Now and Forever: Third in the Liza Marchant Series

By Marian L. Jasper

What happened to Kate? That had been the burning question in Ellie Fuller's mind throughout her research into the life of Liza Marchant. As she read Liza's correspondence and journals, she wondered whether she was ever going to find the answer. She hoped that there would be a happy ending to Kate's story and that she had not died in some primitive Indian encampment. Ellie was still having vivid dreams about Liza, which brought to mind another question yet to be answered concerning the jewellery which, in the year 1840, had been placed in an old Marchant & Fuller safe in Belfast. Liza was still insisting that it was not theirs to sell but if it did not belong to Ellie and her brother Eddy, then who did it belong to? As Ellie continued writing, she was amazed to realise that somehow Liza had been brought back to life. She was a little unnerved when she began experiencing the warmth and affection that Liza gave and received from her husband, Patrick; her son, Matthew; and adopted son, John, as well as the people of Liza's beloved American town of Benson and its nearby army post. But life was not always idyllic and sometimes happiness turned to sadness and fear, and at such times Lord Jamie Edgeworth came to the fore to give help and protection to Liza, whom he had loved all his adult life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781528925549

Marian L. Jasper

Marian L. Jasper was born in Hertfordshire and worked in the publishing industry within that area for many years. On the sale of her company, she moved to Jersey in the Channel Islands and eventually owned a small telecommunications company which served all the islands. She and her husband now live near family in Mandurah, near Perth in Western Australia.

Book preview

Eighteen

About the Author

Marian L. Jasper was born in Hertfordshire and worked in the publishing industry within that area for many years. On the sale of her company, she moved to Jersey in the Channel Islands and eventually owned a small telecommunications company which served all the islands. She and her husband now live near family in Mandurah, near Perth in Western Australia.

Also by Marian L. Jasper

For All Time

First in the Liza Marchant Series

Against All Odds

Second in the Liza Marchant Series

Dedication

Dedicated to my cousin, Norah, who has been caring and

supportive throughout my life.

Copyright Information

Copyright © Marian L. Jasper (2020)

The right of Marian L. Jasper to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528917230 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528917247 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781528925549 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2020)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgements

Eagle image courtesy of Mike [e-mail]

Introduction

Ellie Fuller was spending a great deal of time pouring over the many documents in Liza Marchant-Kelly’s ‘special box’ but still could not understand the animosity that the current Lord Edgeworth was showing towards somebody who seemed to have invested wisely and given freely to the prosperity of his family so many years ago. Her task in writing Liza’s life story was not being helped by him as a vast amount of her time had been spent in his company; how that had come about Ellie was about to find out but it could only be a one-sided account if she could not get to Lord James Edgeworth’s family documents.

As she went through the letters and documents in the ‘special box’, she was managing to piece together some of the events in date order and relate them to a very significant one of Liza’s journals which began on the 1st of January 1852 and started with a vivid description of an unruly, out of control hoedown which had taken place the previous evening at the function room at the Benson fort’s New Year’s Eve Party and it had Ellie laughing as it was very easy for her to imagine the chaos that it had caused.

Oh, Liza, Ellie said to herself, No matter the heartache you have had, you still managed to brighten people’s lives. I wish I had truly met you, but I suppose this will be the nearest I will come to you.

Many times, Liza had visited her in her dreams insisting that her jewellery was not to be sold as it belonged to someone else. As yet, Ellie could find no reference to any descendants who should benefit from it all. Ellie’s brother, Eddy, had also experienced the dream telling them that the jewellery was not theirs to dispose of. They were mystified but Liza intimated that all would become clear in the fullness of time.

