Words Heard in Silence (10 page)

Charlie rushed through unbuttoning the lovely, tight jacket of Rebecca’s riding habit. He slipped the ties of her skirt, and then backed away, trying not to look at the soft skin of her shoulders, the tender curve of her neck. "Uh, I forgot, I need to go and check on Montgomery. I will be back in time for dinner." He turned to go, pausing at the door. "Thank you for a truly delightful afternoon, Miss Rebecca. I hope we can repeat it soon."

As he rode away from the house, Charlie slumped in his saddle.
How can I keep doing this? I have got to get that woman a ladies maid or I will die before the end of the year.

He hurried back to the camp, dropping the horses off with one of the troopers at the picket line, then making his way directly to the infirmary. He entered quietly, looking around to catch the medic’s eye. Samuelson moved to him quietly, and motioned for both of them to step outside. "I am sorry Colonel. There is been no change. He took a massive blow to the head, as well as to the chest and shoulders. One arm is broken, as are several ribs. I have set them. But I am afraid, with the swelling, that he may have a skull fracture. There is nothing that we can do but keep fluids going into him a little at a time, hope we do not drown him in them, and wait."

Charlie shook his head. "Well, do the best you can. Oh, by the way, Mrs. Gaines has agreed to let us winter over here, so we will be setting up a proper hospital. I will ask headquarters and hope Dr. Walker will be joining us."

Samuelson’s face lit up. Charlie was not sure if the pleasure his chief medic took in Dr. Walker’s company was because of the Doctor’s skill and kindness or because of her friend and sometimes medic, Mr. Whitman’s eminent arrival.

Working his way through the camp, Charlie stopped and talked with various members of his regiment –– a sergeant here, a trooper there, checking on his men as he moved through the camp, naturally reaching out to ensure that he had a personal relationship with each man within the regiment.

By the time he returned to his own tent, Jocko had been there before him. Obviously, he had been up at the main house and knew where the good Colonel was supping that night. Laid out on his cot was Charlie’s only suit of civilian clothing, a walking suit of soft wool in a dove gray. Lying beside the clothing was a small bouquet of flowers and a twist of coffee. Charlie smiled. Jocko was such a confirmed romantic. With the memory of the days gentle touches still tingling through his body, Charlie set off to see if he could be a gentleman without being a soldier.

Rebecca could only smile as Charlie entered the house. She was amazed to see him in his suit. She did not even try to wipe the beaming smile from her face. She noticed that a bit of Charlie’s hair had fallen down over his forehead and for the briefest of moments she was tempted to reach out and smooth it back into place. However, she found her hands otherwise occupied when he handed her a bouquet of fresh flowers. "Thank you sir. They are lovely."

"You are most welcome."

"Come, Colonel, dinner is ready."

She led him to the back parlor, where she had set up a small table near the window. The room was softly lit with lamp and candles. Rebecca let Charlie settle down at the table then she began preparing him a plate.

"Miss Rebecca, I can do that."

"Nonsense, Colonel, let me. I rather enjoy it." She finished the plate setting in front of him before taking her own seat.

Charlie watched her prepare her own food, then settle a napkin across her lap. She looked and smiled. "Would you like to say grace, Colonel?"

He nodded, reaching across the table to take her hand. Once the prayer was given, he expected her to move her hand, but to his great surprise, she did not.

"I want to thank you for the ride today. It was delightful. Your Shannon is a wonderful animal. I would dearly love to have a beast from her line."

"You handle her as if you two had known each other forever. It is a testament to your riding skills. I have never seen a lady such as yourself who handles to reins so well."

"I grew up on horses. Before I was old enough to ride my own mount, my father would take me on his. He said I was holding the reins before I was walking."

"It shows."

"After dinner I have a surprise for you."

"For me? Ma’am, really you should not have gone to the trouble over me."

"Trust me, Colonel it was no trouble. Now eat your dinner. Then we will have some of that wonderful coffee you brought and I will give you your surprise."

After supper, Rebecca settled Charlie on the davenport in front of the fire while she made coffee. Returning to the parlor, she found him with his head back and his eyes closed. Placing the tray on the table, she touched him on the knee. "Are you tired, Colonel? Would you rather go to bed?"

He sat up immediately. "Oh no, Miss Rebecca, I am fine. The fire was just so comforting."

"It is nice. I must admit that I would not have been able to get it started if it had not been for one of your young men. The flue was stuck. He wrestled with it for quite a while before it came free. Then I am afraid he found himself covered with soot. He was quite the picture."

"Which man was it?"

"He said his name was Corporal Duncan Nailer."

