THE BORDER EAGLES
CHAPTER FIVE
THE MAJOR AND THE SENORA
Rancho De Arboles Verde, Mexico 30, September 1847.
Don Luis de Duarte shook his head sadly, as the family sat in the great room. Things had gone badly for the Duarte family in the last year. First, the death of Miguel last May and then Enrique had been killed in a gambling fight in Baja after his banishment there.
The government had not fully paid for the horses that had been purchased for the army, only paying thirty percent of what they were worth. At least they hadn't commandeered them and hadn't taken all of them. Santa Ana's support was too shaky to alienate the wealthy land owners. And now the capitol had fallen to the Americans.
Due to the outbreak of the war, General Weddington and his wife had been unable to return to England and didn't want to. They had no children. Their only family was here. Sir Henry lit a cigar.
"I am not happy to have been proven right, Luis but am not surprised, The Yankees are the very devils in a fight. Santa Ana's ego fell right into Polk's provocation. Mexico should have accepted the Texan's definition of the border. Sending in troops was foolish. Santa Ana didn't learn anything from his defeat in Texas.
In the final battle for the capitol, Santa Ana had a third more troops than Scott but he didn't use them well. I hear that there has been some resistance and guerrilla activity, but it's not very effective certainly not causing the Yankees to withdraw. Also, most of it is from the lower classes, some of it just street crime by the leperos. There is also talk of peace negotiations."
Kate said;
"I hope that is true. War is a terrible thing. Especially for our poor Mexico. I hope that the violence will settle down, we need some supplies from the city."
Sir Henry said;
"I also hear that the Yankee soldiers are behaving well and not bothering our people unless threatened or attacked."
Don Luis said;
"I heard that a mob attacked a Yankee patrol. Nine of the mob were killed and forty taken prisoner. It is certainly better to cooperate than resist. I also hear that many merchants are freely selling to the Yankees."
"That has nothing to do with us, Elenora said. We have nothing to sell to them."
"Perhaps and perhaps not. We have some cattle and about fifteen horses left. If the find us and wish to buy, and pay fairly I think it would be unwise to refuse. Especially if they pay in silver or gold."
Sir Henry said;
"You are right Luis. I have heard that the Yankees may drive a hard bargain but it is usually fair and they pay what is agreed on in full."
"We will have to wait and see. We shall discuss these sad things no more today. Margarita has prepared a fine dinner for us and we have some good wine left. Let us enjoy it. The family got up and went to eat. A fine meal had indeed been prepared. Carne asada from their own beef., topped with topped avocado and tomato, potatoes in a butter sauce and albondigas soup.
Don Luis was a wise, kind man. No, the servants did not eat with the family but their meals were the same, except for the wine, they got a good ordinary wine or beer. They were also better paid and clothed than their peers. The servants and vaqueros were intensely loyal.
The rancho was, in many ways a little community of its 'own. There was the kitchen attached to the house, a communal kitchen for the vaqueros and farmhands, two bunkhouses a blacksmith shop a tannery, a small winery a still, a small church and even a small school house.
Many of his peers thought Don Luis foolish wasting money on educating peons. They were wrong and thus unable to understand the servant's loyalty to the Don and his family.
Beatrice and Elisa now almost two and a half were happily playing with Tia Carlotta. The twin girls were almost miniatures of their mother, but where Kate had chestnut colored hair and hazel eyes, the twins had dark brown almost black hair and brown eyes. Both were precocious
Speaking like a four-year-old would and learning both Spanish and English. Vincente came into the great room, having missed dinner, having been delayed on business. The twin ran to Vincente clamoring for his attention as he was the closest thing to a father figure they had.
After playing with the girls for a few minutes. He was called into the dining room. Margarita had saved supper for him. After eating he sat with Don Luis and Sir Henry over brandy and cigars.
"The city is relatively quiet. The Norte Americanos are treating our people with dignity and respect. Any assault by the soldiers is punished harshly. They are keeping the leperos suppressed. The Americano commander has published a policy that any guerrillas captured will be court-martialed and hung as they are not in uniform and therefore not soldiers." Vincente said.
"It is a harsh policy, but fair. The city has surrendered and Santa Ana has retreated to Guadalupe Hidalgo. The guerrillas can't be considered part of the army."
"You would be wise to stay out of the city Vincente."
"I cannot, not completely, I still have business to do and we do need some money coming in. But I will be careful, Papa I go armed."
Mexico City, 20, December 1847.
Kate, Carlotta and Lanie with Vincente driving the carriage were in the city to buy some medicine for Elenora and some small Christmas gifts. A pipe for Don Luis, a rebozo for Elenora and dolls for the twins, also some material for a new dress for the twins. They were on their way home when they ran into trouble.
Francois "Frankie the snake" Dupree, Clyde Bates and Jake Weaver were a trio of low-life's from New Orleans. They had joined a Texas militia and promptly deserted when they reached Mexico City. All three were swarthy men and spoke crude Spanish so they fit right in with the leperos. They were with two leperos.
They spotted the carriage and decided to take it. The carriage slowed to turn the corner when Clyde stepped out of an alley and grabbed the lead horse's bridle. Frankie pointed is pistol at Vincente.
