Page 87 of Surrender to Honor

“I tried to tell you, Lucas.”

“I hope I haven’t caused a family quarrel,” said Lincoln. “I will say this though, Colonel Rourke, if it will rest your mind, as Commander in Chief, I command Rachel to conclude all measure of espionage from here on out. Rachel is not in the south any longer where I could not stop her heroic and indispensable activities. She is in Washington and under my jurisdiction.”

“Thank you, Mr. President,” said Lucas relieved. “Acquiescence is a new word for Rachel. There were times I recall, she’d rather drink vinegar. But your orders do have a delightful ring. Yet I can’t imagine what other revelations will surface today.” Lucas exhaled, a long speculative sigh, and Rachel laughed again.

“Uncle Abe, allow me to make introductions,” said Rachel. “This is Simon and Jimmy O’Hara. And…did you get my wish list?”

Lincoln chuckled. “When she was younger, it used to be licorice sticks or peppermints, now it’s more exacting, but just as affordable, especially in light that she saved my life.”

Lincoln sobered. “First, I will relay to you that a nefarious attempt was made last night to sack and burn New York. This disastrous plot, had it succeeded, would have resulted in a frightful sacrifice of human lives and property. Rebel emissaries and agents dogged by our Secret Service operators closed in on every important Rebel agent in New York, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Portland and Boston. Caches of arms, ammunition and medical supplies were found and confiscated. Plans of Federal buildings, warehouses prison camps, bridges, shipping centers, and arsenals throughout the country, all subject to attack were uncovered. Numerous arrests have been made swiftly and secretly.”

“A military tribunal will try the Rebel agents charged with treason against the United States government. I can only speculate on what would have occurred if we didn’t have the valuable information Colonel Rourke, Simon, Jimmy, and you, Rachel were helpful to obtain ahead of time.” President Lincoln fished around in his pocket. “I can’t seem to locate…Major Dodd, do you have what I need?”

“Yes, sir.”

Lincoln waited as Major Dodd produced parchments. “First of all,” Lincoln glanced around the room until his eyes fell on Simon who had just revived his mother into a standing position.

“Mr. Simon. I am very glad to make your acquaintance. For your bravery and years of service to the United States government, you are awarded this Campaign Medal plus a commission in the United States Military with back pay.” Lincoln shook Simon’s hand. “Congratulations to you, young man.”

“Lord be praised!” said Simon’s mother. She fainted again.

“My ill looks must be more overcoming to people than I think.” The President expressed another witticism, and then searched the room.

“Mr. James O’Hara. For your bravery and loyal service, you will receive a raised commission from the army under Colonel Rourke, of course, for your vital service to the United States government. Your education will commence immediately with future commission to West Point.”

Jimmy preened like a bantam rooster as he shook Lincoln’s hand. They all liked President Lincoln, sensing his compassion for all that was fallible in humankind.

“Colonel Lucas Rourke.” Lincoln turned his dark cavernous eyes on her husband. “You have my undying gratitude for everything you have done in service to our country. You are now to be recognized for helping us win this war and to keeping the Union together. Because of fine men like you, who are championing what is right, the world will be left a much better place. For recognition of duties rendered, I am promoting you to brigadier general.”

“Thank you, sir.” Lucas took the President’s hand and shook it heartily. Rachel’s pride swelled. Lucas was stunned. He had expected heavy reprimand. Instead he was promoted.

“However,Mrs. Rourke…” President Lincoln leveled the full intent of his dark gaze. “…will be demoted to civilian status for the remainder of the war. But at this time, I wish to confer upon your person the highest award I can offer—”

“This must be award day,” chuckled the doctor as he entered the room and stood at the foot of Rachel’s bed.

“Yes, it is, Dr. Jenner,” said Lincoln. “I had my personal physician see to you.” Lincoln winked, and Rachel’s jaw dropped. “How is the patient doing?”

“She is recovering well and in very remarkable condition for a mother to be.”

Rachel’s eyes widened, her mouth dropped open. “I’m—I’m having a baby?”

The doctor laughed, eyed Lucas and then offered his hand to congratulate him. “It happens from time to time to young married couples. Some call it an affliction, but others call it a time for joy.”

Lincoln bent over and kissed her forehead. “You mind what I say from now on…no more intrigue,” he whispered in her ear. “There will always be ogres and tyrants in the world. We’ll leave the maneuvering for your husband. I want to see my good friend’s grandchild born.”

Rachel looked around her. They were all here. Everyone important in her life…Jimmy, Simon reunited with his mother, Uncle Abe and most of all Lucas.Her family.

Everyone departed to allow the young couple privacy.

Lucas laid a wrapped box on her lap. “I’ve been wanting to give you this present, and especially now I want you to have it in honor of our child to be born.” He sat on the bed next to her and took her hand. “I love you, Rachel.”

“Oh, Lucas, I love you, too. And I promise that the Saint is laid to rest. It was risky and scary. The truth is, that everything I fought and struggled for came before earning what is the greatest worth, and that’s you.”

Rachel opened the gift and a slow, tremulous smile came to her lips as she pulled a Bible from the package…a Bible just like the one her father had given her. “You knew.”

Her eyes swimming with tears, she let her gaze rest on her husband. “I could never be happier than I am at this moment.” She lifted a hand, laid it on his unshaven jaw.

“Lucas, I’m hungry.”