One deep brown eye popped open, disturbed from sleep by a thumping pair of highly polished black boots coming closer and closer. Sneezing once, he decided it was for the best if he changed position, not wanting to be stepped upon. The large hunting dog, floppy ears slapping cadence against his head, lumbered up and loped out of the study. The only thought on his puppy-like brain was whether or not the nice cook out in the back cottage had any snacks for him. The figure standing in the black boots barely registered the fact that the dog had retreated from the small room. Tugging at her stiff collar, Reil wondered if she would live through this ceremony.
With only scant days to prepare, things had been going rather smoothly, but that did nothing to ease the fluttering sensation Reil was experiencing in her stomach. She mentally went over her list of preparation, making sure everything was done. Invitations had been sent out by Emma, only a select few would be attending the service. The tall woman had sincere doubts about upcoming invitations to balls, seeing as how she had forgone the customary ten day notice, not to mention all those who had been left out, but there was no avoiding it. Reil had been granted permission to return to her unit, and as it was the bride’s responsibility to set the date, the resulting offenses were bound to happen. Reil had asked Jimmy to be the best man, and while still in Washington, had purchased his gift of a pair of sleeve buttons. Also, while there, she had purchased the rings which Jimmy now carried securely on his person. That morning, Reil sent Emma her bouquet, along with a small note. They had not seen each other since the day before, Flo muttering something about custom, propriety and lack of good sense.
Emma, according to common practice, was in charge of setting up the reception which would later be held at her house. She had made all the arrangements for the invitations, the church, and seeing to it that things went as smoothly as possible. Being that she was a widow, bridesmaids were not necessary, so that helped eliminate some more hard feelings that might have come their way. But right now, Emma was somewhere else, and Reil was beginning to sweat. This was not how she had imagined her wedding day. No, far from it.
Turning to look at the disgustingly relaxed form of Rock, Reil stopped her pacing and turned on the man. “How can you be so calm? What if we forgot something.” Then she turned again, before the bemused man could answer, to look at Jimmy. “You have the rings, right? Where are my gloves? Damn, damn, damn...” Rock stood up from his comfortable seat and grabbed Reil by the shoulders. Green eyes blazed at him, daring him to break her out of her state of near hysteria. “This is all your fault, you know...if you hadn’t insisted that I attend that dinner three months ago, I wouldn’t be here now, sweating like a fool. Where are those gloves?” Rock gave her shoulders a small squeeze, a faint smile playing across his worn face. “Reil, it’s just your nerves talking. And your ‘damn’ gloves are hooked into your belt, next to your sword.” He couldn’t help but let a small chuckle escape. Reil broke free from his grasp and resumed her pacing.
“I’ve got the rings, sir. Safe and sound.” Jimmy patted his vest pocket, a smile playing on his own face as well. “Just like I told you ten minutes ago. You need to relax a bit. Else your gonna wear a hole in that rug.” Reil tugged once more at her collar, causing Rock to come over and stop her once again in order to straighten out the offending piece of clothing. He tapped her hands away from her neck. “Now quit that!” His voice low and full of underlying humor. “Your gonna make your skin all red from the fussing. I have to go, it’s almost time.”
Reil just looked up at him. All the years that she had been with him, and it was only just now that she realized what he meant in her life. He was the steadying force which pulled in all the torn fragments of her early life. Now she was taking a step in her life that would effectively state, ‘I can stand on my own now. I can take responsibility from here’, and she didn’t know how to let him know that she would continue to need him in her life. He seemed to sense where the thoughts of the young woman were going, as she just stood there looking at him with a rather lost look in her eyes. Rock pulled Reil into a short, intense embrace, giving her a quick pat on the back. “Don’t say it. I understand, and I’ll still be here for you when you need me.” With that said, he turned and walked out of the study. He had seen many of his foster children wed, but it seemed this was, by far, the most heart wrenching. He didn’t want Reil to see the small tear that escaped from his eye as he made his way out to the front of the chapel.
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An ornate, full length, free standing, hand carved mahogany mirror held the reflection of a woman who would, in mere minutes, formally marry to the other half of her soul. The blue eyes of the reflected image scanned up and down, while the highly coifed head nodded in satisfaction. In the background of the reflection, there was movement, causing the tall figure to turn and look.
