The Last Patrol

[Elegant Ella]

Major Samuels looked after Scarlet a moment before wandering over to watch the other groups practicing. He didn't recognize Ella until she spoke to him, "You look confused."

He sat down beside her and said, "I don't understand the point of learning how to fall off a horse. I can see the value of what you are teaching, and I do hope some of the soldiers and scouts will be able to apply it if needed."

Ella asked, "Major Martin said that your wartime service was mostly in division field hospitals. Were you ever with the ambulances, waiting for a battle to end?"

"No. I had studied Napolean extensively as a boy, and would have liked to see a battle, to flesh out the impressions left by reading."

"The ambulance crews normally didn't have much view of the battle, since we waited in sheltered locations. A clear line of sight to the enemy's guns meant danger of getting shot. I did climb a tree once, to try to see, but the whole area was covered in gunpowder smoke. The sound of a battle was horrendous. When the firing stopped, you couldn't seem to hear properly for hours. It was actually a mercy, not being able to hear the moans of the wounded." Ella stopped, not wanting to remember in enough detail to explain what being there had been like.

She shook herself loose from the memories and asked, "Where were you stationed between the War and coming out here?"

"Armory Square Hospital, in Washington."

"The whole time? Did you volunteer for this duty?"

"I did volunteer. Frontier service was presented as a necessary step to becoming medical inspector or medical purveyor, which could lead to even more important posts."

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet had Dancer and Lucky out in the corral early the next morning. She went through drills with both horses ignoring if people were there are not, she said she’d be there for any one interested and she was. When she was done warming up she turned to the fence and was surprised as many people standing there watching her. She figured most were there to see if she could fall off safely and find out why would one want to launch yourself from a perfectly fine horse, some probably to learn and others just to occupy their time.

Scarlet rode in a circle in front of the gathered group explaining what she was doing and how she was doing it. Wondering who would be the one to ask “why” first.

It didn’t surprise her when she saw Major Samuels approach the fence, watch for a split second then pipe up.

“I don’t understand why we want to learn how to fall off a horse. A person wants to learn how to stay on not fall off.” He said

Scarlet brought Lucky to a stop in front of the crowd and faced them.

“How many bronc busters do I have here?”

A few of the men raised their hands.

“Do you know how to leave the back of your mount safely?”

“Yes ma’am.” They answered.

“Who else knows how to fall, land and get away from their mount safely or doing something like I’ve been explaining here this morning?”

A few raised their hands.

“Good. Now how many of you have been drug by a horse.” Scarlet asked raising her own hand.

A handful of the men raised their hands, some of which said they did know how to dismount.

“How many of you been pinned under one when he went down?”

This time a fair amount of the men raised their hands, Scarlet also.

“Out of those of us with our hands up, how many of you thought you’d never see the next sunrise?”

Only a couple of hands went down.

“What I am here to try and teach you, is if you find yourself coming off your horse how to do it without breaking something. If your horse is shot and is going down how to try and keep from trapped beneath him and remembering to free yourself from the rigging before you get caught up in it.”

“These are Calvary horses, they aren’t going to spook. You shouldn’t be trying to scare the men.” Major Samuels said.

Scarlet looked at him. “This is a non mandatory class Major. You don’t have to attend. Again it’s not just for spooked horses what if they go down with you? I also don’t believe there is no such thing as a horse that won’t spook.”

“What about that one?” Blackbeard said pointing at Lucky.

Scarlet laughed. “Just like you, there are things he spooks at. There have been times if I wasn’t holding on I would have been in the dirt and I have also been in the dirt off of both these horses.”

Scarlet began her circles again stressing the importance of making sure you got your feet free of the stirrups and tack. Then either rolling off or landing on your feet if you were going slow enough.

“Why not just land on your butt?” Someone asked.

“Major Samuels can you answer that?”

Samuels thought for a minute before responding. “I can’t think of a reason not to.”

“Anybody?” Scarlet asked.

Ella had been standing near the railing watching the demonstration and to be on hand in case someone did get hurt.

“To land on your butt is dangerous.” Ella replied.

The men turned to look her direction.

Ella continued “The impact on your vertebrae would be very high, likely resulting in compressing them or breaking another bone from the sudden stop. Rolling is best as it will get you away from the horse’s feet and avoids the sudden impact.”

“Thank you Ella.” Scarlet said.

Scarlet let some of the men try falling off of Dancer while some of the men went and got their own horses.

