Zelma looked at Patrick with doubt in her eyes. “I’ll go and rescue Liza from the boys. Are you going to eat up with Liza?”
“Yes, I’d like that, but first I’ll go and see Gabriel,” and Patrick went to see him and got his agreement to work and keep an eye on the visitors who seemed to be demanding Liza’s attention. “I hope the boys won’t be too much trouble for you,” said Patrick.
“No, Patrick, it’s the least I can do. Don’t worry, I’ll fend off all unwanted callers, kind as they may be, but I too saw one or two who can’t understand that she is not their sole property,” said Gabriel.
The boys were getting ready for bed when Patrick returned and he agreed to read to them whilst Zelma prepared a tray for Liza and Patrick.
“I’ll get up tomorrow, Patrick,” said Liza. “I think I’m well enough now to go downstairs and do a few things around the house.”
“You won’t Liza. You’re under strict instructions from me and the doctor to stay in bed one more day so that you can enjoy your Christmas Day. I know that you are totally organised for Christmas and if you do go downstairs you will only talk to people and get involved with whatever problems they bring to you to solve. Zelma will be here looking after the boys and Gabriel has said that he will work from our sitting room and fend off all unwanted callers, kind as they may wish to be. I’ll be home early so I can look after you from then on and I’m looking forward to going to church on Christmas Day and having lunch at Kathy and Joe’s with all our friends and I so want you to feel fit as it’s going to be a long and very noisy day,” said Patrick.
Liza realised that her idea of getting up the next day had been scotched before it had begun. “Can I come and sit next to you at this table for my meal tonight Patrick, I really get quite uncomfortable trying to eat in bed. I seem to drip it everywhere.”
“I’ll relent on that. I have noticed that you need me to mop up after you when you eat in bed. I’ve told you before that you are worse than the boys,” said Patrick. “I hear that more money has been found in the doctor’s house.”
“Another $320 and they haven’t finished looking. Gabriel paid it into the bank for him. It really is quite amazing how much we are finding. He really could have had a much more comfortable life than he’d had over the years. Anyway, he’ll be much more contented now. I wanted to make sure that Mrs Henshaw was coping well but that will have to wait until after Christmas,” said Liza.
Later that evening, Patrick changed, took the dirty dishes down to the kitchen and decided that he needed to wash before coming to bed. He eventually bounded up the stairs just wearing a towel around his midriff. He saw the look in Liza’s eyes when he came into the room and said, “No Liza, not tonight, you know you’ve got to rest.”
He went to find his nightshirt, but Liza had hidden it, and he could not believe the speed that she leapt out of bed and whipped his towel from him. She was in a playful mood and he couldn’t keep her away from him no matter how much he tried to keep her at arm’s length. In the end he gave up and picked her up and carried her to the bed. Gently he took her nightdress off, as he always liked to, and slowly and carefully he made love to her. By his own admission, he always found it difficult to resist her and when she was in this sort of mood, it was totally impossible.
Lying back in bed he wondered whether other husbands had this much trouble with their wives and he turned to her to make that comment and saw the look of absolute triumph on her face. Instead, he said, “And who’s the cat that’s got the cream? One of these days I’ll be able to control myself and you.”
“I hope not, Patrick,” said Liza as she leaned out of the bed and rummaged under the mattress and brought out his nightshirt and handed it to him.
The next morning everything was happening bright and early. Patrick left for the fort, Gabriel came around with Si and set up his office in her sitting room, Zelma had the boys occupied in the kitchen area, with them coming upstairs to check on Liza every half an hour and offering to read to her, which she thanked them for gratefully but said that she wanted to sleep for a while. Kathy popped in just to make sure that she was in good health and to say that they would continue their search of the doctor’s house after Christmas. Bea and Ada were in town doing last minute shopping for the next day and they called to see her.
