THE BORDER EAGLES
CHAPTER TEN
BELLES. BALLS AND BELLS.
Author's Note: I had my information wrong about how balls went at that time. In the previous chapter I had them eating supper before the ball. They would actually dine during the ball. So, I deleted that line and updated the chapter.
Rancho Tres Arboles, 31 December, 1847.
Rick and the other men were dressed to the nines and waiting for the ladies to make their entrance. Rick caught his breath as Kate was the first to enter the great room. Her dress of black silk with forest green accents had lace sleeves and a lace overskirt. The bodice clung to her slender torso with a sweetheart neckline that showed off just a hint of cleavage. Her hair was parted in the middle and framed her face in soft curls. She wore a shawl of the same black lace that covered her skirt and black silk gloves. Rick knew that he'd never seen a lovelier woman.
Her smile lit up her face as she came forward to kiss Rick, just a quick brush of her lips on his. Promising more, later.
Carlotta came next, wearing a dress of saffron colored silk. Elenora and Elizabeth entered together, wearing pale gray and light blue, respectively.
They all got into two carriages and with an escort of six vaqueros drove to the San Cristobol Hall where the ball was being held. It was not a large gathering for a ball, only about one hundred people. The room was lit by a large chandelier and candles placed in sconces and on the tables that surrounded the dance floor. There were bottles of wine on each table. The tables were arranged to seat eight people.
There were couples of all ages from the late teens to the seventies. Some were married, some committed couples and a number of young single men and women just as dates for the evening as no proper woman would come to the ball unescorted. Heads turned as the Duarte party entered the ball room, The bevy of four lovely women escorted by distinguished looking men. One of whom might be the largest man in the room. Large and handsome, several ladies schemed to get his name on their dance card. Kate recognized the tactic and made sure that her card was mostly filled with Rick's name, leaving three spaces for propriety's sake Lanie came over with her escort Hernando Perez introduced him to Rick, the two men hit it off right away. Hernando's name was added to Kate's card and Rick's to Lanie's
There was a buzz of speculation on seeing Kate on the arm of this stranger rather than one of the local single men a number of whom had been turned away when they tried to court Kate. All the people at the ball were the local elite, the Rico's. Most of them new each other.
The tall interloper squiring one of the loveliest women didn't sit well with the young hotheads but provoking him did not seem smart. Something about the man radiated dangerous if pushed several of the
Young women were quite interested in getting Rick's signature and the competition was fierce as he only had three dances available for their dance cards. The competition for Kate's remaining three dances was even fiercer than that of the women for Rick.
Two of them were young men whom Kate had refused as callers, but thought that dancing with her would give them another chance, The third and last one to try and sign up was a man some twenty years older than Kate. A widower, Joaquin Carrillo. He had sons as old as Kate.
Physically he was still an attractive man, slender and about an inch taller than Kate. He had a fine boned face but hid his weak chin under a goatee. He had dark eyes and slicked back salt and pepper hair. He was a pushy man but generally was able to hide it, initially under a mask of good manners. He was one of the men who had called on Kate and been politely rebuffed. He saw the dance as a chance to advance his suit.
"I see that there is a space on your dance card. If I may sign it, Perhaps I could sit at your table."
"That would not be possible, Senor Carrillo, I am sitting with my family and my escort"
"Seating arrangements could be changed. My sister would be quite happy to have a handsome guest."
"That she might as would any woman in this room, But Senor Rodgers is MY escort and I do not wish to sit or dance with you Please do not insist."
Carrillo tried one more line.
"A young widow such as your self needs the guidance of a mature man. I shall arrange to call on you."
"I shall not accept your advances senor!"
Not wanting to cause a loud public scene, Rick said in a low, dangerous voice;
"The lady has stated that she does not want your company, now or ever so I advise you to honor her wishes and not bother her again."
Carrillo spoke in an equally low angry voice.
"You dare to try and tell me what to do? I am Joaquin Carrillo.!"
"I do not care who you are. I will enforce Senora Duarte's wishes in any manner that becomes necessary!"
Rick looking into Carrillo's eyes read the man very well and knew that the man was mostly bravado.
."
