The Sapphire Brooch by Katherine Logan (best novels to read to improve english .txt) 📕

An icy finger touched her spine at the emphasis he placed on father. She wasn’t sure if he knew she had impersonated her ancestor or not, but it could get very complicated if he did. “I understand the miracle was accomplished with smoke and mirrors, Mr. President.”

His laughter echoed throughout the room.

49

Washington City, March 28, 1865

Charlotte finished changing the dressing for the final soldier in her thirty-two-patient ward, put her supplies in the cupboard, and checked her inventory. The steward who performed the tasks of pharmacist, clerk, and general manager of the ward had already restocked the cabinet with medicines and dressings. Unless the hospital had an influx of wounded overnight, her ward was adequately prepared for the next day’s needs.

The very day the surgeon-in-charge had given her responsibility for the ward, she had initiated the cleanliness standard now copied throughout the hospital. Patients were given wound care and baths daily, clean dressings were always used, sheets were changed when soiled, and floors were cleaned every shift if possible. Sick patients were no longer housed with the wounded, and caregivers washed their hands between patients. As a result, the hospital’s infection rate had dropped significantly. She was still considered an oddity, but her skills had won over the majority of her critics.

A nurse entered the ward carrying an armload of clean linens. “Is your brother late tonight, Doctor Mallory?”

Charlotte tossed her apron into the dirty linens basket and rolled down her sleeves. “If Jack’s busy writing a post, he often forgets the time. When his stomach starts growling, he’ll remember it’s time to pick me up.” She considered walking home, but she had promised him she would never travel on foot without an escort. Society expected such a concession of a single woman. Jack, however, demanded it because of the implied threats from Gordon. Although, if he hadn’t recited a litany of horrific crimes against women, she probably wouldn’t have bought into his demands.

The hospital’s front door burst open, startling her. She drew herself up and squared her shoulders before cautiously peeking around the ward door to see who had barged in so energetically. It was Jack.

The chilly wind had turned his cheeks ruddy and his hair appealingly windblown. When he spotted her, his eyes remained unblinking on her face. “I’m late. Sorry.”

She reached for his arm. “Something’s wrong. What is it?’

He leaned closer and murmured. “Wait until we get outside.”

Several convalescing soldiers had been playing chess or cards at tables set against the wall. They had all stopped playing to concentrate on Jack. Many held game pieces in their hands, as if their pause buttons had been clicked.

“It’s time for supper. I’m hungry,” Jack explained to the men with a shrug. They turned back to their games, clucking with disappointment like a yard full of nosy old hens.

She swung a cape around her shoulders and fastened the clasp. “Hope you’re not expecting me to cook.”

Jack waited until they were far enough down the street, past the hospital grounds, before saying, “I heard a group of sympathizers has been arrested in Richmond and incarcerated in Castle Thunder.”

“The invasion of Richmond is only a few days away. I’m sure they’ll be all right,” she said.

“Braham was arrested with them.”

She dug her fingers into Jack’s wrist. The stiff white edge of his shirt cuff crackled beneath her fingers. “Not again.”

He put his hand over hers, loosened her grip, and held her hand, squeezing gently. “I’m going to Richmond tonight to see what I can do.”

“No. It’s too dangerous,” she said, her voice trembling.

“They evacuate—” Jack paused while a group of soldiers marched briskly around them and crossed the street, dodging several wagons. He waited until the street was clear before escorting Charlotte to the opposite corner. “As I was about to say, the prisoners will be evacuated before the Union troops arrive. If Braham is to be rescued, it has to happen before the prisoners are removed from Richmond.”

She hurried out of earshot of other pedestrians crossing the street. “There’s a network in place with people who can help. They’ve helped him before. Surely they don’t need you.”

“They needed you to get him out last time.” The line between Jack’s brows deepened again. “I thought you cared about him.”

She snorted, and the white mist of her breath purled around her head like cigar smoke. “I do care about him, but he needs a new occupation. He’s a lousy spy.”

“Come on, let’s get inside.”

They continued to the townhouse in silence. When they reached it, Jack said, “If prison officials discover who they have in custody, they’ll hang him. Braham’s already been convicted and sentenced. If I can get to Richmond, I’ll find a way to get him out, or I’ll bribe people to stall the execution long enough for the war to end.”

She stomped up the steps to the front door. “You think you’ve got it all figured out, but you have no idea what it’s like to have bullets flying over your head.”

He put his arm around her and snugged her to his side. “I’m not going into battle.”

She pushed away from him. “Lee’s last offensive will be in two days, at Fort Stedman.”

“Which is at Petersburg, south of Richmond. I won’t be near the fighting.”

She reached for the door. “You’re absolutely right. Because you’ll be here in Washington. You’re not at home where you can jump in a car and drive down the highway.”

“You traveled to Richmond a few months ago without a car. If you can do it…”

She shot him an irritated glance. “Let’s get some things straight. I had a pass from the president, and he arranged transport for me on Grant’s steamer. Those aren’t available to you.”

“I found the pass from the president.” His voice held a little bit of steel.

She was stunned, and her mind refused to accept what he was saying.

“And before you say anything else, it hasn’t expired.”

After a long silence, she stormed into the house, slammed the