The Lady and the Officer Read Free Page B

circle of light from the kitchen window.
    â€œPlease don’t shoot. It is I, Mrs. Howard.” General Downing pulled off his hat. “I returned your horse to the barn. You’ll not be troubled by future procurements.” Fumbling with his hat brim, he looked more like a schoolboy instead of the highest commander of an army corps.
    â€œThank you, General. I’m deeply grateful for Bo’s return, but I’ve been realizing I was selfish to make such a demand on a day like this. Please forgive me.” Setting down the gun, she extended her hand over the porch rail.
    He walked up the steps and shook briefly. “You are welcome. Truth be told, my adjutant thought me mad to trifle with such an errand, but if the horse was to be found, it had to be tonight. Tomorrow will bring a different world than the one we know today.” He walked to the end of the porch and peered into her trampled flower garden.
    A frisson of fear snaked up her spine. “Did the battle go well? Did your soldiers prevail?”
    â€œMy troops were only marginally involved today. We are still awaiting final casualty numbers from the cavalry commander, but it would seem they did not prevail. We have entrenched and established our lines around Gettysburg, positioning our artillery on high ground. We are prepared to meet the enemy.” He turned to face her, leaning back against the rail. “Tomorrow my infantry will yield nothing. They won’t be pushed back, but I’m afraid the outcome is far from decided.”
    â€œYou must think me very foolish to ride to Gettysburg about a horse.”
    â€œI thought you were very brave to pursue what you wanted.” Two or three moments passed before he added, “Your husband must have been very proud of your fearlessness.”
    She struggled to keep her voice steady. “I had little chance to be brave during the brief time we were married, sir. He signed up at Mr. Lincoln’s first call for volunteers.”
    â€œMy sympathies, madam, for your loss.”
    Madeline shook away her painful memories. “I have coffee left from supper. Would you like a cup before you return to camp? Inside—away from these infernal mosquitos?” She pulled open the screened door and gestured inside invitingly.
    His laughter was an unanticipated response as he followed her into the warm room. “Forgive me, but your question took me by surprise. On my ride here, I racked my mind for some excuse that would allow me to sit at your table, even for a brief while.”
    â€œWhy would you be eager to sit in my kitchen? I have nothing to offer you except black coffee.” With a flutter of nerves, she reached for the china cups above the stove.
    General Downing gripped the back of the chair she had offered him but didn’t sit. “Because I’m far from home, and this war has stretched beyond anyone’s early estimations. Your kitchen is like a desert oasis.” He gestured at the low-burning lamp sitting on the delicate lace tablecloth. “But mainly because I yearned to gaze again on the loveliest woman I’ve ever seen.” He spoke the words as though they were painful.
    Madeline silently stared at him, dumbfounded, and then she resumed filling two cups with the tepid brew. “Goodness, General. This war has certainly dragged on if that description fits me. My feet are blistered, my hair needs washing, and I could use a new dress.” She laughed to ease his discomfort.
    Blushing, he averted his eyes as he accepted the cup. His confession, hanging in the humid air, had embarrassed him.
    â€œPlease sit and enjoy your coffee after an eventful day.” She slipped onto the opposite chair.
    For a few moments he stared into the dark liquid. “Do not leave your house tomorrow,” he said. “There will be heavy fighting. A young woman was killed today by a stray bullet through her kitchen door. I understand she was engaged to be