Author's Note: I must apologize I made a history error that I have corrected. I erroneously used a Dragoon Colt in 1844, which I remembered didn't exist until 1848. I have subsequently replaced the Dragoon Colt with the Colt Paterson, which was invented in 1836. It is so named, because it was manufactured in Paterson, New Jersey. The Colt Paterson was a five shot cap and ball pistol, which became famous in 1844, when Captain Jack Hays and fifteen Texas Rangers defeated over 80 Comanche warriors at Walker Creek just north of San Antonio.
Another historical fact, the inaugural of Zachary Taylor was so rowdy that troops from the nearby armory had to be called in to restore order.
Chapter 5: Flocking Together:
By the time Jane came back from her supply trip to Texas, the ranch was stripped of nearly every horse. At first Jane thought rustlers had taken all the stock, so she told the others to bring the wagons in as she mounted Grey and rode hard to the ranch house. When the young girl got there she shouted, "Pa, somebody has stole every horse on the place."
Big Frank came out of the house and strolled over to his daughter and answered, "Janie, don't worry. We sold every head, but for some breeding stock to the Army. We got 20 dollars a head for 600 head."
Warily Jane dismounted her horse, she knew her pa to be a trusting man. So the brunette queried, "Pa, how did they pay ya? Did they pay in silver or gold?"
Her pa looked down as he replied, "They paid in script."
The ten year old was beside herself, "Pa, you always said get paid in gold or silver, never paper."
The older man answered, "I know, honey, but this General Taylor was setch a nice man. He's an honest man and he said I kin redemn my paper for gold in New Orleans."
The angry Italian girl said, "Okay, Pa, who is going to make the trip. Ma is pregnant, so's nary a one of us kin leave. Korsak has to run the trading post. I dint trust anybody else."
Her Pa rubbed his beard and answered, "Wal, I guess we's jest got to do her after the boy's born."
***SE***
That summer, Angela gave birth to a boy, Francesco Antonio Rizzoli, Jr on July 6, 1847. There just didn't seem to be enough time for Big Frank to make his trip to New Orleans to get his $12,000. Jane for her part bit her tongue. The trading post was bringing in more than enough cash to support the ranch. Though after Walker Creek, relations with the Comanche were strained a bit.
Ben Carson had proven to be a top hand. He was an excellent horseman and knew more about raising cattle than raising hell, which he did with relish. Jane didn't make the trading trips to Dallas anymore, Ben did. He came back with every penny and proved to be a sharp trader.
Henry took over the trading post. His pa had been a storekeeper and had been raised in knowing how to do it. He was much better at running the trading post than he was at being a cowhand. Besides, he freed Korsak and Jane to go horse hunting. They needed stock to increase the herd decimated by the big horse sale.
The two rode west into New Mexico to hunt some wild stock. They came across two herds of over forty head each. Therefore, the two mustangers camped for a couple of days to watch and learn.
After two days of watching the herd, the pair discussed what to do next. Jane asked, "Do y'all thin we'd build a coral by the crick, where they water every mornin'.
Korsak, by far the more experienced mustanger, replied, "Could work, but I thin we'd be better off running them into that steep gully just south of here. Iffin we run 'em till the gully runs out. It's too steep fer 'em to climb out. They'd be trapped. We'd build a fence with a twin gate gap for them to run through, then close the gate."
The rangy brunette nodded and added, "We'd counterweight the gates wit a line like a snare and the gate'd come down on its own."
The older mustanger smiled, "I like that idear. Let's do her."
So the pair rested that night and before first light, they went to build their fence with counterweighted gates. They sent two days getting it right. So on the fifth day since they scouted the horses, they started moving the horses toward the gully.
The two mustangers working in tandem slowly worked the horses toward the gully. The longer it took the stallion to notice his herd was being driven the better for their plan. After about three hours of slow work, the stallion started to get antsy. So, Jane, who noticed the stallion starting to balk, spooked the lead mare into running into the gully. All the other mares followed.
The stallion got a late start trying to head off his herd. The large roan stallion was making great time towards overtaking his lead mare. But just as he was catching her to head her off, the herd entered the trap. The trip wire, which was ten yards inside the fence, was activated by the charging stallion.
The gates came crashing down with only four mares on the wrong side of them. While Jane locked the gates, Korsak started roping the four escaping horses. The wild horses reared and tested the fencing for weakness, but there was none to be found.
The wild Italian rode up and down the fence forcing wild horse with her lasso to retreat from the railing. When Korsak had the four wild mares roped and hobbled, he went to help the young mustanger. After several minutes, the wild horses tired and began to pace nervously behind the fencing. A couple of the mares and the stallion tried to climb the gorge walls without any success.
The pair of riders took turns breaking the four mares to the saddle. Unlike the way, Jane likes to horses, the pair would hobble the front and back legs with ropes, then put on the blanket and saddle. They would then release the hobbles with the horse firmly tired to a post driven deeply into the ground. '
When the horse tired and was weaken, one of the two would mount the bronc and the other would release the restraints. The two were excellent horsemen, so the broncos were no match for the mustangers. Within an hour the four mares were broken and add to the string, which was a long rope with each end tied firmly to a tree.
By the time the four horses were broken, it was well past the sun's zenith. So, the pair of cowhands broke for a noon meal of bacon, beans and coffee. After they ate and rested for about an hour, they got back to work.
The two working in consort cut the stallion from the other horse and managed to rope him. The trick was getting out of the gate without letting the others loose. So the weights of the gate were cut so that they could swing open, but only by an exterior force.
Korsak looped one lasso around a convenient tree, while Jane did the same. They then tied enough rope between the bronc's two hind legs for it to walk slowly, but not freely. Then Korsak led the stallion out of the pen, while Jane opened a single gate ready to close it if needed.
With the stallion outside the fence, the two experienced horse trainers used their previous process to break him. He broke after throwing both Jane and Korsak twice. But he finally was gentled and strung with the other horses.
Next, the lead mare was driven out. Then each horse were randomly selected then broken. By the time they quit for the night, they had broken sixteen of twenty-three horses. It was a nice string. There were several young colts that needed their mother's milk. And the colts of broken mares were reunited with their mothers. There was no danger of a young colt leaving his mother's teat.
The two tired bronc busters ate a hot meal of pan fried steak and boiled rice with beans left over from lunch. After drinking four cups of the strong coffee, the brunette Italian was not ready for sleep. So she pulled a book from her saddle bag and started reading by the campfire light.
Korsak was curious, "Whacha areadin, Janie?"
The young girl was quite the reader. Angela had made sure her daughter could read and write and now by the age of almost twelve, she had graduated to reading books on commerce and the law. So, the intelligent brunette answered, "I'm readin a book on Federal commerce. I'm areadin about military script. I'm worried on that script that pa got. Do y'all know some of that script has wha they call an expiration date? That means if y'all don't trade it in by a certain date, they can pay y'all as little as 50 cents on a dollar."
Korsak answered, "Thar dint seem rat to me?"
Jane nodded, "Taint rat, but I has to look at that thar script a little closer when we gets back?"
Korsak nodded and setup their bedrolls, while Jane read her book. He could see that she was worried her Pa was getting cheated. The dark girl was not as trusting as her Pa.
After about two hours of reading, the girl's chocolate eyes started to tire and water. Therefore, the weary cowhand put her book into her saddle bags and banked the fire. The young mustanger went to bed about four feet away from a sleeping Korsak.
