Too Deep for Words by Andrea Boeshaar

Author:Andrea Boeshaar
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Published: 2017-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

November 22, 1864

“I hope the carriage comes soon,” Tabitha groused. “We’re liable to freeze to death here, waitin’ on that no good Mr. Rhodes.”

“Now, Tabitha …” Aunt Ruth looped her hand around her friend’s arm. “Mr. Rhodes is dependable—most of the time, anyway, when he’s not been imbibing. Besides the brisk air is good for us after being cooped up all day on the train.”

Margaret shivered beneath her woolen cloak. Aunt Ruth’s comment was debatable.

“Brisk? It’s downright freezing!” Tabitha spoke the words Margaret had longed to say. The proud housekeeper tugged her wrap more tightly around her slender shoulders. “And when I corner that Bobby Rhodes, I’ll give him what for.”

“I might be inclined to do the same,” Carrie stated weakly, leaning against Margaret. Poor thing … she hadn’t felt well all afternoon.

Margaret set her arm around Carrie’s shoulders, hoping to warm her.

“Miss Ruth, looky there.” Tabitha pointed at Carrie. “Our girl’s gonna catch her death on account of that no-good man. She’s shivering cold.”

“I’m all right. I think that café where we ate lunch may have made me ill.”

“See, Tabitha?” Aunt Ruth lifted her chin. “Tomorrow she’ll feel as good as new.” The strong timbre in the older woman’s voice kept Margaret at ease. “Now let’s all take a deep breath and relax.”

Margaret hid a smile. Aunt Ruth’s sole mission today seemed to be keeping everyone appeased, although at this late afternoon hour and, standing out in the elements, temperaments were sorely tried.

Was it only this morning that they’d boarded the Winchester and Potomac Railroad car? It was Margaret’s first train ride and, while slow going, she found the passenger car more comfortable than riding in a wagon over the rutted Valley Pike. When the train stopped at the station in Harper’s Ferry, they ate a lunch of soup and biscuits. Then they boarded the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad car. The train went faster, but time crept by slowly.

Margaret, Carrie, Aunt Ruth, and Tabitha occupied themselves with their needlework while Sheridan and his officers played checkers or walked to the smoking car for cigars and card games. Margaret had to admit, while in the ladies’ presence, the Yankees behaved respectably.

One was even rather handsome, but she didn’t dare look him in the eye and give him the wrong impression. She was a proper lady now.

“A shame Meredith wouldn’t come along with us.” Margaret kicked at a small stone that lodged beneath her boot.

“She didn’t want to leave Baby Mac and the other orphans.”

Margaret didn’t miss that note of respect in her sister’s tone.

“Mr. Rhodes really should have been here by now.” Aunt Ruth glanced up and down the street.

“Stopped at his favorite pub, no doubt.” Tabitha shook her head. Forgot all about us, I’d say.”

“Hush.”

The banter continued a few more seconds before the ladies resigned themselves to the wait.

“Everything is so large here in Washington,” Margaret murmured. She had been immediately awestruck when the train pulled into the city. Woodstock had been a thriving community before the war, but in its heyday, her hometown couldn’t compare with the sights of the Union capital.

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