Two for Texas

by Ajun Cajun

This is the story of two different families and how they become an integral part of the development of the Southwest starting in the 1830's and into the Twentieth Century. Rated M, because history is not always pleasant and change is always violent. Oh, and the sex. Yes to Rizzles.

22. Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Hard Times and Bold Moves

Charlie Hoyt lay in a bed in the small town of Embudo located only four miles from where the Battle of Embudo Pass took place during Taos Rebellion during the Mexican War to oppose United States occupation of New Mexico. The town of twenty-seven people, mostly Mexicans, was anxious about the rumors of a United Stated Post Office being opened in their small town.

Only nineteen riders made it to their hideout in the small town. The majority of their men were either killed or captured during the Ranger attack at the Stockwell Ranch in West Texas. Hoyt had been shot four times during the battle and the escape from the trap; none of them were life-threatening.

However infection was always a possibility and that brought on the most dangerous thing of all…the fever. The selection of the small town was because it had a doctor. A former United States Army surgeon, Dr. Thomas Adams, retired there after twenty-seven years in the Army.

The elderly doctor had cut four slugs from the outlaw leader's body. After removing the Minnie balls, the good doctor stitched each of the four incisions. Each of the remaining eighteen men needed some type of treatment, either from bullet wounds or ricocheted cuts.

In needing this place of refuge and the good doctor, Charlie paid for everything in silver coins. By prudently paying for everything and not damaging any of the property of the kind townsfolk, the savvy criminal keep the good will of the town's inhabitants. The town knew who Charlie Hoyt was, but he was raiding Texas and that didn't affect the townspeople of Embudo, New Mexico. Besides, the raider brings much needed revenue into the small town.

This was a severe setback for the angry raider. The powerful leader would have to recruit more men and they would be reluctant to do so when word got around about what happened in Texas. The wily guerrilla decided he would have to have some successes to regain his reputation. However with Rizzoli's Rangers active in West Texas, he would be forced to look elsewhere for easier targets.

Then when the conniving criminal restored his reputation, he would recruit an army and go back to West Texas and get his revenge. Hoyt knew of a silver operation in Arizona. Raiding those ore shipments would be easy and profitable. After he and his men recovered they would just have to go and help themselves to that silver ore.

***SE***

Joffery Homesmith was a common soldier in the Martine Guard and he was lying in his bunk when his mate Phillip Holbeck came in from escorting the Lady Melody to see the parish priest about cleaning up some of her properties that become infested with rats and voles.

The inquisitive bunk mate asked his friend, "How was the trip? Did her Ladyship get the priest to get some men to clean those properties?"

The proper guard smiled as he related his interesting tale, "You know how her Ladyship kept the Constable jumping when she accepted his invitation to tea and then cancelled fifteen minutes after the appointed hour? What I hadn't heard is she had rescheduled for three days later only to postpone again. It seems she accepted his invitation and cancelled four times in the last fortnight.

Seems his misses was some put out, because she had worked hard on the pastries and such for the tea, only to have Her Ladyship cancel and reschedule for a time when they would have to make new pastries and stuff.

Anyway today Her Ladyship goes to the Constable's house and knocks on the door bold as you please. When the Constable's lady answers, she is shocked to see Her Ladyship with five guards standing at her door. The stunned wife asks, 'How may I help you, Your Ladyship?"

With a straight face and proper voice she answers, 'I'm here for tea. Don't you remember you invited me? I'm sure it was today. I am so sorry I had to postpone each of the other invitations, but you understand how the responsibilities of running a Barony can keep one busy.'

Her Ladyship knew that tea was scheduled for the next day, but by coming a day early she had the Constable and his Lady at a disadvantage. The unsure housewife responded, 'You are more than welcome anytime, Milady. My husband must have made a mistake, because he told me you were coming tomorrow. He isn't here at the moment. You can understand he has his responsibilities as well.'

Her Ladyship replied, 'Of course I understand, but since I'm here why don't you and I have a nice tea and get acquainted.'

Well you should have seen the woman's face she was going to have tea with the Baroness. You haven't seen someone move so fast to throw together a nice tea. I figure the poor woman must have used their dinner to make a nice tea. There were several sweetbreads and some cold chicken. It was quite impressive for a surprise visit.

You tell her Ladyship was impressed by the efficiency and demeanor of the kind woman. She was so polite and genteel Her Ladyship invited her for tea tomorrow with her Ladyship and the Countess. Our Lady said, 'You must come tomorrow and have tea with Her Grace and myself. You will love Her Grace. She is such a fine and graceful woman."

As the Baroness was leaving to return home, the Constable comes in panting into the house, apologizing about the confusion and about being late. He says, 'Milady, I only just got word of your arrival.'

Our Lady just smiled sweetly and replied, 'No problem, Lord Constable, your Lady has more than gracious. So much so I have invited HER for tea with the Countess.'

The man was livid, but what could he say, she is the baroness and lord of his district. He stammered, 'Milady is so gracious to my good wife. Mayhap one day I might meet Her Grace.'

Our Lady said nothing in reply and just glided gracefully out of the house like the man who spoke to her was beneath her contempt and unworthy of her notice. It was glorious. I tell this Baroness is all fire and brimstone. No one is going to control her. She is worthy of our devotion,"

***SE***

Jane Rizzoli rode uncomfortably at the head of a long column of Texas Rangers who followed the tall brunette in a column of two into the town of El Paso. The company of Rangers had followed Hoyt's trial all the way to the New Mexico border and decided to stop at the city of El Paso. During the Mexican/American War, the Rangers had occupied this fairly large town. Hugh rode at the right of the dynamic young woman who scanned the small Texas cow town look for any possible danger.

