Love Inspired Historical October 2013 Bundle: A Family for Christmas\The Secret Princess\Taming the Texas Rancher\An Unlikely Union (80 page)

She jumped at the sound of his commanding voice, then recognized what was happening. He was giving orders in his sleep. Before she could cross the room, Edward threw the blankets from his bed. Moving with energy she had not known he possessed, he came charging toward her.

“I don’t care what you see, soldier! Move!”

Emily gently touched his shoulder. “Edward, wake up.”

Her words failed to penetrate his dream. His wrinkled nightshirt now his honor-bedecked uniform, he waved his right arm wildly as though brandishing a gleaming sword.

“Up the hill! Up the hill!”

Pain gripped her heart as she realized what hill he was so desperately trying to take. It was the one where Stephen had fallen. She tried once more, this time a little louder. “Eddie, wake up!”

“Take cover!” he shouted.

Emily looked over to the guard for help, but the man was asleep. How he and the rest of the ward weren’t on their feet, scurrying for safety, was beyond her.

“Eddie, please, lay back down.” She gave Edward a gentle tug, hoping to lead him back to his bed.

He grabbed her arm. For a wounded man his grip was like iron.

“Where is Stephen?” he demanded.

His eyes were wide with determined intensity. They frightened her.

“He...he isn’t here.”

His grip tightened. “What have you done to him? Talk, you dirty Yankee!”

Her heart was pounding.

I must calm him! I must get him settled before he hurts someone!

Emily struggled to free herself but could not.

“Eddie, it’s me, Emmy! Let go!”

Footsteps pounded quickly across the boards. She expected the sleeping guard had roused and was coming to her aid. It was Dr. Mackay, however, who pried Edward’s fingers from her throbbing arm, yet not before her childhood friend had dug so deeply into her skin that she could not help but cry out in pain. Edward struggled, but the doctor overpowered him.

“Don’t hurt him!” Emily begged. “Please don’t hurt him!”

“Stephen!” Edward cried.

“Aye. This way, Major. The ground has been taken. Your comrade is accounted for.”

With that, Edward instantly relaxed and in a matter of moments, Dr. Mackay had him back in his bed, coaxing him to sleep. She watched, heart in her throat, until she realized how badly she was shaking. The last thing Emily wanted was for Dr. Mackay to see her fear.

He will think me incompetent. He will have me removed.

She moved toward the supply cabinet. The guard was now fully awake, but Emily paid him no mind. Her arm was numb, her chest heaving. She tried desperately to gather her composure but couldn’t stop trembling. Edward had been convinced she was the enemy. She shuddered to think what he might have done to her had Dr. Mackay not arrived when he did.

Then an even darker thought pressed her.
Has Dr. Mackay seen Edward do such things before?
Is that why he recommended me for this position, so that I might truly see what has become of my friend?

Emily shook even harder. Her mind was racing, her body torn between running away and simply sinking to the floor in tears.

Get a hold of yourself!
she commanded.
Show courage!

“If this ever happens again, I will see to it that you are court-martialed! Do you understand?”

She turned to see the Northern physician towering over the now-trembling guard. Emily gulped, knowing when he had finished Dr. Mackay would certainly release what was left of his anger on her.

“You are here to protect
her
from
them!
” he said.

Protect me?

Somehow throughout all of it, the ward snored on. She supposed it must be the morphine. When Dr. Mackay finished blasting the guard, he turned and moved toward her. His steps were determined, his forehead furrowed with that disdainful growl. Emily braced herself, but the hard stance eased when he reached her.

“Are you well, lass?”

Lass?
Not
nurse!
Not
you little rebel!
The man had actually addressed her with a term of endearment, of concern. She was at a loss for words.

“Your dress is torn.”

Emily looked down to see that he was right. Her sleeve had been slashed from elbow to wrist. What remained of the cloth was stained by a small trickle of blood.

My own,
she thought.
By Eddie’s hand.