“It’s much easier to try to stay on.” One of the men told her to which Scarlet replied “It is unnatural to want to fall off a horse I think.”

“Last time I came off a horse I was face down in a pile of what he’d left behind for me.” One of the men laughed then continued “this is a better technique I think.”

After a few hours Scarlet ended the class telling the men if they wanted more practice with the horses or hand to hand they could come and see her. She cleared the corral and removed the saddle from Dancer. Billy stayed and helped her brush him down admiring the horse and impressed with how good he’d been with all of the people. Scarlet smiled, thanked him for his help and the compliment on Dancer then told Billy to stand back. She slid the halter off of Dancer’s head. Dancer spun took three long strides and bucked as high as he could, when his feet hit the dirt he bolted after Lucky. The two did laps around the corral until they began to sweat.

Billy stood their not saying anything as he watched. His eyes fixed on the bay horse.

Scarlet grinned. “You can’t believe that’s the horse men been working with all day can you?”

“No ma’am.” He chuckled. “It’s kind of scary to think I was ridding him around when he bucks like that and I can see why you didn’t let anyone on the black.” Billy said pointing at Lucky who had started bucking again and four feet had left the ground.

Scarlet laughed softly.

Billy picked up Dancer’s tack and carried it to the barn while Scarlet took Lucky’s gear then escorted her to the scouts camp for something to eat.
 

[Elegant Ella]

While they were eating lunch, Ella said, "I'm glad that none of your pupils gave my pupils any opportunity to practice splinting."

"I'm glad they are open minded. It's hard to think of things to teach people when you 'spect they already know alot. Major Samuels is always questioning, which I don't mind. It's the tone he uses, that 'better than you' one. I would have liked it if one of your pupils have to practice splinting on him today," Scarlet said.

Ella replied, "At least he is listening, and he did apologize for insulting Cyrus and the scouts last night at dinner."

Ella smiled mischieviously and added, "I suspect that he would start paying very close and very respectful attention to you if he found out that your mother is a close personal friend of President Grant's wife."

"Why?"

"He reminds me of some of Dr. Abramson's dinner guests in Boston. I think he wants to be Surgeon General of the United States. His ambitions would be greatly aided by a little presidential patronage, and President Grant is going to still be influential in the Republican party after he leaves office."

"Well, maybe I'll just keep that bit of information tucked away until he really makes me mad then tell him something to the effect even President Grant values the views of my family," Scarlet's lips curled into a grin as she said it.

[Elegant Ella]

Monday, May 15, 1876

It was mid-morning when three mounted men trailing six remounts approached the gate. The leader answered the sentry's challenge, "Deputy Marshal Ambrose Hayes and posse, here to collect prisoners from Deputy Coatsworth and Deputy King."

"You'll find Captain King's wife at the corral by the scouts camp that way. She'll know where to find Mrs. Coatsworth," answered the trooper currently on duty.

The scout camp had its own sentries as well. After Ambrose stated his business again, the scout who had stopped them called out,  "Jeff, Clark, Cole: come take these horses. Frank, take 'em in to see Scarlet."

Ambrose and his men dismounted. After Ambrose took two parcels off one of the led horses, he let the men take the horses with the instructions, "We'll be riding out again in a couple hours." Frank let them to the corral where Scarlet was helping supervise a melee.

When she looked their way, Ambrose doffed his hat and said, "Deputy King, I wish to present Deputy Oliver Mason and Deputy Harold Locke. I had another man, but I sent him to assist Marshal Ross after we saw him in Cheyenne. He'll meet us back there in a few days. It's good to see you again. I believe you have prisoners for us, and I have a delivery for you." He handed her the parcel packed by Becca.

"They are Ella's prisoners. I'll introduce you to her."

Frank and Scarlet led the posse over to the field medicine class.  Scarlet caught Ella's eye and signaled, so Ella finished the instruction she was on, and said, "Dr. Henderson, could you take over please?" before walking over to join Scarlet.

Captain Henderson had sought Ella out a few days ago to offer to help teach the field medicine class so that he could run a similar class at Fort Laramie, having had too much experience with returning patrols who would have benefitted from someone knowing what Ella was teaching. James Henderson was old enough to have been in private practice during the War, but he had only joined the Army afterwards. The fact that he had qualified only as an assistant surgeon suggested that he was only a fair physician, not an excellent one.

