Anything Could Happen

[Elegant Ella]

Ella enjoyed the warm bath and the first minutes of pure relaxation she had gotten all day.

The patients were all doing well.  One of the ranch hands had loaned Sean a good shirt and vest to wear for the wedding.  Sean might be a soldier in a blue coat, but he was young enough to have missed all of the War.  He was honestly curious about the Southern point of view, and a good listener. 

"I put all the happy marriage charms I could think of into Becca's outfit for the wedding.  I'm afraid she might need a little extra help.  If the marriage only involved Becca and Tensleep, there would be no concern.  They are right for each other.  But I suspect that too many biddies in town are going to look for trouble between the two of them to gossip about, and at least of few of them will be happy to invent scandal," signed Ella.  "Becca singing to the patients last night was a mitzvah, a service.  Jewish tradition expects  brides-to-be to perform extra deeds of charity before the wedding." 

[Scarlet Angel]

Rose washed her hair as she talked to Ella.

"I know that was one of Rebecca's concerns also. Some of those what they refer to themselves as high society women are the worst ones." Rose rolled her eyes. "Becca is a strong woman and she has been upfront with Tensleep. As long as they trust one another their marriage will be strong. I can see it when they are together. I hope Tensleep can continue to ignore the men who also boast about being with 'Becca, although many of her.....gentlemen friends are discreate."

Rose rinsed the shampoo from her hair. "Becca truly has a good heart and deserves happiness." She replied.

[Elegant Ella]

"I expect that most of the men who might boast or try to taunt Tensleep will be ones that Becca declined," replied Ella, toweling her hair.  "I haven't tried to get to know the women who consider themselves the high society in town.  I probably should, to prepare for Alan starting a practice here.  Attending the popular church is not an option.  Maybe I could hang out a shingle as a midwife."

[Scarlet Angel]

Rose patted her hair with a towel, the self pleased look that Ella was used to seeing on Scarlet's face at times appeared on Rose's. "You introduce yourself this evening, talk to the folks that will be here, all of 'em the more down to earth, friendly type, but some of them are very high in the social circle." Rose stood up straight and began to scrunch her hair in her hands, trying to give it some body and dry it. "I haven't lost all my connections ya know." Rose smiled "Mrs. Whirly is the sweetest woman, she has asked questions about you, seen how you treat the folks you care for, how they respond. She walks in some very high circles Ella. While she's not as close to us as most of your patients will be, you can bet your bloomers word is gonna SPREAD about you, a female healer. I wouldn't be surprised at all if you get a few women knocking on your door that need some sort of medical attention from a fair piece away. Even if it's ointment to get rid of scars and stretch marks. Healer for the marshal and good enough to treat the men and WOMEN here. Doc in townz not allowed out here, not for years and there's not a person in El Paso don't know it. Those women are so curious about you it's nearly killin' them." Rose giggled. "If you let the word out you're willing to see patients, be a midwife, something like that I'm sure it will be a wonderful foundation for a practice for Alan..and you." 

[Scarlet Angel]

Edited from previous post to fit timeline


The day seemed to go by fast with everyone busying themselves with all the last minute details. The girls soon found themselves gathered in Rose's room dressing for the wedding.

Becca sat at the dressing table in her dark green corset and pantaloons, frustrated trying to get her hair just so.

Scarlet came up behind her carrying a package.

"I've never been so nervous I had trouble with my hair." Becca huffed looking at Scarlet's reflection  in the mirror.

Scarlet held the bag out. "Well this should make you smile." She said with a grin.

"Oh I'm smiling, just nervous." Becca said turning to face Scarlet.

Becca took the bag that Scarlet held out to her. Her face lit up as she peeked inside.

"These are devine." She exclaimed pulling out the high heeled green lace boots that perfectly matched the corset she wore and the green accents in her wedding dress.

Becca laced them on then stood up. "Well?" she said sashaying around the room.

"They are you, and they look perfect." Scarlet replied.

Becca stuck her foot out, looked down and admired them. "I never had a green pair before."

"I'm surprised, thought you would have."

"Tis easier to borrow yer black ones when ya ain't lookin'" Becca chuckled.

"I thought they were wearing out for not being worn very often." Scarlet said with a soft laugh and shake of her head.

"Rose and I got somethin' for you too." Becca said, her eyes dancing as she looked at Rose.

Rose smiled, went to the closet and pulled out a corset, crossing the room sne held it against Scarlet.

Scarlet looked down at it with a grin. "Well now that explains a few things."

"Why what ever could you mean?" Rose asked very innocently.