***SE***
Two weeks later the pair of mustangers led a string of 47 horses, three stallions and 44 mares into the coral outside the barn of the Rizzoli Ranch. Tomorrow, they would brand the new stock.
Big Frank came out of the barn, where he and another hand had just delivered a fine new mare colt. His overall were bloody and muddy, as he walked over to inspect their new stock. He smiled with pride to his daughter, "Wal, Janie, y'all done good. I see. How many head did y'all get?"
Jane replied with little modesty, "47, three stallions and 44 mares."
The big rancher whistled and ordered, "Go see yar mama, she's pregnant agin."
The dark girl looked worried as she replied, "Ain't it a little soon, I mean Frankie is only three months old."
The dark man just shrugged as he answered, "I know, but it's not like it can be heped. God chooses the time. Y'all knows that baby girl."
The harden cowhand blushed and started walking toward the house. Angela was baking bread in the kitchen, when her dark daughter walked in with a smile and a warm hug. Little Frank was asleep in his crib. Her mother wasn't showing, yet, so she had to ask, "Y'all shore, mama?"
Angela replied, "Yes, baby, I'm shore. Y'all look so good, but y'all smell to high heaven. Go take a bath and get ready for sum early dinner. I'm makin spaghetti with marinara sauce."
Jane smiled and hurried off to take her bath; spaghetti with marinara sauce was her favorite. Mama must have been making pasta all day. It was a long and difficult possess to make pasta, but it was worth it.
***SE***
As the family and Korsak sat to eat the Italian meal, Jane entered in a beaded deer skin tunic over tight leather slacks with leather fringe to help keep water from wetting the pants. She wore the new moccasins that Red Blanket had sent to her through the trading post. Her black hair shone of being freshly wash and combed. Her wild locks would go curly when they dried, but now they were long and straight and nearly reached the back of her thigh.
Her mother was stunned, her daughter looked so beautiful. The dark girl was nearly as dark as a negro with from working outdoors, daily. But it only added to her exotic beauty. There was no doubt in Angela's mind that her daughter would land a fine husband.
Korsak broke the stunned silence by saying, "Janie, y'all look beautiful. Whacha dress fer?"
Jane blushed at the compliment and smile brightly, "After dinner, I'ma ridin' ta the Red Blanket's winter camp. He sent me this here outfit and I wat to honor him."
Big Frank shook his head, "I dint know, Janie. The Comanch ere alittle riled rat now. I know it's been nigh on to three years since Walker Creek, but the Comanch have long memories."
Jane stood firm and replied, "Pa, I'm adopted. I'm every bit a Comanche warrior and they knows it."
Korsak said, "I'll go wit her. I wat to talk to that old Bastard anywho."
So, it was settled and the family sat down to eat their dinner.
***SE***
Lady Maura Isles was dress in her green silk gown, which just arrived from Paris with the latest intelligence from the Company agents there. The eleven year old girl was handing most of the business for Isles Trading and Shipping. Her father was not a well man. He was paying for his excesses in his youth.
The young heiress called for Henry, who arrived promptly. When the young man arrived, he kissed the presented hand and bowed, saying, "You look ravishing as usual, milady."
The young girl blushed. She was used to such comments, but she was still young enough to be embarrassed by them. Her reply was business related as the tall dark assistant expected, "I just received word from our representatives in France. Passy forced his income through the Legislative Assembly and Barrot resigned as Prime Minister. They are also placing a wine tax."
Henry shook his head and answered, "Just as you predicted last month. I assume we got our wine out in time?"
Maura handed him a manifest from her French merchant fleet, "Fifteen ships fully laden with French wine is due here in a fortnight. You will see that our kitchens get the finest from the shipment. And feel free to take four cases for yourself and your lovely wife."
Henry bowed and replied, "Thank you, milady. And as always, I will do as you instruct."
The blonde noblewoman started walking out with her assistant in tow. As she inquired, "How is Margret, I understand, she is with child?"
Henry beamed with pride. His wife had just confided in him with the news. It was their first child and come sometime in the late summer or early fall. How the Lady keeps up on it all, he had no idea. He only knew that the woman was brilliant and always ahead of the competition.
The Isles fleet now number in the hundreds of ships. Isles Ship Yards was laying the keel on an experimental steamship with iron screws. It was still in development, but the Lady Maura was working with designers to make the project a success. She expected to have a working ship launched by her eighteenth birthday.
He had some disturbing news from China, "Pirates attacked our fleet of silk heading to our Japanese markets. They were beaten off but two ships sustained damage thereby forcing a two week delay for repairs making our fleet late getting to the tea markets."
Lady Maura inquired, "Why would Chinese pirates in Junks attack a fleet of twelve forty gunners. It makes no sense. I want inquiries, I smell intrigue. I think that our Scottish competitors paid for this raid to slow make us late to market. If they have, I will break them. I assume Captain Talbot has made arrangements for our silver to be in play on time."
Henry smiled, "Yes, milady. Our fleet left on time, it seems you can hire an army of workers for a few barrels of rice. He was able to make repairs in three days. We do owe the Shogun a favor."
The young blonde nodded, "Send Sakai Tadaaki two hundred bolts of silk."
With that Henry left his Lady confident in the fact that she was on top of the situation.
***SE***
It was nearly a year later, when Jane finally closely examined the script given to her father for the sale of their horses to the United States Army and found something very disquieting. Her father was sitting the rocker with Little Frank and the twelve year old's mother was in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner. She took the script to her father with the bad news, "Pa, this script's good for 50 cents on the dollar til the War with Medico's over. Then one year after Congress radyfies that there treaty then y'all kin get the whole thin."
Pa took the script from his daughter and read it. He looked at the young girl and asked, "War do it say that?"
Jane turned the script over and handed the big man her magnifying glass and showed her father the fine print, "Pa, had y'all gone to get that money, youd have gotten only $6,000, half in paper and half in gold, like it says on the back side."
Pa was angry, but what could he do? He'd taken the script in payment. Jane pulled out the book she'd been reading and read him the passage, she had marked, "It say har:
It is a common practice with military script for it to be a form of war bond, whereupon the full value of the script is not incurred until such time as a treaty is ratified by Congress or until the Treasury Department has authorized full payment. In many cases a period of time after such an event is added as insurance against one of the treaty parties renouncing the terms of the treaty. Therefore it is incumbent on the party obtaining the script to know the full terms of said script as there is no regress against the government unless the government specifically allows such regress."
Her Pa looked confused when he asked, "What does that mean, Janie?"
The brunette Italian felt sorry for her Pa and put her arms around his shoulders and said kindly, "It means that y'all haveta be careful adealin wit the Government, cause y'all kin't sue em unlessing they let y'all sue em."
Her father looked more confused when he asked, "Why'd they let ya sue em?"
Jane sighed, "Why would they?"
***SE***
Three weeks later, a Captain Winston Pierce from the United States Army came to buy two hundred head of cattle from Big Frank Rizzoli. The upset Italian asked, "How y'all plan to pay fer the beef?"
The Captain smiled and answered, "Why by Army script, we are prepared to pay twenty dollars a head."
