You cannot imagine how much I miss each of you yet I am willing to spend my life for the cause of Liberty. Continue to pray for me and the rest of our men. He closed, Your loving brother, Edward.
Sighing, she handed the letter to an eagerly waiting Sally. While her brother's words brought joy, they made Julia miss him all the more. Searching for something to occupy her mind while Sally read, she reached for the skein of wool tucked in the basket beside her bed.
She only had a few more rows to go and another pair of stockings would be complete. After Samuel's plot had been revealed, Julia doubled her knitting efforts for the Maryland Guard.
She finished the new pair by the time Sally completed the letter.
"At the pace you are going you will have the entire regiment outfitted by October," Sally said.
"Isn't that our goal?"
They smiled at each other then Sally folded Edward's letter into thirds. She handed it to Julia.
"Thank you for allowing me to read it. That was sweet of you."
"You would do the same for me." Julia slid the letter back into its envelope then tucked it safely in the pocket of her morning robe. "Will you stay for breakfast? I know Mother won't mind."
"Thank you, but no. I have much to do today at home, especially if I am going to match your pace of knitting. Will you come to the prayer meeting?"
"Yes, but I will speak to Reverend Perry about finding someone else to serve the bread."
Sally's face fell. "You can't mean that. What about the little boys?"
A lump lodged like a stone in the back of Julia's throat. She longed more than anything to see Elijah and Elisha's sweet faces, to fatten them up with food, clothe their hardworking bodies.
But the risk was just too great.
"Sally, I fear if I see them again I will put them in grave danger."
"Is this because of that nasty soldier?"
"Yes, but even more so than you realize. That soldier believes we are abolitionists. Therefore, anything that happens in this city because of them will be blamed on us."
Sally chewed on her lower lip, considering such implications.
"I wouldn't dream of telling you what you should or shouldn't do'" Julia said.
"But?"
"Be careful. Those soldiers mean business. If you continue to serve with Samuel, don't leave the churchyard."
Chapter Twelve
Although already one of the grandest homes in Baltimore, the Moffit house was decorated even more beautifully on the night of the ball. Crystal-cut chandeliers reflected sparkling candlelight as endless arrangements of pink and white roses perfumed the early June air.
Dressed in her new green silk gown, Julia was as radiant as the rest of Maryland high society. Although she was not particularly close to Dolly Moffit, she was determined to enjoy the girl's social debut. She carried a dance card for the first time since she could remember and there was no shortage in supply of young men eager to partner with her.
She danced the opening reel with Dolly Moffit's brother David and then the Snowball reel with his cousin Charles, who was visiting from Annapolis. There were plenty of other requests, as well. Her only respite came during the orchestra's midway break.
Sally, who also carried a full dance card, motioned for Julia to join her. Leaving the ballroom behind, they escaped to the topiary garden for a breath of fresh air.
"I see you have been waltzing all night," Julia said to her.
"Yes," Sally sighed, "but only because George Meriwether asked for five places on my dance card."
Julia could tell Sally was not pleased about the matter. She could not blame her. The city council member's son talked incessantly and was known for treading on a lady's slippers.
"George is a handsome man," she teased.
Sally rolled her eyes.
"Well, all right. Perhaps he is not as handsome as my brother."
That got a smile. "No one is as handsome as Edward," Sally said dramatically. "No one at all."
The air was just as warm and still as it had been in the ballroom. They sat down on a wrought iron bench and opened their fans, hoping to coax a breeze. Laughter was heard coming from the house yet neither of the women felt its comfort.
Sally sighed wistfully. "It isn't the same tonight. Is it?"
Julia flushed and it was not because of the heat. She knew exactly what Sally was referring to and it was more than just her brother's absence. As determined as she was to forget Samuel, she had to admit how strange it felt to be at a social gathering without him.
A feeling of guilt rose from the pit of her stomach but Julia refused to give in to it. Forcing herself to smile, she said as lightheartedly as possible, "Your gown turned out beautifully, Sally. If Edward could only see you in it'¦well, he would surely be the one claiming five dances."
It was the very dress that Julia had spent so much time describing to her brother in her last letter. Sally ran her hand over her yellow silk bodice, trimmed in lace and faux pearls. She started to say something in reply but George Meriwether caught her attention.
"Oh, no."
Julia looked toward the house.
The love-struck suitor was standing in the doorway, craning his neck for a view of the garden. In his hands he held two glasses of peach punch. Sally sighed once more, this time in agitation.
"He is looking for me."
"Another dance?"
"No. He has already exceeded his limit."
"Did you tell him that?"
"Of course not. That would be rude. I told him politely with my fan."
Julia smiled. Sally could be polite almost to a fault. "You should be a bit more forceful."
"I was." Sally placed her fan on her left ear. In the language of Belle and Beau it meant, I wish to be rid of you!
Julia couldn't help but giggle. "And he still didn't take the hint?"
