“I wouldn’t worry about the board not being able to convene before George and I leave. Father knows it’s important for us to testify, and he knows when we’ll be leaving the post. Personally, I hope it can take place before Christmas so that we can relax and enjoy the remainder of the holiday. And speaking of good coming from this incident, it appears my sister is quite smitten by your charms. And she tells me she wouldn’t marry Herbert Albright if he were the last man left standing,” Jonathan stated.
“Still, it’s no way to begin a relationship.”
“It can only make you stronger. Besides, it sounds to me as though this relationship has more than merely just begun,” Jonathan gibed.
“I’d ask her to be my wife this very minute if it weren’t for this pending difficulty,” Phillip admitted. “And why aren’t you visiting the lovely Margaret on this crisp December afternoon? I’m sure her company would be much more pleasant that my dour attitude.”
“I would have to agree with that statement. However, Margaret is currently embroiled in conversation with my mother over at our quarters. I broke the news of our engagement to Mother early this morning. After quite a discussion, she ordered me to invite Margaret to lunch, stating that she intended to have a private talk with her. I went to town and told Margaret that I thought we should ignore Mother’s command, but Margaret insisted, saying she didn’t want to begin our marriage by showing disrespect toward either of my parents. Poor girl, she thinks that Mother will cave in and bless our union. Of course, Teddi seems to think Margaret can hold her own against Mother. We’ll know by this evening. You are joining us for dinner, aren’t you?”
Phillip nodded his head. “Teddi extended your mother’s invitation. I’m not sure I’ll be good company, but I always enjoy being with your family.”
“Don’t concern yourself with the need to be good company. I’m sure that hearing the outcome of my mother’s conversation with Margaret will provide ample entertainment,” Jonathan remarked.
Their afternoon of conversation was interrupted on several occasions by soldiers with varying ailments, along with a laundress who had severed her small finger while helping to butcher a hog. The bleeding had been intense, and Jonathan had fled the room in search of Teddi as soon as the woman entered Phillip’s office. After Phillip and Teddi had managed to stop the bleeding and stitch the woman’s hand, they turned her over to Jonathan, who agreed to take her home in the sleigh.
“We’ll be ready to leave for home by the time you return,” Teddi called after her brother as he helped the woman into the sleigh.
“Think he’ll be all right?” Phillip asked with a grin.
“I’m not positive. He never could tolerate the sight of blood. I didn’t think I was going to convince him that the sleigh ride wouldn’t cause her to begin bleeding again. Sometimes it’s hard to believe we’re related,” Teddi responded, returning his smile.
“Not so hard,” Phillip said. “You are both genuinely kindhearted people with a loving concern for your fellowman. Jonathan just has a little difficulty if his fellowman is bleeding.”
It felt good to laugh. He hadn’t laughed since all of this mess began at the masquerade ball. Somehow the holiday festivities had lost their luster. There had been no mention of the oyster dinner at the McCalebs’ last night, and he was certain that none of the Yorkes had attended, although it was one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. Folks loved the oyster supper at the church, but the dinner at McCalebs’ was an invitation-only affair that was served in their luxurious home, with no expense spared. Teddi had told him that once you were invited, it was something you didn’t want to miss. But they had missed the anticipated affair without giving it as much as a single thought.
“Jonathan’s here,” Teddi announced, breaking into his thoughts.
“Then we’d best be off,” he replied, giving her a smile as he held out her cloak.
Jonathan took the lead as they entered the house, obviously anxious to seek out Margaret and assure himself that she had survived an afternoon of his mother’s incessant questions and prying. He looked back at Teddi in surprise when he didn’t see either his mother or Margaret in the parlor or dining room. Teddi followed behind him, but they both stopped in their tracks when they heard the sound of laughter coming from the kitchen. It was Isabelle and Margaret, and they certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves.
“What are you two doing in the kitchen?” Jonathan in-quired while shooting Margaret an inquisitive glance.
