Christmas at Carnton (Carnton 0.5)(20)

“Oh, I will, Captain. I will.”

He assisted her into the wagon, the feel of her hand soft and silky in his. Even after letting go of her, her lingering warmth stayed with him, as did her indescribable sense of womanliness that threatened to rob him of thought even as it brought him to attention. He lifted Andrew up beside her and the boy settled himself between her and the captain. Jake walked as far as the front porch before he turned to watch the wagon as it disappeared in the swirl of wind and snow.





CHAPTER 7

Jake stood to one side in the entrance hall as a delegation of women left the house in a flurry of conversation about a coming winter storm, an intense loathing of having to miss someone’s potato soup, and someone’s displeasure over the lack of bread pudding. And again he wished he could thank Colonel Stratton for assigning him to this event.

He took in the niceties of the entrance hall—the expensive-looking cream and black diamond floorcloth, carpeted staircase, a handsome archway that accented the space, and the papered walls. Definitely a family of means, even in the midst of a war. At last, his hostess—whom he’d met only briefly before the mass exodus—rejoined him.

He again offered a slight bow. “Mrs. Colonel John McGavock . . . I take it that was the Women’s Relief Society?”

“Oh gracious no, Captain Winston. That’s only the committee. There are well over two hundred of us in the society.”

Colonel Stratton’s smirk came so clearly to his mind.

“And all of us, but especially the committee, are most appreciative to General Bragg for his willingness to lend your services to our event. We seek to raise money for the cause, of course. But also, and perhaps even more importantly, we seek to raise the spirits of the men who are fighting, as well as those of their families who wait most earnestly for their return.”

“I can assure you, ma’am, the men are equally ready to return home. Victorious, of course.”

Her smile dimmed by a fraction. “Of course, Captain. That is what we all hope. But returning is what is foremost in the hearts and minds of the women and children. Now please . . . if you’ll follow me.”

She led him through a door on the left and into a front parlor. He waited for her to take a seat then did likewise.

“Would you care for a cup of tea, Captain?”

“Yes, please.” It had been so long since Jake had been asked that question, since he’d been in such a civilized setting, that the delicate pastel-colored porcelain cup and saucer felt awkward in his grip. “Thank you, ma’am.”

The tea was hot and strong, the way he liked it, and smelled faintly of cloves and cinnamon, tastes he’d all but forgotten. Which made the savoring even more enjoyable.

“Colonel McGavock is presently working the farm, Captain. But he’s eager to meet you as well. So I hope you’ll join us for supper this evening, as you’re welcome to do every evening you’re here at Carnton. That will give us the opportunity to introduce you to our children, Hattie, our eldest, and Winder, her younger brother.”

“I’d like that very much. Thank you, Mrs. McGavock.”

He listened, nodding on occasion as she shared her expectations and goals for the auction and his duties accordingly. Which basically boiled down to what Colonel Stratton had told him—anything Mrs. Colonel John McGavock requested he do.

“In the midst of my appreciation for your presence here, Captain, I am very much aware that you, too, are a wounded soldier, and that you need your rest. So while you’re here at Carnton, I’ll depend upon you to set your limits and then communicate them to me. I have been known to ask a great deal of others.” A smile hinted at the corners of her mouth. “Though, granted, nothing beyond what I expect of myself.”

Jake nodded, completely believing her admission.

“Speaking of,” she continued, “you’re certain you’re able to assist Mrs. Prescott in her . . . undertaking? She told me you very graciously agreed to help her.”

“Oh yes, ma’am. I’m happy to help with the nativity.”

“Very good then. The funds raised by our auction will be used to benefit the soldiers directly, a portion of which will be designated specifically for those wounded. A man who has fought for his country and who is left challenged in that regard deserves all the assistance we can offer him.”

“That’s most kind of you, Mrs. McGavock.”

“Very good then.” She rose. “If you’re finished with your tea, allow me to see you to the kitchen. And Tempy, Carnton’s head cook, will show you where you’ll be staying while you’re here. Did your commander tell you, by chance?”

He set his empty cup and saucer on the silver tray and followed her across the hallway and into what appeared to be an office. “No, ma’am, he didn’t. But I’m assuming in the barn, which will be fine.”

“Oh gracious no, Captain. We can do much better than that.” She paused. “We have a cabin for you. Granted, it’s one of the slaves’ quarters. But it’s by far the nicest. It’s the brick cabin just beyond the kitchen and smokehouse where the house slaves resided. Those will be your private quarters, Captain, and you’re to advise Tempy should you have need of anything.”

Jake nodded. “Thank you, ma’am.”