As Rick had looked into Carrillo's eyes, Carrillo looked into his. seeing cold resolve there he realized that his usual bluster hadn't worked and this man wasn't impressed by him, in the least. Carrillo didn't have the courage to face the younger man. He quickly apologized.
"I misspoke and acted rashly both to Senora Duarte and you for both actions and words, I regret them and apologize for them."
Rick said;
"Apology accepted on the basis that you leave now and never attempt to speak to Senora Duarte again."
Carrillo said;
"Agreed."
Stepping away and faking a stumble; Carrillo said, loudly;
"Teresa, I am feeling unwell, we must go."
Most of the crowd who heard him just figured that he'd indulged in too much wine before the ball. His sister said;
"But Joaquin it is too early, I do not want to go."
One of the young single men, Ignacio Perez said;
"Senor, if you must go, may I have the honor of escorting Senorita Teresa for the evening, and see her safely home. My brother and his wife will accompany us."
Seeing an easy way to avoid both a spat with his sister and humiliation, Carrillo agreed gathered his topcoat and hat and left. and left.
Most of the revelers had missed the scene that preceded Carrillo's departure. Don Luis had not and seeing the expressions on Kate and Rick's faces, decided to act before another would be suitor caused trouble. He made his way to Kate's side.
"Catalina, I have been remiss and failed to sign your dance card. May I have the honor?"
Kate smiled. "Of course, Papa."
"Thank you. Ricardo, will you please ask Elenora to accept a dance from you?"
"I would be honored."
Kate and Rick danced the first set and the first dance of the second set. The other three were danced by Kate with the two young men and one with Luis. Rick danced with two young women and with Elenora.
Then it was time for the dinner. As they were seated, Kate whispered;
"After the ball I shall have you all to myself, Mi Corazon."
The dinner was not as lavish as it would have been in pre-war times it was simple. A lettuce and tomato salad, roast beef, potatoes with pan dulce for dessert. All accompanied by a locally produced red wine.
The ball was sponsored by the five great families in the area and paid for by both the families and money from the bids. The families were The Duartes, the De LA Vegas, the Morales, the Guzmans, and the De Leons.
After dinner the dancing resumed. Kate very happy that all the remaining spaces on her dance card bore the name Richard Rodgers although she did save one off the card dance for Uncle Henry.
As the appearance of propriety had to be maintained, Kate couldn't snuggle into Rick as closely as she wanted, but still, being in his arms as enough for her, until they got back to the rancho. Rick was allowed to spend the night, New Year's Day and night at the rancho and be back in camp by officer's call on the morning of the second.
As the ball was going on, outside in the square a fiesta was being enjoyed by the vaqueros, Rick's men and the townspeople.
Inside the hall, the dancing slowed down as it approached midnight and
The people charged their glasses for the New Year's toast. As the clock struck twelve. Gasses were raised and couples kissed, some more enthusiastic than others. Kate said to Luis;
"Papa I am tired I wish to go home the main festivities are over"
"Si, I am too. I shall make our apologies and have the carriages brought around. One of the local belles had fixated on Rick and was trying to get him to stay. Which quickly brought Kate's green- eyed monster into play, quite successfully. She stalked up to the woman and said;
"Claudia, I have never held you in high esteem, but trying to entice a lady's escort away from her is quite disgraceful, do not try my patience further." Kate glared fiercely at the shorter woman, who decided to try her luck elsewhere.
Riding back to the rancho, in the open carriage, the cool night air gave Kate the excuse to snuggle into Rick's side. Once inside the family shared tumblers of mulled wine before going to bed.
Barely ten minutes had passed before Rick's door opened and Kate slipped into the room. She was wearing a gossamer dressing gown with nothing underneath. Rick was just starting to put on his nightshirt. Kate said;
"Don't bother to put that on, you are not going to need it." She slipped the gown off. I'm a little cold Mi Corazon, won't you please warm me up?"
Rick laughed as he turned the coverlet down.
"Of course, I will, Sweetheart, just as you will me."
They lay together, just languidly kissing, at first, letting the heat build between them as the kisses intensified. Mouths open and locked together, tongues intertwined, tasting, exploring. When the need for oxygen forced them to breathe, Rick switched to kissing Kate's neck, fining a sensitive spot under her ear, that caused her to mewl with pleasure.