“Let me examine it.” He didn’t wait for her to grant permission. Accustomed to having his orders followed, the Federal doctor simply took her arm in hand and began unfastening the cuff.

Aghast, Emily drew back. The man had no sense of propriety. “That isn’t necessary,” she said.

She watched as he reddened, but this time it wasn’t in anger. “Forgive me,” he said, realizing how uncomfortable he had made her. “I am not accustomed to... You are bleeding. The wound should be tended to stave off infection.”

Compared to those around her shivering with fever and moaning in pain, her injuries could hardly be considered a wound, but Edward’s ragged nails had drawn blood. Dr. Mackay was right. She should not risk infection. She surrendered her arm.

He lifted the fabric. His hands were warm, careful. “Does this hurt?” he asked.

“Not as it did before.”

“Good. I do, however, detect swelling.”

The pressure of his touch was unnerving. Emily’s heart was pounding, and, regrettably, she was still trembling. If he noticed that, though, he did not say.

He reached for a clean cloth from the basket on the table beside them. He carefully blotted the blood. Emily did not know what to make of this gentle side of him, but she hoped it would continue, for her sake and everyone else’s.

“Please don’t be angry with Ed—” she caught herself “—the major. He didn’t realize what he was doing.”

Dr. Mackay’s jaw twitched, but his voice remained calm. “They never do.”

“I thank you for your handling of the situation. I do not believe I could have settled him on my own.”

“No, you wouldn’t have,” he said, without looking up. “He is much too strong for you.”

She cringed.
Why did I say that? Why did I just admit failure? Will he not use it against me?

“It stings, I know. For that I am sorry.”

Sorry?
Twice now he had apologized. Emily did not know what to think. Before her was not the angry, arrogant Federal doctor she had grown so used to seeing, but a different man entirely.

Have I been wrong about him?
Could it be that beneath that blue wool vest and abrasive personality beats the heart of a good man?

“The major is your friend, is he not?”

Emily answered truthfully. “Yes. We went to school together. His closest friend, Captain Stephen Hastings, was recently killed.”

Having cleansed the wound, he reached for a bandage. He said nothing more.

* * *

Evan’s guilt weighed heavily upon him. In reality he knew the tussle with the reb hadn’t come to much, but it could have. She recognized that as well, for though she was doing her best to appear brave, she was still trembling.

I should have known better.

He’d been in the army long enough to know the dangers delirious men suffering from chronic nostalgia sometimes posed. He had known for a fact that this particular reb was troubled.

What was I thinking recommending her for this position, knowing what she would face? Look at her, barely five feet tall, mostly petticoats and ribbons at that.

He had told himself that she could handle things like this, that as a nurse she should have expected such and been prepared, but Mary’s warning rang through his mind.
Forgive, my love, or the poison of hatred will turn you into the very enemies you so despise.

Evan hoped Nurse Emily’s Southern sympathy hadn’t caused him to intentionally place her in danger.
Am I really that cold?
No. I can’t be.
“I think t’would be better for you if you returned to your daytime tasks.”

Her fear was immediately replaced by a different emotion. Her eyes widened in obvious dismay.

“Oh, please, Dr. Mackay, don’t do that! Please let me stay on as night nurse.”

He was completely surprised. “Given what just happened to you, I should think you would want to leave as quickly as possible.”

“But he didn’t mean any harm. I know that. The opportunities on night duty are so plentiful.”

“Opportunities for what?”

“To read the Bible with the men, to pray for them.”

That was hardly what he had expected her to say. Though he supposed if she wished to spread rebel propaganda, she wouldn’t be so foolish as to admit that.

“The men are starved for spiritual comfort,” she insisted.

At that moment she sounded so much like Mary that his heart ached. Her faith had been of the utmost importance to her, a source of strength. She had longed for others to experience it, as well.

In this case Evan thought Nurse Emily’s efforts pointless. Men willing to make war against their own nation would not be interested in the Gospel. Yet there was something compelling about her eagerness to try.

