Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One) (20 page)

B
y his expression he wanted to say no. It was several seconds before he spoke. “I will give my consent on one condition. I keep a townhouse in Richmond so I have a place to reside when I’m in the city to conduct business. We’ll both stay at the apartment so we can at least dine together. We have a lot of time to make up.” He squeezed her hand. “You will have to have a chaperone, and it might as well be me.”

She
clambered up almost upsetting her chair, and kissed him on the cheek. “Oh, thank you, Grandfather.”

Pointing his finger at her for emphasis, he
insisted, “There is one more stipulation, my dear. Lacy is to escort you to and from the hospital every day. You are not to leave the townhouse without him. Do I make myself clear?  I will not have you harmed. The city is not safe for a beautiful young woman.”

Delighted, she
exclaimed, “Yes, I promise not to leave the apartment without an escort, Grandfather.”  

Chapter Eleven

Kate
viewed her reflection in the cheval mirror for her first day at Chimborazo Hospital. Her hair had grown quickly, making her look more sophisticated. She tried to pin her wild curls back from her face so they would not hinder her as she worked. Even in the simple dress and apron worn by all the nurses, she thought she looked pretty.  

As always
her thoughts turned to David. She wished she could see him. She missed him and had not received a letter since leaving Harris Plantation. Even though it had only been a few days, it seemed as if it was an eternity. It tore at her heart to know he would marry another. Yet, she needed to move on with her life. Time would heal her broken heart.

Her grandfather
was in the dining room waiting for her to join him for breakfast. “Good morning Kate, you look lovely. I hope the day goes well for you.”

She slipped into her chair. “I’m so nervous.
Even though I helped out at the field hospital, I’m afraid of making a horrible mistake. What if I do something wrong and someone dies?”

“You can still back out. You don’t have to go.”
He leaned back, crossed his legs, a hint of a smile on his lips. He hoped she would back out. She could see it in his eyes. Of course the thoughts of her being in the midst of all the death and sickness worried him.

A frown creased Kate’s brow.
“Oh, no Grandfather, I wouldn’t dream of backing out now. I feel obligated to do my part. Especially with my knowledge I obtained from my grandmother. I have to at least try.”

“It is your choice to make, my dear.”

Her nerves kept her from eating. She was much too anxious. Her grandfather finally finished his breakfast, and the two met Lacy out front. It was a short buggy ride to the hospital since her grandfather’s townhouse was East of Richmond. 

T
he massive hospital came into view, and the size alone caused butterflies to flutter in her stomach. It stood on a hill and looked more like a large town instead of a hospital. Her grandfather escorted her to the front entrance. She trembled when he tucked her arm under his.

“Please come home
if it is more than you can tolerate. I’ll be there waiting for you.” 

“
Have a great day, Grandfather. I’ll see you when my shift is over.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on his rosy, wrinkled cheek. Before she changed her mind, she quickly walked through the door.

The matron of Chimborazo Hospital was waiting to speak to Kat
e about her tasks for the day. “Hi, I’m Lucinda. I’m pleased to meet you. Jacob has sung your praises since he found out you were residing in Richmond. You must be a very special nurse to impress him. He is an excellent doctor. In fact he is the best doctor we have on staff here.” Lucinda took her arm and guided her to the chair across from her desk.

She
smiled politely and tried to calm her nerves as she peered into Lucinda’s eyes. Desperately wanting the position, she chose her words carefully. “Yes, I agree. When I volunteered at the field hospital at Chancellorsville, I was amazed at his surgical skills. No matter how hectic things got, he stayed calm and saved many lives.”

“Which school
did you attend to get your medical education?”

The butterflies in her stomach intensified.
She did not want Lucinda to show her the door her first day. The truth was best, so she took a deep breath and explained, “My grandmother was a natural healer and taught me everything she knew.” Kate could tell Lucinda was taken aback. She could understand her concerns since she didn’t have any formal education.