“I saw that look, Jonathan. Your bride-to-be is just fine. In fact, she’s more than fine; she’s wonderful. We were just discussing how many children you two were hoping to have,” Isabelle proclaimed.
Jonathan moved back from the kitchen door, obviously stunned by the turn of events. “Do I get any say-so in this matter, or is it solely up to you and my mother?” Jonathan inquired, the look of surprise still etched on his face.
All of them were enjoying a laugh at Jonathan’s expense when Clayton entered the house. “What’s going on in here? You folks having a party, and I wasn’t invited?” he asked.
“I wouldn’t call it a party. It seems that Mother and Margaret have spent the afternoon making decisions regarding how many children we should have. For some reason I thought Margaret might want to consult with me about the subject of children rather than Mother,” Jonathan explained facetiously.
“We discussed much more than that. Why don’t we all go into the parlor,” Isabelle suggested, pulling off her apron and bidding Margaret do the same. Once the group was seated, Isabelle shifted in her seat so that she could face all of them. “I don’t plan to go into all the details of our discussion, but I do want my family to know that I’m ashamed of my behavior. I asked Margaret’s forgiveness, and although I’m not sure I would have been so kindhearted, she has accepted my apology.
“Teddi, I’m sorry that I didn’t take your advice and teaching to heart when you first talked to me about forgiveness. It would have saved Margaret from once again being mistreated by an insensitive Christian—namely, me! I hope I’ve learned my lesson. And although Jonathan has already been very clear that he planned to marry Margaret no matter what my objection, I want you both to know that I will be exceedingly proud to have Margaret as a member of our family. Now that I’ve admitted my shortcomings to Margaret and asked her forgiveness, I feel I must also ask you to do the same, Jona—”
“No, no, that’s not necessary, Mother,” Jonathan interrupted, obviously quite moved by his mother’s sincere comments.
“Then at least let me say that I am very proud of you. Your father and I always prayed that our children would grow into adults who actually lived what Christ taught. You children do it much better than I ever have, and I am exceedingly blessed to have all of you.
“I’m finished with all this serious talk. Margaret and I have been hard at work in the kitchen, and I think it’s time we all partake,” Isabelle said, rising from her chair with a flourish.
“Let’s hope that things go this smoothly for us tomorrow night,” Phillip murmured to Teddi as they walked into the dining room.
sixteen
All day Wednesday, Phillip attempted to keep himself composed, wondering how he could possibly preach a sermon in a few hours. Teddi had struggled to help him focus on the message he would deliver, but maintaining his concentration had been difficult. Finally, she had joined him in his office at the hospital, making several suggestions as she pointed out Scripture verses to reinforce her ideas.
The singing during the church service was particularly inspiring, and Phillip was pleased to see that there were more people at the Wednesday night meeting than generally attended. It was probably due to the holiday season—folks always seemed to remember the importance of church attendance at Christmas and Easter, he realized.
Stepping up to the podium, Phillip placed his Bible in front of him, cleared his throat, and stared out into the sea of faces; all eyes were focused on him.
/> “I want to talk to you about leading more Christlike lives. For those of you who call yourselves Christians, I thought tonight might be an excellent opportunity to take personal inventory of how your life compares to that of Jesus Christ. For example, do you compromise Christ’s teachings in your day-to-day life? Do you think that if nobody sees you cheat or steal, it doesn’t matter? Do you think that when you mistreat another member of the human race, you’re following Christ’s example? Do you think your idle gossip doesn’t constitute sin? Do you think your unforgiving attitudes go unnoticed? Do you think that when you covet another man’s possessions, it’s all right because you deserve more than you have?”
Phillip continued with the list of questions, watching as members of the congregation squirmed and looked away, unable to meet his eyes when the arrow of truth pierced their hearts. When he had finished the questions, he placed his written list in front of him on a metal plate. Taking a burning candle from its holder, he touched the flame to the pages and watched until the fire had consumed them, leaving nothing but ashes on the plate.
