Sleigh Bells

by Miller, Judith Mccoy

  “I will. You snuggle down under the blankets,” he replied.

  “It will be a little difficult to direct you if I’m in back under the blankets,” Teddi responded. “I’ll sit up front with you.”

  Phillip merely shrugged his shoulders. “Suit yourself—merely trying to be accommodating.”

  “No need. I’m capable of being out and about in the cold weather,” Teddi replied.

  “I’m sure you are,” Phillip replied, a look of confusion crossing his face.

  “Turn the horses to the right up here,” she instructed, settling back on the seat.

  Teddi loved Fort Riley and knew almost every inch of the grounds. Whenever they had visitors, Clayton was sure to take Teddi along on tours of the military post. She had become an accomplished guide, quick to point out every object of interest to anyone who would listen—but not on this trip. The sleigh coursed along down Soapsuds Row, the runners making a swooshing sound as they cut through the snow and carried them toward the post hospital.

  “Is that it?” Phillip inquired, gesturing toward the sprawling, stone structure.

  Teddi nodded. “That’s it. There’s a place out back where we can shelter the team and sleigh.”

  Phillip directed the horses toward the back of the two-story, limestone building. “It’s larger than I expected,” he commented as they walked under the covered porch that ran across the front and down the east side of the structure. To the west were the physician’s quarters and the smaller quarters of the hospital steward. Beyond the porch, to the east, was what appeared to be a large, fenced garden. “Vegetable garden?”

  “Yes, although the productivity this year was rather low. I didn’t have enough time to tend to the garden and the patients. Sergeant Feighney offered to put some of the soldiers to work hoeing and pulling weeds, but reassigning the men from their regular duties to raise vegetables didn’t seem proper—especially since Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer provide such excellent produce,” Teddi replied as they entered the largest ward.

  Several of the men pulled themselves to attention and saluted the captain as he walked toward them. “No need for that,” Phillip said to one of the men as he struggled to salute. “This is a hospital, not the training field. I hear Miss Yorke has been giving you men fine care. You’ll be sorry to hear that I’ve been assigned as the new post surgeon here at the fort, and I’ll be relieving Miss Yorke of the extra duties she’s been required to endure for the past four months.”

  Phillip was right. The men did appear sorry to hear the news. “You’ll still be working here, won’t you?” one of the young privates asked Teddi.

  “Yes, I’ll be assisting Dr. Hamilton and performing my nursing duties, although I doubt that I’ll be seeing you much longer. Upon examination, I believe Dr. Hamilton will find you fit to return to duty,” she replied, giving the soldier a broad smile.

  “I’ll miss seeing you, Miss Yorke, and that’s a fact. But I can’t say I’ll miss being cooped up in this hospital. You just say the word, Captain, and I’ll be on my way,” the private replied.

  “I don’t officially begin my duties until Monday. Think you can stand being hospitalized a few more days, or shall I have the hospital steward check you over?” Phillip inquired.

  “I’ll wait. I guess there’s always the domino tournament to keep me busy.”

  “Interested in seeing the operating room?” Teddi asked when they left the ward and walked down a narrow hallway lined with wood-framed pictures of military officers in full-dress uniform.

  “Absolutely,” he replied, following her into a large room. A solitary, wooden operating table stood in the center of the stark-white, rectangular room. Oak cabinets and shelves containing instruments, medical supplies, and a variety of medical books lined the walls. “Instant reference for those operations that go awry?” he asked, nodding toward the books and giving her a chuckle.

  She returned the laugh—with a soft, melodious intonation that appeared to stop him in his tracks. “Is something wrong?” she asked when he stood transfixed, staring at her.

  “No, nothing—your laughter,” he stammered.

  “There’s something wrong with my laugh?” she asked. He was tongue-tied, and she wasn’t sure why. All she had done was laugh.

  “No, you have a beautiful laugh. The sound reminds me of my mother’s wind chimes—you know, that light, tinkling music they play when a soft breeze passes through on a summer day.”