Flo was primping again at the modest train of the dress, wishing yet again for more time. “Could have made this whole thing a lot cheaper than what you paid, Miss Emma. No time, no time...you young folks always in such a rush.” The soon-to-be-former Mrs. Collingsworth tapped Flo’s hands out of the way. “Leave it be, Flo. It was only twenty five dollars, and for the occasion, well worth every penny. I’ll just cut back on a few things for a while.”
Emma took off her wedding band, handing it to Flo. “Here, you hold onto this for now, I’ll put it away when we get home.” It was customary for the new bride, being a widow, to remove her former wedding ring, indicating that she was now taking a new husband. It wouldn’t be respectful to Reil if she continued to wear it. Flo silently took the ring, willing the tears back. Emma had said her goodbyes a long time ago, wearing the ring only in rememberance. She set her sad feelings aside, this being a day of joy. “How do I look?” Flo stepped back, to get a full look. “Fine, you look just fine.” The pride in her voice was evident, but she was letting her baby go yet another time. Rather than linger on the thought, she found more busy work for her hands. “We better finish up, it’s almost time.”
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A young boy poked his head into the study. “Their about to start, sir.” Reil turned from looking out the window, nodding that she heard. The boy scampered away, his task completed. Jimmy stood up from the chair and extended his hand. “Good fortune to you, sir. I wish you all the best of happiness.” The young woman took his hand, realizing that she would soon be part of the small community that resided at Emma’s house. “There’s something I should tell you, Jimmy.” The young man gave Reil a look that indicated she should continue. “We’re to be living together, of a sorts, soon, and there’s something you should know. I’m not a man.” Jimmy’s face broke out into a huge grin. “Aw, heck...I kinda figured that, after seeing you swing an axe that one time. Don’t get me wrong, you did a fine job, but something about it struck me as odd. But it’s no matter, I haven’t seen Mrs. Collingsworth happier since, well, since her family died. Besides, you’re probably one of the bravest people I know. The two of you have something special, don’t lose sight of that.” Reil was floored by Jimmy’s reaction, but since he was fine with it, so was she. She gripped his shoulder in a friendly squeeze and flashed him a grin equal to his own. “Let’s get going then, I have a wedding to attend!”
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All the guests had been seated in the small chapel. Emma stood with Flo in the vestibule, waiting for Rock to arrive. “Flo, there’s something you should be aware of. It’s about Reil...” Flo looked her directly in the eyes, anger clearly showing. “If you’re about to tell me that young soldier is a woman, then save your breath. Yes, you could’a told me sooner, but now is as good a time as any? Please. I’ve known since after she killed her pa. Saw you sleepin’....seen enough babies in my time to know what each type is equipped with. But it don’t bother me none. Reil makes you happy, and that’s that. I’ll hear no arguements about it. And if that young officer wants the world thinkin’ he’s a man, then that’s what he is. Besides, I ain’t never seen anyone, including your departed husband, who made your eyes get that look you get. Had an old aunt used to call that ‘bedroom eyes’, and you got it. Now close up your mouth ‘fore somethin’ nasty flies in.”
Emma did as she was told, watching as Flo strode out of the small entryway. Rock walked up beside Emma, gently placing a hand on the womans’ arm. “You alright? You seem a bit pale. Nervous?” Emma blinked a few times, then shook her head a bit. “No, no. I’m fine. Never could hide anything from that woman!” Rock had no idea what the conversation had been about, but just then the music began. Perhaps, he thought to himself, it was better that he didn’t know. He held out his arm for Emma to take, and led her into the chapel.
Reil turned towards the chapel doors as the music started. What she saw took her breath away and it was all she could do to keep her legs from giving out. A beauty walked down the aisle towards her, and Reil could feel an almost physical pull from her soul. She carried herself demurely, but when their eyes met, Reil felt the sensation deep inside her increase. Such was the dormant fire that lay there in those eyes. Every eye in the chapel was on Emma, but her eyes were for Reil alone.
