RICHARD DIDN’T RETURN to Harrisburg until the beginning of April. The flowers, sprouting out of the earth as the snow melted, reached for the sun that shone a little longer, indicating the beginning of spring. Although the days were still quite cool, the absence of subzero temperatures seemed to put a skip in everyone’s step. Everyone but Sophie, who still hadn’t found anything to indicate how to get home. She was beginning to believe she may be stuck in the nineteenth-century for good.

On an unusually warm morning, Sophie made her way out to the stables to visit the horses, as she did as often as she could before starting her day. Her heart swelled as she called Samson’s name and he whinnied for her. As she stood outside Samson’s stall, she heard her name, and turned to see Richard walking towards her.

Sophie smiled. “Mr. Madden, you’re home.”

“Yes, ma’am, I am.” He smiled as he strode over to her, took her hand, and placed a kiss gently on her fingers.

Pulling her hand away from him, she slid it behind her back. “How was your trip?”

“It went very well, thank you. How have things been here? Have you been surviving?”

“Yes. I started volunteering at the hospital. It helps the days go by quicker. You must come up to the house. The Wades will be thrilled you’re home.”

“I actually have several things to do before I settle back in. I thought I might visit later today once everything is completed. Would you please let the Wades know that I’ll come by at six o’clock?”

Sophie chuckled. “Dinner time. Convenient.”

Richard grinned. “I thought so.”

He appeared reluctant to leave her, and once again, Sophie felt off-kilter. “I should get back to the house. Christine will be by shortly to take me to the hospital.”

“I look forward to dinner.”

“I’ll see you later.” Sophie made her way back to the house.

Christine pulled up in her little carriage as Sophie stepped onto the front porch, so the ladies let Nona know about Richard and then rushed off to the hospital.

Sophie was glad the day passed quickly.

Word got around that Richard was home, so the entire Simmonds family, sans children, planned to converge on the Wades for dinner.

Elizabeth arrived just after five o’clock, followed closely by Christine and Miriam. Adam and Andrew were detained with some import issues, so were going to be a bit late. The girls were having wine in the parlor when the butler showed Richard in.

“Good evening, ladies. Am I the first to arrive?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, you are,” Christine said. “May we offer you a drink?”

“Yes, that would be nice, thank you.” He made his way to Sophie and drew her hands to his lips. As he leaned closer, Sophie noticed the smell of alcohol again, and pulled her hands behind her back, shying away from the smell, relieved when Adam and Andrew arrived a few minutes after six and they were shown into the dining room. The table was alive with animated conversation. The hot topic, of course, was Richard’s meeting with the President.

“Richard, we’re all dying to know. What’s the news from Washington?” Michael asked.

“Yes, Richard. Do tell.” Adam’s sarcastically laced comment drew a smirk from Andrew.

“Lincoln has his eye on a First Lieutenant, James Emerson, who’s under Grant’s leadership. Despite being wounded a few months ago, the man has shown himself to be not only a great leader of men but exceptional at strategic fighting. Lincoln has ordered that he and a few of his men make their way here. They will arrive tomorrow. Lincoln believes that he and I can partner to train more men. I’ll concentrate on the horses and Lieutenant Emerson will focus on the men.”

“So, what does that mean for you? No more front lines?” Andrew sipped his whiskey.

“For the time being, I’m home, with no orders to do anything differently at present.” Richard stared at Sophie.

“That must be a relief.” She gave him an awkward smile.

“Yes, I have to admit, it is.”

Everyone was in great spirits and once dinner was over, the women retired to the parlor while the men went to the library.

The moment the girls walked into the room, the ladies begged Christine to play for them. She chuckled and sat down at the piano, insisting Sophie sing with her. It took Sophie a little longer to acquiesce. She should have known it was futile to try to bow out of it.

Christine started a tune that Sophie was familiar with so she sang along. Finishing the song, Sophie turned to see Adam leading the men back into the parlor, clapping as they entered the room.

“Sophie, that was astounding,” Richard said.

Sophie blushed. “Thank you.”

“Where did you learn to sing like that?” Christine asked.

Sophie shrugged. “I guess I have always sung. I never really thought about it.”

“Well, you and Christine will need to play again!” Elizabeth said.

“Yes, I agree.” Richard smiled.

“Thank you, that’s very nice.” Sophie lowered her head.

The evening wrapped up shortly after the impromptu performance by Sophie and Christine. As everyone made their good-byes, Richard hung back. Once the rest of the guests left, he insisted Sophie join him on the porch. “Sophie, you have a wonderful voice.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“I missed you while I was gone.”

He leaned down to kiss her, and Sophie had to hold back a snort of disgust as she deflected him, the smell of alcohol once again overwhelming. “Richard, please, I’m not sure that this is entirely appropriate.”

“I know you missed me.” Reaching inside his pocket, he pulled out a long velvet box. “I have a gift for you.”

“No, really, it’s unnecessary.”

“I took the time to choose it for you, Sophie. Open it.”