He continued kissing her throat, stopping to suck, gently at her pulse point which drew another moan from her. He continued, down across her clavicle to her breasts, taking on already erect nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue around I then gently suckling it.
He caressed the other breast, tweaking the nipple. After a couple of minutes, he switched breasts. Kate threw her head back against the pillow, now panting with arousal She could feel herself getting wet and Rick hadn't even touched her below the waist yet.
Rick left her breasts and kissed her stomach, heading lower. She reached down and grabbed his head.
"Not that, yet, you can give that pleasure later. I am ready for you; I want you inside of me."
Rick reached down and ran two fingers over her folds, she was ready. Not about to wait, Kate grabbed Rick's erection and guided him home
They were perfectly matched. quickly establishing a rhythm that brought Kate to climax when she felt Rick spill into her. Two more rounds, that night made two early morning baths necessary.
Kate slipped back into her room and dressed for the day, just finishing as the twins woke up. Leona came in to help her get the twins up, cleaned up and dressed. Rick was already downstairs and waiting for her. He smiled.
"Good morning, Katherine, Good morning senoritas." Kate kissed his cheek.
"Good morning, Richard." "Good morning, Don Ricardo." The girls chorused. It was a cheerful breakfast; everyone had a good time at the ball and talked about it. Rick said;
"Senoritas, your mother was the most beautiful woman at the ball, all the senoritas stared and the caballeros sighed wishing be by her side and all the ladies wished they could look as beautiful, Someday, you will go to balls and be as beautiful as your mother."
"Truly Don Ricardo?" Elisa asked.
"Truly."
After breakfast everyone trooped outside to enjoy the crisp morning air '
The girls ran and played on the lawn in front of the house shrieking with laughter as the growly Rick-bear chased them. After a light lunch, the family headed into the village for the New Year's Day festival.
It opened with Father Carrano blessing the festival, praying that the new year would bring an honorable peace. Then there were a series of dancers, games, clowns and juggler shows, and stands providing snacks drinks and even plates of rice, beans and chicken or pork for full meals.
The family strolled around the plaza, enjoying the various entertainments, sampling a few of the snacks. The men enjoyed beers, the women wine, and non- alcoholic sangria for the girls. At one stall, an older man was selling small carved wooden figurines, Rick took the girls over to it and let them pick one for each of them. Beatrice chose a jaguar and Elisa a donkey. Rick bought the figurines for them, Kate watched, a serene smile on her face Rick was acting like a father and the girls sensed it and gravitated towards him, till at the end of the day Rick was carrying Beatrice and Kate carried Elisa. They turned them over to Leona for their baths. Rick and Kate refreshed themselves but didn't take a full bath, After the various snacks and candies sampled during the day, supper was light.
Rick joined Kate while putting the twins to bed. Kate gasped, then smiled when a sleepy Beatrice hugged Rick and whispered; "Good night, Papa."
They left the room and stopped in the hall. There were happy tears in Kate's eyes when she said;
"Beatrice called you Papa! So quick, my little one. She has always been a little quicker to accept things then Elisa but Elisa wants that too. Do you feel like papa?"
"It's quick for me too, which is a little strange, never having had the experience before, but I am starting to feel it."
"Experience is not what counts, Mi Corazon. Heart is what counts. I knew the bigness of your heart. From the first day. The girls feel it, even better than adults do."
They went down and joined the adults for conversation and a glass of wine before bedtime.
"Thank you all for accepting me into your family. I know that it wasn't an easy thing to do. Times ahead are going to be difficult and we will have to keep it quiet for a few months. Vincente, I know that you still have reservations. I understand that. But I believe that God hadn't meant it to be, it wouldn't have happened. Father Felix helped me to see that."
Vincente said;
"I am a lawyer and a prudent man, so of course, I have reservations. But you are the man who saved my life and the women's virtue. You have great courage and honor. I have seen smiles back on Catalina's and I have seen your gentleness with the twins. So, while I have reservations but they are being overcome. I just hope that there are fewer problems than I anticipate."
Luis said;
Ricardo, as the head of the family, I give you and Catalina my blessing
"Thank you, Luis. I shall do everything in my power to eye that the blessing is always deserved. Now I must bid you all goodnight and good morrow as I must be up early tomorrow to be back in camp for officer's call."