The gown she was wearing was of an off white color, but not much so. The lace of the high neck came down to a vee, accentuating the curves caused only in part by the corset underneath it all. Her hair was pulled back in a low bun, with a wreath of orange blossoms set atop her head. Reil marveled that Emma had been so thoughtful, the Orange Blossoms being the nickname of her unit. As she approached, Rock stepped away, offering Emma’s hand to Reil. Reil accepted the gloved hand, and the two turned towards the minister.
Reverend Brooks was a short, middle aged man. He wore a tonsure in the style of monks, and spoke with a soft firm voice. As he came to the exchange of vows, his look became most serious, and his tone changed ever so slightly. “Do you, Reil Bardlow, promise this woman, Emma Collingsworth, to love, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, in poverty and in riches and, forsaking all others, to keep thee only unto her as long as you both should live?” (**)
“With all my heart, I do.” Reil glanced over to Emma, smiling, and placed a simple golden band on her finger. Emma repeated the vows, feeling Reil tremble as she stated, “With all my soul, I do.” Emma placed a similar ring on Reil’s finger, and felt a connection like nothing she had ever felt before. What had started out so many months ago as a subtle spark in the air, was now a full fledged jolt. Each had known that a ceremony alone would never change the way they felt for each other, yet it seemed that the act of the ceremony was a catalyst, allowing the two halves of one whole to be seen by all. Years later, many would remark that they had actually seen an aura of light surrounding the newlyweds as they stood there united in wedlock.
The reverend’s soft voice interrupted their moment. “Commune with your own hearts, ask your conscience and your feelings, and tremble before an offended God if you have dared to break this oath.”(**)
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The reception was a simple affair, held at Emma’s house. By the time all the guests had left, everybody was bone tired. They sat there in the main room, happily stuffed with the wonderful food Flo had prepared, slightly dozing. Emma was curled up next to Reil on the small loveseat, with Rock sprawled out in an overstuffed chair by the fireplace. Jimmy and Flo sat on the long sofa, both with their heads tilted back, holding their stomachs. It was Jimmy who broke the silence. “Ugh, Flo...you fed me too much.” Flo’s head turned, brown eyes peering over at the young man. “Hummfh...don’t tell me about it. I didn’t make you eat three helpings of dessert.”
Reil piped up with her own, “Hey, it’s not my fault he couldn’t keep up with me!” This got a small chuckle out of everyone, including Rock, whom they had all thought was asleep, producing more chuckles. “Well, it’s been a long day and it’s late, I say we turn in.” So saying, Reil stood and pulled Emma up along with her. Flo and Jimmy said their well wishes and goodnights, retiring to their respective waiting beds. Rock pulled himself up out of his chair, and headed up to the second floor where a room had been prepared for him. On the stairs, he stopped and looked over the railing. “Remember, Reil...we leave at first light.”
A sad look of regret crossed Reil’s face, and her arm around Emma’s waist tightened. “Where’s the unit right now?”
“Gettysburg”
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**Excerpt taken from “A Whisper to a Newly married Pair” A whisper to the Husband on expenditure. Nov. 12, 1867. Possibly from Harpers Baazar.
The words to the song Reil sang in Part 8, Chapter 9 are from an old Girl Scout song called “On My Honour” There is an ongoing debate as to who actually wrote it, so I really couldn’t tell you. I like the song, so I used it.
Most of the characters are mine, some names were actually the names of members of the original 124th. They would be Col. Ellis, their first commander, Col. Hooker was indeed put in charge of the Federal Army of the Potomac just prior to the Battle of Chancellorsville, and any other mention of historical figures was meant to be as accurate as possible.(Lee, Grant...etc)
Approximately 400 - 600 women actually served during the Civil War disguised as men. Actual numbers are unknown, as the government originally denied their involvement. Many received pensions for their service, some even continuing to live as men once they were out of the military. I can only imagine that the government paid them their pensions when they applied for them under the male name which they served under.
For those of you who picked up on the reference to the song “Heart and Soul” in this chapter...you get a thumbs up, a wink, wink, and a nudge, nudge for being so observant!!
I had a lot of fun with this story, and I hope to have a sequel. I certainly left it open enough!
As always, you can write to me at: bardwoohoo@oocities.com