"That, my love, is the plan." Charlie looked out the front window again. MacFarlane was coming up the path, leading Shannon, who was beautifully groomed, with braided mane and tail. She was proudly pulling a lovely little basket carriage that was trimmed with red ribbons and greenery. Charlie smiled and turned to Rebecca. He caught her cloak up in his hands and held it for her. "Your gift has arrived, my dear. Will you join me?" Throwing his great coat around his shoulders, he escorted her out the front door. "My dear, your horse and carriage."
Rebecca could not help but laugh as she placed her hands in Charlie's pocket to keep them warm. "She is beautiful, Charlie. Perfect for a trip to church this morning."
"Rebecca, dear, I am not sure you understand. She is yours. Your horse. Your carriage. Merry Christmas."
"Oh, Charlie, I...I cannot take Shannon from you. She is a wonderful horse indeed, but she is yours, darling. I..."
"Shush, dear. Shannon loves you. You love her. I have Jack. She is yours. And, darling, in about a month, I will stand before God and man and declare that I endow you with all my worldly goods anyway. So please accept her as an advance deposit on that pledge."
Rebecca chuckled and kissed Charlie on the cheek before leaving his side to go and pay special attention to her new horse.
Charlie stood and watched the two of them together. It was perfect. It was one more piece in the life he was determined to build with Rebecca.
--*--
T
arent and McFarlane drew up in two large wagons, set with hay bales covered in blankets. As they arrived, the various members of the expanded Redmond Stables household emerged from their rooms, pulling on wraps and coats, the ladies checking their reticules to make sure they had a little something for the offering plate, the gentlemen settling wraps more securely around their ladies’ shoulders. The officers’ had their mounts brought around as well. With a lot of laughter and some jostling, the ladies and children mounted the wagons, the gentlemen heaved themselves into their saddles, and Charlie handed Rebecca into her own little carriage. They set off for church, singing Christmas carols as they went.
As they pulled into the yard behind the small red church, Mrs. Williams was progressing regally across the walk to the side entrance of the church, preparing to take her place at the small organ. She wore the purple robes that were reserved for the Christmas season. The sight of 'her' churchyard full of Yankee officers in full dress uniform was almost more than she could bear. Her nose wrinkled in disdain and assumed a higher elevation.
Charlie handed Rebecca down from the carriage, while the other officers gallantly assisted the other ladies. They sorted themselves out into formal couples and proceeded to march into the church, looking very like a formal processional at a military wedding. The somber blues of the officers tunics contrasted nicely with the more delicate colors of the ladies’ full skirts.
Mrs. Williams’ irritation could be heard in the vehemence of her playing. Reverend Williams stood at the door, as was his habit, and greeted each worshipper as they entered the church.
The entire entourage spoke politely to the Reverend before filing in and taking various seats. Rebecca sat down, settling Em next to her and supplying the child with a cracker or two that would keep her occupied for a few minutes. Rebecca and Mrs. Williams made eye contact. Rebecca refused to divert her eyes first. She was growing more and more irritated with Mrs. Williams and she knew that now was the time to start standing her ground. Charlie would be returning here after the war and Rebecca was going to make sure no one had the gall to say anything against him. Mrs. Williams finally looked away, mumbling something under her breath as she did. Rebecca just smiled.
Charlie leaned over and whispered to Rebecca. "Did something just happen between you and Mrs. Williams? I felt a chill fall over the church for a moment and the look on your face was –– fascinating."
"Just defending my territory, darling."
"Do I want to know which particular piece of your territory you were defending?"
"All of it, love. I am just letting her know that enough is enough. I was embarrassed to death by her outburst last night."
"Her outburst was bad enough, but to be honest, I was more concerned about the effect of the stress on Miss Constance. She looked so pale and distressed last night. I am glad she decided to stay abed this morning. It is a shame Beulah is missing the service, but I do appreciate it that she seems devoted to Miss Constance’s care."
