by Jerri Hines
She met those eyes with a scornful glare. “Get off my land, Buck. You are not welcome here.”
“Can’t, cous. I’m part of the militia now.”
“Don’t tell me they allow deserters into our militia!”
He chuckled and leaned back on his horse. “Tough words coming from a nigger lover—at least, that is what rumor has it.”
Burning with humiliation, she felt her face go scarlet. How had he found out about the incident at Whitney Hall? An uneasy feeling washed over her. She supposed that it was inevitable that word would get out what she had done…more than likely twisted the facts, that she had betrayed Grace Ann and Mr. Whitney.
“I haven’t a clue to what you are trying to insinuate. I am loyal citizen of South Carolina. Do not question my allegiance.”
”Mrs. Montgomery,” McCoy intervened. “Ain’t here for no other reason than finding the fugitive.”
With the back of her hand, she wiped her brow and looked back at the sick cabin. “My man, Lonnie, was out in the fields this morning with a swing blade. It got caught on a vine and he tried to jerk the swing blade off and was successful, except it went back at him, nearly cut his arm off. I’ve been tending to him all morning.”
“You won’t mind if we check it out.”
“I do,” Jo declared. “I gave you my word. It should suffice. I will not be disgraced at my home when we have sacrificed much for the cause.”
“There is no need for your stance. I assure you it is a necessity.”
“You understand perfectly my stance and my aversion to your presence,” she retorted, riddled with disdain. “Can you tell me that you searched the Randolphs’ place or the Middletons’? I sincerely doubt it. I believe you are here only to dishonor my family. If you even dare dismount, I will write to General Beauregard personally and tell him of your treatment of the family of his beloved major. I have a letter in his own hand stating the bravery and courage my husband displayed and the ultimate sacrifice he made for God, family, and country. I gave you my answer. Now, get off this land.”
Jo refused to move.
Some in the unit began to withdraw. Another rode up to McCoy. “Told ya I saw signs of a boat pushed into the water. I swear he left by the Ashley.”
McCoy started to say more, and then refrained. Instead, he turned to Buck, who was the only one who had not retreated. “Come on. We have more work to do.”
Buck glared at Jo. “I’ll be back.”
She made no retort, but stood there on trembling legs until the last soldier disappeared out of sight.
****
Jo sat in the dark and waited. A door opened and closed. She made no movement to leave. Andrew was about to feel the brunt of her rage. Her anger flamed, fanned at Andrew, Captain McCoy…Buck!
Oh, Heavens to Betsy! She had lied to save a damn Yankee! Only after she had calmed down…after she had fed Madeline, hugged Percival tightly…had she comprehended the full extent of her actions.
Disaster loomed over Magnolia Bluff. The whole of the plantation was endangered while that Yankee recovered in the sick cabin. Everything that Wade had done…the sacrifice he made would be for naught if that blasted McCoy—or worse, Buck—discovered they harbored the spy.
“Jo, I got your note. Why are you sitting in the dark?”
She said nothing while Andrew lit the lamp on the desk. The room glowed in the dark as the lamp’s light burned. He had not changed his blood-stained clothes, but he had washed up. Turning back to her, his eyes lit on the empty glass on the table beside her and walked over to the decanter.
“Would you like another? I find I need one myself.” Andrew lifted the decanter.
Ladies of quality would never drink hard liquor in the presence of a gentleman. At the moment, neither was she a lady or Andrew a gentleman. She handed him her glass. “Don’t dawdle. Out with it,” she demanded contemptuously.
“There’s not much to tell,” he said, grimly, drinking down the entire contents in one mouthful. “Mitchell’s alive, but barely. I told Gardner what had happened. Had no choice in the matter. He is watching him now.”
Jo grimaced. Lord almighty! However were they going to keep him a secret if the whole of the plantation knew of his presence! Her anger stirred. “I’m not taking a chance on getting caught with him. I don’t care how you do it, but move him!”
Slowly, Andrew poured himself another drink and stared at it as he swirled the brandy around his glass. “I suppose I should tell you I’m grateful you did not turn him over to McCoy. I thought for sure it was your intention when you stormed out of the cabin.”
