THE BORDER EAGLES
CHAPTER NINE
THE COURSE OF LOVE.
Rancho Tres Arboles, 26, December 1847
Kate lay snuggled in Rick's arms, head on his chest. It was early, the sun not risen yet. Neither one had slept, making love, twice. The first had been almost explosive, but quickly over as neither one had sex for a long time. The second, slow, gentle and sweet. They had spent the rest of the time talking.
"I should be ashamed of myself, but I'm not. Something so beautiful is nothing to be ashamed of. I was afraid, at first that you'd think me a hussy. But that did not matter. I know that it has only been a handful of days but I am in love with you. Most people do not believe that one can love so quickly. But they are wrong. After all, the stories of love at first sight must have some basis in fact or they would not be so widespread."
"I did not believe, either, until I met you. You are an extraordinary woman, Katherine and yes, I'm falling in love with you. I must say though that we won't be able to keep this a secret very long and you may meet some disapproval."
"Not from my family, they only want me to be happy. As for anyone else. I do not care. If we trust in love, our love, we will make it through. I want to be your wife, not anything less. But I am not blind you will probably face disapproval too."
"Not from my family and, like you, that is all that matters. As for the rest, My Dear, I don't give a damn." *
"You may see resistance from the army."
"There is no legal basis for it, but even if there is. As soon as the war is over, I can resign my commission. It is something I have been thinking about anyway. This war has shown me that a life dedicated to the military may not be the life I want."
Kate said;
"Whatever you choose to do, is of course is your choice to make. But if I am your wife, I will follow you. But I would be happier with a husband in a safer profession. I would like to stay here longer, but I must be in my room before the twins awake. My family will accept us, but we had best not shock them."
She kissed him, got up, dressed and went to her room, slipping in without being noticed.
She got about three hours sleep, before the girls woke her up. Despite the short amount of rest, she awoke refreshed and asked Margarita to bring her hot water for her bath. Breakfast was, fortunately, late that morning as everyone had slept in after the day and nights of celebration.
Kate came down the stairs dressed in a white dress trimmed in dark green, a twin holding to either hand. Rick came down a few minutes later dressed as he had been the night before' Luis said;
"Good morning, Ricardo, I trust that you slept well?"
"Very well, Luis."
"Good. Will you be able to attend the New Year celebration?
It will be a small, formal ball, a chance to relax and enjoy ourselves."
"I will be honored to attend, assuming duty permits. You must direct me to your tailor I need an outfit of my own."
"You already have one. Sir Henry said. I decided that the coat and vest look better on you than they ever did on me, so they are yours."
"Thank you, Henry."
"You are most welcome"
Still, it would be better to have a nice formal outfit to wear as we don't have full dress in the field. They are coming, we are told but we haven't seen them yet."
"I agree. said Don Luis I will have Emilio out here tomorrow."
"I don't know if I can back out here that quickly. And even if I can, that only gives him three days."
"He already has the patterns from my file. He will only have to adjust the measurements. He will be glad to do it for a quick payment in gold or silver."
As the men were talking, Lanie, who had spent the night, pulled Kate aside. "Girl, you better get control of your face, quick. You got that damn smug I got what I wanted look about you. You look like the kitten who got all the cream."
"Just between you and I, I did. and the butter too."
Lanie laughed, delightedly.
"I should be jealous, but I'm not. You deserve some happiness after all that you've been through."
"I do not know about deserving, Lanie. I do know that I want it and I'm going to do everything I can to get it. And why should you be jealous. Isn't Hernando Perez courting you?"
"Yes, he is."
"He's a good man and good looking too."
"Well yes, but he's not a dashing caballero."
"Now, you are just being silly."
Kate then walked over to Rick and pulled him aside.
"We should tell my family about us now. Not about last night of course but that we love each other. They will notice soon enough anyway. They have always known my moods well. They will know that I am happy.
"If you think that it is right, I agree with you."
"Then we shall tell them right after breakfast."
Breakfast was chorizo con huevos, flour tortillas, fruit, pan dulce and coffee.
The meal finished, Kate said;
"There is something that Ricardo and I must tell you. We have fallen in love and we will marry as soon as the situation permits us to."
