The Last Confederate by Gilbert Morris

Author:Gilbert Morris [Gilbert Morris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781441270344
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2012-01-22T18:48:55+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“I’M AFRAID FOR THEM!”

The officers of the Third Virginia had little spare time the first two days in Richmond. Under the urgent commands of Colonel Stone and Major Lee, the men worked feverishly to get the regiment in first-class condition. Mark was responsible for the wounded, getting them into the huge Chimborazo Hospital. Beau scurried from office to office, trying to obtain signatures that would free replacements for their depleted supplies. Wickham and Major Lee scoured the country for new recruits, while Barton campaigned among his friends in Congress for both men and arms for the Third Virginia. All the officers were well aware that their unit would be rushed to join General Joe Johnston’s forces very soon, so they worked day and night to bring the regiment to full strength.

In addition to the intense preparation by the Third Virginia, someone else was working just as hard—Belle Winslow. “It would be a shame to let our men get away to fight without some sort of celebration for what they did at Shiloh,” she protested to her father.

“Guess you’ll take care of that, won’t you, Belle?” Sky teased. “But it might be difficult to do. Major Lee knows that most of his staff is on the verge of a duel over you, so he may not want to take any risks.”

Belle had laughed, but as Sky guessed, on Wednesday evening he found himself dressing for a ball that Belle had organized on short notice. As he changed into his evening clothes, he asked Rebekah, “Which one do you think she will take? Wickham or Beau?”

“I don’t think she herself knows, Sky,” Rebekah replied soberly. “I’m afraid she’ll make a decision too fast. It’s hard on young people, this war. Remember how Rose Howland married that young Tarrent boy just before Bull Run? They were afraid to wait, and look what happened—he was killed, and she’s a widow.”

“I guess there’s really nothing we can do, is there?” Sky said. He came over and put his arms around her, saying fondly, “If any old fogey had tried to keep me from marrying you, I’d have either shot him, or eloped with you.” He kissed her soundly, then took her arm. “Let’s go to the show.”

When they entered the ballroom, it was filled with officers and guests. “I didn’t know there were so many young women in Richmond,” Sky commented. “I think they come out of the woodwork every time there’s a ball.” He nodded toward a group. “I see the moths have already swarmed around the candle.”

“Let’s hope they don’t burn up in the flame,” Rebekah smiled. “Belle is lovely, isn’t she?”

“Second best-looking woman in the room,” Sky said, giving her a squeeze. “Come, let’s find a spot to sit down. My feet hurt.” The group of officers clustered around Belle was composed largely of young men who had been on duty in Richmond, and they listened avidly as Captain Wickham and Lieutenant Beauchamp told of the battle at Shiloh. Mark stood back with Rowena Barton.

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