A movement to her left caused the intense warrior to swivel her head in the direction of the new danger. An elderly woman smiled a nervous grin in an effort to disarm the suddenly intense situation. After the Battle of the Stockwell Range, the wary leader didn't trust anyone or thing.

The Rangers knew they would be unwelcome in many of the western town. Law, order and peace were not easily obtain because many of the lawless profit from the chaos. Gangs of outlaws had sprung up all over Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and the Indian Nations.

One of the most powerful of the lawless gangs was Charlie Hoyt and his Raiders. Though the outlaw group had taken a beating at Stockwell Ranch, Hoyt and many of his worst men escaped into New Mexico. Hoyt had been known to resupply in this town and several other town like it. After purchasing their supplies his men would get drunk, gamble and run the whores.

Jane's plan was simple. Place a squad of Rangers in each of these towns and wait for Hoyt and his Raider to come visiting. The Rangers would build a Ranger station in each patrol area. Each district was going to generate enough manpower to operate at full capacity.

Initially each district will have veteran Ranger who were to recruit enough candidates to run the district. Jane was assigning seven pistols and seven rifles to be distributed to the new recruits after they had completed their training. Any recruits beyond those seven would require the district commander to purchase them locally. Each district commander was given twenty dollar a month for expenses.

Jane calculated the each station could save between five and eight dollars a month in order to accumulate enough money to purchase spare weapons. A starting ranger made twenty-five dollars a month and found. A cowhand at the time made twenty dollars a month and found.

Each Ranger stations were expected to have between ten and fifteen fully trained Rangers before the end of year. The operations were expected to send out regular two man patrols to the surrounding area, looking of anything out of the ordinary.

The only problem with recruiting is getting recruits who were not spies or undesirables. There were more than enough men who needed work and the kind of pay the Rangers were offering was mighty tempting to men who needed money. The trouble was men who needed money were not necessarily the men they needed to recruit.

Jane planned to leave Johnny Yuma as district captain. The young man had proven himself on the trail and had earned his chance at operating a station. The lovely brunette was still very sore from her injury and riding was only making it harder for the young woman to heal. So Jane decided on her ride here to give the men and her behind a two day rest before they moved onto the next district.

El Paso benefited from being a bordertown with a great ford across the Rio Grande. Mexican and American trade made this town very prosperous, but it also attracted a large criminal element. The town tended to look the other way as long as no one caused any trouble to the local residents. Many men came to this thriving town looking for work and finding most of the jobs taken. As a result many men were desperately looking for a way to make money any way they could.

Men like Charlie Hoyt preyed on this need to make money and recruited many of the unemployed for his gang of cutthroats. Jane planned on eliminating this problem. The intelligent woman's plan, like all really good plans, was quite simple.

She was dividing Texas into six districts; each district would have initially three Rangers, who would recruit from these unemployed men twenty more Rangers. Those twenty-three Rangers would be responsible for keeping the peace in their district.

Each new man would receive a rifle, pistol, horse, outfit, room and board and a salary of twenty-five dollars a month. That's five dollars more than a top cowhand and ten more than a miner. Each district was responsible for building a Ranger station in one of the towns in the district. El Paso was such a town and would house the station for district six.

Each town of over fifty people would be required to have a town council, mayor and marshal. Those marshals would answer to the district commander in that area. Any marshal found to be taking bribes or not doing his job would answer to the Rangers.

Additionally Governor Bell had appointed two circuit judges to each district to hold trials in each town that requested a judge. One judge would always be available at the Ranger station. Each town was responsible for room and board of the circuit judge.

Jane sent Hugh to find Yuma and tell him that she needed to see him immediately.

***SE***

Hugh found Johnny stabling his horse and feeding it some freshly purchased oats. Hugh smiled as he stated, "You feed that mustang oats and he'll think you're poisoning him."

Johnny responded, "I had to convince him it war fer eatin' not wearin', but I got him to understand. What kin I do fer ya?"

Hugh replied simply, "Jane wants to see you…NOW."

The experienced rider put a blanket on his horse's back, patted his neck and left the stable without another word. Even though the tough Ranger was nervous as school boy going to the blackboard, you thought sure you were going to look stupid in front of the whole class.

In his mind the rugged individualist knew the woman was human, but she sure did make it hard to believe. The wily cowboy had seen his Captain do some remarkable, if not supernatural things. The way the cagey brunette had made the Kiowa and Comanche toe the mark was something he never thought anyone could do.

After talking to Old Man Stockwell before the Stockwell Ranch Battle, he would have sworn they were going to have to bury that man to get him to comply with her peace plan. However after the battle, the old coot was timid as a lamb clipped for its wool.

There was no denying it. Jane Rizzoli lived up to her reputation and that reputation was still growing and soon she would be a legend like you read about in storybooks. So every step toward the saloon where the Queen was holding court was like wadding through muck.

Johnny entered the saloon and spotted his Captain sitting uncomfortably at a table with her back to the wall and facing the door. Jane Rizzoli paid attention to every detail in the quest for living a long life on the frontier. The nervous teenager walked up to the table and asked, "Do I need to sit down or do I take my medicine standing up?"

The smiling brunette pointed toward an empty chair indicating he was more than welcome to sit down. Once the young man was seated, the observant scout asked his twitching boss, "Yar wound astill abotherin' ya?"

The wary brunette didn't want the boys to know exactly where her wound was located. They had been told she had been shot in the upper thigh. However the truth was she had been shot in the ass. Her fellow Rangers would never let her forget it if they knew.

The only person who actually knew was the man who treated the wound, Hugh, and he was sworn to secrecy. Of course, the loyal girlfriend had written the details in her diary that would be mailed to her lover in England when the active teenager had complete filling up the book. By which time her wound would have healed and she could put her younger sweatheart's mind at ease.