Luis and Elenora smiled and Luis said;
"That is no surprise to us. And you have our blessing. But Ricardo must agree to become Catholic."
"Rick said;
"I will agree to that. Anglican is not much different anyway."
Vincente said;
"But it is too soon, you cannot know."
Elenora said;
"Vincente, do you not remember that for your father and I, it was also less than a week that we knew each other and were in love. And I was Anglican too and had to convert. You have seen how good life has been for us."
"Yes, but there was no war separating you. And you, Catalina, were married to a Mexican officer."
"Yes, I was, but he died before the war started, it was no fault of the war. There will soon be peace and as soon as there is, we will marry."
"Even so, some of our people may resent you and might make trouble."
Luis said;
"That might happen, but let's not look for trouble before it happens. We will be prepared in any case. If there is trouble, Catalina and the little ones will leave for our Rancho in Alta California. That is Catalina's anyway as She and Miguel would have gone there in a year or two if he hadn't been killed."
"But the Americanos might seize it."
"Some might try, but they won't succeed. Rick said. The rights of legal Mexican land owners in the territories are recognized, just as they have been in Texas."
"How do you know this?"
"Because I heard General Scott explain it to his staff, to dissuade any opportunistic officers. After all there will be many Mexican citizens still living in the new territories and the president does not want any unrest. On top of that, Katherine will be married to me, which would solve those problems legally. If anyone tries anything else, I will handle it.
Who is managing the Rancho now?"
Luis said;
"My nephew, Raoul He is a good manager but does not want the problems of being an owner. He is a very good Segundo.
"Vincente, tomorrow draw up the papers to formally deed the Rancho to Catalina. That way, when they marry, the Rancho becomes Ricardo's property by both Mexican and American law."
Rick said;
"Draw up a document and I will sign it, that states Katherine's rights are protected. I will not take advantage of her."
Luis said;
"Trouble or not, I think that Catalina moving to Alta California is the best plan. There will be much unrest here in Mexico in the next few years. I am having an idea, but we need not discuss it now. Let us enjoy the day."
The day was still in holiday mode. The family visited their servants and vaquero's homes with small presents, then went into town and distributed food and presents to the orphanage. While in town, Luis suggested that Father Felix should be told about Kate and Rick.
They went to the church and luckily found Father Felix in the main chapel, but not busy. Luis said;
"Father, may we have a word with you, in private?"
"Of course, Don Luis, how may I be of service?"
Luis, Elenora, Kate and Rick joined the priest in the church office.
Luis said;
"Father, we know that it has been but a few days but Catalina and Ricardo have fallen in love and wish to be married as soon as the situation permits. Dona Elenora and I believe this to be a true love, short as the time has been and have given our blessing. Don Ricardo has committed to convert to the true faith."
The priest looked at Rick and asked;
"Do you do this freely and not for improper reasons?"
"Yes, Father I do. I was raised Anglican and I see very little difference in the forms. Mainly as I see it, it's mostly accepting the Pope as God's true vicar on earth."
The Priest looked Rick in the eyes. "I believe that you speak true my son. There are other things you must learn. If you can spare an hour, we can have your first lesson today. It might be good for the Duarte's
To stay and refresh their knowledge. At the end of the session, Rick was presented with his missal. He thanked the priest and suggested that the priest join them for supper and the second lesson.
The afternoon passed all too swiftly for the couple's taste and it was time for a lesson and an early supper as Rick had to return to camp. He changed into uniform and when ready to leave, Kate said;
'Leave your civilian clothes here. Margarita and I will clean them tonight. And if you cannot come tomorrow, Emilio can take the basic measurements from them."
They shared a passionate kiss, then Kate said;
"Vaya Con Dios, Mi Corazon. Ride safely, My Darling."
"I will, you be safe too, My Love."
Jorge, the senior vaquero had saddled Midnight. "Gracias, Jorge."
"De Nada, Mi Mayor, Vaya Con Dios."
"The men grumbled, good naturedly, at having to return to camp.
On returning to camp, Rick reported to Colonel Reynolds.
"How did things proceed, Major?"