"Stop Hombre." The carriage came to a halt;
Frankie smirked.
"All of you get down from the carriage." When they all stood on the ground Frankie said;
"Hand over the money and the jewelry and we'll take that fancy watch. We'll take the pistol too." Vincente had no chance to draw the finely made double barrel pistol from his waistband. We'll take the horses and dump the carriage. Too hard to sell."
The American's only saving grace was that the low-life's were robbers and rapists but not murderers. If caught they might talk their way out of hanging for other crimes but not murder. The leperos simple strong-arm men.
Rick had just paid the farrier for replacing the shoe his horse had thrown when he heard the shouts from the street at the other end of the large livery stable.
"Stay here and say nothing." He said to the farrier. He reached up to his saddle and drew the two Walker-Colts from the pommel holsters. He walked to where he could see the entrance.
Frankie leered at the women.
"Jake, bring the horses into that livery stable. We'll have a little fun with these Mex hoors I want see this one's titties." pointing to Kate.
"NO" Vincente shouted and lunged but was viscously clubbed down, knocked unconscious by one of the leperos. Carlotta ran to her husband.
"Get up hoor get over with the other two. Kate, never a wilting violet clawed Frankie's face. He back handed her. "You'll pay for that you hoor."
As Frankie grabbed Kate's arm, a cold voice from the shadows said; "Drop the lady's arm. all of you lay down your guns, drop your knives and lie on the ground. The three Americans complied but the Mexicans took a chance and ran. Rick let them go as they didn't concern him.
A tall officer stepped into view. He was holding a Walker-Colt revolver in either hand.
Ladies, you have nothing to fear. I am Major Richard Rodgers of the Mounted Rifles. I have bandages in my saddle bags. One of you please get them." Lanie said;
"I will go. Where is your horse?" Just behind us. He threw a shoe. I was having it replaced."
Kate having recovered her composure, said, in English;
"Speaking for all of us, we must thank you so very much, you saved us all from something so very terrible."
"You are welcome, senora, but I was only doing my duty as a gentleman."
"More than that, I think. You are a brave man and kind to strangers. And you acted against your own countrymen."
"These scoundrels are not my countrymen; they belong to no country. They are deserters, cowards, thieves and worse."
Thinking that Rick was distracted, Frankie moved to grab his pistol.
One of the big revolvers roared roared once as Rick put a bullet into Frankie's shoulder. The .44 ball shattering the joint as it passed through
Frankie screamed and clutched his wounded shoulder.
"Do either of you, others feel stupid?"
"No sir they chorused. Frankie alternated moaning and cursing.
Lanie came running back with the bandages, and a bottle of whisky she'd found in the saddle bag.
"Tend to the gentleman first. Rick said. I don't care if that pig bleeds to death. But he'll probably only live long enough to hang."
Kate blushed as she said;
"Forgive my manners, Major. I am Senora Katherine Beckett de Duarte.
My brother-in-law Vincente de Duarte, His wife Carlotta and my servant and friend Elaine Parish. In fluent Spanish, Rick said;
I am pleased to meet you all. I wish that it were under better circumstances."
Corporal Kearney had been down the street purchasing a bottle of rum and a box of cigars. He heard the shot and came running.
"Are you alright sir?"
"I'm fine but I've caught three deserters, robbers and would be rapists. Get some rope from the hostler and bind these scoundrels. Bind their hands behind their backs and hobble them. Then coffle them, be sure to pay the hostler for the rope.
While Lanie was tending to Vincente Kearney bound the hands and feet of the prisoners. When they were securely bound, Rick said;
"Corporal Kearney go fetch the provost guard, I'll watch these three,"
Kearney ran to his horse and sped away.
Lanie washed the cut on Vincente's head with whisky, using a piece of the bandage then bandaged the wound.
She said;
"That is all that I can do for him. I have seen things like this before. He may come to in minutes, maybe hours. We will send for the doctor when we get him home. If Doctor Rosales is even sober Carlotta was crying and holding Vincente's head in her lap. Lanie then went and applied a rough bandage to Frankie's shoulder
It took about half an hour for the sergeant to return with the provost guard, a sergeant in charge. He saluted.
"What do you have, Major."
"Three prisoners Sergeant. Charges are desertion, robbery, assault and attempted assault on the ladies' virtue. I witnessed the entire affair. Don't be too gentle taking these in. They are a disgrace to our army."
The three privates of the guard hauled the three prisoners to their feet. Ignoring Frankie's screams.
Rick, with Carlotta's help, lifted Vincente into the carriage. He then spent a couple of minutes loading the fired chamber of his revolver.
Sergeant Kearney had picked up the guns a, which he had stolen knives the outlaws had dropped. Kate said;
"That fine double barrel pistol belongs to my brother-in-law. Rick checked the other guns none were army issue. Two were single shot trade pistols but Frankie had a Patterson similar to Ricks but more ornate with ivory grips and silver- plating, which he had stolen. Rick decapped the revolver and gave it to Kate, promising to show her how to use and maintain it,
"Ladies, with your permission, I will escort you to your home, if one of you can drive."
