“Don’t worry, it’s just as much my fault as I could have told you straight away, but it’s good to know that she’s admired. When we are off duty, my name is Patrick, naturally on duty, it’s a different matter,” said Patrick.
“Yes, I’m sorry too,” said Lieutenant Denton.
Liza and Zelma came back into the room and Patrick said, “Have you organised the Christmas lunch yet, Liza?”
“I have with Kathy; I just have to arrange the venue with Angela. Has Patrick told you about Christmas yet, gentlemen?” asked Liza.
They both shook their heads, “Well, you’re invited to Christmas lunch with several of us in the town. We’ll all be delighted to see you then, although we will see you both at the Christmas Party at the fort the week before,” said Liza.
“Don’t they put on a Christmas lunch for the men at the post?” asked Paul Southern.
Patrick said, “Yes, they do, but to be honest, you wouldn’t really call it Christmas lunch. If however, you would prefer to sample the disgusting offerings of the fort’s kitchen, then you are more than welcome.”
“I have to say that if what I have eaten so far from the kitchens at the fort is anything to go by, then I most gratefully accept your kind offer,” smiled Rufus Denton at Liza. He seemed rather reluctant to take his eyes off her.
“I’ll let you know the time and the place nearer the day, but I think we may well be able to use the schoolroom which would mean that we can fit everyone in comfortably,” said Liza.
Gabriel arrived back with the boys and the house was suddenly in uproar until both Patrick and Gabriel told them to be quiet and go and play in the bedroom. The boys had been introduced to the lieutenants but they were full of what they had been doing that afternoon to take much notice and Liza apologised for their rudeness.
Both lieutenants just smiled and shook their heads and Patrick then introduced them to Gabriel as a friend and the town lawyer and that he too would be at the Christmas lunch.
Patrick then walked with them back to where their horses were and sent them on their way back to the fort.
“They seem nice enough,” said Zelma, “although one of them followed you with his eyes wherever you went, Liza. I think you have an admirer.”
“I noticed that, Liza,” said Gabriel. “He does seem very nice but we don’t want another Frank Wyley episode, do we?”
“Yes, he did make me a little uneasy on occasion, but if he is somewhat taken with me, I’m sure he’ll soon fix on somebody else, especially when he sees some of the lovely young ladies who will be at the Christmas Party,” said Liza.
“Well, Liza, it seems that you have an ardent admirer in young Lieutenant Denton,” said Patrick when he returned home. “He couldn’t keep his eyes off you, I’ll have to watch him or perhaps you might like a younger model.”
Liza laughed and ignored the comment, but she recognised a small sign of Patrick’s jealousy coming to the fore. She hoped that he wasn’t being serious in intimating that she would be interested in someone who was at least ten years her junior.
Later that evening, when the boys were in bed and Zelma was home, Patrick and Liza were sitting in their rocking chairs next to the fire. “What did you think of the new lieutenants, Liza? Did they meet with your approval?” asked Patrick.
“Yes, they both seemed very pleasant. They do seem very young. I felt quite old and very matronly in their presence,” said Liza.
“I don’t think that young Lieutenant Denton thought of you as either old or matronly,” said Patrick pointedly.
“Well, Patrick, that’s neither your problem nor mine. If it’s anyone’s problem then it’s his and I hope you’re not going to start accusing me of anything untoward because I would find that difficult to tolerate,” said Liza quietly.
Patrick looked at her and realised that she wasn’t joking and he had to admit that what had started as him enjoying his wife being admired had turned to a small pang of jealousy. He felt that she was right in that she shouldn’t have to tolerate any untoward feelings that he might have because he knew that she would never be unfaithful to him, as he wouldn’t be to her.
“I’m sorry, Liza; I didn’t mean to upset you. They both caught sight of you in town and were very enamoured of you and stupidly I didn’t tell them that you were my wife until they came into our home. I was just having a small joke at their expense which I have to admit I did enjoy. Don’t you like being admired, Liza?” asked Patrick.