Sophie held her hands up in protest. “I don’t think it’s appropriate.”

“I’ll open it, then.” Richard lifted the lid, and Sophie let out a gasp of both admiration and horror. Nestled in a bed of silk lay a diamond bracelet, the likes of which Sophie had never seen before. Three large baguettes were separated by smaller, round stones, and Sophie thought it was the gaudiest thing she’d ever seen.

“Richard, no. I can’t take this. Absolutely not.”

“Of course you can. It’s a gift.”

Richard handed the box to her. Sophie pushed it back. “No, I’m sorry. It’s too extravagant and I cannot accept it. Will not accept it.”

“I don’t understand. I thought we had an understanding.”

“What kind of understanding?”

“A long-term one.”

“Richard, I think I need to make myself clear. Despite the fact that Jamie isn’t here, I am still deeply in love with him.” Sophie pressed her arm against her stomach. “I don’t know if that will ever change. I’d like to continue our friendship, but if you cannot accept that it will never be anything more, it might be best if we didn’t see each other.”

Richard looked disappointed, and she thought she caught a glimpse of anger in his expression, but his voice was even when he said, “We’ll sort this out, Sophie. Take things slowly.”

She didn’t want to take anything slowly. She didn’t want to take anything anywhere, but she wasn’t in the mood to argue with him. He may never fully understand her feelings for Jamie. Exhausted from the busy day, she quickly made work of undressing and getting into bed. She had to admit she was somewhat frustrated with Jamie. She knew it was illogical, but she wanted him with her, not just to scare off the likes of Richard, and she was put out by his absence. Only Jamie could make things right.

* * *

Sophie awakened the next morning, dressed quickly, and arrived downstairs to find the house in an uproar. Sophie caught Michael sneaking off to his office and cornered him. “Michael, what’s going on?”

“Nona has decided to have a ball this evening for Lieutenant Emerson.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I have found the best thing to do during times like these is to stay out of the way.” Michael chuckled and continued to his office.

The front door opened a few seconds later, and Elizabeth walked in, her hands full. “Good morning, Sophie.”

“Good morning.” Sophie rushed up to help relieve her of her burdens.

“Thank you.” Elizabeth handed over a few of her packages.

“Where would you like me to put these?”

“Let’s find Nona and we’ll ask her where she wants them. There is something in there for you, but I’ll show that to you once we put these other things away.”

They found Nona in the ballroom. She took the packages from the girls and, after a few minutes of small talk, hustled off to organize and plan the last-minute event. Elizabeth and Sophie made their way up to her bedroom.

Sophie’s curiosity was overwhelming. “What have you done?”

Elizabeth turned, looking like the cat that swallowed the canary. “I haven’t done anything,” she said as she opened the box previously laid on the bed.

Sophie gasped as Elizabeth pulled out the most beautiful ball gown she had ever seen. Cobalt blue velvet, her favorite color, off the shoulder, and with a plunging neckline that incorporated an intricately embroidered border in ivory satin, which was also at the bottom of the skirt and sleeves. Tiny ivory pearl clusters were strategically placed around the neckline, and the buttons to close the dress matched the clusters.

“This is incredible, but I can’t take this from you. You should wear it,” Sophie said as she tried to hand the gown back to her.

“Actually, Sophie, it’s not mine. Christine commissioned Madame Desmarais to make it when we altered the copper dress. She was going to surprise you with it on your birthday, but we both felt this would be perfect for tonight.”

“This is magnificent. I can’t believe how incredibly wonderful you and your family have been to me. Thank you so much for everything.”

Elizabeth hugged her and chuckled. “Well, we’ve decided we adore you and we’re going to keep you. Now, I must get back to the children. Christine will be over early tonight to help you with your hair and I believe she’s also planning on dressing here. I’ll see you tonight.”

Once Sophie walked her out, she made an attempt to help Nona, realizing relatively quickly it was a losing battle.

Since she needed something to do, Sophie decided to take Topper lunch. Several weeks had passed since the Wades had taken in Topper and it had been tumultuous at best. Sophie saw cracks even in Nona, the woman who never lost her composure.

Carrying a tray up to his room, she knocked on the door. No answer. She tried again. “Topper? I have lunch for you.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“I’m coming in.” She pushed the door open and frowned. “What happened here?”

“None of your business.”

The tray from breakfast lay face down on the floor, oatmeal stuck to the wood, and milk souring around it.

“This is just great, Topper.” Sophie laid her burden on the bureau and bent to pick up the mess. “Did you do this all by yourself? Hm? Did it make you feel better to throw a tantrum?”

Topper grunted.

“This is ridiculous! You need to eat.”

He held up his stump with a scowl.

“What?” Sophie snapped. “Are you trying to tell me that you can’t eat because your hand is gone?”

“I can’t do anything because my hand is gone,” he yelled.

“You have another hand, Topper.” He let out a curse. Sophie chuckled sardonically. “You don’t offend me, bud. I know you’d like to, but it won’t work.”

“Leave me the hell alone!”

