Against All Odds

by Marian L. Jasper

  “You do need your sleep; you’ve got such a lot of responsibility at the moment, Patrick. It really would be better if you could have your rest at present,” said Liza.

  “I don’t want you out of my bed, Liza. I need you near me as I have a task in the future that I don’t know how I’m going to cope with. I need your love and your strength and also, I want to be with you whilst our child is in difficulty. You shouldn’t be alone with her, she is ours; we made her together, brought her into this world together and when her time comes, we should see her out of this world together,” said Patrick.

  Liza just dropped her head and cried unashamedly, for Meg, Patrick and for what she was about to do which would break Patrick’s trust in her. Patrick coming over to comfort her just made matters worse in her mind but his arms around her did help.

  Luckily Meg was quite calm that night, so they both had a relatively good night. It was Saturday and the boys were going with Si to visit Uncle Captain and Bea. They were looking forward to spending time with them and especially Rachel as she was now very much part of their group and as the captain had the day off, a vigorous game of cricket had been planned. The weather was still very warm for the time of year and Liza hoped that the children wouldn’t become too hot. Matthew and John said that they were going to see Uncle Mark if they were allowed by the guards.

  “You must check with Uncle Ben first to see if Uncle Mark can see you. He may not be in a position to have visitors, so promise me that you will find Uncle Ben and not just walk into the prison house. Also check with Uncle Captain, the army does have its rules and regulations,” said Liza.

  The boys promised and Zelma took them off to the fort in the buggy leaving Patrick and Liza to breakfast together for once. “You look a little weary and thoughtful, Liza; I suppose you’re worried about Meg but she does seem a little better today. What are your plans for the day; I have an afternoon patrol but we have the morning together.”

  “I have to get some letters to Cole to forward to New York, but I can do that when I pick up the boys later today. They’re leaving tomorrow; I don’t know when I’ll see them again,” said Liza.

  “Don’t worry, you’ve still got me,” laughed Patrick. If only it was that simple, thought Liza.

  “What would you like to do this morning then, Patrick? Have you anything in mind?” asked Liza.

  “I think I just want to be here and sit with you and Meg and just relax and talk and pretend that there isn’t a care in the world,” he said.

  Patrick left at lunchtime and Zelma came in and asked Liza if she had thought of a better way to get Mark from the prison, but she hadn’t so they both went to the stable and stared long and hard at the buggy, and finally came up with a solution that somebody would have to travel in with Liza in the buggy and swap places with Mark when she left and probably Zelma thought it would have to be her.

  “No, Zelma, I need you to be with the children. We both can’t get into trouble for their sake,” said Liza. They studied the buggy again and wondered whether Mark could be bundled behind the front seat and covered with a blanket. It was possible and was the best that could be done. He would only have to be in the buggy for a few minutes as the outcrop that Mark was to initially take cover in was just around a corner from the fort and therefore, mostly out of sight especially in the dark. The scout would be waiting for him and quickly get him away from there, covering his tracks before meeting up with Zelma’s brother who would dress in his clothes and lead any followers in a different direction to the one Mark and the scout would be taking.

  Liza did not normally drive her buggy up to the prison door but she thought of a plan whereby she would pretend to have forgotten to give a book to Mark to keep him occupied and she would find it in the buggy as she was leaving the stable and drive it over to the prison.

  The guard on at that time of day was one who really liked his whisky and Liza knew that she would be able to put one of Zelma’s sleeping potions into his glass. She hoped that he didn’t drink from the bottle; she’d always seen him drink from a small glass so she would tell him earlier that she would not report him and by the time she returned with the book he should be well asleep. She knew where the keys to the cell were kept, but mostly this guard left them on the desk.

  Nothing to do with this plan was ideal. Patrick could return early; somebody else could be on guard duty; the keys might be in a different place; Mark may not get into the buggy and be properly hidden; the list of things that could go wrong seemed to be endless. She was not going to think that way anymore; it all had to go right.

