THE BORDER EAGLES

CHAPTER SIX

LOVE KNOWS NO BORDERS

Mexico City and Rancho Tres Arboles. 21, December 1847

The night before Rick reported to Colonel Reynolds reporting the events of the day and presented his request to take the regimental surgeon to see Don Vincente.

"You present a good case, Major. It's only just that since an American caused the injury we should help rectify the situation as much as we can. It will also be a gesture of goodwill to the Mexican people, although it will only be known to the Duarte family unless they choose to tell of it. You are authorized to stay the entire day if the situation there is favorable. I will send Captain Talon, the assistant surgeon. He's actually a better doctor than Surgeon Major Ralston. Ralston's gout is plaguing him and he's tetchy. Take a three- man escort with you. Make sure that they are well turned out."

"Yes sir. I 'll take Corporal Kearney and have him pick two from his platoon. I'll alert Captain Bellows tonight."

"Very well Major, you are dismissed." Rick saluted and left. He went to see Captain Bellows, informing him that he was taking a detail from his company, in the morning.

He then got a plate of beef and beans, ate, then went to bed.

The army's baggage trains had filly caught up with Scott's army and Rick now had three full uniforms including a great coat. No full- dress uniform, that wasn't carried on campaign. He'd have to have a new one made, anyway no that he was a major. He'd found a Mexican widow to wash and care for his clothes. Many supplies and services were available gold and silver have no nationality one of Ricks scroungers found a claw-foot bathtub set up in a tent directly between the Major's and the colonel's tent. Rick was up before the colonel so; he had his orderly bring hot water for his bath and shave he finished quickly and had more hot water for the colonel. Rick went to get dressed in his freshest uniform boots an accoutrement gleaming. He had a breakfast of ham, locally sourced eggs and army coffee

Breakfast over, it was time to assemble the detail. Rick called on the assistant surgeon and found him already on his horse Although doctors were non-combatants most of them chose to arm themselves for self -defense Talon carried a Patterson that he'd had the barrel cut back to five inches for concealed carry.

Corporal Kearny had picked two burly Irishmen. Then made sure that they would meet the major's inspection. Rick inspected the two men and was satisfied. Their uniforms were, clean, boots belts and buckled polished.

Each man had a pair of pistols, an M1841 rifle and a rifleman's knife

Rick was more heavily armed than his men, He had two Walker-Colts in pommel holsters, a Patterson Colt in a belt holster, an M-1841 that he'd purchased from Remington and had it cut down to carbine length he carried it in a saddle scabbard. his saber and a highland sgian dubh, a gift from grandfather MacNeil Although not a primary weapon almost everyone carried a pocket knife of some variety. Ranging from a simple jack knife to a sailor's clasp knife.

The guerrilla activity in and close to the city had sharply dropped after several guerilla bands had been defeated and their leaders hanged. Still, it was wise to never travel alone and always well-armed.

With their horses at a steady trot, the five men covered the ten miles in a little under an hour.

Old Rodolfo had been sitting on the porch, waiting to see if Don Ricardo did indeed return with the doctor. He saw the party approach the gates and sent his son to open them. He went inside the house.

"Don Luis, Don Ricardo comes, with several men." Don Luis came out. "Don Ricardo so that other officer must be the doctor. Don Luis walked forward. "Don Ricardo my good friend welcome."

"Thank you, Don Luis. May I present my associate Surgeon Captain Talon. Captain Talon, may I present Don Luis de Duarte."

"I am pleased to meet you, Don Luis'"

"And I you, Capitan. Welcome to my house. My son is injured and needs your help. I hope that you can help him."

"I will do my best, senor."

Captain Talon went into the bedroom and checked on Vincente, taking his pulse and checking his breathing. Both were normal. Talon removed the bandage, cleaned and rebandaged the cut. He then held smelling salts under Vincente's nose. Vincente snorted, then opened his eyes.

He looked at Talon, focused his eyes and asked for water."

Talon gave him a few sips. Vincente asked;

"What happened, who are you?"

"You were struck and knocked unconscious yesterday by a bandit. I am Surgeon Captain Michael Talon, of the United States Army."

Talon helped Vincente up to rest against the headboard.

"You have had a concussion, Senor Duarte, we don't understand a lot about them. When people are knocked unconscious, sometimes they wake up in minutes, sometimes hours, sometimes days. You were out for about twelve hours so you were not hurt too badly. You will probably have headaches for several days."