"Somehow I don't believe Mr. Meriwether understands hints."
They watched the man's smile broaden. He had spied her.
"I had better go," Sally said, "lest he think I planned to meet him in the garden."
"Be charming," Julia teased.
Sally let out a sarcastic laugh then started up the gravel path, a rustle of silk and lace.
"Miss Hastings!" Julia heard George Meriwether call. "I brought you a glass of punch."
She laughed to herself. Oh, poor Sally. This will be a long evening.
Julia waited an appropriate distance then also started for the house. The orchestra was playing a Carolina Promenade as she stepped into the grand foyer. Charles Moffit was waiting for her.
"Oh, Mr. Moffit, forgive me. I had forgotten that you asked for a second dance."
"That's quite all right, Miss Stanton. You must be tired. Would you care to sit?"
Since her feet were sore anyway, she agreed.
"Would you care for some refreshment?" he asked. "A glass of punch or a chocolate caramel, perhaps?"
"No, thank you."
The chairs and sofas were all occupied so he led her to the staircase. Julia smoothed out her skirt and sat down.
"Have you been to Baltimore before, Mr. Moffit?"
"Yes," he said, "but I find the city much changed since my last visit."
"Indeed," was all Julia could think to say.
"Annapolis is much the same," he said.
"Has there been trouble?"
"You mean Northern soldiers firing upon civilians? Goodness no, but the Federal Army's presence is just as strong."
"Is that affecting your commerce?" Julia knew that Cha
rles Moffit was a planter with heavy ties to Richmond.
"Unfortunately, yes," he said. "As the aggression continues it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage our holdings, especially points south."
He then smiled. Julia couldn't help but notice that his teeth were straight and white.
"I understand that your brother has chosen to fight," he said.
"Yes. He serves under General Ewell."
"Capable man," Charles said. "As is your brother, I am certain."
Julia appreciated the compliment on Edward's behalf. It made her feel proud to know that someone was grateful for his service.
"We are in good hands with men like that," he assured her. "Do not worry. This business will be over soon and Lincoln and the rest of his overreaching supporters will be licking their wounds."
Oh, how I like the sounds of that!
"But enough about the war," he said. "Do tell me about yourself."
She blushed and smiled coyly. "What exactly do you wish to know?"
"You can begin by explaining why a beautiful woman like yourself is attending this ball alone."
Her cheeks further reddened. That was one subject she was not about to discuss. She opened her fan, covering her face in an intriguing manner.
Charles Moffit, more perceptive than George Meriweather took the hint. "Annapolis has a fine harbor," he said. "Have you ever seen it?"
Julia relaxed somewhat. "No. I have not. Are there many ships?"
"Yes, indeed."
They talked for over an hour about life in their respective cities. Only once during that time did she think of Samuel. It was when Charles was describing his two hundred acre plantation on the Severn River. Julia wondered how many slaves he owned and just what Samuel would think if he knew she was talking to such a man.
Would he be angry? Would it rouse a jealous fury in him or would he simply focus on the way Charles Moffit has chosen to work his family land?
"
Sam eased his horse up Charles Street. The last remaining rays of sunlight painted the western horizon in reddish-gold hues. Another work week had come and gone.
The afternoons with Dr. Carter's nephew were enjoyable. The boy put forth good effort in his studies. Sam was thankful for the rewarding work, even if it was only temporary. It gave him something to focus his thoughts on, something he could pour his heart into without fear of circumventing current law.
Perhaps if young men like Mr. Carter fully grasp the precious gift God has given us in this country, the great responsibilities that come with such freedom, then the future generations will not be so quick to hold others captive, whether by servile chains or weaponry.
The noontime prayer meetings however, were a different story. As Sam feared, Julia had given up her position at the bread table. Her mother had taken her place. As grateful as he was for Mrs. Stanton's kind assistance, her presence was simply one more reminder of his failure.
I should have told her straightaway what I was involved in. I should have been honest from the beginning.
He plodded along, his horse's shoes click-clacking along the paving stones. The road ahead was clogged with buggies. Sam immediately realized why. He was approaching the Moffit home and tonight was their daughter's debutant ball.
Some of the finest carriages in all of Baltimore were lined in front of the stately stone house. White-gloved coachmen, many of them Negro, scurried about. They opened doors and assisted their well-to-do passengers as they stepped from their carriages.
Sam's heart sank a little deeper in his chest as he stared toward the large, light-filled windows. Music drifted past his ears. He knew Julia was attending this ball with her family. Was she now dancing about the ballroom? Were her fingers entwined with some dashing partner as he led her about the floor?
Resisting the urge to move closer to the windows, he looked the other way. Though he longed to catch a glimpse of her, he could not bear the view if she were smiling at some other man.
He pulled his topper a little farther over his forehead. He urged the horse to move quicker. The beautiful summer sunset had been swallowed up by the bare blackness of night.
