Fire by Night by Lynn Austin Page B

at Bull Run. She hadn’t flirted with Nathaniel or pursued him since he’d returned but had quietly kept her distance, talking to him only when necessary. Her desire for revenge had long since faded, and she no longer hated him or wanted to have him fired. Indeed, his simple words of thanks tonight made her feel happier than she had in months.
    “There,” Arthur whispered, “you’ve received your recognition and reward. Can we go now?”
    Julia’s joy dissolved into shame. Arthur Hoyt, of all people, had seen her hard work for what it was—a desire for praise and recognition. If she left now, Nathaniel would see it, too.
    “No. It would be rude to leave,” she whispered back. “He isn’t finished speaking.”
    “For those of you who don’t know,” Nathaniel continued, “the United States Christian Commission was founded in New York City a few months ago and has quickly sprouted branches in other cities, including Philadelphia. One of our aims is to supplement the food and clothing provisions our soldiers receive, so the items we’ve collected tonight will help immensely. A second goal is to offer moral and spiritual relief to our soldiers in the field. Men who are away from their homes and families for the first time will face many new and evil temptations. Our presence in their midst and the Bibles we distribute can provide strength to help defeat Satan’s wiles. But our founding goal is to win souls for Christ. Men are never more receptive to the Gospel than when faced with their own mortality on the battlefield. It’s the ideal time to tell them of Christ’s love and of the eternal home He has prepared for those who are His own.
    “I’m very grateful for your generous support tonight in helping us reach that goal. But I’d also like to ask some of you to consider walking the extra mile that Christ spoke of. The Christian Commission is comprised of ordinary men and women who volunteer their time to talk to soldiers, to serve as nurses, to help share the Gospel, and to distribute Bibles. Where there are battlefields there is real suffering. Jesus gave us the example of the Good Samaritan— the one man in three who didn’t turn his back on a wounded man but dared to get involved.”
    Julia felt shame burning her cheeks. She could no longer look at Nathaniel. Even if she organized a hundred bazaars she could never atone for what she’d done at Bull Run. She knew now that she had to go back. She had to return to the battlefield to help the wounded soldiers, not turn her back this time.
    “We’re commanded to love our neighbor,” Nathaniel continued, “and our neighbor is the person in need. Beginning next spring, I’ll be taking a leave of absence from the church to offer my services as a Commission chaplain. Please, won’t some of you consider joining me? The Commission needs you to go into the field as nurses and aid workers. Can you spare a few weeks, a month perhaps, for this very important work? Don’t turn your back on our suffering soldiers. Listen for the voice of God. Perhaps He is calling you tonight. … Again, thank you all for making this event a success. Please, enjoy the rest of the evening.”
    Julia stood, so moved by Nathaniel’s words that she was ready to become the first volunteer. But before she could make her way through the crowd that quickly surrounded him on the bandstand, her escort blocked her path. Arthur had risen from the table while Nathaniel had been speaking and had disappeared; now he’d returned carrying Julia’s coat. He held it up for her, waiting for her to put it on, a smile barely masking his impatience.
    “Come on, Julia, my carriage is out front. It’s time to leave.”
    “But the evening isn’t over—and I should stay and help clean up.”
    “I’ll send a dozen servants over in the morning to help. Come on.”
    There was little she could do but obey. Arthur quickly helped her into her coat and led her outside. She could see her breath in the