Luis said;
"You forget, Ricardo, that this is a working rancho. We rise early on working days. We shall be up to see you off."
"Good night then." Rick went up the stairs. Kate waited a few minutes, talking with Elenora and Carlotta to put at least the appearance of decorum. No one was fooled but they played along, wanting Kate to be happy.
Again, Kate entered Rick's room and quickly dropped her shift to the floor, climbing into bed. They only made love, once that night. Rick had to appear properly rested, at officer's call.
True to his word, Luis and the rest of the family, including the twins were up to see Rick off'.
"Vaya Con Dios Mi Corazon. Ride safely and come back as soon as you may."
"I will, Sweetheart, you keep yourself safe while I am gone."
They kissed, Rick mounted, joined his men and they rode away.
The family's women weren't the only ones with tears in their eyes as the Americans rode off.
American Camp, officer's call, 02 January 1848.
Colonel Reynolds held a series of dispatches in his hand.
"Gentlemen, I have in my hands the proof that a formal truce leading to armistice has been declared pending the signing of a peace treaty, the details which are being worked on as I speak. Normal picket and patrol activities are to me maintained, but hostile action of any sort is strictly forbidden. That includes brawls. Certain cantinas have been designated for our use, others for the Mexicans. You stay out of theirs; they will stay out of ours. The adjutant will publish the orders of the day. Fist formation, gentlemen. Ten minutes. Dismissed."
Rick touched the colonel's arm. "Sir may I have a few minutes of your time after first formation. It is a security matter."
"Very well Major."
"Sir, when my men and I were on our way to the rancho, we were followed and attacked by bandits. We killed several and captured two. We interrogated them. One of them told us that they knew about our route and when we would leave. Fortunately, they didn't know about the last- minute addition of the extra three men. He told us that the bandits were given information about our movements by an American officer in exchange for money. He described Lieutenant Willard of the dragoons.
"Where is that bandit now?"
"I let him go in exchange for the information."
"Why didn't you return to camp?"
"Because I only had the bandit's word. And if we returned right away, Willard would know that something was wrong. The bandit also told me that their next meet is this Thursday or Friday night. I have a plan to trap Willard if this is true."
"Why would Willard be doing this?"
"Sir, one of my men said that Willard has been gambling with the enlisted men and losing heavily. He needs cash."
"Why hasn't he been reported?"
"First, whoever reported it would be in trouble with the gamblers and accidents do happen. Second, it would be an enlisted man's word against an officer."
"Okay saying I believe you; how do you plan to trap him?"
"I'll get one of the vaqueros from the rancho to pose as a bandit, he will know the signal. I'll be watching with the provost marshal and two of the provost guard, If Willard shows, we will arrest him as soon as he takes the money.
"How do you know that the original bandit won't. show up to warn Willard?"
Rick gave a savage grin. "Because I promised him a slow, painful death if he did. He believed me."
"I approve your plan, Major, but I am not very happy with the way you handled the original encounter. There will be no official reprimand but don't try something like this again."
"Yes sir. I will need to ride out again to recruit a vaquero."
The orders of the day will be read out in a few minutes, you need to work with your battalion today. Ride out after retreat that will give you a night with the young lady."
"You know sir?"
"I only surmised until just now. I approve but keep it quiet?
Be back tomorrow afternoon.'
"Yes Sir!"
Rick and each one of his escorts rode out separately so that Willard, if watching wouldn't suspect anything.
They arrived at the rancho around five-thirty, surprising the family.
Kate was very happy that she had another night with Rick, even after he explained the real reason for his visit. Arturo Perez, one of the younger Vaqueros agreed to help, excited by the chance of a little adventure and something out of his normal routine. Dinner was not as cheerful as it usually was due to the nature of the visit and the danger to both Rick and Arturo if anything went wrong.
That night Kate and Rick, made love, even more tenderly than usual. The next morning, after breakfast, Rick and his men went over the plan several times. Arturo would have to ride in both nights and stay for several hours. If the trap was sprung, Arturo would stay to testify to the colonel.
American camp, eight-thirty PM 07, January 1848.
