Read Online Faith by Lyn Cote - Free Book Online Page B

stumbled along toward the nearby hospital mess tent.The men working there asked no questions, just helped her sit down and brought her a mug of coffee and a bowl of hot oatmeal. She had to eat a few bites and sip the coffee before she could speak her gratitude.
    “Long night?” the man who’d served her asked.
    “Yes.” She went on eating, though just lifting the spoon exhausted her. The man was soon called away, and persevering in her efforts, she felt the food and coffee lifting her from her stupor. Her spoon finally scraped the bottom of the empty bowl.
    “Miss Cathwell?”
    She looked up into the blue eyes of Colonel Knight. For one moment she nearly threw her arms around him, seeking his strength. Then the worry she saw in his countenance stiffened inside her like icicles, even in the heat. Had Honoree taken a turn for the worse? “What is wrong?”
    Without replying, he held out his hand.
    She let him help her rise, his rough hand drawing her near. Resisting the pull toward him, she carried her empty bowl and mug outside, where dishes were being washed. Her mind conjured Honoree’s unconscious face as she finally allowed the colonel to lead her away. “What is it, Colonel?” she begged. “Is it Honoree? How is she?”
    Dev regretted not telling her right away. He tightened his hold on her small hand. He longed to pull her under his arm, protect her. Instead he released her. “I’m sorry, miss. Your friend is awake. She’s at my tent. Come. I’ll take you.”
    The camp around them had come fully alive. A drummer was sounding the daily sick call, which struck Dev as unnecessary. The wounded were still being brought in on wagons,but except in the midst of battle the routine of military life never changed.
    “What’s wrong with Honoree?” The Quakeress broke into his silent, unhappy musings. “Is she ill?”
    “She’s recovering.” Dev still couldn’t speak aloud of his cousin’s treachery. His tent was ahead. He waved toward it, silently asking for her patience. Soon he let her precede him and then he followed, dreading the coming revelation. His cousin had shamed his family, shamed him.
    The Quakeress ran toward the black girl, who was sitting on the edge of his cot. “Honoree!”
    The girl rose and the two women clasped each other close, shedding tears of evident relief.
    Dev stood back, moved by the depth of their caring for each other. Armstrong came to stand beside him, and Dev had the urge to reach out and grip his man’s shoulder. He resisted the gesture. His man wouldn’t leave him and go home to Baltimore after his birthday, would he?
    Finally the two women parted. The Quakeress turned to him. “Thank thee. I was so worried. Has she been seen by Dr. Bryant?”
    Dev cleared his throat. “I took her to him straightaway. He said he could do nothing, so I brought her here and Armstrong helped me watch over her.”
    The Quakeress stepped toward them. “Thank thee, Armstrong.” She offered him her hand.
    Armstrong hesitated and then shook her hand. “I was happy to help, miss. But your friend merely needed rest. She was dazed and confused. Is that not so, Miss Honoree?”
    Dev did not miss the warm look that passed between thetwo. It caught inside him. Had Armstrong found someone to care for? Certainly soon his man would be free, and why shouldn’t he marry? Dev looked away, his own bleak, and no doubt brief, future taunting him. I could die in this push to Vicksburg. At least Armstrong would survive this war.
    “My head still aches,” Honoree replied, “but I can think now and I’m not dizzy anymore.”
    Dev could hold the truth back no longer. “Miss Cathwell, as you can see, my cousin is not here. In the chaos of battle, he has escaped.”
    Honoree made a loud sound of disgust.
    The Quakeress looked suddenly weaker.
    Dev moved forward, urging her to sit on the camp stool by his cot. Again the fact that a lovely young woman like this would be here in these harsh and debilitating