"Very well sir. I have become close to the Duarte family and the men are getting along well with the vaqueros. I have been invited to a New Year's Eve ball and the men to a party, with the vaqueros."
"That is well done, Major. Submit a report in writing."
"There is one thing more sir. I need to go back out tomorrow for a few hours. Don Luis is having his tailor out to fit me with formal evening clothes, since we don't have our dress uniforms."
"Very well, see to it. But You will have to stay in camp from the twenty -seventh through the morning of the thirty-first. You still have duties here."
"Yes sir."
"Dismissed Major."
Rancho Tres Arboles, 27, December 1847.
Things been quiet enough that Colonel Reynolds had allowed Rick to ride out with only Corporal Kearney as escort. It might be quiet, but both men rode with the flaps of their pommel holsters unfastened. Nothing untoward happened so they arrived at the Rancho about ten-thirty.
As soon as they were inside Corporal Kearney went through the house and out back to visit with the vaquero serving as the hostler.
Kate kissed Rick and said;
"Emilio will be here in half an hour so we have time for some chocolate and a small pan dulce."
Margarita had been keeping the chocolate warm and served them, then withdrew. They talked as they ate. Rick said;
"I only have a few hours here today, then I have to return to camp and I won't be able to come back until after noon on the thirty-first. I still have duties with the regiment."
"I, of course, am not happy about that, my Darling but at least we have a little time today. After the fitting we can have a meal before you go back."
They had just finished their snack and Rick had changed into civilian clothes when Emilio arrived. He was a slender man of slightly less than medium height, his dark hair slicked back around a receding hairline. He was neatly dressed, obviously displaying the quality of his work, with a rather fussy air about him.
He had several bolts of cloth with him for Rick to choose from.
Rick said;
I shall be escorting the young Senora Duarte so her opinion will be consulted. Kate was delighted to be part of the decision.
She decided that just one outfit was not enough. She asked Rick if he would accept her choices."
"Yes, as long as you don't try to turn me into a clothes horse."
"No, only two coats. A frock coat for the day and a tailcoat for evening wear. Two pair of trousers and a vest. Two shirts, of course."
"Very well, Katherine, let's get this over with."
Kate chose black for the tailcoat and matching trousers. Midnight blue for the frock coat with gray trousers, a white brocade vest and two white dress shirts and one other item, a black bow tie. Having made the fabric choices, Kate left the room while Emilio took Rick's measurements. He was quick, efficient and in less than an hour he
was done,
"Are you certain that you can have all this ready in three days?" Rick asked.
"Si, Senor Rodgers I will place all my workers on this order. I have the patterns. I only need to cut and sew to the measurements."
"See that you do, Emilio. It would not be well to disappoint Catalina and Don Ricardo." Luis said.
"We have half an hour before luncheon, shall we walk in the garden, Mi Cortisone?" Rick offered his arm; she took it and they strolled into the garden. They didn't talk much, but found a secluded spot, indulging in a light make out session.
After a filling meal, Rick changed back into uniform, ready to head back to camp.
"This will be a long three and a half days for me, Sweetheart."
"Not nearly as long as it will be for me. You, at least, will have your duties to occupy your mind."
"Don't you have to get your dress ready for the ball? And the girls can spend less time with Leona and more with you. That will help."
Kate sighed.
"I suppose it will, but I still will hurt."
"As will I. It's time for me to go now." They kissed.
"Be safe, Mi Corazon."
As they rode back to camp, Corporal Kearney said;
"She's a darling girl, that Katie is. Ye're sweet on her aren't you sir?"
"Not that it's any of your business Corporal but yes, I am. More than sweet. However, if you breathe a word of it in camp, I will hear of it and have your guts for garters and feed your bollocks to the camp dogs.
When it's time, I will tell the colonel. Pass the word to the rest of the escort. I am sure that the regimental singers have no need for a soprano quartet."
"No sir, I'm sure they don't I'll pass the word. I wouldn't talk anyway. I'm kind of sweet on Antonio's sister."
"Before you go tapping that tree, you had better be damn sure she is his sister."
"Yes sir."
American army camp. Mexico City, 28, December 1847.
