Words Heard In Silence / Xena Uber Read online

  Sheridan took the report back and scanned it again. "Oh, by the way, McCauley, what about those boots. Did you and Polk sort that out?"

  "As well as we could, sir. The materials the War Department is sending us are often substandard. I sometimes suspect that our purchasing agents are southern saboteurs, but then I have to look again. They are just crooks."

  "Well see what you can do for them. The 13th Pennsylvania has taken more punishment that almost any other cavalry regiment in the entire army. I would like to try and take care of them as much as possible."

  "Yes, sir." McCauley made a note in his already filled list of orders for the day.

  "You know, McCauley, this war is going to be over soon. And the President has issued orders that we are to begin reconstruction of the Union as quickly and painlessly as possible. Considering the amount of pain and animosity this war has engendered, I think our good southern gentleman might be just the thing to help that process along. Make sure you see to it that Charlie has all of the resources, supplies, personnel and money he needs. Make it real money, not military script. That will probably help too. I will issue orders that will also allow Dr. Walker to treat the locals using army supplies. Whatever we can do to rebuild relations with these folks."

  Sheridan glanced over some papers on his desk, apparently on to other issues. He then looked at his calendar. "And see what you can do to clear my calendar around the end of next month. I want to go see this paragon Charlie has found –– the woman or the land."

  --*--

  Morning broke clear and bright, which given the night they had both endured, was more irritating than welcoming. Lack of sleep on Charlie's part and for Rebecca, the sting of tears that flowed until there were no more available made the first light of dawn feel like knives in their sensitive eyes.

  "Miss Rebecca?" Charlie asked gently as he tried to untangle himself and his soggy nightshirt from what felt like Rebecca's death grip. "Miss Rebecca, I have to get up now. Duty calls."

  Rebecca relinquished her hold on Charlie, moving away, feeling embarrassed at her outburst the pervious night and ashamed she had made the Colonel witness to it. "Yes, of course. I am sorry."

  He reached out and caught her hand in his larger one. "Do not be sorry. I am not. Your trust is one of the most precious things I have ever been given." He tenderly kissed the back of her hand. "You honor me more than I can tell you, dear Miss Rebecca."

  "Thank you. For everything." She smiled at him, wishing she could make him understand what feeling safe for the first time in years truly meant to her. "But, Sir, I do believe you have men that require your guidance and I am sure I must have a thousand things to be done here.

  "We both have a thousand things to attend to if we are to settle this bunch of ruffians I call a regiment for the winter. The first thing, I think, is that I need to create a relationship with the local merchants. And you, dear, need to get some help out here. Why do not you accompany me into town this afternoon?"

  "Town?" she smiled and chewed the side of her bottom lip. "Oh, it has been ages since I have been to town. I am not sure I will know how to behave in proper society. But, yes Colonel, I would love to go to town with you. Perhaps I can get some badly needed supplies. Maybe get the items to fix you a proper dinner."

  "My dear lady, if I could have a plate of pileau again, I would be in heaven. I may have lived with Yankees for the past 20 years, but I still love my southern foods. Shall I pick you up after lunch?"

  "Yes Colonel Redmond, I would be pleased if you did. Thank you."

  "Oh, we found a little basket cart in the stables. If the boys have it fixed this morning, I will hitch Shannon to it and we will go in style, if you like."

  "I must warn you, we will be the talk of the town. You wait until you meet some of those old hens."

  "Oh, my dear, I relish the thought." A rakish grin illuminated Charlie's normally gentle visage. If he had a moustache, he would have been twirling the ends.

  She laughed softly as she stood and put on her robe. "Is that a bit of a wicked side I see coming out, Colonel Redmond?"

  Charlie's southern accent was normally rather understated, but the next words out of his mouth made it unmistakable that he was from that French-flavored city in South Carolina. "Why, ma chere Madame Rebecca, what ever gave you the idea that I would be anything other than a perfect gentleman?"