"You are an American officer. Why are you helping me?"

"I am a doctor first I am sworn to help the sick and injured. As to why I'm here You can get that story later. You should probably have someone bring you something to eat, if you don't feel queasy. Now I'm going to tell Don Luis that you are awake."

Talon went out into the great room.

"Don Luis, your son is awake and seems to be doing well, but I would like to stay and observe him for a few hours."

"By all means, Capitan. And after what you and Don Ricardo have done for this family, you are forever welcome in this house." He turned to Rick.

"Don Ricardo, will you have your men come into the patio and rest and have them put the horses in our stables. Capitan Talon tells me that you will be here a few hours."

"Thank you Don Luis I will do as you say."

Don Luis was an intelligent and empathetic man. He had seen Kate's face light up when Rick had arrived this morning. He hadn't seen that reaction in any of the men who had come calling after Kate's mourning period ended. In truth, he hadn't been impressed with any of them. The young ones should have been with the army and the older men were just roues after one thing only. And even the younger ones looked at her with mere lust. This American officer, he felt was different. Another point that was different. Don Ricardo had greeted the twins properly and complimented them. Most of the others had ignored them.

About ten minutes later the horses were in the stables and the three enlisted men were relaxing on the patio trying to converse, in broken Spanish, with a couple of the servants.

Kate had come into the great room, with both of the twins. Ric smiled at the three of them and said;

"Buenos dias Senora, Duarte, Senorita Beatrice, Senorita Elisa. The girls giggled at being addressed by adult titles and Kate smiled then put on a fake moue. "Thought I asked you to call me Katherine, Richard."

"Yes, you did. My apologies Katherine."

Kate smiled again. "You are forgiven, Richard, as long as you don't do it again."

'I shall endeavor not to."

Don Luis smiled at the exchange. He spoke.

"Capitan Talon tells me that he wants to observe Vincente for a few hours. Is that permissible?'

"Yes, our colonel has allowed us the entire day."

"Excellent. You shall dine with us."

Rick being there was a novelty so, the twins peppered him with questions, which he answered with an easy good humor. After about fifteen minutes Kate said;

"Girls you are asking too many questions of our guest. Maria, take the girls outside in the fresh air, please. Let them play a little."

"That wasn't necessary, I didn't mind."

"Yes, but I did. I would like some of your time. Richard. Will you have a coffee with me?"

"I would be delighted."

They went into the dining room. Kate called for coffee and pan dulce. Margarita brought them. Coffee was always kept hot now although before Kate's arrival the hot drink had been chocolate. Kate had brought her coffee addiction with her from Ireland. Her father started drinking coffee as a minor defiance of England.

Rick thanked Margarita, as did Kate. Rick took a sip of the coffee.

"This is very good coffee, Katherine but it has a sweet flavor to it."

"That is because we add a little chocolate to it, please try the pan dulce. They are Margarita's pride." Rick took a bite of the warm buttered sweetbread. "This is delicious I must have some for the officer's mess.

"We make our own but Hernando's bakery in the city does a good job. I do fear that Margarita might take offense if you bought yours there."

"My mother didn't. Raise any foolish children."

Kate laughed at that. Tell me a little of your life, please Richard. Have you always wanted to be a soldier?'
"as far back as I remember. I grew up in a military family. My father is a colonel in the engineers. My maternal grandfather was an officer in the Scottish Highlanders. Grandfather Rodgers was in the war of 1812.

I have a twin brother, Robert in the artillery. My father's name is Duncan, my mother is Martha and I have a sister, Jessica. I was born and raised in New York. I graduated from West Point, our military academy and spent two years on the frontier, before the war.

"That doesn't tell me much."

"Well, you only asked for a little." She snorted.

"Do not be so literal. Richard. How old are you?"

"I'm twenty-four." Kate smiled.

"You are too much of a gentleman to ask, but I will tell you. I am also twenty-four. But we were talking of you. Does someone wait for you at home? Kate was being very forward and knew it but she had to know.

"Besides my parents and sister, no. No wife, fiancée or light o' love. There were girls at school, of course and obviously flirtations, but nothing ever serious."

Kate smiled to herself. Is it too soon? We just met but something in me stirred. He may be Mexico's enemy but that doesn't matter to me. He is obviously a true gentleman, kind, generous and so handsome. I wonder if he could be as gentle in bed? She blushed at her unruly perhaps unseemly thoughts but didn't regret them. Miguel had been a passionate man and encouraged a similar passion in his wife.