They informed her that Bea and the captain were enjoying Christmas together alone for once and Ada and the colonel were entertaining Dr Steele for lunch. Normally Bea and the captain joined them, but this year was going to be different for them.
“I’ve put your stone in a safe place, Liza,” said Bea and Ada looked wonderingly at what she was talking about.
“I hope it helped, anyway I presume I’ll see you both at church tomorrow morning. I’m going to have a wonderful Christmas Day as I am only allowed to attend church and then sit down and eat my lunch. Last year was in Belfast but Patrick had come there to be with us so it wasn’t as unhappy as the year before had been for me. But I’m not going to dwell on that. This year is going to be wonderful for everyone, and next year there’ll be another mouth to feed. This town is increasing rapidly. If the doctor I know comes here then there will be more youngsters to drive us mad at Christmas.”
They left and Liza could hear Ada saying to Bea, “Stone? What stone?” but it was up to Bea to tell her, obviously the colonel had kept his counsel as any good colonel should.
The day passed relatively quietly and Patrick was home early and Liza was allowed to get up and have her evening meal with everyone. Gabriel was joining them that evening, and he had done a good job fending off unwanted visitors. He had also managed to finish his paperwork. They had a very happy mealtime around the table and of course, all three boys were excited about the next day.
That night Patrick said, “I have decided to give into you and not make you fight for my body. Don’t look so disappointed,” he laughed. “Seriously though, Liza, we must take it easy until after the baby is born. I know we like to play, which is fun, but that could lead to us not being as gentle as we should be under the circumstances. I love the way you always want me but will you let me lead the way in this?”
“Yes, you’re right, Patrick, we must be sensible. I’m sure we’re going to enjoy ourselves in any case,” said Liza.
“We most certainly are,” said Patrick and they did slowly, gently and expertly.
***
Christmas morning dawned and they were all excited. The boys’ presents were opened and they squealed with pleasure. Patrick, Liza and Zelma opened theirs and showed great delight and then they made their way to church meeting Gabriel and Si on the way.
The church was packed and when Liza looked around she saw Sean and Mark standing at the back. It was so reminiscent of five years before when she had caught sight of Patrick and Sean standing in the same place. At least this time they were already invited to lunch at Kathy and Joe’s. She had a pang of loss as dear Danny, and of course Angus, had been there then. She wondered what Kathy and Joe were thinking, probably the same as she was. Christmas was always a time of sadness as well as pleasure. This was also John’s first Christmas with them; he’d had difficult Christmases all his life until now, she hoped he was going to enjoy this year and realise that this was going to be the first of many.
There was a great deal of chatting and Christmas wishes outside the church after the service and Angela joined them, as did Sean and Mark. Kathy and Zelma went off to make sure all was ready for the large lunchtime gathering; they had refused Liza’s help.
The colonel and Ada and the captain and Bea had walked from the fort and were going to enjoy their walk back. They all waited for George to tidy the church and close up and then they all set off towards the general store chatting and laughing with the boys running ahead. They waved goodbye to Ada, Bea, the colonel and the captain who went on their way to the fort and it was good to watch Bea and the captain walking side by side and chatting happily.
There were thirteen for lunch, but nobo
dy was superstitious. There was only one awkward moment when somebody asked Liza if there was any truth in the rumour that she had given Captain Graves a stone for Christmas.
“Absolutely no truth in that rumour whatsoever. Of course I didn’t give that to the captain for Christmas,” said Liza and she left the subject there.
Everybody seemed to have heard the story but only George understood the significance behind it, and he was not going to say. She wondered how anyone could have known what she had done; she had said nothing to anybody, not even to Patrick. It was amazing how stories got around and she certainly didn’t want either Bea or the captain to think that she had been talking about them.