Kate said;
"I can drive, Major and we do accept your kind offer. There may be other bandits." Rick turned to Sergeant Kearney,
"Sergeant, report this affair to the colonel and explain my actions. I will report back when I have seen the ladies safely home."
"Yes sir."
Don Luis, Elenora, Sir Henry and Elizabeth were all waiting on the veranda, as the carriage was over an hour late in getting home. They sighed in relief as it entered the gate, but don Luis' eyes widened in surprise to see Kate driving and an American officer riding escort. They all ran down the steps as the carriage pulled up. Don Luis said;
"Catalina, what has happened?"
"We were attacked by bandidos, five men. One of them struck Vincente. He is still unconscious. This brave American officer saved us. He shot the leader of the bandidos and arrested three of them two ran away. The Major was by himself. The bandidos would have hurt us, if not for the major. We owe him a great debt."
"You owe me nothing, Rick said. I am an officer and a gentleman. I owe you the courtesy of protection.
"You speak our language well, senor. You are very gallant to enemy ladies."
"Women and children are not my enemies, nor are civilians unless they choose to be guerrillas." Let me introduce myself. I am Major Richard Alexander Rodgers of the United States Mounted Rifles. At your service sir."
"I am Don Luis, Alfonso, Lorenzo, de Duarte. My wife Elenora. My brother-in-law Sr Henry Weddington and his wife Elizabeth. Please step down and com inside. The least we can offer you a good wine and a meal before your long ride back"
"Thank you, sir, I gladly accept your hospitality."
While they were talking, Carlotta and Lanie, with two servant's help carried Vincente into the house and to a bedroom. The undressed him, put a nightshirt on him and put him to bed. The two women came back into the great room. Rick was seated with a glass of wine in his hand, hid cap on the settee beside him. Kate sat on a chair across from him. The others seated around the room.
Don Luis spoke. As I said earlier, we owe Major Rodgers a greater debt than we can ever repay. He is a true Caballero." Rick Smiled.
"And as I said earlier, there is no debt. I was doing as my conscience requires"
Kate said;
"You may deny it all you want, Major but I owe you a debt. I had no desire to be ravished and dishonored."
"Catalina, do not speak so boldly!" Elenora said.
"I only speak what we all know to be true. I will not worry about convention!"
Don Luis said; Our countries may be at war but there will soon be peace. Whatever our countries may do in this house Major Rodgers is our friend. Don Ricardo if I may call you' that.'
"I would be pleased, Don Luis."
The twins had awakened from their naps and hearing a lively conversation going on wheedled their nanny to bring them in.
They ran to their mother. "Mama who is the strange man?"
"He is a new friend, my angels. Don Ricardo Rodgers. Don Ricardo, these are my daughters, Beatrice and Elisa. Say Buenos dias to Don Ricardo, ninitas."
"Buenos dias, Don Ricardo."
Rick smiled at the girls. "Buenos dias Beatrice, Elisa"
The girls said;
"Where is Tio Vincente?"
"He is in bed, sleeping, he was hurt earlier and needs to rest." Kate said.
In English, Rick said;
"Your daughters are lovely, senora, your husband must be very proud of them."
"He was, but he is dead, I am a widow."
"I am very sorry to hear that, senora. You have my condolences."
Kate was looking into Rick's eyes when he said it and could see that he truly meant it, the words were not pro forma.
"Thank you, Don Ricardo but as you are now our friend won't you please call me Katherine or Catalina."
"I would be pleased and honored to do so, but in that case, I am Richard or just Ricardo."
Still looking into his eyes Kate could see the admiration of her beauty without the tinge of lust that she'd seen so often. She then really looked him over, from his face to the tailored uniform and for the first time in a year and a half-felt desire stir.
It didn't matter that he wore the uniform of Mexico's enemy. He'd proved to be a brave and kind man. And while she loved the Duarte family, she felt no particular love for the country. While living a comfortable life, herself, she'd seen the inequities and heard Vincente complain often of the corruption. She had a sudden hope that she could find a way to get Rick to call again.
When dinner was announced, Rick was a little surprised that the twins ate with the adults. Rick knew that it was often custom in well to do families for the children to eat separately. The family obviously doted on them as the girls were included in the conversation as much as they could be. The girls being very interested in the stranger and asked him many questions, which he answered, easily smiling at them each time they asked.
After dinner, a servant who'd been sent to fetch Doctor Rosales returned.
"Don Luis, El medico is ill and cannot come to see Don Vincente."
Don Luis said;
"Damn him, the old fool is not ill, he is drunk."
Rick said;
"With your permission, Don Luis, I can see if our regimental surgeon will come to see Don Vincente in the morning. It was one of our men who injured him. It is only right that we try to make amends."
"That is very gracious of you Don Ricardo. If you can do it we will be very grateful."
"I had better be going now. Good night to you all."
"We will see you in the morning, God willing. Vaya Con Dios. Don Ricardo. Rick mounted, rode a few yards then turned in the saddle to wave at the family once more.
Kate smiled to herself. Hoping fervently to see him in the morning and, God willing, more than that.
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