It was lucky for that Captain that Jane was there to handle her father's temper. The angry rancher was about to run the Army officer off his property, when the young brunette walked over and interrupted her tall father, "Captain, we only sell fer gold or silver. We kin't take anymo script. Sees we got $12,000 in script that we kin't re-deem til y'all stop fittin. We just kin't afford anymo. Y'all kin see that, now?"
The young girl's logic surprised the older Captain. He had been dealing with farmers and ranchers all through Texas and he had met two kinds. The first kind just didn't read the script and sold without reading it, then when they got to New Orleans to receive payment they were took half. The second kind drove the officer off with a gun and he got to come back with troops and force the sale, because of threatening an Army officer. But this girl was informed and reasonable. However, she was just a girl. So the aging Captain asked Big Frank, "Does she run this ranch or do you?"
Before her father could say something he would regret later, the Italian Brunette answered for him, "Sir, my Pa runs this ranch well. Dontcha think? I war jest clarifying his position, seein how Pa's from Itly and don't know much English."
It was a lie, of course. Big Frank spoke English well, but she wanted to give her father a way to stay out of trouble. At that moment Korsak walked up to the tall rancher and whispered in his ear. He smiled and said, "You, you talk daughter. I go house."
Jane smirked a small smile at the flustered officer, as she said, "Like I say, iffin y'all wont to trade or buy wit metal, then we kin talk. But iffin y'all wont to buy wit script then we kin't do bidness."
The grey haired Captain wasn't finished, he had one more ploy, "I could force you to sell by imminent domain."
The young girl smiled at this, she had been waiting for it. She pulled out a law book and replied, "Y'all could iffin y'all got a writ from a judge. It say so in this here book."
The longtime officer was well aware of the law and knew he was dealing with a very smart girl. When he asked, "Do you mind telling me how old you are?"
Jane answered with a shrug, "Captain, I'll be thirteen this coming March. Not that it means anythin out here in the wild. Hell, I've been adoin a man's work since I was six. Out cheer, y'all put up or shet up."
The Army officer tipped his hat and said as he rode away, "If you were a boy, you'd be running this territory in five more years."
Jane called out, "Captain, bein' a girl means I'll be runnin her in three."
***SE***
Several days later Captain Jonathan Dwyer of the United States Army rode onto the Rizzoli ranch at the head of a troop of twenty soldiers. He was younger and more dashing than that rude man who never left his name.
Jane did not like the look of this; she knew that her father would not take kindly to this show of force. Fortunately, her father and most of the hands were out on the range rounding up the herd for counting, branding and gelding. The summer was ending and the stock had to be culled and prepared for winter.
The last two winters had been mild, so her father was worried that this one would be a mean one, especially since the summer had been so mild, one even say cool.
The war with Mexico was nearly over. There was word that there was a treaty and it had been ratified. So when Captain Dwyer returned, he was met by a curious twelve year old, who greeted the men, "Howdy, wat kin I do fer ya?"
The Captain answered, "Well, you can sell me 200 head of cattle, preferably steers."
The young Italian answered, "Wal, I guess I could iffin y'all had cash money and no script."
The Captain replied kindly, "In fact, I have been authorized by General Taylor to pay you with $5,000 in paper notes issued by the Carrollton Railroad and Banking Company and by the Citizen's Bank of Louisiana for the State of Louisiana. They are payable in gold on demand in New Orleans."
The wily girl had read about paper money. It was backed by gold and other hard goods like cotton. So it was sound in principle as long the bank that issued it was sound. But she couldn't appear to be too anxious. So she asked, "I thought we'd agreed to $30 a head."
The Army officer smiled, he love negotiations, "That was the script price. The cash price is $25 a head."
The Italian in the youngster loved negotiations as well, so she said, "Why dontcha sit and lit? I'll send yourn men some vitals and apple cider. Weuns kin go inside and pelaber a bit."
The smiling officer gave the order to dismount, "Sergeant, water the horses and rest in the shade, while we discuss price. Please Miss Rizzoli make it hard cider, my men have had a hard ride."
The young lady just smiled and nodded. She liked a man who took care of his men.
***SE***
Jane Rizzoli handed her father a bill of sale and $5,300 in paper money. Each bill had 'Payable in Gold' written plainly on each bill. The dark haired girl explained, "Twas the best I could do Papa. They had soldiers and would've taken the cattle and left script. At least wit paper money as long as the bank's sound, y'all kin exchange it for gold."
Frank Rizzoli was not upset with his daughter. The girl had done everything she could to make the ranch a success. His daughter's trading post was bringing in more cash than the ranch. What really riled the Big Rancher was that he had been on the range while his daughter was making better decisions than he had.
The problem was the man was jealous of his own daughter. The twelve year old girl had accomplished more in her short life than the elder Italian had. The fact that he and wife had come to American with little more than the clothes on their backs and big ambitions and had built one of the largest ranches in West Texas had eluded him.
The truth was Big Frank Rizzoli was a well respected and important figure in the area. And because of this an opportunity was about to come knocking at his door.
***SE***
It was almost 10 o'clock, when Alexander Crockrell knocked on the door of Frank Rizzoli. He had come on behave of a friend. Zachery Taylor was running for President of the United States in 1848. The former General had remembered the tough no nonsense rancher from the time the new president had bought some horses from the man.
So the Whig nominee wrote a letter to old friend, who knew Alexander Crockrell. Mr. Crockrell was now the largest landowner in Dallas and very influential. General Taylor had asked the landowner to contact Big Frank, because he needed a man he could trust to run for the Electoral College as one of his four delegates from Texas.
Mr. Crockrell pointed out, "It's most likely the Democrats'll win Texas. The Whigs ere mostly a northern party and ere unlikely to win a single southern state. However, he does have to put up a slate of delegates and he liked ya when he met cha two year ago. So, what kin I tell the General?"
Angela was beaming and vigorously shaking her head. Jane merely nodded with a grin. The young girl idolized her father and thought this was just his due. So, Big Frank replied, "Y'all tell him sure."
***SE***
There was no stauncher campaigner than Big Frank Rizzoli. The Big Rancher made speeches all over West Texas in an effort to get his man elected President. Unfortunately, he failed, though it was much closer in this part of Texas than elsewhere in the South.
However, three weeks after the election, Captain Dwyer came to the ranch. He was wearing his formal uniform with a large plumed triangular hat. The young cavalry officer rode into the ranch with an ease of horsemanship that only hours of practice can achieve.
Frank and Jane walked up the oncoming horse. Frank said, "Wal, lite and set."
The dapper young officer dismounted and snapped to attention and said, "Mr. Francesco Rizzoli, I have a letter from the President Elect of the United States."
The erect Captain reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a large white envelope. He extended the letter to the Large Rancher. Frank took the envelope and opened it. He could read print well enough, but he trouble with cursive, so he handed it to Jane, who read:
Dear Mr. Rizzoli,
Thank you for effort on my behalf. Though we did not win, I have taken the liberty to pen you in hopes that you will come to my Inaugural on March 5, 1849. Enclosed is invitation and hotel reservation. I apologize that all expenses must be incurred by yourself. I hope to see you in Washington on the specified day. Please RSVP as soon as possible.
Yours Truly,
Zachery Taylor, President Elect
Big Frank listened as his daughter read in total disbelief and asked, "Janie, wat do that mean?"
Jane smiled, "It means we have to find a way to pay for a trip to Washington for the day after my birthday."
The Captain beamed a smile at young Jane and said, "Can I have your answer? It seems I am to wait until, I have your answer."
