BETTY COLLECTED SOPHIE at five-thirty and helped her dress. Sophie chose a dark floral skirt with a simple white blouse and a jacket that complemented the skirt. Deciding to do her own hair, she attempted a simple chignon, but working with hairpins was a bit past her skill level. More hair ended up cascading down her back than staying in the bun.

What I wouldn’t do for a scrunchy right now.

She went downstairs to see if there was anything she could help with. A funny question to ask the wealthy with servants, but her mama taught her right and she couldn’t help at least asking. The house was alive with activity. Sophie didn’t want to be in the way, so she made her way to the parlor. Inside she found two boys sitting on the floor playing jacks and marbles.

She was about to say something to them, when Elizabeth bustled through the door. “Boys, it’s time to get ready for dinner. Please put your toys away.”

“Yes, Mama.”

She turned to Sophie. “Good evening, Sophie. Have you survived your day without any of us? I hope you weren’t bored.”

“Mr. Madden took me riding today.”

“How nice.” She turned back to her boys. “Thomas, Ambrose, come and meet Mrs. Ford. Sophie, I’d like you to meet my sons, Thomas is eight and Ambrose is six.”

The boys jumped up and bowed gallantly. The introduction was made, and then, just as quickly, the boys took off to get ready for dinner. Elizabeth laughed as they left, hoping aloud they didn’t break anything in their haste to eat. She linked her arm through Sophie’s and moved towards the foyer. The butler stood at the open door, welcoming Miriam, Christine, and Andrew. The group made their way back into the parlor. Adam, having managed to corral the two young boys, joined everyone a few minutes later.

Richard arrived promptly at six and was shown into the parlor. He placed a lingering kiss on Sophie’s fingers, and she blushed, embarrassed with the show of affection and somewhat dismayed by the scent of alcohol on Richard’s breath, heavier than earlier in the day. She sighed in relief when she was saved by the butler, who informed everyone that dinner was ready.

The group settled into relaxed conversation as dinner was served. Adam and Andrew filled everyone in on what was happening with the business, and Christine updated everyone on life at the hospital. The family started grilling Richard about what he was going to do while in Washington and he did his best to provide as much detail as he could.

“Has the President said what he needs you for, or for how long?” Michael asked.

“I believe it’s a strategy meeting. I imagine I’ll be gone for several weeks.”

“I’m sure Clay will be glad to see you. It has been a long time, has it not?” Nona sipped her wine.

“Yes, almost a year. It will be good to see him.”

Sophie nearly dropped her fork when she felt a hand on her leg. Richard’s hand. She pulled away and raised an eyebrow in warning but he simply smiled serenely as though nothing untoward had taken place. He made no further advances and Sophie almost wondered if she’d imagined it.

Almost.

When dinner was over, the men retired to the library and the women went to the parlor. Sophie was roped into a game of jacks with the boys and found herself on the floor laughing at how bad she was at it. The ball kept getting away from her and so, rather than picking up any jacks, she was forced to catch the ball. Hearing a noise at the doorway, she looked up to find Richard staring at her strangely. She didn’t have a chance to ask why as Adam and Elizabeth gathered the boys up and took their leave.

Andrew had escorted Christine and their mother, so when Miriam was ready to go soon after, he took them both home. Richard was the last to leave, and despite the early morning wake-up call, he lingered and waited for everyone to leave.

“Sophie, would you join me on the porch for a few minutes?”

Sophie’s heart raced. “Uh...um...sure.”

Richard escorted her to the front porch and settled her in one of the big chairs. He sat next to her, and they spent a few minutes staring at the perfect winter scene in front of them.

“What time do you have to get on the road?” Sophie asked, breaking the silence.

“I’ll be leaving at four.”

Sophie raised an eyebrow. “In the morning?”

“Yes.”

“Whew, that is early. Are you riding or taking a carriage?”

“I’ll be taking the train.”

Sophie didn’t really know what else to say. She felt a bit awkward and wasn’t altogether sure why Richard asked her to sit and talk with him. Rising to her feet, Sophie faced him. “Well, you should probably get going. Four o’clock is not very far away.”

Richard stood as well. “Yes, you’re right. I should go.”

Grasping her upper arms, he leaned down and placed his lips on hers. Sophie pushed him away, nauseous by the overwhelming stench of yet more alcohol on his breath.

Where is he finding this stuff?

“What are you doing?” she screeched.

“I’m simply saying farewell,” he slurred.

Sophie wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “Well, I did not give you leave to accost me.”

“I simply want to declare my intent.”

“Mr. Madden, please. I’m married to someone I love deeply. It doesn’t really matter what your intent is. I will not break my vows to my husband.”

“Your husband is probably dead, Sophie.”

Sophie blinked back tears. “Well, that was cruel.”

“I apologize.” He took both her hands, and placed a kiss on each of them. “I won’t stay any longer than absolutely necessary and when I return, I would like to speak further in-depth. If your husband is in fact lost, I will help you in any way I can.”

“I don’t need your help, Mr. Madden.” She pulled her hands from his. “And I won’t in the future.”

“We’ll see,” he said, tipped his hat and left her.

