“To old friends,” William announced.
Stephen nodded with a smile. “To old friends.”
They both took a sip, savoring the taste. William then leaned forward; curiosity evident in his expression. “Stephen, what have you been up to? I must admit that I had heard recently thatyou were back in England, safe. And I did receive your letter, but I didn’t know where to write back.”
Stephen nodded. “That is understandable. After you left France, upon hearing the news about your father and brother, things became a bit… chaotic.”
William nodded, a shadow of regret crossing his face. “I lost touch with so many of my comrades after I left. It all happened so quickly, and I had to return here to… well, to assume the duties that fell upon me.” He paused, then added sincerely. “I truly am glad that you are here now, safe and sound.”
Stephen’s eyebrows rose, then fell back to their rightful place as the man brought the glass to his lips, emptying it completely. William waited to hear his response, which was obviously coming.
“Safe and sound… you know, that is all I wished for during my time as a hostage.”
“Hostage?” William echoed, swallowing heavily.
He had no idea. Then again, he knew nothing of his old friends from the war. They could have all been dead, and he wouldn’t know. The thought momentarily made him profoundly sad, how life had a way of separating those who kept each other alive in the direst of circumstances. Now they were strangers. In fact, hewondered if he would be able to recognize a single soldier from his regiment if he passed them on the street. Hardly likely.
“Yes,” Stephen confirmed, bringing William back to the present moment. “I was captured by the French.”
William’s eyes were still wide with shock. “Stephen, I… I’m so sorry to hear that. That must have been a dreadful ordeal.”
Stephen nodded, his expression darkening. “It was a trying time, but eventually a hostage trade was arranged, and I was released.”
William leaned forward; concern etched on his face. “I can’t even begin to imagine what that must have felt like, what relief to have that happen. But… how?”
Stephen shrugged. “You never question fate. Or matters of the state,” he added with a grin.
William knew that it was simply a strategy of self-defense. Talking about the horrors of the war was the most difficult thing one could endure, especially in such dire circumstances as being held hostage. His heart ached for his friend who must have lost a part of his sanity during that ordeal.
“Are you all right now?” William asked a simple question which never had a simple answer.
Stephen offered a tight smile, avoiding William’s gaze. “I am here, aren’t I? That is all that matters.”
Immediately sensing Stephen’s reluctance to delve into the details, William decided not to pry. After all, this was supposed to be a happy reunion. Only, for soldiers, every reunion was a bittersweet one.
“Of course,” William agreed. “I am just glad you are safe now. If you ever need to talk about what happened, you know I am here.”
Stephen nodded, his smile returning, albeit faintly. “Thank you, William. Your concern means a lot.” He looked at his empty glass, and William immediately jumped to his feet.
“May I offer you another one?” he suggested.
“No, thank you,” Stephen shook his head, following suit and getting up himself. “I should be going. I didn’t mean to take up much of your time, anyway.”
“Nonsense,” William assured him. “You just arrived and surely you have some stories to share from your time after I left.”
Stephen nodded. “Oh, I have plenty of stories. Some are best saved for another time, though.”
“Why don’t you stay the night, Stephen? We have plenty of room here, and it would be wonderful to spend some time together.”
Stephen shook his head with a regretful smile. “I appreciate the offer, Will, but I have some business to attend to nearby, which I have been putting off long enough. However, since I will be in the area, I promise to visit again in the next few days.” He offered William his hand, and William could see that no matter what he said, Stephen would not be staying. “It was truly nice to see you again, Will.”
“You, too, Stephen,” William nodded, shaking his friend’s hand. “I will be waiting for your visit, then.”
As Stephen departed, William watched him go, an uneasy feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. The encounter had stirred an entire array of emotions, relief, guilt, and a lingering sense of disquiet.
Returning to his writing table, William sat down heavily in his chair. How could he have not known that his friend was captured? The thought gnawed at him, filling him with a deep sense of regret. He should have written, should have stayed in touch. The war had taken so much from so many. Now, morethan ever, he realized the importance of holding on to those who remained.
Chapter 12
