“Of course.” She shifted, expecting him toask for water.
“Would you sit with the general for a momentwhile I step outside?”
“I will.”
The soldier thanked her and eased himself outfrom under the man while Tillie exchanged places. She followed theyoung soldier with her eyes as he left the kitchen. What was itabout men and their officers? Some exhibited absolute devotion likethis young man, while others “marked them out.” It must depend onthe officer in question.
What happened to the major who beat theexhausted boy rather than help him? Was he dead now, killed by hisown men or the enemy? Had this man been a good officer?
She glanced at the general and found himgazing up at her. His lips moved with an effort to speak. Shesmiled as he licked his lips and tried again. Tillie leaned closeto hear him. “I’m sorry?”
“What’s your name?” His voice came out as araspy whisper.
“My name is Tillie.” She stroked hisforehead. “How do you do?” She chuckled at a sudden thought.“Today’s my lucky day for meeting generals. This morning I metGeneral Meade, and yesterday I met General Reynolds.” She bit herlip. General Reynolds was dead. Did he know? Did he know thegeneral? She turned away, hoping he wouldn’t notice her cheeksaflame.
The general grunted again. His forehead shonewith sweat. “General Reynolds—good friend.” Pain contorted hisfeatures.
Using the corner of her apron, she wiped hisface. “Where did you get wounded?”
“On that little mountain.”
“Little Roundtop.” Tillie supplied thename.
“Yes, Little Roundtop. Hit…helpingplace…artillery.”
“Is it a bad injury?”
“Yes.” He grunted, and his body stiffened. Herelaxed and drew a deep, pained breath. “Pretty bad.”
“Do you suffer much?”
“I do now. Perhaps in the morning…I’ll feelbetter.”
The general’s companion returned, and Tillieswitched with him, careful not to jog the general too much.
“Can I bring you some bread or water,general?”
He declined both with a shake of hishead.
“Well, if there’s anything I can do foryou…?” She let the question hang, gazing at him, compassion andconcern battling for control of her emotions.
His eyes met hers with an expression soearnest she got down on her knees and leaned in close again.
“Will you promise to come back in the morningand see me again?”
“Oh.” Tillie slapped her hands on her knees.“Yes, indeed I will.”
The general’s lips twitched.
She glanced at his companion who nodded histhanks.
As she rose to leave, the general’s voicecame to her clear and loud. “Don’t forget your promise, now.”
She smiled at him. “I won’t. I hope you’rebetter in the morning.” She waggled her fingers at him and left tohelp others.
****
Tillie went to Beckie’s worktable and set theplate down. Mollie and Sadie walked around, also handing out platesof bread.
A yawn threatened, but Tillie inhaled throughher nose and exhaled, releasing her yawn. “Can I help?”
“Fine time you did some work,” Beckiesnarled, kneading the dough with vicious strokes.
Tillie’s eyes widened. Her mouth fell open.She skimmed the room, as though the source of Beckie’s anger lurkedin a corner somewhere. “Have I done something wrong?” She dumped acup of flour on the table.
Beckie glared at her and gave the doughanother violent push. “We stand here and bake bread until Kingdomcome, and you prance about handing out water, like the queen ofSheba. You speak with every Tom, Dick, and Harry soldier here, andyet none of them speak to us. And we’re doing more work than youare.”
Tillie sucked in her breath. Her nostrilsflared, and her jaw tightened. “You didn’t want to talk to thesoldiers anymore remember? You said so yourself.” Tillie worked herdough. She inhaled and counted to ten, as Mother taught her. Shetried again. “I’m sorry. You’re tired. I’m tired. It’s been a longday and doesn’t seem as though it’s going to end anytime soon.” Shelocked eyes with Beckie. “But I’m going to continue talking withthese men and caring for them, because I like to. If you choose toresent me, well, that’s your decision.”
Beckie glared and slapped her bread into apan.
Tillie worked in silence. Her hands shook asshe kneaded the dough, using the motions to calm herself down.Frightened by the intensity of her emotions. Beckie’s ire came fromexhaustion. Tillie didn’t see hers did too. She reviewed the pastday and a half, trying to recall if she’d done something soegregious the Weikerts would be angry with her. She offered to helpin the kitchen on countless occasions, but Mrs. Weikert always senther off with Mollie and Sadie as if she wanted Tillie out of theway. Not being content with the younger girls, Tillie went off andfound other things to do.
Beckie sighed. “For as long as I live, may Inever bake another loaf of bread,” she muttered under her breath asshe dipped her measuring cup into the flour barrel. Her cup scrapedthe bottom.
Tillie snorted and started to laugh. Shebumped Beckie with her shoulder.
Beckie glared, angry surprise in her eyes.“Leave me alone.” She moved away.
Tillie’s laughter died. She sighed, sorry forher friend’s anger. With a shake of her head, she gathered moreflour into a pile and worked the dough, clenching her teeth as awave of irritation and regret overtook her. She didn’t want to befriends with Beckie anymore. A flash of insight blared through her:Beckie never liked her. Maggie was her friend, and Tillie was atagalong. That’s what Beckie used to call her until Maggie made herstop. Well, from now on, Tillie would treat her with respect, aspropriety dictated, but no more. Tillie clamped her jaw against anurge to cry. Sorry she ever agreed to come to this place. Shewanted to go home to people who loved her and made her feelsafe.
Chapter 19
The fighting on Little Roundtop stuttered toa close around ten thirty at night. Within a half hour, a flood ofwounded arrived, and a mad scramble ensued to find a place to putthem.
The doctor from the farmyard, John Billings,now worked in the house, directing the triage.
Tillie turned one way, Doctor Billings theother, and they nearly collided with each other. “Come with me.” Hecommandeered her and led her to the dining room upstairs.
A man waited for the surgeon, his left arm ashattered, mangled mess. The
