Part Eight
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1320 Local
He stared at her while the pit of his stomach dropped. She wanted to leave? "No." The word just popped out of his mouth.
Mac wearily scrubbed a hand across her forehead and stared at him, "Why not? It's becoming obvious that you've had second thoughts about what you said last night." She paused, "So which is it?"
He eyed her carefully, he was about to step into a bear trap and there was no way around it. "What do you mean?"
"Do you think I'm a liar or just crazy?"
"I... neither!... You can't leave!" What was she thinking? Hadn't this morning's episode with Fitzgerald taught her anything? They could have been killed!
"Of course, I can. I'm disruptive, impertinent and rude, remember? What difference does it make where I go, so long as I'm away from here? What do you want of me, anyway?" Damn! Well, now she knew that the 'A' in Rabb DNA stood for 'Ambivalence'. She looked at the ground again and sighed in frustration. Go... Stay... what in the hell did he want? Obviously, not her military skills or he wouldn't have sent her off at the first sign of combat. He had no need of her lawyering skills either. That left conversation or... her eyes narrowed. That son of a bitch! He sure as hell wasn't Harm!
Rabb rubbed the back of his neck and gazed at the ground, too. He knew why didn't he want her to leave, but how to say it to her without sounding like a complete jackass? He'd only met her yesterday and while he didn't believe in love at first sight, he found she was occupying a good deal of his thoughts. He hadn't been sure if he could do this again after Cassie. He looked up to see the fire in her eyes and stepped back in surprise.
She advanced on him angrily, "You... ! How dare you?! You still think I'm some sort of prostitute, don't you? That I'll... "
Rabb interrupted her tirade, "What? No! How could you... Dammit, woman, I think I'm falling in love with you!"
Mac stopped dead, eyes widening in shock, "What did you say?"
He looked at the ground again, his voice gruff, "I know I've no right to say this to you and, truth to tell, I never expected to feel this way again but I'm falling in love with you." He fell silent, still looking down and braced himself for her response.
Mac stared at him, speechless for the moment. She tucked a lock of hair behind an ear, a nervous habit, "I... I don't know what to say." His shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly and she took a step closer to him, "Josiah, you don't even know me! I wasn't expecting... it's not that... " She took a deep breath, "The problem is that I'm in love with your great-great-great grandson."
Rabb looked up at her, a smile quirking at his lips, "It certainly is a problem considering he won't be born for another 100 years or so. Believe me when I say I wasn't planning on this. ... don't you have any feelings for me?"
"I didn't say that. I do... I am attracted to you," she turned away, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Sarah... ," he put his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her around, "Is that such a bad thing?"
Her eyes seemed to look right through to his soul, "I don't know if it's you I'm attracted to or if it's because you look so much like Harm. Not that it matters, I can't fall in love with you! I don't belong in this time. I have to get back to my life."
"I realize that, but you're not even sure how you came to be here or how long that will take to get back." He tried a tentative smile, "Sarah... if I've learned nothing else in these last few years, it's to seize the moment."
Mac shook her head, "It wouldn't be fair to you. You have to know that, Josiah, and I can't, won't, do that to Harm."
"I'm not asking for fair. I will take what happiness I can get, wherever I find it, for as long as I can hold it. There's a war going on, I could die tomorrow." He took her hand, "Sarah, I'm not trying to be melodramatic, it's fact. And I did mean what I said last night, I will do what I can to help you return to your home. In the meantime, may I have your permission to court you?"
Mac smiled ruefully at him, "If you're anything like Harm, I don't see how I can stop you. You realize your chances of succeeding are exceedingly slim?"
"But not non-existent," he grinned and bowed, brushing his lips over the back of her hand, "I have no qualms about tilting at windmills when the prize is as beautiful as you."
Mac could feel herself blushing. This was going to be disconcerting, to say the least. Rabb smiled at her and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, "May I escort you back?"
Somewhat bemused, Mac nodded and they turned back towards Rabb's regiment. They'd only gotten a few steps before Mac's eyes narrowed and she pulled her hand free. Rabb turned towards her in bewilderment. Mac glared at him, "What about Tommy? Is the hospital still off-limits? Morton's just as likely to kill him as cure him."
His bewilderment changed to exasperation, not this again. "Dr. Morton is a competent surgeon and doctor! I'm sure Fitzgerald will prosper under his care. Why do you insist on bringing this up? A military field hospital is no place for women!"
Mac squeezed her eyes shut for a few seconds, resisting the urge to kick the man's six. She took a deep breath, "Josiah, I watched the man work. He doesn't wash his hands or his instruments in between patients."
"What in the world does that have to do with anything?" Rabb kept a check on his temper. He didn't want to start another donnybrook with the stubborn woman.
