Chapter 13
Boston
Friday 12th December, 1873
He knocked on the door, which was immediately opened by Beverley.
"Good afternoon sir" she said. Beverley seemed to recognize him"How may I help you"
"I'm Byron Sully. I'd like ta talk ta your mistress" said Sully to the young lady.
"Oh sure, Mr. Sully! Come in" she said as she let him in.
Philip Crowder left the spot where he was and went immediately to tell John Smith that he had found where the father of his enemy was staying. Sully had sent a telegram to Michaela to tell her he was safe in Boston, and the officer who had sent his telegram was none other than Philip! So he had followed Sully all the way to Elisabeth's house!
Elisabeth was watering some flowers when Sully entered. He was amazed to see her do such a thing!
"Good afternoon Elisabeth" he said as he put his bag down.
"Sully! But, what are you doing here" she asked as she went towards him.
"I have a party here in Boston tomorrow, so I came here."
"But you didn't tell me you were coming, neither to Matthew" she remarked.
"Well, I wanted ta make ya a surprise, especially ta Matthew" he explained.
"Oh well, never mind" she replied ending the discussion"sit down. Would you like something to drink, or maybe eat"
Sully was really amazed at the way Elisabeth was behaving. She was a totally different woman. Who would have believed it?
"I'd like a glass of water, thanks" replied Sully as he sat down.
"Oh yes! I had forgotten that you and your family don't take any alcoholic drinks. Matthew's always drinking milk and water" replied Elisabeth as she poured Sully a glass of water and sat down in front of him.
"Thanks" said Sully as he drank the water"how's Mat"
"Oh he's fine, don't worry. He's been studying very hard lately since he has those exams this week. He's a very caring man. I really love having him here with me, and he loves staying here, even if he misses home, you and Michaela, with his brother and sisters. I'm sure he'll be a great lawyer after he finishes his studies"
"I'm sure of that as well. How about friends an' going out?
"He's made friends with a certain Tom and Mary, and Alex. He spends a lot of time with them at University. Then after lectures he goes for a cup of coffee with Alex at 'Denise's Cafeteria'. But he doesn't get out more than that. It's straight home for homework and studying. Then after dinner we sit here and have a talk together with Beverley, Mark and Rebecca, like a family" explained Elisabeth.
"Who are Beverley and Mark" asked Sully confused.
"They're my two servants. After we finish all the chores, we spend the evening together" she answered, leaving Sully open mouthed, which was noticed by Elisabeth.
"Amazing you Sully" she asked.
"Yeah, ya amazed me. Mat had said ya changed, but ta tell ya the truth, I hadn't believed him! Now I believe ya're a totally different person, an' I'm glad ta see that"
"I'm glad I changed as well. It was all your son's doing. He told me plain and clear that he hated the way I treated people, so I changed. What's the use of having people hating you when you can live happily with them? And so here I am! But let's stop talking about me! How's Michaela"
"Oh she's fine. She's all the time wantin' ta sleep and ta eat! Besides the fact that she seems ta be getting bigger than with Katie! But she's sure there's nothin' wrong"
"Oh I'm sure of that as well. An' Brian an' Katie"
"Katie's fine. Getting more like her mother every day! Can't believe she'll start school next year! Brian's preparing for College. He's applied for the College here in Boston so as ta be able ta live here while away from home! Even if..." started Sully.
"... what's the matter"
"He wants ta join the army, an' Michaela's against it"
"Well, I am against it too! How come he wants to do so? To get killed"
"Not exactly. He's free ta do what he wants. We must not live his life" replied Sully.
"Perhaps you're right, but I'll have to talk to him" said Elisabeth.
"Turnin' back ta Mat, he spoke of a certain Alexandra in his letters, do ya know her"
"Of course, Alex! She's the most beautiful lady I've ever seen! She's also very intelligent and kind! I know her very well. She comes here every morning before University so she and Mat go for lectures together. Mat's always late to get up and get ready, and I have to entertain Alex while she's here to wait for him, and I really love her company! Now he's finally asked her out"
"Really? How come" asked Sully surprised and pleased at the same time.
"Well, he had some pushing" admitted Elisabeth reddening.
"Oh, now I understand. So, he loves her" asked Sully curiously.
"It's not etiquette to speak of another person's feelings you know Sully"
"Oh come on! He's my son, I have a right ta know" urges her Sully, wanting to know more.
"Yes, he loves her. He told me so yesterday, so I suggested that tomorrow he takes her to dinner and to the opera, she loves it..." started Elisabeth.