  Liza and Zelma went back into the house and Zelma found a suitable blanket for the buggy, so that the stable lad and others would get used to seeing it. Liza fed Meg, changed her and settled her back in her cradle, while she got ready to collect the boys. She would first pay a quick visit to Cole and Jack, taking her letter and the money for Mark.

  Cole came to greet her and as she stepped down from the buggy Jack appeared and before she could greet him, he started a tirade against what she was planning and didn’t she know that she could end up in prison and so could he and Cole. Just because she had the power to see the future didn’t mean that she could use that to break the law. And if she could see the future, he was sure she could see herself behind bars with them in adjoining cells.

  Liza stood next to Cole allowing Jack to let off as much steam as he wished and when he’d calmed down he started making suggestions as to how Mark could be used to help with the wagons, which would make him less conspicuous whenever they were around any towns.

  “Well, girlie, you get this man to us and we’ll make sure he goes on his way with no problems, but I’m not happy about it, and I think you’ll be in more trouble than we will be. We can plead ignorance, I doubt whether you’ll be able to do that,” said Jack.

  “As far as you are concerned, his name is Michael Decker, otherwise known as Mike. Patrick and I will miss him, and so will the boys. He’s our daughter’s god father. Everyone will miss him,” said Liza sadly.

  “We’ll be leaving early tomorrow, Liza, so I suppose we won’t see you until our next trip,” said Cole. “We wish you luck, Liza and hope all goes according to plan. You’re putting yourself in the firing line; I hope you’re good at ducking.”

  Liza nodded, handed Cole the package for Mark and climbed back into her buggy and slowly made her way on to the fort to see Mark and collect the boys.

  The boys were still in the middle of their cricket match and Liza noticed that Corporal Shaw was once again joining in. He nodded towards Liza and smiled. Liza decided to see Mark first as she didn’t want to interrupt the boys’ game.

  The sergeant greeted her and left the outer office so that she could visit privately.

  “I had a visit from all the boys today, Liza; they all brought me some sweets. It’s really thoughtful of them,” said Mark.

  Liza asked to look at the packet and when she examined it she said, “I wouldn’t try eating any of them Mark; I think most of them have already been sucked. I just want to let you know that everything is in order for Tuesday late afternoon when it is becoming dusk. It’s all organised.”

  “You’re taking too much of a risk, Liza. You know that I committed a crime that I should pay for. I know what you somehow showed me, but I wonder whether I was just dreaming,” said Mark.

  “The only crime that we must concentrate on is the one that will happen if you don’t get away from here and start a completely new life,” said Liza.

  “It does appeal to me not to have to go in front of a firing squad now. I just don’t want you to get caught helping me; you would be in very serious trouble and you have your family to consider,” said Mark.

  “Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine. I have a great many people looking after me,” said Liza and she left to see if the boys had finished their game and to call in to see how Bea and young Judith were.

  Ada was with them; she was spending a great deal of time helping
with young Judith. “Are you getting in some practise for when you have your granddaughter?” asked Liza. “Do you know when that’s likely to be?”

  “Obviously it’s too soon to have heard back, so I suppose it will be quite a while after Christmas. It will all depend on the weather and of course if her father approves, although I believe there would be little doubt that he would,” said Ada.

  “What does the colonel think? Is he looking forward to it?” asked Liza.

  “He’s blowing hot and cold, of course. He’s thinking of how our lives will be disrupted, but he does point out that it was considerably disrupted when Felicity came home sadly. It was all very embarrassing for him, and now it’s all very sad, but really I think he’s looking forward to something that he can love and devote his spare time to. He always looks forward to seeing your boys, Liza and now Rachel seems to have joined them, so I’m sure he’ll be happy having her around,” said Ada.

  “I hope that she will take some of your hurt away, after all she is part of Felicity. Not that anything takes away the loss of a child, but it should help a little,” said Liza.