"He's spreading infection. Hell, he's causing infection and it's killing your wounded. You don't have any way to cure it." Mac tried to keep her voice level. Even though Tommy's wound was minor, it could get out of hand in a hurry if it became infected.
Rabb stared at her, "What are you talking about? How can he spread infection? The doctors always look for some laudable pus from a wound. They say it's the body's way of healing."
Mac put a hand on his arm, "Listen to me, Josiah. In my time, it's common knowledge that wounds have to be kept clean in order to heal quickly. Nothing goes near an open wound unless it's been cleaned thoroughly. The bandages need to be changed often and whoever's taking care of it needs to wash their hands before they touch anything. Do that and more of your men will survive." Rabb still looked skeptical. Mac let out a frustrated breath and put her hands on her hips, "Let me take care of Fitzgerald and I'll show you what I'm talking about."
Rabb looked a little aghast, "But... it's not proper for a woman to do hospital work!"
She tilted her head to one side and grinned suddenly, "If it were you, who would you rather have? Dr. Morton or me?" His face was a study in conflicting emotions and Mac stifled a chuckle, "If it makes you feel better, have Pvt. Mott assist me."
He sighed, she was worse than Cassie. "Very well." He pointed a finger at her, "At the first sign that Tommy's getting worse, Dr. Morton will take over."
Mac put out a hand, "Deal."
Rabb looked at her hand for a moment before engulfing it in his own. "Deal."
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1030 Local
Three days had passed since Mac and Rabb had reached their agreement. While she had never quite thought of herself as Florence Nightingale, it had been a welcome diversion. Fortunately, Fitzgerald's care was more a matter of basic hygiene. Keep everything clean and his normally robust constitution would take care of the rest. It gave her a purpose, as well as a reason to stay with the regiment... and Josiah. She shook her head, he hadn't been kidding about courting her and he certainly wasn't shy. This was one Rabb who didn't have commitment problems. Still, he remained a gentleman, when she said stop, he did. The problem was that she could foresee a time when she wasn't going to want to say stop. Mac heaved a quiet sigh, damn that Rabb charisma.
The other problem was what to do when Tommy went back on duty. Fitzgerald had made amazing progress and was already fussing about the inactivity. She and the Sergeant were the object of a good deal of attention. Word had run through the regiment about the deal and captured the men's fancy. Everybody loved an underdog (and very few liked Morton), so they were willing to overlook the impropriety and cheer her on. It'd been somewhat disconcerting to find that she had been adopted by the soldiers as a sort of mascot.
The men were also keen on a romance between the Major and herself. He was a popular officer. They appreciated his no-nonsense attitude. You knew where you stood with Rabb because he didn't beat around the bush and he combined that with a reputation for never needlessly risking his men's lives. That he was dashing, brave and handsome only added fuel to the fire. The story of her and Fitzgerald's escape from the bushwackers had also made the rounds. Apparently, most of these rough and tumble men had a huge sentimental streak. They decided she was 'plucky' and a good match for their Major. Mac could expect smiles and smug looks of approval whenever she found herself in Rabb's company. Initially, there'd been some looks about the way she dressed, but now they were becoming accustomed to her penchant for wearing pants. Her proponents declared that it showed a good deal of common sense.
Then there was the problem of being with this Union army. It was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. On his retreat northward, Hunter had taken time to burn the Virginia Military Institute in New Market in retaliation for the cadets' part in the earlier Battle of New Market. That the cadets were long gone didn't bother him in the least. Since the military in her time usually tried to avoid collateral damage, this deliberate destruction was grating. She wasn't sure how she was going to handle it if she was still here when Sheridan took over. The only bright spot was that Rabb's men didn't take part in the destruction. His regiment was still active as the rearguard.
There was also the little matter of being stuck in this place. She'd had dinner with Josiah every night. Nothing as elaborate as that first meal, but pleasant, nonetheless. They'd gone over everything that had happened to her and hadn't truly reached any conclusions. Massanutten Mountain was somehow involved and perhaps the White Horse Tavern. (Rabb knew of the place. It had simply been called McNair's Tavern up until the death of General Turner Ashby at the beginning of the war. The name had been changed to White Horse because of the white stallion Ashby rode.) The problem was that Josiah said the road on Massanutten was fairly well traveled both day and night and nothing untoward had been reported. It was frustrating as hell.
Mac looked up from her musings, "I'm sorry, Tommy, what were you saying?"