In order to keep her secret the injured Ranger replied, "Riding bothers the damn thing. The horse's hide rubs against the thigh which irritates the wound. You must be wondering why I sent for you?"

The tough Texan felt like an errant school boy in this woman's presence, so all her could manage was a weak, "Ahuh."

The timid response made the tall Italian chuckle to herself. To help relieve some of his anxiety, the experience leader volunteered, "You'll have to do better at talking than that in your new job. You're staying here in El Paso as district commander. I leave it to you to pick your other two Rangers as long as they are not Ben McCulloch, Jack Hays or Rip Ford. They are going to be district commanders and Hugh never leaves my side."

At that moment Hugh appeared almost magically behide the head Ranger. The dark Welshman had blended into the shadows unnoticed. The big man told Yuma, "You should have spotted me earlier. If I had been a Comanche, you would have been dead along with many of your fellow rangers as well.

Johnny shook his head in agreement and responded, "Point taken. I'll take the job iffin you're still leaving it to me."

Jane wrote out a letter and handed it to her new district commander adding, "Give this to my quartermaster and he'll give you enough gold and silver to build your new Ranger station. You'll also get enough weapons, ammunition and silver to recruit twenty new Rangers. It'll be up to you to pick the right men and to train them. Have any experience building?"

The quick study answered, "My paw and me built a log cabin wit a chimney, onct. I war thirteen at the time."

The savvy Texan smiled, "That'll have to do. My only requirement is three floors and a bedroom for the circuit judge for your district. Do you have any questions?"

The active minded teenager knew she expected him to have questions or he wasn't the right man for the job. So the sharp Ranger asked the most natural first, "I've got plenty questions, but my first is how do I report and how often?"

Jane was impressed. The young man's first question wasn't about how hard a job he was getting, but on how to report what was happening, which meant he expected nothing but success. Though the likelihood of complete success was impossible, it showed confidence in his ability. So the dynamic leader replied, "Report monthy to the main office in Austin. You'll be able to contact me in Dallas anytime, because I'll at ranch."

The young gunman shook his head and queried, "How far out do I patrol and are there any other settlements in my patrol area?"

Jane laughed, "Both good questions. Your patrol area is everything north and south to the boulder and east to Comanche Springs."

The young man's eyes grew to large circles as he expressed with stunned surprise, "That's the whole panhandle. You're talking about keeping the peace over thousands of square miles. That's a lot of territory for three men to cover."

The lovely brunette smirked knowingly, "Whish is why you're going to have to recruit those twenty men in a hurry. El Paso is a good size town and you should be able to find enough men quickly. If you can't do it; I'll find somebody who can."

Johnny replied, "I can do it, but are twenty men going to be enough for such a large wild territory. There aren't that many areas with lawmen or military outposts in the panhandle. You got the Mexicans to the south, the Mescalaros, Cheyenne and Cherokees everywhere area needs twice that many men."

Jane sighed as she agreed, "You're right, but we don't have the money to hire any more men. Hell as it stands we're using up every nickel they're giving us. You got to understand I not only have to man six districts, but I have to keep a large mobile force in Austin to answer any real trouble areas or put down Indian uprisings and that force has to large enough to make troublemakers like Old Man Stockwell and Charlie Hoyt to think twice about doing anything stupid."

The younger Ranger thought for a second before he suggested, "How about we raise more money on out own? We can hunt town bountiesand use that money to add Rnagers."

The thoughtful young woman shook her head from side to side, while answering, "Then you're taking men away from patrolling their district and defeating your purpose?"

The quick youngster had an answer to that as well, "We do the patrolling and the hunting at the same time. While we're patrolling, we keep on the look out for likely sigh."

The sympathetic brunette again shook her head vigorously, "No, we'll have to think of something else. Rangers aren't bounty killers. We're the law and we hunt criminals because they broke the law and not for some sort of reward. If we do bounty hunting, then we're no better than mercenary bounty killer who kills men for the price on their head."

The young man shrugged his shoulders and replied, "There has to be some way to raise money to help. I'll think on her."

Jane smiled, "You do that."

***SE***

Tea with the Constable's lady went very well and the arrigant little man was beside himself with envy at his wife having tea with such nobility and he was being decidedly snubbed. Her Ladyship was discussing her next maneuver with Her Grace in the main library.

Lady Melody asked the Countess, "I have made the Constable unhappy with me. Shouldn't I do something to soothe his ego a bit. I was thinking of dropping him a note inviting him to the manor, only to have to cancel after keeping him waiting for…ahhhhh… twelve minutes."

The petite honey blonde shook her head from side to side and replied, "No…No more games. Invite the Constable and his Lady for Sunday dinner. Make it an occasion by inviting the Vicar, your priest, the Mayor, and any other official you can think of.

Make it very formal and very expensive. When everyone is content; spring the trap by paying the Constable's bribe in front of everyone. Then everyone will see the man for the criminal he is and will go out of their way to avoid the man, lest his indiscession transfer its stench to them.

Then petition Paris to remove the disgraced Constable, which is exactly what they will do in order to distract the populace from their corruptness. When the question of a replacement arrives, offer one of your guard officer's name. They will of course agree to your suggestion since this is your district and whomever you suggest will be your responsibility."

The intelligent Baroness asked, "I think I should suggest Pierre Leclerc. He was born in this district and is known to all the locals as a far and honest man. Additionally he is very loyal to me personally because I helped to cure his family of the fever."

The Countess was very impressed by the suggestion. It was well thought out and presented without any prompting on her part. Each day the young American was proving beyond any doubt she was the correct choice for this delicate job. So the satisfied teenager responded, "I think your suggestion is perfect. Now who do promote within your guard to replace Msr. Leclerc?"