Jane spoke for her father, "Of course, the answer's yeah. What fool rejects the President?"
Captain Dwyer replied, "Well, that is done. Now, Mr. Rizzoli, I have a personal question I would like to ask."
The tall rancher asked, "Wal askit."
The man stood his tallest and asked, "Sir, if you would so honor me by allowing me to court your daughter with the intentions of wedlock. I have two letters of recommendation if you would like."
Jane stood there in shock. The young hunter was flattered by the proposal, but she had no intention of being courted by any man. The smart girl had read too much. The tall brunette knew that if she were to marry her husband would inherit the ranch and not her. According to the law, men were responsible for all his wife's property and debts. So, the intelligent teen wasn't going to marry anyone, just yet.
To his credit, the father and patriarch looked to his daughter for guidance. So, Jane made an effort to comfort the man by saying, "Though I'd love to be courted. I kint do her. I'm too young and too busy."
The dashing Captain donned his hat and bowed, "Then I will return in two years to ask again. You will be older by then and we will revisit the issue. I have been posted here to fight the Comanche, who have been raiding border towns around Mexico."
He mounted his horse and rode away for a while. Jane hoped she hadn't made a mistake.
***SE***
The plan was simple. Two weeks before the Augural, Jane and Frank would ride to New Orleans and exchange their paper money for gold and silver. Then they would proceed to Washington by rail and horse. When using the train they planned to box their horses.
Angela was too busy to go. The new mother had two young sons now and refused to leave them with strangers. Thomas Philippe Rizzoli was born on October 19, 1848. He would be just a few months old when Frank and Jane left for Washington.
***SE***
The Isles got off the ship in Baltimore Harbor days before the Augural of Zachary Taylor as President of the United States. Lord Isles had been expressly invited by President-elect Taylor. For years, General Taylor had conducted business with Isles Trading and Shipping. Fredrick Isles had a standing contract to buy sugar cane from Taylor properties. So, it was only natural for the new President to invite an old acquaintance.
There was the additional matter of a new port from which Isles Trading and Shipping would operate in the United States. Isles Trading and Shipping had been operating out of New Orleans for forty years, now. However, a few months ago, Isles shipping had purchased an option on warehouses in Savannah, Georgia. Normally, the President of the United States wouldn't involve himself in such a trivial matter, but due to their long term relationship, the President wanted to discuss the matter.
Not that it mattered to the United States whether or not New Orleans or Savannah got the lucrative business, what matter was whether this was a ploy to get Isles spies on the East Coast. It was a poorly kept secret that Lord Isles used his business dealings to spy on France. Well, if he could spy on France; he could spy on the United States.
The President thought it best for the country as a whole that Lord Isles keep his shipments in New Orleans.
***SE***
Maura sat on the train from Baltimore admiring the view of the landscape vanishing as they passed. The girl was approaching her eleventh birthday and was having trouble dealing with how her parents had started treating her. On many occasions, she overheard her parents arguing about what arrangements could be made on her behalf to eligible young men of marrying age.
Maura had done a lot of reading on the rights of a wife once she married and was devastated to learn that women were little more than chattel with no say in her own financial affairs. That was not going to happen to Maura Isles. She would see to that.
As the family left the train, the young ladyship scanned the other incoming trains. When she gazed upon a young woman dressed in animal skins with pants and a tunic. The girl was tall with rich dark curly hair. The ten year old couldn't make out her eyes, but the young girl could see that the tall brunette wore a side arm and carried a long dirk.
When a porter came to take her bag, she yanked it back refusing to yield her property to the man. When the man insisted, the young woman punched him in the face. The porter fell backwards from the blow landing on his bum.
Maura laughed at her antics, but her father commented, "What a savage! Come along, let's get to the manor."
As the young honey blonde girl reached for her luggage, a short fast man dressed in old tatters raced out from behind a support column and in one motion cut the cord on Maura's beaded cloth handbag while grabbing the bag itself. The thief was on the run and about to escape, when his face ran into a forearm covered in beaded leather. The arm had been honed by years of hard work and fighting and barely yielded to the full force of the thief's chin.
The stunned man's leg flew into the air and he came down hard on his head and right shoulder. The force of the impact combined with the stunning blow of the leather housed forearm was too much for the delicate man's consciousness and ego.
The leather clad brunette picked up the stolen bag and walked it over to shorter younger lady. A young woman with shining brown eyes and bright golden smile presented the bag with a flare and a deep bow. The tall brunette smirked a bit as she said, "Here ya go little lady. He won't bother ya agin. That's for sure."
The young girl was staring and had to blink several times to stop gazing into those magnificent eyes. The innocent Lady turned her head to stop her gaze and watched as two policemen dragged the offending man away. All young Maura could so was whisper, "Thank you."
A policeman in a very ornate uniform came to the small party and apologized, "I'm sury dat man bothered ur lordship. He would be abothering another soul."
"Well, Captain, it is no thanks to you or your men that my daughter's purse was recovered. Had this young woman not intervened, that ruffian would have stolen a very valuable purse," stated an enraged Lord Isles, "I will inform your superiors about how disappointed I am with the whole affair."
A very nervous and chagrin police captain faded away in pursuit of his men. The older man was worried he would lose his job over the incident.
Maura looked at her satin handbag totally beaded with small bead handmade from white marble and studded with diamonds, rubies and emeralds. This handbag had cost 45 pounds, which was about 225 American dollars. But it wasn't the purse or its value that bother the young blonde; it was this fascinating young woman.
How could a woman become so strong and vital? Lord Isles watched his daughter from the corner of his eyes and chuckled to himself. His daughter was never flustered or speechless. Yet, this savage from the wilds of American was silencing the honey blonde. Lord Isles was inspired, maybe this young woman could do something to bring his young daughter out of her loneliness. So, the police nobleman offered, "I wish to thank you sincerely for coming to my daughter's aid. Let me introduce myself. I am Lord Isles and this is my daughter Maura. Can I not compensate you in some way for helping us?"
The elder Rizzoli and his daughter were very confused for a second, when Jane asked, "Mister, ere ya tryin to insult me. I don't hep people fer pay. I hep em cuz I kin."
"I am so sorry. I did not mean to offend you. It is we are new to your country and here to attend the auguration of President Taylor. Where I am from it is customary to offer a reward for the return of valuables," explained the former sea captin.
The young Italian from West Texas replied, "Wal, I should smile, we're har to go to that there augural too. Me and my Papa were invited personally by old Zack Taylor, hisself. And sir, it be the custom war I come from that ya hep folks out when ya kin.
This here awry lookin' cuss is my Papa, Big Frank Rizzoli. I be Jane."
The young blonde found her voice to say one word, "Jane."
The father almost laughed as he spoke, "Where are you staying while in Washington? I do not ask without cause. Since, you refuse my money; I would like to extend my hospitality. We have recently purchased a manor in Georgetown and would love for you and your father to be our guest. It is not often that we meet people so willing to come to our aid."
Though he was speaking English, Jane had a little trouble understanding the man. However, the soon to be teen understood, they were being invited to stay at the man's house. This was something the wily girl could understand. It was common for folks to share houses. So the young Italian replied, "We've got reservation at Browne's, but we can change that."
The young brunette was a bit shaken. The dark Italian had looked into those hazel eyes with green flecks and was lost. Jane had never wanted to know another person like she wanted to know the young woman, whose purse had been stolen. There was no doubt in her response, "We'd love to stay at yore place."