Scarlet held up the blue corset and admired it, the gold piping around the edges set it off beautifully. "Fritz asked me if I knew what had happened to parts of  his uniform awhile back, some of it came up missing. I think he was suspicious when I told him I didn't know, although he didn't say anything. Y'all gonna get me in trouble." She said shaking her finger at them while she tried to suppress a grin.

"It was worn out anyway. Needed replacement and we just made use of the good parts of it and an old corset, nothing goes to waste you know." Rose smiled.

"And yer gonna have to tell us how he likes seein' it on you." Becca said softly as she walked past her friend.

[Elegant Ella]

Ella brought out her gifts.  "I used a couple scraps after Rose was done," she said, handing Scarlet a small package that opened to be  a lace-edged handkerchief around a blue garter trimmed with lace.  She handed a similar package to Becca, this one with a green satin garter.  "I also have a couple brooches from my grandmother, if you want to borrow something old to wear."

[Scarlet Angel]

"They are beautiful Ella, thank you." Scarlet replied with a smile that told Ella she was touched. "I would be honored if you let me borrow your grandmother's brooch."

"They are gorgeous, Ella." Becca said with a hug. "I also would be honored to wear your grandmother's brooch."

"Now it's are turn." Becca said with delight. It was obvious she loved to give gifts as much if not more than receive them.

Rebecca handed Ella a small satin pouch. A small silver fully opened rose with a green stone in the center slid out into Ella's hand. It hung on a delicate silver chain.

Scarlet handed Patches a similar pouch. The necklace was the same with a red stone instead of the green.

The one Scarlet and Becca gave to Rose had two slightly opened rose buds intertwined. One with a green stone the other with a red one.

Rose hugged both girls and fought the first of many happy tears for the day.

[Scarlet Angel]

Becca sat down in front of the mirror and resumed trying to accomplish something beautiful with her hair. Normally, even on big nights, she didn't have any problems. Nobody else was having problems. Rose's hair hung in cascading curls down her back and she was pinning flowers in Patches long hair, they both looked beautiful. Scarlet's hair was in a very loose french braid that didn't seem to take much of the length or fullness out of it. She had taken the yellow cord she almost always wore in it and weaved it into the braid along with tiny red roses. The effect was stunning, especially since Becca had never seen Scarlet do that kind of braid in her hair, it was usually lose or in some form of ponytail with the yellow cord wrapped around it. Ella had sat down in front of one of the mirrors with a pile of ribbons and assorted things she was working into her hair with no trouble at all, it was no doubt going to be radiant. Becca leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath.

"Scarlet are you nervous at all?" She asked.

Scarlet looked at her and half smiled. "Does it show?"

"Hardly." Becca snorted.

Scarlet held her hand out and looked down, it shook slightly. "Shouldn't be, but yeah I am a bit." She took the emerald barrette that was in Becca's hand, pulled a little of her hair back from each side leaving it loose around her face and clipped the barrette in.

"You suppose the grooms get half as nervous as brides?" Becca asked the group.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He moved slowly, deliberately.  He took his time.  And yet...he still couldn't get the sash tied right.

"Dammit!" Fritz yelled.  As he readied to rip the sash from his waist, someone knocked at the door.  "Come in!"

The door opened, and Bo stepped inside.  He wore a dress uniform, far different from Fritz.  The shell jacket was light gray, piped in yellow, with gold curls at the cuffs.  The rank was that of a Confederate Captain.  The trousers were sky blue, piped in yellow.  Black boots shone brightly.  An ornate saber hung at Bo's left hip, while a holstered pistol sat butt-forward on the right.  He carried a wide felt hat, pinned and plumed.  Fritz saluted.

"Did you and Jeb Stuart shop at the same store?"

Bo laughed.  "Some say he favored me."

Fritz looked closer at the holstered pistol.  "Is that a LeMat?"

"Sure is.  You familiar with them?"

"Not all the variants, but you boys sure liked 'em."

"Nine shots is better than six."

"Is it loaded?"

"Not much good if it ain't.  'Sides, I gotta keep you at this wedding somehow."

Fritz looked to his saber belt.  The converted Navy rode butt-forward.  He stuffed as many of Bill's hollow-point rounds into the cap pouch as would fit.  "I don't feel so bad now."

"You need help with that sash?"

"Yes," Fritz sighed.  "I guess I'm a bit more nervous than the first time."

Bo tied the knot at the left hip, and Fritz bucked the belt on.  The plate shone brightly.

"Why do you think that is?"