* * *

James Emerson sat up and turned his head at the sound of his door creaking open. A young woman shuffled inside and he had a flash of memory.

She smiled and made her way to the bed. “Good morning, sir. How are you feeling?”

“You’re the one who found me, right?” he asked.

Her light blonde head bobbed up and down. “Yes. I wasn’t sure if you’d remember. My name is Amelia Powell.”

Her ice-blue eyes crinkled at the corner and James thought she looked like—

Who? Who does she look like?

He swore and rubbed his forehead. Nothing. He couldn’t remember anything.

“Sir? Are you all right?”

James nodded slowly. “Yes, sorry. I’m feeling much better today.”

The black woman who’d been looking after him brought a tray and set it on the bed. “The doctor says you’s needs to get outta bed an’ walk around today.”

James smiled with relief.

“You jus’ need to eat an’ get ya strength back. You be back on your way in no time.”

Back on my way to where, though? I don’t even know who I am.

He nodded and picked up a piece of toast. A liberal portion of jam had been spread on top and he grinned up at Della. “You remembered exactly.”

“Yessuh. It’s my job to knows.”

James swallowed. “Well, I appreciate it. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better piece of toast in my life.”

Della’s cheeks reddened as she turned to gather the supplies to change his bandage.

“Daddy says you’re a lieutenant,” Amelia said.

Was he? He didn’t know. The decorations on his military coat indicated he was, but he would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the bars of a lieutenant, a colonel, or Captain Kangaroo.

James shrugged. “Yes, I suppose I am.”

“Of the cavalry.”

Cavalry... that means horses, right? Do I ride?

James nodded. “Yes.”

Amelia smoothed a hand over her skirts. “Did you lose your horse?”

“Miss Amelia,” Della admonished. “The po’ man don’t know what end’s up, chil’. Let him alone.”

James sipped his coffee and smiled gently. “I don’t know what happened to my horse. I don’t know what happened to my unit, either.”

Or my mind, for that matter.

“Daddy has three horses hidden in the barn.”

Della dropped the bandages with a thud. “Miss Amelia!”

“Della, he’s trying to keep them from the Rebels, not the Union. I think if Lieutenant Emerson needs one, Daddy should give him one.”

James kept himself from laughing at Della’s expression. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. Mr. Powell need never know we had this conversation.”

Della pushed Amelia toward the door. “Shoo, missie. I nee’ to change his bandages.”

Amelia left the room and James slid the sheet down just enough for her to work. “Does you nee’ me to get my son to help you dress?”

James shook his head. “No, thank you. I think that once you have me all fixed up, I can manage.”

“Yessuh.”

Once his bandages were changed, Della left the room and James climbed from the bed. His freshly washed uniform had been laid out on the chair next to the fireplace, so he pulled on his pants and paused to catch his breath.

Even though the bullet had caused a small hole and settled just under his skin, the wound the doctor created removing it was worse. He guessed the scar would be unsightly. He slid his hands down his face, surprised by the prick of stubble. He was used to being clean-shaven.

Am I?

He glanced in the mirror and vaguely remembered the face staring back at him. His beard seemed entirely out of place, but he couldn’t pinpoint why. Shaking away the confusion, he put his shirt on and awkwardly pulled the suspenders over his shoulders.

On the dresser lay an unfamiliar chain with two diamond rings and the intricately carved ring he’d been wearing. Della had insisted he remove the band two days ago, concerned that if he caught a fever or his fingers swelled, he’d never get it off. He’d read the inscription half a dozen times in the last two days, trying to jog his memory. “I love you more.”

Who loved him more? He couldn’t remember and whenever he tried, he ended up with a nasty headache. He figured the best he could hope for was to heal quickly and get to wherever it was he needed to go. Maybe that would make him remember.

* * *

“Baby, where have you been?” Jamie trailed kisses down her neck, cupping her breast, as he whispered, “I have missed you.”

“I can’t find you,” Sophie said. “Where are you?”

“I’m here, sweetheart.” His hand stroked her cheek as he leaned over to kiss her. “Have you even looked, or have you forgotten me already?”

“No, never. Tell me where you are.”

He drew her lower lip into his mouth and sucked; the familiar warmth pooled in her belly as he said, “I’m here. Why can’t you find me?”

A groan escaped at her frustration. “You are not here, Jamie. Where are you?”

“Right here.” Jamie slid the buttons on her nightgown and slipped his hand inside. Then he ripped the material in two and slid his hand between her legs, fingering her clit.

Sophie’s body reacted instantly and her breath came in short bursts as his hands seem to be everywhere – and then nothing. She woke with a start.

That’s all I get? SERIOUSLY?

Frustrated—on so many levels, Sophie punched her pillow. It was the middle of the night and she was dreaming of things that would never come to pass again. She needed to get a hold of herself. It was difficult enough to know she was no longer in the twenty-first century. Now she was dreaming of a life once lived, fully and in love.

Not fair!

* * *

Sophie woke the next morning with a plan forming in her mind. She would not wait another minute to find him. She had to get back. Jumping from the bed, she dressed quickly, foregoing the corset, and rushed downstairs.

“Good morning, dear.”