Fitzgerald grunted to himself. He was learning quite a bit about this young woman. She was turning more than a few of his notions about women upside down. For one thing, she was better educated than probably anybody around and that included the Major. It wasn't like she hit you over the head with it, it just became apparent when you talked with her. Nor were her interests what he expected. He thought women talked about children, men, fashion and each other. When Billy Douglas had stopped by yesterday (more to see her than to see him, Fitzgerald was fairly certain), the three of them had gotten into a discussion of tactics and strategy. Miss Sarah... Mac, had more than held her own. He was going to remember, with a great deal of satisfaction, the look on Billy's face when Mac finally told him that a good non-com was worth his weight in callow second lieutenants.
"Tommy?" Mac smiled, apparently she wasn't the only one who was wool-gathering.
Fitzgerald started, "What? Oh... sorry Mac." He shifted a little, they were both sitting on the ground in front of his tent, "Have you talked to the Major today?"
She shook her head, "No, is there some reason I should have?"
He scratched behind an ear, "According to Billy, he's going to have a word with Morton about doing things your way. I imagine there's gonna be quite a row."
Mac shrugged, "In the end, Morton will still have follow orders and it will save lives."
Tommy shook his head, "That's not exactly what's worrying me." He poked at the ground a couple of times before looking back up at her, "Did you know there's a small group within the regiment that doesn't like you very much?"
She raised an eyebrow while shaking her head, "No, but it doesn't surprise me. I can't be everybody's darling." Mac grinned, "Let me guess: I don't know how to dress properly and I'm uppity."
He smiled for a moment and then shook a finger at her, "Now don't go making light of this. Dr. Morton is one of them... Ezra Caine is another."
That sobered her, "You're not suggesting that he'd try anything, are you?" She still remembered the leer on Caine's face when he looked at her. It didn't take a genius to figure out what he wanted to do.
Fitzgerald snorted, "Not openly, but that don't mean he won't be watchin'. Don't you go giving him and his cronies any chance at you, you hear?"
Mac nodded, "I'll be careful."
******
As Tommy had predicted, when Rabb told Morton about the changes he wanted instituted, the resulting fireworks could be heard in the next county. It ended with Rabb relieving Morton of duty and placing him under arrest. Billy came by afterwards to share the particulars with Mac and Tommy.
"... fit to be tied," Billy reported with relish. "The Major let Morton rant for a time but you could see his neck getting redder and redder. Then he accused the Major of... " Douglas stopped suddenly and gulped, glancing over at Tommy.
Mac put a hand out, "It's all right, Billy. I can guess what Morton said." She looked at the two men, "How many others are saying or thinking the same thing?"
They exchanged looks and then Tommy coughed slightly, "Well, now, that's hard to say. There's been a fair amount of speculation. It's mostly just talk, mind you, and a lot of the men don't think about it one way or t'other. Of the ones that do, most think the Major's too much of a gentleman to take advantage. The rest wish it was them."
Leaning back, Mac sighed. Typical of these men to not think that she might have some say in the matter. To be fair, they did know the Major better, so she wasn't going to be offended. She looked back at Billy, "What happened after Morton said that?"
Billy grinned, "The Major got real quiet and then he called for his horse and the Doctor's. You should have seen Morton's face, he suddenly went white as a sheet. He started stuttering about them being officers but the Major cut him off. Told Morton that he'd give him a chance to defend his point of view without worrying about striking a superior officer. When the horses got there, the men practically threw Morton in the saddle and he and the Major rode off to a little copse of woods. I followed with Garrett - to make sure they weren't interrupted," Douglas added hastily, looking at Fitzgerald. Tommy nodded and Billy continued, "Morton wouldn't fight - kept yammering about being a man of healing and that he couldn't condone violence. The Major told him that it was this or pistols. He had insulted both the Major and you, ma'am, and he would have to answer for it."
Mac stared at him, "You're joking. Major Rabb was willing to shoot Morton?"
Billy nodded, looking a little perplexed, "Well... yes ma'am. He doesn't normally hold with dueling but he was pretty angry and Morton said things he couldn't let pass."
Tommy chimed in, "Dr. Morton's been a thorn in the Major's side for a while. Most times, he ignores the Doc's ranting about anything and everything but this time Morton went too far. It was a matter of honor." He glanced over at Billy, he liked Sarah MacKenzie but she was odd, no doubt about it. As smart as she was, there were strange gaps about ordinary things. Like the fact that the Major would defend her honor as a matter of course. Or, for someone who could shoot as well as she did, he'd had to show her how to load a gun. Then there was the fact that aside from admitting she was born out West, she had little to say about herself. Whenever he tried to get her to talk about her past, they always wound up discussing him or Josiah Rabb or the weather, of all things. Half the time, he couldn't figure out how the conversation had gotten away from him like that. Something was eating at her, though. When she thought he was asleep or not paying attention, she'd get this look on her face that was enough to break his heart.
Mac stared at the two men, once again feeling like this was some surreal Gone With The Wind drama she'd fallen into. "What did Morton do then?"