With a certain amount of frustration, Ellie carried on reading Liza’s documents and journals and throughout them all she felt the underlying pain that had been experienced over the loss of her baby daughter, little Meg, and the shock when Mark Kendal killed Edward Fuller’s wife, Felicity, and her lover, Lieutenant Stephen Crown, in a fit of passion and the fear that she had experienced when she organised Mark’s escape from prison before he could face a firing squad. She had seen something strange in his future and felt that she had no alternative but to save his life, leading to Patrick thinking that she had been disloyal to him with Mark. However, she soon proved to him that he was the true love of her life.

Liza’s son, Matthew, whose father had been adopted by the chief of the Cherokee tribe, and Patrick’s ‘nephew’ John were growing up happily together in the town of Benson, and along with the lawyer’s son, Simon, they seemed to rule the roost amongst the children of the town.

What are you going to do about Lord Edgeworth? asked Eddy one morning.

Don’t you mean what are we going to do about Lord Edgeworth? said Ellie. We will have to find a way to confront him, which shouldn’t be too difficult as he seems to be mostly at his Surrey estate, so we can go and camp out on his doorstep, but I’m not quite ready for that yet. There may be something in all these documents that will throw some light on the reason why he is so against Liza.

Yes, you wouldn’t want to confront him knowing only half the facts, said Eddie and Ellie looked at him and he altered what he was saying to: I mean we wouldn’t want to confront him.

He does seem rather aggressive, so I really do feel that I would like your support in this. Also, I really want to arrange to go to the US shortly to follow up on some of my research. Will you be able to come with me? said Ellie.

I can take a couple of weeks or so, but any longer could be a problem. I would like to see where she lived in America though and see if there is anything remaining of her life there, said Eddie.

Ellie nodded her approval and knew that all her unanswered questions would be answered eventually, after all Liza was helping and guiding her through all that she was doing and her help was going to finally put right some very serious wrongs.

Chapter One

New Year’s Day 1852 dawned and it was snowing but was not settling. There was enough for the boys to attempt a small snowman but so far it would not stop anyone getting around, but just in case, Liza went to see the Reverend George Prior to make sure that he knew that he was welcome to come and stay with them as he had done the previous year. He thanked her but said that at the moment he was all right, especially as he had a new roof and a new stove which should keep him warm to quite an extent.

But have you got extra food organised for yourself, George, said Liza.

Well, I don’t eat that much, Liza, said George.

Oh George, you’re useless. I’ll get you some provisions and I’ll get extra in for us just in case you need us, said Liza.

You’re very kind, Liza, and I know Angela worries about me as well. I’m very lucky, said George.

Everybody cares about you, George; it’s not just Angela and me. There were many people worried about you last year you know, said Liza.

Liza left and spent a short while visiting Meg and Danny’s graves and then she went to Angus’ grave and finally Felicity and Lieutenant Crown and there was Ada also visiting her daughter. Liza was going to leave her to visit her daughter in peace, but Ada called to her.

Do you visit very often, Liza? asked Ada.

Quite often, said Liza. I like to make sure they are all resting as peacefully as possible.

I see that Lieutenant Crown and Angus Campbell both have headstones. I suppose that’s down to you, Liza, said Ada.

Nobody should go without being remembered in some way, said Liza.

How do Kathy and Joe feel about that? They obviously have no love for Angus, said Ada.

They don’t say anything, but I suppose they know and it’s only remembering that somebody lived here. Angus bitterly regretted what had happened as was proved by him taking his own life. He did a great deal of good when he was sober and as you know he was an original inhabitant of this town before it was even called Benson. Yes, he should be remembered, said Liza.

Have you got over the hoedown yet, Liza? asked Ada.

I think we all did rather well, contrary to what I am being told. How’s the Colonel? I understand he nearly had a seizure watching us all hurtling around in a disorderly manner, said Liza.

Yes, he’s fine, but he did find it extremely funny, as did everyone there, said Ada.

I think we ought to hold a hoedown every month. We might learn something from it, said Liza quite seriously.

Oh, Liza, you always make me feel better, said Ada and they wandered off together to see Kathy at the general store and see if they could get coffee and cake there before getting in supplies just in case the heavy snow arrived.