  She laughed harder, the memories of her bad dreams fading away like the early morning mist. "Yes, sir, I do believe you have just a little evil streak and I must say I find it utterly charming."

  "Well, my dear, if you find it charming, then perhaps I can find the means to sway the local hens as well - no?"

  "Oh, Colonel, I am absolutely sure you will find the older hens as tough as leather, but a few of the younger ladies will have their heads turned I am sure."

  "Miss Rebecca, I am, as ever, a perfect gentleman. I would not consider taking advantage of a young, innocent woman. Now a mature, confident lady of means and birth - that certainly does get my attention."

  She smiled again; she could not help it. The normally reserved Charlie was actually flirting with her. Now it was up to her to do what any woman of proper southern breeding would do, flirt back; then leave. "I will keep that in mind, Colonel Redmond." She licked her lips just slightly. "Now if you will excuse me." And with that, she left the bedroom.

  Charlie grinned to himself as he quickly donned his uniform to start the day. His gentle teasing and flirting had broken the pall of grief and pain that surrounded Miss Rebecca all night. Whistling to himself, he clattered down the stairs and off to the camp, anticipating an absolutely delightful afternoon in her company. And the devil take the biddies and their opinions.

  --*--

  The two went their separate ways that morning, each in a far more positive mood than the tasks before them would seem to indicate was reasonable.

  Charlie worked with Polk and his company commanders to finish the detailed plans for the winter camp. They agreed to spread the companies across the property, so that each would be able to deal with their own horses, maintain their own cook tents and have at least some space. This would also put less demands on the lands and allow them to keep their horses safe from the inevitable attempts to "borrow" one or two. They decided that they would half-timber the tents, providing reinforcement against snow or heavy rain, as well as providing additional insulation for the heavy canvas. Each troop would also build a small berm around the outside of the tent, burying the edge of the canvas in the ground to prevent the wind from getting up under it, or even worse, under the ground cloth that served as the floor of the tent. It would also serve to divert any flowing water away from the interior of the tents. He issued orders for the men to work as quickly as possible. So far, the weather had been kind, but it was November, and the mild temperature and clear skies could not go on forever. Anyway, Charlie figured that the lumber would come in handy for Rebecca when the troops departed in the spring.

  Troopers with specific skills from each company were identified to help prepare the stables as an infirmary for injured horses, the large stone barn as a hospital and the overseer’s house as Charlie’s headquarters. Samuelson was in charge of preparing the hospital, and was given one of the regiment’s precious Franklin stoves to keep the space warm for the sick and injured. His first concern was to get the barn clean and to take steps to create a special area that could be kept immaculate to use for the surgery. Dr. Walker was particular, and he did not want to disappoint her.

  In the midst of this flurry of activity, Charlie found time to have a word with Tarant and MacFarlane about the little basket trap he had seen the day before, ensuring it would be ready for the afternoon trip. He also checked with Sergeant Jamison, who had already been into town for fresh, specialty supplies and to retain the services of a few local hands to help with the transportation of goods from the railhead to the camp. What Jamison had to say about the conditions in the colored town concerned Charlie. It seemed t
hat emancipation without work for these people was not a particularly beneficial situation. Charlie made a note to warn the company commanders to be on the look out for petty thievery –– and to be stern but not harsh about it. On the other hand, it did suggest that he would have his pick of potential servants for the main house.

  Rebecca also had her hands full that morning. Jocko had seen to it that she had a small number of troopers, led by Corporal Duncan, to continue the clean up and refurbishing of the main house. There were rooms that could shelter the extremely ill and provide a safe, quiet residence for Dr. Walker and her staff. The winter kitchen had a full stillroom attached to it, where medicines could be prepared as well. All of this had to be put in order. She sent the troopers up to the attic to discover anything that might be useful in terms of old furniture, bedding and other items. The troopers even set up a small carpentry shop to allow them to either repair what was usable or to rough together additional beds, chairs and tables to fill the voids.

