieutenant?”

  The burly, white-haired guard shook his head. “We were told to stand guard, ma’am. We don’t have anyone we can send as a messenger.”

  “Please, I served with Dr. Worley before he came here. He can vouch for me.”

  The thin guard scowled. “We’d still need to send a messenger back to look for him.”

  “Then what am I to do?” Claire wrung her hands and paced.

  “What’s got you so all-fired up to see the lieutenant anyway?” the white-haired guard asked. “You a relative or are you sweet on him?”

  Claire’s face flamed.

  The thin guard grinned. “That’s it, I reckon.”

  “If you must know, Lieutenant Manning asked me to marry him.”

  Both men’s mouths gaped.

  “You’re his fiancée?” the thin sergeant asked.

  “Not exactly.” Claire’s gaze swept the ground.

  “What’s that mean?” the burly one asked.

  “It means I turned him down.” She met his gaze squarely. “And now I’ve changed my mind, but don’t believe he’ll return to see me after I rejected his proposal.”

  The guards exchanged glances. “Reckon not, ma’am.” The burly guard raised his hand. “Your story sounds plausible, so I’ll let you in, but you’d best be who you say you are, or it’s my ass on the line.”

  The thin guard blushed. “Mind your cussing around a lady,” he scolded. He motioned Claire to enter, then lifted a piece of paper from his coat pocket. He leaned on a wide tree stump and scribbled a note.

  “Here, take this.” He handed the paper to Claire. “This will allow you to find Lieutenant Manning.”

  “Thank you so much, sir.” She clutched the note to her chest, then tucked it into her reticule.

  “Good luck, ma’am.” The burly guard tipped his cap and ushered Claire inside.

  Not sure where she’d find Cole, she decided to seek out the hospital tent. If she could find Dr. Worley, he may be able to tell her where to locate Cole.

  A group of young privates stood in a circle cleaning rifles. The men stared as she passed.

  “Could one of you point me in the direction of the hospital tent? I’m looking for Doctor Worley.”

  One of the privates tipped his cap. “Over yonder, ma’am.” He pointed toward a small rise. A large tent sat atop.

  “Thank you,” she said. She gathered her skirts and gritted her teeth. She’d find Cole no matter how long it took.

  Inside the tent, she glanced around. Two men she didn’t recognize stood at the table in back. Two patients lay in the row of otherwise empty bunks.

  One of the men glanced her way.

  “I’m looking for Dr. Worley. Is he here?” She glanced about but saw no sign of the physician.

  “He just stepped out for a moment, ma’am.” One of the men, tall with sandy colored hair and a thick mustache, edged toward her. “Anything I can help you with?”

  “I worked with Dr. Worley before he came here, but I’m really looking for Lieutenant Manning of the 64th Pennsylvania. I thought the doctor would know where I could find him.”

  “I’m Dr. Edmonson.” He inclined his head. “I do know the lieutenant, but I don’t know where you might find him right now.”

  “Oh, dear.” Claire wrung her hands.

  “Miss Hirsch, so good to see you again.”

  Claire turned to find Dr. Worley stepping toward her. “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m looking for Lieutenant Manning.”

  The doctor stroked his beard. “I just saw a group of men drilling over in the field. Perhaps he’s over there.” He crooked his arm. “Come on, I’ll escort you.”

  Relief flooded through Claire as she placed her hand on his arm. She turned back to Dr. Edmunson. “Thank you for your help.”

  Edmunson shrugged. “Wasn’t much help at all, ma’am, but I’m glad Doc Worley can assist you.”

  “Be right back,” Worley said, then saw Claire out through the tent flaps.

  As he led her to the open field, Claire noted rows of men marching in formation as if preparing to go into battle. Fortunately, no Rebels remained to accost them. Worley stopped close enough so Claire could scan the field in search of Cole.

  She spied him with his sword raised, urging the men to follow. “There he is.” She lifted her hand to shield her eyes from the sun.

  Worley smiled. “Then I’ll leave you in good hands.” He tipped the brim of his hat and stepped away, leaving Claire alone to survey the activities.