"... Mat going to the opera? Now this is funny" interrupted her Sully laughing.
"Yes it IS funny! Let me continue. So, he completely loses track of what's going on when she's mentioned, or whatever! He gets his mind totally confused and becomes very red! I still can't understand how she accepted going out with him, seeing that she has an exam the following morning, but whatever."
"So he's gonna propose"
"Yes, he will. He's going to buy the ring this afternoon" replied Elisabeth.
"Good. An' speakin' of rings, do ya think I should wear a wedding ring"
"Why do you ask me? You want to wear a ring now"
"Yes. Michaela had asked me ta wear it an' I had refused..."
"... but that was the end of the matter, wasn't it"
"Yeah it was. But I met a man on the train an' he forced me ta think. What difference does it make ta me after all? Nothin'! So why not buy a ring so as ta make a surprise ta Michaela"
"I think it's a fantastic idea! And if I had amazed you, you're amazing me as well" remarked Elisabeth.
"So, I'll go an' buy a ring. Could ya suggest me the best jeweller in town"
"Sure! Mark can accompany you. I know he too had something to buy" said Elisabeth winking as she rose from the sofa"let me call him...Mark"
Soon Mark appeared.
"You wanted me Mistress" asked Mark.
"Yes my dear. Sit down" she said as they both sat down"this is Mr. Sully, Master Matthew's father."
"Pleased to meet you Mr. Sully" said Mark as they shook hands.
"Please call me Sully, Mark."
"So Mark" started Elisabeth"I know you wanted to buy a ring for a certain person I know, didn't you"
"Yes. I want to buy Beverley a ring for Christmas. Why"
"Sully wants to go and buy a ring as well. So why don't you two go together right now? You have nothing to do right" asked Elisabeth.
"It's a great idea, but I have to look after the horses in the stables" replied Mark.
"Oh don't worry, they won't die if they're not rubbed down! Now go and change! You'll leave immediately, or maybe you wish to talk to Mat" Elisabeth asked Sully as Mark got up to change clothes.
"Oh no! I want to make him a surprise. I'll show up after we buy the rings so he'll surely be home! I don't know at what he'll return, so better if we go to run our errands" replied Sully as Mark joined them with gloves and hat in hand, having changed only his coat.
"You're right! So I won't tell him we're here! Now go, and choose well" said Elisabeth as both Mark and Sully left the house.
Colorado Springs
Friday 12th December, 1873
Michaela was at the clinic reading a medical book, when there was a knock on the door, and a person entered. It was Teresa.
"Good morning Michaela" Teresa greeted the doctor.
"Oh good morning Teresa" replied Michaela, closing the book in front of her.
"How are you" asked Teresa as she sat down opposite Michaela.
"Fine Thanks, and you"
"I'm OK. Uhm, listen I have to talk to you a bit quickly while the children are having their break" said Teresa, her face changing from a happy expression to a very serious one.
"Sure! I'm all ears"
"It's about Brian. He..." started Teresa, only to be interrupted by Michaela who suddenly remembered.
"Oh my! Sorry, I totally forgot to sign his application to sit for College exams! He'll surely bring it tomorrow" said Michaela.
"Oh, he still has time to bring it. But, it's not about the application that I came to talk to you. You see, these last three days, he's...been acting strangely. He doesn't pay attention during the lessons, he doesn't answer when asked, and seems very sad, preoccupied. I'm worried, because he's a very intelligent boy, and he wouldn't do as well as he really can in the exams, if something is troubling him too much! Did anything happen to him"
Michaela remained silent for a few moments, recalling the events of the past three days.
"Well, we had an argument some two days ago and still haven't ended the discussion" started Michaela"We talked about what he'd like to do after College, and he said he'd like to join the army. I said that it's very dangerous, but Sully agreed with him, saying he wasn't in danger, and we didn't talk about it any more. I think it's still troubling him, as it's still troubling me"
"But I think Sully and Brian are right! I don't know a lot about the army and soldiers, but I once read in a book, that after a man becomes a soldier, he can choose how he wants to pay service, either go to war, or do 'office' duty, or other things"
"That's exactly what Sully said, and... he was in the army" replied Michaela, starting to realise she had been worrying too much in vain!
"You see! There's no need in worrying and making Brian miserable! I mean, it's obvious that as his mother you'll worry, even if he remains all day locked at
home, but I'm sure Brian doesn't want to go and fight"
"In fact he wants to remain at the Army's headquarters and advance in grade! He's a stubborn boy" said Michaela, agreeing with Teresa.