  Once she had gotten the boys to work, she spent a good bit of time going through her kitchen and basic supplies. Care was taken to create a list of all of the things she absolutely needed from town, and a few things that she did not really need, but had been missing. Last, but not least, she carefully looked over her supply of spices and vegetables, making sure she had everything she needed to make a beautiful chicken pileau. It seemed such a simple dish, but it was much more complex than most people thought. Rice with chicken, onions, green peppers, celery, saffron, tomato sauce, chicken broth and sweet chilies gently steamed together was a classic Charleston dish that she wanted to treat him with. It was her way of repaying him in part for all of the truly lovely things he had done for her.

  As the morning drew to a close, she fixed herself a small bite of lunch and then went to decide on what to wear. Her first foray into town after her year of mourning had to present the right image. She must not be too forward, still very appropriate, but no longer a woman in the black weeds of deep grief. To be honest, getting rid of what she knew in her heart was a hypocritical adherence to social norms was a blessing. And black had never been her best color.

  She chose a lovely blue-gray walking dress, modest in cut, quiet in color, acknowledging that the ‘‘acceptable’ colors for the second year were all soft, cool shades of blue, gray and lavender. But it was also the walking dress that most flattered her own coloring, the blue bringing out the gold in her hair, the green in her eyes and the soft pinks of her skin and lips. She wanted to look good for Charlie and to put the biddies that she knew would be ripe for any tidbit of gossip in their proper place.

  --*--

  Tarant and MacFarlane had outdone themselves. The little basket cart was shining. Shannon was too, groomed to a high golden gloss. A few ribbons and the little trap would be perfect for a May Day parade.

  Charlie almost matched the little rig. He had dressed carefully, with every part of his gear shining with polish, carefully brushed, or starched. He had surrendered his usual hat for the dashing slope brimmed one with the curling egret feather, which was properly fluffed. He was, indeed, the picture of a cavalry officer.

  Sliding into the seat of the trap, he clucked to Shannon and together they went off to present themselves for Miss Rebecca's approval. As they trotted up to the main house, Rebecca came out onto the portico. Charlie's eyes lit up with frank appreciation. She was lovely.

  "I say, Colonel Redmond, your men do wonderful work." She moved down the steps, stopping to give Shannon a good scratch on the nose. "How are you today, my lovely girl?"

  Silently, Charlie stepped down and offered her a hand up into the cart. As she settled herself he spoke reverently, "You are breathtaking, my dear."

  "And you, as always, sir, are as handsome as anything."

  He settled himself into the cart beside her and the two set off down the driveway.

  "Thank you ma'am. I do try to maintain the appropriate image - especially when I am about to enter the lion's den. I call this my Daniel costume."

  "You will do just fine, Colonel. I have the utmost faith in you." Rebecca chanced a glance at him before making her next comment. "Colonel, I would like to offer you an apology."

  "Miss Rebecca, I told you this morning. You have nothing to be sorry for. I am flattered that you trust me enough to turn to me in your grief."

  "Yes, but I did not mean to make you uncomfortable. I took a some things out of storage yesterday and I suppose it just brought up a few less than pleasant memories."

  "You did not make me uncomfortable, ma'am. You honored me with your trust. I hope that you know I will be there for you if ever you need a willing listener or a solid shoulder."

  "Thank you. So few people would understand my feelings about my late husband. Not many people would take well to hearing that I did not love him and that I was not happy in my marriage." She looked to Charlie, realizing he might think her callous to speak of a soldier killed in battle in such a fashion. "I do not mean to sound harsh, but it was not a pleasant experience."

  Charlie's eyes darkened. He knew well what being in an unloving family relationship could do to one's spirit. "I hope that he did not hurt you. Indifference is hard enough to bear, and you, my dear lady, are not one who deserves such pain of the soul."