  Her heart hammered as she watched Cole lead the men to follow the captain’s orders. Although his uniform appeared a bit frayed from the recent battle, the sleeve apparently mended, his appearance as a dashing officer stole her heart. How had she ever refused his proposal?

  She stood patiently waiting until the men were dismissed.

  Cole turned and frowned, then strode to her side. “Claire, what are you doing here?”

  Her heart skipped a beat as she noted the wariness in his eyes. She’d hurt him and wasn’t sure how to make it up to him. Would he allow her to accept his proposal or send her away?

  “Cole, I—” She hesitated, licking her lips.

  He edged closer, close enough so she could catch a whiff of pine, leather, and his unique male scent. A scent she’d grown to love.

  “Claire, what is it?” He stepped to her side. “What’s wrong?”

  She wrung her hands. “I realized I’m a complete fool.”

  His brows rose. “Why is that?”

  She shook her head. “I should never have turned down your marriage proposal. I’d be honored to be your wife.” She caught his gaze, hoping he’d forgive her lapse.

  He frowned. “I thought you didn’t care for me. You were my nurse, after all. Sometimes women think they’re in love, when they’re only feeling sorry for a patient.”

  Claire smiled. “Not at all. Maybe at first…” She grasped his hand, cupping it in both of hers. “…but now I realize I’m in love with you and can’t allow you to leave without knowing it. Will you still have me for your wife?”

  He bit his lower lip, then his gaze softened. “I’d love to have you as my wife, Claire. I think I cared for you even before Hannah jilted me, but afterward, was afraid to open my heart to any woman.”

  She nodded. “I felt the same way after Richard died. I was especially afraid to entrust my heart to a soldier who could meet the same fate.”

  Cole gathered Claire into his arms. “I know the war isn’t over, but I promise you, I’ll return to you, no matter what.”

  She gazed up at him. “How can you make a promise like that? No one can promise forever.”

  He grinned at her. “I am.”

  ****

  On July the 12th, Cole stood with Claire at his side. One of the women in town had donated a peach-colored dress trimmed in eggshell lace, while the men had gathered flowers for her to clutch. Doc Worley consented to give away the bride.

  The company chaplain performed the ceremony before the entire camp. Claire recited
her vows, her gaze never leaving Cole. He repeated his to love, honor and cherish, thinking it a good thing Hannah had moved on. Claire was so much more than his former best girl had been. He wanted her in his life. Once the war ended, he’d have a wife and home to return to, with the promise of children and a happy life.

  At the end of the ceremony, the chaplain told Cole he could kiss his bride. He gathered Claire to him, taking her mouth and making a promise to himself to make tonight the best of her life. He’d not disappoint his love.

  Mrs. Densler donated a room where the newly married couple could have privacy for at least one night.

  The woman beamed when Cole carried his new bride over her threshold. “I’m so happy for you, dear.” Her gaze rose to Cole. “You be sure to take good care of her.”

  “I sure will, ma’am.” He nodded to his bride. “Claire’s a special woman. I’ll treasure her for the rest of my life.”

  He pushed in the door of their room with his booted foot and carried her to the bed. Flower petals, no doubt set there by their hostess, scattered over the quilt atop the mattress.

  “Oh, it’s beautiful!” Claire gasped as he laid her atop the fragrant blooms. “I’ll have to thank Mrs. Densler.”

  “Tomorrow, my love,” Cole whispered. “Tonight, you’re all mine.”

  Claire’s gaze caught his, a smile flitting over her lush lips. “I want you all to myself, too.”

  Cole gently undressed Claire, starting with her shoes, then rolling down her stockings. Next, he crawled beside her on the mattress and slowly unhooked her bodice. Her eyes never left his, as her chest swelled, her breaths coming in little, excited gasps.

  Once he’d freed her from the bodice, he unhooked the corset and slid a finger along the top of her chemise where her bosom showed above the low neckline. He lifted one breast in his hand, stroking the nipple beneath the thin material. Her breath hitched.