The boys were playing in the garden when Liza arrived back with copious amounts of extra supplies. They were trying to make snowballs having remembered last year’s snowball fight, but there really wasn’t enough to create anything decent yet. They were also hoping that the snow would arrive as they were due back at school in less than a week and really wanted to extend their holiday time.

Liza sorted out the supplies with Zelma and they packed up what they thought would be useful for George and once again Liza made her way up to the church to deliver the goods there. She was delighted to see that she was not the only one who had thought about George as the Tolanys had called in with some cakes and vegetables from the Dornbergs.

She elicited a promise from George that he wouldn’t wait too long to come down to her if the weather changed dramatically and not to take a chance and leave it until it was nearly too late like he did last year.

The next few days passed quite quickly and no further snow appeared, although it looked threatening every day. Patrick’s ribs felt better and he was now venturing out without his bandages, but the Colonel would not let him go out on patrols just yet, much to Patrick’s annoyance. He was now beginning to hate desk duties but as the Colonel said, if the weather changed for the worse, he wouldn’t be going out on patrols anyway.

Monday came and the boys were excited about being back at school, even though they had said that they wanted more time at home. Christmas seemed a long time ago. It was a pleasant day and Liza had some tidying to do in the garden, so she wrapped up well and put on her thick gloves and started cutting back and removing anything that was dead. She had a large pile that would eventually have to be burnt. She could hear the twins playing in their garden and she wondered whether they had left their spoons in their boxes or whether they were now carrying them around in their boxes.

Liza went to her front gate and was about to go and see Hannah and the twins when she noticed two people in the distance riding into town. There was something familiar about one of them, so she stood and watched as they got closer. It looks like Ambrose, she thought, surely it can’t be, he wouldn’t leave his home at this time of year to come this far. If he had, he must have been travelling for weeks, although times like Christmas and New Year would mean nothing to him. Who’s with him? If he’s coming into town, he must be coming to see me. It can’t be him; I must be seeing things.

She went through her front gate and stood in the street, all the time watching the two riders and as they got nearer her heart started beating faster and for some inexplicable reason, she started crying, but she still couldn’t believe what she thought she was seeing. It had been nearly ten years, but there was no mistaking Kate. Liza had often thought how she would react to seeing her again. She thought that she would run to her and fling her arms around her and kiss her, but all Liza could do was stand perfectly still and cry.

They came nearer and then stopped in front of her and still she could say nothing, she couldn’t even move and the tears kept flowing.

Aren’t you going to invite us in, Liza? We’ve had a long journey, said Ambrose and Liza just nodded and led the way into her house as they dismounted and followed her.

Zelma took one look at Liza’s white face and the tears falling onto her cheeks and knew something strange had happened, and then she saw Ambrose and she recognised Kate, although she had only seen her for a short while ten years ago. Still Liza had said nothing, she was in shock but she couldn’t take her eyes off Kate. Zelma pulled chairs out and sat both Ambrose and Kate down and then both Liza and Kate seemed to come to life and Liza jumped up and put her arms around Kate and cried all over her and Kate did the same, still neither of them said anything.

Liza finally found her voice, I’ve looked for you for so long and it’s only recently that I lost hope and believed that you must be dead. Oh my God, Kate, you must have been to hell and back several times over. Thank God you’re here now. I don’t know what to say or do.

I was told years ago that you were dead, and it was only by chance that I met Ambrose and he knew you had never given up looking for me, sobbed Kate.

Zelma, I don’t know what to do, can you get Kathy for us please and ask her to send Sam for Patrick, said Liza.

Ambrose got up and looked around for some cups, which he found and he picked up the coffee pot from the stove and poured coffee for them all. Liza had completely forgotten how to look after them. Zelma put on her cloak and ran for Kathy.

Who’s Kathy? asked Kate.

She’ll know what to do, was all Liza could say.

