T. Novan - Words Heard In Silence / Xena Uber

Richard laughed. "And who said I was in my right mind? I served as your executive officer for how many years?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "And that was a symptom of your basic insanity? I would say your willingness to participate in all of this wedding planning is far more indicative of your mental health, or lack of it."

Both men looked over at the ladies, who were discussing the difference between three different lace swatches. For the life of them, neither Charlie nor Richard could see any difference at all between them.

"Shall we go out on the porch for a smoke and escape this hotbed of feminine plotting and planning?"

"Certainly. I always like getting my hands on your cigars. Where do you get them from, Charlie?"

"A tobacconist in Washington brings them in from Cuba for me. All you have to do is be willing to pay the price for them –– and know who to ask."

The two men adjourned to the back porch, enjoying the soft breeze from the mountains in the early summer heat.

For a few minutes, the men just smoked quietly, each enjoying the mild weather. Then Charlie asked, "So, are you going to run for office when you retire?"

"I have been thinking seriously about it. It would mean I would have to spend some time in Richmond, but I know you and Rebecca will make sure Elizabeth does not fade away for lack of company."

"We will certainly look after her when you are gone –– as much as she will let us. How goes the house?"

"It will be finished before the wedding, or so I am told. I do hope so; it will be nice to carry my lady across the threshold. Though I doubt she will allow me to do as dramatic a version of it as you did, my friend. My Elizabeth is far more pragmatic than romantic, I fear."

"Well, it will not be the same anyway, since your wedding feast is here, not at your new house."

"She got a telegram from Phil Sheridan the other day, saying he was coming down for the wedding and bringing something for her with him. Do you know anything about it?"

Charlie grinned. "I have an idea, but I think I would rather let General Sheridan confirm it rather than raise any expectations."

"Speaking of expectations, how goes the bank idea?"

"Cooke and I have been corresponding. Since I have at least a reasonable percentage of capital to invest personally, I am cautiously optimistic that we will have a bank here before the end of the year."

At that moment, Rebecca’s head emerged through the rear doors. "Charlie, Richard, could you come in and look at this for a moment. Elizabeth and I cannot decide between the eggshell or the off-white linen."

Both men groaned and dutifully entered the parlor to look at two pieces of linen that looked to them, almost exactly identical.

--*--

Friday, June 16, 1865

Sheridan’s train arrived on time, a novel experience given the continued disruption as Virginia attempted to transition from wartime to peacetime business. Richard met him and escorted him to the waiting carriage.

"So, Polk. Ready to commit yourself?"

"Yes, sir. I told you I wanted to marry her and I have kept my part of the bargain."

"So you did, Sir, so you did. I must confess, as witness to the event, it was the oddest proposal I have ever seen a man make. But I am honored to be here."

They rode in silence for a while, Sheridan happily chewing on his cigar and enjoying the fact that the land once again looked tended. Charlie’s influence was bringing Culpeper back from the devastation of the war more quickly than he had expected.

"Oh, by the way, Polk. Is Dr. Walker at the house? I have a little something for her she may enjoy receiving –– totally separate from the wedding, of course."

"Yes, sir. I believe you will see her at supper."

"Good, good. And is there a gentleman’s event this evening?"

"Well, nothing like what we did for Redmond, but yes, I believe some of the local men have plans for us tonight. Redmond’s batman, Jackson and his old mess sergeant, Jamison, have opened an inn on the south side of town. I believe we are expected to join them this evening."

"Well, good. I can use a glass or two of Jocko’s rum punch."

--*--

Supper that night was quietly celebratory. The plans for tomorrow’s wedding were all laid; guests had arrived and been appropriately housed, Sarah was looking pleased with the plans for the meal and all seemed to be in order.

As supper was ending, Sheridan looked at Elizabeth, his old friend, and grinned. "It will be very strange to call you Doctor Polk after so long, my dear."

"Well, you do not have to. I am planning to retain my own name, thank you."

Sheridan’s eyebrows rose at that announcement. It was unheard of. But then, many of the things Elizabeth Walker did were unheard of. "So, Polk, how do you feel about this…… break from tradition?"

"I expected it, actually. Elizabeth is now and always has been one of the most stubborn women I know. Fortunately, I like stubborn women."

A laugh went around the table, with Polk blushing and Elizabeth looking mildly offended.

Charlie cleared his throat and, looking around the table, announced, "Well, ladies and gentlemen, it appears we are finished with dinner. I believe it is time for us to leave the fairer sex to their evening."

"One moment, Redmond." Sheridan stood at his place at the table. "I have a small item for Dr. Walker." He reached into his breast pocket and withdrew an official looking document and a slim, elegant box. He unfolded the paper and read:

"Award of the Congressional Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service.

Whereas it appears from official reports that D r. Elizabeth Walker, a graduate of medicine, has rendered valuable service to the Government, and her efforts have been earnest and beneficial in a variety of ways, and that she was assigned to duty and served as an assistant surgeon attached to the 49 th Ohio Cavalry and then the 13 th Pennsylvania Cavalry, upon the recommendation of Major Generals Sheridan and Sherman, and faithfully served as contract surgeon in the service of the United States, and has devoted herself with much patriotic zeal to the sick and wounded soldiers, both in the field and hospitals, to the detriment of her own health; and

Whereas by reason of her not being a commissioned officer in the military service, a brevet or honorary rank cannot, under existing laws, be conferred upon her; and

Whereas in the opinion of the President an honorable recognition of her services and sufferings should be made:

It is ordered, that a testimonial thereof shall be hereby made and given to the said D r. Elizabeth Walker, and that the Medal of Honor for Meritorious Services be given her.

Given under my hand in the city of Washington, D .C., this 11th day of June, A. D . 1865.

Andrew Johnson

President, United States of America"

Sheridan folded the document, and opened the case. In it was the medal, struck of solid gold and suspended from a fine blue satin ribbon. "May I, Doctor Walker?"

Elizabeth was torn between blushing and beaming. "By all means, General Sheridan." She stood as he placed the ribbon around her neck and then he softly kissed her on the cheek. She sat and softly stroked the medal, looking rather stunned.

Charlie stood. "To my friend, my physician, and my savior, for without her, I would not be here today to make this toast and see her wed on the morrow. Many more men than I can count also owe her their lives. I give you Doctor Elizabeth Walker."

The rest of the people at the table stood and joined Charlie. "Dr. Walker!"