He had to admit, too, that her kindness toward him these past few weeks was making it increasingly difficult to view her as one of those Pratt Street scoundrels.

“Please allow me to stay.”

He took a long look at her, the bandaged arm, the torn sleeve and the pleading eyes. Her devotion was misguided but commendable. If she wanted to finish out her duties in this ward, he would let her, but he would be watching.

“Very well then,” he said. “Go back to your Bible stories.”

Her face literally glowed. “You mean you will let me continue?”

“Aye, but don’t be reading them any stories of war, of victory. Best not to encourage them.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

“And don’t be thinking you can handle that major on your own. If he rouses again, you call out for help.”

“I will.”

She looked at him with those wide blue eyes, appreciative and eager.
She is a pretty
little lass,
he thought.
Golden hair and all.

He quickly shook off the thought. Obviously his lack of sleep was hindering his senses. “Go on now,” he told her. “See to that one there shuddering with fever.”

She nodded, then scurried off. Watching, he couldn’t help but think,
If only everyone in this hospital was as conscientious of duty as she.

Chapter Six

E
mily expected Dr. Mackay to leave, but he did not. Claiming a chair, he took up residence in the far corner of the room. He checked his watch, then, after putting it away, crossed his arms over his chest. The look said he dared any prisoner, guard or nurse to step out of line.

Emily found his vigil unnerving and comforting at the same time. Every time a soldier’s cry punctuated the sour air, she twitched. Dr. Mackay evidently had the same trouble. Although he dozed with his chin on his chest from time to time, his head quickly snapped to attention at any threatening sound.

She could tell by the lines on his face that he was exhausted, that he needed real rest. Caution kept her from encouraging him to seek it. If he was there to make certain she was performing her duties in a loyal manner, he might think she was eager to be rid of him. That would only heighten his suspicion of her.

On the other hand, if he had taken up residence for her benefit, as a measure of protection, she would not discourage it, not tonight, at least. She was still shaken.

At present, Edward lay lost in deep sleep. Emily knew he had never consciously meant to harm her, that he would never forgive himself if he knew he had. Still, she had to admit, she was now afraid of him. How could her childhood friend address her as such one moment, then claim she was the enemy in the next? What war raged within him?

She looked over to the now-snoring Federal doctor.
And what war rages inside him?

For a man so disgusted by Southerners, twice he had come to her aid. This time in doing so he had also shown compassion toward Edward. She still didn’t know what Dr. Mackay believed concerning eternity, but she figured there must be some seed of faith within him, some measure of Christ’s love.

The room remained relatively quiet as the hours ticked on. Josiah Bush’s fever broke just before dawn. Emily breathed a grateful sigh and settled back in her chair as the sun began rising over the harbor. The light of day crept slowly across the wooden floor, yet darkness flittered about her eyes. Sleep was calling. She struggled to resist.

Around six Dr. Mackay awoke, rubbed the knot from his neck and exited the ward. The stewards and day orderlies arrived. Rebekah came on shortly thereafter.

“Did you pass a long night?” she asked Emily.

“A restless one.”

She noticed the bandage. “What happened? Are you all right?”

Emily didn’t want to make more out of it than it actually was. “Just a scuffle with a sleepwalking soldier,” she said.

Rebekah’s eyebrow arched. “Which soldier?”

Emily told her, quietly. Rebekah’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Dear me,” she gasped. “Edward? You must have been terrified! What if it happens again?”

Emily wouldn’t allow herself to think of that.
There will not be a next time.
“I’m fine. Dr. Mackay handled the situation quite well. Edward has slept soundly ever since.”

“You should go home and get some rest.”

“I intend to.” She gave her the report on the other men’s conditions, then gathered her books. The breakfast trays had arrived. Already Edward sat nibbling at his. He looked at her as she passed by. The expression on his face told her he had no recollection whatsoever of the previous night.

She offered what she hoped was a pleasant smile as she quickly left the ward. Sam and Julia were in the corridor. Emily immediately covered her torn sleeve with her pinner apron before either of them noticed. There was no use upsetting them. They had enough on their minds already.

