They rode in silence for a while, Sheridan happily chewing on his cigar and enjoying the fact that the land once again looked tended. Charlie’s influence was bringing Culpeper back from the devastation of the war more quickly than he had expected.
"Oh, by the way, Polk. Is Dr. Walker at the house? I have a little something for her she may enjoy receiving –– totally separate from the wedding, of course."
"Yes, sir. I believe you will see her at supper."
"Good, good. And is there a gentleman’s event this evening?"
"Well, nothing like what we did for Redmond, but yes, I believe some of the local men have plans for us tonight. Redmond’s batman, Jackson and his old mess sergeant, Jamison, have opened an inn on the south side of town. I believe we are expected to join them this evening."
"Well, good. I can use a glass or two of Jocko’s rum punch."
--*--
Supper that night was quietly celebratory. The plans for tomorrow’s wedding were all laid; guests had arrived and been appropriately housed, Sarah was looking pleased with the plans for the meal and all seemed to be in order.
As supper was ending, Sheridan looked at Elizabeth, his old friend, and grinned. "It will be very strange to call you Doctor Polk after so long, my dear."
"Well, you do not have to. I am planning to retain my own name, thank you."
Sheridan’s eyebrows rose at that announcement. It was unheard of. But then, many of the things Elizabeth Walker did were unheard of. "So, Polk, how do you feel about this…… break from tradition?"
"I expected it, actually. Elizabeth is now and always has been one of the most stubborn women I know. Fortunately, I like stubborn women."
A laugh went around the table, with Polk blushing and Elizabeth looking mildly offended.
Charlie cleared his throat and, looking around the table, announced, "Well, ladies and gentlemen, it appears we are finished with dinner. I believe it is time for us to leave the fairer sex to their evening."
"One moment, Redmond." Sheridan stood at his place at the table. "I have a small item for Dr. Walker." He reached into his breast pocket and withdrew an official looking document and a slim, elegant box. He unfolded the paper and read:
"Award of the Congressional Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service.
Whereas it appears from official reports that Dr. Elizabeth Walker, a graduate of medicine, has rendered valuable service to the Government, and her efforts have been earnest and beneficial in a variety of ways, and that she was assigned to duty and served as an assistant surgeon attached to the 49th Ohio Cavalry and then the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, upon the recommendation of Major Generals Sheridan and Sherman, and faithfully served as contract surgeon in the service of the United States, and has devoted herself with much patriotic zeal to the sick and wounded soldiers, both in the field and hospitals, to the detriment of her own health; and
Whereas by reason of her not being a commissioned officer in the military service, a brevet or honorary rank cannot, under existing laws, be conferred upon her; and
Whereas in the opinion of the President an honorable recognition of her services and sufferings should be made:
It is ordered, that a testimonial thereof shall be hereby made and given to the said Dr. Elizabeth Walker, and that the Medal of Honor for Meritorious Services be given her.
Given under my hand in the city of Washington, D.C., this 11th day of June, A.D. 1865.
Andrew Johnson
President, United States of America"
Sheridan folded the document, and opened the case. In it was the medal, struck of solid gold and suspended from a fine blue satin ribbon. "May I, Doctor Walker?"
Elizabeth was torn between blushing and beaming. "By all means, General Sheridan." She stood as he placed the ribbon around her neck and then he softly kissed her on the cheek. She sat and softly stroked the medal, looking rather stunned.
Charlie stood. "To my friend, my physician, and my savior, for without her, I would not be here today to make this toast and see her wed on the morrow. Many more men than I can count also owe her their lives. I give you Doctor Elizabeth Walker."
The rest of the people at the table stood and joined Charlie. "Dr. Walker!"
--*--
The gentleman had gone off to their own celebration and the ladies adjourned to the rear parlor for their own festivities where they were joined by Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Cooper, and Mrs. White. The men would be more in number, but Rebecca was sure the ladies would have just as good a time.
Sarah had laid out a very nice table of refreshments. Rebecca was peering into the bowl of punch, which had been set in the center of the table. Elizabeth joined her, looking in after her to see what was so fascinating. "What are you doing?"
"I think it is missing something."
Elizabeth ladled up a small cup and tasted it. "No, I think it is lovely, very fruity and refreshing."
"Trust me," Rebecca grinned and moved to a cabinet where she retrieved a bottle of Charlie’s best rum. "It is missing something."
Elizabeth's eyebrows rose. "I take it you want me to go to my own wedding with a hangover?"
"Well, my dear, you can drink slowly. However, if you should be in need, Sarah has a remedy that will take care of you." And with that, she poured the bottle into the punch. "I simply do not see why the men should have all the fun."
Elizabeth looked at her friend with wide eyes. She knew what Sarah used as a remedy for the hangover. It worked, but just trying to get it down one's throat was, in her opinion, probably worse than the hangover itself. "Oh, well, what the devil. Let us emulate our masculine partners on this one night. And Rebecca Redmond - if I am miserable tomorrow and need Sarah's cure, you have to drink one with me."
Rebecca ladled two cups out and handed one Elizabeth. "It is best enjoyed with a friend." She took a healthy drink of hers and coughed just a bit. "Very smooth." She choked, hoping her eyes would not tear up.
Elizabeth, having been involved in drinking contests with the gentlemen when out in the field, had the good sense to sip hers. "I think I will wait until the rest of our guests arrive before I indulge to the point of senselessness."
A moment later the parlor doors opened and the rest of the ladies entered escorted by Reg, who was trying desperately to be polite but make a quick retreat from this den of ladies. Ladies of any color in a bunch made Reg nervous.
Rebecca was kind enough to warn the ladies of the punch and told them she would be happy to provide other resources if they desired. She was not truly amazed when her offer was declined and each of the three pulled their own cups from the bowl.
"It is a party. Let us celebrate." Mrs. Cooper lifted her cup to her friends.
--*--
Charlie quietly closed the door and headed up the stairs, using his left hand on the banister to steady himself. He was by no means completely drunk, but he was nicely tight and, for the first time in a very long time, the pain in his body was all but forgotten.
He took the steps slowly, carefully then at the top he walked down the hall to their bedroom. He noticed the light was on and filtered under the door. Quietly he pushed the door open and immediately noticed something was not quite right. Just inside the door at his feet was the top of Rebecca dress. A foot or so past that was her skirt. He grinned like an idiot and began following the trail of clothing, which consisted of the layers required to make Rebecca’s dress look so full.