Scarlet said, "Ella, I would like you to meet Deputy Ambrose Hayes, Deputy Oliver Mason and Deputy Harold Locke. Gentlemen, this is Deputy Ella Coatsworth."

"I've seen your name on a lot of arrest reports, Deputy Hayes. You seem to have been a busy man."

"You've also been busy, based on the telegrams of inquiry that came into the Houston office lately." He handed her the other parcel.

"That was just the result of being in the right place at the right time," replied Ella. "Each prisoner has a horse. Their gear is all gathered up and ready. Before I take you to them, why don't we get a cup of coffee so you can tell us what we need to know about some absent friends?"

Chris joined the procession headed for the cook fire. After everyone had a cup, Frank and Chris settled to keep the young deputies company and to guard Ambrose, Ella and Scarlet's privacy.

"For the past five years, at least, a significant number of robberies in the west have been connected to a vast conspiracy that looks like the building of a private army. Money stolen from banks has been used to buy men and weapons. Guns and ammunition shipments have been stolen from trains. A couple undermanned forts have been raided for heavy weapons. The only reason we have had to suspect any connection between these incidents is a peculiar tattoo found on some of the dead robbers."

Ambrose stopped and sketched the ears and eyes of a cat in the dirt.

Ella startled, and Ambrose looked at her.

"I've seen that tattoo on several men, as well as a related one twice." She took the stick and added a snarling, fanged mouth to the cat.

"El Paso is well within the territory involved, and Fort Bliss is a lot like some of the forts that were raided, but Marshal Ross didn't mention tattoos in any of his reports."

"We didn't know that tattoo was significant, other than possibly for identification, so we didn't see any need to mention it once we had all the dead outlaws identified," answered Ella. "That tattoo isn't mentioned on very many wanted posters."

Scarlet asked, "Why haven't marshals been told to watch for that tattoo?"

"There were some leaks early in the investigation, that might have come from a local office. We think we can trust the marshals, but we don't know enough about their deputies. There is also a problem with secure communications. Anything written can fall into the wrong hands, anything telegraphed can be heard by the wrong ears."

"I also saw the tattoo in Tucson and in Mexico," added Ella.

"There is a lot of connection with Mexico. It looks like the private army may be aimed at overthrowing the government of Mexico, or carving a new kingdom out of that country, and maybe taking part of the southwest as well. We've never been able to get useful information from a tattooed man. If we captured one alive, and held him alive, then he just didn't know enough about whoever had put him up to the job to be of any use. Mostly, tattooed men have been helped to escape or assassinated."

Ella nodded, remembering that the tattoo had been on the "Captain" that Jimmy's friend had tried to protect.

"The men with the cat's mouth tattoo are lieutenants, like Perry. They report to someone else, but we haven't been able to find out who. That's why it is so important to keep Archie on Perry. Perry appears to have come up in the ranks. He started in the organization as a successful bank robber recruited six or seven years ago as an eye-man, who has gotten himself promoted to a man who plans robberies and recruits other men to execute them. The last report Archie was able to send in March said that Perry had gotten new orders and was headed north. We hoped Perry was heading for the boss, but it looks like he might just have been scouting out more forts. The remainder of Archie's life would be very short if Perry ever learned how much information Archie had been able to get out to us. The weak communications that protect Perry and the other lieutenants from being implicated in the robberies they plan also prevent Perry from finding out how many of his operations for the past two years have failed." Ambrose sighed, "It has been a very long, very frustrating investigation. I can't imagine the toll it must be taking on Archie, having to live a lie for years on end. No one ever thought the investigation was going to take so long."

[Scarlet Angel]

“Archie is doing alright. He said to tell anybody who asked he remembers his roots.” Scarlet said thinking of the conversation she’d had with him then continued “You’re right when you say it’s taking to long. When a person acts a roll to long it’s sometimes hard to split the real person from the one you’ve pretended to be. Perhaps it is a good thing we happened upon Archie.”

Ambrose looked at her questioningly then said. “You said he is doing alright.”

“He’s tough Ambrose. I think it was good for him to talk to someone who sort of knows who he really was. Reminds a soul folks haven’t forgot ya or given up on ya. Reminds ya of the job yer doin’ sometimes even why yer doin’ it.” Scarlet looked at Ambrose for a long moment.

“You’re not known for keeping opinions to yourself. Say what’s on your mind.” Ambrose said looking back at her.