"
Charles went to fetch her a glass of punch. Julia waited for him on the staircase, toes tapping beneath her skirts as the couples in the ballroom danced Nine Pins. Watching, she smothered a laugh. A grinning George Meriwether stood in the center of Sally's circle as the ninth pin. Julia was certain he would make an immediate dash to claim her the moment the dance caller permitted it.
A thud in the foyer below turned her attention. A young slave boy lay sprawled on his back, eyes staring at the painted ceiling. A silver tray and a passel of soiled napkins were scattered randomly about him.
Julia knew the freshly polished floor was slippery. Poor thing, she thought. His feet must have gone out from under him.
He couldn't have been any older than Elisha, though he was dressed quite dapperly in a dark coat and trousers. White gloves covered his small hands. Julia watched as he quickly rolled to his side and got to his feet. He reached back for a moment to touch his hair.
He has hit his head. He will surely have a pump knot come morning.
Injured or not, the child scrambled to retrieve the napkins and tray. The guests around him paid little mind. Only one glanced in his direction with a look of concern. Others didn't even notice him at all.
To Julia's dismay, several guests stood, feet planted. Their own conversations were apparently more important than the courtesy of allowing the boy the room to gather the spilled items. The child had to wait at the feet of one well-dressed city official until the man finished his glass of brandy, stepped off a napkin and moved aside.
Julia was irked by the man's pompous attitude. She descended the staircase, intent on helping the little boy finish the task.
And perhaps I should get Father, she thought, let him see to his head.
Before she reached the foyer floor, however, the child had scooped up the remaining napkins. He moved quickly to the servants' staircase and disappeared as though he had never existed.
Charles returned.
"Your punch, Miss Stanton," he said as he handed her a cut-crystal glass. "I apologize for the delay." He nodded in a gentlemanly way.
Torn between two worlds of thought, Julia forced herself to smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Moffit." I suppose Father and I would never be able to find the little boy now, anyway. Lord, please let one of the other slaves see to his injury.
The evening was winding down. Overall, it had been a pleasant time. To her surprise, Charles asked for the Farewell Waltz. When it was time to leave he asked for permission to see her again.
"I will be in town for another week," he said.
Though flattered, she hesitated. She was not interested in obtaining a new beau.
But Charles is likeable and a strong supporter of the Confederacy, Julia told herself. What harm is there in tea? Besides, he will only be in Baltimore for another week. Then he will return to his own home.
She agreed to his request.
Charles Moffit bowed formally and kissed her hand. "I shall look forward to it," he said.
"
Sam did the best he could to keep images of Julia floating about the dance floor far from his mind. The week's end passed quietly and when Sunday morning came he prepared for worship. A blanket of quiet covered the city as Sam walked to his own church.
As the worship hour neared he took a place in the back corner, a spot where Julia would not necessarily notice him.
Lord, if we meet today, please give me the right words. Please don't let me say or do anything contrary to Your plan.
The bell chimed the hour and the worshippers began to enter. Sam watched covertly as Julia arrived with her parents. She wa
s wearing a white summer dress with sheer sleeves. On her head was a bonnet trimmed with daisies. She walked quietly to her family pew.
As Sam hoped, she did not see him. Sally spied him, however, when she arrived a few moments later. The smile she offered encouraged Sam that his attendance, however clandestine, was the right course of action.
The membership had dwindled further just in a week's time. Those who faithfully attended the prayer meetings had returned to their original family pews, regardless of political lines. The remaining congregants, however, scowled at one another from across the aisle.
Heart heavy, Sam spent the hour praying for the reconciliation of his fellow church members. When he wasn't doing that he was stealing glances at Julia. He had intended upon leaving unseen but she caught sight of him the moment the service dismissed.
Across the room she held him with her eyes. The look in them was a mixture of fear and something else he could not recognize. Though his heart was aching, he managed to nod.
Julia smiled cordially as she would to any stranger. That was the extent of interaction. She then turned for the door, taking his heart with her.
Give the Almighty time to work, he remembered Dr. Carter saying.
He left the church that morning promising himself that he would do just that.
However long it takes, Lord, help me to remain faithful to Your plan.
"
"Is that young man coming for tea this evening?" Dr. Stanton asked Julia late that afternoon.
Julia knew her father was not happy about Charles Moffit's visit and she knew exactly why. He would much rather be in his study reading The Sun with Samuel than entertaining a relative stranger in the parlor. She was surprised that after seeing her former fiancé in church this morning that he didn't ask him over to do just that.
"Yes, Father," she said. "Charles will be here at seven."
He grunted.
Her mother, thankfully, was more charitable. "It is only polite to have the young man visit, Thomas. The Moffits were kind enough to invite us to Dolly's party."
"Yes, I know," he said, "but I do hope he is careful about the time. I do not wish to have a late evening."
Her Rebel Heart Page 15