“That explains the embarrassment when you introduced them and no, I don’t mind being admired as long as I don’t have to put up with you turning on me because of it,” said Liza.
“Do you know that the same thing happened to me when I first came into town with Sean and Ben? I caught sight of you and asked Ben who you were and he was going to introduce me to you but you disappeared into the general store before he could do it. He told me that you were Mrs Merchant, or some such name, and I was so disappointed but then he said that he meant the Widow Merchant and I was overjoyed. I was determined that I was going to be with you, Liza,” said Patrick. “I think that my problem today has been that I know exactly how those young men felt.”
Liza suddenly giggled and her eyes sparkled. “Did you really decide that you were going to marry me immediately when you saw me?”
“Well, I don’t know about marry you, I was certainly going to be with you in every sense of the word,” he replied cheekily. “And I was, wasn’t I?”
“You were always asking if you could take me to bed,” Liza laughed and stretched out in her chair, “are you going to ask me again now, Patrick?”
“No, I’m going to tell you that I’m going to put you to bed now,” and he picked her up and ran up the stairs with her and dumped her unceremoniously on the bed. “You’d better get yourself undressed and make yourself ready for me after I’ve been down and locked up for the night. Are you looking forward to another night like last night? I hope so because I am.”
Liza quickly got herself ready giggling and laughing and it wasn’t long before Patrick appeared in the doorway and said, “Are you ready, my Liza,” and she nodded and her eyes sparkled as he undressed and jumped into bed for another very happy night with his wife.
After the church service the following day, Liza approached Angela regarding the possibility of using the school room for their Christmas lunch and she was pleased to agree. “There could be at least twenty-one of us this year. I think that our Christmas lunches are getting a little out of hand, but everybody seems to enjoy them. Kathy suggests that we put a grid over the fire to keep the food hot; does that sound logical to you?” asked Liza.
“Yes, I’ve done something similar when the weather has been cold and the children have brought food that should be kept hot, but we would need a much bigger grid, or perhaps two of them,” said Angela. They both carried on discussing the plans and layout for the lunch for a while and when they had finished, Liza approached Tom and Hannah and told them what was being organised for Christmas lunch, which they thought was a good idea and they would love to join in. It would be decided later who would be cooking what. For the first time Liza was beginning to look forward to Christmas.
Liza decided that she would talk to Laurie the next day and invite her to the Christmas lunch which would also include Corporal Shaw. She felt that she may have to persuade her to join them as she knew that Laurie was still quite embarrassed when meeting some of the townspeople.
Before she left for home, she visited little Meg and Danny while Patrick walked home with Gabriel and the boys. Several people saw her lingering for a short while and then she slowly walked home for lunch with Kathy and Joe and Gabriel and Si. Angela and George were dining at the Guest House that Sunday and Sean was out on patrol but would be back later that day.
***
On Monday Patrick came home with the news that the next day he would be going with the half-breed scout and one of the new lieutenants to see if they could retrace the steps that Mark Ke
ndal had taken, although it was considered a very long shot as some weeks had passed since he had escaped.
“Which lieutenant are you taking with you, Patrick? If it’s Lieutenant Denton, I hope you will treat him well and not show any signs of jealousy. I know you won’t really as you are a true professional,” said Liza sweetening her comment.
“I’m actually taking Lieutenant Southern with me. Sean is taking Lieutenant Denton under his wing; we felt that was the best way to train them,” said Patrick.
“How long do you think you are going to be away; not too long, I hope. I’ll really miss you, Patrick. I don’t suppose you know which direction you’ll be travelling and I would think if you find a new route, you’ll be away for some time,” said Liza.
“I really can’t see that we are going to find anything new, but your scout is excellent at following tracks, so he’ll probably just be confirming what’s already been established. Although Sean felt that there was something wrong with the trail that he was being led on. The captain doesn’t want to send a patrol out on what he feels is a wild goose chase, so it will be the three of us plus just four privates. The search in the direction towards Mexico is carrying on with the men from one of the forts a few hundred miles from the border. Anyway, it will be good for Lieutenant Southern to spend some time in the saddle. Between us, your scout and I can teach him a great deal, so it will be useful,” said Patrick.
