Written for Steemit: A love story occurs during a time anomaly. A woman from today somehow steps into an

anomaly and meets a cowboy asleep on his ranch, in his bed, in the 1850's. ©Jeff Kubitz 2016 - 2017 All Rights Reserved.

Bunkers - Chapter 8 - Song of Angels, Book III

Mindy Woczlewski courtesy of Nastya Muratokova

Song of Angels - Book 1 - Table of Contents
Birth - Book II -Table of Contents

Book III Previous Chapters:
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7,

The sun began to drop low in the sky over the Weeks ranch. All the food was prepared and the steer was nearly roasted.

General Scott decided there was no need to keep his men assembled for a battle and so they bivouacked on the killing field where Captain Pierce and his men disobeyed orders and died at the hands of Cyrus and Holk.

“It is time for the Ho Down to begin!” Cyrus proclaimed joyously.

The women turned the cavalry’s meeting tables into a buffet assisted by the cavalry cooks. There were all sorts of dishes to eat and they were piled high.

Family and soldiers alike lined up for the “fixin’s” at the buffet and filled their plates with roast steer, of course, and chili, potatoes that were fried, mashed, and potato salads. There were turnips, beets, peas, beans, biscuits galore, and so much more. There were vinaigrette salads of onions, beets, peas, beans, and carrots. There were stews provided by the cavalry.

Before the first spoonful was dished, the General and Colonel Mereweather called for the chaplain to say a blessing. He had just returned from the burial of Captain Pierce and his men.

“…Let us all thank the Lord for this peace and the bounty at his hands which we are about to receive and I bless this meal in the name of the Lord. Let us enjoy the peace of his grace as we partake of the delights that are present today and enjoy the company as friends. Amen,” the Chaplain prayed.

“Amen!” Everyone shouted and the serving up of food, laughter, and a great deal of joy sounded throughout the five hundred or so gathered souls.

Cyrus and Mindy were the hosts of the party and brought the table out of the house and set it in the play area. Seated at the table was Cyrus, Mindy, General Scott, Pa, and Ma.

“This is absolutely delicious.” General Scott said about the meal, “After two years on campaign, neither I nor my men have had so fine a meal.”

Ma and Mindy graciously accepted the compliments and replied with, “Thank you and you are most welcome and so are your men.” Then they smiled at one another.

“Dear, Mindy, you have outdone yourselves for the benefit of family and friends. I propose a toast.”

“Here, Here!” Everyone at the table agreed.

Pa stood and raised his whiskey glass, “To family and the Fourth Expeditionary Regiment, May friendship, camaraderie, and success shine upon our every endeavor.”

“Cheers.” Everyone responded, including many outside the play yard and all drank.

“Where is my Senette?” Ma asked, “Has anyone seen her. Just where has she scuttled off to?”

“She is talking with the officers over at that table next to the wagons, there Ma.” Cyrus answered.

“I suppose that is fine, Ma?” Pa said.

“I suppose,” Ma answered. “Though, I think she should be a little bit closer under my watch.”

“Very well Mrs. Mereweather, as you wish,” General Scott said before Pa, with his mouth full, could answer. “Trooper tell Captain Falworth to have his table brought here, there in the vacant spot, Lieutenant Cox has command of the regiment.”

“Yes sir.” One of the general’s guards saluted and marched over to Captain Falworth. While the table was moved into the play yard, General Scott said, “This food is very delicious, especially the beef and I taste something I have not tasted before.”

“That is the garlic General Scott.” Mindy answered.

“Garlic, what is that?”
“It is a plant Mindy just has to have in almost everything but especially meats.” Cyrus answered while Mindy smiled.

“We grow it here on the ranch in our garden. It comes from bulbs, like onions. We ordered it from the east.” Mindy smiled as she spoke.

“Didn’t we buy it from the store and then you decided to grow it?” Cyrus said.

“I think you are right, yes we did.” Mindy answered.

“What store, I thought there was only a trading post in Fillmore?” General Scott asked.

“From the future,” Cyrus answered, “Where we bought the rifles and pistols.”

“Where we bought so many things, but at a different store, not the pawn,” Mindy agreed. Cyrus was not used to drinking whiskey all that often and was a little inebriated. Then, Mindy was feeling a little giddy as well.

“And what was your impression of these stores?” General Scott asked Cyrus.

“The pawn, the stores were like something from a dream. They were unbelievable as to not only what was available for purchase but all were lighted by batteries.”

“Electricity,” Mindy corrected Cyrus, “And temperature controlled.”

“Oh yes,” remembered Cyrus. “It was winter and it was warm inside. There were areas within the store that were cooled and frozen. It truly was unbelievable.”

“I propose a toast.” General Scott rose and addressed everyone. “I propose a toast.” He raised his glass. “To the bright future of the United States, may the grace of God always be upon her!”