"Look who's talking! It's funny, but the more time passes...the more I know your family, the more I realise that you look very much alike. I mean, look at
Matthew, Brian and Colleen. Even if you and Sully aren't their biological parents, they look exactly like you in many things! Colleen wants to become a doctor just like you, Brian loves Indians and wants to join the army just like Sully! You were made to be a family, and they really seem your children. You're very lucky! And I can say, that they're as stubborn as their mother"
"Yes, I've often realised that, and other people have told Sully and I the same thing. I miss them terribly! I'm looking forward to have them back here for Christmas" said Michaela.
"As you said, Brian is as stubborn as I am, so I'm sure he'll join the army after College, and I'll be there to support him" said Michaela as Teresa rose from her chair after a quick glance at the clock.
"I'm glad to hear things will be fine. I wish I could stop and talk further, but I have to go back to my students" said Teresa as she went to the door.
"Thanks Teresa! Uhm, could you tell Brian to come here for a few minutes, so he can clear his mind from trouble" asked Michaela.
"Yes, sure! I'll tell him" said Teresa as she went out of the clinic.
Michaela remained seated behind her table and remembered what Teresa had just said. Her children looked a lot like herself and Sully, even if they weren't really their children. It must be a sign of destiny", she thought. "They grew up exactly like their adoptive parents, who would have imagined it"
Brian knocked on the door and entered, waking Michaela from her 'dream'.
"Ya wanted ta talk to me ma" he asked as soon as he entered.
"Yes Brian" she replied as she got up and went in front of her son"listen. I'm sorry about the matter of the army. I realised that you have the right to choose
what you want in life"
"But I don't want ya ta worry for me, so I won't join the army" said Brian.
"No Brian, you want to join the army and you WILL join the army! Sully explained to me it's not dangerous, and I even read it in a book! I'm sure you don't want to go to war, so I'm not worrying...well...I'm always worrying about you and your brother and sisters, but you have your lives, and you do what you want with them! I did what I wanted with mine so I can understand"
"So...ya let me join the army" asked Brian his face lighting up.
"Yes Brian. You're free to do what you want! Whatever you choose, it's OK for me. I'll be there to support you and help you...and worry about you" finished Michaela in tears, soon joined by Brian.
"Oh ma... thanks" he said crying his heart out now"I want very much ta be a soldier, but I don't want to go to war! I know you're always there for me! But there's no need to be constantly worrying"
"I can't help it sweetheart"
"Oh ma! You're the best mother one could ever have! Don't ya ever leave me"
Philadelphia
Friday 12th December, 1873
"At last we're home" sighed Angela as she put the packages down on the floor and closed the door behind her, leaning against it. Colleen was in front of her sitting on the last step of the stairs, totally exhausted.
"I thought we'd never make it with all those presents" replied Colleen as she tried to regain some strength.
"It's getting late" said Angela as she looked at the clock"we'd better sort these out quickly so we can prepare dinner."
So they got everything in the kitchen and started opening all packages.
"Listen" said Colleen"we'll put your presents on the left hand-side, and my presents on the right-hand side. We wrap all the presents again, after checking for whom it is and write the name of the receiver on the paper. OK"
"Yes, fine. So, for whom did you say are these" asked Angela as she showed Colleen two different-coloured soaps.
"They're for my mother. Just write 'ma' on the paper" said Colleen as she re-wrapped Katie's doll and wrote 'Katie' on the package.
"And this book" asked Angela again.
"I bought two books. 'Great Expectations' is for Matthew, while 'Oliver Twist' is for Brian" replied Colleen
"Your brothers like Charles Dickens" asked Angela curiously.
"Not particularly, but I like him and that was the best book I found. I aint gonna give them clothes or school things cause they have a lot of that stuff, so books was the last choice...is this cravat for Jonathan"
"Yes. I'm sure he needed a new one. It's my mother who buys him all the rest...is this pocket-watch for your father"
"Yeah. I'm not sure he'll like it, but ma says he's getting ta like certain 'modern' things an' not keepin' time only usin' the sun"
Angela packed the last of Colleen's presents and took them on the sofa in the living room. Colleen did the same and started cooking dinner. Angela looked through Colleen's presents but didn't find what she was looking for. So she went sheepishly into the kitchen.
"Hey Col" she started.
"Yeah" answered Colleen.
"Uhm, what did you buy Andrew"
"An' what did ya buy Manuel? You didn't tell me" said Colleen.