“He carries that badge with the whole in it. I hope there are enough people know the truth about him in case something bad happens. Enough people that if this goes real bad can at least bury him with honor and put a badge back on him he’d be proud ta wear.”

Ambrose started to protest that something bad may happen.

Scarlet raised her hand to stop him. “All I’m sayin’ is it didn’t sound like many people know about the plan you are involved in. While it keeps some things safe would be awful easy to frame a person by gittin’ rid of the people that knew he was undercover. Would force him to join them or get him killed.”

Ambrose looked back at her for a long moment considering her statement before asking “Who would think of such a thing?”

“Someone who enjoyed ruining a man and getting even. Maybe someone above Perry.”

“You shouldn’t think like that.” Ambrose responded.

“It’s what keeps me a step ahead Ambrose.” Scarlet replied then looked at Ella “Know we know the plan, we best watch our backs for somebody wanting to shut us up.”

[Elegant Ella]

"Perry was real unhappy that I remembered enough of the old wanted poster to know his name is really White," said Ella, sighing, "I hate being a target, but not as much as I hated being a Boston housewife."

Ella thought about other people who had worn the cat's mouth. "I wonder how much control over his lieutenants the king actually has. His willingness to accept losses among the troops should be bad for morale in the long run. Maybe the raids on Tucson and Fort Lowell were part of the plan, but I don't think Jack McGreww would have taken orders for long. If the Tucson Petticoat Posse hadn't gone after McGreww, his army of bandits might have gotten big enough to challenge the king. El Blanco was following orders well enough, but had bad luck on his plan to raid Fort Bliss."

[Elegant Ella]

After lunch, Blackbeard helped the two younger deputies saddle Jimmy's and Reuben's horses while Ambrose, Ella, Scarlet and Bo collected the prisoners.

Several of Dick's men came to bid Reuben farewell. They admired the variety and flamboyance of his cursing, especially when the target was someone else.

Ella and Scarlet watched the party ride away. "Looks like we are done being deputies for a little while. No more prisoners to tend," said Ella. "Let's go see what clothes Becca and Patches sent us."

[Scarlet Angel]

“I am very curious to see what Becca sent.” Scarlet remarked as they walked to the officer’s quarters where the packages had been left.

Scarlet smiled as she opened the box, it was a dress she hadn’t worn in a long time. She picked up and unfolded the note that lay neatly on top.

“I don’t recall ever seeing you wear this for Fritz. Show them soldiers you can be a hell of a lady if they haven’t already figured it out!” Scarlet chuckled and lifted the three piece dress out of the box, then held it up in front of her and looked in the mirror.

Becca had sent a dinner dress, probably just as she was asked. As Scarlet expected she had picked something that would turn heads.

The dark burgundy silk bodice was tight fitted with a plunging V neckline that stopped just above a fabric bow and closed with black buttons. The entire top was edged with wide black lace.  The sleeves alternated from the silk to the taffeta with a strip of the black lace running down the length of the arm.

The long skirt was made out of the raspberry taffeta with alternating chevrons of wide burgundy silk bands, and lace giving way to a long train in the back.

“She sure picked a fancy one.” Scarlet said looking at her reflection. “What did they send for you?” She asked Ella.

[Elegant Ella]

"Just what I asked for, the blue dinner dress I made after I finished all the wedding dresses," answered Ella, shaking the creases out of the skirt after pulling it out of the box. "And she sent both bodices!"

The skirt was sapphire blue taffeta with an attached black underskirt. One bodice was suitable for a formal luncheon, high-necked and long-sleeved, with black braid and piping for accents. The other bodice was designed for evening events, with short sleeves and a lower neckline trimmed with narrow black lace. It would be rather demure for a ball, but was extremely suitable for a dinner party.

Patches had also included the corset and petticoat Ella usually wore with that dress, and a black silk chemise. A small bag fell out of the petticoat. It proved to contain a silver necklace chain and couple brooches.

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet chuckled as she lifted the short silk pantaloons out of the box and the small bottle of rose oil.  “I can always count on Becca to not miss anything she thinks would be appreciated by someone.”

Scarlet placed the items back in the box. “I guess we should make ourselves suitable for the finery they sent.” She said.

Scarlet swept her hair up leaving it loose around her face, tying it up with the gold cord Fritz had given her and let it fall into a pony tail.

She tied the horse cameo strung on a matching piece of ribbon Becca had included around her neck before looking at herself in the mirror, then at Ella.