Without a second of hesitation or doubt, the lovely blonde answered, "Joeffrey Homesmith, he is one of the recruits from Normandy and has English as well as French roots, which will help should I need someone in which to confide my dual role as Baroness Martine and agent of Her Majesty."

The man was little known to the honey-blonde noble, however the man was one of Melody's personal guards and therefore very familiar to her. However the Countess needed to be sure her young ward had fully vented this man before he was promoted in position to uncover her dual cross purpose. Hence the clever aristocrat questioned her charge, "Have you talked to the man about your dual role? Have you fully vented his loyaltyies? Do not be so quick to judge the loyalty of men from only a casual conversation. He may be a man with one loyalty and that is of the President of France and no other."

The intelligent young noble answered quickly and efficiently, "As Joeffrey has been in my personal guard for months I have had many opportunities to discuss 'conditions' in France and sound out his personal philosophy. He is a man of simple loyalties. He is a man loyal to those who have proven themselves able and strong. He gives his loyalties to the individual not the flag.

Additionally his family suffered greatly under the original Napoleon and he has no wish to see another crowned Emperor, which is obviously Louis-Napoleon eventual goal. I have heard the young man lament the rise to power of the nephew of the original Bonaparte. In time I will also warp his thinking to that of mine by quiet suggestion and bold deed, all of which he respects and cherishes."

The lovely Countess beamed with pride, her student was indeed coming into her own and would soon need no guidance or interference from her to perform her task. Soon the English noblewoman would be able to leave the young noble in charge and return to England to start developing that end of the network to work independently of her. In that the brilliant honey-blonde could leave England for Texas with a clear conscious.

The proud Countess Isles responded, "I see no flaw in your logic and applaud your reasoning. You will soon be able to room your barony without my interference."

This saddened the young Baroness as she replied, "I hope not too soon. I would miss you and would mourn the loss of my Georgie as she would surely wish to stay with her mistress and leave me."

Maura shook her head from side to side, "I am afraid Georgie is too smitten to leave you. She would rather slit her own wrists than be without your love for her. Do not doubt her love for you. She has long been seeking someone and now that she has found her, she will not leave that find. When I leave, Georgette will be staying."

***SE***

The dinner party was easily arranged as every official in the district was anxious to break bread with their new Baroness, whereby they would be able to advance each of their personal agendas. Besides the food would be so much better and more generous at a social function hosted by nobility than these government bureaucrats were accustom.

The invitations made it quite clear that the night's festivities were for honoring the Constable leading many to think their fellow government official was in line for a promotion, which would put him in a position to advance their personal goals. The night's festivities was a trap for more than the Constable, it would ensnare every official in the district.

As each bureaucrat with their spouse arrived they were personally greeted by the new Baroness, who was beautifully and elegantly dressed in soft blue silks highlighted with silver thread. Each couple was dazzled by the grace and poise of the young noblewoman and suitably flattered by the individual attention.

As it was supposed to be his evening, the good Constable and his Lady were stylishly late. The smiling Baroness greeted the 'guest of honor' with a flair of dramatics that were to subtle for the slow witted man to understand or fear. His wife was more than delighted at her second visit to the elegant home of a French noble.

When the last of the guest arrived, the Countess Isles made her grand entrance dressed in green silks with gold threaded highlights. Their dresses were of similar style and design, so much so that they seemed to be identical and different at the same time. It was a very devious exercise in comparison and contrast.

The lovely Countess glided through the crowd with all the grace and charm she could muster. Tonight was the opening gambit for control of this district and it needed to happen flawlessly, hence the choreographed greetings from the inexperienced Baroness and the experienced Countess.

The butler came into the parlor where everyone was socializing and announced, "Dinner is served."

In pairs the guests all went to the chair designated by a placard with their individual names written gracefully on each. After all the callers were seated, the Baroness who sat at the head of the table stood and proclaimed, "Tonight we honor a friend of everyone in this room, our good Constable, Bernard Benoit."

After polite applause, the Countess rose and raised her wine glass and exclaimed, "I would like to propose a toast: To Msr. Bernard Benoit!"

On cue the staff began to serve the first course of the seven course meal…vichyssoise.

***SE***

Six courses later, a fine selection of fresh pastries were made available for the guests along with cups of New Orleans blend coffee, a much stronger blend than was normally available to general populace. Ample cream and sugar were available for the assembled group as well as some liquor and brandy for those who wished to enliven their brew even more.

The delighted Constable was basking in the glory of toasts to his health and congratulations when a silver tray was placed before him. Thinking it was a special dessert, the unwary politician opened the lid to find one hundred English gold sovereigns. The stunned bureaucrat exclaimed, "What is this?"

The wily Countess looked rightfully confused as she replied, "Why your payment for services to the Crown, as we agreed upon. Is it not the amount you required for your assistance to the Queen?"

The infuriated magistrate rose abruptly and queried, "What do you mean? I performed no service. You must tell all those assembled that I have done nothing to earn this payment."

An indignant Baroness rose as well and demanded, "What is the meaning of this Constable? Have you been spying on France for the English Queen? And mother what has this man done for you? I know you are a personal friend of Her Highness, but surely you are not involved in such an activity."

A look of true bewilderment appeared on the lovely Countess's innocent face as she stammered, "I am but a messenger for the Queen. I was asked to deliver this money to this man and I know nothing for which it was earned. I was just given the sum and asked to deliver it as Her Majesty knew I was coming for a visit.

Have I done something wrong? I thought surely since this night was for the Constable, it was the perfect time to deliver his payment. Msr. Mayor, have I done something improper?"

