Terribly sorry that it has been so long since I updated. This chapter was so hard to write. I already have another chapter almost ready to send up so I hope there will not be another long delay. Hope everyone is enjoying the beauty of spring.
"Uh, George, just who the hell are you suppose to be," asked Perconte who just finished admiring himself in his robes.
"I am Zorro, the defender of the poor, and before you say something else stupid, at least I ain't wearing a gown Julie baby." The latter comment referred to Frank's Julius Caesar costume.
"Hey, at least my costume is based on a real person," said Frank hotly.
"To millions of American kids, Zorro is as real as it gets," said Luz as he practiced swishing his sword.
Popeye Wynn adjusted his coonskin hat then said, "You better watch George and that little sword of his. He already cut the tail off my hat once today."
"That's right Frank," said Bull. "George might shorten those robes for you and show off those skinny legs of yours." With that, he tugged his New York Yankee baseball hat down over his eyes.
"Well if isn't Babe Ruth," said George. "You look sharp Bull, and that's a fact.
"Hey, he's not the only ball player around here," said Leibgott. "I am Hank Greenberg who was one of the greatest Jewish ballplayers of all time.
"All right, Joe," said Luz as he headed downstairs.
"Open up Babe, I want to show you my outfit." Bill continued knocking on Babe's door and when Babe opened it, they both shouted "Ta Da." They quickly realized they were both dressed in Zoot suits; they burst out laughing and hugged one another. "I can't believe they gave us in the same costume," said Bill.
"What else are they gonna give two boys from South Philly," said Babe. "At least they are different colors. You are looking sharp Bill. Give me some skin."
"Back atcha kid," said Bill.
Johnny Martin gave them one look and said, "Who the hell are you two suppose to be, Mutt and Jeff?"
"More like Laurel and Hardy," said Joe in his knickers.
"What the hell kind of giddup is that," said Johnny?
"For your information, I am an Irish country gentleman," replied Joe. "If you have a problem with it, I may forget I am a gentleman, and give you one upside the head with my shillelagh."
"Hey, Joe," said, Martin. "I've got a patch over my eye. It is not exactly like I dressed for a fight." He had just finished admiring his pirate costume.
"You look good Perco," said Malarkey. "Nice knees you got there."
"Go to Hell," growled Frank. He watched Don go upstairs to shower.
"Whaddaya say Joe," said Wild Bill as he lit up a cigarette and sat down with his cup of coffee. "How are things with you and Betty, any improvement on that front?"
"Yeah, I think so. The outfit they picked out for me was kind of a surprise."
"Why, what is it? Not another Goddamn leprechaun I hope. I mean no offense to the Irish, but one is enough."
Joe smiled. "Trust me Malark is going to be proud to be Irish when he sees Sharon's costume as Queen of the Elves. She is a real looker in that get up."
"Yeah, that's great. Maybe it will make up for him having to look like something out of the Saint Paddy's Parade." Bill looked Joe up and down then asked, "So, Joe, just who the hell are you suppose to be in that get up?"
"Well, if isn't the Quiet Man," said Luz.
"What are you talking about now," said Johnny, who tugged down on his kilt.
Luz sat down and lit a cigarette. Pointing at Toye, he said, "Joe's outfit reminds me of that John Wayne movie we watched a couple of weeks ago. You know he plays an American boxer who returns to Ireland after killing a guy in a fight."
"Yeah," said Babe, and he meets this pretty Irish colleen, Maureen O'Sullivan. Boy, she sure was gorgeous."
"Now I get it," said Joe.
"Jesus, Joe, it's perfect," said Bill.
Tab stepped out of his room dressed from hill to toe as a cowboy minus trail dust. "Whaddaya say partners?"
"Jesus Christ Tab," said Luz. "All you need is a horse, and you could head out for the range and round up some little doggies." The guys all laughed. "Hey, Johnny, you could give Earl Flynn a run for his money in that get up.
"Thanks George," said Johnny as he flashed his sword. "I feel like swashbuckling."
From the back of the room, three men ran towards them, lifted their foils into the air, and shouted, "One for all and all for one." With that, Skip leaped to the top of the table, followed by Muck and Hoobler.
"Jesus Christ," said Bill, "If ain't the three musketeers."
The three men removed their feathered hats and bowed low. "At your service, monsieur," said Skip as he leaped down from the table. "Hey Luz, aren't these swords great?"
"As the kids like to say, they are awesome," said George as he swished his blade in the air.
"Now don't any of youse get it into your head to start dueling with each other," said Bill. "This is a party, and I want all of you guys to show respect for your date as well as to the company."
"Jesus is this Wild Bill talking or some facsimile said Don as he came down draped in his robe.
"More like a fat lip if any of youse gets out of line tonight," growled Bill. "We have responsibilities here, and we owe it to these kids to set a good example. I do not mean we can't lighten up, dance with our girls, and have a good time, but if there is any alcohol at this party, I expect every man here to hold his liquor. I understand some of the elders from Nouveau will be here as well as some other guests. Now that we made the decision to remain here, I don't want any of youse fouling things up."