Once again it could be seen that Patrick, Sean and Mark enjoyed playing with the boys. Gabriel enjoyed it to an extent but he was not quite so child minded. Kathy, Zelma and Angela organised serving and then clearing away after the meal. Joe and George were often in deep conversation. Liza was joining in with many conversations but was not allowed to lift a finger to help with anything. The flamed plum pudding was brought in and once again everyone somehow managed to eat, filling a gap which wasn’t there in the first place. There had been a toast to absent friends which did bring a small thoughtful silence to the proceedings whilst everyone remembered the missing loved ones.
The time came for everyone to leave. The boys were sleepy and Patrick carried John and Sean carried Matthew; Mark walked with them and Gabriel lifted Si onto his shoulders. George and Angela made their way back, leaving Kathy and Joe to close up and put their feet up for the rest of the evening. Liza and Zelma strolled home and when they got there they organised putting Matthew and John to bed.
When Liza came down she found the three men talking army business and drinking coffee. Liza thought they were gossiping more like women were accused of than men.
“Come on, Liza,” said Sean, “what is the story behind the stone? You were seen picking one up and taking it into the captain.”
“People have got the wrong idea; I thought that I saw something on the ground, that’s all,” said Liza.
“There’s more to it than that, surely,” said Mark.
“Sorry to disappoint you, there’s nothing for me to tell you,” said Liza who was getting a little annoyed by the questioning.
Patrick noticed that although Liza was smiling, her eyes weren’t and he could see that she did not want this conversation to go any further. “Ah well, you’ve got the answer from the horse’s mouth. It’s just a rumour with no foundation.”
Liza smiled thankfully at Patrick and she sat with them and they were joined by Zelma. It was cosy and warm there and Sean and Mark were comfortable and discussed how well the day had gone and how they enjoyed such a family Christmas. Finally, reluctantly, they had to leave. They had not brought their horses so they had to walk back to the fort; Patrick did offer to get the buggy out but they were quite happy to walk off all the food that they had eaten.
Zelma went to her home leaving Liza and Patrick to enjoy some quiet time in the rocking chairs by the fire.
“You seem to have intrigued a few people around here,” said Patrick.
“Oh! Patrick. Not you as well. You wouldn’t like it if people were talking like that about us,” said Liza.
“Talking like what? That you gave me a stone for Christmas?” said Patrick.
“Everyone is treating it like a joke, and it was something very serious,” scowled Liza.
“Ah ha, so you did give him a stone,” laughed Patrick.
“No, I did not give him a stone; I suggested that he either cast it or discard it, does that make it clear to you?” said Liza once again getting increasingly annoyed. “And I would appreciate it if you kept that to yourself. It was a private matter and not to be laughed at or bandied around town or especially not at the fort.”
“I’m sorry, I still don’t understand,” said Patrick.
“Well, in that case, you had better study your Bible. John Chapter 8, verses 3 to 7. The Bible’s on the shelf. I’m off to bed, I’ll see you shortly,” said Liza.
Patrick was intrigued and looked along the bookshelf and found the Bible. He flicked through the pages until he came across what Liza had referred to and realised exactly what she had done for both the captain and Bea; she had just given them food for thought.
She was in bed when he came up and told her that he had looked up the passage in the Bible and therefore knew the significance of the stone. “You’re all making a big thing out of nothing, and I’d like to know who told anyone about it. It has to be either Bea or Captain Graves. The only other person to realise was the colonel and he would say nothing.”
“Somebody could have been listening in, I suppose,” said Patrick.
“Maybe, but I must see the captain and assure him that I have said nothing. I don’t like the thought that either he or Bea will think that I have been gossiping,” said Liza.
“I don’t think so; they know that’s not your way. Anyway, well done, whatever you did seems to have worked,” said Patrick.
“They’ve done it themselves. Nobody but they could sort their marriage out. I hope it works out for them because they really do love one another. Just sometimes people have to be reminded of that,” said Liza.
“You’re a romantic, Liza,” said Patrick as he climbed into bed and smiled at her. “Tell me, Liza, how did you know about the captain’s little dalliance in Mexico?”