The Lord Mayor smiled as he watched his enemy bureaucrat squirm, "My Grace, you have done nothing wrong. You are but the messenger and one does not shoot the messenger. One shoots the recipient of such a message. Normally I would have the Constable arrest this man for treason, but as he is the Constable, I must prey on our host for her guard to arrest this man and hold him in some pantry somewhere until we can get this sorted."

Several of the Baroness's guards appear from nowhere to seize the humbled Constable over very strongly worded objections. As the irate man was led from the room, the Baroness announced, "We will need a temporary Constable until I can petition Paris for a replacement. In the interim I ask our good friend, Pierre Leclerc, to handle the position. He has long been a member of the Barony's Guard and was born and reared in this county. It is only fitting a local man hold the reins until relieved."

No one in the room was fooled for a moment. They all knew that the Baroness had every reason in the world to rid herself of such a nuisance in her county. They all silently applauded the young woman's subterfuge and made a mental note not to cross such a ruthless noblewoman.

They also were not fooled by the sudden appointment. Each person in the room knew there would be no other appointment from Paris, once a noble made an appointment in his or her providence; then it was their responsibility. No one in Paris would be fooled either, but they too would applaud the cunning this young woman has displayed.

The Baroness had her man in a position of power that would prevent further conflicts between her and civil employees. It was a brilliant move. Only several people in the room wondered if the idea were the Baroness's or the Countess's. It really didn't matter the deed was done.

***SE***

The Constable's wife was no fool either. The older woman was not getting any younger and saw the handwriting on the wall, 'Your husband is a dead man.' Not waiting for permission, the aging beauty scooped up the gold pieces and announced, "These were my husband's. I will keep them safe for his return."

The Countess raised her glass in silent salute and smiled her permission. The woman was really a very nice and capable woman and was just an innocent victim in their scheme to overthrow the Constable and a small cache of money would allow her the freedom to pursue a new life.

The Baroness too felt sympathy for the innocent wife of a corrupt official. So the crafty noblewoman commanded, "Let us get back to our desserts. Then we can adjourn to the study for brandies and Sherries. Lady Beniot will you not join us in my personal chambers later so we might discuss your future, after you are not the traitor."

Again the assemble bureaucrats silently toasted the young Baroness for her good politics. Though the devious noblewoman had completed obliterated her opponent, she was not petty in her victory. The clever young woman was going as far as helping her vanquished foe's wife some assistance. The cunning noble was being magnanimous in victory and that made her an even more dangerous enemy to have.

***SE***

The other five districts were district 5, the northern top with its station in Lubbock, district 4, the central west with its Ranger station in Sonora, district 3, the central east with the Rangers stationed out of Dallas, district 2, the southwest with its station in San Antonio and finally, district 1 the southeast with its Ranger Station in Austin. Additionally it was decided to keep the mobile force in Houston, a more central location.

After El Paso, Sonora was the next stop for the traveling Rangers. Jane was having real problems with her wound. The tough Texas had developed a fever and her backside was swollen and septic. Her first stop was to see the local doctor. The man was a former Army surgeon, who retired to this small town to weigh out his future and stayed to fulfill a desperate need.

The tall Italian limped into the office under her own power, though Hugh had offered his assistance. The proud Texan would accept no help in front of her men. After all the beautiful brunette was a woman commanding men and could nothing that would undermine their trust in her ability.

The older doctor had no such constraints and helped her to get on his examination table. With Hugh and the doctor's help the long legged female out of her tight leather pants. The wound was red and infected. When pressed upon the wound oozed green pus that smelled of death.

The doctor order Hugh from the room, but was refuted by a still conscious Ranger commander, who said, "He is my bodyguard and will watch me if I am asleep. I have many enemies. I am Jane Rizzoli."

The experience physician recognized the name and retreated from his earlier order and replied, "I'm Dr. Wilcox Waverly. I am going to have to lance that wound to let it drain. You got here before it became gangrenous though this level of infection can kill you. Hugh is it? Pour some of that boiling water on the stove into a pan and bring it here. Miss Rizzoli, this is going to hurt…a lot. Would you like for me to put you to sleep?"

Jane grunted and doctor continued to examine the ugly wound. Hugh returned with the boiling water in which the good surgeon placed the instruments he needed for the surgery. After a few minutes, the experience Army surgeon got to work."

***SE***

Jane endured the probing and the cutting of infected area without screaming though the pain was so intense she wanted to lash out at the person inflecting it, but the injured woman was rational enough to realize it needed to be done and done quickly. Hugh held her arms and someone else held her legs though the barely conscious brunette had no idea when a third person came to help.

Hugh looked into her pained eyes and said, "Stay with us, Milady and bite down hard on the towel."

Suddenly Jane realized that sometime during the procedure she had lost consciousness as she had no recollection of the cloth in her mouth being placed there. Asharp pain rushed through her body causing her to bite even harder on the coiled rag.

Hands squeezed and kneaded the wound as the lovely Ranger's white teeth ached from the pressure of her bitig on the tight coil of cloth in her mouth. Somewhere in her pained brained the wounded warrior thanked her mother for always insisting she take good care of her teeth. It was an odd thought given the situation.

Suddenly a burning liquid was poured on the open lesion and burning pain lashed through the maimed Italian's buttock and down her legs. So much pain that a scream escaped the lovely brunette's parched lips and the wad of cloth fell from her mouth as the stalward fighter collapsed limply on to the table.

Jane had no idea how long she had been unconscious, but the probing and torture had stopped. The now sentient young woman could feel soft cloth against the injury, though she could also feel she was naked from the waist down. A part of the modest Lady's addled mind wanted to cover her exposed lower half.