Lieutenant Jack Willard was nervous approaching the shabby little cantina that the rendezvous was set for. There was a red shaded candle in the window, the agreed signal. Something felt off, Willard wasn't sure what, but his need for money overcame his caution. A dark figure waited at the front door. The man, obviously a Mexican spoke;
"Do you have something good for us Senor Teniente? Rodolfo is angry. We lost men. Your friends were ready for us, we lost three good men. Another mistake like that and you will die." Willard sweated.
"I don't know how they were ready. I swear it. But this one will be easy. One wagon carrying a case of rifles. Only three guards."
Arturo said;
"We trade inside where some of my friends are. They will know your face should we be tricked again."
A hard-faced man put a bottle of tequila and two glasses on the table.
Arturo handed over the silver and Willard handed him a folded paper.
Rick and the provost marshal were sitting at another table disguised as Mexicans. As Arturo received the paper, the provost marshal stood, drew his revolver and said;
"You are under arrest Lieutenant, for providing aid and comfort to the enemy. God may have mercy on you. But I certainly won't."
A desperate Willard lunged for Arturo, screaming;
"Damn you, this is a trap." Arturo dodged and Willard stumbled. Before he could right himself, the provost marshal clouted him behind the ear, knocking him out.
American camp, 10, January 1848.
The court martial was quick as Willard was caught red-handed and there was no doubt of his guilt. He pleaded guilty and threw himself on the mercy of the court. The judge said;
"Lieutenant James J. Willard you have plead guilty to charges that could see you hang. But since no American lives were lost and no strategic information given away the court will show mercy. The court sentences you to be cashiered from the army with forfeiture of all pay and privileges. Furthermore, you are sentenced to ten years of hard labor. You will be transported to Governor's Island at the government's nearest convenience"
His uniform was stripped of all rank and insignia, the buttons cut off of his coat. He was then issued plain gray coat and trousers and taken to confinement to await transport.
Rancho Tres Arboles, 11, January 1848.
The days without seeing Rick were hard on Kate but she knew that the troublesome situation with the corrupt officer would be keeping him in camp. She had notes from him every day, yesterday's telling her that he would be here today. She had talked with Luis and Elenora and arranged for Father Felix to be here as well. They had something very important to discuss. Rick and Father Carrano arrived within minutes of each other and having been given a cool glass of wine, each, they sat down with Kate, Luis, Elenora and Vincente. Luis said;
"Father Felix, Ricardo and Catalina are together but do not wish to live in sin. So, I have given my blessing to them. They wish to be married as quickly as possible, but quietly. Here in our family chapel. But for political reasons it must not become general public knowledge. Is there any way of not publishing the banns?"
"Yes, there is one. A marriage license may be issued for a fee. But all parties must swear that there is no impediment, legal, moral or canonical to the marriage and Ricardo must become Catholic before the wedding."
Rick said;
"I am ready to accept conversion and be baptized as soon as it can be arranged.
"Very good. I will baptize you, this Sunday. The baptism must be in the church for all to see, but your military status need not be known. I am simply baptizing Richard Rodgers. I will hear your confession before mass. In fact, I shall hear your formal declaration of conversion, today."
Kate said, "If it meets with your approval, Mi Corazon we will wed a week from Saturday. It will be family and our people only. And, of course, your three men if you wish."
"They would like that and they are all loyal men who will keep our secret until we can safely reveal it, He paused. Vincente, will you stand with me as my best man?"
"Si, I would be honored, but what about Corporal Kearney?'
"No, He would be scandalized. He is enlisted and I'm a commissioned officer."
"Then I accept."
"It is settled then." Don Luis said. Vincente, you arrange for the license. You know who to give the gifts to."
I will ride into the city today to begin the work. Even with large gifts it will take a few days.
"We can keep it from the rest, but I have, in good conscience tell my colonel. I think he will accept it, even though you are a Mexican."
"I'm not a Mexican citizen, Kate said. I was married to a Mexican but was never a citizen. I am still considered Irish."
Father Felix spoke.
"Now, my son is time for me to hear your testament of conversion. I will lead you though the forms and the words you must say." The ceremony was brief but deeply beautiful and truly heartfelt.
Colonel Reynolds' office, 11, January 1848.
"What can I do for you, Major?"