Liza looked at him thoughtfully, “Well, until this minute, I didn’t. All that I knew and know is that we all have secrets to keep and sins that we would prefer not to think about. Some are large and some are small, some affect other people, some don’t. None of us are perfect and we have to forgive one another, no matter how hard it may be. I’m certainly not without sin, as you well know, Patrick Kelly. You got me into bed before we were married; now that’s considered a big sin, although it doesn’t prick my conscience one little bit.”
“I’m sure it doesn’t especially as I remember how you reacted to me being there,” said Patrick. “How are you feeling? Well enough to love me again tonight?”
“I’m always well enough for that, Patrick,” said Liza and they ended Christmas Day thoroughly enjoying one another.
The next morning Liza was sitting up in bed watching Patrick get ready for his day at the fort. She was frowning and looking puzzled.
Patrick turned and looked at her, “What’s worrying you this morning, Liza?”
“How did you know about Captain Graves’ dalliance, as you so delicately term it?” she asked.
“Because I was there when it happened. She was a very pretty Mexican girl and she was really showing her wares, for want of a better word. He was Lieutenant Graves at that time and he was drinking heavily, we all were. He’d had a particularly hard battle having been caught unawares at a river crossing and he and several men were relaxing and letting off steam. Sean and I were really surprised when we came here and found that he was our captain. I don’t think he remembers us; in fact I’d be surprised if he remembered the Mexican girl, he was very much the worse for wear for several days,” said Patrick.
“As were you and Sean, no doubt,” said Liza.
He came over and kissed her on the head and said, “You’re not getting my past out of me that easily.”
Liza looked disappointed. “You know everything about me now. It’s not fair,” she smiled and kissed him. “You and Sean are very good at keeping things to yourselves and not creating problems.”
“There’s no point in upsetting a perfectly good marriage, or a bad one for that matter,” said Patrick.
The next celebratory event was the New Year’s Eve Party at the fort and so far the snow had only been a light smattering. It was cold but pleasant and everyone was excited and looking forward to the evening. Liza was feeling better and during the day she made her way to the fort and asked Ada if there was anything she could do to help with the arrangements.
“Absolutely not, Liza; I’m not going to
have Patrick reading the riot act to me over tiring you out. You are going to get tired enough through the evening, although I dare say he’ll be keeping his eye on how many dances you accept,” said Ada.
“I’m getting a little frustrated with all the care that I’m receiving. The boys have it in their heads that reading to me relaxes me. I have to say that it does anything but relax me. Anyway, they think they are doing their bit to keep me healthy so I can’t say anything,” said Liza.
“When do you expect to hear from your doctor in New York?” asked Ada.
“He will have received his invitation just around Christmas, so if he replies and uses the same route to get it back to me, then it should be in around a week’s time,” said Liza. “I really hope he accepts. I must ask Dr Steele if he is having any luck with his contacts.”
They then got into a discussion over what they would be wearing that evening and what food was being prepared.
“I’m surprised that Bea isn’t here helping you today. Is she all right?” asked Liza.
“Yes, she’s fine. It’s going to take time for them to get over what has happened and it’s taking courage for her to face everyone, but the colonel and I are going to come here with them this evening. I know that you and Patrick will also be supportive as will Sean. They have to start relaxing in public soon and tonight will be as good a time as any,” said Ada.
Liza took her leave and made her way over to the captain’s office. He seemed very pleased to see her. “What can I do for you, Liza?”
“Well, I want to reassure you about some gossip which has reached me. It seems that there are a few people saying that I gave you a stone for Christmas. I don’t know how anybody got that idea but I’d like to assure you that it most certainly hasn’t come from me,” said a concerned Liza.
“Don’t worry, Liza; I know where it’s come from. My window was open when you called with your ‘Christmas present’ and there were a couple of enlisted men cleaning around the area that day. They weren’t intelligent enough to understand your meaning, but they obviously saw you picking it up and put two and two together,” said the captain.
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