Sophie slammed the bowl onto the tray and stood. “No! I won’t. Everyone in this house has been tiptoeing around, worried about the poor boy who has been injured. How young he is to have seen so much and experienced so much pain.”

“Well, I have.”

Sophie shook her finger at him. “It was your choice, Topper! You made the decision to lie about your age and join the adult fight. Now, you’re dealing with adult consequences. I’m sorry you lost your hand. I know it hurts and makes your life difficult, but you have your other hand—and your life.” She slammed her fist on the nightstand. “Look at me when I’m speaking you!” He turned eyes full of anger on her. “You have your life, Topper. Your brother wasn’t so lucky, and I cannot imagine he would want you to spend the rest of yours angry and pitiful.”

“You don’t know a god damn thing about my brother,” he snapped.

“Then tell me! I want to know all of it. The good, bad, and indifferent! I’m a great ally to have, and I’m here to listen without judgment to whatever it is you want to say. But I will not sit back and let you wallow in self-pity.”

“Sophie?” Michael stood in the doorway, breathing heavy as though he ran up the stairs. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, Michael. We’re fine.”

He glared at his nephew. “Did you do something to offend Mrs. Ford?” Michael’s tone was laced with warning.

Sophie shook her head. “No, not at all, Michael. We were simply having a healthy debate.” She turned back to Topper. “Weren’t we?”

Topper nodded and turned his head toward the window.

“What happened here?” Michael bent down to help Sophie pick up the discarded dishes.

“Nothing we can’t handle.” Sophie stood and set the tray on the nightstand. “Right, Topper? He actually just asked if I could find a wet cloth so that he could wipe up the mess. Didn’t you, Topper?” Topper grunted but Sophie wouldn’t give up. “In fact, Michael, perhaps you could take the tray back to the kitchen and get us a few rags?”

“I’ll send Betty up.”

Sophie held up her hand. “No, no. Topper’s going to clean the mess up. He insists.” She nearly laughed out loud at Michael’s baffled expression.

“All right. I’ll return shortly.”

Michael left the room and Sophie crossed her arms. Topper turned his head back to her and glared. “I’m not cleaning anything.”

Sophie snorted. “Oh, yes, you are, you ungrateful little cretin.”

“Who’s going to make me?”

“Really? We’re going with that?” Sophie turned to the bureau and poured a glass of water. “We can play this game all day long, little man, but you are going to clean that mess up. You’re also going to start treating the staff with respect.”

“They’re servants.”

Sophie turned slowly and stared at him. “No, they are not. They’re hard working men and women who are paid to do a job. No more or less than you.”

“I’m nothing like them.”

“You’re right. You’re a spoiled brat.”

Michael returned with a metal bucket filled halfway with soap and water, and several rags.

“Thank you.” Sophie turned back to Topper. “Up and at ’em. Time to clean up your mess.”

Michael set the bucket down. “Perhaps, I should get some assistance.”

“No, Michael. Topper made the mess. Topper’s going to clean up the mess. Now.” She wagged a finger toward Toper. “Get your skinny butt out of that bed and start.”

“You say strange things, lady.”

“I’ve heard that before,” she retorted.

She watched him sit up, throw his legs over the side of the bed, and then push himself off the side. He let out a loud, pathetic whimper, and she had to physically push Michael out of the room to stop him from rescuing Topper. “Oh, that was really quite convincing, bud.” She crossed her arms and smiled. “You’ve refused pain meds from the start, you don’t get to pull that card when it’s something you don’t want to do. Now, grow a pair and start mopping up your mess.”

“Sophie? A word?”

She stepped into the hallway and faced Michael, knowing exactly what was coming. “The boy is wounded. He should not have to clean when we have staff to handle it.” Michael slid his hands into his pockets. “This is all too much for him.”

“Michael, he threw a tantrum and that’s why there’s a mess to begin with. He’s horrible to the staff, rude to Nona, rude to me, and an all-around pill. He has to learn to live without a hand, and we need to help him do it with a good attitude.”

Michael’s brow puckered into a V, and Sophie reached over and squeezed his arm. “Trust me. He’s angry, for very valid reasons, but he can’t go through life like this.”

He took a deep breath. “I’ll give you some time, Sophie. I just pray it doesn’t take long.”

Sophie smiled. “It won’t. Don’t coddle him. Give me that much.”

With a stilted nod, Michael turned and left her. Sophie made her way back into the bedroom and found Topper had, in fact, cleaned up the mess and now sat on the bed, fuming.

“Good job.” Sophie smiled. “Dr. Henderson is arriving in an hour to check your wounds. Right now, though, you need to eat.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Sophie chuckled. “Oh, I can’t imagine that’s a true statement. You didn’t finish your breakfast.”

“Has anyone ever mentioned your instability?”

“Was that a jest, Master Wade? It’s a good one.” Sophie picked up the tray and set it beside him on the bed. “Let’s just say that my specialty falls to angry young men who like to make others miserable in order for them to feel better.” She handed him half the sandwich. “Now, eat.”