***SE***
The Isles manor in Georgetown was a three story monument to the Romans. The main house was made of red brick trimmed in newly painted white wood. The columns on the veranda stood eighteen feet and three large chandeliers lit the front porch. A long cobblestone driveway led to a large circular driveway. In the center was gigantic twenty foot height mermaid fountain.
The front doors were massive reaching aobut fourteen feet. Four large bay windows connected the interior with the front porch as well as the door. The veranda itself was littered with four large wooden rockers and three set of rattan lounging furniture.
The large ornate carriage with the Isles family crest painstakingly painted on the side doors pulled into the circular drive stopping at the front door. The younger girl had sat quietly and genteelly by her new heroine. The young English Lady had never met so confident a young woman. For Jane's part, she gawked at every site from the Capitol Building to the foundation of the Washington Monument, just under construction. The young Texan didn't know which city was bigger or more fascinating New Orleans or Washington.
The footman opened the door of the carriage closest to the front door and place two steps for the passengers to disembark. Maura was the first to exit; she took the offered hand of the footman and proceeded down the steps. The young Lady was followed by Jane, then her father and lastly Lord Isles.
The party of four were greeted at the front door by the manor's butler and escorted inside. The vestibule was dominated by a tremendous double stairway. Coats were taken and the small group was herded into the parlor, which was a huge 20' x 32' room with almost every each of wall; bearing a portrait of some dead relative.
The father and dark daughter were herded to a large straight back parlor couch, while Maura was seated in a large overstuffed chair to Jane's left. Lord Isles sank into large leather chair with matching stool. The room's huge fireplace warmed the room and danced shadows across portraits and walls.
Lord Isles and Frank Rizzoli dominated almost all the conversation, while riding in the carriage to the manor. The two men came to understand that Lord Isles was buying cattle, lumber and furs from the Rizzolis and had been for years. In fact, Lord Isles had just dispatched an agent to seek the Large Rancher and have him sign a new five year contract.
The pair of businessmen continued their discussion in the parlor, while their daughters sat and listened. Maura, who had been handling most of the company business as of late, interrupted the discussion with, "Mr. Rizzoli, the fact of the matter is shipping cattle is difficult no matter how you do. For instance, as of last year, shipping live cattle results in the loss of one cow per eleven, while the shipping of meat resulted in only a loss of one in fourteen. Therefore it is obviously better to ship meat and not live cattle.
Additionally, being in West Texas, you are familiar with sugar beets, are you not?"
Big Frank could not believe that such a small innocent girl was so familiar with the inner workings of business. So, he was stuck for an answer when his daughter chimed in, "Ya gotta understand, we need every bitta ranch fer feed. I knows the profitability of sugar beets and all, but weins dernt have the time or land to raise a side crop of sugar beets."
"I just read a study that shows the by-product remaining after the sugar is extracted from the beet is very good feed. Since there is always some sugar remaining in the residue, the by-product helps fatten the cow. Additionally, we can pay cash for all sugar produced," responded the honey blonde.
The tall brunette countered, "We aint got no mill access and shipping back and forth aint the answer neither. We's tried it."
Maura thought for just a moment and savored the eye contact. The young girl was so fascinated by those chocolate eyes. The innocent girl shook her head and answered frankly, "You could build a mill on your property or purchase new property if necessary on which to build a mill. There you could process your own beets and use the pulp for feed."
Jane thought for a moment. This young girl smelled so good, that her smell was starting to be a distraction. To shake the feeling she queried, "War ere gonna get the machinery to build a mill. I don't want it."
The honey blonde quickly countered, "We could loan you the money at no interest for five years with the specification that you sell us your sugar at five percent below common commodity price for sugar."
Jane countered offer, "3%"
Maura said with a finality, "4% and not a quarter point less."
The young Italian warmed the brilliant child's heart once more with her best smile as she agreed to everything. The two heads of business shook their heads side to side and chuckled. Lord Isles looked at the giant rancher and stated, "My daughter handles most of my business these days and very well I might add. And I can see that your daughter is just as headstrong and manages your business quite well."
Big Frank responded, "I knows wat yall mean."
The parlor door that connected it to the kitchen slowly opened and two maids carried silver trays with tea and cookies for the guests. Jane's stomach, which had not eaten in ten hours, announced it was time to eat. The older girl said, "I'm so sorry fer my stomach being so loud, but could I have some of that tea?"
So Maura playing the role of hostess pulled a cup of tea and asked the young Italian, "One lump or two?"
***SE***
Lord Frederick Isles had ordered a late dinner for his new friends. The former sea captain found he liked the brash and confident Rizzolis. Big Frank was so much like his former self; self-reliant, opportunistic and lucky. Like his former self, the big Italian has carved out himself a small empire. Had the man started with anything in the beginning, but his brains, the forceful rancher might own the State of Texas and not just a piece of it.
The English Lord had decided not to give the Rizzolis a loan, but an advance on future earnings. The family, especially that young savage, would never take any money from him that they felt they hadn't earned, but the aging nobleman felt he owed them.
Lord Isles was one of the richest men in the world and he had no doubt his daughter would expand on what he had started. The child was brilliant, capable and motivated. She was also lonely. Sure, the young noble girl had her admirers in Bridgette and Georgina, but they were more worshippers than true friends.
But this Rizzoli girl was no one to worship anyone other those for whom she would die to protect. The young Texan was tough, smart, self-reliant and ruthless in her love. The tall girl was a seasoned warrior and experienced in fighting for those she loved. The cagey Lord had spoken long into the night with the child's father and listened to his stories about her exploits. Tomorrow the aging Lord would investigate the authenticity of the tales. If half of the stories even remotely were verified, the former sea captain had plans for the half savage from Texas.
Lord Isles wanted more for his daughter, but ever the realist, the former sea captain knew that the world in which they lived was not a world that would kind to his brilliant daughter. Had Maura been a man, the world would be coming to her, but as a woman, they would discount or even shun her. The English Lord had no doubt his daughter would rather live alone than be shackled to some man, but then he had meant this wonderful family and wondered. The previously worried father had watched his normally stoic daughter talk with animation with the dark brunette and worried if the young savage was not the answer to his daughter's problems.
***SE***
Lady Isles had found that her new friend was going to the Inaugural wearing her beaded Indian garments. Though the English woman found them pleasing enough, new enough about society to know it would be embarrassing for the young woman. Upon the Lady's suggestion, the two young women were sitting in a dress shop with the older one being measured for a new gown and assessories.
"Y'all rally thin thissen necessary," asked the tall Texan for the tenth time in the last twenty minutes.
"Jane, trust me. I may not know how to kill buffalo, but I do know how these social events function. I know it is not your preferred form of dress, but I know you will not want to be embarrassed nor to embarrass your father," answered the young English noble, "Believe me when I say, I hate having to wear all these garments. I would much rather stay in my lounging wear reading the latest Dickens serial, but that is not our lot, now is it? You and I are not so different, you know. We both have family obligation that take precedence over our own desires."
Jane didn't have any formal schooling, but she had a fine mind and her mother had ensured that she have an excellent reading vocabulary. Though her speech was unrefined, her knowledge of the English language was extensive. The tough Texan had been an avid reader and had no trouble following the other girl's conversation. Jane responded, "Maura, y'all sounds so purdy when youse talks. I knows wat y'all sayin is gospel, but dat don't mean I likes it."
