“Mr. Cooper has volunteered to take the supplies, since Captain Gains is expecting them,” Clara continued. “You could go with him, if you’d like.”
In 2001 or 1941, I could get away with being alone with Gray. But in 1861, Papa wouldn’t like it—if he found out.
“I wish I had known you were coming,” Clara said, and I cringed when Gray looked at me. “I would have asked to speak to the ladies’ aid meeting another time.”
“It was a last-minute decision,” I said quickly, not meeting Gray’s gaze.
“I’m happy Mr. Cooper will not be going out alone.” Clara smiled. “You can leave the horse and wagon at the livery down the street, and I’ll see that they’re both returned to my friend. Now, I really must be off.” She waved as she hurried away to her meeting.
When she was gone and the landlady was back inside, Gray crossed his arms over the side of the wagon, a knowing grin in place. “Why did you lie to me about your plans to come today?”
I turned from him, making myself busy with the supplies,checking the ropes that held all the boxes in place. What could I possibly tell him that wouldn’t embarrass me?
When I didn’t answer, he came around to my side of the wagon and grasped the rope I was testing. His gloved hand brushed against mine, but I still refused to look at him.
“If you wished to spend the afternoon with me, you didn’t need to lie.” His voice was so close to my ear, it sent a delicious shiver down my back. “After all, I thought we were friends.”
I inhaled but couldn’t think of a response. He completely unraveled me.
“Are you ready?” I asked, giving the rope one more tug. “Everything looks secure.”
He chuckled and offered me his hand to get into the wagon. I took it, trying not to be aware of his touch. I lifted the hem of my skirt to climb aboard as he rubbed his thumb over the top of my hand.
The sensation surprised me, even through our gloves, and I turned to look at him.
He winked.
I scowled. “You’re incorrigible.”
With another self-satisfied grin, Gray let go of my hand, walked around the horses, and climbed up on the other side.
Suddenly, the next few hours spread out before me with great anticipation.
He slapped the reins against the back of the horses, and the wagon creaked as we pulled into the muddy street.
“I wasn’t sure you’d come,” I said, growing serious, “after hearing of Colonel Ellsworth’s death.”
“It’s a devastating blow, but there’s little I can do.” He sat next to me on the tight seat, his leg pushing against my skirts. “I wanted to keep my word to Miss Barton.”
“I’m happy you did.” The words slipped out before I could hold them back.
He smiled and looked out at the street. “So am I.”
We drove in silence as he maneuvered through Washington, eventually coming to the Long Bridge. Dozens of wagons were moving across, bringing supplies and soldiers to the newly occupied Alexandria County. A sentry asked us our business and looked through the wagon before letting us pass. Several other wagons had pulled up behind us as we waited.
The Long Bridge was almost a mile long and spanned the Potomac River, connecting Washington to Arlington, Virginia. I had never been on it and was impressed with its length and stability. The sound of creaking wagon wheels and shouting drivers filled the air.
I couldn’t help but feel depressed watching these men prepare for war. I knew what was coming, what they would all face. And though I also knew it was necessary, it would be devastating.
“Don’t you think we’ll win this thing?” Gray asked.
I glanced at him, surprised. “Why would you ask me that?”
“The look on your face is one of defeat.”
“It’s not defeat but sadness. I can’t help but think of everything we will sacrifice before this is done.”
“You don’t believe this will be over in a few months? That we’ll win without trouble?”