"Enough about me, Katherine. Please tell me about yourself."

Kate smiled.

"I was born in County Cork, Ireland. My mother died when I was fourteen. My father got into political trouble by speaking out for Irish independence. We left and came to Mexico when I was sixteen. My father is a lawyer. He had enough money to set up a practice here in Mexico City. I met Miguel through my father's practice. I was nineteen. We married when I was twenty." She paused to take a sip of her coffee and finding the cup nearly called Margarita for a fresh cup for each of them.

After getting fresh cups she resumed her story. My husband was handsome, a loving husband and father. He was a captain in the cavalry."

"Did he die in the war?"

"No, he was killed in an accident, a few weeks before the war. His horse threw him and he died of his injuries."

"I am sorry to have brought up a sad memory."

"It is all right, it happened and I must move on from it."

"You children must miss their father."

"They were too young to really know or remember him. Their uncle Vincente is very attentive to them and fills much of a father's role."

Kate's unruly thoughts returned. Would you like to fill that role my handsome major? My major? Why not? No one else has claimed him. Perhaps I shall, in time if God grants us that time.

Another factor in Rick's favor was his gentle, patient treatment of the twins. Her other callers had not wanted to be bothered with children.

They finished their treat and Kate said;

"Would you like to see our flower garden?"

"If it pleases you, of course I would."

Kate placed her hand, lightly in the crook of Rick's elbow as they strolled through the garden. Rick admiring the varied flowers and plants that surrounded them and enjoying the company of the lovely woman beside him. An hour and a half passed in what seemed like minutes as they talked about small things from the time before the war.

They strolled back into the house. Don Luis was waiting for them. He smiled and said;

"Did you enjoy our garden, Don Ricardo?"

"Yes, I did especially one lovely rose."

Kate blushed and Don Luis smiled again at the gallantry.

"My son is up and dressed and wishes to speak with you, Don Ricardo."

"It will be my pleasure."

Vincente came into the room and except for the bandage on his head and being a little pale seemed fine. He was dressed in linen trousers and shirt, a light gray jacket and soft shoes. He spoke.

"Don Ricardo, I believe that I owe you my life as well as Catalina's honor.

It is a debt that we can never repay but it is my fervent hope that the friendship of our family will be accepted as well as our deepest gratitude. You are a brave and gallant man. I am honored to meet you.

"And I you, Senor Duarte."

"Please, Don Ricardo, call me Vincente as a friend should. I can think of no dearer friend than a man who saves your life at risk to his own."

Kate thought about Vincente's words Yes, no dearer friend than a man who saves your life and your honor. Who is so handsome and kind, even to my ninas? It has only been two days but have I not heard of love at first sight? And this is so much more than sight it is deeds and attitudes. If God permits, I shall claim him as my own. I do not know how he feels about me but if there is enough time, I can make him love me. I have heard the rumors. Perhaps there will be peace soon. If so, there may be little time. I must not dawdle.

"As I have said to Don Luis, there is no debt. But there is friendship"

Vincente said;

"Let us disagree on the matter of a debt but agree with all our hearts on friendship. Shall we seal that with a toast?"

"By all means."

Vincente called the rest of the family together.

"Margarita. Bring glasses and a bottle of our best wine."

Margarita came back with a tray of glasses and the wine. Vincente opened the wine and filled everyone's glasses.

"Our family has gained a true friend in Don Ricardo and he has gained true friends in this family. Let this friendship last for as long we all live."

They all took large sips of their wine.

"Well said, my son." Don Luis stepped forward and embraced rick in the European manner. Each of the others following suit. Kate going last and hugged Rick a little tighter and just a couple of seconds longer than the rest.

Don Luis said; It is almost time for the midday meal. Will you join us, Don Ricardo? And the evening meal as well. Your men as well, of course."

"I would be pleased and honored to do so, as will my men. (The troopers would eat with the vaqueros)

The midday meal consisted of roast chicken. With fried potatoes, black beans and plantains.

After lunch Rick said;

"Don Luis, I promised to show Katherine how to use the pistol I gave her. I would like to do it now. Is there a safe place to shoot and would you gentlemen care to join us?"

"Yes, I would. Vincente, Enrique?" Both Vincente and Sir henry agreed. Kate pouted a little. She had hoped for more alone time with Rick.

"There is a flat area behind the stables. We could set up a crude range there." Don Luis said.

"Have you ever shot a gun, Katherine?"

