Words Heard in Silence Read Online Free PDF Page A

quarters as possible, or that the bath had to be set up down stream from the mess. He also required that every man bathe as regularly as possible and wash his uniforms. No, they had not understood all the new rules when Colonel Redmond had taken over, but when it became apparent that the overall level of health and fitness had increased, they began doing the Colonel’s bidding without question.
    The final stop was to check on the horses. Charlie’s command was light cavalry; their horses were their lives. Each man who rode, was required to carefully groom their beasts, tend to their feet, keeping them clean, trimmed and make sure that shoes were in good shape and not loose. A bad shoe could make a horse lame in a matter of hours, especially if there was a hard trip to be taken.
    The land that they were currently camped on was a horse’s version of heaven. Fenced pastures and a network of small creeks running with fresh water guaranteed each animal the freedom to roam with plenty of clean water and fresh, sweet grass instead of being staked at picket lines eating rotting, moldy hay. Charlie knew that more thanks were due Miss Rebecca.
    Returning to his own tent, he changed into spare uniform britches, clean shirt and vest. He considered putting on his day coat but even though it was October, it was still very warm. Redressed, Charlie stuck his head out of his tent, giving a whistle that was known to be the call for his batman.
    "Aye, Colonel C?" Jackson slipped into his tent quietly and as they had done for many years, they dispensed with the formality of a salute. Other than Dr. Elizabeth Walker and her own field assistant Mr. Walt Whitman, Jackson was the only other person in the entire army who knew his secret.
    Jackson and Charlie had been together since Charlie’s early days in the army, since the gruesome battle of Buena Vista that had earned him the career track as an officer and not merely as cannon fodder under the command of another. He had saved Jackson’s life during that campaign and Jackson had save his numerous times since, by safe guarding his secret.
    "I borrowed our hostess’s brother’s clothing this morning, Jackson. I think I should return it without the smell of the stables. Would you handle it?"
    He smiled at his commander, giving a gentle sniff to the air. "Aye, Colonel C. Seems that you ‘‘borrowed’ more than the clothes. Is that perfumed soap I smell?"
    Charlie sighed. He should have known that his companion would torment him if he knew what had transpired at the house. While Jackson did not really know, he had a good idea.
    "Had yourself a nice bath in a real tub did ya’?"
    "I did." The Colonel hoped his short answer would placate the man.
    "And would you be returning these duds to the lady yourself?"
    "I would, my friend and extending her my protection as well. Let the men know, if you would, that any insult to her will be an insult to me."
    "You know, Colonel, the men will cheer you on. I think your tendency to stay to yourself worries them sometimes. You know –– not manly enough. Though the good Lord knows, they have seen just what you can do on a battlefield."
    Charlie laughed. Jackson regularly defended the commander’s ‘‘manhood’. Generally, it was done with his very dry and droll wit, but occasionally, when someone had the bad sense to suggest that the commander preferred the company of men to the charms of the ladies, he had been known to bust the occasional head. Given Jackson’s Irish temper, Charlie was surprised that there were not more men down on the injured list from a solid thumping from his batman.
    "Well, if things work out as I hope, I will probably be moving my command up to the main house."
    "Oh my. That sounds serious." He grinned at his commander. "Does she know?"
    "Yes."
    "How?"
    "I let her tend my wound. She noticed."
    "Sweet Jesu, Charlie. What did you go and do that for? She could destroy you!"
    "I know, Jocko. I know. But there is just something