"He stood there quivering in his boots and claimed he wouldn't fight, that it was a matter of principle," Billy seemed torn between disgust and amusement. "The Major finally told Morton he was relieved of duty and to consider himself under arrest." The young man leaned back with a grin, "Odds are the Doc'll be sent packing soon enough."
Fitzgerald wagged a finger at him, "Don't you go supposin' nothin', Lieutenant. Doctors don't grow on trees." He turned and glared at a surprised Mac, "And you, young woman, this is gonna fan the fire, for sure. I don't want you going nowhere without someone escorting you."
Mac bristled, "I can take care of myself, Sergeant. I'm not stupid and I don't need a bodyguard."
Undaunted, Tommy stared at her, "Now I ain't callin' you stupid, Mac, but that don't mean I think you're acting all that smart, neither." He held up a hand when she started to speak, "I know you're handy with a pistol and your fists too, when it comes right down to it. Hell's Bells, the whole regiment knows it and that's the problem. That Ezra Caine, he might be lower than a snake's belly, but he ain't stupid neither. He won't be surprised again. You give him a chance and he'll take you up on it and I guarantee you won't see it coming. So stop letting your pride take the place of common sense. Anywhere you go from now on, it'll be with me, or Mott or Billy here, understand?"
"Can I be added to the list?" Rabb's voice surprised them all, they hadn't heard him approach. He waved a hand as all three started to climb to their feet, "Don't get up." He walked over and settled himself on the log Mac was leaning against. The Major looked from Tommy to Mac, "Fitzgerald's right, Sarah. Caine and his cronies haven't done anything that will let me take official action but that doesn't mean I trust them." He took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair, looking at Billy and the Sergeant, "The main Army is moving again, north towards Winchester." He shot a glance at Mac, "Sheridan's on his way to the Shenandoah with a division. If I thought it would be any safer, I'd make arrangements for you to leave the Valley altogether."
He'd come to accept what she'd told him as fact, even though it hadn't happened yet. It kept him awake nights. He was a professional soldier and proud of it but what Sarah said was coming filled him with shame. Being with Hunter was bad enough. Oh, he understood the military viewpoint and he'd seen his share of civilians unlucky enough to be caught between armies. What he didn't like was making deliberate war on the families of the soldiers he faced. It was cowardly and he couldn't justify it as so many of his brother officers were, by claiming that 'the damn Secesh had it coming for starting this war'.
His opinion put him in the minority and on treacherous ground. One had to look no further than the railroading of General Fitz-John Porter to see how deeply politics were embedded in this war. No one was safe. Just a whiff of being a 'southern sympathizer' could see him cashiered and imprisoned. Lincoln, in his single-minded drive to hold the Union together, had trampled a good deal of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights underfoot. Rabb was well aware that he could find himself lost in the prison system for months, years, without ever coming to trial.
Normally, he didn't let consequences interfere with his principles (the fact that he was still a Major while others less competent were Generals attested to that trait) but this was different. For one thing, Rabb knew his men liked and respected him. It was entirely possible that he could keep the coming depreciations from veering wildly out of control - at least within his sphere of influence. The other reason was sitting next to him. Whether she acknowledged it or not, Sarah was firmly under the mantle of his protection. She'd been right when she said she didn't fit into this time despite Fitzgerald's continuing, if unknowing, tutelage. If that protection was somehow sundered, she'd be the target of men like Morton and Caine. He couldn't risk it.
Whatever ire Mac had been feeling vanished at the news of Sheridan's imminent arrival. She took an involuntary glance at the surrounding landscape. It was hard to believe that this lush and fertile valley would soon resemble the most devastated areas of Bosnia. As much as she didn't want to see that, leaving the Valley was out of the question. Somehow, some way, Mac was sure that her return to her own time was tied to the Shenandoah. Leaving might sever the link forever, she couldn't take the chance. She focused anxiously on Rabb, "I can't leave the Valley. You know that, don't you?"
Fitzgerald and Billy exchanged confused glances. Mac and the Major seemed to have forgotten their presence, intent on each other. Tommy rubbed his jaw. That was an odd reaction from the Major and Mac. Instead of being surprised that Phil Sheridan was coming, they acted like they expected it and neither seemed happy. And their first consideration was whether or not Mac should remain in the Valley. Not stay with Rabb or stay with the Army but stay in the Valley... If he were a superstitious man, he'd be in a fair way to believing that Sarah MacKenzie was some sort of pooka and that the Major was under her spell. He'd never put much stock in that kind of tomfoolery but there were a surprising amount of men who did. He'd have to keep an ear out and tell Mott to do the same. It was this type of mischief that Ezra Caine could use to his advantage.