The Lady Isles loved that the young Texan was not fawning all over her title and felt comfortable enough with her to call her Maura. It was so tiring to hear the ladyship this and the ladyship that. No one treated her like Maura, except her parents and this young lady. Though her speak spoke of a poor education, their long discussions last night proved the tough brunette was well read and thoughtful, so the young noblewoman said, "Nor do I, Jane. I do find your lexicon so quaint and charming. I know you are not some country bumpkin coming to the big city to sell your cattle. I have talked to you at length and know you have a fine mind Jane Rizzoli. You really should strive to speak more eloquently so that people do not underrate your intelligence."
Jane laughed as she said, "Maura, from where I come. if you speak like we are speaking now I would confuse everyone. I know how to speak like they do in books, but I speak like they do. Do you not see, we have to speak like those around us?"
Maura was very pleased to hear the intelligent young woman speak so eloquently. The young noblewoman could see that the Texan could learn much from just reading, which meant with the proper educational environment the young woman could learn anything. What a friend this girl would be someone with whom she could discuss any topic and have a person of equal understanding. Yes, Jane Rizzoli shows great promise, but why was she thinking of having a long term relationship with someone that would living in a few days and never see again?
Maura was about to explore the extent of the wild Texan's knowledge, when Georgina entered the study and explained, "I'm sorry, your Ladyship, but Sophia has sent me to find you for a final fitting of your gown for the Inaugural. She has sent you messages all day and you have not answered her.
The young English noblewoman was upset; she was just getting to know the older Texan. However, the blonde Lady had a duty to her father and this dress would reflect upon him. So reluctantly, Maura answered, "Tell Sophia I am coming. Jane, would you come with me so we can continue our conversation. I just have to have this final fitting completed."
Jane shrugged her shoulders and asked, "How far do we have to go? Father is going to wanting to leave soon. We still haven't registered at the hotel."
Maura smiled brightly and replied, "Silly girl, you are staying here. You heard my father extend an invitation to stay with us. Furthermore, I would not hear of you staying elsewhere, when we can pass the hours talking about…everything."
Jane didn't want to hurt the lovely blonde's feelings, but the Texan was very independent and didn't like being indebted to other people for anything. The tall brunette started to tell the young blonde that she didn't think it was right to stay in her home, but then she looked at the expectation and longing in those hazel green eyes and swallowed what she was about to say and said instead, "Sure I'll go with you. Do we ride or take the carriage?"
Maura patted the older girl's hands and replied, "You are a funny girl. Sophia is my personal dressmaker. She lives right here in the servant quarters. Her shop is a little off her personal quarters. I have to have a personal dressmaker, because I never wear the same dress twice."
Jane was shocked to hear about such waste and asked, "You mean to say, you only wear a dress once! What happens to the dress after you wear it?"
Maura took her friend's hand and pulled her from her chair and said, "Mostly I give them to our staff."
The wily Texan then stated, "We use up everything where I come from. For instance, when we kill games we take the hide to make leather, the hooves to make glue, the bones for burning, the meat for food, the intestines and stomach for storing things like the fat from that game. Nothing is ever wasted."
The two girls entered the workroom and there was a beautiful green silk gown with golden trim and a sash of rank across it. Jane had never seen such a gown and said, "It's magnificent."
An older woman with round hips from obvious childbirths said, "I'm glad you approve. You must be Jane, the girl who stopped the cutpurse. I'm Sophia."
Maura pouted a bit and said, "I was going to introduce you Sophia. You did not give me a fair chance."
The aging seamstress ignored the young child and ordered the noble child, "Put on the gown Maura and let's see what alterations are needed."
With the help of the brunette that found Maura, the lovely blonde stripped out of her evening dress and stood waiting while Sophia took several measurements. Maura to fill the gap in their conversation asked, "So what gown are you wearing, Jane?"
Jane thought for a moment. Should she tell this elegant young woman, she was planning on wearing her new calico dress that her mother and she made before they left Texas. No telling was the same as lying as far as the tall Texan was concerned and Jane Rizzoli always kept her word and never lied. So the young girl replied shyly, "Ma'am, I rightly dint bring no gown. I has a new calico dress me and my maw made before I left Texas. It's really the best dress I ever owned."
The young heiress was shocked by this admission and thought about for only a moment. This young lady had done her a great service and asked for nothing in return. The lovely brunette had given her friendship without any reservation or thought of a return. The least the honey blonde could do was to have a gown commissioned. Turning to Sophie the wealthy young lady said, "Sophie, Miss Rizzoli needs a gown. Please see to it."
***SE***
The winter of 1848-49 had been one of the worst in recent memory. The day of the Inaugural was worst than most. The snow came down in sheets blanketing Washington in a bed of white.
General Zachary Taylor was a man of the Deep South and not used to such inclement weather. The President-Elect rode in an open carriage without a heavy overcoat. It was one of those errors that are life-altering.
Following the swearing in ceremony on the Capitol steps by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Roger B. Taney, the newly installed President of the United States had a rowdy Inaugural Ball. Many of the former general's troops drank heavily and fired their weapons into the air.
The Isle-Rizzoli party arrived fashionably late. Two beautiful young ladies in fabulous gowns were escorted by their respective fathers. Jane had never worn so many undergarments. Between the hooped skirt and the eight petticoats, the wild Texan felt trapped.
Never a very trusting person, the tall brunette had a Le Mat in her handbag and another strapped to her leg. Additionally, the tough Italian carried a pepper pot up her sleeve and an Arkansas toothpick hidden in her corset. Life in the wild country made everyone cautious.
The Isles party was announced first, "The Lord and Lady Isles of Great Britain, Ireland and the United Kingdom."
Following their announcement the father and daughter made their way down the greeting line to present their congratulations to the new President. The First Lady greeted the nearly eleven year old honey blonde, "What a lovely gown, my child! And such magnificent amber eyes, you are growing into such a lovely young woman."
The well educated young lady curtsied properly for a Lady of her station to the new First Lady of a less than friendly weaker nation than her own, as she replied, "Why thank you. You are so kind. If it is at all possible I would love to have a private conversation with you about my dressmaker. I am sure you would love to meet her and discuss her thoughts on fashion."
This was political speak for, "Let us talk privately about politics in private so that we may properly influence each other, so that we may manipulate our men in the correct manner."
President Taylor for his part heard this conversation and knew from his advisors that the young Lady Isles was a very powerful ally or enemy in dealing with her father. He had been told had this child been a boy, the lovely young noblewoman would be a power in England. As it was, this little Lady was rich and influential and the newly elected leader of the United States could use some influence with Queen Victoria right now. Hence he commented, "That is a wonderful idea. My dear, why don't you arrange a tea to get together tomorrow or the following day?"
Mrs. Taylor smiled brightly and replied, "My schedule is free tomorrow say around three?"
The intelligent and gifted not quite eleven year old politician and financier responded, "Why thank you that would be lovely. Could I bring my friend Jane Rizzoli, she is such an interesting person I am positive you will want to talk with her?"
The new President recalled the outspoken and savvy brunette from Texas and beamed as he interjected, "Darling, you would find her fascinating. She's that girl from Texas I told you about. You know the one that ran Captain? I forget his name off her property while her father was away."