“Hi, Nona.” Sophie tried to keep the frustration from her voice.

“Breakfast is ready. Will you join me?”

“I need to get over to the barn.”

“Nonsense. Nothing’s more important that a good meal, dear.” Nona slipped her arm around her waist and let out a gasp. “Mrs. Ford, are you not wearing a corset?”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “I was in a hurry.”

“Well, that is absolutely no excuse to appear in public unclothed. Come. I’ll assist you.”

“Thank you,” Sophie grumbled and followed her up the stairs.

Sophie forced down breakfast and a cup of coffee, her smile tight in an effort to keep from snapping in frustration at her hostess.

“Why don’t I walk out to the stables with you?” Nona offered.

Sophie took a deep, calming breath and forced another smile. “That would be lovely.”

“Sophie! Thank goodness you’re here.”

They turned to see Christine bustling down the hallway.

“What’s amiss, Teeny?” Nona asked.

“Sorry, Nona.” Christine held her hand out to Sophie. “I need Sophie to come with me, if you don’t mind me stealing her away.”

“Not at all.” Nona turned to Sophie. “I’ll see you at lunch, dear.”

“Yes. Thank you. I look forward to that,” Sophie answered somewhat stiltedly as Christine took Sophie’s arm and guided her down the hallway. “How did you know I needed you?”

Christine chuckled. “I promised you that we would look for answers, so here I am.”

“Thank you. Let’s hurry.”

Sophie rushed toward the stables, but the snow crunching under her feet slowed the attempt. Her feet began to tingle, and she stopped briefly to stomp her feet in both an effort to circulate the blood and allay her frustration.

“The buildings aren’t going anywhere, Sophie.”

“I need to know, Christine. I need to find something, anything.”

Christine led her to where she had been found, per Nona’s information, and they began to push snow aside and kick anything that might be in their way. There was no sight of a disturbance in the ground and no apparent change in the air surrounding the area. Of course, Sophie didn’t really believe she’d find something so obvious as a trap door that opened to the future, but she thought perhaps there might be something to give her a clue at least.

“Ladies?”

Straightening her spine, Sophie pasted a serene expression on her face. “Andrew! What a lovely surprise.”

Andrew crossed his arms, and his mouth turned up in a half-smile of suspicion. “What are you doing?”

“Sophie thought she may have lost a button,” Christine said.

Sophie nodded. “Yes, exactly. A button.”

“May I assist?”

“No!” Sophie rushed to say. “I mean, no, we’re fine, Andrew.”

“Thank you, Drew, but I don’t think it’s here.” Christine pushed at the snow with her foot. “We were just getting ready to go back to the house.”

“We were?” Sophie asked and then turned quickly back to Andrew. “Right. We have been unsuccessful, so we’re going back to the house.”

Andrew shook his head with a chuckle. “You two have been acting quite strange lately.”

Christine linked her arm with Sophie’s. “Drew! What an unkind thing to say.”

“The truth is an unkind thing to say?” he challenged.

“No, no, we’re fine, Andrew. Really.” Sophie smiled. “Just looking for my button. Nothing untoward or strange going on.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow. “Very well. I’ll leave you to your button search. Find me if you require assistance.”

“Thanks, Andrew.” He stood for several minutes before finally walking away, and Sophie let out a sigh of relief. “That was close.”

Christine frowned. “He’s suspicious.”

“Well, it’s not like he could possibly guess what we’re looking for, Christine, so I think we’re somewhat safe from discovery.”

She giggled. “True.”

“Do we really need to go back to the house? I feel like we should look more.”

Christine shook her head. “Sophie, there’s nothing here. I’m not certain what we should be looking for, anyway.”

Sophie sighed. “You’re right. It’s useless. I’m never going to find a way home, am I?”

“Perhaps you aren’t meant to return.”

“Christine!”

Christine laid her hand on Sophie’s arm. “Would it be so terrible? To stay here? You have a place to live, and we are committed to helping you.”

“I know. Don’t think I don’t appreciate it, really.” Sophie’s eyes filled with tears. “But I need Jamie. I can’t live without him. I’m not strong like you.”

“I’m not saying we have to give up entirely. I just think you should try to relax and see what you can make out of your time here. Is that too much to ask?”

“No,” Sophie whispered. “It’s not too much to ask. I’ll try. But I’m not going to stop looking for a way back to him.”

“I’ll do everything I can to help you. I promise.”

Sophie nodded and followed Christine back to the house. Christine linked her hand in Sophie’s arm. “Why don’t we visit your soldier?”

“When did he become my soldier?”

“When you insisted Michael take over his care, which in turn usurped Dr. Palmer’s orders, which in turn, made him puff up like a peacock and challenge Michael.”

Sophie’s hand flew to her mouth. “He didn’t!”

“He did. However, Michael handled it beautifully, and your young soldier is now under careful watch and attention.” Christine giggled. “So, why don’t we visit him and you can see for yourself.”

“Sounds great.”

Sophie followed Christine back to the house, and they climbed into her buggy and drove to the hospital. Sophie tried to hide her surprise when they pulled up to a different area than previously and entered through a separate door, surprisingly more substantial than the tent flap she’d entered in before.