Love Knows Not Time Chapter 6]
I cannot believe we are married, Jeffrey. Neither can I, my darling wife. Tomorrow morning you must move whatever belongings you've acquired in here. I certainly will, Jeffrey. When was it that you knew you loved me, Jeffrey? I knew the day I received word of Jeremy's death and you stayed and comforted me. And I knew that I loved you on that day as well. I'm glad you stumbled into our camp on that day, Catriona. So am I, Jeffrey. So, what will you do after this war is over? I don't quite know, Catriona. I may stay in the army, and I may not. Whatever you would prefer I do, I'll do. I would not want to cause you any heartache or worry over my being in such a dangerous position. You must do what you think right, Jeffrey. And I will be behind you in it all the way. I have one more question to ask you, Catriona. What is it, Jeffrey? Do you wish to have a family? Yes, do you? I could think of nothing better, my darling. Oh, I do love you so, he said as they embraced. And I love you, Jeffrey Foster. Nothing in this world will ever part me from you. A month passed and Catriona and Jeffrey settled into their new life as a married couple. There were more than a few battles with the Jacobite highlanders, but each time Jeffrey came back to her unharmed. Catriona and Matron Brown were kept so busy tending to injured soldiers that Catriona's nursing skills grew overnight. One April night after they both had gone to bed Jeffrey told her that there was to be a major battle in a day or two. And where is this battle to be, Jeffrey? A place called Culloden Moor, Catriona. Do you know exactly when it will happen? No, I'm afraid not, Catriona. Whenever it happens, do be careful, Jeffrey. You mean the world to me. I will come back to you, my darling. That I promise. I love you, Jeffrey. And I love you, Catriona. Nothing will ever part us. I do not know what I would have done without you, Catriona, he said as they moved closer to one another. Goodnight, my love. And neither of them woke until the voice of Jeffrey's surly sergeant was heard bellowing outside. What is it, sergeant? The rebels are massing on Culloden Moor, Major, sir. The men are ready. I must go, Catriona. I love you. And I love you, my dear husband. Please be careful and cautious. I will, my darling, he said as he kissed her goodbye. Come back to me no matter what, she said as they embraced. And after he was gone Catriona arose and dressed herself and started for the infirmary. Good morning, Catriona. Good morning, Matron Brown. I suppose you are headed to the infirmary as well? Yes, I am , my dear. I saved you some porridge from my fire. Thank you, Matron. They got there in good time to help the other women and the surgeons and as soon as Catriona finished she started to help wherever she could. As the morning wore on they tended to injury after injury it seemed. And Catriona asked every soldier she tended about Jeffrey and whether they had seen him. And since no one had seen him in danger she started to hope that he was indeed alright. And it was'nt until hours later that she found out how he was. Catriona, do come here quickly. What is it, Matron?, she asked as she crossed to where Matron was. And what she saw gave her the shock of her life. Oh, my, it's my Jeffrey! Please, Matron go and get Surgeon Brown. Of course, my dear, she said as she sped away. Catriona?, he asked weakly. Yes, Jeffrey, I'm here. Rest now, ssh. Help is coming. Please don't go. Ssh, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. Thank goodness you're here, Surgeon. Alright, now lets see what can be done for him. Would you help me remove his clothing, Eliza? Of course, my dear. We must see if the bullet went through or not. Be gentle with him, now. Thank the Lord, the bullet went clean through. But it's still a nasty wound. Chest wounds of this sort always are. Eliza, please get me some alcohol and needle and thread. Yes, of course. And it was'nt a minute until she returned. Don't let him move, you two. Catriona? Yes, Jeffrey, I'm here. Surgeon Brown is going to stitch up your wound now. Even if it hurts, please don't try to move. Squeeze my hand if it does. There, it's done, Surgeon Brown said at last. Let's get him bandaged up. Can you support him while I bandage this wound, Catriona? Yes, Surgeon Brown. Alright now, lets get him into bed. If he gets feverish, give him this. Thank you, Surgeon. Think nothing of it, Catriona. And I will make up some broth for you to give him. Thank you, Matron. Catriona? I'm right here, Jeffrey, she said as she took hold of his hand. Sssh, rest now, my love, she said as she cleaned the dirt off his face.