"I want to make her happy...as happy as she's made me."

Bo looked him over.  "Do you think there's any doubt of that?"

"No...I guess not."

"You guess correctly.  I've never seen Scarlet so radiant."

"You've SEEN her?  How does she look?"

Bo smirked.  "I'm not tel-ling!!!"

"Bastard," Fritz retorted.  "Before I forget, there something for you on the desk."

There was a really good bottle of bourbon, and a bundle of fine Cubans waiting for him.  "I wanted to get you a good humidor, but nothing really struck me.  Perhaps I'll have one made for you."

"By the time it gets here, you'll have to replace these!"

Bo popped the cork, and swigged direct from the bottle.  "If you'll honor me sir," he said, handing it over.

Fritz smiled.  "To my brother...and friend." 

It was really good bourbon.         

     

[Scarlet Angel]

Rose looked at the closed door that Bo had gone out. The way he was dressed took her by surprise, although it didn't seem to surprise Scarlet at all. She resumed buttoning Scarlet's dress.

Scarlet had been fairing pretty well with her nerves until Bo had come in the door. She had been able to keep the nervous thoughts about hoping the life style that somewhat had been forced upon Fritz was one he liked. She wondered what else had slipped her mind she automatically did that she hadn't told Fritz was about to become part of his life too.

"How many buttons are on this?" Scarlet asked as she fidgeted.

Rose chuckled softly

"Feels like a hundred." Scarlet sighed.

"Only about fifty five AND I better not have to repair them."

Becca laughed at the comment.

"Better not have to repair yours either." Rose said shaking a finger at Becca.

"I detect some pleasure in your voice when you say that." Scarlet replied.

Rose just chuckled again as she finished the last button.

"You weren't surprised to see Bo in his uniform?"

It was Scarlet's turn to smile. "We talked about it."

"I don't recall seeing him in it since his father's funeral." Rose said.

"I recall how his mother had a fit seeing them in their uniforms at their father's funeral. I thought we were gonna have ta put her in the grave too the way she carried on 'n all."

"Oh yes, now that you say something. That would explain a few things." Rose replied.

One of the girls from the Ace tapped lightly on the door then peeked in. "Just thought I'd let you know guests are arriving. Y'all near ready?"

"Near. Step in here let me see ya." Becca said.

"I hope it's appropriate." Candy said stepping in with a smile. She twirled around; the long dress swept the floor as she did so. "It's kinda nice to wear something like this. A few of the gentlemen didn't even recognize us when we came in. Everybody looks so wonderful, anyhow I'll get outta yer hair, just wanted to let you know folks are showin' up."

"Thank you." Rose replied.

[Scarlet Angel]

Johnny had finished tying his tie; he looked himself over in the mirror and decided he would meet Rose's inspection, rather well too. He made his way back towards the house and was happy to see Grey Eagle talking and laughing with a few of the ranch hands that knew who he was.

"Shall we go see how the groom is doing?" Johnny said to Grey Eagle as he stepped up.

Grey Eagle shook his head and turned to follow Johnny. "I think you just want to see what is in the package." Grey Eagle said.

Johnny grinned.

[Elegant Ella]

Ella had done enough with her hair, and it looked like Becca could use some help. 
She went to stand behind Becca, "May I help?" 

"Please do something with my hair!  The more I try, the worse it looks!" replied Becca, handing Ella her brush. 

Ella took up the hair brush and sang while she brushed and braided.

"Darling, I am growing old,
Silver threads among the gold
Shine upon my brow today;
Life is fading fast away;
But, my darling, you will be, will be,
Always young and fair to me,
Yes, my darling, you will be,
Always young and fair to me."

Rose joined in on the chorus: 
"Darling, I am growing old,
Silver threads among the gold,
Shine upon my brow today;
Life is fading fast away."
and continued with Ella on the rest of the verses:

"When your hair is silver white,
And your cheeks no longer bright,
With the roses of the May;
I will kiss your lips and say-
Oh! my darling, mine alone, alone,
You have never older grown,
Yes, my darling, mine alone,
You have never older grown.

"Love can never more grow old,
Locks may lose their brown and gold,
Cheeks may fade and hollow grow,
But the hearts that love will know
Never, never, winter's frost and chill:
Summer warmth is in them still-
Never winter's frost and chill,
Summer warmth is in them still.

"Love is always young and fair,-
What to us is silver hair,
Faded cheeks or steps grown slow,
To the heart that beats below?
Since I kissed you, mine alone, alone,
You have never older grown-
Since I kissed you, mine alone,
You have never older grown."