  "Well, he was...master of the house. I knew my place and I was not expected to want or achieve anything higher. I was the perfect show piece."

  His voice was very low. "Did he hurt you?"

  "That is not important any longer. Let us just say I learned my role well and how to do what was expected."

  Charlie's jaw tightened as he tried to get the sudden swell of anger he felt toward the late Mr. Gaines under control. She certainly did not need his wrath; she only deserved his tenderness. Yet, the idea that this beautiful, vital and passionate woman had been used and cast aside touched the deepest wells of anger within his soul.

  "So you see, Sir, occasionally I am plagued with night terrors. I just wish you had not been subjected to them."

  When he could speak calmly, he tugged Shannon to a halt so that he could turn and look her in the eyes. In that moment, he was not the dashing colonel, or even the charming gentleman. He was, like her, the survivor of abuse, willing to do whatever necessary to get by.

  "Miss Rebecca. I may understand more than you know. If you need to talk, if you need to cry or rail or anything else to purge your soul of this, I am here for you."

  She laid her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You are very kind. I am sure that in your company all these unpleasant things shall to pass."

  He lifted that trusting, gloved hand to his lips, and reverently kissed it. "Miss Rebecca, if it were in my power, I would take it all away today. Alas, I cannot. I can only offer you my understanding and my honor to protect you from it happening again."

  "That is more than I have a right to hope for, Colonel." She caressed his cheek. "Simple words can not express how much..." She paused, stopping the first word that came into her mind, but allowing the next. "This, means to me."

  No words came to Charlie's heart, just the honest desire to protect this woman, who was braver than he ever could be. She had stayed and endured. He had run. Before her quiet courage, he was humbled again. He looked deep into her eyes, wordlessly offering his soul and his support. Then he clucked to Shannon to move on. "Shall we go and brave the biddies? I am sure, with what you have endured, you are more than equipped to handle them."

  --*--

  Charlie stopped the buggy right in front of the mercantile. He climbed out; making his way around to Rebecca, he gave her his hand to assist her out. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw them. She rolled her eyes then looked to Charlie. "Cluck, cluck, cluck." She whispered, giving Charlie a wink.

  He turned at the waist, to find two women watching them with their mouths practically hanging open. He turned back, wrapping Rebecca’s hand around his arm. "May I escort you?"

  She tried to stifle a giggle but was not entirely
successful. "My, my, Colonel, that evil streak just keeps getting longer and wider." She walked with him to the front door of the store. "But I also know you have things to do here, so please, sir, take care of your business. I assure you I will be fine."

  He looked down at her. "Are you sure?"

  "I am positive."

  "As you wish, Ma’am. I will be back shortly."

  "Take your time, Colonel. I am just going to get some supplies."

  "Enjoy yourself, Miss Rebecca."

  "I will, Colonel."

  She watched him walk back to the buggy and climb in and she continued to watch as he drove down the street. Then she turned to find the ladies still watching her. She gave them a little wave then turned for the store.

  "Why, Mrs. Gaines," Mr. Cooper walked around the counter to greet her. "It has been so long. How have you been?"

  "Like everyone, Mr. Cooper, I have just been doing my best to ride out the current troubles."

  "You look well, Mrs. Gaines."

  "Thank you." She looked around the store, finding it stocked better than she had expected. "I have some supplies I need."

  "Why of course. Have you a list? I will be happy to fill it for you."

  She handed him the list she had made before Charlie had come to collect her. He unfolded it and looked over it carefully. His eyes widened and he looked back to her. "This is a rather long list Mrs. Gaines."

  "Do you not have the items?"

  "Yes, ma’am, I have most of this, but it is going to take a goodly sum of money."

  She smiled as sweetly as possible considering the man had just insulted her. "Yes, Mr. Cooper, I realize this. I hope this might make a difference to you." She handed him the chit that Colonel Polk had given her. "As you can see, I have funds coming, I would hope that would be sufficient to reopen my account."