Elizabeth's story-the legacy of an old pony soldier (Wolvenrogue and Apples)

[wolvenrogue]

OFFICIAL ORDERS:

John Walker Casey, Captain, Third Cavalry, Second Regiment

On April 19, 1893 at 0800 hours you are hereby appointed as Commander of
Fort Robert Walker in the Nevada Territory. You will report for the commissioning of the Fort on that day and hour.

Commander US Army

The telegram was delivered by a sharply dressed young officer's candidate in his official blues. He delivered it with a crisp salute and a smile. John responded with a warhoop. He had dreamed of such an even for most of his 27 years and for it to be Fort Walker was more than he could have hoped for. The legendary master sargeant Walker had been the subject of many a lecture at West Point, for despite never having been a commissioned officer, his bravery and leadership were held in the highest regard among his officers and peers, and John counted the command of the fort which bore his name as a singular honor.

Three weeks later, he was greeted by a fresh new regiment awaiting inspection as he entered the Fort and the bugler sounded the call to colors. Before attending to the troops he dismounted and greeted the honored guests on this occasion. His Commander, and two small women, The widow and daughter of Master Sargeant Walker. Both were uncommonly beautiful, and Jessica Walker seemed unusually young for the famed sargeant who had been 72 at his passing. Elizabeth his daughter was 17, and any man's dream. He bowed to each and kissed their hands politely before saluting the general and inspecting his troops.

John was a tall man at 6 ft 4, with gleaming black hair and steel blue eyes. His shoulders were broad and rested on a well muscled chest and two legs like towers. His uniform was crisp and neat despite a bit of dust from the trail. His voice was deep and seem to penetrate those with whom he spoke.

With the troops inspected, he returned to the porch where the women stood and bowing, invited Elizabeth to accompany him on a tour of the Fort which bore her father's name. "Would you do me the honor Miss Walker?"

 

[Someonewhoeatsapples]

It was, after the demise of Sergeant Walker, Jessica and Elisabeth had withdrawn themselves from the society. The girl, 15 years of age at that time was naive to question her mother. But two years had transformed her into a woman of the world. She had regained beauty similar to her biological mother and conduct and willpower of her father. Her gait was graceful, face bore an enigmatic smile and with recent visits to the village market, she had been the centre of talks of many men.

Elisabeth was quite excited to be leaving the house. It was a special day for her and her widowed mother. Finally, Fort Walker was being inaugurated and her dear father, Robert Walker would receive his due respects. Even if it were taking place after his demise. On that particular morning, she had sorted out her best sewn attire, hood and gloves. Her hair neatly brushed and delicately held by a ribbon, she felt quite ecstatic to be outdoor.

The journey was short down the hills in their buggy and the fair ladies had found themselves in Fort Walker within half an hour. The old comrades of the Sergeant were hospitable to them and Jessica herself was intrigued to meet the head of the regiment. John arrived with valour, kissing their hands respectfully. His conduct had, however, moved Elisabeth. She had blushed profusely at the young man and spent the rest of her stay wondering about his efffect on her.

Later, on his invitation, she couldn't find herself to refuse him. He was so mannerly in his asking that the girl melted and pined to consent. But yet, she had asked her mother. Gaining approval from Jessica, Elisabeth was brighter than before. "I would love to," she had held out her hand for John to take.

 

[wolvenrogue]

Extending an arm with a slight bow, John place the young woman's hand on his arm, and thanking her mother excused them from them from her mother's presence. Elizabeth seemed tiny as she held his arm. She seemed light as a feather, and he could not tear his eyes from here beautiful hair. Conversation seemed to com effortlessly and her soft feminine voice was so charming he could not help but smile. "There is a dance tonight on the grounds to celebrate the new Fort. Would you be so kind as to accompany me? I would be honored to have you sit at my table. "

 

[Someonewhoeatsapples]

Keeping up with John seemed a task to her. His long legs moved quite fast compared to hers. Arm in arm, they scaled the Fort grounds. Her father would have been so happy being the humble man he was if he were to see the Fort. John was polite, bringing up various things to talk of in their conversation and Elisabeth felt immediately at ease with him. She pondered over his proposal, wondering if her mother would allow her to be away, out of her sight for so long. Given, Elisabeth had never much been to parties or dinner. "May be I could, " she had looked up to the tall man while the sun shone on her face. "It would be my honor that you considered my company worthy of your consideration." Her response, solely her decision, had been rather daring and she had began fretting if her mother would approve of it. Nonetheless, she smiled as John had showed around the strong walls of the Fort along the inner chambers where the provisions were kept.