  “I notice you haven’t mentioned that her illegitimacy could create an embarrassment to us. We’ve decided that it is something that can’t be kept quiet for too long so once she’s here, people will know and the sooner they know, the quicker it will be for everyone to accept it,” said Ada.

  “I believe that there are probably quite a few illegitimate people here in Benson, so very few will be able to judge. At least you have Bea and us and many, many more who will accept her as just your granddaughter. Dare I say, as long as she doesn’t try to put on airs and graces as her mother tried to,” said Liza. “Oh, I’m sorry, Ada, I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “But you’re right, that’s what Felicity did, and especially when she married Edward and tried to take what was yours, and tried to be you,” said Ada.

  “Well, that’s in the past, and I was nothing to mimic, so let’s just try to remember her as a very pretty and much loved daughter,” said Liza.

  “What do you mean tried to take what was yours?” asked Bea.

  “It is something that I want to tell you about, Bea,” said Ada, “but I have found it too difficult to admit that Felicity really was a most frighteningly problematic person whose jealousy of Liza made her do the most stupid and illegal of things. One day soon, I will let you read the letters I have from Amelia Fuller and of course Edward and perhaps you will understand why both the colonel and I are so upset that young Mark Kendal is going to have to face a firing squad for falling in love with somebody who could be quite loving and then turn against you to an extent that she became positively evil. We salve our conscious with the fact that Lieutenant Crown got in the way and was also killed by Mark, although he was no great asset to humanity, but I should not judge.”

  “You don’t have to show me anything, Ada. You know we have been friends for too long to have to tell each other everything, I think we both understand one another well enough to stay friends for life without question,” said Bea.

  “Oh,” exclaimed Liza. “I think I’m going to cry. I feel very emotional these days. So before I make a fool of myself, I’ll go and collect the boys and get home before dark.”

  “How’s Meg, Liza?” asked Bea.

  “Not too good, as you can see. She’s isn’t fretting as she has been recently. In fact, she’s a little too quiet, but when she’s quiet, she isn’t having problems breathing, so that’s a blessing. She’s not in too much difficulty,” said Liza as a few tears fell down her cheeks.

  “We’ll be there for you when you need us, Liza,” said Ada and all Liza could do was nod and quickly left to compose her feelings before collecting the boys.

  The boys piled into the buggy, squeezing in behind and next to Liza with John carrying Meg in her basket on his lap. He always took responsibility for Meg when they were driving. It took all of Liza’s powers of concentration to drive them home with the excited noise coming from them all. Si went straight home and Zelma was waiting to make sure Matthew and John washed and got ready for bed before they had a light supper.

  Liza looked after Meg, holding her in her arms and gently talking to her so that she stayed calm and happy.

  “Did you see Mark?” asked Zelma when the boys were asleep.

  “Yes, and I saw Cole and Jack, who gave me the benefit of his thoughts on what I was doing. Well, he has the right to after all they are putting themselves in a certain amount of danger. There is no problem; they are going to attempt to keep Mark safe. They have my letter for him and the funds that he’ll need. Mark is beginning to think that what he saw was just a dream, but I believe I’ve convinced him that what we are doing has to be done and he will do as I say. He’s worried for me though; well, so am I, but I’m sure it will all work out. It’s Patrick that I’m worried about. I’ve never deceived him before, and he knows me so well that I’m sure he’ll know I’m behind it,” said Liza.

  “We’ll have to worry about that when Mark is well away from here,” said Zelma. “I’ll try to help with that.”

  Liza didn’t know what Zelma could do to help with deceiving Patrick, but she may well be able to divert some of his thoughts from her.

  Liza fed and changed Meg and put her in her cradle. Patrick still wasn’t home and it was getting late so Liza took Meg up to bed with her. She nodded off and was woken by Patrick bounding up the stairs as he always did. He looked tired and dusty.