"Yes, Miguel taught me to use a fowling piece and a pistol."

"Good, that will make it easier. Please show me those guns."

They went back into the house. Kate took him to a room next to Don Luis' study. Three long guns were on pegs set into the wall. The fowling piece(shotgun) that Kate had mentioned, a light .32 caliber rifle and a .54 caliber German Jager Rifle. Stocked in dark walnut with a deeply blued barrel an engraved lock and a patch box set into the stock. The patch box and all the fittings were German silver. All were flintlocks.

Kate opened a case and took out one of two finely made flintlock single shot pistols. Rick took the pistol. It was .32 caliber with a long smoothbore barrel. Being a smoothbore, it wasn't very accurate beyond close range. Rick said;

"Beautifully made but. not what a woman would want for defense Please get the pistol I gave you."

Kate went to the other side of the room and got the Colt-Patterson off a table. It was still in the cloth Rick had wrapped it in. Rick unwrapped it. It was still loaded, but uncapped.

"There is no way to unload this piece without firing it since I don't have a ball puller with me."

Rick had Don Luis bring the two single shot pistols with them. They set up a three -foot by three- foot board a nailed it to a post. Rick painted a simple black circle in the middle.

Rick went to his saddle bag and got a tin of percussion caps and pre-made paper cartridges.

They moved a work table out of the stable and brought some chairs off the veranda. Rick unwrapped the Colt-Patterson.

"Your guns are all flintlocks. You gentlemen have heard of the percussion system?"

The three men nodded.

"This pistol, correctly called a revolving pistol is a percussion gun. It has a cylinder holding five shots. He pointed to the cylinder. Each time you cock the hammer, the cylinder revolves an aligns a chamber with the barrel. Rick demonstrated. When the gun is cocked, the trigger drops into place. After the cylinder is loaded with powder and bullets percussion caps are placed on the nipples." Rick capped the gun. He then proceeded to aim at the board and fired off all five shots in about twelve seconds all five shots hitting in a four- inch circle. He asked Vincente and Sir Henry to load and fire the two single shot pistols twice, each. It took them four minutes to do so.

Then he asked;

"Could you load and fire those guns in the rain in the rain?"

"Of course not."

"With this pistol and our percussion rifles we can."

He reloaded and capped the revolver, demonstrating and explaining each step. Then fired again explaining the proper hold and how to aim.

He capped the gun without loading it.

"Katherine, please come here." Kate walked over to Rick. He handed her the pistol and said;

"Point the pistol at the target. Cock the hammer. See that notch in the hammer. Line up the front bead in that notch. Now squeeze the trigger."

Kate did as she was told and heard the pop of the cap.

"Now repeat that four more times. She did and four more pops were heard."

"If the gun were loaded, you would have fired five shots. Now I will help you load and cap the gun. These paper cartridges have both the powder and ball in them. The paper will burn."

Rick walked Kate through loading and capping the gun.

"When you shoot, the muzzle will rise a little, so, you will have to bring it ack on target. Go ahead and shoot."

Kate fired all five shots and although widely scattered, all five hi in or close to the circle."

"Very good, for a first time, Katherine." He had her fire another cylinder full. Then had each of the men fire a cylinder full.

"If you don't have cartridges, you can load with loose powder and ball." He demonstrated how to do that.'

"That's enough shooting for today." I will now show you how to take the pistol down and clean it."

After that was done, Rick said;

"Don Luis, you have both leather workers and wood workers on the Rancho, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Then I suggest that you have a case and a holster made for the revolver."

"That is a good suggestion. It will be done."

Rick loaded and capped the pistol then wrapped it up."

"I have plenty of ammunition in camp. You have powder her. I will come back tomorrow or the next day with balls, cartridges and caps."

The whole session had taken about two and a half hours.

Kate said;

"I think that it is enough serious things for one day. Now, a little talk, a little wine and we rest before supper." Everyone agreed, so a pleasant hour and a half was spent doing just that.

Supper was carne asada with sliced avocado, roasted corn and squash. Fresh baked bread a Mexican custard called flan. Everything accompanied by red wine. After supper the men retired to the study for cigars and brandy.

Finally, it was time for Rick and his men to return to camp. As Rick was standing by the door, Kate said, quietly;

"Today has been a wonderful day. Please come again, as soon as you can and not just to bring us ammunition. Make it a proper visit."

"It has been a wonderful day for me, as well. I shall return as soon as I can."

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