A Basket Brigade Christmas (20 page)

He grimaced but nodded his approval as she positioned him and then dipped a spoon into the cup of soup. He opened his mouth and gave a slight nod after he’d swallowed. “That’s good.”

Pleased by his willingness to let her feed him, Sarah continued until the cup was empty. “There will be some sandwiches coming soon. Do you think you’d like one?”

He dropped back against his pillow and shook his head. “Don’t think my stomach can hold any more right now. Besides, I’m tuckered out from eating the soup.” When he closed his eyes, Sarah removed the napkin she’d placed beneath his chin. “You’re as kind as my very own mother. She fed me soup when I was sick, and then she’d give me a kiss and tell me I’d soon feel better.”

Tears welled in Sarah’s eyes. The thought that the young soldier wasn’t expected to live much longer tugged at her heart and she lightly touched his cheek. “Take care, Thomas. I understand they have wonderful doctors in Chicago.” Her voice cracked, and she turned away but stopped short when she saw Jacob in the middle of the aisle, glaring at her.

J
acob turned away from Sarah and strode down the aisle, thankful he’d emptied the basket of sandwiches. Even if the basket had been full, he couldn’t have stayed on the train any longer. Seeing Sarah touch the cheek of a complete stranger had sparked a fiery anger that burned deep in his belly.

When Clara Wingard stopped him inside the depot and reached for the empty basket, he struggled to maintain his composure. Clara took a small backward step. “I’ll refill that basket for you, Corporal. That way, you can take it to one of the other cars. I don’t think all of the soldiers have received sandwiches and dessert.”

Jacob shook his head. “One of the ladies should deliver to the other cars. I need to stay here right now.”

Though her eyebrows shot high on her forehead, she didn’t argue. He strode to the far side of the depot and waited until he caught sight of Sarah stepping down from the train. Not wanting to be overheard, he pulled open the door and met her on the platform. Taking her elbow, he guided her to an area sheltered from the cold wind.

“Why don’t we go inside? It’s too cold to stand out here and talk.” Still holding the hamper of dirty tin cups and utensils, Sarah shifted the basket and tugged the hood of her cape tight around her neck.

When she began to move toward the door, Jacob gently grasped her arm. “I don’t want others to overhear this conversation. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you.”

“Embarrass me? What could you have to say that would embarrass me?” She arched her brows as though her behavior only minutes ago had been completely proper.

Did she believe he would overlook her actions? Was she so naive she thought he would applaud her outlandish performance? He gritted his teeth in an attempt to maintain an even temper. They’d exchanged enough letters that he thought he knew Sarah, and thought she was a young woman who could be trusted. Now, he feared he’d made the same mistake for a second time. Was Sarah no different from Laura? Had he chosen another woman who couldn’t remain true to one man?

“I saw you stroking that soldier’s cheek. What do you think the other men on the train thought when they saw that spectacle? You looked like a loose woman. They’ll be talking all the way to Chicago about the young woman willing to share affection along with a cup of soup.”

Sarah glowered at him. “Will they? I thought they might think they’d seen an act of compassion toward a fellow soldier. I would hope someone would do the same if that were my brother.” She hesitated a moment. “Or you.” Before he could stop her, she stalked off and hurried inside the depot.

He moved from the shelter and let the cold wind whip around him, cooling the heat of his anger. Was she right? Was he acting like a peevish schoolboy? He bowed his head against the wind, letting his thoughts settle.

What did it matter if the soldiers made comments about her actions? Sarah had fully explained her reasons. If the men made any rude remarks, he could easily defend her honor, for he knew he’d be thankful for the same kind treatment had he been suffering. He mustn’t let Laura’s behavior destroy his trust in Sarah.

Jacob startled when the train whistled three short blasts to announce the impending departure. He sprinted toward the depot doors, knowing he couldn’t leave Decatur with this disagreement still standing between them. He glanced around the room, but Sarah was nowhere in sight. He rushed to Mrs. Wingard’s side. “Where’s Sarah? I need to speak to her before I leave, and the train’s going to depart any minute.”

The older woman nodded toward the door. “She left to speak with Johnny Folson’s grandfather. The boy didn’t appear this afternoon, and Sarah wanted to see if he’s sick or if his grandfather simply wouldn’t let him help today.”

Jacob sighed. There wasn’t time to write her a note. He’d have to rely upon Mrs. Wingard. “Tell her I was wrong and I’m sorry.” He grasped the older woman’s hand. “Will you do that for me?”

“Of course I will. Anything else?”

He shook his head then hesitated. “Yes. Tell her I’ll give her a proper apology next time I come through Decatur.”

The older woman smiled and patted his hand. “I’ll give her your message. Now, hurry or you’ll have to run to catch the train.”

Mrs. Wingard had been right. Had he remained in the station a few more seconds, he would have missed the train. Still gasping for breath when he entered the car, Jacob dropped onto one of the seats. Over the chugging of the train, he heard someone mention Sarah’s name. Wanting to know what was being said, he stood and moved down the aisle a short distance.