Hugh was smiling down at her. The giant Welshman had already seen her lower half many times as he had been the one treating her injury to this point. The big man smiled down at the wounded woman and reassured her, "Milady, it's all over. Milady, you'll have an interesting scar, but you need to get some food down. Milady hasn't had a thing to eat for almost two days. We have been spooning some broth in you, but Milady, you haven't had anything solid in that time. I have some porridge mixed with honey and fresh butter for you."

With some effort and a lot of pain, the determined young woman turned around on the soft bed and with Hugh's help was able to get in a somewhat upright position. As the giant Welshman propped her up with pillows as gently as he could manage, the lovely brunette looked confused as she replied, "Two days? I've been out for two days?"

The dark bodyguard smiled his most reassuring smile and answered, "Yes, Milady, you have been unconscious for two days. The infection was quite serious and you're riding a horse on it aggravated the damaged severely. Your fever for the first day was very high and the doctor's daughter bathed you with cool water until it was broken. The child wouldn't leave your side. Her father just forced her to bed to get some sleep a few minutes ago. She will be very disappointed in missing you awakening."

After a moment to collect her scattered thoughts the weak young woman asked, "What do the men know?"

Hugh chuckled softly as he replied, "They were told you had a fever from an infection from your gunshot wound and was being treated by the good doctor. They have sent someone every few hours to see how you're doing? I promised I would personally tell them when you were awake. So we need to get this porridge in you and then I need to tell the gang you're awake."

The weakened Italian answered with a bit of trepidation, "I hate porridge, but I fel weak as a kitten, so I guess I'll give it a whirl. By the way before you tell the boys I'm awake tell the doctor and his daughter. I would like to thank them in person."

In a moment of inspiration the intelligent lover begged, "Please tell you didn't tell Maura about all this? If you did she will be on the next ship and everything will be set back two years."

The man face told the story as he turned red and his eyes became clouded with worry as he answered, "Please forgive me Milady, but I set a letter by courier to the ship waiting in Galveston. Her Grace gave me very specific orders and early on there was a chance you could have died, Milady. We could never catch the letter. It will already be at sea. Her Grace has a series of waystations set up for exchanging horses and riders so any message to get to her waiting ship, which has no job but to wait for any message from you or I. The ship is her fastest sloop and will get to England in a matter of few weeks. Her Grace will have that message in about four to five weeks depending on winds."

Anger steeled the hardened woman as her gazed burned a hole in the giant protector's heart, "Give me that porridge and my pants. I need a horse in ready in twenty minutes. I have to get to France before Maura can leave for America."

The anxious Welshman responded, "Milady, your wound could not take a horseback ride. You would open the stitches and you would probably bleed to death. I anticipated this reaction. I have a wagon waiting outside and we can get fresh teams at the waystations. I figure we can be in Galveston in less than two days. I've already gotten an extra driver to change with me so we can run straight through. Milady, we need someone in the wagon to take care of you while we are pushing the horses as much as possible. While I am going to take to the men, please ask the doctor for a suggestion of whom we can employee for such a trip?"

The furious young woman shook her head in acceptance of his reasoning and replied, "Then get going and send in the doctor. I want to be gone in twenty minutes."

The upset warrior too the porridge and then was given a long brown calico skirt. As her bodyguard blushed, "Milady, with your injury you won't be able to wear pants for a while. So I took the liberty to buy you a modest but sturdy skirt to wear until you heal."

He laid the skirt across her lap while she ate the thick concoction of oats, wheat, honey, butter and cream. After the first bite, the famished young woman realized the mixture. While the recovering Lady ate, Hugh raced out to complete his many missions for his Lady. The tall bodyguard knew his Lady and she would kill herself getting to Her Grace, if he didn't intervene. After all the faithful servant had sent the message and knowing her Grace, she would be on the first ship to America within an hour of receiving that message.

They had one advantage the ship's orders were take any messages straight to Swansea as Her Grace had several places she could be at any given time and the people there would know where she was at that moment. However, he and his Lady knew Her Grace was at the Martine Estate in France. The delay in going to Swansea first would offset the three days they were presently behind.

The doctor and his lovely daughter arrived just as the dynamic Ranger leader was finishing her breakfast. The good doctor felt his patient's forhead and had her rollover on her stomach to examine the wound. It was healing nicely. After helping his charge return to an upright position and while the doctor's pretty teenage daughter rearranged the Ranger's bedding, the doctor said, "You were a very sick young woman. Whoever did the original work missed three pieces of metal in your wound that is what caused all the trouble. You must be careful not to reinjure yourself. You could lose some feeling in your right leg and end up limping for the rest of your life.

I know of your reputation and your job. I know you will not lay quietly in bed for a week like any normal person, but I have to warn you against long rides for at six weeks. You have to give yourself time to heal. After two weeks you must have the stitches removed."

The polite Italian responded respectfully, "I have business I have to attend to quickly. My man has arranged to take me by wagon and I need someone qualified to tend my wound to ride with us to Galveston to catch a ship to France. Whoever went with me would have to go as far as Galveston. I would see to their return trip and would pay that person twenty dollars and a horse and all the tack, saddles and supplies needed for a return trip. I would also have that person escorted by Ranger to the town of their choosing."

The pert young daughter of the doctor exclaimed, "Let me go, Papa. I can take care of her and it would be so much fun. Please Papa, I need to see the world outside of Sonora."

Both the Baroness and the doctor were about to refuse until both people looked into the pleading face of the pretty teenager. The girl was tall, standing about 5'8" and was dressed in a plain grey calico skirt with a simple white shirt with no frills and buttoned to the neckline. The lovely girl had soft auburn hair with streaks of deep red accompanied by dazzling pale blue eyes.