As Kate had predicted, Rick's Day began, right after breakfast with a stack of papers on his field desk. Reports to write, orders to sign and a myriad of problems to solve. The worst being the court martial recommendation for two men who got into a serious fight over a Mexican prostitute One man from C company of his battalion and one from A troop of the first battalion of the 2nd Dragoons. Both had minor knife wounds. At afternoon formation, right after lunch, Rick, his executive officer, the adjutant and the sergeant major held an inspection of the battalion. All of the deficiencies found were minor ones, mostly in uniforms but not one in weapons or equipment.
The afternoon passed with a battalion drill, retreat formation and supper.
Before going to bed, Rick took the time to write a short note to Kate, written in Spanish. He would have a trustworthy Mexican courier deliver it in the morning.
Katherine, Mi Corazon, as you said, I am very busy, but all is well, except for missing you. With love, Ricardo.
American Camp, 29, December 1847.
Despite the peace negotiations, it was still war time so patrols were still sent out each morning and afternoon alternating between the Mounted Rifles and the Dragoons. Not wanting to get rusty, sitting behind a desk, Rick led a two- company morning patrol. Before moving out Rick addressed the patrol.
"I do not care if it seems peaceful at the moment. There is no such thing as a routine patrol. Unexpected action could occur at any time. Keep alert at all times. Any man aught dozing in the saddle will suffer the worst company punishment that can be dealt out. Officers and nco's check your men now. All pistols to be loaded and capped. Rifles loaded but not capped. Ten minutes and we move out. The arms inspection was carried out. They only found two men with uncapped pistols. The got a taste of the sergeant major's ire. Rick issued a series of commands.
"Prepare to mount, Mount! Forward at the walk, March!
The patrol stayed at the walk until they cleared camp then picked up the gait to a trot. About five miles out of the camp, almost at the limit of their patrol area, a scout reported to Rick.
"Sir, there is what looks like a troop of Mexican lancers just over that low ridge to the east. I don't think they 've spotted us as they're dismounted and are watering their horses at a creek."
"They may be looking trouble or just out patrolling, like we are. Cap rifles but leave them on half-cock. A company, carry your rifles in front of you across your saddle bow, B company, "remain at sling arms. Patrol, from column into line march!" B company, echelon left." The patrol moved into two lines, B company off to the left flank and ten yards behind A company.
The patrol crossed the ridge, catching the Mexicans by surprise. Only armed with pistols and lances against rifles and pistols the Mexican lancers didn't try anything foolish. Rick rode forward and said, in Spanish;
"I am Mayor Richard Rodgers of the United States Mounted Rifles. We are simply on patrol and not looking for any hostilities."
A Mexican officer stepped forward.
"I am Teniente Primero Antonio Delgado of the Tulancingo Cuirassiers. We too are on patrol looking for banditos. We do not wish a battle."
"Very well, Teniente. We will water our horses and return to our camp. Good luck with your search. Adios."
"Adios Mayor."
The patrol watered their camp without incident. Rick reported to the colonel about the contact and suggested that the information be passed to the Dragoons to be on the alert. Delgado may well be telling the truth but he also might have been unwilling to engage a unit with superior numbers and firepower.
That night, after supper, Rick wrote another note to Kate, worded much the same as the first one.
American camp. 1847.
Rick got up before revile to have a few minutes of peace and quiet before the day began. He walked to the mess tent to see if he could score a cup of coffee, got the coffee and moved back to his tent. He relaxed for about half an hour then went back mess tent to get hot water to wash his face and shave. Refreshed, he finished dressing just as revile sounded.
After breakfast, He went to the battalion headquarters to issue the orders of the day. Since it was the dragoons turn to patrol the day was given over to drill and training. It was a normal day with nothing occurring to disturb the routine. He didn't write a note, that night, as he would be going to the rancho, tomorrow afternoon.
Rancho Tres Arboles, 30 December 1847.
Kate had enjoyed the notes from Rick, despite their brevity. And had managed to keep herself busy enough that she didn't miss Rick as desperately as she thought she would. She spent more time with the twins and with Elenora and Elizabeth's help worked on her dress for the ball. She had actually started it before she met Rick as the ball had been planned since the first week in December.
