“Probably right to do, but don’t let others be catchin’ that. They might take offense.”
Francois shook the thought from his mind as Wiggins disappeared again into the thicket, leaving him alone and back to dismal thought of the ghosts here. Lee would never entertain the US government would not fight because of ghosts so therefore, neither would he. Holding his grip tighter, he heeled the horse to take off toward command and prayed for better news.
Ada counted the crates again, satisfied that the number was correct. She put her paper and pencil stub down and stood back, wiping her forehead. The spring heat was setting in, and inside this army tent, what little breeze there was barely made it through the open tent flap. She’d have to get the opposite side open or she’d become a patient instead of help.
“So all is in order, I take it.”
She spun, smiling at the sound of Will’s voice. “Yes, thankfully. All here and in good shape. Considering how long it sat in those wagons, waiting to cross on that rickety bridge, I’m pleasantly surprised.”
Will laughed. “Yes, well that pontoon bridge did well. Easier to cross the river, especially with the depth it’s turned, thanks to the winter snow. Who knows, this General Grant might be more than we expected.”
“I believe so. Those diehards, who are so quick to dispel a western general, despite his abundance in wins, are going to eat crow, I think.”
“He’s a drunk, Ada, or so the story goes.”
“Ah, but didn’t Lincoln commend him anyway, and a promise to send the same brand of whiskey to all the Federal command, if that’s what made the man pull victories?” She snorted, then straightened to a serious face. “I think what makes him imbibe is the lack of his wife. Didn’t you notice, while we waited for spring, and all the officers’ wives were here, how not only their husbands perked up, but so did many of the men? Signs of civilization and society we hope to keep.”
“Always the forward thinker, especially from a woman who entertains thoughts of love with a man not of her station,” Will opined, as he looked her inventory sheet over.
“Will, please.”
“Actually, I came with news,” he stated, putting the sheet down. “The medical post has had a few adjustments.”
She raised her brows, curious. “Major Waxler resigned?”
Will laughed and shook his head. “No. But, the general’s move against the rebels down here has sparked a few arrangements, such as a medical post will be set here, with access back to Washington available if needed. We’ll be the closest, in dire need and for the worst cases. The final stand, as it were.”
“As a hospital? But all we have are tents. Before, they’ve commandeered houses for our needs.” Her mind, though, rapidly began organizing the layout of the hospital, to make her suggestions to the major.
“Yes, but as a tent-hospital, we are more ready to move if needed. Also,” he cleared his throat, pulling his collar a little, as if he couldn’t breathe. “I was given promotion to Colonel.”
She blinked hard, shocked. “Will, that’s great! You accepted? You hate the paperwork a promotion like that involves.”
He came to her, taking her hands in his. She could see the merriment in his eyes. “You are correct, yet you know me too well. My skills at the table are not as good as yours, but I do know how to write reports. My promotion puts me over a small contingent of doctors and nurses,” he added, looking at her deeply.
She inhaled deeply. “Which means?”
“I have you under me. Don’t you see? I can allow you to move up, be closer and help in the way you’re better suited for.”
Ada frowned, still quiet as her thoughts raced. “Let me see if I understand you correctly. You got a promotion, and under that, you’ve managed to be put in charge of a contingent to remain here, in an army field hospital of sorts, and with me under you, so you can let me practice as a doctor?”
Will nodded voraciously. He looked like a child who’d successfully stolen a cake from the kitchen, bartered it for sale to buy a pony, and had money left over, as well as the cake. She stared at him, stunned. What had he done? Who did he know?
Slowly, the weight of being underestimated as a doctor, started to fall right as her knees turned to jelly. She might have fallen if a soldier hadn’t pushed his way into the tent, gasping for breath.
“Colonel Leonard,” the boy sputtered. “Major Waxler wanted you to know the battle is about to start!”
Ada saw Will tighten so she quickly took the soldier’s arm and sat him on the crate next to him. Pouring him a cup of water, she said, “Thank you for informing Dr. Leonard. Please inform Dr. Waxler we are ready.”
The boy gulped the water, nodding his head. As he bolted out of the tent, Ada inhaled and turned to Will.
“I will make sure we are ready. You just manage your new role, but remember, you are a surgeon too. From the scores I’ve seen cross that pontoon bridge before us as well as after, we’ll have a slew of casualties.”
Will’s jaw tightened. “More so than you think. From what I’ve heard, Grant will make Meade throw everything at them. The word is, many think the man is a butcher. Pray, Ada, pray.”
Chapter 34
“Had there been daylight, the enemy could have injured us very much in the confusion that prevailed.”
—General US Grant, Evening attack, Battle of the Wilderness,
May 6, 1864
May 5th
The Wilderness
The tension that had sparked the day before now exploded. The Federals were across the river, arriving on the Confederate side at two spots. From what Francois had heard, Lee ascertained the new Union general would try to lure them out onto the open fields to fight, where his numbers numbed the Southern forces, so Lee directed