“For those of you who are Christians, your sins are like those sheets of paper. Once you’ve asked God’s forgiveness and have truly repented, your sin is gone, forgotten, wiped away. That’s a difficult concept for us to understand because we humans have a great deal of difficulty forgiving others and forgetting what they’ve done to us; but aren’t we thankful for a God who will do that for us? Now, for anyone here who hasn’t accepted Christ, this gift can be yours—it’s a free gift from your Creator. All you must do is accept it. But listen carefully: If you don’t take that step and actually accept God’s gift of salvation, your sins remain your personal baggage. They aren’t erased or turned into ash like those sheets of paper on the plate; no, they are yours to carry with you to the grave and beyond.”
He had the attention of the congregation, although he wasn’t sure they were happy with his message. Most of them had probably come to church expecting to hear a sermon relating to the birth of Christ, something more in keeping with the season. But Teddi had been right; he needed to preach what was in his heart, and that’s what he had done.
At the end of the sermon Phillip was astounded by the number of his parishioners who came forward and prayed for forgiveness, wanting to clear the slate and make a fresh attempt at leading a Christian life. Even more wonderful was the fact that three people made their way to him and asked how they could have Christ as their personal Savior, sure there must be more they must do in order to receive such an extraordinary gift.
“This has been quite a night,” Phillip said to Teddi shortly after the service. “No matter what Herbert has to say, I know that God has been at work in this matter.”
“Isn’t it wonderful? I’m thrilled at what happened here tonight. Please don’t let your meeting with Herbert spoil the amazing things that just occurred.”
“I won’t,” he promised. “I’ll talk to you in the morning,” he added before walking off toward his office.
“I think I’ll join you for that meeting with Herbert,” Clayton said as Phillip neared the small antechamber at the back of the church. The general placed his arm across Phillip’s shoulder as the two of them entered the room.
“Well, aren’t you two a sight,” Herbert sneered from the doorway. “Have you come to your senses, Hamilton?”
“I have indeed,” Phillip replied. “I’ll not be coerced by your bullying tactics, and if you’re hoping to stick to your plan and marry Teddi, you’d better move quickly. Otherwise, she and I may be married before you have time to file your charges. That’s my answer. I have nothing further to say.”
“You’re going to be sorry. You’ll be thrown out of the army, and I’ll make it my mission to destroy you,” Herbert snarled as he pushed by both men and left the church with the sound of the slamming door reverberating through the sanctuary.
❧
It was shortly before noon the next day when Clayton entered the hospital and advised Phillip that Helen and Herbert had submitted sworn statements. After reviewing the documents, Colonel Cartwright determined that charges should be filed against Phillip. However, General Yorke had already received assurance that the process would move forward as quickly as possible.
“Colonel Cartwright is in charge of the proceedings. He has given his word that the board will convene on Friday. I told him I would be surprised if it took more than a few hours. Captain Pauley will act as your counsel; he’ll come here to meet with you at two o’clock this afternoon. Jonathan, George, and I plan to arrive at two-thirty to meet with both of you and go over our testimony.”
“You’ve been busy this morning. I can’t believe all you’ve accomplished in such a short time. Do you think there’s a possibility that Herbert will object to the trial taking place so rapidly?” Phillip asked. “I do want to get this over with.”
“The paperwork he signed contains a waiver declaring that he will agree to the time and date of the hearing. It also contains a clause stating that at the time the complaint was signed, the complainant who brought the charges possessed sufficient evidence to immediately go to hearing. If he objects, his complaint will be dismissed. Fortunately, this decreases the amount of time he’ll have to spread the word about town, which is all the better for us. I’d like to avoid having this thing turn into a spectacle. When you meet with Captain Pauley, you might want to suggest that he talk with Mattie—about her testimony,” the general suggested.
“No. I think I’ll just leave that in God’s hands,” Phillip replied.