  “I see. And it surprises you that someone that looks like me could have a pleasant laugh,” Teddi responded as she nodded her head in understanding. “I shall consider your answer a compliment. Please accept my thanks, Phillip. Or do you prefer to be called ‘Captain’?” she asked, adroitly changing the subject.

  Phillip gave her a faint smile. “There was a time in my life when I would have insisted upon ‘Captain.’ Nowadays, military rank is of little importance to me. It’s my position with the Lord that counts.”

  “Really? Perhaps that’s an opinion you’d best keep to yourself when among some of the young officers who are busy working for those bars you’re wearing.”

  “Quite the contrary, Teddi. I think they need to know that, ultimately, God is our commander in chief. Don’t misunderstand—I feel that every soldier has an obligation to do his duty to the very best of his ability and serve his country proudly. But I also think we all need to keep God first in our lives—and that includes soldiers.”

  “Well put, Phillip. I stand corrected. Perhaps you should voice that opinion. It may not please some of the officers, but I’m sure your attitude pleases God,” she replied, impressed with his remarks.

  Teddi rode in silence as they traveled from the hospital to the old limestone chapel. She was thinking of Phillip’s words. He had changed dramatically from the boy of seventeen that she remembered. Now, some ten years later, he was a man who had given his heart to the Lord. She was beginning to feel foolish for holding a grudge against him for something he’d done when he was still a schoolboy—something he obviously didn’t even remember.

  “That’s the chapel up ahead,” Teddi said, pointing toward the structure.

  “Not many buildings made of wood on this post, are there?” Phillip asked as he drew the horses to a stop in front of the arched door of the stone building.

  “A few. But limestone is prevalent in this area, and it can withstand just about anything. When the winds come whipping across the plains, I’d much rather be inside one of these stone buildings than in a frame house,” she explained. “I don’t know if Chaplain Lane is here. I didn’t see his horse, but sometimes he walks. He lives in those quarters,” she explained, pointing to a house at the end of a row not far from the church.

  “Why don’t you stay here, and I’ll see if he’s in the chapel. If not, we can get you back home. From the looks of the sky, it doesn’t appear as if this snow will be letting up anytime soon. Can I assume this is the beginning of a long, hard winter in Kansas?”

  “Not yet. We usually get one snowstorm at the end of October or early November. Then it lets up for a while, and we often don’t see any more snow until December or January. But we do have bitterly cold winters in this part of the country, snow or no snow. When you stop at the sutler’s store to purchase your supplies, you may want to consider investing in a buffalo coat. Most of the men living here find the warmth of a buffalo coat a necessity,” she advised.

  “I’ll remember that,” he said as he jumped down from the seat and ran up the steps to the chapel. “Door’s locked,” he called back to her.

  She motioned him back to the sleigh. “Let’s head home. Father is probably back at the house by now. I’m sure he’ll want to introduce you to some of the other officers and give you a tour of your quarters. The surgeon’s quarters are quite nice, although you may find them a bit large for only one person,” she added.

  “I hope I will have a wife and children to help fill my quarters one day,” he replied.

  “So you’re engaged?
” she ventured. Why did I ask such a personal question? That will give him leave to do the same, Teddi scolded herself.

  “No, I’m not. I was engaged to a young lady once, but we’ve long since parted company. And you?”

  I knew it! I left the door wide open for his questions, and he’s walking right in, she thought. Giving him a smile, she folded her hands and placed them on her lap. “No, I have no plans for marriage. What happened to your young woman?” she inquired. Oh, no! I’ve inquired into his personal life again, she immediately thought. I don’t want to answer personal questions, but here I am barraging him with inquiries. “I’m sorry; your past is none of my business. Please don’t answer that question,” she added quickly.

  “I don’t mind answering. After all, we’re old friends, aren’t we? I was engaged to a young lady whom I met while attending medical school. She was born into a Baltimore high-society family and was pleased with the idea of being married to a doctor and living in a large eastern city. She also thought that she could convince me to leave the army. Then when I decided to seek a position as a chaplain, she became furious—not enough prestige. That caused the final breach in our relationship. And I don’t think she could picture herself living on military posts and never having a permanent home.”