“I wonder how long it will take some of them to recognize us.” She said with a smile.

[Elegant Ella]

Ella took her hair out of the usual bun and brushed it out thoroughly before tying the top section of hair into a small ponytail, and leaving the rest flowing down her back. She transferred her locket to the necklace chain and fastened it around her neck.

She looked at herself in the mirror. "I don't think anyone is going to need to look twice to recognize me. It's when I wear britches and my hair all hidden under a cap that people sometimes have trouble."

[Scarlet Angel]

"That's because you've never introduced them to Elegant Eddy." Scarlet grinned.

[Elegant Ella]

Ella giggled in response.

"The first time we went to dinner in the officers mess, everyone stood when we entered the room. Last time, only the men at the table I was going to sit at rose. When we go in dressed up, I think everyone will stand."

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet laced up the high heeled boots and placed the small dagger in her garter.

“I think we are missing one thing, be right back.” She said with mischievous grin quickly slipping out the door before Ella could ask what they were missing.

Scarlet was back as quick as she had disappeared.

Ella looked at her curiously.

“One minute.” Scarlet replied.

The ladies finished getting themselves ready while they waited what was more than one minute.

Finally a knock came at the door. “Scarlet, what did you want one of my clean shirts for?” Came Bo’s voice.

Scarlet stood next to the door but did not open it. “The message was to change into it before you came over here. Are you wearing it or holding it?” She asked.

The sigh she heard on the other side of the door answered her question.

“Just put it on Bo. Ella and I need an escort and I’d like it if you weren’t wearing that shirt I saw you in earlier today.” She gave Ella a smile.

“Alright, but I don’t know why you want me in a clean shirt. I hope you two are in clean shirts too.” He responded before stepping into the bath house to change.

Ella and Scarlet both laughed softly at his response.

Bo knocked on the door again. “Alrighty here I am, clean shirt ‘n all. Gonna tell me why you wanted an escort in a CLEAN shirt?” He said.

Scarlet opened the door. “Because I figured two ladies needed an escort in a clean shirt and I do not know where my husband has slipped off to.”

Bo stood there staring, first at Scarlet then at Ella, not believing what he was seeing.

“I think you’re right Ella, everyone will stand. Unless that is if they are just so shocked they turn to stone.” Scarlet teased. Then lowered her voice “Bo, stop starin’.” 

Scarlet didn’t miss Ella’s slight blush when Bo stared at her but didn’t say anything.

Bo half smiled as his cheeks turned a light shade of pink. “Pardon me ladies, it’s just nobody expects to see two such breath taking creatures in a place such as this.” He said his smile turning into a flirtatious grin.

He offered his arms “Where to?”
“Officer’s mess.” Scarlet replied taking one of the offered arms.

Ella took his other arm. Bo escorted them out of the officer’s quarters and towards the scout’s camp.

Bo looked from Ella to Scarlet “figure I’m gonna take the long way, it’s not often a man has two fine looking ladies on his arms. I have to take advantage.” He winked.

[Scarlet Angel]

Every man in the scout’s camp stopped what they were doing to look at the two ladies Bo had escorted when the first man realized it was Ella and Scarlet he removed his hat and smiled. The rest of the men followed suit.

One of the scouts hurried forward and used his shirt sleeve to wipe off two chairs then offered them to Ella and Scarlet.

“We are on our way.” Bo started to say when he was interrupted by Ella who he had seen share some look with Scarlet he didn’t understand.

“We have time to sit for a minute.” Ella said with a gracious smile taking the offered seat.

Frank stepped forward with the coffee pot and two clean cups. “We are honored two such beautiful ladies would grace us with their presence.” He said flashing a flirtatious smile as he poured.

Bo observed Ella and Scarlet share another look. It was if they were talking but no words came out. They were sharing the same thought or something. One would smile just before the other as if responding to what was said and the other would agree. He saw them flash a look his way too just before they both suppressed a soft laugh.

 He leaned down and whispered in Scarlet’s ear “I hope it is a good conversation you two are having.”

Scarlet’s smile widened. “I have the same conversations with you.” She whispered back.

“Yes but you and Ella have a code I don’t understand.”

“Mr. Corbin, ladies are allowed their secrets.” Scarlet said with a coy smile.

They stayed for awhile longer while the scouts displayed that they too could be gentlemen.