“Spare me, Andrew. You know well enough I’m not that much of an idiot. McCoy would have condemned us all if he discovered the man. Why, I have no doubt Buck would have burnt Magnolia Bluff down! But I won’t have it! I won’t lose Magnolia Bluff over some dirty, lousy Yankee spy!”
“Stop! I do not need you hammering at me. I will handle it.”
“You won’t be able to if Buck…”
“Jo, I know.” Andrew’s manner eased. “I will not make light of the situation and surely not Buck. It will bode well for you and the children to move into Charleston, at least for the time being.”
Terror struck her. “You are afraid of what Buck will do?”
“I certainly don’t trust the man, if that is what you ask. Thank goodness, I heard that Harry Lee is in a prison camp at Fort Delaware. I doubt Buck will try much of anything on his own, but while Mitchell recovers…if he recovers…it is best you aren’t here.”
“We are set to leave for Charleston at the end of the week. Didn’t Derek see you? He went into Charleston…”
“I have been so busy at the hospital that I’ve been staying there,” Andrew answered before she finished. “But Mother mentioned it in her last letter. I didn’t realize it was set.”
“We will leave, but I want that man gone as soon as you are able to move him. I won’t have Magnolia Bluff jeopardized more than it already has been. We don’t need any suspicion upon us as Yankee sympathizers.”
“Josephine, don’t let Buck’s words gnaw at you,” Andrew directed, suddenly showing a little compassion toward her. “If it concerns you about what you did to save little Tome, don’t. We need to do what we must and not be dictated by others’ perception of what is right.”
“You’re wrong,” Jo snapped. “We have to be concerned about what is whispered. Everyone is on edge…we have to do everything…everything to protect Magnolia Bluff. Wade…Wade can’t be forgotten…”
“I, too, hold to Wade’s memory. Trust me, Jo. I will do everything in my power to ensure Magnolia Bluff will be whole for Percival.”
Emotions overwhelmed her. Abruptly, she wiped back a silent tear. “You understand my position. I want nothing more to do with that Yankee. You will take care of it without causing attention to the family.”
“I give you my word.” Andrew nodded in agreement and stood aside as she made her way through the door in silence.
* * * *
Rain pounded against the windowpanes. It had been relentless most of the night. Jo knew because she had found little sleep. She had been up most of the night with her daughter. The little one was teething. Finally, she had been able to lay Madeline down without her screaming.
She prayed Percival wouldn’t wake up with one of his attention-seeking antics. He had been a terror the last few days. Mother Montgomery said it was the move into Charleston that had him riled up.
Jo realized it was more. Her son had picked up on her anxiety. An anxiety that would not be squelched until that damn Yankee was off her property.
The wind howled louder. Glancing down at Madeline, she assured herself her daughter was sound asleep. Rubbing her tired eyes, she needed to rest, even if it was for only a couple of hours. The morning sun would rise in less than three hours whether or not she had gotten any rest.
For the last week, Jo had worked endlessly to prepare to withdraw into Charleston. Derek would maintain
residence at Magnolia Bluff. They could ill afford for it to be vacant of family. Andrew would reside when he wasn’t at the hospital, allowing Derek the opportunity to be with his wife during part of the week.
Jo had not minded keeping busy. It drove back the thoughts that occupied her heart and mind. She survived each day by the continual chores that needed to be attended to…it was the only way she kept herself from feeling and it was not a luxury she could afford herself. Her heart would never endure if the hurt and pain that lived inside her soul emerged.
Above all else, her children needed her. She would do whatever was necessary to ensure their safety and well-being. They were her life…her reason for being.
If only Andrew would tell her what she wanted most to hear—that the damn Yankee was off her property. Then and only then would Magnolia Bluff be safe…the family would be safe.
If the truth be known, the whole thing gnawed at her. Something wasn’t right. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she was certain it had to do with Andrew’s reaction.