 

[wolvenrogue]

When they had concluded their promenade around the Fort, he returned Elizabeth to the porch and her mother. Turning to Jessica , he asked " Mrs. Walker, I would like to ask your permission for your daughter to accompany me to a dance this evening here at the Fort in honor of her father. I would be pleased to send a carriage to pick her up and provide her safe transport home and of course you may attend as well as you wish." Jessica smiled demurely. "now young man, it is certainly more than polite for you to invite me as well, but I well know that my daughter does not want me there, and I am tired enough already." Turning to Elizabeth she said " If I can't trust you by now it is too late to change it. Go with my blessing." "Thank you so much" John said smiling " Excuse us if you would. I will see to Elizabeth's safety at all times."

 

[Someonewhoeatsapples]

Elisabeth was under the state of continuous fluster, her cheeks flushed red from being the centre of attention of a noble man like John. Her expressions grew subtle and less animated as they approached her mother. She could only look from John to Jessica in anticipation as they discussed about the party later tonight. In her young mind, she had somehow learnt to entrust herself to John and much to her delight, her mother's approval soon followed. "I will be at my best, dear mother," she had wrapped an arm around the woman's waist. "Thank you so much," she parted with a kiss on her cheek.
As they turned away from Jessica, Elisabeth couldn't help but smile. With Jessica's favor in her associating with new people, she felt a sense of freedom that the old, humble house up in the hills could never provide her. Yet, in the arm of a man like John, the maiden could feel close to her own home, to her heart.

 

[wolvenrogue]

"Would you like to see my quarters?" John asked her as they left her mother on the porch of the camp office. "As the Commander, I have a small house on the grounds, and were I married, my wife could live with me at the Fort. " He smiled at the young woman as he said it. " You will have to forgive me as I haven't unpacked . It isn't spacious by civilian terms but for Army quarters , its a palace." As they entered, there was a small entry area that opened onto a great room with a massive stone fireplace . Off to one side set book cases and a large oak desk on the other stood a rocker by the fire with a small side table. A door to the left opened into a kitchen with a wood stove a sink with a pump, and a large wood table. To the right was the bedroom. The bed was simple but quite large and on either side stood twin wardrobe cabinets. A commode tood in the corner next to a dry sink with a large pitcher and mirror.

"Some day I hope to find a woman willing to live the life of a soldiers wife that will share this with me. It takes a special woman to live around so many men."

 

[Someonewhoeatsapples]

Elisabeth didn't knew what to expect from seeing the quarters. Having being been to none, she had always imagined them as practical. Rather austere, clear of the cluster that a family home with a baby would have. And true it came as she entered the humble place.
She trailed her fingers delicately along the line of books kept neatly, the woodwork to the neat bed. "You are right. A woman only strong enough to support her soldier husband, anticipate any news and yet not be any less proud of him deserves to live in a place like this." She smiled sympathetically at her host. "I pray for you, should you find a befitting wife." Her hand rested on his arm and gave it a soft assuring squeeze. Unaware, she had felt a pang of jealousy course through her mind that arrived on the shores of her young heart.

 

[wolvenrogue]

As the captain looked down at the young woman that held his arm, he couldn't help wonder if a girl who had lived as she had in a mountain cabin and been raised by a father such as the Master Sargeant would be willing to continue living the austere life that fell to a military wife. Though it would come with great respect, he knew that the sacrifice would be significant, particularly for one so beautiful as she .
Though Jessica had remained on the office porch, like the good mother that she was her attention never left the movements of her daughter on the arm of the Captain. She noted with interest that he took the trouble to show her his living quarters. Jessica knew from personal experience that the private life of a military man was not one that would be a particular source of pride. She reasoned that the Captain was gauging her daughter's reaction to the prospect of living there. She also noted that the Captain did not close the door when they entered. He was obviously not anxious to hide what they were doing inside. Jessica found this comforting and took it as a good indication that Elizabeth was safe in his hands. Thus assured Jessica took her leave of the general and boarding her buggy headed for home, leaving Elizabeth in the Captain's care.

When they had finished their tour of his quarters, John asked Elizabeth "Would you like to have lunch with me before I escort you home to your mother so that you can prepare for the dance?"

 

[Someonewhoeatsapples]

"That would be wonderful," Elisabeth consented with her own appetite rising in her stomach. She hoped her mother won't be feeling too lonely for her being gone for many hours. Yet, she found solace that it bought her more time to associate with the Captain. Smiling, she requested him to lead the way for her.

Meanwhile, Jessica had reached the safety of her mountain home. Sighing, she took out a portrait of her late husband. He had been her last resort when she grew doubtful. "She has grown, my dear," she placated the glass protecting the picture, "and I think it's time I grew used to lonesome hours in the Lord's devotion." In her mind, she hoped the late Sergeant will proud of her resolution.

While the Captain arranged for their luncheon, Elisabeth waited in his quarters. The large oak table was set with utensils and two wooden chairs added for tthe purpose of dining. It wasn't lavish but definitely a royal treatment in an army base. As the Captain joined her again, she began to say, "I think I am troubling you unnecessarily, Captain. It would have been better if I were gone with my mother."