“I’m pleased that I have a lot to do while you’re away. I still have a few presents to sort and of course, help organise our Christmas lunch, you will be back for that, won’t you Patrick?” asked Liza.
“I’d like to be back not only for that but also for our Christmas Party. I know you’re having a new dress made, but will you do me a favour, will you wear your beautiful red dress? You can wear your new one for New Year’s Eve, so it won’t be wasted,” said Patrick.
“Why, Patrick? It’s a little over-dressed for here. Perhaps I can get a matching shawl made to cover my neck and shoulders; we’re not in New York now. I could, of course, have it remade for the occasion,” said Liza thoughtfully.
“Please don’t have it remade. I think that dress is exactly as it should be on you. If you feel the need for a shawl, that’s fine but don’t do anything else to it. When I’m away there are two things that I want to dream about; one is you in that beautiful red dress and I think you know what the other is, don’t you?” said Patrick.
“I hope you’re not away too long and I hope you’re careful but you’ve got your scout with you and he’s very reliable and won’t lead you into any danger,” said Liza.
“You know that if I find a lead which will bring us to Mark, I’m going to have to bring him back. I’ve told you that before, haven’t I Liza? I’ll have no choice but to do that and if we do find a new trail then I’ll be away longer than I really want to be. I might not even make it back for Christmas and you must promise me that you will put on that brilliant smile of yours for the boys and make their Christmas happy no matter how you may feel,” said Patrick.
“Of course I will, Patrick. I’ve done it before when you were away and then I didn’t know whether we would ever see you again. Did you know that at that time just about everyone bought presents for Matthew and said they were from you? This town and the army were so thoughtful then,” said Liza.
“No, I didn’t know that. People are good, aren’t they?” said Patrick.
“Yes, but it didn’t make up for you not being there. You will be this year, I’m sure of it,” said Liza smiling at him, although she had an uneasy feeling.
They spent the evening firstly reading to the boys and then making sure that Patrick had everything he needed for the next day. “What time are you leaving tomorrow?” asked Liza.
“Oh, when we’re ready but I’ll be leaving home fairly early. I really am hoping that I’ll be back in two to three days, but I can’t really put a time to it,” said Patrick.
Liza had her usual cold feeling as Patrick rode off the next morning. He’d said goodbye to the boys when they were still in bed and Liza was anxious for Zelma to arrive as she already felt lonely, but she need not have worried because the boys were their usual high spirited selves and Zelma appeared as Liza was getting their breakfast. As always the morning battle was getting the boys to wash adequately and finally, they were ready and Si arrived so that they went to school together and peace reigned once more in the house.
“I’ll be going to the print shop this morning, Zelma, but before that I’m going to see Hannah to discuss Christmas. I feel that I should go and see Ada and Bea as I really haven’t seen them since little Meg’s funeral,” said Liza. “Are you going to visit Kathy today?”
“Yes, we need a few things from the store, so I’ll spend a little time with her. Is there anything you want me to do?” said Zelma.
“No, just tell Kathy I’ll see her tomorrow to organise Christmas,” said Liza.
Liza changed her dress ready for the day and went to see Hannah.
“I wanted to discuss with you, Hannah, what I can get for the twins for Christmas. I know that they carry their spoons around with them everywhere they go, but when they start school later next year, they’ll have to leave them behind,” said Liza.
“Yes, I know it’s going to be a real problem. They are so attached to them. Ellen tells me that they were given to them when they were in Ireland and it was the first present that they had ever received. I don’t really know where they came from,” said Hannah.
Liza smiled and said, “I do. They were given to them to eat soup with by my housekeeper in Belfast but of course, they loved them and really thought they were gifts.”
“Oh, Liza, I’m sorry; they’re yours. I’ll have to get them to give them back,” said Hannah.