Her figure was hiddened by baggy clothing but promised to have ample breasts with a very narrow waist and broad hips. Her face was fresh and symmetrical, in other words the girl was a looker. The young woman looked to be between 16 and 19 or about Jane's age.

Obviously the child had trained as a nurse, so Jane liked the idea of having someone with medical training on the trip as she really didn't feel that strong. So the bright Italian suggested, "I think it is a good idea doctor. I can assure you she will be well protected as I plan to take at ten Rangers with me. I have several enemies and in my present condition I think I need to be prudent.

Additionally as you may know I am a Baroness in England and have assess to some very good dressmakers and should your daughter accompany me to Europe I can introduce her to some very eligible and wealthy bachelor, who find your lovely daughter a very good match."

The young woman's father had been worried about her daughter's match because there were very limited prospect in Sonora and his daughter was nineteen going on twenty and was still unmarried. So this proposition had very definite possibilities. However the reputation of Jane Rizzoli was infamous even though she had always worked on the side of law and justice.

However the number of men the tough Ranger had killed numbered in the hundreds if only half the legends about the notoriousTexan were true. How could any self-respecting father trust their daughter to a woman with as many wounds and scars as this woman had had?

The concerned doctor/father was about to refuse when the tall Welshman returned and said, "Milady, the men are very concerned. I told them of your plan to go to Galveston and they have volunteered to a man to accompany Milady to her ship. What should I tell them, Milady?"

Before the weakened Italian could reply, the good doctor interrupted their conversation with a question, "Why do you call this young woman Milady?"

Jane had told him she was a baroness. However it was obvious the man hadn't heard or maybe believed her unusual claim. The prone noblewoman smiled as her loyal bodyguard announced proudly, "Good sir, you are in the presence of Lady Jane Ravenhill, Baroness of Ravenhill, knighted and granted her barony by Her Highness Queen Victory of Great Britian, Ireland and Scotland for saving Her Majesty's life and that of her family."

The kind physician was stunned by the news. The apprehensive father had heard the boasting Texan's claim, but had written it off as another wild brag of a rowdy Texan. Having the boast confirmed by another without any prompting had convinced the experience doctor that this woman was a baroness as she claimed.

Such a person of influence could indeed find his lovely daughter the husband she so richly deserved. If his beloved child stayed here, she would end up marrying some cowhand, small rancher or soldier. In that moment the wily father answered the dark noblewoman's previous question, "My daughter may accompany you to Europe as your companion and nurse on two conditions. My first condition is for you to swear on whatever you hold dearest that you will protect my daughter with your life if need be and my second condition is that you will promise to find my sweet child a proper husband."

The huge bodyguard was outraged as he exploded, "You sirruh are a cad. Milady is as good as her word and if she gave her word, she would never need to swear to anything. The Lady Ravenhill has risked her life for strangers and if she promises to do something, no sworn word on a Bible would be as binding as her handshake."

Jane was most pleased with Hugh's opinion of her and knew in her heart he was right, but this was about the concerns of a loving father for his beautiful daughter. So the kind hearted Texan to reassure the concerned father ordered, "Hugh, fetch a Bible and get me a quill and paper."

One hour later the honest Ranger had written a contract to guarantee his promises with a heavy fine should she fail her young very religious teenager swore both promises as required by the happy physician.

***SE***

Melody held the official letter from Paris in her delicate hands as she read their confirmation of her new constable. Constable Leclerc had wasted little time in weeding out the corruption in the constable office. The sharp constable on the advice of Her Grace and his Ladyship fired all his deputy constables and hired new ones drawing them from the ranks of Milady's guardsmen.

The Barony had full control of the local police force and more importantly Lady Martine was now seen as the only real power in the area. All the bureaucrats now followed her lead and 'asked' her advice on every decision as did the Baroness of Her Grace the Countess Isles.

Each night the pair work late hours going over every petition for advice and penning the response that best served their purposes and the main purpose remained getting Maura to her beloved Jane in Texas. The information required by Her Majesty and Her Majesty's government was secondary to both the young women as Jane meant so much to them both.

Tonight however, the only topic of discussion was the weekend gala to introduce to French society the new Baroness Manor and its surrounding area had been transformed into the perfect barony, a model of how every French barony should be run.

The mills were running at one-fifth above their capacity thanks to new technology imported from the United States. The vineyards were planted and the new winery was in full operation, turning grapes purchased from surrounding baronies to sweet and delicious wine.

New orchards of apples, pears and apricots had been planted all over the barony and in three years they will be bearing fruit, which will be used to enhance their wine and produce cider. Within five years the Barony will be the richest in France and totally self-sufficient.

Already dairy cattle and sheep were being imported from everywhere to be pastured on the new lands just purchased by the Baroness. A textile factory was underconstruction as well as a new dairy for producing milk, cheese and cream.

Already a hundred thousand pounds had been spent transforming an old fashion feudal barony into a modern and sophisticated one, not to mention increasing revenues threefold within five years. The complaint among the other barons was all about money and how they couldn't afford to make the changes the Baroness had instituted.

The Baroness had an answer for this problem as well. Lady Martine lent her neighbors all the money they needed to make improvements at fairly modest interest rates. Within five years each of those Barons will owe their shirts to the young aristocrat and therefore be at her mercy. They would have no choice but to do as told or lose their ancestral homes.

The party was going to present an opportunity for the calculating Baroness to find financially strapped Barons and offer them a way out of their financial perdictoment. Additionally the area was oing to show the other Baronies by its example how much money their land could be making. Money always spoke louder than politics.