“As you probably already know we have five hospitals with thirty wards to each division, which each house fo
rty to sixty wounded soldiers. We have also erected one hundred Sibley tents which house eight to ten convalescent patients. It is a massive undertaking to hire enough doctors and nurses for the care of the thousands of soldiers treated each day. We are short handed so we’ll see how well you do.”

Her whole body seemed to relax. At least she would have a chance to pr
ove herself to be a good nurse.

****

Kate’s duties were grueling. She changed sheets covered in blood and excrement. Thankfully, she had a hardy constitution. A delicate young lady would never have survived the stench, let alone the sight of so much blood. Life on a farm had prepared her for the work.

Kate was feeding a young soldier w
ho had his right arm amputated. He was still weak and couldn’t feed himself. Not having much of an appetite, she was coaxing him to eat which was a challenge since he was so depressed. It was hard to be chipper when she was so tired, but she made the effort trying to lift his spirits.

“Good morning, Kate.”

She forced a smile to her lips. “Is it still morning, Jacob? I feel as if I have been here two days.” She placed the bowl on the side table and stood. His height caused her to have to crane her neck to peer into his eyes.

Concern in his voice he asked,
“You’re not giving up already, are you?”

“Of course not, I knew it would be difficult.”    

His voice turning husky, Jacob replied, “You look lovely.”

Kate couldn’t help but to laugh.
She blew a loose curl out of her face and rewarded him with her best smile. “Well, I don’t feel very lovely. I have cleaned chamber pots, changed filthy sheets, and bandages, and administered so much medicine my head is spinning. It has been brutal.”

“I’m sure all you
r work is greatly appreciated. I bet the troops are happier having such a pretty nurse tending to their needs.”

She liked Jacob. H
e was charming, not to mention absolutely gorgeous.       

“I was wondering if you would have
supper with me tonight. There are many wonderful restaurants in Richmond and I would be honored to escort you.” His eyes roamed over her confirming her suspicions that he was interested in her.

A
s if she were betraying David, she felt guilty. Which was absolutely crazy. He let her know he had no intention of marrying her. She almost said no, but knew she needed to move on and at least try to get over David. “I would love to have supper with you.”

He
reminded Kate of a young schoolboy, he was so excited. He was smiling from ear to ear. “I will pick you up at 7:00.”

“I’ll try not t
o fall asleep during dessert.” Kate looked forward to eating at a fine restaurant since she had never done so. “I’d better get back to work. I don’t want to get fired on my first day.” 

He studied her as she scooped some soup into a spoon and coaxed the wounded soldier to eat. Patient and caring she smiled and
spoke softly to him. It boggled his mind how she assisted him during surgery at the field hospital, and he never realized she was female. How did she hide those curves that were now so obvious? Even in the simple dress and apron all the nurses wore, she looked amazing.  

****

Jacob escorted Kate to the carriage. “Kate, this is Scott, my valet, and will be driving us to supper tonight.”   

Scot
t opened the carriage door. Giving her a slight bow, he stated, “It is an honor, Miss Monroe.”   

“Call me Kate.” She shook his
huge, beefy hand. A terrible scar cut across his right cheek making him look menacing. She wondered what happened to him. Maybe he had fought in the war. Later she would ask Jacob. 

She
looked directly into his eyes. “It’s nice to meet you, Scott.” Arm on her elbow, Jacob assisted her into the carriage.     

Sexy and muscular thought Kate. The dark suit he was wearing
fit his huge body to a tee. It had to be specially tailored to hug every gorgeous muscle. His long blond hair was pulled back from the nape of his neck making him look almost dangerous. Beautiful, straight, white, teeth gleamed when he smiled at her. Just from what she already knew about him, he would be a perfect husband, but he was not David.   

“Y
ou are absolutely breathtaking.”

She touched her hand to her up swept hair. “Thank you, Jacob.
My hair is finally long enough to wear up.” Soft wisps of tendrils fanned her face. She raked her hands over her pink silk dress as if to get out the wrinkles, all of a sudden feeling shy. The bold look he gave her made her a little nervous.  

