Buckeye Dreams by Jennifer A. Davids Read Free Book Online Page B

spoken of General Lee, and he seemed genuinely concerned for the welfare of the South, judging by what he had said to her in town. Even now he was telling Mary the concern he felt over people’s desires to punish the South for the war.
    She gathered a few things in her arms and carried them to the kitchen. As she set everything down on the worktable, the last thing left in her hand was the coffee Deckers sold. The sight of it was a forceful reminder of the town’s attitude toward her.
Daniel is kind, but the South got what it deserved
. The thought caused her to bite her lip, hard, and she set down the coffee to finger her scar. She didn’t mean that.
It’s only right that everyone up here should treat me poorly after how I betrayed Chloe
.
    Blinking away the tears pooling in her eyes, she continued her work. After putting everything in its place, she walked back into the dining room to see what else Daniel had brought home.
    “I’m so glad you were able to find him,” Mary was saying. She looked up at Katherine and gave a sad smile. “Daniel was able to find Toby and give him a proper burial.”
    Katherine looked at the young major. He was deep in thought, and weariness hung heavy in his eyes.
    “I couldn’t get to Jonah,” he said slowly. “He was with the Army of the Cumberland. I was sent word he fell at Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia.” He patted Mary’s hand. “I’ll travel back down to Virginia in a few months and bring Toby back home. Ma would’ve wanted him buried with her and Pa.” He looked out the window for a few minutes before turning back to his aunt, his face grave.
    “What is it, Daniel?” Mary asked.
    “I got to see Uncle John just before Gettysburg,” he said quietly.
    Mary’s hand went to her throat, and Katherine was sitting beside her in an instant. Her friend’s eyes shone very bright as she listened to her nephew.
    “He was fine considering he had just gotten over being sick,” he whispered. “It was very good to see him.”
    Katherine felt her own throat go tight, not only for Mary’s sake but also at seeing how terribly it affected Daniel. He looked as if he had suddenly aged ten years, his face was so still and grave.
    “My friend Joshua, Uncle John, and I—we ate together a few nights before we followed General Lee into Pennsylvania. Ma had sent me some food.” His eyes were nearly beet red as he looked at his aunt. “I found him … later. Buried him.” He quickly excused himself.
    A few moments later, Katherine heard the creak of the pump out behind the house. She swallowed, uncertain of what to say.
    Mary simply sat there lost in her own memories, a broken yet bittersweet look on her face.
    “Mary,” she whispered.
    Her friend looked at her and smiled through her tears. “I’ll be fine, dear,” she whispered back. “Please, make sure Daniel’s all right.”
    Katherine nodded, rising from her seat. Walking into the kitchen, she could see the young major through the window. He was standing next to the pump in the little brick courtyard situated between the house and the summer kitchen. His hair and face were damp, and he was staring out over the hills and fields beyond the house. She hesitantly opened the simple screen door.
    It creaked slightly, and he turned around.
    “Can I get you anything, Major Kirby?”
    He shook his head and turned away, resuming his scrutiny of the farm.
    Katherine stepped out onto the porch, uncertain what she should do.
    After a moment or two, he spoke. “Is my aunt all right?”
    “She’s fine.”
    “I shouldn’t have told her.”
    “No!” Her vehemence caused him to turn back to her in surprise. “I mean … it was the only news she’s ever heard of John. It was terribly hard to get a letter across the lines. She only heard of his death through a friend of a friend.” Her voice suddenly caught in her throat. “I only wish you had seen Thomas, too.”
    He looked at her curiously. “Were you close to my cousin?”
    “I