"Beulah and Constance have become fast friends. I am a little concerned how Beulah will react should something happen to Constance. But we are preparing for the worst. Elizabeth is very concerned about her ability to survive this birth."
"Ah, the Reverend is about ready to start. We must continue this conversation later, dear. I, too, am concerned about Miss Constance’s health. But you know I have to balance that against the welfare of my men. We will have to work something out."
Rebecca nodded then resettled Em in her lap. She kissed the child on her head as Em settled into her arms for the nap that would shortly overtake her while the good Reverend delivered his sermon to the more alert members of his congregation.
The Reverend’s normally quiet voice rang out over the congregation. "Unto you this day is born a savior."
--*--
T
he church had been packed. Filing out of the church took time, as each person had to stop and say something to Reverend Williams. In the churchyard, the local folks gathered in a cluster, looking askance at the Union officers. Here were the demons that had made their life hell back once more. But for the first time, they were in their church, contributing to the collection plate. Moreover, yesterday, many of the men from the winter camp had visited the townsfolk with various offerings, including straw dolls and small hand-carved wooden toys for the children, loads of wood ready for the fireplace or stove, and ham, cookies, breads and other traditional Christmas treats to enhance their tables today. It was very confusing.
Sheridan looked over the crowd and made a decision. Charlie had been pushing him for supplies to help these folks. Hell, it was only a hundred and fifty people in total. And it was Christmas. He stepped into the open space between the cluster of folks from Redmond Stables and the winter camp and the local residents.
"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen. May I have a moment of your time?"
The local residents looked at each other and then, by mutual unspoken consent decided not only would it be bad manners, but probably suicidal to ignore the General, especially with so many of his men looking on. Slowly they all turned, giving him their attention, albeit a tad divided as they waited to see what his officers were doing.
"I know that General Redmond has been providing as much assistance as possible to you and I would like to reaffirm his commitment. In addition, I will be putting together a load of basic supplies to be used to help get you back on your feet. I know about the need for foodstuffs, seed stocks, woolens, and such. However, if you would prepare your lists of the things you need, such as specific tools, I would be happy to include them in the shipment. I will be in the area for another two days, so if you will deliver your lists to Colonel McCauley here, we will attend to it for you. We do want to find ways to rebuild our community once this war is over, and I hope that we have the opportunity to make a start with Culpeper." For Sheridan, that was a very long speech. He waited for reaction from the townspeople.
They talked among themselves for a few minutes, deciding that the man was indeed sincere. Several of the oldest men took the time to approach the General to shake his hand and offer their thanks.
As the men began hesitantly talking about tools, different crop options and similar issues, Mrs. Cooper slid up beside Rebecca. "I wish you a very Merry Christmas, my dear. But where is Miss Constance? I was sure she would want to be here with her daughter."
"I am afraid Constance is not at all well. Her condition is not good and Dr. Walker has ordered her to bed for the rest of her pregnancy."
"Oh, dear. I am so sorry. Does that mean you will be caring for the little one?" Em had awakened and was sleepily lying on Rebecca’s shoulder, quietly sucking on her thumb.
"Charlie and I have discussed what would become of Em in the event of her mother's passing and we will be keeping her with us if Constance has no objections. Em loves Charlie so, it would be a shame to separate them."
"I would say the little one loves you as well, my dear. I always thought you would make a wonderful mother." Mrs. Cooper looked over at Charlie, who was talking with several of the older farmers in the congregation. "On a somewhat different subject, have you talked to Charlie about your previous marriage?"
Rebecca glanced to Charlie and smiled then returned her attention to Mrs. Cooper. "He knows that my previous marriage was not happy. But I have not told him of all of Mr. Gaines’ faults. It is, after all, not Christian to speak unkindly of the dead."
"And what of his behavior toward you, my dear? Does he have any of the more…… unpleasant attitudes Mr. Gaines had?"
