Words Heard in Silence (15 page)

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.

T
arant 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."

C
harlie 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."

Mr. Cooper scratched his chin while he considered the paper. "I am not sure, Mrs. Gaines. This is not money, ma’am, and it is also drawn from the Yankee Army¼¼"

"Indeed it is, considering it is a regiment of Northern soldiers on my land and not Confederate troops."

"Ma’am¼¼"

She held up a hand. She was going to get the things she needed and maybe one or two things she did not need. And most of all she was going to get everything she needed to make Charlie dinner. "Mr. Cooper, I will tell you what, you reopen my account and if I do not come in and settle with you within ten days from the date on the chit, you may come out to Gaines Cove and pick five acres of my land that will suit you."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me, Mr. Cooper. I have complete faith that I will receive the funds promised me, however, if you are that nervous about it then you may take your pick of five of my best."

"On your word?"

"On my word, Mr. Cooper, and you know the Gaines word has always been good." Rebecca may not have truly mourned her husband but she was not past using his memory and standing in the community for a little advantage. "Do you think I would tarnish my husband’s good name? And after he gave his life in the war?"

"Of course not!" He was shocked that she would think he would suggest such a thing. "I will take care of this for you, Mrs. Gaines, but it will take me a few minutes."

"Take your time, Mr. Cooper. I am in no hurry." She made sure to snatch the chit from his hand and tuck it away.

While the shopkeeper scurried around pulling things from the shelves, Rebecca took the opportunity to look around. She moved first to a display of tobacco pipes. She remembered quite by accident that when Charlie had come to get her for dinner the night before, he had smelled faintly of strong tobacco. It was actually a very appealing smell on Charlie. Of course, she was beginning to wonder if there was anything about him she did not like.

She moved over to a small bin that held partial bolts of fabric. She looked through them, lifting them one by one. As she continued to look, she heard at least two women come through the door. She smiled to herself and simply waited.

"Why, is that Mrs. Gaines?"

Rebecca nearly laughed aloud when she heard Mrs. Cooper speak. She fingered a piece of blue cloth, giving it serious consideration.

"Why, yes, Grace, I do believe it is."

The blonde rolled her eyes before plucking the bolt from the bin and pulling it into her arms as she turned to face them.

"Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Williams, how good to see you again." Rebecca rather liked Mrs. Cooper and had always gotten on well with her, but Mrs. Williams, the minister’s wife had most certainly always been a thorn in Rebecca’s side.
You old bat. You say one word about Charlie and I will……

"You, too, Mrs. Gaines. Tell us, what brings you to town?" Mrs. William’s asked, with a raised disapproving brow.

"A buggy." She said in all seriousness, never breaking eye contact with the minister’s wife. Mrs. Williams had only made their strained relationship worse by commenting in mixed company about Rebecca’s failure to get pregnant within the first year of her marriage. The woman had implied that somehow Rebecca was less of a woman because of it and, coupled with the way her marriage was going, it was just one more thing that made her feel like property.

"Yes, we saw it being driven away by that," she paused, crinkling her nose as if she smelled something distasteful. "Man."

"Oh you mean Colonel Redmond. Colonel Charles Redmond?"

"Rebecca Gaines, do not dare tell us you are on a first name basis with him."

She ran her hand over the soft linen in her hands. "Why, yes. Yes I am." She watched as the disapproving looks crossed their faces. "And I must say, he is one of the most charming men I have ever met."

She thought they were going to swallow their tongues as the shock began to register. She realized that Charlie was not the only one with an evil streak. She knew she should stop but she just could not.

"He is also a fine horseman and he has a beautiful voice for reading poetry. If you ladies will excuse me?" She brushed past them, moving to the counter where Mr. Cooper was boxing up her purchases. "Mr. Cooper, this partial bolt, how much would you want for it?"

He looked at the fabric. "Well I suppose I could let you have it for, let us say five cents. It is an old bolt."

She placed it next to the box running her hand over it. "I think he will love it." She murmured.

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing, Mr. Cooper. I forgot to put it on the list, would you happen to have any cinnamon?"

"I think I might have some around her somewhere. Going to do a little baking, Mrs. Gaines?"

"I am thinking about it." She smiled, then turned to the ladies. "Colonel Redmond is very fond of baked apples."