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1320 Local
He stared at her while the pit of his stomach dropped. She wanted to leave? "No." The word just popped out of his mouth.
Mac wearily scrubbed a hand across her forehead and stared at him, "Why not? It's becoming obvious that you've had second thoughts about what you said last night." She paused, "So which is it?"
He eyed her carefully, he was about to step into a bear trap and there was no way around it. "What do you mean?"
"Do you think I'm a liar or just crazy?"
"I... neither!... You can't leave!" What was she thinking? Hadn't this morning's episode with Fitzgerald taught her anything? They could have been killed!
"Of course, I can. I'm disruptive, impertinent and rude, remember? What difference does it make where I go, so long as I'm away from here? What do you want of me, anyway?" Damn! Well, now she knew that the 'A' in Rabb DNA stood for 'Ambivalence'. She looked at the ground again and sighed in frustration. Go... Stay... what in the hell did he want? Obviously, not her military skills or he wouldn't have sent her off at the first sign of combat. He had no need of her lawyering skills either. That left conversation or... her eyes narrowed. That son of a bitch! He sure as hell wasn't Harm!
Rabb rubbed the back of his neck and gazed at the ground, too. He knew why didn't he want her to leave, but how to say it to her without sounding like a complete jackass? He'd only met her yesterday and while he didn't believe in love at first sight, he found she was occupying a good deal of his thoughts. He hadn't been sure if he could do this again after Cassie. He looked up to see the fire in her eyes and stepped back in surprise.
She advanced on him angrily, "You... ! How dare you?! You still think I'm some sort of prostitute, don't you? That I'll... "
Rabb interrupted her tirade, "What? No! How could you... Dammit, woman, I think I'm falling in love with you!"
Mac stopped dead, eyes widening in shock, "What did you say?"
He looked at the ground again, his voice gruff, "I know I've no right to say this to you and, truth to tell, I never expected to feel this way again but I'm falling in love with you." He fell silent, still looking down and braced himself for her response.
Mac stared at him, speechless for the moment. She tucked a lock of hair behind an ear, a nervous habit, "I... I don't know what to say." His shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly and she took a step closer to him, "Josiah, you don't even know me! I wasn't expecting... it's not that... " She took a deep breath, "The problem is that I'm in love with your great-great-great grandson."
Rabb looked up at her, a smile quirking at his lips, "It certainly is a problem considering he won't be born for another 100 years or so. Believe me when I say I wasn't planning on this. ... don't you have any feelings for me?"
"I didn't say that. I do... I am attracted to you," she turned away, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Sarah... ," he put his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her around, "Is that such a bad thing?"
Her eyes seemed to look right through to his soul, "I don't know if it's you I'm attracted to or if it's because you look so much like Harm. Not that it matters, I can't fall in love with you! I don't belong in this time. I have to get back to my life."
"I realize that, but you're not even sure how you came to be here or how long that will take to get back." He tried a tentative smile, "Sarah... if I've learned nothing else in these last few years, it's to seize the moment."
Mac shook her head, "It wouldn't be fair to you. You have to know that, Josiah, and I can't, won't, do that to Harm."
"I'm not asking for fair. I will take what happiness I can get, wherever I find it, for as long as I can hold it. There's a war going on, I could die tomorrow." He took her hand, "Sarah, I'm not trying to be melodramatic, it's fact. And I did mean what I said last night, I will do what I can to help you return to your home. In the meantime, may I have your permission to court you?"
Mac smiled ruefully at him, "If you're anything like Harm, I don't see how I can stop you. You realize your chances of succeeding are exceedingly slim?"
"But not non-existent," he grinned and bowed, brushing his lips over the back of her hand, "I have no qualms about tilting at windmills when the prize is as beautiful as you."
Mac could feel herself blushing. This was going to be disconcerting, to say the least. Rabb smiled at her and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, "May I escort you back?"
Somewhat bemused, Mac nodded and they turned back towards Rabb's regiment. They'd only gotten a few steps before Mac's eyes narrowed and she pulled her hand free. Rabb turned towards her in bewilderment. Mac glared at him, "What about Tommy? Is the hospital still off-limits? Morton's just as likely to kill him as cure him."
His bewilderment changed to exasperation, not this again. "Dr. Morton is a competent surgeon and doctor! I'm sure Fitzgerald will prosper under his care. Why do you insist on bringing this up? A military field hospital is no place for women!"
Mac squeezed her eyes shut for a few seconds, resisting the urge to kick the man's six. She took a deep breath, "Josiah, I watched the man work. He doesn't wash his hands or his instruments in between patients."
"What in the world does that have to do with anything?" Rabb kept a check on his temper. He didn't want to start another donnybrook with the stubborn woman.