One of the soldiers said, “I think that young lady should get a medal for kindness.”

Another agreed and added, “She’d get my vote, for sure. Too bad he died so quick. Would have been nice if he could have had a little more time to recall the kindness shown to him.”

Stunned by the response, Jacob continued down the aisle. A blanket had been drawn across the burned soldier’s face. Jacob looked at the man across the aisle. “When?”

“Right after she left the train. He breathed one of them long ragged breaths. This time it rattled deep in his chest and that was it.” The soldier nodded toward the dead man. “Another soldier checked him, said he was dead, and covered him up. Sure am glad that lady was so nice to him. If you see her again, be sure and tell her, would ya?”

Jacob swallowed hard and gave a slight nod. “I’ll do that.” He should have said more, but the words stuck in his throat. When he returned to his seat, Jacob bowed his head and asked God to help him overcome his jealous nature and direct his future—a future he hoped would include Sarah.

On the way back to the depot, Sarah considered how she’d reacted to Jacob’s reprimand. Granted, he had no right to speak to her in a condemning fashion, yet part of what he’d said was true. She’d let her emotions rule her actions—something her own mother had advised against. Yet she didn’t feel a great deal of regret. The boy had been so thankful for her meager offering of kindness. She prayed he’d get well, yet it was clear his prognosis was dismal.

Her thoughts skittered between the badly burned soldier, Jacob, and Johnny’s grandpa, Herman Folson, who’d kept Johnny at the livery stable today. When she’d approached Mr. Folson, he’d been annoyed and had dodged her questions with a curt remark that he had work to complete and that he needed Johnny’s help. He’d added that the boy was gone far too much helping everyone else when he was needed there. She’d attempted to gain more insight, but the old man had shooed her away as though she were a pesky fly.

When she stepped inside the depot, the train had been gone for more than fifteen minutes and only a handful of the women remained. Most of them hurried home once they finished serving the soldiers each day, and Sarah understood their need to depart. They had families waiting on their evening meal. Once inside the depot, Clara Wingard waved Sarah forward. “I have a message for you from the good-looking soldier.” When Sarah didn’t respond, Clara continued. “The one who seeks you out each time he passes through. The corporal. Jacob Curtis.”

Sarah gave a slight nod and waited.

With her gaze fastened upon Sarah, Clara repeated Jacob’s message then added, “Oh, and he said the next time he’s in Decatur he’ll give you a proper apology.” She winked and tapped her fingers against the bodice of her dress. “I think you’ve won his heart. He seems like a nice young fellow.”

Heat raced up Sarah’s neck. “Thank you for delivering the message, Clara.” Sarah gestured toward the empty tables as she twisted around. “Let’s move these tables, and then we can go. I’m sure you have work at home that needs your attention.”

“Not much. Without a husband or children around, I don’t have to worry about serving supper on time like some of the other ladies.” She grinned. “We’re kind of alike in that regard, Sarah, but I’m thinking maybe that’s going to change for you. There’s no denying that corporal has set his sights on winning your heart.”

Sarah’s cheeks flamed. While she hoped Jacob truly desired to win her heart, his jealous outburst had dampened her increasing affection for him. Although his words had struck a chord of truth, she’d been less than pleased with his bitter avowals. Still, he’d attempted to apologize. Only time would reveal if he’d been sincere.

Two days later, an apologetic Jacob arrived on the train returning from Chicago to Cairo. Though she’d expected to see him later in the week, Sarah was surprised when he walked into the bakery. He’d never stopped to see her on his return trips from Chicago. Because the train didn’t stop long enough for him to come and visit her home, he’d normally make a dash to the livery and leave a letter with Johnny Folson. As soon as Johnny’s grandpa would give him permission to leave, he’d deliver the missive to Sarah.

Jacob grinned as he approached the interior of the bakery. “I’m pleased you’re here. Are you surprised to see me?”

“How did you manage? Has the train already departed for Centralia? Will you get in trouble?”

He shook his head. “I won’t get in trouble. I had a little extra money, so I caught the early train out of Chicago. There’s another train passing through going to Cairo in about an hour. I’ll get on board when it stops.”

She was pleased to see him but was sorry their argument was the reason he’d spent his extra money on a train ticket. When she heard her father’s footsteps, she turned.

“Papa, this is Corporal Jacob Curtis, the soldier who has been helping me when I board the train with the Basket Brigade.”

Her father beamed and hurried forward with his hand outstretched. “I am pleased to meet you, Corporal. Our son, Samuel, is serving at the front with the Union troops. We hear very little from him, but when he has free time, it is more important he rest than write letters—at least that is what I tell my wife. I’m sure Sarah has already told you about Samuel.”

Jacob nodded. “She has, and I know you must be very proud of him. I had hoped to serve at the front, but instead I’m assigned to the hospital trains.”

“All soldiers must serve where they are sent, Corporal. In wartime, every position is important.” Her father pointed to the case of bakery items. “Tell Sarah what you’d like. It is my small gift to you for helping her and the injured soldiers. I must return to my wife upstairs, but I am pleased to have met you.”