Finally the girls stood and Bo escorted them out of camp only to be stopped by Cyrus.

He stood taking in the vision of the two women who he’d watched prove themselves in his world and earn the trust of the unruly group of men he rode with. He smiled before steeping aside.

“Thank you for coming by and spending some time with us.” He said.

They were almost to the officer’s mess when Bo couldn’t help but ask. “What were you two talking about?”

“You heard every word, what are you questioning?” Ella replied.

“The unspoken conversation.” Said Bo.

Scarlet grinned. “I told you Bo, don’t ask ladies their secrets, it could embarrass someone.”

Bo shook his head then pulled back the flap on the mess tent to let the ladies go through.

[Elegant Ella]

Fritz was relieved to see Scarlet arrive at the officers mess. He hadn't had enough time free to even send her a message suggesting that she join him for dinner in the mess after Major Bill had told him that the two of them were dining with General Crook that evening. He stood with all the men in the room, then walked over to her. She took his arm to walk to the table with Major Bill and General Crook.

Ella stayed inside the doorway on Bo's arm, looking around the room. Several officers she had not met were gesturing to free chairs in invitation, but after dinner with Colonel Winslow last week, she was cautious of accepting any of those seats. There were two seats free at the table where Major Martin and Major Samuels were, so Bo led her over there and pulled a chair out for her.  She sat, and Bo pulled out the remaining chair for himself. Major Samuels straightened up again and said, "You are dismissed, scout."

Ella spoke up, "I would rather have Mister Corbin stay, even though the dinner here won't be as good as the meals he shared with President Grant at the Southern Starr." She would have liked to refer to him as Captain Corbin, but no one in the room was likely to be willing to acknowledge his rank in the Confederate Army.

Major Martin just sat down and kept his laughter to himself. He was amused that Ella had read Major Samuels's ambitions already. He hadn't quite been able to picture Ella as a city hostess before seeing her in city dress with city manners.

Bo eyed Samuels for a split second. He didn't particularly care for the man, thinking Samuels was a poor judge of character and a tender foot on the battle field. Instead of replying with what was really on his mind he looked at Samuels and replied. "If Mrs. Coatsworth wants me to remain, I will." It was a statement plain and simple. He then turned his attention to Ella and smiled, "President Grant would no doubt prefer what is being served in the scout camp this evening. He sure did like your cooking." 

Major Martin got his amusement enough under control to say, "You are welcome here, sir."

"Thank you, Major, as you are at our fire." Bo replied before removing his hat and taking a seat.

[Scarlet Angel]

It had been some time since Scarlet practiced her lady like skills, but they seemed to return quickly with the proper dress and setting. She thought mother would be proud to see her practicing her southern charm along with her manners.

She was sure by some of the looks that went around the table none of the men would have bet she would be able to fit in with proper ladies before tonight, even Fritz seemed surprised by the lady that sat next to him. 

Scarlet admitted to herself she was a little rusty on her correct manners as far as the socialites would be concerned, but the men didn’t seem to notice. Maybe they were to busy trying to figure out if it was really her or not she thought amusingly to herself.

Before they departed the mess tent Major Bill took Scarlet’s hand. “I never had the pleasure of meeting your mother, but I think she must be a very elegant lady, as her daughter is.”

Scarlet smiled at the compliment. “Thank you Major.”

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet was up and dressed before the sun the next morning. She found Billy on duty as she stepped outside the tent flap.

“Good morning Mrs. King.”

“Good morning.” Scarlet replied noticing he’d called her “Mrs. King” for the first time since in a long time and in a rather formal tone.

“Is there coffee over the fire?” She asked.

“Yes, ma’am. I will get it for you.” Billy said starting to move.

“I think it’s my turn to get it.” Scarlet said stepping around him.

Billy kept his post until she returned.

“Thank you ma’am.” He said as she handed him a cup.

Scarlet noticed he didn’t stand at ease nor did he try and engage her in any conversation. It was like he didn’t know what to say to her this morning, or maybe he just didn’t want to talk to her, she wasn’t sure.

Scarlet stepped inside the tent taking the cup she’d brought for Fritz to him. “Is there any reason Private Glass is on his formal behavior this morning?”

“None I know about.” He replied taking the cup. “Thank you.” He said followed by a kiss. “This is the army; there is nothing wrong with a bit of formality.” He said with half a grin.

Scarlet laughed softly at his comment.

“Are you joining me for breakfast?” He asked.