"Sure Bill, sure," said Joe, surprised by Bill's comments. "We all know what is at stake, and we all have our reasons for staying."
"Just thought I would give youse guys a reminder," said Bill with a wink as he snuffed out his cigarette.
Meanwhile, Dick Winters stared in the mirror, studying his costume. was trying to decide if he liked his costume or not. "Just exactly who am I suppose to be?"
"A prince among men," said Nix with a smirk. "Nice hosen by the way."
"What?" Dick looked down to see what his friend was describing. "These are not hose, Lew," insisted Dick.
"What you refer to as pants are these bagging stockings or hosen." Nixon tugged at the fabric hanging on Winter's legs. "This brocaded jacket in black and gold is called a doublet. Your studded belt with matching boots is what is commonly known as a studded belt with matching boots," said Nix with a smirk.
Dick rolled his eyes. "I wonder if this means Sarah is going as a lady of the court."
"Probably," said Nix. "Now if you excuse me I am going to pick up my little geisha and my little shin'yuu."
"Beg pardon," said Dick.
"It's Japanese for buddy." Opening the door, Nick saw Lewis at the door. "Whoa young squire, what brings thee here?"
Lewis bowed to acknowledge Nixon who looked superb in his Samurai attire. "Greetings my Lord Nixon, my lady Sarah sent me to escort Sir Richard Winters to yon castle where she awaits along with her lady in waiting, my sister Gillian. That is if you are ready Sir Richard." It was obvious Lewis relished his role as a squire.
"As ready as I am ever going to be," said Dick. He wrapped the heavy, black cloak around him and motioned for Lewis to head out the door. "Please lead on Squire Lewis."
"Your horse awaits, sire." Lewis held the horse's reins while Dick mounted the steed whose saddle was in keeping with the period. Then he held the other horse for Captain Nixon who managed to mount the horse despite the weight of his costume. Then removing a small flute from inside his own doublet, Lewis began to play a tune that sounded like a Japanese version of Greensleeves which made Nixon chuckle.
Along the short route to the Winters-Nixon-Lipton home, they came across Sharon garbed completely in soft green chiffon. Throughout her hair, there were tiny braids with flowers interwoven. She was a vision of beauty from some ancient Celtic lore. The twins were dressed as brownies and Skip was a smaller version of Don. Skip drove the children in a goat cart while Don led Sharon on a horse that had bells hanging from its harness. They waved and followed behind Major Winters and Captain Nixon.
The Malarkey party entered the barracks while Dick and Nix continued to pick up their dates. They were greeted at the door by Lipton dressed in a tuxedo. A white mask covered half his face. "Good evening gentlemen."
"Good evening Lip," said Dick. "Just who might you be?"
"He is the phantom of the opera," said Joy, who looked elegant in a stunning ball gown of layers and layers of green taffeta. Tiny, jeweled pins decorated her hair. "I am Christina although my singing voice is not ready for the stage."
"I remember that movie," said Nix. "You both look fantastic."
"You look fierce," replied Lip. "I have never seen anything like this. It's amazing."
Before they could continue to exchange compliments, they heard a loud "Ahem." Everyone turned their heads upstairs to see Gillian dressed in a pink with wine colored sleeves and a matching hem. Her sleeves were embroidered with tiny pearls. "May I present, Lady Grace and my lady Sarah.
Years later, when they were settled in Carolina, Nix and Dick would recall that night and how beautiful their wives looked dressed in all of their finery.
Grace's kimono featured embroidered flowers and vines on a background of red silk. She brought a fan to cover her smile. However, unlike most geishas, Grace wore little makeup, but she did wear a black wig with beautiful hair ornaments. Her dark brown eyes twinkled as she played the coy temptress in front of Nix, whose smile let his delight be known.
When Sarah came down in her medieval gown of wine velvet, Dick almost could not speak. She looked like a princess from another time and in her hair, she wore a small tiara. At her waist, she wore a bejeweled belt with a small dagger that featured rubies at the hilt. Somewhere his brain told him he should bow. Sarah returned the gesture with a deep courtesy. "Shall we go," he said softly.
"Yes, please my Lord," said Sarah as she took his arm. May I say Richard; you look very handsome in your attire.
Blushing, Dick said, "Nothing I have ever seen compares with how beautiful you look tonight." Sarah could barely take her eyes off of Dick. It was not the first time he had complimented her, but Sarah could not recall the lusty look in the Major's eyes.
When they arrived, the party was well underway. Babe and Nancy demonstrated the finer points of the jitterbug. Both she and Fran dressed as two major actresses, Nancy looked like a young like Jean Harlow minus the platinum blonde hair and Fran was stunning as Greta Garbo. Babe and Guarnere cut quite a figure in their Zoot suits. No one had seen Joe Toye dance before, but he rose to the occasion as he and Betty dressed in a brilliant green satin dress, tore up the dance floor.
Popeye and Janie seemed from another era altogether in his Davey Crockett outfit and she in her best frontier dress.
