11. A Derailed Train

1863 DECEMBER 23, WEDNESDAY

11

Afresh dusting of snow covered the windowpane in the parlor, and everyone was warming by the blazing hearth. Katie sat at the window, staring out into the dark, watching the falling snow. The parlor was cozy and warm. Lamps illuminated the room. Mrs. Mathis hummed as she crocheted a blanket for Margaret, who'd recently discovered she was expecting. Renny lay on the blankets and pillows by the fireplace, reading Dickens. Nora sat beside her mother, crocheting, while discussing the campaign in Virginia with Seth. We all wondered how John was faring this winter. I sat at the rolltop desk, composing a letter to John.

I reread his words, hoping the heat of the fire hid my crimson cheeks.

"I was promoted to lieutenant after a recent battle, though it feels undeserving. I would be prouder to have you on my arm than the insignia it now bears.

"Our winter camp at the fort is lonely, but your letters keep me warm. We do our best to occupy ourselves with games and music. A group of officers invited a bevy of ladies to the camp to dance with us, but I was content to remain in the shadows, observing the choreography. Though I've been told I have fine feet, the lady I'd rather share a dance with was not present."

Bang. Bang. Bang.

I jumped at the sound of the loud knocking at the front door.

We stalled in our occupations. Kay's heels clicked in the hall as she rushed to open the door.

"Who could be out in this weather?" Mrs. Mathis pondered.

An icy gust breezed into the room. Familiar voices came in through the cold night—Thad, Cole Smith, and the Smiths' liveryman, Buckley. The three men stepped into the parlor.

"Cole?" Mrs. Mathis stood from her seat, her face growing pale in the firelight. "Is it Margaret?"

"Margaret is well. We came for a different matter."

"Nothing's worth tromping in this weather," Seth grumbled.

"The train derailed a few miles down the line. It's quite a mess. The local press is having a field day because the governor is on it … and so is your son," Cole stated.

"My son?" Mrs. Mathis's hand touched her lips.

John! Blood pounded in my ears.

"John's on the train," he confirmed.

"Impossible!" Renny exclaimed, sitting up. "He's in Virginia with Meade."

"Not anymore. He's coming home for Christmas and wanted to surprise everyone. Alas, with the derailment, the surprise is inevitably ruined." Cole fiddled with the hat in his hands.

"Well, well," Mrs. Mathis whispered.

John was coming home. John was coming home. My heart beat the rhythm of the words.

"This certainly is a surprise." Nora's voice rang with laughter.

"Sure is!" Seth exclaimed.

Mrs. Mathis, shaking herself from her shock, asked, "Is everyone unharmed? On the train, I mean."

"Oh, yes, everyone is safe. They are digging out the train as we speak. He was supposed to come in this evening. Buckley was to take me to the station to fetch him and bring him home by suppertime. When we reached the station, we were told of the trouble. The train will be delayed till morning, at the least."

We all exchanged excited glances.

Mrs. Mathis spoke, her eyes glassy. "I suppose we will be making a trip to the station tomorrow, now won't we?"

"Oh, yes!" Renny blurted.

Everyone spoke at once. I imagined the cacophony of voices was what the Mathis home used to sound like when the Mathis children were younger.

"He's going to be home for Christmas!" Nora exclaimed with excitement.

"He'll have to tell me all about the campaign," Seth said with enthusiasm.

"Now, now." Mrs. Mathis's motherly voice rose above her children, giving Seth a stern look. "We won't bother him too much about the war. It's been too long since John was home, and we'll just be thankful he's here."

Tingles ran up my spine at the thought of seeing him.