Carried Forward By Hope by Ginny Dye Read Free Book Online

injured yesterday during the retaliation of the Union troops for Lincoln’s assassination.”
    Carrie frowned. “Matthew told me a little of it. I suspected he was either hiding the whole truth or simply didn’t know. I didn’t realize it was so bad,” she murmured.
    “He might not have known, but it doesn’t matter. So many of our medical personnel have left to return home to their families. I’m afraid I’m desperate for some help.”
    Carrie nodded briskly. “Of course. I will need just a minute to get my things.”
    “I hate to take you away from Robert right now.”
    Carrie shook her head. “It’s quite all right. I just fed him breakfast. He’ll sleep the morning away, and Rose will be able to feed him lunch.” She suddenly saw the answer to another problem. “Let me go get Janie,” she said impulsively.
    “I thought she and Clifford were leaving tomorrow for Raleigh,” Dr. Wild protested. “I couldn’t possibly ask her for help right now.”
    “Nonsense,” Carrie returned. “You know she wouldn’t forgive either one of us if she didn’t have an opportunity to assist.” She turned toward the east wing, praying that Clifford would allow her to go.
    Fortunately, Clifford had left the house to take care of some business. Janie grabbed up her medical bag with a look of utter relief when Carrie explained the situation. “Of course I’ll help,” she responded fervently.
    Carrie gripped her hand as they walked down the hall. “We have to talk later.”
    Janie stiffened and nodded. “I know,” she said hesitantly. “But right now we have men who need us.”
     
    *******
     
    Moses settled back in the big porch swing, smiling down at little John fast asleep on his shoulder. Soft spring air flowed around them, bringing with it the aroma of magnolias just bursting forth from their tight white buds. The creak of the swing kept rhythm with the carriages rattling past the house. He watched idly as May picked early spring vegetables from the garden for dinner that night.
    There had been so many times in the last four years when he wondered if he would ever feel peace again. Even the knowledge of Lincoln’s death couldn’t overshadow the sheer peace of holding his sleeping son on a warm spring day.
    “He’s going to be as big as you before you know it,” Jeremy teased. “It seems like he gets bigger every day.”
    Moses nodded. “I’m glad this war ended in time for me to still hold him like this.” His voice was rough with emotion. “I’ve missed so much already in the first three years of his life.”
    “Your son adores you,” Jeremy responded. “It’s like the two of you have never been apart a day in your lives.”
    “We’re making up for lost time,” Moses agreed easily. “Your father was a fine man,” he said, changing the subject.
    Jeremy’s face tightened for just an instant. “Well, the father who raised me anyway. I still can’t get used to knowing Thomas’s father is my real father, or that Carrie is actually my niece…” His voice trailed off as his eyes grew thoughtful. “There are times when I can only hope to God that I’m a better man than he was.”
    “Times were different,” Moses observed.
    Jeremy stared at him. “You can’t possibly be all right with the fact that he raped Sarah.”
    “Of course not, but I’ve also learned enough to know it happened a lot. There are more men and women around this country like you than anyone would like to admit.”
    “Half black and half white,” Jeremy said. “That is easier to get used to than the reality of who it was.”
    “Is it?” Moses asked, his eyes suddenly sharp and focused. “Is it really easier? Do you have any clue what your life is going to be like now that you’re not a white man?”
    Jeremy shrugged casually but took a deep breath and settled back against his seat. “Probably not,” he admitted slowly. “The only thing I’ve really thought much about is getting to know Thomas and Carrie,