“Only if you are going to the scout’s camp.”

Frank was the first one they encounter when they reached the scout camp. He stood, removed his hat and greeted them. “Mornin’.”

“Good Mornin’.” They replied.

Scarlet thought it strange Frank removed his hat but said nothing.  As they filled their plates  they were greeted by the others in much the same way as Frank had done.

[Elegant Ella]

Ella giggled at the expression on Scarlet's face when Chris bowed and tipped his hat to greet her.

Scarlet turned at the sound and asked, "Do you know what's going on?"

"The scouts were reminded by our outfits last night that we are ladies," replied Ella. "I think they'll get back to normal behavior in a little while. It's nice to have the dress-up clothes available, although I don't intend to eat in the officers mess every evening."

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet smiled and shook her head with a soft chuckle.  “I agree with you Ella.” Scarlet said.

“You two fit in very well with the officers.” Fritz remarked.

Scarlet suppressed her grin. “Yes Sugar. I can hold my opinions for a while. I know all about being seen and not heard.”

Scarlet didn’t miss the laugh Bo let slip out at her comment. She shot him a look over her shoulder.

“She’s right she can hold them for awhile. But look out when she’s reached the boiling point.” He chuckled.

Scarlet shot him another look then laughed.

“I’ve seen it. She’s learned from the best of ‘em. Ladies that know their place, but when they can’t stand it any more can drop the mouths of all the men at the table and say it oh so sweet you don’t know if you’ve really been insulted or not.” He said, his grin getting wider. Then he turned to Ella. “How about you Ella, is it much different in Boston?”

[Elegant Ella]

"The main difference in all of the eastern cities is that the definition of a lady's place is a lot narrower. Last night, Major Martin encouraged me to participate in a discussion of the medical unit. Major Samuels is fresh from the East, and was doubtful about whether I could have anything useful to say, even after seeing me teach a field medicine class that I developed. He had an easier time accepting Bo expressing his opinions," replied Ella. "In Boston, Alan did not encourage me to discuss medical matters at Dr. Abramson's dinner table, because Dr. Abramson would have objected. When I wanted to consult Alan about one of my patients, I had to do it in private, because Dr. Abramson did not approve of women practicing medicine, although he didn't consider midwifery as medicine."

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet found the expected behaviors of women from different areas interesting. Rose had taught her to hold her tongue when appropriate but if it had some importance she must speak up, choosing the correct place, time and presentation could be an art at times. Johnny had taught if you want a man to listen you best be able to speak on their level. If you don’t know what they are talking about sit and be pretty, if you do then you best know how to get their attention if they don’t want to listen to you; but like Ella had just said men still found accepting one another’s opinions easier than accepting a woman’s, even if she was right.

“Some day Ella I hope our opinions will hold as much water as a man’s.” Scarlet said. “I am lucky; the men I hang around with usually are willing to at least listen to mine.”

Bo half smiled. His mother was more like what Ella had described as a Boston house wife it had been a shock to the entire family when they moved to Texas and gotten to see Rose in action on a daily basis.

Scarlet’s mother was the most graceful, gracious and beautiful woman Bo and his family had ever met when they visited his father’s home. Bo had thought if there was a text book that described Southern Belle it should have Rose’s picture next to it. Her home was a place of beauty, still was. When the Corbin’s moved not far from Scarlet’s family the men got to see Rose in action on a daily basis. She would trade the beautiful gowns for a split skirt and become tough as nails. Johnny expected his women to be independent and be able to run things in his absence. He grinned at the memory of Rose slamming her fists on the table at the Southern Starr’s Forman and yelling “Johnny Longknife will be the least of your problems if you don’t listen to what I am telling you know!”

“Bo you are wearin’ a grin like a fox in a hen house.” he heard Scarlet say.

Bo’s grin turned to a wide smile. “Scarlet yer just like you’re ma.” He kissed her on the cheek. “I think you women have it much harder than we do in some cases. You have to fight to be heard and stay beautiful doing it.” 

Bo silently wondered if Ella’s husband would appreciate the woman she’d become. Some men didn’t care for women with much fire.

[Elegant Ella]

Major Samuels brought his morning cup of coffee into Major Martin's office in the infirmary. "I thought the plans for the medical unit were all done."

"I wanted to make sure everything Mrs. Coatsworth mentioned was covered."

"That was mostly just nursing issues. I thought Mr. Corbin's comments about the wound mix we should expect were more significant."