In the corner, was Amon dressed as a Pharaoh and Vern as a crusader. They were talking to two young lovely, black women who Dick had never seen before. One woman wore an elaborate Egyptian costume that made him think of Nefertiti and the other woman, who was taller, wore a medieval gown similar to the one Sarah wore. Soon they were all out on the floor doing the jitterbug. However, the Major never felt very adept at that dance and waited for something of a slower tempo. He did not have to wait too long before "Sentimental Journey" began floating through the air. Dick asked Sarah to dance and he led her onto the dance floor. Everyone watched the handsome couple move so gracefully and so intoned with each other's movements. The men were happy to see their Major relaxed and enjoying himself. He had always done his best for "E" Company, and they loved him for it. Soon Don and Sharon joined them on the floor because Malarkey loved this song, and to be holding as someone as beautiful as Sharon in his arms, well it felt like magic to him. Soon, Tap and Katie, dressed as a saloon girl, joined them on the dance floor as did a very Italian looking Julius Caesar and a stunning Tia dressed as Cleopatra. Johnny minus the eye patch swirled a lovely looking Virginia in her red Flamenco dress.
Later in the evening, Amon introduced Nefertiti, whose real name was Cleo Adams to Dick Winters. She was a one of the child psychologists who came down with her friend Linda Clay to evaluate the children and their guardians.
Speaking in low tones, Cleo informed Dick that it had been almost a year since the death of the children's parents. "They receive constant therapy, and based on all reports the arrival of you and your men provides a great deal of stability for them."
Nixon and Grace walked up during the middle of the conversation. "It works both ways," said Nix. "These children help heal a lot of wounds that you can't see. These men are sacrificing a lot, but we all believe that it is best that we remain here and build new lives."
Linda watched Suzie Guarnere dancing on top of Bill's shoes. The two laughed as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "It looks like all of you have created strong bonds with the children as well as their guardians."
Dick and Nix eyed one another and wondered if there was some hidden meaning behind Miss Clay's comments. Their curiosity did not go unnoticed by her or Cleo.
"I am sorry," said Linda. "In the beginning, there was some concern that the men might resent the presence of children that were not their own," explained Linda. "All reports indicate these worries are unfounded. It speaks to the character of your men as well as those who lead them."
Relieved, Dick thanked Linda and sought out Sarah to talk with her, who seemed upset that Linda and Cleo brought up the subject. "I am sorry I never told you, but to be honest that was a year ago right after the massacre when we first moved here. Oh, I want this to be happy evening."
Seeing Sarah's distress, softened Dick, and pulled her close to him. "You are right. This is a night for merry making my lady Sarah," he whispered as he kissed her hand.
"Oh, Dick," whispered Sarah. She kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for being so understanding." Suddenly, the sound of a fiddle caught their attention. Couples lined up as did the children. Shifty started calling dance moves and the women guided their dates through the various positions.
"So, this is a do-si-do," laughed Bill as he and Fran faced George and Martha Washington otherwise known as Elder Scott and Ellen Mendenhall.
Later during a Cajun dance, everyone admired how happy Danielle and Eugene shuffled across the dance floor dressed as Longfellow's Evangeline Bellefontaine and her beloved, Gabriel Lajeunesse.
"Those two are getting married soon," said Babe. "He's asked me stand up for him."
"You don't say," said Joe. "That's nice." He eyed Bettye Toye who was dancing with her oldest son, who was almost as tall as his mom was now.
"How are we going to throw him a bachelor party," said Malarkey?
"What do you mean," asked Skip?
Bill rolled his eyes. "It ain't like there's any Piccadilly Lilies hanging on street corners. Besides, Doc ain't the type who is gonna want a stripper anyways. I say we just have some booze maybe shoot some hoops and you know give him a hard time for beating us all to the altar. God knows I've tried to drag Fran there."
"Maybe you are not asking right," said Buck who found it hard dancing with shoulder pads. "A girl like Fran takes things serious. Have you tried courting her?"
"Buck, I take her to the movies. I am as close to those kids as I can be. If I had some dough, and if there was a place to go, I would buy her some candy or flowers or even a nice engagement ring."
"I know someone who might be able to help you with that Bill," said Carwood. "Joy is a jeweler by trade and has some beautiful rings with her."
"That's great, Lip, but I still I don't have any dough."
"Do you remember asking me if we are still in the Army?"
"Yeah, I remember Lip."
"I asked the Major, and he looked into it. Turns out, we are and we have been drawing pay ever since we started this mission. Soon as we are discharged, each man will receive his back pay as well as all the medals, citations, and benefits he would have received and then some since this is a special mission. So, I think you will be able afford that ring Bill."
The dance went on until midnight at which time, Bill Guarnere saw Carwood Lipton remove his white mask and kiss a very surprised Joy. Overall, the children thought the party a success. It was fun dressing up and pretending to be some character from history or literature, but what made it more special were these men who loved them and their guardians. Sure, it would never be the same as it was when their parents were alive, but they all knew it was a close as they were ever going to get, and somehow it was enough.
Next Chapter
When Hank runs away into the wilderness, will the men from "E" Company find him in time beforeā¦
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If you have never read Longfellow's Evangeline, you are missing one of the most poignant poems of devotion and unrequited love in American literature.
