“Liza, you don’t need to be upset with me, all I did was ask you a question about Corporal Shaw and now you’ve answered it so why did you think there was a problem?” said Patrick.
“Because Corporal Shaw has already worked his way up to corporal and he would like to go higher and that may not be possible because of the prejudices that exist in some sections of the army regarding Indians. As I said before, it is not our business and I feel that I have broken a confidence, although he didn’t ask me to keep it to myself, I believe that he assumed that I would and you made it virtually impossible for me not to tell you,” said Liza.
“Nobody will know his origins from me, Liza, I promise you that. I have no prejudices in that respect, and I can’t think of anyone who does at the fort, but of course, it’s always better not to talk about the private lives of some of our soldiers. I’m sorry I brought up the subject, let’s just enjoy our day together and forget all about the corporal,” said Patrick.
It would be some time before Patrick realised that the main part of what he wanted to talk to Liza about had been totally avoided.
They went for a short walk together and then had lunch. They both found it very strange to have the house so quiet. Patrick then told Liza everything that had happened to him and she felt guilty as she knew that before he went he was going on a mission that would not find Mark, so in some ways she was to blame for his misfortune. She realised how lucky she was to have him back safe and sound.
“It’s a shame about young Paul Southern,” said Patrick. “I told him not to say that he slept on duty. It was only a minute or two that he nodded off. If I had been here I would not have recommended that he was demoted, especially as he did all he could to rectify the situation and he must have ridden like the wind to get back here quickly, which couldn’t have been easy with his wound.”
“Yes, I feel sorry about that, but he did let you down when he was most needed. I’m sure the colonel will reinstate him in a short while. I have been told what will probably happen to the deserters who are being taken to the army prison, but what will happen to the ones from here?” asked Liza.
“I think the firing squad is inevitable for those going to the prison; they have murdered and stolen throughout the area and I and Private Wilson were next on their list. Our two deserters could be executed but I believe, as it was their first offence, they will probably be flogged. Not something which is good to see, but if it is the case, we will all have to be assembled to watch,” said Patrick.
“I’d watch it and I’d watch the firing squad as well,” said Liza.
“Liza, I’m shocked at you saying that. It’s most unlike you. You begged for Frank Wyley’s life when he had hurt you so badly and put you through hell at that court case. I’m really surprised,” said Patrick somewhat puzzled.
“Frank Wyley never had any intention of killing; all the deserters would have had no problem with condoning and carrying out your murder. They hurt you and they were going to kill you and I can’t forgive them that,” said Liza with a determined pout to her lips.
Patrick smiled at her defence of him. “I saw the look in your eyes when you saw the so called corporal yesterday and I said to myself, ‘if looks could kill, there would be no need for a firing squad’. I’d hate to be on the receiving end of your fury,” said Patrick and he got up and kissed her on her pouting lips.
It was very quiet in the house and although Patrick was sitting and resting in his rocking chair, he remarked that it didn’t seem right that the boys weren’t there. “I know they get really noisy on occasion, but I miss them,” he said.
“Make the most of it, Patrick. They’ll be back in an hour or so and you’ll be inundated with questions and noise. Si will probably be with them, so I hope you’re prepared,” said Liza.
The next few days passed very quickly and Patrick was slowly looking and feeling better. Each day Liza took him to the fort and he took over the office duties from Ben, who, in turn, took out patrols for Patrick. Ben enjoyed the change but it didn’t take long for Patrick to be bored with paperwork, but he wasn’t yet ready to be jogged around in the saddle.
It was quite useful for Liza to go every day as she was helping with the organisation for the Christmas party and she was good at arranging functions. She didn’t always stay all day there; she could often be found at the print shop as she and Laurie were arranging what the front page was going to be for their first edition. They had decided on a brief roundup of the year which would include births, deaths, marriages, new-comers, any who had left, in fact anything about the people of both the town and the fort. Some of what would be written could be upsetting, but it was all part of the life of Benson. Laurie was interviewing various people to get what information was available and Liza would edit it so that she could temper any unfortunate happenings as Christmas was meant to be a happy time. There was a great deal that seemed to have happened since last Christmas.
“How are we going to handle the Mark Kendal situation,” said Laurie.
“Well, we’ll have to mention Felicity and of course, Lieutenant Crown; everybody seems to have forgotten about him, and we must be honest about Mark Kendal saying that he escaped and that the army are still looking for him to bring him to justice. I don’t think we need to say any more than that,” said Liza.
“Are we going to mention about Patrick also?” asked Laurie.
“That’s another situation that occurred and I think that we can say that he is recovering from injuries sustained when intercepting a group of deserters from diverse army posts who are now under lock and key and awaiting court martial. I’m sure you’ll be able to piece that together well,” said Liza.
Liza looked at Laurie and could see that she was finding it awkward to ask yet another question and she saved her the embarrassment.
“Little Meg was born this year and died this year, Laurie, so she must be included. You will have to write that one as I think it should be kept impersonal. Thank you for caring.”