***SE***

Jane rode in the back of a covered wagon on three thick matrices being pampered by a lovely young nurse who answered her every call and whelm. The injured Texans was sure the beautiful teenager would bear children for her if she so demanded and had the proper equipment.

During their trip south the tough Texan discovered it had been this young woman who had heard her legs so doctor's daughter had cleaned and dressed her wound four times each day. Unknown to the unconscious Ranger was the sweet caresses and light kisses she received from her obliging nurse while the wounded Texan had been unprepared.

All her life the daughter of a military doctor had dreamed of finding someone who could take her away from her torturous life. Her mother had died when a stray bullet fired by a drunken cowboy struck her in heart. She had been but two years old.

Over the last five years, the easily influnenced daughter had heard all the wild stories and legends attributed to the name, Jane Rizzoli. So when the object of her infatuation appeared in their home, it was clearly an answer to her nightly and daily prayers.

Occasionally the quiet young woman had to touch the dark Italian's olive skin just to insure herself the legend was real. After a few soft caresses, the impressionable teen had felt how warm and smooth the hardened woman's skin was. After a while the nurse's lips began to touch weakened Rangers wounds to make them heal faster.

However the practical teenager knew she could not marry another woman, but knew an opportunity to experience a better life when she heard the Baroness's offer. Her heart begged her father silently for him to agree. When it looked like he would refuse, the kind Welshman intervened.

Jessica had come to know Hugh quite well. They had spoken several times in last two days. By probing his past, the auburn haired beauty had discovered he had once had a sweetheart that spurned him for a sea captain. Since then the man had served first the Countess Isles and now the Lady Ravenhill.

It seemed that Lady Ravenhill and Countess Isles were best friends and would do anything for each other. The jealous girl had always wanted a friend and confidant, but how could you ever have any real friends when your military father led you from station to station. After a while you just stopped trying to make new friends, because parting from each seemed so difficult.

The giant bodyguard was a large powerful man with fine features and a gentle way about him. Her soft blue eyes often sought the fine form of the English manservant. The bold teenager shook her head violently to get such thoughts lodge from her head. The young woman was headed to Europe to find a husband with both wealth and power.

However, while making her patient more comfortable, the curious young woman glanced out the back of the wagon to catch a glimpse of a muscular Welshman working without his shirt

***SE***

As with the dinner party for the Barony bureaucrats, a noblewoman was at the front door to personally greet each guest as he/she arrived. An experienced housekeeper stood behind the Countess whispering pertinent facts about each arriving guest so each arriving guest could be greeted as if the Countess had known them and their families all their lives.

A planned hour went by quickly and the Baroness made her grand entrance to the ooos and awwws of the waiting crowds. Her gown was made of pure white satin and lace, not a hint of color could be seen. With her golden blonde hair and tanned skin the effect was dazzling. A fifteen foot train cascaded off the back of the dress head to her head by a tiara of white gold and diamonds. Pure white ermine fur accented the collar and sleeve cuffs.

The graceful American flipped open her fan with a quick turn of her wrist and a large fan of pure white swan feathers was at her disposal. With the grace honed by years of practice walking without making a sound the veteran frontierswoman walked elegantly down the spiral grand staircase to the growing envy and desires of those watching her.

Every woman in the room wanted to be her and every man and a few of the women wanted to have her. An apparent servant dressed in a formal black dress held the train so that it didn't touch the floor. There wasn't a person in the room who didn't recognize wealth and power in the Baroness descending the stairs to grace them with her aura. The Countess looked into the awed faces around her and smiled, the effect had worked as they had hoped.

Immaculately dressed servants laced through the crowd with silver platters of imported caviar and foie gras with specially prepared crackers to hold the delicacies, no expense had been spared. After all you only had one chance to make a first impression and the first impression the Baroness made was that of unlimited wealth and the power of her personality to use it to the best effect.

The main and secondary ballroom each had an orchestra playing music by which the assemble nobles could dance to their hearts were content. Both the Countess and Baroness had a maid filling their dance card with names of men wishing a dance. It was determined that the two women would only dance every third dance as they had many guests which to mingle.

Every eligible bachelor and widower in the room lined up to cast his lot in an attempt to woe the most eligible women in Europe. So many potential suitors approached the two servants that each available dance was double booked. So that the partner that started the dance was interrupted by a partner to finish each dance.

A table in the grand parlor was filled with elegant pastries and candied fruits. A giant fifteen tier cake sat on a low platform twenty-one candles decorated one tier as the cake read Happy 21st Birthday. It really wasn't Melody's twenty-first birthday. The crafty Texan's sixteenth birthday was months away, but the others in the room didn't need to know that.

By having her twenty-first birthday she was avoiding any challenge to her inheritance due to age and giving her control of her estate without a regent. Papers forged by the best scribes in England attested to her birth date. Everyone rightfully comment how the beautiful Baroness didn't look her age a bit.

After the trays of appetitizers, trays of roasted lamb with baked vegetables and stuffed goose were wheeled out on a specially made table for the occasion. Another table with golden plates and bowls with golden flatware was pushed adjacent the food.

Along with the lamb and goose, there were platters of steamed vegetables, whipped sweet potatoes and golden brown fried potatoes. Other platters had boiled grains of every variety and giant silver bowls were brimming with hot soups of various types.

Each golden plate or bowl was worth more than any single piece of jewelry being worn by the assemble nobility, save the Baroness's tiara and the Countess's emerald necklace. The impact was startling and enduring. No one would leave without being confident the Baroness was the wealthiest person in France.

One hour into the gala, the master of ceremony at the door announced the presence of Louis-Napoleon, President of France and his party of cronies. This was an unexpected but much desired event. The two women quickly made their way through the crowd to greet their honored guests in hopes of ascertaining his purpose in attending their little soiree.