"He's spreading infection. Hell, he's causing infection and it's killing your wounded. You don't have any way to cure it." Mac tried to keep her voice level. Even though Tommy's wound was minor, it could get out of hand in a hurry if it became infected.
Rabb stared at her, "What are you talking about? How can he spread infection? The doctors always look for some laudable pus from a wound. They say it's the body's way of healing."
Mac put a hand on his arm, "Listen to me, Josiah. In my time, it's common knowledge that wounds have to be kept clean in order to heal quickly. Nothing goes near an open wound unless it's been cleaned thoroughly. The bandages need to be changed often and whoever's taking care of it needs to wash their hands before they touch anything. Do that and more of your men will survive." Rabb still looked skeptical. Mac let out a frustrated breath and put her hands on her hips, "Let me take care of Fitzgerald and I'll show you what I'm talking about."
Rabb looked a little aghast, "But... it's not proper for a woman to do hospital work!"
She tilted her head to one side and grinned suddenly, "If it were you, who would you rather have? Dr. Morton or me?" His face was a study in conflicting emotions and Mac stifled a chuckle, "If it makes you feel better, have Pvt. Mott assist me."
He sighed, she was worse than Cassie. "Very well." He pointed a finger at her, "At the first sign that Tommy's getting worse, Dr. Morton will take over."
Mac put out a hand, "Deal."
Rabb looked at her hand for a moment before engulfing it in his own. "Deal."
Shenandoah Valley Northern Virginia 1030 Local
Three days had passed since Mac and Rabb had reached their agreement. While she had never quite thought of herself as Florence Nightingale, it had been a welcome diversion. Fortunately, Fitzgerald's care was more a matter of basic hygiene. Keep everything clean and his normally robust constitution would take care of the rest. It gave her a purpose, as well as a reason to stay with the regiment... and Josiah. She shook her head, he hadn't been kidding about courting her and he certainly wasn't shy. This was one Rabb who didn't have commitment problems. Still, he remained a gentleman, when she said stop, he did. The problem was that she could foresee a time when she wasn't going to want to say stop. Mac heaved a quiet sigh, damn that Rabb charisma.
The other problem was what to do when Tommy went back on duty. Fitzgerald had made amazing progress and was already fussing about the inactivity. She and the Sergeant were the object of a good deal of attention. Word had run through the regiment about the deal and captured the men's fancy. Everybody loved an underdog (and very few liked Morton), so they were willing to overlook the impropriety and cheer her on. It'd been somewhat disconcerting to find that she had been adopted by the soldiers as a sort of mascot.
The men were also keen on a romance between the Major and herself. He was a popular officer. They appreciated his no-nonsense attitude. You knew where you stood with Rabb because he didn't beat around the bush and he combined that with a reputation for never needlessly risking his men's lives. That he was dashing, brave and handsome only added fuel to the fire. The story of her and Fitzgerald's escape from the bushwackers had also made the rounds. Apparently, most of these rough and tumble men had a huge sentimental streak. They decided she was 'plucky' and a good match for their Major. Mac could expect smiles and smug looks of approval whenever she found herself in Rabb's company. Initially, there'd been some looks about the way she dressed, but now they were becoming accustomed to her penchant for wearing pants. Her proponents declared that it showed a good deal of common sense.
Then there was the problem of being with this Union army. It was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. On his retreat northward, Hunter had taken time to burn the Virginia Military Institute in New Market in retaliation for the cadets' part in the earlier Battle of New Market. That the cadets were long gone didn't bother him in the least. Since the military in her time usually tried to avoid collateral damage, this deliberate destruction was grating. She wasn't sure how she was going to handle it if she was still here when Sheridan took over. The only bright spot was that Rabb's men didn't take part in the destruction. His regiment was still active as the rearguard.
There was also the little matter of being stuck in this place. She'd had dinner with Josiah every night. Nothing as elaborate as that first meal, but pleasant, nonetheless. They'd gone over everything that had happened to her and hadn't truly reached any conclusions. Massanutten Mountain was somehow involved and perhaps the White Horse Tavern. (Rabb knew of the place. It had simply been called McNair's Tavern up until the death of General Turner Ashby at the beginning of the war. The name had been changed to White Horse because of the white stallion Ashby rode.) The problem was that Josiah said the road on Massanutten was fairly well traveled both day and night and nothing untoward had been reported. It was frustrating as hell.
Mac looked up from her musings, "I'm sorry, Tommy, what were you saying?"