"Don't discount the importance of nursing," replied Major Martin, who had tried to tell Major Samuels what wound mix to expect from combat with Indians. "During the War between the States, the difference between life and death for half of the wounded depended on the quality of the nursing care they received. Mrs. Coatsworth was probably the second-best nurse I saw then. I'm sure her skills surpass her aunt's by now. Based on what Griffin said about her, she well might be able to take the Army exam and qualify as an assistant surgeon."

"She must be older than she looks."

"She's 26 or 27 now. She was just a girl during the war. Dr. Coatsworth is a lucky man. He's got a wife who can be a great help in his career."

"She hasn't the looks or the breeding to be an important hostess. The dress she was wearing wasn't at all fashionable."

"By breeding, you must mean family connections. She is certainly attractive enough, with a kind of beauty that won't fade as she gets older. Her dress wasn't in the latest mode, but it was a classic style that suited her perfectly."

"She's too outspoken for city society."

"That is the cities' loss, and the frontier's gain."

[Elegant Ella]

Friday morning, Stanley brought a telegram flimsy to where Ella and Major Martin were sitting and observing Captain Henderson teach another session of field medicine. Class sizes had dwindled since the first class 10 days ago, but there continued to be a steady demand for the instruction, even after Captain Henderson had become the primary instructor. Today's class had 7 troopers and a corporal from E Company of the 3rd Cavalry.

Ella brightened when she saw the telegram, then drooped when she opened it.

"Not bad news, I hope," said Major Martin.

"Not bad news, just not what I was hoping for," replied Ella. "Alan should have gotten my letter asking for a telegram from him last week, and it worries me that he hasn't responded."

Major Martin encouraged Ella to pour her concerns into the ear of the only person around who knew her husband. 

Later that day, he wrote a letter to Doctor Alan Coatsworth in care of Harvard Medical School, and sent it off with the supply train.

Ella took the telegram to Cyrus, saying "I don't know what you want the scouts to know of this." He read,
DREW AND OWEN CONVICTED YESTERDAY AND HUNG TODAY STOP
GOING HOME STOP
TENSLEEP

Cyrus looked at Ella. "Honesty is the best where this is concerned, Ella. Drew and Owen were trouble and they had no remorse for what they done. The ones they done it to didn't provoke them in any way far as I know. If someone asks after them, I will tell them the truth. That's what I think. Unless you have a different view you would like to share?"

"Answering when asked instead of making a general announcement sounds best to me. Those two were punished as they deserved, according to evidence presented to judge and jury. I do hope no one wants vengeance for their deaths," replied Ella. "I think Reuben is facing a prison sentence, not a rope."

"I hope anyone who would seek vengeance has washed out by now. The men that were in Dick's crew have thinned out. As you know, the scouts are not all fine upstanding citizens but I think the ones that are left have had reasons for their actions of the past if they are questionable. I think you did Owen and Drew a favor by getting them to trial. These men," he said, looking over the scouts, "they tolerate bad, lewd behavior to a point. Few of them tolerate crimes against innocents. The execution Drew and Owen received was gentler than what they would have gotten here."

Ella nodded, thinking that the punishment the scouts would have given to rapists and murderers of young women would have probably started with castration, and ended with death.

[Elegant Ella]

Friday, May 26
Boston

Alan answered the knock on the kitchen door, since Deborah had her hands full of dinner preparations. 

"Come in, Sarah. Have a seat. Would you like a cup of tea?" he greeted the cook from Dr. Abramson's house.

"Thank you, yes," she replied, sitting at the kitchen table.

Alan poured her a cup of tea from the kettle, and said, "I'll go to the living room while you and Mrs. Erdbeer talk."

"Actually, my business here is with you." She pulled a folded piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it to him.
He opened it to expose part of an envelope with charred edges.

"This morning, I knocked over a vase while cleaning the hall table, and spilled water on the mail that had just come. When I blotted off the envelopes, I noticed that one letter was addressed to you, from Mrs. Coatsworth. A few hours later, I found that when I cleaned the ashes out of the stove."

Alan pulled out the scrap of letter left inside and recognized the writing as Ella's. "I guess that explains why Dr. Abramson has been avoiding me lately. I'm glad that Ella also writes to you, Deborah. I don't know how to let her know that her letters to me have been lost. Sarah, will you please bring me any future letters?"

Sarah nodded agreement.