How quickly and efficiently Andrew had covered the tracks of the Yankee spy! She had spent the first few nights in dreaded anticipation. Too many people were aware of the man’s presence: Lonnie, Gardner, Amos, and Rosa. Why, Andrew said they had even moved Mitchell to the overseer’s house.
Yet, there had been no whisperings, no guarded looks. Even when McCoy had sent back a patrol unit—twice—there had been no indication of any abnormal activities. That alone had bothered Jo.
As she eased out the door, she made her way to the next door to the left. She had decided to crawl in beside her eldest to ensure he not walk into the nursery looking for her and wake his sister. When she looked into his room, there was no Percival.
The little hellion must have climbed into her bed. She sighed and walked into her room. Her heart stilled…he wasn’t in her bed.
“Miss Jo, donca worry none. He’s with Dr. Andrew.”
Jo whirled around to find her maid in the doorway. She shook her head. “He doesn’t need to bother his uncle. Can you…?” She paused. Something in Rosa’s nervous eyes told her that Percival wasn’t in his uncle’s room; for that matter, he wasn’t in the house. With an exasperated glare, she demanded, “Where is Percival?”
Rosa shifted from one foot to the other. Jo stared at her with fierce intensity. Rosa lowered her gaze. “Percy heard Dr. Andrew leaving the house, ma’am…”
“Oh, Good Lord! Rosa, tell me that he didn’t go out with Andrew! In the dead of the night…in the rain!” Jo’s voice rose to the point of hysterics. She knew…oh, Lord in Heaven, she knew exactly where he had taken her son…her son.
Immediately, she heard Madeline cry out. Jo gripped Rosa’s arm with a strength she didn’t know she possessed. “Stay with the baby. Do you hear me? Don’t leave her. I will be back.”
“But, Miss Jo, Dr. Andrew said he wouldn’t be long…”
Ignoring Rosa, she wanted only one answer. “Do you understand me? I swear, Rosa, I will…”
“I will stay. I promise, Miss Jo,” Rosa uttered in a low, cutting voice, pained from her arm being squeezed so tightly.
Releasing Rosa, Jo rushed down the stairs, pausing only to grab her cloak. Guided by the lights from the main house and the faint lights from her destination, she drudged along in the wind-swept rain through the mud and puddles along the path to the overseer’s home.
Stomping up the steps in her water-soaked slippers, she barreled through the door without so much as a knock. The wind took the door and slammed it hard against the wall. Throwing back her hood, wet hair strands plastered her face, framing the rage in her smoking eyes. “Where is he?”
“Mrs. Montgomery?” Gardner emerged out of the door at the far end of the hall.
Whipping around him, she flew down the corridor…her hand on the handle of the door when it flared open. Andrew stood aside to let her enter.
“Josephine, he is fine…”
“You had no right…no right at all!” Her eyes surveyed the small room and lit upon Percival. Sitting in the middle of the bed, he was surrounded by small soldier play figures. He looked up at her and smiled.
“Looky, Momma,” he squealed and held up a handful of the toys. Pointing to Mitchell lying in bed, he went on. “He gave them to me…said I could keep ’em.” Percival stood, and then unsteady, toppled over, falling on the injured man.
“Percival Wright!” Jo cried and grasped hold of him, jerking him up roughly. “Get off that bed this instant. You know better…”
“It’s quite all right, Mrs. Montgomery,” Mitchell’s deep voice said. “I asked him to join me. He has been quite entertaining. He is quite a remarkable young man. Inquisitive, bright, and obviously handsome. You have done a remarkable job. You must be proud.”
“I am,” she said curtly, wanting only to take her son back to the house, far away from this man. “Now, Percival, say good-bye. We need to return home. It’s not acceptable to be out this late…you need to be in bed.”
“Please, a few minutes more. Since you are here.” Mitchell swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. “I’m leaving. I wanted to thank you personally…”
Jo swept her son in her arms, not noticing for the moment that he had blocked her escape.
“Gavin,” Andrew began. “Don’t. I told you…”
“I know what you told me, Andrew, but she’s here now. Just a few moments. That is all.”
Not wanting to leave, Percival wiggled out of his mother’s arms and cried for his figures. Andrew immediately launched forward to pick up his nephew’s new toys.