Fitzgerald grunted to himself. He was learning quite a bit about this young woman. She was turning more than a few of his notions about women upside down. For one thing, she was better educated than probably anybody around and that included the Major. It wasn't like she hit you over the head with it, it just became apparent when you talked with her. Nor were her interests what he expected. He thought women talked about children, men, fashion and each other. When Billy Douglas had stopped by yesterday (more to see her than to see him, Fitzgerald was fairly certain), the three of them had gotten into a discussion of tactics and strategy. Miss Sarah... Mac, had more than held her own. He was going to remember, with a great deal of satisfaction, the look on Billy's face when Mac finally told him that a good non-com was worth his weight in callow second lieutenants.
"Tommy?" Mac smiled, apparently she wasn't the only one who was wool-gathering.
Fitzgerald started, "What? Oh... sorry Mac." He shifted a little, they were both sitting on the ground in front of his tent, "Have you talked to the Major today?"
She shook her head, "No, is there some reason I should have?"
He scratched behind an ear, "According to Billy, he's going to have a word with Morton about doing things your way. I imagine there's gonna be quite a row."
Mac shrugged, "In the end, Morton will still have follow orders and it will save lives."
Tommy shook his head, "That's not exactly what's worrying me." He poked at the ground a couple of times before looking back up at her, "Did you know there's a small group within the regiment that doesn't like you very much?"
She raised an eyebrow while shaking her head, "No, but it doesn't surprise me. I can't be everybody's darling." Mac grinned, "Let me guess: I don't know how to dress properly and I'm uppity."
He smiled for a moment and then shook a finger at her, "Now don't go making light of this. Dr. Morton is one of them... Ezra Caine is another."
That sobered her, "You're not suggesting that he'd try anything, are you?" She still remembered the leer on Caine's face when he looked at her. It didn't take a genius to figure out what he wanted to do.
Fitzgerald snorted, "Not openly, but that don't mean he won't be watchin'. Don't you go giving him and his cronies any chance at you, you hear?"
Mac nodded, "I'll be careful."
******
As Tommy had predicted, when Rabb told Morton about the changes he wanted instituted, the resulting fireworks could be heard in the next county. It ended with Rabb relieving Morton of duty and placing him under arrest. Billy came by afterwards to share the particulars with Mac and Tommy.
"... fit to be tied," Billy reported with relish. "The Major let Morton rant for a time but you could see his neck getting redder and redder. Then he accused the Major of... " Douglas stopped suddenly and gulped, glancing over at Tommy.
Mac put a hand out, "It's all right, Billy. I can guess what Morton said." She looked at the two men, "How many others are saying or thinking the same thing?"
They exchanged looks and then Tommy coughed slightly, "Well, now, that's hard to say. There's been a fair amount of speculation. It's mostly just talk, mind you, and a lot of the men don't think about it one way or t'other. Of the ones that do, most think the Major's too much of a gentleman to take advantage. The rest wish it was them."
Leaning back, Mac sighed. Typical of these men to not think that she might have some say in the matter. To be fair, they did know the Major better, so she wasn't going to be offended. She looked back at Billy, "What happened after Morton said that?"
Billy grinned, "The Major got real quiet and then he called for his horse and the Doctor's. You should have seen Morton's face, he suddenly went white as a sheet. He started stuttering about them being officers but the Major cut him off. Told Morton that he'd give him a chance to defend his point of view without worrying about striking a superior officer. When the horses got there, the men practically threw Morton in the saddle and he and the Major rode off to a little copse of woods. I followed with Garrett - to make sure they weren't interrupted," Douglas added hastily, looking at Fitzgerald. Tommy nodded and Billy continued, "Morton wouldn't fight - kept yammering about being a man of healing and that he couldn't condone violence. The Major told him that it was this or pistols. He had insulted both the Major and you, ma'am, and he would have to answer for it."
Mac stared at him, "You're joking. Major Rabb was willing to shoot Morton?"
Billy nodded, looking a little perplexed, "Well... yes ma'am. He doesn't normally hold with dueling but he was pretty angry and Morton said things he couldn't let pass."
Tommy chimed in, "Dr. Morton's been a thorn in the Major's side for a while. Most times, he ignores the Doc's ranting about anything and everything but this time Morton went too far. It was a matter of honor." He glanced over at Billy, he liked Sarah MacKenzie but she was odd, no doubt about it. As smart as she was, there were strange gaps about ordinary things. Like the fact that the Major would defend her honor as a matter of course. Or, for someone who could shoot as well as she did, he'd had to show her how to load a gun. Then there was the fact that aside from admitting she was born out West, she had little to say about herself. Whenever he tried to get her to talk about her past, they always wound up discussing him or Josiah Rabb or the weather, of all things. Half the time, he couldn't figure out how the conversation had gotten away from him like that. Something was eating at her, though. When she thought he was asleep or not paying attention, she'd get this look on her face that was enough to break his heart.
Mac stared at the two men, once again feeling like this was some surreal Gone With The Wind drama she'd fallen into. "What did Morton do then?"
