Shock renders him speechless for a moment. Dayton leans forward, “I know the fields you speak of. I’ve walked them too. Sometimes, I still see them, hear the screams, guns and cannon fire, but you mustn’t let that stop you from seeking God’s will for your life.”
Savannah is transfixed by the change in Dayton. Gone is the wealthy, landowner, businessman and in his place a soldier.
“I’m aware of that.” Tears prick her eyes, but she doesn’t glance away from him. “I’m working on it.”
“Duly noted, Miss Ward.” His dark eyes pin her to her seat as he frowns and leans back, “Is that what you were doing alone with two men? Working on it?”
“That’s none of your business,” she quips.
“What if I mean to make you my business.”
Savannah’s mouth opens in shock, then she laughs until tears threaten. “Oh, that’s funny.”
Dayton sits back, offended by her response. “Why is that so funny?”
“Why?” she asks when she can compose herself. “Because you go through women the way I go through tin for my cameras.”
Dayton grins, surprising her yet again.
“Your bluntness is refreshing, Miss Ward,” Dayton nods at her, not bothering to deny the truth. “Perhaps, you shouldn’t judge me so harshly. I’m looking for something rare in a woman.”
“Rare? How would you even recognize this special trait? Not long ago you were looking at my brother’s nanny that way and now some other poor girl. I doubt you’d know her even if she were sitting in front of you.”
“Don’t be so sure,” Dayton snaps and stares at her until she clears her throat.
“Lucky for you, I’m neither, special nor rare, Mr. Patrick, but I wish you luck in finding her.”
“What dolt told you that nonsense?” Savannah refuses to look at him. “Come now, Miss. Ward, do you not wish for a life partner? Someone to share this journey with?”
“I did once,” she glances away from him and out of the carriage window, remembering. “Maybe, I still do, but I have unfinished business to attend to.” The carriage comes to a stop, and Savannah almost sighs with relief. “Thank you for the interesting evening, Mr. Patrick.”
Dayton climbs down, disturbed by her answers. He turns and grasps her by the waist gently lowering her to the ground. His firm hands on her waist burn through, and she’s intensely aware of the intimacy of the moment.
“Rare is definitely a word I would use to define you, Miss Ward.” His touch seems to burn through her clothes and causes her heart to pound hard in her chest. “I think you’ve forgotten that you are a child of the one true God. You shine like a beacon even if you don’t mean too.”
Her blue eyes jump to his, “I think I’ve lost my light, Mr. Patrick,” Savannah says softly, “but I’m desperately fighting to get it back.”
“Don’t forget to call on our Father, he’s waiting to give you rest. You only have to ask, and when you do find your light, I will pray that it leads you back to me.” He lifts her hand and kisses the back of it before turning and walking away.
He climbs into his carriage and drives away with a smile, leaving her standing in open-mouthed shock.
“That man!” She rubs the back of her hand as she watches him drive away and wonders, who exactly is Dayton Patrick?
Chapter 2
Savannah dips her quill, trying to still her trembling hand. Oliver secured her promise from his death bed that she would write to his family and personally deliver his belongings to his brother after his death. The Fair and her brother’s wedding were a great distraction, but it is time.
Dear Madam,
No doubt you have received the telegram through the war office announcing the sad fact of Oliver’s death. I write to you at his request and also as a nurse and friend who sat with him at his death-bed.
Your son, Corporal Oliver W. Irwin was wounded near Fort Virginia, March 19, 1865. Oliver suffered multiple bullet wounds in the chest and abdomen. I visited and sat with him daily, as he was fond of having me by his side. He spoke of his family often.
Though his wounds were critical, he fought hard before finally succumbing. He passed quietly in the morning hours. Please know that Oliver was not alone. I held his hand as he was attended by the local Pastor and said his last goodbye.
I quote, “Dearest Mother, please know it was an honor to be your loving son. Please do not remember me with sadness for I will meet you in Heaven where our partings will be no more. I fought with honor for a country that I love.”
I pray your suffering has eased these past few years, and, at Oliver’s, request I would like to bring home the items he left with me for safe keeping.
It would be an honor to meet with you and complete the promise I made to Oliver.
God Bless,
Miss Savannah Ward
Savannah seals the letter in an envelope and sits back with a sigh, praying for the strength to walk through this next chapter in her life. Laughter sounds outside, and she grins hearing her niece, Delaney’s joy. It fills her with peace.
“Come on, peanut, we don’t want to be late for church,” Glenn
