On Friday afternoon, the whole town seemed to shut down early. When Isaac Pike had heard that there was to be a big send-off for all of the boys going out to fight, he insisted on hosting it at his house. And no one protested, as the Pikes were known for throwing some of the best social events in the county. After the double wedding at the First Baptist Church, they all walked or drove their horses and carriages the few blocks to the stately, two-story brick house on Broadway. Frieda had stayed behind to ensure everyone would have plenty of libations when they arrived. It was almost like a parade, Cordia noticed, as she walked along beside her parents making their way back home. Some of the fighting men were in their uniforms, many carrying their guns, sometimes firing them up into the air. And though not all the uniforms were the same, some for one side, some for the other, no one seemed to be disagreeable or ready to fight the folks from their own town. This was the last celebration before the war, and they did not mean to spoil it by discussing the issues as of yet.
As they made their way into the yard, Cordia’s role switched from member of the audience to hostess, and she hurried about trying to make their dozens of guests as comfortable as possible. Her father had arranged for several bales of hay and benches to be set up in the yard. A trio of musicians was playing the fiddle, guitar, and accordion. The fire was a blazing, cooking several hogs, enough for everyone. Cordia scurried about, handing glasses of water and ale off to her guests, careful not to trip over the children running back and forth throughout the rolling green yard. Her mother and Frieda were awful busy as well, making sure the number of beverages was enough to go around. In her hustle and bustle, Cordia barely had time to think. At one point, she turned so quickly, taking drinks to more guests, that she ran smack into someone. She looked up, stunned to see that it was Will.
He grabbed the cup in her hand, as well as most of her fingers, trying to keep the vessel from spilling. “Miss Cordia,” he said politely.
She was shocked to see him there. He had not been at the weddings. Of course, he didn’t know anyone getting married. Still, she had just assumed he would not be joining them for the celebration. Yet, there he was, out of nowhere, as he always seemed to be, and now he was practically holding her hand. Finally, she gathered her wits a little bit. “Mr. Tucker,” she said. “I am surprised to see you. Do you care for a drink?” she asked. He was wearing his Union uniform, which told her that he, too, must have been leaving the next day.
“Actually, I think I’m wearing some of it,” he said, wiping a few drops off of his jacket.
She just noticed that she had, in fact, spilled some of the water she was carrying on him. “Oh, dear,” she said, handing the cups off to Susannah, who just happened to be standing close by. “Let me get that for you,” she pulled a hand towel out of her waistband and began to dry him off.
“That’s all right,” he said. “It will dry.” She noticed he was smiling at her and imagined it was because she seemed so concerned over just a few drops of water.
Will inhaled deeply; Cordia was leaning in close to him in her attempt to amend her accident, and he could smell the scent of lilac wafting from her perfectly exquisite neck. This was the closest he had ever been to her. He began to notice how delicate her skin looked, imagined that it must feel like silk. A few of the curls from her dark brown hair had come loose from the combs that held it up and the ringlets fell just behind her pearl earrings. And for some reason, he noticed, he was not nearly as uncomfortable being this close to her as he had been weeks ago in the presence of his sister. Why, he did not know, but when she began to back away, he was disappointed the moment was over.
Cordia suddenly realized how closely she was standing to him. She could feel his breath on her neck, could smell his cologne. She found herself feeling a little dizzy. How long had she been standing there? It seemed like time had stopped for a few moments, but then she remembered herself and her duties and regained her composure. “Mr. Tucker,” she said, not quite meeting his eyes, “Please let me know if there is anything that I can get for you, sir.”
He wasn’t sure why she was being so formal, she a fine lady, he nothing but a farmer. “Please, call me Will,” he said, just as she was turning to walk away. She turned and smiled over her shoulder, a little nod to say that she would try to oblige from now on. Will then saw Jaris standing across the yard, next to Carey and some other uniformed men, some in Union, some Confederate. He made his way over to where they were standing, and Cordia disappeared into the crowd.
The night was full of dancing and singing, gallivanting, and general merriment. Cordia danced with Jaris for the first time since they were kids and forced to do so at school. He was a good dancer, and he whirled her around as if he had not a care in the world.
Eventually, people seemed to tucker out and head for home, leaving only a handful of close family and friends sitting around a campfire, remembering the good old days and boasting of the glory that was to come. Many of the young men seemed particularly sure that they would be killing several of the members of the opposing army, probably as soon as tomorrow.