“Cheers. Here, Here!” Everyone responded.

“And to peace between Great Britain and the United States of America, may we forever more be friends!” Pa shouted.

“Cheers.”

“You are so handsome and tall.” Senette impishly smiled at Captain Falworth after he took his second drink. Captain Falworth was about six feet tall and solid muscle. His shoulders were broad and his waist slim. His hair was a sandy brown and in a pony tail, gathered at the back leaving a knot of curls. His moustache and beard were neatly trimmed. He stood three inches taller than Senette.

“Why thank you Miss Mereweather.” Captain Falworth responded. He thought she was extremely beautiful but was a very disciplined man.

“Very dashing,” Senette smiled, “And not very old to be a captain.”

“I am twenty-three years of age,” Captain Falworth replied.

“I will be fifteen in two days.” Senette volunteered.

“Senette!” Ma said from the table.

“Call me Sissy if you want. Everyone does or they used to.” Senette said, ignoring Ma.

“Senette, attend me at once.” Ma said.

“Now Ma,” Pa said, “She is only ten feet away. She is only six feet from me.”

“She is throwing herself at them and we know nothing about them, him, the Captain. It is improper and I will not have it.” Ma stamped her foot as she sat.

“I assure you, Mrs. Mereweather, Captain Falworth is of the highest caliber. Captain Falworth join us here and bring the lady.” General Scott ordered.

“Take my arm?” Captain Falworth offered Senette.

“Oh yes, thank you.” Senette said as she put her hand in the crook of his elbow. The couple then stepped together over to the General, “Reporting Sir.”

“Enough of that Captain, we are at an informal party, guests of the Weeks ranch. Colonel and Mrs. Mereweather, Mr. and Mrs. Weeks, may I introduce Captain Robert Falworth originally of New York.”

“Oh so your name is Robert.” Senette batted her eyelashes as she turned to gaze upon the man whose arm she held.

“Yes, My name is Robert, Miss Mereweather.”

“Sissy?”

“Madam?” Captain Falworth looked at Ma.

Ma surveyed Captain Falworth like he was the steer that was spitted over the roasting pit. “Very well Captain Falworth, since you have been introduced by Phineas Scott, you may address my daughter as either Sissy, or Senette.” Ma stated. Senette beamed.

“Thank you, Mrs. Mereweather for your indulgence.” Captain Falworth responded.

“A toast to Captain Falworth and Senette!” Pa shouted raising his glass. Everyone drank and the response was overwhelming from the crowd.

Cyrus stood with the toast and raised his glass, “It’s time we set about to some music and danced!” And there were cheers all ‘round.

“Trooper, fetch the regiment band. Umm over there on the other side of the tables.” General Scott pointed, ordered one of his attendant guards.

“Yes sir.” The trooper left.

“A toast to the dance!” Pa shouted raising his glass.

“That is enough toasts for you!” Ma stated flatly.

“If we are going to dance tonight, at my age, I need a few more!” Pa replied.

“You are asking me to dance?” Ma actually blushed, hesitated, and then said, “Dear, I do believe you are right a few more toasts are in order.”

“A toast to the dance!” Pa shouted again. And Ma joined him in three more. While the band set up on the small hill to the northwest. There were two drums, the bugle, the fife. And several of the family played the harmonica, with one accordion that just happened to be in someone’s saddle bags.

After he sipped his toast, Captain Falworth turned to Senette, "If I may compliment you, Sissy?"

"Please do." Senette beamed.

"Senette, Sissy, your are the loveliest woman I have ever laid eyes upon and it is an honor to have your hand upon my arm."

"Thank you for your too kind words." Senette replied.

Captain Falworth addressed Ma, "Mrs. Mereweather, may I have your permission to dance with Miss Mereweather?"

Ma looked at Pa, who nodded in return. "You may Captain Falworth."

Looking into her eyes, "Senette, would you honor me and be my partner for the dance?" Robert asked.

Sissy's face lit up like a blazing beacon, "I truly would love to dance with you Robert."

"Let's join them." Pa said to Ma.

"Alas, it looks like I shall be alone tonight," General Scott muttered.

"What was that?" Ma said to General Scott, "I thought you married, Phineas."

"Widowed."

"Oh my." Ma exclaimed, "There is Louise, to whom you could be introduced. She is a widow as well. Pa, find Louise and bring her here."

"I'll get her Pa." Cyrus said jumping up and walking outside the play yard. Senette and Robert walked off into the tangle of those lining up for a reel.

"Louise, you say Mrs. Mereweather?"

"Had I only known, she could have joined us for dinner." Ma said, the matchmaker, Senette forgotten for the moment.

Follow me: @jeff-kubitz