Liza then changed the subject, “You’ve got Dr Tom and his family arriving, but don’t forget that you’ve got Dr Bridges retiring after many long years of service to Benson. It would be worth mentioning that he now lodges with Mrs Henshaw, also that Mrs Henshaw’s daughter has a child now. It’s been quite an eventful year, hasn’t it?”
“We also had a time when we were all snowed in but we all survived that,” said Laurie.
“Don’t forget that we had the biggest snowball fight in history,” laughed Liza. “Talking of history, it might be a good idea to talk to Kathy and Joe as they were here before Benson was a town and Dr Bridges was also an original inhabitant. The army post came along and the colonel and Ada came very early on. It’s rather sad that both Danny and Felicity are no longer with us, as one was born here and the other came before she was a year old. They were probably the first children in Benson. I was very fond of Danny and I still miss him.”
“Yes, I’ve seen you at his grave,” said Laurie quietly.
“He’s looking after little Meg for me,” said Liza and then immediately changed the subject. “I hope you’re coming to the party at the fort tomorrow Laurie and that you and Bart will be joining us all on Christmas Day.”
“Bart has told me that I am. Liza, I’m very worried about both events,” said Laurie.
“Don’t be, Laurie. Both times you’ll be on the arm of someone who cares for you and Patrick and I will be there, and Greg is going to the party. There are many there who you have talked to recently and to be honest, you’ve got to face up to it or there will never be a place for you here unless you do. You’re happy here now, aren’t you?” said Liza.
“Yes, this is my chance at a normal life,” said Laurie.
“I told you once before to take that chance and in time, and probably a shorter time than you would expect, you will be a very important part of this town. I won’t let you feel embarrassed at any of our functions,” said Liza.
“I didn’t treat you very
well when you first came here. I accused you of being what I was at that time. And Bart and I gave you a problem last year,” said Laurie.
“Yes, but you didn’t get away with it, did you? Poor Corporal Shaw, he suffered even worse than you did. Patrick always says that he wouldn’t like to cross swords with me in front of an audience, as I always play to an audience. I think Bart laughs about it now, I hope you do too? Anyway, I’m pleased that you will be with us tomorrow and on Christmas Day. You will enjoy it,” said Liza. “I’ve got to go and collect Patrick now; he still is more comfortable in the buggy than on a horse.”
***
Patrick had found his time in the colonel’s outer office interesting but after a few days he was itching to get back to his normal duties. He was feeling better and looking forward to the party that evening. Liza had promised that she would wear her beautiful red dress and he was pleased that he would be walking into the function room with her on his arm in that dress.
Liza was going to wear it but Caroline Browne had excelled herself in making what could only be described as an overdress which showed the red dress but was made of silver and matching red and was a bolero jacket open to the waist and held in place with a diamond broach. It had panels down to the hem of the dress but it was in one piece and was worn like a coat. It was beautiful and just hinted at what was underneath. She wondered whether Patrick would approve as he so wanted to see her in that dress. Well, when they got home later that evening, he would be able to see her in it and he could also take it off her, which she was sure he would want to.
Patrick was dressed early and Liza was ready apart from putting her dress and overdress on. Zelma was going to help her once they had the boys ready for bed. Si was staying the night and one of Greg’s sisters was watching over the boys for the night. His other sister was babysitting the twins at Dr Tom’s house as Ellen was attending her first evening function and she was excited about it.
Zelma also had her dress hanging in Liza’s bedroom and when the boys and Greg’s sister were finally organised, they both got into their gowns. The infamous red dress was off the shoulder and showed quite a large amount of cleavage, the back was open to the waist but was held in place with crossed ribbons, leaving at least four inches of flesh showing. It really was a dress for New York but not for Benson. Liza’s overdress was a very good compromise. Zelma helped her pin this in place with a diamond broach and the overall effect was stunning but fairly modest.
It was getting late so Liza quickly put her evening cloak over the top and ran down to the sitting room where Patrick and Gabriel were waiting therefore Patrick had not seen Liza in all her finery before they left for the party. When they arrived and Patrick helped Liza off with her cloak, he was disappointed not to see her in what he had been dreaming about for some time now.
“You look beautiful Liza, but I like you in just the red dress,” said Patrick smiling down at her.
The saga of the red dress was known by many people and there were smiles when they saw how Liza had adapted it to suit the evening. Kathy, Joe, Gabriel and Zelma were watching as Liza danced with various partners; Patrick was standing with Sean, Rufus Denton, Captain Graves and Bea and they also were watching as Liza seemed to have created some interest.
Patrick could suddenly be heard muttering, “No, that’s not right; she doesn’t look as she should,” and off he went to claim the next dance with his wife.
There were a few puzzled looks from various spectators as Patrick held Liza close to him. “Oh dear,” he said to Liza, “your broach has just come undone.” He put it in his pocket and with an expert whirl Liza lost her overdress, which was thrown over a chair as they danced by.
The colonel looked across as he heard gasps from a few people. “My God, he’s undressing her on the dance floor,” he exclaimed. Ada laughed and called out to Patrick, “Well done, Patrick, it looks much better like that.”
Liza looked embarrassed but Patrick’s face was triumphant as he led her back to where he had been standing for all to see.