As still a widow she was expected to wear black in public and she would comply with that but it wouldn't be unrelieved black. She added frills of forest green lace around the hem of the skirt, the cuffs of the sleeves, the waist and the neckline. She recut the neckline to show just enough cleavage to be alluring without being vulgar. She also asked Margarita to bake a large batch of pan dulce, knowing how much Rick enjoyed the
American camp, 31 December 1847.
As it was New Year's Eve Day there was a relaxed, holiday mood around the camp. Not completely relaxed, sentries were posted and pickets rode out but over all the men were cleaning their clothes, bathing and generally preparing for an impromptu New Year's celebration.
Rick was dressed in a freshly cleaned and pressed uniform, boots, buttons and accoutrements gleaming. His escort, the same.
They might be dressed in their best, but their weapons were ready for instant use. With the help of the vaqueros, Rick's escort had purchased Mexican style party clothes. Casual observers would not be able to them from the vaqueros. Three men had been added to the escort, just as far as the road leading to the rancho and then they would turn back.
They departed the camp precisely at eleven, planning on arriving at the Rancho in time for the midday meal. One of the escorts rode up to Rick. "Sir. We're being tailed. "
Rick said;
"Go jump them and find out what they are up to."
A couple of shots were heard and a few minutes the escorts rode up with two Mexicans, one wounded, between them.
"There were five, sir, bandits. Two are dead. One got away. Rick said;
"What were you only going to rob you, Senor. I swear it."
"You are lying, Cabron. If my men hadn't surprised you, you would have tried to kill us. Tell me how you knew we were leaving and maybe I'll let you live. Lie to me and I'll know it and ang you right here."
The sweating man said;
"There is a man in your camp. An Americano he is very ugly, a face like a pig. He has two yellow stripes on his pants. We gave him silver."
"Willard. Lieutenant Willard. But why?"
"He loses at cards, sir. And he's usually drunk when he does so. And it's been said that he hates you." Corporal Kearney said.
"That may be true and I think I know why. You are all witness to what this man said. Don't say anything when you get back. I will deal with this when I get back. But we will need more than one bandit's word."
Rick told the two Mexicans to dismount and take off their shoes and jackets. He took their guns.
"Start walking. Go back to your band and tell them if they try again, we will hunt you down and hang you all. You had better see to your friend's wound."
They had only ridden a few yards, around a bend in the road when they heard a scream. Kearney gave a grim smile.
"Sorry sir, I forgot to take their knives." Rick's smile was equally grim.
"I guess that there is no honor among thieves."
They arrived at the turnoff and the three extra men turned back. Rick cautioned his men to say nothing of the incident to anyone so as not to upset the holiday mood. He told Don Luis only and gave him the four pistols they'd taken from the bandits and approximately where four more horses could be found. Luis grinned and sent two vaqueros to get the horses, cautioning them to say that they found strays.
Kate came down stairs as soon as she heard Rick's voice. She walked right up and kissed him. "Come up stairs and get out of your uniform and bathe. Emilio will be her in an hour with your clothes for a final fitting.
Rick bathed quickly, Kate pouting a little that she couldn't wash his back.
Soon enough I shall wash my love's back and even bathe with him
Rick finished his bath, pulled on a fresh pair of long johns and dressed in just the dark blue pants and a shirt, socks and shoes. Rick only had to wait fifteen minutes for Emilio to show up with Rick's new outfits. He tried on the evening clothes first. Emilio's measurements had been accurate and he only had to take in the waistband half an inch. Emilio had included suspenders, socks and a collar stud at no extra charge.
The frock coat and accompanying trousers fit with the same degree of accuracy as the evening clothes.
Kate had come in when he was dressed in the evening clothes to see how Rick looked. She smiled and said;
"There will be many envious women at the ball tonight. You look so handsome. I shall not want to share you and I won't any more than I have to for proprieties sake. I will have to dance with a few other men as you will have to dance with other ladies but as few as possible."
"Do I get to see your new dress?"
"It's not quite ready. You will have to wait until the ball."
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*The temptation was too much to resist.