She
settled back into her seat and gazed out the window at the city as Scott easily maneuvered them through the bustling streets. Her mind betrayed her, and she thought of David.  What was he doing at this exact moment? Was he planning his next battle, talking with his men, or sitting down to a meager meal? Waves of heat crept up her cheeks when she glanced at Jacob sitting on the carriage seat beside her.

“Why so glum?”

She couldn’t very well tell him she had been thinking about David. Her mind worked frantically for a plausible excuse for her sorrowful expression. “Just thinking about work.” Squeezing his arm which was still entwined with hers, she smiled and exclaimed, “I promise to get into a better mood. Did I tell you I have never dined at a restaurant before? I am excited because this will be my first time.”

His soft chuckle was pleasing to the ear.
“I’m honored to share in your first dining experience.” He was easy to talk to, Kate found herself telling him about her childhood and what it was like growing up on a small farm. Time passed quickly and in no time Jacob was lifting her out of the carriage.   

The restaurant was unlike anything she had ever seen
. A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling bathing everything in a subtle light. Diners looked up from their tables and watched with interest as they were escorted to a private dining room. The pristine, white table cloth and matching napkins were embroidered with gold trim. White, china dishes edged in the same shade of gold gleamed in the soft light. Stunning crystal glasses shone in the romantic candlelight. Fresh flowers of vibrant colors were arranged in a fancy gold vase. The patio doors stood open letting in the warm, summer breeze.

Kate ordered a chicke
n dish with a wonderful sauce. Jacob ordered steak with potatoes. Of course a man his size would have a robust appetite. He swallowed a bite of steak and drank wine from his glass. He wiped his mouth with his napkin before he offered, “Lucinda was impressed with your skills today. She said you were vigilant and compassionate to everyone’s needs. She felt you to be a natural and warm person, just what the injured soldiers need.”

“I’ll be honest. It wasn’t easy.
I had a very demanding, but rewarding day.”

“Kate, there is something I have been
wishing to speak to you about. I hope you don’t mind my getting right to the point. It would be an honor to court you. You are the most beautiful, sweet, young woman I have ever known. I would love to get to know you better.” He leaned over, took her hand. “There is one thing nagging at me. I feel there is something between you and David. Even though he is engaged to Abigail, I felt he was jealous when he followed us into the garden at the Walter’s party. Am I imagining, or does he have feelings for you?”

U
neasy at the mention of David’s name, she shifted in her chair. Again she felt honesty was best. “I thought he loved me, but I was mistaken. He is marrying Abigail.”

His eyes wandered over her face.
“How do you feel about him?”

Kate did not want to scare Jacob of
f, but felt he deserved to know her true feelings. She did want to get married and have children. And since it was apparent David had no intention of marrying her, Jacob would make a wonderful husband. She had great respect for him. “I love him, but I must forget him. He has made it clear he loves Abigail.”

He took another drink of his wine, and peered at her over the top of his glass. When he sat it down he asked,
“Should I dare to hope that we have a chance?” 

She linked her fingers with his.
“You are not too bad to look at, and I admire your talent and compassion.” Kate gave him her most dazzling smile. If anyone could help her get over David, it was Jacob. A man like him didn’t appear in your life every day. “I would love for you to court me.”

****

Kate had been working at the hospital for almost a month. Most days were a repeat of the day before, changing sheets, emptying bedpans, bathing sick soldiers too frail to tend themselves, assisting with surgery.

Today s
he was assisting Dr. Wilson setting a broken ankle on an injured soldier. The young man couldn’t have been more than sixteen. In extreme pain, he gritted his teeth while he waited for Dr. Wilson to administer medical attention to his ankle. 

The doctor’s eyes slid down her body. Doing her best to ignore him, she focused on her patient and wished Wilson would do the same. The man was a scoundrel.

The smell of a
lcohol on his breath, he leaned over until his arm was brushing against hers. Drunkenness was rampant among most of the doctors at Chimborazo. Whiskey was dispensed freely to the doctors and patients. It was prescribed to the patients so often that many of them remained inebriated.