“Don’t be silly; I can afford a couple of spoons and I’d never take them from them. My suggestion is that I would like to buy them a box each for Christmas, complete with key, so that they can keep them safe whilst they are at school. They can also keep anything that they think is precious to them locked away. I keep a box which has items in it that are very special to me. I would also like to get one for Ellen because the time will come when she will have mementos which are for her only, if she hasn’t already,” said Liza.
“I think that’s a lovely idea, but you know, you don’t have to buy them Christmas presents,” said Hannah.
“I know I don’t, but I’d like to. Besides Christmas is a time for children so I’m only concentrating on them. I’ll see you some other time about our lunch on that day. You do know that possibly there will be twenty-one of us. It’s a far cry from when I first arrived here. It was Kathy, Joe and their son, Danny, Ben, Edward Fuller, Angela, George and me. The next year, Edward was back in Ireland and Ben was courting Brigeta but Patrick and Sean had arrived and Kathy said that she couldn’t let them suffer a Christmas lunch at the fort and as they say, the rest is history,” said Liza.
Liza then made her way to the print shop to see Laurie and asked her to join them for Christmas lunch together with Corporal Shaw.
“I don’t think that I’d feel very comfortable with you all,” said Laurie. “I really do appreciate you asking me and Bart though.”
“Come on, Laurie; you know you are accepted and liked in the town now and this is one way that will make you feel more at ease with people. There is nobody who is going to be there who will not be pleased to see you. Have a word with the corporal and see what he thinks. I bet he’ll agree with me,” said Liza.
Liza went home to hitch her pony up to the buggy and then was on her way to see Ada and Bea at the fort. When she arrived, Ben was sent to ask her to call in and see the colonel before she left.
“I’m not going to be marched off to the cells, am I, Ben?” asked Liza.
“Of course not,” laughed Ben, but Liza didn’t feel that comfortable being summoned to the colonel after her previous experience and Ben realised that she was not laughing.
Ada was in Bea’
s quarters whilst Judith was having an afternoon nap. Liza was pleased as she felt a little sensitive when she was around very young children which she hoped she would get over soon.
“How are you, Liza? We haven’t seen you for a little while,” asked Ada.
“Oh, I’m keeping busy. The boys keep me occupied and Patrick, of course. It stops me thinking too much,” said Liza.
“Are we going to plan the Christmas party this afternoon?” asked Bea. “Will it be the same as last years’?”
“Last year was rather disastrous for you, wasn’t it, Liza?” said Ada. “Doctor Bridges created havoc.”
“Yes, but he’s quite happy now with Mrs Henshaw, so good has come out of it,” said Liza. “Are you organised for your granddaughter, Ada and do you know when she will be arriving and of course, how she will be getting here? I presume her father will have made suitable arrangements. She must be nearly two now.”
Liza was trying desperately not to dampen Ada’s pleasure at not only seeing her granddaughter but having her living with her and the colonel.
“Liza, you don’t have to pretend with us; we know how much you must be hurting inside,” said Ada.
“Please, don’t be kind to me, you know that it would only open the flood gates and I would find it difficult to stop once I got started. Besides, you also lost a daughter this year so it’s been a bad year for both of us. Shall we get on and see what we need to do for the Christmas party this year; we’ll have to make it entertaining for our two young lieutenants,” said Liza.
They spent the next two hours discussing the arrangements and the possible numbers of people to be catered for and which jobs had been allocated to whom. As Judith started to waken, Liza took her leave joking that the colonel had summoned her to visit him and she hoped that she wasn’t going to be arrested. Both Ada and Bea knew that Liza wasn’t joking, although they also knew that the colonel enjoyed talking to Liza.
It was with just a little trepidation that Liza entered the colonel’s office and he could see the unease on her face. “Don’t worry Liza, I haven’t asked you here to question you about anything to do with Lieutenant Kendal. I just wanted to see that you are all right and to thank you once again for keeping my reputation intact with General Maybury. I know it’s none of my business but I could see that you were giving a message to Patrick on that first meeting as well as a reprimand to the general and the colonels.”
Against All Odds Page 75