“How is he this morning?” Julia immediately asked.

Emily chose her words carefully. “He spent a restless night, but he is awake now and eating.”

Julia bit her lip, then looked at her husband.

Something must be wrong,
Emily thought.

Sure enough, Sam explained. “We have some news, but we aren’t certain we should share it with Edward.”

Emily’s throat tightened. “What news?”

“Sally sent a telegram. They have found Stephen. They are bringing him home for burial.”

Her heart sank. It was good and proper to lay Stephen to rest, but the news of his body being found was like learning of his death all over again.

“Do you think we should tell Edward?” Julia asked.

Emily did not know. What would such knowledge do to him? She had heard that some doctors advocated telling a soldier everything, that forcing them to relive the moments of the battlefield in someone else’s presence actually
helped
them.

But after last night? What if such details bring more grief?

The staircase above them creaked, and Emily turned to see Dr. Mackay making his way toward them. He was wearing a fresh shirt, had shaved and combed his hair. The look in his eyes, however, mirrored Emily’s own exhaustion.

“He will know what to do,” she said. “We should ask him.”

“Ask me what?” Dr. Mackay said gruffly.

“Mr. and Mrs. Ward received word concerning our mutual friend, Captain Hastings.”

“The one who died,” he said, as if telling her to get to the point.

Not one inkling of sympathy registered on his face. The gentleman who had mended her arm, who’d shown such compassion, was gone. The formidable Federal doctor was back. Emily now hesitated to ask him anything.

“His body has been found and his family is bringing him home for burial.”

“And you want to know if you should tell him.”

“Yes,” Sam and Julia both said.

Dr. Mackay cast them a perturbed glance, then directed those bayonet-gray eyes at her. Emily could feel the chill.

“Is he lucid this morning?”

“Yes.”

“Then you should tell him. Put the matter to rest immediately.” He looked at Sam and Julia. “Then both of you should leave.”

He stormed off, slamming the door to the ward behind him. Emily was horrified. She had come to him for wisdom and he had cast her and her friends aside as if they were yesterday’s soiled bandages. She looked at them. Pale and confused, Julia clutched Sam’s arm.

“I am so sorry,” was all Emily could think to say.

Sam shook his head. “No. He is right. There is no use prolonging the matter. Perhaps burial will bring closure. I’ll tell him.”

He started forward. Julia followed. Emily tried not to allow fear and suspicion to plague her thoughts, but she could not help it. Was Dr. Mackay acting in Edward’s best interest, or was he intentionally trying to cause this family pain? Emily regretted telling him about the day on Pratt Street. What was it he had said? That Sam and Julia were as guilty as sin? Did Dr. Mackay see this as some opportunity to punish them for what had happened to his brother?

Cold chills traveled down her back.
What if Edward becomes enraged? What if in his grief he seeks to harm his sister?

She had to do something. As her friends stepped into the room, Emily glanced about. Rebekah was busy helping Josiah into a fresh shirt and Jeremiah was at the far end assisting another man. Edward was in his bed, tray still across his lap.

Sam approached him. He had no idea what had happened to Emily last night, and she had no way of telling him now.
He and Julia will be taken by surprise if Edward’s battle strength is roused.

But she would not be taken unawares, at least not this time.

“If I may,” she said, quickly approaching. “Allow me.”

Sam looked at her. “He spoke with you before, didn’t he?”

“Yes. Briefly.”

“Then perhaps he will again. By all means...” He made way for her.

Drawing in a quick breath Emily headed toward Edward’s bed. Fear raked its icy claws across her arms, making her heart pound. She prayed her emotions weren’t showing on her face.
Help me, Lord.

Edward looked up at her. He handed her the tray with his remaining arm, thinking that was what she had come for. She took it from him and placed it on the small table beside his bed. Julia and Sam were at his feet, but he appeared not to notice them.

“What happened to you, Emmy?”