Charlie gave a knowing nod. "Duncan is a good boy. I assigned him to the stables to help with the horses. He was expecting to fight again after the Wilderness and I think he has resented me a bit for not allowing it, but there is something about him that is not quite right. He seems, I do not know, slow. I am told he is quite an excellent soldier, and certainly his record indicates that, but somehow I wanted to protect him a bit.

"I noticed that, but I think it is just that little stutter he has. I am sure he has been tormented all his life because of that."

"I know some of the men have commented. That is why I put him in the care of my holster. He is a kind gentleman who takes each young man and treats him like a son."

Rebecca poured coffee, handing a cup to Charlie, and then she got up, and moved to the mantle. She paused for a moment then pulled the item down, tucking it behind her back. "Colonel, I have something for you."

"Ma’am?"

She turned, looking down at him. Then she removed the book from behind her back. "I found this yesterday and I thought you might like to read it."

"Oh Miss Rebecca," He took the book, running his fingers over the soft leather cover. "I really cannot--"

"Of course you can. You mentioned to me that you enjoyed philosophy, I am afraid I do not have any journals of that nature, but maybe you will enjoy this. It is a collection of poetry."

"I am sure I will find it very enjoyable." He gave the davenport a pat with his hand. "I believe I would enjoy it more if you would allow me to share it with you. May I read a few pages?"

"Oh that would be wonderful. Your voice is very soothing, it is perfectly suited for readings."

Charlie laughed, a little louder than he should have. "I am sure my men would not agree with you, Miss Rebecca. But I would be delighted to read for you."

Rebecca prepared her own coffee, and then got comfortable on the davenport next to Charlie. He smiled when she sat very close to him, turning beautiful green eyes to him in expectation.

"Well," He cleared his throat gently. "Yes, let’s see here."

Charlie glanced to Rebecca; she was relaxed with her eyes closed, and her hand resting gently on his leg. He had been reading for almost an hour when he noticed her breathing had gentled considerably.

"Miss Rebecca?"

"Hmm? Yes Colonel?"

"Would you like to retire?"

She sighed, "Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I am rather tired. I do believe that our lovely ride, took more out of me than I had planned."

"Then dear lady, I will take my leave of you so that you may--"

"Leave? You mean you will not be staying?"

"I--"

"Colonel, let us please put this behind us now. I offered you the use of my bed while you are here and I would think you would understand that is meant for every night and I should not have to invite you every evening."

The Colonel could not stop the reddening of his cheeks; he just hoped it was not readily visible in the low light. "Yes Ma’am, I will remember."

"Good. Now shall we adjourn upstairs?" She stood, offering her hand to Charlie. "I am sure we will both sleep very soundly tonight."

Somehow, I doubt that my dear Rebecca. You have no idea the things you do to me when you lay so close at night.
He shook his head and allowed himself to be led upstairs
.

Rebecca took her sleeping gown and went into her sitting room to change, leaving Charlie in the main room to get dressed for bed. He was quick about it, wanting to be in bed by the time the lady returned. He had just pulled the covers up when she came back in. He swallowed hard, when she passed in front of the window and the moonlight showed her body through the light material. Even in shadows and silhouette, her figure made him lose his breath. He was sure that if there were ever a time when he might be graced with actually laying his eyes upon her, his heart would simply beat out of his chest.

Rebecca got into bed and rolled over to face him. "Good night, Colonel."

"Good night, Miss Rebecca." He turned over and lowered the wick on the lamp, putting the room in near darkness, except for the moon light from the window. He nearly jumped out of his skin and the bed when he felt her touch his shoulder.

"Colonel? I forgot to ask. How is your shoulder?"

"It is fine, Miss Rebecca, really."

"You are sure."

"Yes Ma’am. I am definitely sure."

"Sleep well, Colonel."

He lay there listening to her breath, hearing the soft sighs and moans as she adjusted to get comfortable. He intentionally slowed his breathing and closed his eyes, trying to relax. He was nearly asleep when he felt it happen, she rolled over and curled up next to him. It was all he could do to keep from whimpering. Instead, he just took a deep, calming breath and prepared for a long night.

Rebecca’s eyes opened, her breathing ragged her body still responding to the dream. She shifted to try and dampen some of the feelings coursing through her. When she did, she realized she was in Charlie’s arms, held close to the strong body. Her first reaction was to move away, so she would not disturb the Colonel, but she could not force herself to do it and she ended up moving closer, allowing herself to find comfort there. She did not understand all the things that were in her mind. All she knew was at this very moment she was warm and safe.

Charlie laid quietly in the big bed, listening to Rebecca’s breathing slow to that deep, regular tempo that indicated sleep. As she had each night before, she rolled to face away from him, cuddling into his arms. He rolled onto his side and curled around the smaller woman, sheltering her in his arms, comforting her sleeping form with the heat of his own body. The aroma of her hair filled his nostrils with the memory of lilacs. Slowly, he drifted into sleep.