"Sir I have some important news. I intend to marry Senora Duarte within the month. I am hoping for your approval, although it is not legally necessary. We intend to keep it quiet, a private ceremony in the family chapel. Technically Senora Duarte is not a Mexican citizen. She was born in Ireland. Just marrying a Mexican did not grant her citizenship. It was not considered necessary. We will hold a second celebration after the peace treaty is signed. Furthermore, this war has sickened me. I intend to resign my commission as soon as the peace treaty is signed.
I have a twin brother who lost his left leg below the knee at Churubusco.
He's being medically retired. We will go into business together."
Colonel Reynolds smiled and put a hand on Rick's shoulder.
"You're preaching to the choir, Major. My wife has wanted me to retire for the past three years.
Yes, Major you have my approval."
You and your escort had better\get over to the quarter master, the dress uniforms have arrived I think that you should be in full dress for your wedding, even if it is in private and the last time you wear it."
Rancho Tres Arboles, 15 January, 1848.
The week preceding the wedding had been a hectic one, starting with Rick's confession and baptism. Luis had purchased a rosary and a sterling silver crucifix and presented them to Rick.
The women had been busy making a wedding dress for Kate. It was made of a cream-colored silk without a train. Elenora had the silk on hand as it was intended for a ball gown that was never made, due to the outbreak of the war. There were not a lot of preparations to be made. Just a lavish wedding dinner for the family, the vaqueros and their families and Rick's escorts. On the day of the wedding Rick and his men rode to the rancho around noon, armed, wearing civilian clothes the dress uniforms carefully carried on a pack horse, as they were riding out, Corporal Kearney said;
"Major, I need your permission. I want to marry Consuelo, Antonio's sister. Antonio has already approved. I'm already a Catholic so that poses no problem. We don't want to horn in on your day, but perhaps next week?"
"You'll be under the same secrecy restraints we are."
"I know that sir, so does she."
"Very well, you have my permission."
When the families heard the news, they were overjoyed. Two weddings in two weeks. It would be a time of great, if quiet celebration. After the war was over, Corporal Kearney's enlistment was over in May, anyway.
After that he'd work for Luis as a vaquero.
Rick and his men arrived at the rancho. The vaqueros unsaddled and stabled the horses for them. Baths had been prepared for them. They bathed, shaved and changed into their dress uniforms. The vaqueros and their families all dressed in their Sunday best. Everyone assembled in the family's large room dedicated as a chapel. All eyes turned to the doorway as Kate entered on Luis' arm.
Rick swore that Kate looked like an angel as she entered the room. The cream-colored silk accented by white lace sleeves and gloves. Her hair mostly up, but with ringlets framing her face. Her veil held in place by an ivory comb. Father Carrano was in his full vestments. Luis placed Kate's hand in Rick's and the couple knelt at the altar.
Father performed the timeless, ceremony ending with the words:
"By the power invested in me by the Holy Mother Church, I now pronounce you husband and wife in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. You may now kiss your bride."
The kiss lasted a little longer than was strictly proper, but no one minded. The happy couple received many hugs and kisses with Rick getting hand- shakes from his men. Guitars, a violin, and a trumpet were found among the vaqueros. There was dancing on the patio. There was plenty of homemade wine and home brewed beer to slake the thirst of the partyers. Rick had brought a bottle of bourbon whisky and Corporal Kearney brought a bottle of Irish. Vincente produced one of tequila.
Rick watched his drink intake very carefully. He would not be tipsy on his wedding night. Kate, too was careful allowing herself only two small glasses of wine.
Dinner was a whole roast steer, a roast pig, potatoes, rice, beans, roast corn and salad. Dessert was the wedding cake.
After dinner, Rick changed into civilian clothes and enjoyed the party with Kate always at his side. In a quiet moment, Kate a Rick were sitting on a sofa when Beatrice and Elisa came over to them. Beatrice said;'
"Don Ricardo, are you now our papa?"
Rick smiled, picked the girls on the sofa between him and Kate.
"Yes, I am now your papa and you call me Papa. No more Don Ricardo.
Kate and Rick left the party to put their daughters to bed and say their family prayers.
Rick moved into Kate's room and their love making was the sweetest yet.
Rick and his men had Saturday and Sunday at the Rancho but had to be back in camp Monday morning.
TBC
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