"I didn't tell you because you didn't tell me what you bought" defended herself Angela.
"An' I didn't tell ya cause ya didn't tell me what ya bought" replied Colleen and they burst out laughing.
"So, what did ya buy him" asked Colleen as she put the food on the table and both started eating.
"I bought him a new hat and coat. He ruined his old ones last Christmas, when he left them in the barn, and the horses trashed them" explained Angela.
"An' what were they doin' in the barn" she asked teasingly.
"Oh well...we were talking" replied Angela shyly.
"Oh, I understand" replied Colleen laughing at Angela's embarrassment.
"And what did you buy Andrew" asked Angela changing the subject.
"I bought him a suit with matching boots an' hat. He needed them, an' I know that he doesn't go an' buy his own clothes alone"
"That's nice! So, how will you spend Christmas" asked Angela again.
"As usual! On Christmas Eve we go to Church with the rest of the town for the midnight service and then have a small party all together. Then, still elegantly dressed we all gather round the big Christmas tree with the other townsfolk and sing Christmas Carols! Then, on Christmas Day, we spend the morning sharing presents and preparing a special lunch with the turkey! Then, after we clear the table, we all gather in the living room near the fire and listen to ma reading pieces Dickens' from 'A Christmas Carol'."
"Oh how interesting" said Angela"You live such an interesting life! My Christmas is boring. On Christmas Eve we do nothing special! Then on Christmas day we go to service in the morning and then I have a long and boring lunch with Johnny and my parents. Then in the evening we gather in the living room and where we have a big banquet with my parents' friends"
"Well, it's not that bad either" lied Colleen.
"Oh sure" sighed Angela"At least the last two years I went out with Manuel for dinner, and it wasn't boring"
"You were already engaged two years ago" asked Colleen surprised.
"Yes, sure"
"Then why didn't ya marry"
"Well you see. When Manuel asked me to marry him, I was still going to start University, where I'd have to spend three years away from home, and he was going to start his three years of training with the army, and neither of us wanted to marry and not see each other for a whole three years, except on Christmas" explained Angela.
"But wouldn't he be at home when you leave for holidays" asked Colleen confused.
"Of course not! When one wants to join the army, he decides where he wants to serve his duty, if in an office, if on patrol in a city, if at war, if as a shooter, or whatever else. But they don't just assign you where you want. Every trainee spends three years moving from one job to another of the army, and they are given holidays only for Christmas. He is trained in all jobs, and there's an inspector giving marks for every task done. After the three years, the trainee returns to Washington with the reports filled in by the inspectors and gives it to the General of the Army. He then studies the reports and the trainee's first preference of work, and sees if the trainee is fit to do the work he wants"
"An' if he's not fit to do what he wants"
"Well, then they reach a compromise. For example, one year doing the work decided by the General, and one year doing the work wanted by the trainee" finished Angela.
"Oh, interesting! I guess ya'd better tell this to my brother. He wants ta join the army" sighed Colleen.
"How do you know"
"Have you ever heard of telegrams Angie" asked Colleen teasingly.
"Ha ha ha! Very funny" answered Angela irritated.
"So if I'm not mistaken, you'd have spent 5 years engaged" asked Colleen.
"Yes. Why, do ya think it's too long"
"In my opinion, yes...hey Angie, I have an idea! Why don't ya come home with me for Christmas? You'd spend it in a different way, since Manuel won't be there"
"It would be a great idea, but I don't want to ruin the little time you have to spend with Andrew" replied Angela.
"Oh come on! Don't tell me ya think I'll spend all the time with Andrew! I have to spend some time with the rest of the family as well, and you'll be part of the family"
"And where would I stay" asked Angela, her hopes in visiting Colorado Springs rising.
"Well, ya could stay in my room at my parents' home. It's not in use."
"But didn't you say that Matthew sleeps in it since you left"
"Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't mind sleeping on the sofa for a couple of days! He's been sleeping in the barn for years without any need, why should it bother him to sleep on a sofa when there's need to do it? There's no problem. Ya can come" insisted Colleen.
"But Mat is used to sleeping in a very comfortable bed in Boston" replied Angela.
"Oh, don't bother. We'll arrange. So you'll come right? I'll send a telegram to my parents tomorrow morning so as they're prepared."
"And I have to ask my parents' permission...but I'm sure they won't object"
"This will be a fantastic Christmas...I can feel it" sighed Colleen happily.
Time will show her she's wrong.
End of Chapter 13