At the end of the song, she handed Becca a mirror, so that she could see her hair elegantly arranged in a crown decorated with roses and ribbons.   

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Johnny knocked at the door.  Muted laughter and cigar smoke wafted from under the door.

"Boys, you wanna open up?"

Waiting no longer, Grey Eagle pulled open the door.  He was treated to a most unusual sight.  Before him stood a Union NCO and a Confederate Officer.  Both were dressed in their finest, puffing away at good smokes.  Bothwere armed; somewhat unusual for a wedding.  They were both smiling.

"The war is long over, yes?"

"Ah...yes."  Fritz put down his cigar.  "It's been for a long, long time."

"Good.  To see brothers armed is a bad thing."  Grey Eagle frowned.  "Is this not a happy day?"

"It sure is," Bo replied.  "What have you there?"

"It is for my brother...Yellow Sleeve.  Frritzz."

Johnny's eyes followed the parcel as he handed it over.

It was long, wrapped well in tanned doeskin.  Fritz untied the latigo at one end, and reached inside.  His hand touched polished wood.  He slowly pulled.  The engraved '66 cleared the leather, not quite as he'd left it.  The stock and forearm had been tacked in a beautiful design.  Fritz noticed the sinew wrapped at the wrist.

"They break there," Grey Eagle said.

Tied at barrel band was a single eagle feather.

"When a young man first sees war, he comes home a warrior.  You and I saw war together.  You are a warrior now."

Fritz was moved.  "I don't know what to say.  This is a good rifle.  Are you sure?"

Grey Eagle smiled.  "I have many fine rifles.  This one is for you."

     

[Scarlet Angel]

The sound of the band beginning to play softly drifted into the house. Rose followed the sound of the men's voices. Coming to a stop in the doorway she peered inside, four men talking and laughing; men so different yet so much the same, people could surely learn something from the scene before her she thought.

"Should have known I would find you gathered around cigars, a bottle and a gun." She smiled as she placed her hand on Johnny's shoulder "Everyone looks very handsome. I sent one of the girls to fetch Tensleep, the guests are here, preacher is here, the girls are as ready as girls can ever get are you ready?" Rose smiled warmly at Fritz.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz set the '66 gently on the bed, and extinguished his cigar.

"How do I look Rose?"

She smiled.  "You look..."

Johnny smirked.  "Like a damned Yank.."

One look from his wife silenced that jibe.

"You look so handsome.  Let's go downstairs."

[Scarlet Angel]

"Would have looked better if we could have dressed 'im like you." Johnny whispered towards Bo only to be swatted by Rose.

Johnny laughed.

Rose rolled her eyes "He must like you Fritz or he wouldn't be carryin' on so. I just hope you can survive bein' related to him."

She placed her hand on Fritz's offered arm and placed a small button in his hand. "Scarlet's dress has fifty five of these. I expect there to be fifty five of them on there tomorrow too." The light danced in her eyes as she said it.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

The idea of tearing off so beautiful a creation had not crossed his mind.  He hadn't even seen her dress yet, but was sure it was wonderful.  But he placed the button in his pocket, just in case.

He walked with Rose, his thoughts a whirlwind in his head.  But of one thing he was sure.  His love for Scarlet would last forever.

He couldn't wait to see her.

[Scarlet Angel]

Rose walked with Fritz proudly introducing him to guests he didn't know. There were a wide array of people attending from farmers and merchants to a few that Fritz recognized held high offices and all sorts in between.

Candy smiled as Rose started to introduce her to Fritz.

"We have met Miss Rose. Perhaps I will get to dance with the groom later."  She said with a smile, then looked over the crowd. "There are some folks from town I would have expected would be here."

Rose smiled coyly "Just because folks might have a high standing in the community doesn't mean they make it on my guest list. While it's true there are a lot of folks here, they are close friends of the brides or grooms and the family. There are times when you do things with folks to put on good appearances; this is not one of them."

"Now I know how Scarlet learned to dance to the beat of her own drum Miss Rose."

Rose smiled at the complement.

"Scarlet is a lucky woman. I wish you both much happiness." Candy said then politely excused herself so Rose could finish introductions.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"Fritz," Rose said, "I'd meant to ask before, but do you have family coming?"

He smiled.  "My family and I were never that close.  I chose a different path from them.  My friends are my family...you are family to me...Mom."

[Scarlet Angel]

Fritz could tell by her smile Rose was touched. "I've heard "friends are the family we choose with our heart"  It makes me very happy for us to be part of one another's family."