Jo stepped back and stared at Mitchell. Her eyes shot through him like daggers.
Taking advantage of her silence, Mitchell went on. “I wanted to thank you for saving my life. I know…your reluctance in doing so, but the result was I lived and owe it to you. I will be eternally grateful.”
As she looked at him standing before her, he did not resemble the man who almost died only a week before. Clean-shaven, the color had returned to his face. More so, his cheeks had filled in. Bare-chested, the dressing had been freshly changed. Wincing, he stepped toward her with effort.
“I did nothing more than I would have done for any poor soul. I can assure you had I known your mission, I might not have been so compassionate. Do not believe I will do so again. Now please excuse me.”
“No, one moment. It’s Josephine, isn’t it?” he said, using her given name. “As I said, I am leaving and will not be back. I can’t leave without at least trying. Cullen is a close friend. I can think of few I hold in more esteem than I do him so I won’t mince words. Come back with me.”
An awkward silence ensued. Still, Jo could not move. She glared at him with a hatred that stemmed from the fear of losing her precious son. She shook her head. “No…no!”
“Listen, please,” he begged. “I don’t have long, but surely you would want for your children to be safe. I can have you within Philadelphia within the week. You won’t have to worry about anything other than your children. Cullen has set…”
“Cullen left me,” she cried. “Mother of God! Do not play me for a fool! I know he has eyes on my son. We are not leaving!”
For a swift instant, she feared he would snatch her son and take him by force. Her chest swelled with indignation. “Magnolia Bluff is our home. My husband’s legacy to his son, his son!” she declared forcibly. “Our fate lies here. It is who we are. I will not betray my husband— ever! Whatever we have to endure, we will, but we will never…ever leave what Wade gave to us…sacrificed for us!”
Andrew drew Percival up and handed him over to Jo. “It was only an offer. I told him it was useless. He only wanted to see Percival,” he said in a low, soft voice. “Calm yourself. I will see you and Percival back to the house.”
“You are making a mistake,” Mitchell intervened, refusing to be ignored. “It is only going to get worse. We might not be able to get you to safety if you change your mind.”
With Percival in her arms, Jo walked purposely to the door, turning before she exited. Her voice was strong. “It is you who are mistaken if you believe that I frighten easily. We have already endured much and will endure whatever God has set forth. I certainly don’t need charity from a Yankee…any Yankee.”
Chapter Six
Without much ado, Lieutenant Cullen Smythe accepted his highly decorated promotion to captain. He gave a brief thought that his father would be proud, but other than that, he cared little for his decorations. His concentration lay on his command, the Itasca, and their mission. A consumed man, he lived for battle.
New Orleans had fallen swiftly, but Vicksburg had been a different matter. Heavier fortified and better defended, Vicksburg had only fallen after an extensive siege. Farragut’s fleet had supported the ground troops under the authority of General Ulysses S. Grant.
With this victory, the Mississippi River was under Union control. Another thrust in the heart of the Confederacy, cutting the western Confederate army off from the main troops and supplies. One more victory…one more day until the close of this damn war.
Rear Admiral Farragut had been recalled to Washington after Vicksburg fell, but Cullen expected him back soon enough. Most of his peers had taken leave when it had been offered and had gone to spend time at their respective homes, but Cullen had chosen only to take shore leave.
New Orleans had become a bitter disappointment. The people had been aggressive and hostile. When General Butler took command, he met their bitterness and resentment with brute force, which served only to infuriate the masses greater.
Then, to make matters worse, General Butler had in essence declared war on the ladies of New Orleans. Driven by the unyielding spirit displayed by the inhabitants, Butler had declared in no uncertain terms that the women of the city were no better than prostitutes and were to be treated accordingly.
Butler’s men had taken it as permission to ravage the city. Butler had become known as Beast Butler. Although behind his back, he had, also, earned the nickname Spoons. The general, much to the defamation of the Union army, had a habit of stealing the silverware of the Southern homes in which he stayed. Last December, Butler had been removed from his command, replaced by General Nathaniel Banks.