I’ve met Kathy, said Ambrose. She’s a very good and kind woman. We all need somebody who is down to earth at the moment.

There was a sudden commotion and in burst Kathy followed by Zelma; she rushed over to Kate and wrapped her arms around her and said, We’ve all been waiting and praying for you for so long, Kate, thank God you’re here now. Nice to see you again, Ambrose, it’s been a while.

Yes, quite some time. I’m pleased you’re here, Kathy; these two seem to need some help. I think Liza’s in shock, said Ambrose.

Right, said Kathy. First thing is food I think, I’m sure you both haven’t eaten too well on your long journey here. Zelma and I will deal with that now. Then we’ll sort out a nice hot bath and we’ll get Dr Tom to look you over. Whatever has happened to you over the years you’ll be able to talk to Liza about if and when you are ready, but now let’s just get you warm and comfortable.

Liza was just sitting at the table holding Kate’s hand; she couldn’t seem to let it go. Ten years had taken its toll on Kate and, of course, that had been ten years of being where she didn’t want to be. Liza had only had two years that way and that had been bad enough, she couldn’t imagine what ten years would have been like. She sensed that Kate was pleased to be there, but she seemed to have lost her smile and Liza could understand that.

Joe appeared carrying meat pies and bread. Ambrose’s eyes lit up at the prospect of home cooking. Kate looked at her plate and grabbed at her food with her fingers; she obviously had lost the ability to use cutlery but nobody minded. She was really hungry and it had been so long since she had eaten food like this.

Patrick rushed in and was pleased that Kathy and Joe were there as he could see that Liza was not coping with the situation. He greeted Ambrose and then went to Kate and kissed her gently on the cheek, I am so pleased you’re finally here, Kate; I really thought that Liza would never see you again, it’s been such a long time. Welcome, Kate; welcome to our family.

He turned to Liza and asked her if she was all right to which she replied that she didn’t know what to do.

That’s the first time I’ve known you to be at a loss, Liza; don’t worry, Kathy and Zelma are here to help. I see you’ve got your priorities right, Kathy, food first and worry about everything else later, said Patrick.

Joe was serving everybody coffee, and he was smiling happily because it had not only been Liza who had wondered about her friend Kate, they had all thought about her on occasion even though they had never met her.

This is a very good day, he said. I know it’s a day that we began to think would never happen.

Zelma went over and touched Kate lightly on the shoulder and Kate turned and looked at her, I remember you, she said, you were kind to us, as much as you were allowed to be, said Kate rather sharply and it was obvious that she was using the English language as if it was not her first language. Zelma smiled and nodded.

Joe was busy building up the fire in the sitting room and putting large pans of water to heat on the stove, he then asked Patrick to help him through into the sitting room with the bath. It’ll be much more private in there as I know there will be lots of people calling this afternoon. The word will have gone around both at the fort and the town and everyone will want to welcome Liza’s close friend home. I think you will have to fend many of them off today, Patrick, they will understand but will want Liza to know that they care.

I smell, said Kate suddenly looking self-conscious.

Do you honestly think that any of us care whether or not you smell, said Liza. The only reason we are organising a bath for you is to warm you up and make you relax as much as possible. You remember you always organised a bath for me when I needed to calm down and relax, and you bathed me when I had been hurt and you put soothing cream on my wounds. I want to do the same for you; I need to do the same for you, although your wounds must be far deeper than mine and many have to be in your mind.

All Patrick heard in that speech was that Kate had soothed his Liza’s wounds. Liza had been hurt more than he had realised in the past and then his conscience pricked him again over the way he had treated her not so long ago when he had misjudged her. He remembered that her first husband had also misjudged her; that seemed to have been a recurring pattern in her life, but he would never allow that to happen again.

Suddenly, Liza came back to life. We need some clothes for Kate. Hers need airing, they’ve been packed away too long. Zelma, can you find some of mine that you think will fit her. Kathy, can you get some bedclothes from the cupboard and I’ll make the bed up in the spare room later. Patrick, can you and Joe please fill the bath and I’ll get towels and soap.

