“I’d like nothing better. I’ll treasure theseitems forever. Thank you.” She accepted the bayonet.
He bowed and left the kitchen.
She held the blade close to the lantern andread the inscription down its length: To our beloved son, PrivateWalter S. Reed, Co. G, First Minnesota.
Tillie clasped it to her breast and said thewords aloud. Then she grasped the pistol and carried them to herroom where she put them in her armoire.
On her way back downstairs, she stopped inthe doorway of the colonel’s room. “Good evening. So, tomorrow isAll Hallow’s Eve, and you leave us.”
“We do.” Eliza extended her hand. “Thoughwith much sadness. Billy and I feel as though we’re leaving ourfamily.”
“We do too, I assure you.” She claspedEliza’s hand. “Mother says your brother reminds her of William.”Her eyes darted to Walt and back. “In fact, we’ve grown quite fondof all of you.” As she spoke, her eyes again darted to him.
He turned his back, but Miss Colvill’s glancepassed between the two. Sympathy glowed in her eyes.
“Well, Miss Tillie.” Colonel Colvill held ahand out to her. “I couldn’t find myself in more loving hands thanthose of you and your mother and sister.”
“I didn’t do so much.” Tillie protested,folding his hand in hers.
“You took care of things that needed takingcare of so your mother and Maggie might tend to me. I must say, Ihave the greatest respect and admiration for my companions, butfemale nursing is much tenderer than male nursing. Women are morecaring and sensitive.” He stretched his right arm in a wide circle.His shoulder moved well, though he would always experiencestiffness and less mobility. “I shall forever be grateful to yourfamily.”
“As shall I.” Miss Colvill slipped her armaround his waist and leaned her head on his shoulder.
Tillie choked up. “It’s as if I’m sayinggoodbye to another brother and sister. I’m going downstairs beforeI burst into weepy tears.”
They laughed at her frankness.
Tillie kissed them each on the cheek. Sheleft, blowing her nose and wiping her eyes.
* * * *
Tillie exited the house early in the morning,having said her goodbyes the night before. She presented herself tothe doctor caring for the Confederates.
“Well, I must say.” He didn’t smile, but thehard glint in his eyes softened a bit. “Come with me.” He turnedhis back on her and led her to the same tent she’d enteredyesterday. “These boys need the most help. I’d like you to staywith them for a while.”
Tillie nodded and opened her mouth to askwhat she should do, but found herself staring at his back as hewalked away.
* * * *
She arrived home at four in the afternoon,darkness almost upon her. A letter sat on a table inside the frontdoor.
“Thank goodness you’re home.” Maggie greetedTillie at the door, her voice full of excitement as her handspulled at Tillie’s cloak. “We’ve been waiting for you. Mr. Buehlerstopped by this morning and delivered this.” Maggie pointed to thetable.
Tillie lifted the envelope. “William!” Shebeamed at Maggie. “At last.”
“Hurry and get settled. Father’s been waitingfor you to come home so we can have dinner and then William’sletter. I’m on pins and needles.”
Tillie rushed into the kitchen, found herseat, and listened as Father read the Bible story of the prodigalson. When he finished, Mother passed around the food. Any othernight they would all converse, but tonight, they concentrated onfinishing their meal.
“We can clean up after Father reads William’sletter, girls.” Mother kept her eyes on Father as she spoke. “Justthis once.”
He nodded his agreement.
“Thank you, Mother.” Maggie grinned and rosefrom the table.
* * * *
Tillie sat on the settee. A few weeks beforeshe started learning how to knit using a set of Mother’s oldneedles. She brought her yarn and needles to the settee, close tothe lamp.
Sam sat at the table, his grammar book open,but ignored as Father took the letter from the envelope.
“It’s dated July 25,” Father said, a note ofdisappointed surprise in his voice. His brows furrowed as heflipped the page over in his hand and glanced at the empty back.“So, he was in good health as of July 25. That’s a blessing, Isuppose.”
“James, please, read his letter.” Mother satin her rocker, knitting needles flashing in her hands.
“I’m sorry, dear. Of course.” Father clearedhis throat. “‘Dear family, I’m writing these few lines to let youknow all is well. I’m sorry for not having written sooner, previouscommitments preventing.’” He snorted. “No doubt lack of ambitionbeing one of them.”
“James.” Mother shot him a reproachfulglance.
He reddened. “Yes, well.” He scanned thepage. “Let’s see. I fought and survived Antietam without a scratcheven though I was only one of a handful of men from my unit to doso. Please do not worry for me, Mother, I assure you I am in thebest of health, as I pray you all are.”
“That’s a relief,” Maggie sighed. She tooheld knitting needles and worked on a sweater for him.
Father continued, “‘Sadly, two of my tentmates and best friends, did not. We were sent back to Washingtonfor a few months. I am sorry to tell you James is in a hospital inWashington with a bad case of pneumonia but is mending well.’” Helifted smiling eyes to Tillie. “Of course, we already knew.”
Tillie blew him a kiss.
He read on, “‘What was left of my regimentafterward, they reformed and posted in Kentucky. When we arrived,we heard about the battle at home. I asked permission to go home,but was denied. So, I am sending this letter in hopes you are allsafe and well. Praise God Vicksburg also fell on July four. I can’texplain why, but I feel we’ve passed through the crucible and thewar will end soon, and in our favor. Please the Lord Almighty thewar end soon. Dear family, write back to me as soon as you can, soI know you are unharmed and in good health. Your loving son,William H. Pierce.’” He folded the sheet and placed it back intoits envelope.
Tillie bowed her head and gave thanks to theLord for