❧
The room was hushed, Herbert and Helen sitting side by side at a wooden table only a few feet from where Phillip now sat beside Captain Pauley. General Yorke’s desire that the hearing be a quiet affair had fallen flat. Every chair was occupied, while additional spectators stood crowded at the rear of the room; they all appeared anxious to hear the offensive details. The board members were seated at a long, narrow table facing the crowded room, each of them appearing uncomfortable with the size of the crowd assembled before them.
Colonel Cartwright cleared his throat, struck his wooden gavel on the table, and advised all in attendance that the matter would proceed henceforth. Looking toward Herbert, he instructed him to commence with his case against Captain Hamilton.
At Herbert’s instruction, Helen moved to the witness chair and, after being sworn to tell the truth, began answering Herbert’s questions. A murmuring of voices erupted as Helen staunchly proclaimed that her life had been left in ruins the night of the masquerade ball. Obviously anxious to hear all of the details, the crowd hushed when she once again began to speak. A tear slid down her cheek as she declared that Captain Hamilton had forced her into his sleigh. Herbert gallantly rushed to offer his handkerchief as she continued with her story, stating that Phillip had taken advantage of her inability to fight him off. A small sob erupted as Helen wiped her eyes and then asserted to the board that Phillip had spoken harsh words to her.
“Captain Hamilton said that he would never give up his plan to marry Teddi Yorke. He told me that marrying into the Yorke family would help his military career while I had nothing of value to bring to a marriage. He did say, however, that he would enjoy having me as his mistress once he married Teddi,” Helen averred.
Once again, gasps of surprise and murmuring voices filled the courtroom. Colonel Cartwright’s gavel rapped on the oak table as he called for silence in the room.
“You may continue, Miss Hanson,” Herbert sympathetically encouraged.
Helen nodded her head, wiped her nose, and looked out at the crowd. “Now Captain Hamilton denies all of the horrid things he did to me. But I have a witness who will tell you that I speak the truth,” Helen purred, having now turned her full attention to the members of the board. “That’s all I have to tell you, gentlemen. I know you’ll do the right thing.” She batted her eyelashes, gave them a seductive smile, and stepped down from the witness chair.
“Let’s hear from y
our corroborating witness, Mr. Albright,” Colonel Cartwright directed.
Herbert turned toward the roomful of spectators. “Mattie Fielding, step forward.”
All eyes scanned the room waiting, anticipating, eager to hear what little Mattie Fielding would tell them. The rustling of feet and scraping of chairs were finally rewarded as Mattie moved from among the onlookers at the rear of the room and walked toward the witness chair. Once seated, she quickly scanned the spectators and then allowed her gaze to rest upon Phillip for a brief moment.
Herbert vaulted out of his chair, obviously anxious to complete his unconscionable prosecution so he could bask in the glory of his unjustified victory. After casting a depraved look in Phillip’s direction, he turned his attention toward Mattie, who sat facing him, her fingers gripping the arms of the wooden chair with such intensity that her knuckles had turned white.
“Good morning, Mattie,” he greeted in a soft and amiable voice.
She nodded but remained silent as he padded about the room in front of her—a cat cornering his prey, relishing the moment before moving in for the kill. She squirmed in her seat and then hunched down as if succumbing to a predator.
“Now then, Mattie, since you appear somewhat disconcerted, why don’t I help you along? I’ll ask you questions that you can simply answer yes or no to make this easier for you. Would you like that?”
Mattie nodded her bowed head in agreement.
“Did you attend the masquerade ball at the theater last Saturday night?”
“Yes,” came her whispered reply.
“Just so the board is certain you can identify Captain Phillip Hamilton, would you please point to him?”
Mattie raised her head and quickly pointed toward Phillip.
“Thank you, Mattie. You attended the ball in the company of Helen Hanson. Is that correct?”
Mattie shook her head affirmatively. “Helen and you,” she added.
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