I think when Kate has finished in the bath, I wouldn’t mind having one myself, said Ambrose.

Joe, when you’ve finished filling the bath, go and get some of your clothes, commanded Kathy, I don’t think Patrick’s will fit Ambrose.

What are we going to give the boys for tea? asked Liza to nobody in particular.

Is Gabriel joining us? asked Kathy.

He and Si normally do, said Liza. If it all gets too much for Kate, we can go into the sitting room together.

Zelma and I will organise everything, Liza, you just get Kate clean, warm and comfortable, said Kathy.

Patrick, can you please go and see Tom and ask him to call later; he’ll need to know why, said Liza.

By that time, the bath was filled, ready and inviting. Everyone was carrying out their tasks and Liza and Kate moved into the sitting room. Kate threw off her clothes, which could only be described as just partly Indian. They were a mismatch of both Indian and white and Kate finally lowered herself into the hot water and a smile at last crossed her face.

I would like to help you bathe, Kate, will you allow me to? asked Liza.

Yes, was all Kate said, and Liza washed her hair, and her back where she saw the marks of a beating, and she also saw stretch marks on her stomach, so she knew that Kate had borne children. In time she knew that Kate would tell her everything. She let Kate wash her own personal places after which she lay back and relaxed and soaked for some time.

Kate then said, Thank you for not asking. I’ll tell you when I feel able.

There are some things that are just too difficult to say. When the time is right, you’ll be able to tell me and if you find that the time is never right, then that’s your decision. I found it difficult to start with and there are some things that I have never talked about, although I believe that Patrick knows more than he lets on, said Liza.

Zelma knocked and brought in clothes for Kate and asked if there was anything else needed and when told there was nothing at the moment, she said she would get Kate’s room ready for her.

Thank you, Zelma. I appreciate that, said Liza.

That’s not her name. I can’t remember what it was, said Kate.

U-s-di gu-le-di-s-go-ni-hi, said Liza.

Hmm, Little Dove, I remember now, said Kate. She was very good to us. Ambrose mentioned her on the way here. He said she had been hurt.

Yes, she had, said Liza. Now was not the time to go into details of what had happened to Zelma, or anyone else for that matter.

She seems well now, said Kate.

Liza just said, Yes.

You kept my clothes then, Liza, said Kate.

I kept everything of yours, Kate; they are packed away in your room. You can sort them out tomorrow or whenever you want to. I have your jewellery locked away in my safety box, said Liza.

I’m finding it difficult to talk to you, Liza. It’s been such a long time since I not only spoke English but didn’t have to worry about what I said, said Kate.

We’ll take it one step at a time, said Liza. I’m also finding it difficult but mine is because I just want you to tell me whatever you wish to when you can.

Kate stepped out of the bath and Liza wrapped a warm towel around her and for the second time Kate smiled her pleasure at Liza. She dried her hair and managed to dress herself in a reasonable manner. Liza sat her down and started combing her hair; it was long but had retained its colour. Liza tied it back with a ribbon and Kate started to look like she had all those years ago. You look lovely, Kate; shall we go out and greet everyone? Kate nodded and they left the sitting room and were greeted with nods of approval from everybody there.

I’ll go and get myself cleaned up, said Ambrose. He refused to let them empty the water and just added more hot water to it. Liza gave him a towel and he took Joe’s clothes in with him. In a short while they could hear him humming to himself.

Ada called in and she was introduced to Kate. Liza asked the Colonel on so many occasions if there was any news about you. She never gave up you know. I’m so pleased to meet you, Kate, and I hope Liza will bring you out to meet her friends at the fort shortly. I won’t stay now, I just wanted to welcome you here and look forward to seeing you again. She left them as quickly as she had come and Liza appreciated her tact.

