A French and Spanish Love

Chapter Eight: Fights

September 11, 1777, Brandywine Creek, Pennsylvania

A foggy morning it was, not the best morning for a battle. I was awoken by the shots of guns, men yelling, and Mary frantically waking me up and get ready to help injured soldiers. This was going to be the first battle I had to help in as a nurse. I quickly got up and dressed in a comfortable dress, tying my hair back before rushing out to the infirmary where all the doctors and nurses were gathered. Some nurses were assigned as battlefield nurses, they had to go to the battlefield and help as many soldiers they could and send back any who are fatally injured. I wasn't assigned to do that because of my inexperience which I am slightly thankful about, however, I am concerned that Lucas or Lafayette may get hurt out there but Mary reassured me that she'll keep an eye out while she was out there.

         Everyone went to their assigned positions, younger nurses went to get more water and alcohol. The first wave of injured soldiers came, I quickly helped the other doctors and nurses. I cleaned their wounds with water and alcohol, gave them a drink of water and wrapped them in bandages, making sure that the bullets were taken out. I grew exhausted but I kept my spirit up by telling myself that the families of these men will be happy that their loved one didn't die.

         Soon a retreat was ordered and we helped collect the supplies and bring the injured men to safety. I stayed behind with two other nurses to help any who were injured. I was worried that I haven't seen Lucas at all, I would be devastated if he was killed. Though I was relieved when I saw the familiar silhouettes of Lucas and Lafayette on their horses, flanking the retreat. "Antonia!" Lucas called, stopping his horse next to me. "Get on." He helped me on his horse and rode next to Lafayette as they made sure that the British weren't following. "The British beat us again." Lucas sighed in frustration, Lafayette frowned. "Do not worry, my friend. We will defeat them." Lafayette reassured him. I studied Lafayette, he looked wonderful despite the blood, dirt, and sweat that coated him. Though I noticed the look of pain on his face, I will check him after we get to safety.

A temporary camp was made, I forced Lafayette to come with me to the Infirmary noticing that he couldn't walk on his foot. I laid him down and checked his leg, a large gash that made me nervous. I quickly cleaned the blood around the wound and called a doctor to help him, I was afraid that he will get an infection. It looks pretty bad and the fact that he dragged himself through dirt did not calm me. Soon the doctor left him in my care, telling me that he didn't get an infection, however, I should clean and change his bandages.

         It was several days before Lafayette woke up, he was exhausted. It was when I was putting a wet cloth on his forehead, it was a very hot day. Fairly odd for it to be this hot late in September. "Miss Antonia?" He rasped, I quickly gave him a glass of water from the pitcher. "Feeling better?" I asked once he finished drinking the glass. He nodded and smiled at me. "Thank you, I hope I haven't caused too much trouble for you." Lafayette apologized, I shook my head and smiled, filling the glass again with water and giving it back to him. "It wasn't," I assured him before looking to one of the younger nurses. "Abby, could you bring some food and notify General Washington that Mr. Lafayette has woken."

         "Mr. Lafayette?" Lafayette raised an eyebrow. I laughed softly and shrugged. "I have to be polite don't I?"

         "But we are friends, you are able to call me just Lafayette or Marquis whichever you prefer." He said softly, his voice clearing up as his thirst was quenched. "Very well Lafayette. You were asleep for quite some time, about three days."

         "Have we moved camps?" Lafayette asked curiously, I shook my head. "We will be leaving tomorrow at dawn. It is quite a miracle that you woke up before we have to leave, I would have to bring you myself and despite how wonderful you are, I wasn't looking forward to carrying you." I chuckled softly.