Gabriel said to Kathy, “Yes, you were right, it had nothing to do with having to interpret the meaning of a dream. It was because she looks great in red and she is difficult to get out of your mind wearing that. I believe there will be a few gentlemen thinking the same thing tonight.”
“And a few envious women; most of whom wouldn’t be able to carry off wearing something like that,” said Kathy laughing.
Liza looked annoyed. “Patrick, that was very embarrassing. Everybody’s staring at us.”
“Everybody’s staring at you. You look absolutely beautiful and that dress takes my breath away, as it probably does every other man in this room and I don’t mind. They will all be envying me and why not? This is how I dreamed of you when I was in such trouble. Relax, Liza, enjoy being the belle of the ball and think about what I’m going to do to you later when we are home,” said Patrick.
Suddenly Liza laughed and shook her head. “You’re obviously feeling better, so I look forward to that, but I didn’t like being the evening’s cabaret act. Anyway, let’s just get on with the evening and enjoy ourselves. I only want to dance with you, Patrick.”
“I don’t think that’s going to be possible as I see quite a few people lining up to claim a dance with you, but it’s nice of you to say it, my Liza,” said Patrick.
He was right, she was in demand but even so she managed to make sure Laurie was accepted by many there. She noticed that young Greg Long was quite enamoured of Ellen, although Liza could see that she was nervous, but Tom and Hannah smiled at her reassuringly.
The colonel claimed a dance with Liza. “That was quite some action of Patrick’s,” he said.
“Yes, it was rather surprising and unfortunately, rather noticeable. But it having happened, there’s no point in hiding,” said Liza.
“That’s right, Liza; you’ve always faced up to whatever you have to. I’ve always admired that. I also admire how you have given Laurie Cuzins the courage to be here tonight and because you’ve done that, she is gradually being accepted by the townsfolk. She’ll turn her life around now and that’s a very good thing,” said the colonel.
Gabriel seemed to claim many dances with Zelma, and they looked really happy dancing together.
Captain Graves was next to dance with Liza, “Well, you two certainly know how to create a stir, don’t you? Good for you. It was very nice to see.”
That seemed to be the reaction from most people as it appeared to have favourably entertained the gathering. The word had spread that Patrick had dreamed of Liza’s red dress when his life had been threatened; the fact that he had come back safely had created high spirits in everyone. Liza was quite oblivious that the majority in the room had been waiting for sight of what she was wearing and had been as disappointed as Patrick because she had covered herself with an ‘overdress’.
The evening was truly successful and both Liza and Patrick were enjoying themselves, but every now and again Liza felt guilty for having fun when she remembered that little Meg had left them such a short while ago.
Whilst Liza was dancing with Rufus Denton, she asked where Paul Southern was. He told her that he was still nursing his wound and really didn’t feel like facing everyone tonight. “He’s taking his demotion very badly and I can understand that,” said Rufus. “I don’t think that he’ll be a corporal very long though as he hasn’t been moved out of our quarters.”
“I’m very disappointed that he’s not here tonight. I haven’t had a chance to thank him for rushing back to get help for Patrick. I hope at least he’s going to be at our Christmas dinner,” said Liza.
Rufus sometimes was a little brash, but he did feel very sorry for Paul and the evening still had some hours to run, so when he had escorted Liza back to Patrick, he went to find Paul to tell him that Liza Kelly had been asking after him and really wanted to see him to thank him. He also wanted him to know that she was wearing the most fabulous red dress that had already been the talk of the
fort for some days. He mentioned that she was looking forward to seeing him at the Christmas lunch.
“Come on, Paul, you only have to wash your face, comb your hair and put your smart jacket on and you will be fit to show yourself at the dance. You haven’t been shy before, you shouldn’t start now. Everyone will be very pleased to see you,” said Rufus.
Paul thought about it for a little while and then agreed to smarten himself up and join them at the dance.
“I’ll wait for you, Paul. We can go in together if you like,” said Rufus and that was what they did.
With a little trepidation, Paul walked into the function room and was greeted with smiles from everyone, and when Liza saw him she smiled one of her most charming smiles and he gulped and stared at her, finding it difficult to take his eyes off her. Rufus looked at him and laughed, “I think we all feel like that, Paul; she’s quite something, isn’t she? How very lucky Patrick is. She’s very happy that you helped save him for her.”
Both Ada and Bea also saw him enter shyly and moved towards him and Liza and Patrick could see that they were greeting him and making him feel welcome.
Liza and Patrick then went to him. Patrick shook his hand and Liza said, “I’m so pleased you felt able to join us tonight and I wanted to thank you for helping to bring Patrick back safely.”
“It’s very kind of you to say so, Mrs Kelly, but I got him into the situation in the first place,” said Paul.
“Let’s not dwell on that, Paul, it’s over and I’m in one piece. This may be unusual but would you like to ask my wife to dance?” asked Patrick with a smile. Liza looked up at Patrick in surprise but then laughed and put out her hand for Paul to take it. He stammered a few syllables and guided Liza onto the dance floor.
Against All Odds Page 80