She didn’t know what startled her more, his words or the fact that the torn sleeve and bandage were in full view. She had laid aside her apron without thinking. Edward’s face showed his concern.

“It is nothing,” she said. “Just a scratch. The doctor has seen to it.”

He still stared. “You once bandaged my arm like that,” he said.

Her heart was in her throat. He had said more in the past two minutes than he had during his entire stay at the hospital. How could he remember something as insignificant as a childhood injury and not remember what he had done just hours ago?

Emily tried to keep her voice steady. “Yes. I did,” she said. “You had trouble climbing my oak tree.”

That lost look filled his face. The muscles in his neck twitched. “Stephen was there,” he said. “I remember.”

Though fear chilled her spine, Emily sat down beside him. “Yes, he was. I remember that, as well.”

Edward’s eyes were locked on hers. It was as if he was waiting, as if he knew she had something to tell him. Emily whispered a quick prayer.

“Eddie,” she said slowly. “They are bringing Stephen home for burial.”

He blinked twice as the words sank in. She waited for any sign of anger or desperation. The only look that came was one of resignation.

“When?” he asked.

Her shoulders dropped as she released the breath she’d been holding. She looked at Sam. He came forward.

“Tomorrow afternoon,” he said. “Your father and I are going to meet the train.”

“Thank you.” Edward said matter-of-factly.

Emily breathed once more, this time a little deeper. Julia moved closer as Edward then looked to her.

“Is Sally with her father?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Emily gave Julia her place but still remained close.

“Is she well?” Edward asked.

“She is managing.”

Their conversation continued. Sensing the danger had passed, Emily faded back. The long night had caught up with her. Her body ached with fatigue. Emotionally she was drained.

Turning, she saw that there, just a few paces in front of her, stood Dr. Mackay. As usual he was watching her. That smug look of confidence was on his face. He had been right, but she hadn’t the strength or desire to tell him that. As of now all Emily wanted was a long, cool bath to wash away the dirt and dried blood, then sleep. She hoped such things would remove all thoughts of war from her mind.

* * *

Evan watched her leave. Her shoulders were slumped, her steps slow. Few women would have endured the assault she had and begged for the chance to still care for the one who had caused it. She was dedicated, but why she poured so much of her strength into these rebs was beyond him. It had already taken its toll on her once with the sun. If she wasn’t careful she would succumb to something far worse.

Naive little lass.

He then turned his attention to her friend, Mrs. Ward.
And there sits another.

It hadn’t escaped his notice that she was with child. He had no idea why that husband of hers didn’t insist she remain at home. The man must be a fool, unable to grasp the dangers pregnancy could impose.

Devotion to that Johnny will be her undoing.

He turned on his heel and moved quickly away. He could never look at the young woman for very long without thinking of Mary.

How big had she gotten? How much movement had she felt? Could she yet determine elbows from knees?
Guilt raked its icy claws across his chest. He hadn’t known of her condition until it was too late.
I should have been there. I never should have left her.

“Is Miss Emily coming back tonight?”

The frail voice called him from his thoughts. The boy reb, sick with dysentery, was looking up at him.

“I saw she’d done hurt her arm,” he said. “She looked mighty poorly this morning.”

Evan wasn’t going to divulge any details, certainly not to him. “As far as I know, Nurse Emily will return this evening.”

The Johnny looked somewhat relieved. “You tend to her arm?” he asked.

“Aye.”

“That’s good. I wouldn’t want no harm to come to her.”

The fire in Evan’s belly smoldered.
But you’d let harm come to plenty of others. You’d bring on the death of a thousand innocent women and children if you thought it would secure victory for your cause.

Movement to his right caught his eye, a flash of yellow silk. Mrs. Ward was on her husband’s arm, heading for the door.

At least he’s taking her with him this time,
Evan thought.
But
if they can’t recognize the dangers of being here, I’ll see to it they have no reason to come at all.
He knew exactly what he would do.
I’ll give my recommendation to the ward master. The reb’s wounds have healed satisfactorily and now that he is speaking...