The somewhat dowdy First Lady answered, "Oh, I remember. You most certainly may bring your friend."
At that moment, the announcer proclaimed, "Francisco Rizzoli and his daughter Jane."
***SE***
The two girls, though only nearly eleven and nearly thirteen, were the belles of the ball. Everyone knew of the wealth and power of the Isles family and was eager to meet and possibly court the lovely young heiress in hopes of maybe sweeping all that money off her feet. Maura who was experienced in such things being from a much more suffocated society was hardly swayed by any of the male suitors. The young aristocrat was much more interested in watching the young Texan's reaction to every new experience with which the lovely brunette was introduced.
The two young women were asked to dance constantly. Jane used to only informal dances at a church or in a barn tended to shy away from anything more complicated than a waltz. While her honey blonde friend danced with abandon to almost every tune. Maura happily showed her young protégé every dance step she knew.
Until the Virginia reel was announced. The American folk dance was one with which the brash Texan was very familiar and not one with which the young English noblewomen had ever seen. So it was Jane's turn to instruct her lovely friend. The two young women danced the Reel together with Jane showing her friend each step.
In need of a break, Maura asked her dance partner to accompany her to the powder room. Jane happily accepted, as she also needed visit the outhouse. To her surprise, the inexperienced Texan found out the toilet area was inside the house. The White House had the latest in indoor plumbing. The insightful Italian vowed the Rizzoli house would have indoor plumbing upon their return.
It was on their from the Lady's powder room that the two young women encountered difficulty.
***SE***
Several former soldiers besotted by rum and looking for trouble saw the two beautiful young women leave the party area. The rowdy men followed them with no particular plan in mind. Normally, the Lady Isles would be accompanied by a bodyguard. However, in the home of the President of the United States, the Isles had felt no need for such protection.
By the time the two young women were leaving the powder room, five rowdy men had formed their own greeting line. Born to trouble, Jane recognized it as a long lost friend. Slipping the pepper box into one palm and her toothpick in the other, the wily Texan fighter readied herself for a brawl. The experienced warrior had no intention of allowing these ruffians to harm her new friend in any way.
For her part Maura recognized the problem as well. Her only weapons were her wits and her ability to talk. The honey blonde noble was about to engage the rowdies in conversation, when Jane pulled the young English woman behind her. Jane smiled and said, "Can I hep y'all?"
The obvious leader of the group bared her yellow gapped teeth and replied, "Why sure you can little lady! We want to party and you two are the brightest fillies at this here shindig."
Four of the young tuffs pulled knives and the other two clinched their fists. Never one to talk when action was necessary, Jane fired her pepper box in the face of gap tooth. She saw brains. With a continuing motion the experience fighter buried her toothpick in the next nearest man's throat with a smooth practiced underhand toss.
Taking advantage of the shock in the other three men's faces, the veteran Indian fighter pulled her Le Mat from her bag and pointed it fully cocked in the next nearest man's face. The hard bitten killer's hand never wavered as she said, "Now, why don't you boys go back to yourn holes afore I get mad."
At that moment, United States soldiers in formal uniforms arrived with their muskets and bayonets. But the three would be ruffians had only eyes for the Le Mat staring them in the face. The nearest lad swallowed hard and dropped his knife before raising his hands in surrender.
Big Frank and Lord Isles were close on the heels of the arriving soldiers, followed closely by the new President. The last thing Zach Taylor needed or wanted was an incident at his Inaugural involving the Isles girl.
The sergeant of arms announced, "Everyone stand down. Please, Miss put down your weapon."
The angry Texan replied as she uncocked her pistol, "Where were y'all when we needed cha?"
The veteran soldier proclaimed, "I'll take that weapon. There are no weapons allowed."
Unfazed, the tough plainswoman responded, "Mister, iffin I waited for yourn permission and yourn protection, Miss Isles and myself would be entertaining these hooligans right now. So, iffin y'all don't mind, I'll keep my weepons."
The well groomed soldier was about to make issue, when the President intervened, "Sergeant had the young woman wanted to harm me, she would have done so already, as can be seen by the fate of the two rowdies on bleeding on the White House floor. See that these vermin are removed from the premises and lock these other three away."
The soldiers eyed the young woman, who just smirked as she put her Le Mat in her purse. The tough Texan walked over to the man with her knife in his throat and yanked it out. After wiping the blood from the knife on the dead man's clothes, the veteran fighter sheathed the deadly blade in its hiding place.
With a half smile and an experienced hand, the experienced Indian fighter took the time to reload the six barrels of her pepper box before returning it to its original location. The former general and long time soldier smiled broadly at the audacity and practicality of the lovely brunette and announced, "Well, let's get back to the party and Sergeant place a sentry in this hallway, we don't need another incident."
The tall politician sniffled a bit as he patted Big Frank on his back while saying, "Frank, you got some girl there. I ain't ever seen her like."
Lord Isles caught the eyes of his daughter's protector and nodded his thanks. Additionally, the English Lord made a mental note to talk with Frank Rizzoli about his daughter staying a little longer in Washington. The wealthy businessman recognized talent when he saw it. The only catch was how to use that talent to his advantage.
***SE***
The next day, the newspapers were abuzz with the story of how a young woman from Texas had fought off a mob of ruffians at the Inaugural Ball of the President of the United States. The articles called for swift justice for the imprisoned thugs, so as to remove the stain of the international incident.
Frederick Isles was reading the articles in the three newspapers before him when Big Frank Rizzoli came down the staircase for breakfast. The two young women had yet to make an appearance. They were busily in their baths getting ready for a full day of social commitments culminating in tea at the White House. The importance of that informal meeting had taken on new significance after last evening's incident.
Lord Isles handed one of the papers to his house guest, who sat down and immediately began reading the heroics of his fighting daughter. Not for the first time, the tall rancher had wished his daughter could have been raised more genteelly. Her youth had been formed by the hard wilderness and the fact she had been his only child for so many years.
After the dark haired Italian was seated, breakfast was served the two men. Frederick Isles had a breakfast of poached eggs and Polish sausage. His digestion hadn't been that good lately, but the English Lord loved his sausage and eggs. The diet of sausage was a habit formed in his days as a sea captain.
Aboard ship long voyages had the problem of food storage. Without refrigeration, salt and brine were the common means of storage. Sausages were easily preserved with salt or pickled in brine, so they made excellent fare for sea captains who could more easily afford such luxuries than other ship's officers or the crew.
Eggs were another staple of the Captain's table, since they could be transported via chicken. A sea captain would have a few hens and a rooster, which were feed the weevils that would inevitably end up in the ship's flour and bread supply, and presto instant eggs. The habits developed in your youth are the habits practiced in your dotage.
Big Frank was eating a stack of pancakes with maple syrup and served with thick slabs of bacon. His diet was also the result of the limitations of his profession. Living on the trail for most of his adult life had limited his diet to what could carried on a chuck wagon or mostly what could be carried in a saddle bag. The ingredients for pancakes were flour, yeast, eggs, milk and sugar.
Every trail hand carried flour and sugar. Eggs were gathered from the local birds and milk was taken from the cows they herded. Bacon is salted and smoked pork, which was easy to transport in a saddle bag and because of the process that made it; it wouldn't spoil.
