"Hurry! Get your sister!" Mother ordered jubilantly, waving the letter in her hand.
I took the nearest hansom cab to the Stafford residence. Nora herself answered the door.
"Delightful to see you, Meta!" she greeted. "Might I offer you some tea?"
"No time!" I answered. "We have a letter from David!"
Nora and her husband immediately joined me on the next cab back home. By the time we arrived, Father had returned from his errand to fetch Simon.
"What kept you?!" Mother demanded, ripping open the envelope.
The letter read as follows:
Dearest Mother, Father, Lenora, Simon, Corine, and Meta,
Things are not nearly as grim as I expected. Working with a highly trained team of professionals, I have been able to save many lives. I truly feel I am making a difference in the world, and I expect the war will be over in no time.
The food here is palatable, although I am missing Mother's homecooked meals. At least our barracks are rather comfortable, all things considered.
Tell Corine that I wish her all the best. She should be graduating soon, and being a lawyer should be easy enough for her. After all, the Dawson women do tend to be naturally defiant.
Father will no doubt be pleased to hear I shall soon be promoted to sergeant. I never imagined such a thing, but I suppose life is full of pleasant surprises.
As ever I remain,
David Q. Dawson
The relief that came over Mother is something I'll never forget. Her heart was finally at peace.
"That's wonderful news!" Nora smiled warmly. "Meta, will you give me a hand in the kitchen? Join us, Simon."
Simon and I followed her. As soon as we were out of sight, Nora put her finger to her lips.
"Forgot something outside!" she announced, ushering us out the back door.
"What is it now, Lenora?" Simon asked, crossing his arms.
"Act like you're looking for something so suspicions aren't aroused," Nora instructed.
I got down on my hands and knees.
"David wrote another letter that arrived a few days ago." She pulled the letter from her pocket and began reading.
Dear Lenora,
Swear by Daniel's memory that you will not tell Mother or Father what I am about to write. I could not bear knowing how terribly worried they would be. I would not have written it at all, but I feel I must confess the truth to someone, and I know you are strong enough to hear it.
Before I joined the army, I had never lost a patient. Now I have lost count of the number of valiant soldiers I have seen perish. Most have fear or sorrow in their eyes as they realize they will never again see their beloved homes or their cherished families.
One young soldier was seriously wounded saving another's life. When the poor mouse was carried to the medic's tent, we discovered she was actually a woman! She had disguised herself as a man in order to fight by her fiancé's side rather than live without him. The poor gentleman was distraught when he discovered that the woman he loved was dying in his arms. While we worked to save her life, one of the officers sent for the chaplain, who married them at once. However, despite our finest efforts, the young lady passed away.
In another news, one of the nurses has confided that she may be with issue. If that is so, I hope she shall be honorably discharged before something happens that causes her to lose her baby.
Why the deuce were landmines invented? If one is set on destruction, is it not better to shoot one's opponent honorably like a gentleman rather than maiming him for life?
As ever I remain,
David Q. Dawson
"Now come closer like we've found the lost object," Nora instructed.
Simon and I complied.
"Remember, David wouldn't want Mother or Father to find out. We have to act as if we haven't heard horrific news."
I nodded.