A Single Spark by Judith Miller

Author:Judith Miller [Miller, Judith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction;War Stories;FIC042110;FIC042030;FIC027050
ISBN: 9781493425174
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2020-03-30T00:00:00+00:00

SIXTEEN

Joseph and Clara bowed their heads against rolling gales of wind as they walked up 4 ½ Street to Bea’s apartment, where they were to join Bea, her brother, Jeremiah, and Sergeant Kessler for coffee and dessert. With each gust, vibrant autumn leaves gathered around their shoes, then fluttered onward. Joseph settled his hat a bit lower on his forehead. “If this wind continues much longer, all the trees are going to be bare come morning.”

Clara tipped her head and looked at the sky. “Those clouds remind me that winter can’t be far off.”

Joseph nodded. No doubt the commanders and soldiers in the field were thinking about winter, as well. War was difficult enough in decent weather, but spring storms created a mucky terrain that proved difficult for man and beast, and the frigid cold of winter brought a grueling set of difficulties all its own. While winter camps would be set up to provide some protection from the elements, there would be an increased lack of food, clean drinking water, and sanitation. Disease would run rampant and take as many lives as most battles. When the warmer weather finally arrived, the melting snow would leave a sea of mud that would mire soldiers, animals, and wagons alike. He wouldn’t complain about changing weather—not when he slept in a warm barracks and had plenty of hot food to eat.

Clara’s tug on his sleeve brought him back to the present. Her brows dipped low over her eyes. “You didn’t hear a word I was saying, did you?”

He shot her a quick smile and shook his head. “I’m sorry. I was lost in my own thoughts. What were you telling me?”

“Bea expressed concern that conversation might prove difficult since you don’t know Jeremiah and Sergeant Kessler, so I thought we might play charades.” She glanced at him. “I thought it might set all of us at ease. What do you think?”

“So long as I’m with you, I’ll enjoy myself. But who’s going to decide what charades we’ll be acting out?”

“Mrs. Ludwig was pleased to lend her assistance. I have the slips of paper in my reticule.” He took her elbow as they climbed the steps. “I promise I haven’t looked at them.”

“Hmm. You may have to let the rest of us win just to prove your honesty.” He chuckled. “I’m joking. I know you wouldn’t cheat.”

“Thank you, kind sir.” Clara nodded toward the door. “Here we are.” She led the way up the porch steps and knocked.

Before either could say anything further, Jeremiah appeared with his hair still damp and freshly combed. He hung their wraps on the wooden pegs in the hallway and ushered them into the parlor, where Andrew and Bea awaited them. Andrew stood straight as a stick and lifted his hand to salute before quickly dropping it to his side. He was obviously uncertain what protocol he should follow.

Joseph extended his hand and offered the sergeant a sympathetic smile. “No need for formality, Andrew. We’re two civilians enjoying a Sunday afternoon visit and a game of charades.

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