T. Novan - Words Heard In Silence / Xena Uber

"Thank you." He glanced around at all of the things that had been done by Jocko and Rebecca to make him comfortable. The neat pile of handkerchiefs on the corner of the table that had been converted into a desk brought a smile to his lips. "I see you have thought of everything. Would you join me in a cup of tea?"

"Thank you, but no. I understand that Dr. Walker is arriving today, and the servants you hired have arrived this morning, so I need to get them to work and make things ready. I will have a light lunch ready for her and who ever she brings."

"Ah, Miss Rebecca, there is a close friendship between Dr. Walker and Colonel Polk. I would think they would both appreciate it if you included him in your luncheon plans."

Rebecca’s right eyebrow rose and a slightly amused look played over her features. "By all means. Colonel Polk is a –– charming gentleman. By the way, Corporal Nailer has been a godsend. Duncan found every piece of old furniture in the attic and the storerooms, and repaired and cleaned everything that could be made usable again. It feels like I have a furnished home again, even if nothing matches."

"I am glad for you. And I will be sure to commend him for his efforts. I noticed that you still have a problem with the kitchen, though."

"Yes, well, the wind took the patch off almost as soon as it started raining."

Rebecca’s face looked strained. Charlie did not know what had affected her so; whether it was the stress of dealing with all of his demands, the pain of having her home taken over, or something else.

"Miss Rebecca, I am sorry we have imposed on you so. If there is anything we can do to lessen the burden, please……" He trailed off, at a loss for words, but sensing the small woman’s distress.

She responded gently. "No, Colonel, you and your men have done nothing to cause me distress. If anything, you have offered me a reprieve, a chance to build a new life for myself. For this, I am deeply grateful."

"Miss Rebecca, I hope you know that I would do anything in my power to make your life less painful, less difficult. I am at your service whenever you need me."

The raw honesty of Charlie’s offer shook Rebecca’s fragile control. She became a bit brusque to mask her reaction. "Well, sir, with guests coming, I must be about my business." She walked briskly to the door, and paused as she was leaving. "Please, Colonel Redmond, do take care. Do not push yourself any more than you absolutely must." With that admonition, she quietly closed the door.

Charlie seated himself at the makeshift desk and drew the dispatch case in front of him. But instead of opening it, he just sat, staring at the door that had just closed, seeing the tired look in the woman’s eyes, the almost lost look that haunted her today, and racking his brains for something to make her feel better.

Finally, he poured himself a cup of the tea she had left him and preceded to plow through the dispatches and reports, preparatory to meeting with Polk.

Promptly at 9:00, Polk rapped on the door. Charlie called for him to enter, without rising, and waved him to a chair as he finished reading the last report.

"Well, Richard, it looks like we could have sustained a lot worse damage than we did."

"Yes, Sir. We have a number of sprained ankles, and a number of colds in the men, but nothing serious. We have five injured horses, but none had to be put down. We are still looking for about half a dozen missing horses and one missing mule. The best news is that except for a couple of sacks of flour and a barrel of salt pork, our supplies were all fine. The bad news is that every single pair of those lousy boots that supply sent us have fallen apart or turned into solid blocks. With the wet weather, we are scrimping, using old boots and lining them with whatever we can get, but it is not good."

"Alright. Telegraph the quartermaster general, with copy to General Sheridan as urgent. In the mean time, is there any tanned leather around? We could make moccasins and line them with straw or something to at least keep their feet dry and warm. Check with Sheridan, and what about checking with Mr. Cooper? This area was once all cattle and horse farms. Maybe there are still some cured hides around. And see if there are any men with skills as cobblers or leatherworkers."

"Yes, sir. We will do the best we can."

"How are we progressing on putting in drainage and winterizing the tents?"

"The storm certainly defined the current water flow patterns sir. I have four companies at work on digging ditches and building berms around the tents themselves. We have not yet received the wood for the rough timbering. It is waiting for us at the rail yard, but the road is still too muddy to transport it."

"Keep up the work, and get those timbers in as quickly as you can. I do not want a repeat of the last couple of days. Now, on another subject. What is the word on Montgomery?"

"Samuelson is concerned. He has not regained consciousness yet. You put water or broth in his mouth, he swallows. You tickle the soles of his feet with a blade, he twitches. But that is the extent of his responsiveness."

"I am glad Dr. Walker will be here today. I would hate to lose him."

"Um, sir, that leads me to another question. Dr. Walker is due in this morning."

"I know."

"I would like permission to go meet her train."

"I had assumed you would." Charlie looked down at the papers in front of him to hide the slight smirk that came to his lips. "Perhaps you would take Samuelson with you. Just to fill her in on the status of the men, of course. And to provide a companion for Mr. Whitman if he is with her. Escort them here, as I believe Miss Rebecca has planned a light lunch for them and plans to host them here in the main house."

"Certainly, Sir."

"And you are invited to lunch as well, Richard."

Polk had the grace to blush slightly. "Thank you, Charlie. And thank Miss Rebecca."

"I assume you can convey your appreciation to the lady herself, Richard. Now, off you go. You have much to do between now and 10:30."

"Yes, Sir!"

Polk walked out the door, closing it gently behind him. Charlie slumped in his chair, leaning back and closing his eyes. Just the effort to read the reports and meet with Polk had drained what little energy he had.

A gentle tap on the door failed to rouse him from the gentle doze he had fallen into. Rebecca entered, followed closely by Corporal Duncan Nailer, who was embarrassed by having to report to the Colonel directly. The heavy clump of Duncan’s hobnail boots roused Charlie.

"Miss Rebecca? Duncan? What can I do for you?"

Rebecca looked upset, Duncan looked determined. He spoke first. "Sir, about the kitchen. I have looked it over carefully and we really need to put a new roof on it. Otherwise, it will just continue to spring leaks. I talked to Sergeant Wise, who said we had the materials. So, I want about four men to help me rip the roof off and replace it. I figure it will only take a couple of days with the right men."

"Colonel, I cannot let you do this. This is my property, and I am responsible for taking care of it."

"Duncan. Pick you men and get the job done before the weather changes again. Dismissed."

Duncan looked between his Colonel, who looked rather pale and drawn, and Miss Rebecca, who looked like a thundercloud about to break. He sketched a quick salute to the Colonel and hastily retreated from what looked to be a messy skirmish.

"Charlie Redmond. What gives you the right to simply make decisions about MY house, about MY choices without even consulting me!"

Charlie closed his eyes and let her anger wash over him. He did not have the energy for this. In a flat monotone, he responded without opening his eyes. "It needed to be done –– and done before we got another storm. This is the only way it could get done promptly."