Rebecca blushed and shook her head. "No, not at all. Charlie is kind and loving and I do not believe he has ever even raised his voice to me in anger."
"Well, that is well and good, but I do believe I will stand in the place of your dear mother and have a little chat with him." Mrs. Cooper looked at the newly minted General, who was currently chatting with her husband and looking rather embarrassed. Mrs. Cooper’s eyebrow rose a bit.
I wonder what that is all about. I must remember to ask Mr. Cooper about it later.
--*--
M
r. Cooper was, in fact, dealing with an uncomfortable Charlie. The question had been rather simple. Charlie wanted to know who had purchased Rebecca’s mother’s piano. If at all possible, he wanted to offer the owner a reasonable sum to regain the item so he could present it to Rebecca as a wedding present. However, there was a slight problem with the plan. Mrs. Williams had purchased the item in question and getting her to give it up would be awkward at best.
"Please, Mr. Cooper. Perhaps you could act as an intermediary for me? I would, of course, be willing both to replace her piano with a newer one and offer her some cash in consideration for her kindness."
"General, would it not be easier to buy Rebecca a new piano?"
"Of course, it would. But it would not have the same meaning for her as getting her mother’s piano. I have learned that emotional attachment has more value for Miss Rebecca than monetary worth. Believe me, I would be much happier buying her a new one, but..." Charlie had a rather helpless look that told Cooper just how totally Rebecca had this man wrapped around her finger.
"Well, I suppose I could speak with Reverend Williams. Maybe he could convince his wife to give up the piano." The man scratched his jaw and smiled. "I really do not have any desire to deal with Mrs. Williams either."
"Well, after last night’s demonstration, I suspect she would be very amused at the prospect of having me at her mercy."
"That woman does seem to get pleasure from the most unusual things, I will grant you that. Tell you what I will do. I will suggest that I can get a new piano for them if they would like to use the old one in trade. As far as I am concerned no one need be the wiser."
"I would be very grateful for your assistance, sir. I do want Miss Rebecca to have what she needs to be happy. And, sir, I am very committed to coming back to this community and helping to rebuild after the war."
"And we are looking forward to it, General. It will be nice to have a happy young couple in our midst to remind us what is important. I am sure you and Rebecca will have a household full of children once you get back."
Charlie flushed. Any reference to him fathering children with Rebecca put him in an awkward position. Thankfully, Mr. Cooper probably thought it was just a response to the implication of conjugal relations between them. Then a thought struck him. "By the way, sir, do you know why Mr. Gaines left no heirs?"
"I do not know for sure. It is rumored, I am afraid from Gaines own lips, that Rebecca was unable to give him children. I suspect it was his own drinking that made it impossible. There was not a day I knew him when that man drew a sober breath."
"Well, sir, even if Miss Rebecca cannot have children, I am sure we will end up with a house full. She opens our doors to every orphan who comes this way already."
Cooper chuckled, glancing at the woman in question, who at this very moment was attending to a grumpy Emily. "I do believe you are right. I suppose it does not matter how a family comes together, just as long as it does."
"Amen, Mr. Cooper. Amen."
--*--
T
he rest of Christmas Day had been relaxing and uneventful. After dinner, small groups had wandered to various parts of the house. Some were in the dining room, enjoying a quiet talk over coffee and brandy. Others were in the front parlor, playing charades. Jeremiah had wandered off to the encampment to go over the contents of his tackle box with Duncan. Em had been put to bed, after wishing her mother a quiet good night. Charlie planned to retreat to the sitting room upstairs with Rebecca, but before he could retire for the night, he needed to talk with Elizabeth about Montgomery’s condition and to determine if Sheridan’s plan to hold the court martial the next day was viable. He found the doctor in the back parlor, quietly playing chess with Polk.
"Um, excuse me, Elizabeth, Richard. I need a word with you, Elizabeth, if you have a moment."
Richard rose to excuse himself. "No, Richard, stay. You know what this is about already."