Jane was the next person down for breakfast. The tall Italian looked very stylish in a new dress just created by Madam Sophie. A plate of her favorite breakfast was placed before her. Again, it was a trail dish common among cowhands. It was trail toast. On the trail bread had the extraordinary bad habit of going stale after only a couple of days. Many cowboys would soak the bread in a mixture of egg, sugar and milk then fry it in bacon grease and cover it with sugar. Hence the name trail toast.
Years later a small hotel restaurant in Dodge City would put it on it their menu. In order to give it a more exotic name and because of the fad of French cuisine at the time, they called it French toast.
The chef for the Isles refused to use bacon grease. He used olive oil and poured maple syrup and melted butter over the top.
Young Lady Isles had always eaten lightly at breakfast, usually having only buttered toast and tea. However, the brash young Texans had influenced the honey blonde noblewoman to try the concoction and now it was the young heiress's preferred breakfast.
Lord Isles looked on with approval at the influence the tough young westerner had on his somewhat sheltered daughter and became more determined to keep the young brunette around to continue her influence if only for another couple of months.
***SE***
All those plans changed that morning. Shortly after young Maura came down to breakfast, her father's indigestion started acting up again. Suddenly, the elder sea captain had a chest spasm and he clutched his breast. The older gentleman had trouble breathing. Acting quickly, Big Frank lowered the large nobleman to the floor and loosened his shirt and tie to unrestrict his breathing.
Fearing the worst, Maura ordered the servants to go get a doctor. After the doctor examined the former sea captain, it was determined that he had had a heart attack as complication of his malaria. Lady Isles made arrangements to leave on the next boat back to England, which was the next evening.
The young noblewoman sent her regrets to the White House. The two Texans decided to see the young heiress to her ship and then return home. The new friends sat up the night talking about their lives and their future. After insuring the young woman and her father were safely at sea, Frank and Jane caught the evening train west to New Orleans.
***SE***
Lord Fredrick Isles died of pneumonia from complication of malaria on October 16, 1850. He was 69 years old. Lady Maura Isles, though his only heir, was only 12. Her father named Lady Constance, her regent until her 18th birthday. However, should she marry, her husband would inherit the title.
Lady Constance could hardly run her household much less the wide ranging businesses of Isles Trading and Shipping. However, the young widow had every faith in her young daughter to guide her through this tedious regency.
Today the newly appointed regent was wearing her widow's black trimmed in gray to the meeting of the managers of the various businesses of Isles Trading and Shipping. Behind the Lady Constance stood her daughter, also dressed in black with green trim, her father always looked her in green. The two Ladies bodyguards stood menacing by the only door into the large conference room.
It had taken Maura nearly six months to arrange for all managers from all their holdings throughout the world on five continents to be present. Now, here sat the fourteen regional managers, thirty-two district managers and seventy-five operation managers of Isles Trading and Shipping. They were all glum looking men and many of the regional managers expected to take over the operation of the company. Those men had never met the young heiress.
Henry came into the room and placed a document in front of each man. The documents looked very official and had a very impressive seal with a bright gold ribbon and in red wax. Each document had a name on the document corresponding to the man it was given it. Suddenly, as each read the document, a loud clamor took place with several of the men shouting at the two women. Lady Constance was starting to feel threatened, when twenty large men dressed in uniforms and burnishing large clubs burst into the conference room.
Standing directors were forcefully pushed back into their seats by the club wielding guards. The younger Lady placed a calming hand on her mother's shoulder and said quietly, "Are you gentlemen or common rabble? You are disturbing my mother, who has just buried her husband. I will not have it. You will stay still and listen or I will exercise those documents and have you forcefully removed. Do I make myself clear?"
When no one answered the young girl, she looked to Hugh, and he shouted, "Well, answer her you gits or I will personally have your guts for garters."
The beautiful blonde rewarded her bodyguard with a smile. Sweat broke out on several brows, but all of them answered yes in various forms.
Maura squeezed her mother's shoulder to inform her it was time to read her prepared remarks. The nervous woman cleared her throat and said, "Gentlemen before you are termination notices. Effective immediately, you are no longer an employee of Isles Trading and Shipping. You will be given one month's salary in lieu of notice. You will receive these moneys in exchange for the signed notices before you."
On cue Henry entered the room with a cash box, which he arranged at a desk next to the door. The statuesque brunette with fewer nerves continued, "You may reapply for a position at our offices across town. You will be given every consideration. Upon leaving your post an interim manager was appointed in your place. Those interim managers have been performing in your position since that time. We are not a stock company and have full rights and power as sole proprietors to terminate any employee. Many of you thought that with the death of my husband, you would be given full powers over you individual domains. Well, gentlemen, those powers belong to me through my daughter, the rightful heir. Good day and good luck."
The Lady Constance rose like Venus from the Sea and walked to the door. Several men tried in vain to intercept her, but only pushed back into their seats. The young heiress had not followed her mother out the door, she had a few more choice remarks, "Gentlemen, you can sign that document or you can sign the document that my assistance has readied at his desk. The second document is an employment contract for your old position at the same salary. However, the second document has a clause that states should you attempt any disruption of the management of the company by myself or my mother; then your situation will be terminated. So, your choices are: Sign document one and receive one month's severance or sign document two and go back to status quo. Now, if you will excuse me I have an appointment with the Queen in three days and must make my way to London. Henry, take care of these gentlemen and met me at the manor in Notting Hill."
Hugh opened the door and the new head of Isles Trading and Shipping left the conference room.
***SE***
Lady Constance wasn't quite sure why it had been necessary to fire all the managers, but Maura assured her it was the best way for two women to exert their authority over dozens of superior feeling males. Her daughter was brilliant and savvy, but she was a female in a male dominated society. The stunningly beautiful woman knew that this spelled a very difficult life for someone like her little girl.
The young girl was becoming a young woman and at the age of thirteen, the intelligent blonde was showing all the signs of becoming a truly beautiful woman. One day the Lady Maura Isles will marry and the title and power would go to her husband. And deep in her soul the mother in her knew that her genius of a daughter would wither and die under such restraints.
The Lady Constance had no such worries. She would never marry nor take court from another man. Her heart belonged to her Gina. The statuesque brunette had come to know herself the past seven years and knew she was a lesbian, an uncompromising sophist. She had no illusions that anyone would understand or accept her choice, but she could have happiness with discretion. Her Maura would neither find happiness nor love, because the child knew no discretion, had no tact, nor could she ever love or be happy under another's yoke.
Society was cruel to woman. We had a Queen, but what was she doing for the other women dominated by the men in this society. Could we vote? Could we hold office? Even if Maura fails to marry and keep her title, she would never be welcome in the House of Lords. The brilliant and dazzling intelligent young woman was still just that a woman and therefore not to trusted with anything other than running a household for her husband and Lord.
Life was not fair. Life was cruel. Life had given her honey blonde daughter so many gifts. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind, generous, beautiful and honest. But other than her beauty, weren't these cruel gifts to give a woman. The honesty, generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness will be beaten out of the child in the adult world. Her intelligence will be scorned and minimized.
Yes, it was definitely a very, very cruel world. And it is cruelest to the ones that have the most to offer it. Those individuals who could do so much to change the complexion of the world are the first ones that the world seems to devour. The frightened mother had no sage advice or answer to give her child to protect her from what was going to come. All a mother can do is to be there to help heal the wounds that the world inflects on her children. The Lady Constance prayed for the strength to be that kind of mother.