  “Many women find the idea of military life unappealing, but once they’ve been subjected to the lifestyle, they make an admirable adjustment. I’m sure that your mother could have convinced her of the benefits.”

  “You’re probably right—my mother has always enjoyed military life. But I decided that if Caroline was going to base her decision to marry me upon where we lived, perhaps she was more in love with the idea of marriage than with me. The last I heard, she was happily married to a bank president. I’m sure she’s very content. And what of yourself? Surely you’ve had opportunity to tie the knot or break some fellow’s heart.”

  “I tend to shy away from discussing my personal life,” she replied as they reached home. “There’s Father,” she continued while pointing toward the general, who was sitting atop a chestnut mare and heading in their direction.

  four

  Teddi’s answer was so serious. She obviously felt that he had crossed the boundaries of etiquette with his brazen questions about marriage proposals. Phillip certainly didn’t want to frighten her off. If there was one thing he knew, it was that he needed Teddi’s capable assistance at the hospital.

  “I’m sorry, sir. What did you say?” Phillip stammered. The general was standing beside him with a look of amusement on his face.

  “Finding your new duty assignment a bit overwhelming?” General Yorke inquired as he slapped Phillip on the back and gave him a hearty laugh, which caused a frosty white puff of vapor to hang in the freezing afternoon air. “I merely asked if Teddi had given you the grand tour of Fort Riley.”

  “No, just the hospital and chapel. She seemed a bit chilled,” Phillip replied as the two men entered the house.

  “Never thought I’d see the day Teddi Yorke would give up a chance to talk about the marvels of this military post. She usually bridles visitors and forces them to listen to every minute detail,” the general stated while stomping the remaining snow off his boots.

  “Careful with the mess you’re making in that hallway, Clayton. I don’t think you’re ever going to remember to come in the back entrance when you’re covered with snow or mud,” Isabelle chastised her husband as she bustled toward the front door.

  “You mean we have a back door to these quarters?” Clayton asked, placing a hand alongside his cheek and feigning surprise.

  “Oh, Clayton! That’s not the least bit funny,” Isabelle re-marked, her eyes cast downward toward the snow that was beginning to puddle around her husband’s feet.

  “I thought that’s why you put this old piece of carpet on top of the good one,” the general continued, oblivious to his wife’s exasperated glance.

  “I put that ugly, old rug down because you won’t follow instructions,” Isabelle replied, though unable to suppress a smile.

  “Phillip and I thought we’d join you ladies for some hot tea or cocoa, whichever you prefer,” Clayton stated as he hung his cloak on one of the wooden pegs.

  “Where’s Teddi?” Phillip asked, surveying the room.

  “I believe she’s gone upstairs to her room,” Isabelle answered, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. “I’ll see to some refreshments and be back in just a few moments.”

  Phillip’s gaze rested upon the box-style grand piano sitting along the west wall of the parlor. He could recall Teddi sitting on the velvet-cushioned stool as a young girl, her fingers running over the ivory keys as she practiced to the rhythm of the clicking metronome.

  “I don’t know what’s gotten into that girl today. She’s not acting like herself,” General Yorke mused as he joined Phillip.

  “Perhaps she doesn’t find my company very appealing,” Phillip ventured. “I fear I’m the cause of her unusual behavior. I’m sure that it has something to do with our younger days at Fort McHenry, but for the life of me, I can’t remember what I did, or didn’t do, that has offended her. Do you have any idea what the problem may be?”

  “How could you be a problem? Teddi was a mere child when the two of you last saw each other—she would have been only twelve or thirteen, at most. No, I think her mood has more to do with Captain Albright than with you, Phillip.”

  Before Phillip had an opportunity to explore who Captain Albright was and what that man might have to do with Teddi’s behavior, Isabelle returned with a tray bearing her etched silver teapot, cups, saucers, and a plate heaped with buttery, fresh-baked cookies.