  “Have you had a problem today?” Liza asked.

  “Yes, we had to chase some renegades away from quite near the Dornbergs’ farm. I was a bit concerned as I believe that one or two were Cherokees, but they seemed to disappear as we got near them,” said Patrick.

  “They’re very far north especially at this time of the year,” said Liza. She had a feeling that they were preparing to help Zelma’s brother and the scout. They were going to confuse any trackers when the time came.

  She got up and helped him undress; got some hot water so that he could wash and helped him do that also. “Have you eaten, Patrick?” she asked and he hadn’t so she went and got him some cheese, ham and bread and coffee, which she brought back up to the bedroom and he sat in the chair watching her all the time he was eating.

  “What’s the matter, Patrick? You seem to be looking at me strangely,” said Liza.

  “You seem to be on edge these days, Liza; is there something bothering you?” asked Patrick.

  “Many things, Patrick, but there is nothing that can’t be solved apart from little Meg, of course. I’m afraid that’s something that neither of us can solve,” said Liza.

  “Of course, you’re right, there is nothing we can do about Meg apart from stay with her and keep her comfortable and loved,” said Patrick and suddenly Liza’s tears started flowing again and Patrick thought it was for little Meg, but really it was for her guilt over him.

  “Come on, Liza, come to bed, you’ll feel better in the morning,” said Patrick.

  Early the next morning they heard the wagons trundle past their house which meant that Cole and Jack were on their way. It was Sunday and after church they were to be at Kathy’s for lunch and for once Liza would have preferred to have had the day quietly at home. Sean would not be there as he was out on patrol keeping an eye on the Indians that Patrick had seen the day before. Patrick would have to go out later that day as they still didn’t have a replacement for Lieutenant Crown and for the next week Sean was on early duty and Patrick was taking the afternoon and early evening stint, which was going to work out well for Liza.

  “You don’t look too well today, Liza,” said Kathy. “Is Meg having a bad time?”

  “She’s a little too quiet for my liking. I know it’s better to keep her calm, but some noise should be coming from her. Anyway, she’s still with us and that’s a blessing,” said Liza.

  Over lunch the discussions quite naturally covered Mark’s dilemma, although nobody said exactly what the outcome was goi
ng to be in front of the boys. There was also a great deal of talk about the unseasonably warm weather, by that time, which was the end of October, it should be quite cold but nobody was wearing heavy clothes yet.

  Patrick left as the dishes were being cleared away and the boys were outside playing ball with Gabriel, Joe and George. Ellen and the twins came to join them. The twins, as always, would not be separated from their spoons. Liza had learned that they were the first presents that they had ever been given and although they really had been given them to eat with, the twins didn’t see it that way and Liza realised that they were from her kitchen in Belfast. It was a small price to pay to keep them happy.

  Liza went home early with Meg, knowing that the boys would be well-looked after until Zelma ushered them home when they had finished their game, or it got too dark for them to see what they were doing.

  Once again Patrick was home late and this time there was no sign of any Indians, but Liza knew that you didn’t have to see them to know that they were there.

  Patrick had to go to the fort the next morning, even though he was not taking a patrol out until later that day, but there were plans that had to be discussed and Ben was taking a short morning patrol just to make sure there was nothing untoward in the immediate area. Sean and Patrick took their patrols out later on and split up when they were further away.

  Zelma had her sleeping potion ready and she was adamant that only three drops in a glass of whisky were necessary, all Liza had to do was make sure that the guard had a glass of whisky ready to be drunk on his desk. As he normally did, knowing that Liza would not divulge his secret to anyone, she could not see that there would be a problem with putting the drops into it when he opened the cell door for her to visit.

  Everywhere that Liza went she felt that people knew what she was planning, and she was going to try to avoid seeing Patrick until she was in bed. Hopefully, he wouldn’t notice how on edge she was and perhaps he might even think that she was asleep.