"He stood there quivering in his boots and claimed he wouldn't fight, that it was a matter of principle," Billy seemed torn between disgust and amusement. "The Major finally told Morton he was relieved of duty and to consider himself under arrest." The young man leaned back with a grin, "Odds are the Doc'll be sent packing soon enough."
Fitzgerald wagged a finger at him, "Don't you go supposin' nothin', Lieutenant. Doctors don't grow on trees." He turned and glared at a surprised Mac, "And you, young woman, this is gonna fan the fire, for sure. I don't want you going nowhere without someone escorting you."
Mac bristled, "I can take care of myself, Sergeant. I'm not stupid and I don't need a bodyguard."
Undaunted, Tommy stared at her, "Now I ain't callin' you stupid, Mac, but that don't mean I think you're acting all that smart, neither." He held up a hand when she started to speak, "I know you're handy with a pistol and your fists too, when it comes right down to it. Hell's Bells, the whole regiment knows it and that's the problem. That Ezra Caine, he might be lower than a snake's belly, but he ain't stupid neither. He won't be surprised again. You give him a chance and he'll take you up on it and I guarantee you won't see it coming. So stop letting your pride take the place of common sense. Anywhere you go from now on, it'll be with me, or Mott or Billy here, understand?"
"Can I be added to the list?" Rabb's voice surprised them all, they hadn't heard him approach. He waved a hand as all three started to climb to their feet, "Don't get up." He walked over and settled himself on the log Mac was leaning against. The Major looked from Tommy to Mac, "Fitzgerald's right, Sarah. Caine and his cronies haven't done anything that will let me take official action but that doesn't mean I trust them." He took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair, looking at Billy and the Sergeant, "The main Army is moving again, north towards Winchester." He shot a glance at Mac, "Sheridan's on his way to the Shenandoah with a division. If I thought it would be any safer, I'd make arrangements for you to leave the Valley altogether."
He'd come to accept what she'd told him as fact, even though it hadn't happened yet. It kept him awake nights. He was a professional soldier and proud of it but what Sarah said was coming filled him with shame. Being with Hunter was bad enough. Oh, he understood the military viewpoint and he'd seen his share of civilians unlucky enough to be caught between armies. What he didn't like was making deliberate war on the families of the soldiers he faced. It was cowardly and he couldn't justify it as so many of his brother officers were, by claiming that 'the damn Secesh had it coming for starting this war'.
His opinion put him in the minority and on treacherous ground. One had to look no further than the railroading of General Fitz-John Porter to see how deeply politics were embedded in this war. No one was safe. Just a whiff of being a 'southern sympathizer' could see him cashiered and imprisoned. Lincoln, in his single-minded drive to hold the Union together, had trampled a good deal of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights underfoot. Rabb was well aware that he could find himself lost in the prison system for months, years, without ever coming to trial.
Normally, he didn't let consequences interfere with his principles (the fact that he was still a Major while others less competent were Generals attested to that trait) but this was different. For one thing, Rabb knew his men liked and respected him. It was entirely possible that he could keep the coming depreciations from veering wildly out of control - at least within his sphere of influence. The other reason was sitting next to him. Whether she acknowledged it or not, Sarah was firmly under the mantle of his protection. She'd been right when she said she didn't fit into this time despite Fitzgerald's continuing, if unknowing, tutelage. If that protection was somehow sundered, she'd be the target of men like Morton and Caine. He couldn't risk it.
Whatever ire Mac had been feeling vanished at the news of Sheridan's imminent arrival. She took an involuntary glance at the surrounding landscape. It was hard to believe that this lush and fertile valley would soon resemble the most devastated areas of Bosnia. As much as she didn't want to see that, leaving the Valley was out of the question. Somehow, some way, Mac was sure that her return to her own time was tied to the Shenandoah. Leaving might sever the link forever, she couldn't take the chance. She focused anxiously on Rabb, "I can't leave the Valley. You know that, don't you?"
Fitzgerald and Billy exchanged confused glances. Mac and the Major seemed to have forgotten their presence, intent on each other. Tommy rubbed his jaw. That was an odd reaction from the Major and Mac. Instead of being surprised that Phil Sheridan was coming, they acted like they expected it and neither seemed happy. And their first consideration was whether or not Mac should remain in the Valley. Not stay with Rabb or stay with the Army but stay in the Valley... If he were a superstitious man, he'd be in a fair way to believing that Sarah MacKenzie was some sort of pooka and that the Major was under her spell. He'd never put much stock in that kind of tomfoolery but there were a surprising amount of men who did. He'd have to keep an ear out and tell Mott to do the same. It was this type of mischief that Ezra Caine could use to his advantage.