  “So that’s why it smells so good in here! Florence has been baking again. I do enjoy that woman’s culinary abilities—not that you can’t put her to shame, my dear,” Clayton quickly added.

  “Ever the diplomat,” Isabelle replied, giving him a broad smile as she poured the steaming liquid into three cups. “Sugar?” she asked, meeting Phillip’s gaze.

  “No, plain is fine,” he replied. “Perhaps Teddi would care to join us?” he optimistically inquired.

  “Oh, I don’t think. . .”

  “Phillip fears he’s done something to offend our Teddi,” the general explained, interrupting his wife, “but I told him I was sure that her mood had more to do with Herbert Albright’s antics than anything Phillip might have done years ago.”

  “Clayton!”

  “What? Did I say something wrong?” he asked, a bewildered look crossing his face.

  “I don’t think Teddi would appreciate your discussing her broken engagement to Captain Albright,” Isabelle chided.

  “I didn’t discuss it. In fact, I didn’t even tell him she had been engaged. All I said was. . .”

  “Goodness! Now look what I’ve done with my jabbering. Teddi will never forgive me.”

  “Forgive you for what, Mother?” Teddi asked as she gracefully entered the room and seated herself in a wicker chair opposite her father.

  “How about one of Florence’s famous butter cookies?” the general asked, extending the plate toward his daughter.

  Teddi shook her head. “No, I don’t care for anything to eat right now. What were. . .”

  “Tea then?” the general interrupted. “Pour her a cup of tea, Isabelle. I’m sure she’d like that.”

  “Yes, of course,” Isabelle replied while quickly turning her attention toward the tray.

  “Tell me, Phillip, what did you think of our hospital?” the general inquired, obviously intent on ignoring Teddi’s earlier question.

  “I was very impressed. And the patients reacted much as you’d anticipated—none of them wanted a replacement for Teddi. As far as I could tell, the men are more than pleased with the care they’ve been receiving. And I’m sure their assessment is warranted. I doubt that any of them could have received better care anywhere.”

  He turned toward Teddi with a smile on his face. But she didn’t smile in return. Instead, th
ere was a look he couldn’t quite comprehend. Not anger, but that look certainly couldn’t be mistaken for joy, either. Irritation. That was it! She had a distinct look of irritation—and that look was aimed directly toward him. But why? He hadn’t done or said anything inappropriate. It was her parents who were dropping hints about some past affair of the heart and a Captain Albright. So why didn’t she aim her looks of disdain toward them instead of him?

  “Yes, she’s gained quite an excellent reputation among the medical community as well,” Isabelle chimed in. “When Dr. Jeffries was the post surgeon, he couldn’t say enough good things about Teddi. In fact, Dr. Jeffries is now out of the military and has a flourishing medical practice in Junction City. Would you believe that rascal tried to convince Teddi to quit her work at the hospital and come to work for him?”

  “I wouldn’t have any problem believing that, Mrs. Yorke,” Phillip replied. He didn’t turn to look toward Teddi, fearful he’d be met by another one of her frowning stares. “Perhaps I should think about getting settled into my quarters,” Phillip continued as he handed his cup and saucer to Mrs. Yorke.

  “There’s no need to hurry. In fact, why don’t you spend the night with us? We have plenty of room, and it’s already beginning to turn dark outside. These fall days are so short. Besides, you’ll have ample time to get settled over the next few days, won’t he, Clayton?” Isabelle asked. “Don’t you think it’s best if Phillip spends the night with us?”

  “Yes, of course! We’ll not hear of you leaving us so soon. If I weren’t concerned that a few eyebrows might be raised, I’d insist on your living with us while you’re stationed here. Having you in the house would almost be like having Jonathan home again,” Clayton replied.

  “Father! Having a stranger in the house is nothing like having Jonathan with us,” Teddi retorted.

  “Phillip isn’t a stranger, Teddi. With this nomadic life we lead, he’s about as close to family as we could hope for,” the general replied, his voice tinged with displeasure.