With a strange combination of tenderness and grief for this little, trusting soul who already was forced to face the harsh reality of the world around her, Charlie lifted her from Rebecca’s arms. "No, little one. I am not your papa. But I will be your friend. My name is Charlie. Can you say ‘‘Charlie’?"
Rebecca smiled at the scene in front of her. "You look so much alike. No wonder she thinks you are her Papa."
The baby smiled and pulled on Charlie’s tunic, bringing her face to his. "Papa."
Charlie chuckled, a little embarrassed. "No, honey. Charlie. I am Charlie."
The child continued, undaunted. "Papa!"
Charlie looked helpless and more than a little embarrassed. Looking beseechingly at Rebecca and then at the child’s mother, he mumbled, "I do not know why…… I am sorry, I do not mean to make this awkward."
Constance watched the Yankee Colonel with her daughter. He was gentle and tender with her. The woman wondered if he had children of his own he was anxious to get home to. She considered this thought and found herself thinking of the Colonel as just as much a victim as she was.
"Looks like you have a new friend, Charlie." Rebecca took the baby and held her close. "Or at least another admirer." She winked at him. "I promise not to get jealous over this one." She gave the baby a kiss on her forehead. "Time to go back to your Mama, sweetheart."
As Rebecca started to give the child back to her mother, the baby reached for Charlie, "Papa!"
Blushing under the intense gaze of the small child and the rather bewildered looks of her mother, Charlie looked to Rebecca for help. Not seeing any assistance coming from that source, he turned to the woman holding his young admirer. "Ma’am. Your daughter seems to have taken a shine to me. And you look like you could use a warm place and perhaps some medical attention." He turned to Rebecca, and asked plaintively, "Perhaps they could come back with us now and we could send for the others tomorrow?"
"Of course, Charlie. We will make room for them tonight. I think Emily has decided you are her new Papa." She laughed and turned to the baby playing with her hand. "Excellent choice, my dear. Constance, I will be happy to take her while you get your things together."
"Thank you, Rebecca."
Once again, the child was passed to Rebecca, but she continued to stare and smile at Charlie.
Charlie waited patiently for the woman to gather her belongings, such as they were. All the time, he flirted with the little imp in Rebecca’s arms. And in his mind, he thought of how perfect Rebecca looked with a child in her arms and how insufficient he was as her partner. He could never give her this joy. His heart sank deeper and deeper. The ugly little voice in his head just laughed maliciously.
"Charlie? Are you all right?" Rebecca noticed the shuttered look that had overcome the Colonel’s face.
Charlie looked down at his feet, and then out over the other refugees huddled in the church. "Yes, I am fine. Just thinking."
"I know it seems very daunting, Colonel, but I am sure we will make it through just fine." She adjusted the baby in her arms so she could touch Charlie’s shoulder. "We just have to do our best."
The eyes that met Rebecca’s were filled with sadness and regret. "We will do our best. I just hope our best is enough." I hope my best is enough for you, my love, my heart, for there are so many things I will never be able to give you.
Rebecca could see something was terribly wrong. She reached out and cupped his cheek, not caring who might see them. "Oh please, Charlie, do not worry. Everything will be all right. You have to believe that."
Before Charlie could respond, Emily let out a loud laugh and lunged for Charlie, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. "Papa. Good."
Charlie caught the tenacious, flying child in his arms. "All right, little one. I have you. Or more accurately, you have me. Miss Constance? I am afraid your daughter is very persistent." Charlie smiled at her shyly. "I hope you do not mind. I truly do not want to usurp her father’s place."
The woman smiled. "Colonel, my daughter is happy and it is you that is making her happy. She is very determined. I do not mind that she calls you Papa. I hope it does not bother you."
"Well, ma’am, when her father does return……"
"He will not be returning, Colonel. He was killed at Seven Pines."
"I am sorry, Ma’am. You have my sincerest condolences."
"Thank you, sir." She lifted her small bag, which Rebecca took since Charlie had his hands full of determined baby.
"Tell me, Charlie," Rebecca giggled. "How do you intend to drive and hold the baby? I do not think we are going to be able to pry her out of your arms."
"We are just going to have to do our best." He softened the echo of her words with a gentle smile. The four unlikely companions walked out into the crisp fall air. Charlie walked over to the hitching post and very seriously introduced Shannon and Emily. Her little hand reached out to the broad white stripe down the big horse’s face. "‘Orsy. P’etty ‘‘orsy." Charlie looked at the two women watching him.
Rebecca did not even try to hide the huge smile on her face. Charlie looked so natural with the child. She assisted Constance into the buggy then moved to Charlie. "Maybe she will sit on my lap next to you on the way home." When she held her hands out, the baby shook her head and tightened her arms around Charlie again.
"No!" The child simply refused to be separated from him.
"Or," Rebecca smirked. "You could hold her and I could drive."
"Or I could drive one handed. It is not like I am driving a full team. Shannon will go on verbal commands only."
"As you wish, Colonel. I say you do have a way with the ladies, do you not?" She teased. "I wonder what Sergeant Jackson will have to say about this." The blonde climbed into the buggy. "I imagine he will be very amused."
Charlie groaned. Jocko had been slipping around quietly. He was not quite sure who was really running the house, Rebecca or Jocko. He was very sure the two of them had created some kind of agreement, since his clothing was always there and ready, his office was impeccable and what he needed was normally at hand. But Jocko himself had managed to stay scarce lately, except for the ritual morning shave. Charlie made a mental note to check on the activities of his batman. Carefully balancing the bundle of energy in his left arm, Charlie climbed into the little trap, gathered up the reins in his right hand and clucked Shannon into a sedate walk towards home.
--*--
Upon returning to the farm, Charlie dropped his passengers at the house and excused himself to go brief his officers. He could only smile and promise his littlest friend he would be back soon. Emily was not a happy child. She was very vocal about it, shouting, "Papa. No. Go!" as the Colonel drove away.
The crying child brought Beulah and Lizbet to the door right away. "Good Lord, Miss Rebecca, who do we have here" Beulah asked as Emily’s sobs for Charlie, lessened to hiccups and sniffs against Rebecca’s shoulder.
"This is Mrs. Adams and Miss Emily. They are going to be staying with us for a while. Let us get them settled." She smiled to Lizbet. "Please take Mrs. Adams’ bag to the room on the second floor next to Dr. Walker’s and have Reg start a fire in there."
"Yes, Miss Rebecca." The young woman did as she was bid.
Rebecca then turned to Beulah. "If you would find Corporal Nailer for me. We need to figure out what Emily here can use as a crib."
"Yes, Ma’am. And Sarah has a fresh stew and hot tea in the kitchen."
"Thank you." Rebecca turned to Constance. "Come, let us get you some solid food while your room is put together."
"Miss Rebecca, I really do not want Em and I to be a burden to you. If you will just tell me where my room is I will be happy to just go there and be out of your way."