The Lady and the Officer by Mary Ellis Page B

her face in repose, she looked much younger than she had after the fire. When his horse issued an impatient snort, her head snapped up.
    â€œGeneral Downing, what on earth are you doing in the shrubbery?” she demanded, recognizing him.
    Stepping into the pool of light, he climbed the back steps without a logical answer.
    She opened the door and stepped onto the porch. “Why didn’t you knock at the front door, sir?”
    â€œBecause I feared the Bennetts wouldn’t receive me at this hour.”
    â€œYou are most likely correct. What is so urgent that it wouldn’t keep until morning?” She pressed the book to the bodice of her dress.
    â€œCould we sit, Mrs. Howard?” He gestured toward the swing.
    Frowning, she glanced between him and the swing. “Just for a moment. This is no time to entertain callers.” She sat and covered her ankles with her skirt.
    â€œTomorrow my men march south in pursuit of General Lee into Maryland, at long last.”
    â€œI shall pray for God’s mercy on you,” she murmured.
    â€œThank you, but I’ve come to ask about your plans for the future. May I know where you are headed?”
    â€œI have written to an aunt in Richmond, asking for shelter for the remainder of the war. Confederate territory or not, I cannot rely on the Bennetts’ charity forever.”
    James stroked his beard while choosing his words carefully. “May I offer you an alternative? Richmond may soon become a hotbed of action, a dangerous place for a Northerner.”
    â€œWhat do you suggest?”
    Even in dim light, he could see her forehead furrow. “That you come with me… or rather my corps. We have many civilians who accompany us as laundresses and seamstresses.”
    â€œBecome a camp follower? How dare you ask such a thing? We’ve had this conversation before. I know the true vocation of most ladies who call themselves laundresses .”
    He recoiled as though slapped, yet he couldn’t deny her assertion. “Again, I meant no disrespect. Your virtue would not be tested by my behavior.”
    â€œBut an incorrect assumption would be drawn nonetheless.” She rose to her feet.
    â€œPerhaps if I—”
    â€œNo, General. I trust that your offer was made with honorable intentions, but I must decline. I will leave for Richmond by train, by way of Washington. I will write to you in care of the U.S. Army, Fourth Corps, once I reach my destination. I hope my letter will eventually find its way into your hands.”
    General Downing clutched his hat brim with a death grip. “Do you know the address of your destination? If letters can get through, truly I wish to correspond.”
    She hesitated a few moments before tearing a blank page from her book. “Clarisa and John Duncan, 17 Forsythia Lane.” She scribbled down the information with a scrap of pencil she pulled from her apron pocket. “I have no idea how long my trip will take, or if Yankee mail will be delivered, but I will hope for the best.” She handed him the slip and pulled open the door.
    â€œAnother minute, please.”
    Halfway inside, she paused.
    â€œI beg you not to forget me. I will think of you often during the coming weeks. While this war drags on, I have nothing to offer.” He held up his palms. “But one day I will offer you everything I have, everything within my power.”
    Madeline gasped at his bold statement before a sudden smile bloomed on her face. “ Everything sounds sufficient, sir. I will pray nightly for yoursafe return.” She hurried into the house, letting the door slam behind her without a thought for her slumbering hosts.
    General Downing left the Bennett homestead, the village of Cashtown, and soon the commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a small flame glowing inside his heart.

    After mailing her letter to the Duncans, Madeline kept busy at the Bennetts. While the minister and his wife nursed