TWELVE #2
When she was reminded it was Christmas time, though it saddened her.
The first Christmas she would be alone. Except she wasn’t truly alone.
The Howards made sure of that. Then, with a pang, she thought of how alone Henry would be.
It had been months since she’d last seen him, and there had been no word.
No one knew where he was, or if he was even alive.
Glancing over at Abigail, she saw her blinking back tears. No doubt she was thinking of both Henry and Elijah.
“I will speak plainly, for the sake of everyone here,” Levi said, drawing their attention.
“It’s been over a month since thine unit left for the fort and no one has returned.
Winter’s set in, and conditions will soon not allow any wagon to make it through the mountain pass—it’s a miracle that we haven’t had a large measure of snow yet.
If they haven’t returned by Christmas or the first heavy snowfall, I think it is best to assume thine unit won’t be returning until spring. ”
Sullivan stood and nodded towards Griffen. “We’ve already come to that conclusion. When the first snowfall comes, the flock needs to be moved into the barn during the coldest intervals. We’ll bunk down in here—with your permission.”
If Levi was shocked at his request, it didn’t show. Maggie, on the other hand, was amazed. Not at this new information—that she had figured out herself—but at Sullivan requesting permission. It was the first time he had asked to do anything, instead of assuming he was allowed to do as he pleased.
Perhaps it was because this discussion was happening in the parlor, during their time of devotion. Whatever the case may be, it was a welcome change.
Levi looked to Abigail. “As long as my wife agrees, that will be fine.”
Of course, Abigail did. It was decided—the two corporals would be under the same roof with all of them.
The house just got a little bit tighter.
The first snowfall began on the Twentieth of December. Maggie watched the first flakes fall to the ground and stick. Dread filled her. The army wouldn’t be back now for months, and there would be no escape from Sullivan or Griffen.
Although Sullivan had yet to speak to her directly since that fateful night, there was a sense of foreboding anytime he was near her.
Abigail was accepting of the change of events, but Maggie could tell she wasn’t truly happy.
Abigail walked around, present, but dejected.
Elijah would be staying at the Browns until spring as well.
Levi had warned their son of the possibility, and both had decided Elijah would stay put until they came for him.
The winter, now fully set in, was driving them stir crazy.
Normally, there would be ample mending or preparation for spring, but there was barely anything left in the house.
Mealtimes were boring and bland. The loom stood empty, as there was no more wool.
There would be a surplus had they been allowed to shear the sheep.
But alas, that was one more condition Captain Lynch had imposed: not a single sheep was to be fleeced.
The days passed slowly. Levi tried to brighten their spirits by bringing in a turkey after a hunting expedition with Sullivan. Sullivan still didn’t allow Levi to carry a gun, but he didn’t thwart him from leading the trips.
Together, Maggie and Abigail prepared the turkey as best they could, using the remaining spices from Sullivan’s pack.
It was slow-roasted on a spit above the fire for several hours on Christmas Eve.
The juicy smell of it filled the house, and for a moment, Maggie forgot where she was when she opened her eyes on Christmas morning.
For the briefest of seconds, she was back in her family’s cabin, ready to see what Father Christmas had left in her stocking.
As reality sank in, she knew that memory would never be true again.
Reaching up by her neck, she touched her necklace and whispered, “Happy Christmas, Mama.”
Despite the turkey, it was a dreadful day. Emotions were high for everyone, though no one spoke of it. Rather than wait until dinner time, they shared a noon meal. Levi carved the turkey, Maggie studying the napkin in her lap rather than watching the slicing of the butcher knife.
Griffen surprisingly barely touched his food. Abigail noticed and leaned over to him. “Is thee unwell?” A motherly question spoken with a tender heart.
To everyone’s mortification, Griffen sniffled loudly, clearing his throat. “Just fine, ma’am. I’m just thinking of my family back home.”
Sullivan looked embarrassed while the rest of them just stared at Griffen. He’d been polite. There was a person in there after all.
“And where is thy family?” Abigail asked softly.
“West Virginia. We—they—usually try to buy a turkey for Christmas. My little brothers always fight over getting a leg.”
Abigail smiled encouragingly and Levi joined in. “That sounds like my family growing up. I expect most families have similar traditions.”
Conversation lagged after that, no one wanting to share any more emotional memories. As soon as the meal was done, Sullivan scooted his chair back and excused himself and Griffen to go “check on the flock.” As if it were his full responsibility.
The remaining three cleared the table, putting the turkey leftovers away until the evening.
As soon as the tasks were completed, Maggie sought shelter in the loft without asking to be excused.
It didn’t seem to bother Abigail or Levi in the slightest, as they were reigning in their own emotions that day.
Begrudgingly, Maggie, Sullivan, and Griffen reconvened in the parlor that evening for the Howards’ time of devotion. Levi opened the Bible to Luke 2 and opened his mouth to begin, but paused. Focusing on Sullivan, he asked, “Would thee like to do the honor tonight?”
Sullivan saw the outstretched bible and blanched. “Erm, what chapter?”
“Luke, chapter two.”
Despite Levi’s reply, Sullivan made no move to take the Bible. He seemed to be considering something and then waved it away.
“No pressure, then. Maggie, would—” Levi started before Sullivan interrupted.
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David). To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field…” Sullivan drifted off, stopping.
For a moment, no one said a word. He’d recited that entirely from memory. Levi and Abigail looked amazed. Griffen’s mouth hung open. Maggie was flabbergasted.
Seeing all eyes on him, Sullivan appeared embarrassed and flushed red. He roughly cleared his throat.
Levi beamed at him. “Well done! Would thee care to continue?” He outstretched the Bible once more.
A flicker of emotion crossed Sullivan’s face. Maggie furrowed her brows in confusion. It didn’t make sense. But then, a thought crossed her mind. His embarrassment at being put on the spot, his intense listening to scripture over the past week, his ego and need to be superior.
He couldn’t read.
Rising from her chair, she held her hand out for the Bible. “I’d like to continue, if Corporal Sullivan doesn’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Sullivan said gruffly, the blush fading from his face.
Now Levi appeared perplexed, but relinquished it to her.
Picking up where he’d left off, Maggie began.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them…” She read on, finishing the chapter.
Handing the Bible back to Levi, she took her seat, careful not to look at Sullivan.
Abigail closed them in prayer, and the evening was over. Not a second after “amen,” Sullivan rose, leaving without saying goodnight. Griffen, as ever unaware, followed after him, like a puppy chasing its tail.
Abigail locked eyes with Maggie. “That was very kind of thee.”
Now embarrassed herself, Maggie looked away. “Happy Christmas. I think I’ll go to bed now.” Acutely aware of Abigail and Levi watching her, she hastened from the room once again to the sanctuary of the loft.
Why do I feel guilty? I was just saving him from being humiliated, right?
She in no way had feelings for Sullivan.
Quite the contrary. However… Levi had long since guessed at some sort of regard that Sullivan had for her.
She’d rejected the theory when he accused her of being a spy.
Sullivan had continued to be abrasive and confrontational, but every now and then, when his guard slipped, she was momentarily uncertain.
Unable to make sense of it, she tried to go to sleep, where she would hopefully only dream of Henry.