Kathy and Zelma were getting the boys’ dinner ready for them as they would be home from school shortly. Patrick told Kate that soon the house would be filled with noise but once the boys had eaten, they would go and amuse themselves somewhere.

How many? asked Kate.

Three, said Patrick. Two are ours and one is our next-door neighbour’s. He comes to us when his father is working. He’s a widower and the town lawyer. We consider him part of our family. I’ll go and fetch them; they are just about due out of school now.

Liza smiled at him, grateful that he was going to warn the boys not to create too much noise and the reason why.

Ambrose appeared looking so very different. He and Joe emptied the bath and Kathy grabbed his old clothes saying that she was going to do something with them but didn’t say exactly what.

Liza and Zelma laid places at the table for the boys and Kate was ushered into one of the rocking chairs and she looked a little more relaxed now.

Patrick walked in with the three boys, who all seemed a little nervous. A sharp intake of breath could be heard from Kate when she saw them. Matthew walked up to her and said, I’m very pleased to meet you, Aunt Kate, my mummy has talked about you a lot. I’m glad you’re here now, we all are. John and Si nodded their agreement with what he said.

Kate smiled at them and replied that she was very pleased to be there and then she looked up at Liza and frowned quizzically. Liza just smiled and nodded. Patrick also noticed what had passed between them.

The boys were rather quiet at their meal and when they had finished, they decided that playing in their room was better than outside as it wasn’t snowy enough yet, so they disappeared from the room and could be heard chatting in their room.

Ambrose also hadn’t seen Matthew before, but he recognised who his father was immediately as did Kate. No matter what Patrick said, they both knew that he was not his child, but he most certainly was Liza’s, the green eyes gave that away.

Tom called and Kate and Liza went into the sitting room with him. He gave Kate a quick examination and said that she appeared healthy enough but wanted to see her the next day when he could be more thorough. He asked her quite a few questions about her life, but she was reluctant to answer and Liza offered to leave the room if it was easier for her. She said that she would prefer her to be there and that tomorrow she may well be ready to talk to the doctor in more detail, so he arranged to call again the next day. There won’t be as many people around tomorrow, said Liza. He left saying how pleased he was that Kate was there.

The table was reset to accommodate the eight adults and a large meat stew had been simmering on the stove all afternoon. They were all now waiting for Gabriel to arrive; he was a creature of habit so he would be with them any minute. In he came and was introduced to Ambrose and then to Kate and he went over to her, shook her hand and told her how well she looked and that he was pleased that Liza had at last found her very good friend and he hoped that she would now be very happy.

Liza checked on the boys before they all sat down to their meal and they were playing. John asked if Aunt Kate was all right as she seemed very quiet. Yes, John, it’s just that she’s not used to seeing so many people all at one time. She’ll get used to us soon enough.

The talk around the table moved onto the weather and how Ambrose wouldn’t be able to get back to his home before the snow started. It had been threatening all day and it had now started.

I may be able to get to Harris Town before it gets too heavy. I can stay with Angela’s parents if necessary, but I’ll have to set off early tomorrow if I’m going to make it, said Ambrose.

If you think you are not going to get back to where you live, then you might as well stay here, said Patrick.

Yes, said Liza, of course you should stay. We’ll get you set up in the sitting room.

There’s no need for that, Liza, said Gabriel. I’ve got a spare room and you’re more than welcome to it, Ambrose.

Well, if it’s no bother to you and I’m going to have to be away from home during the winter, then it might just as well be here amongst friends, said Ambrose. It will be a new experience for me; I don’t stay in any town very long normally.

Liza beamed at everyone around the table. She watched Kate trying to eat her stew with cutlery and she was managing, but it was such a far cry from the dainty Kate that Liza had first known and she wondered whether she would ever be able to get back to how she had been all those years ago. It was very early days and perhaps with the love and care that she would receive now she stood a good chance.

When they had finished their meal, Gabriel went to his house to get the fire going in the spare room and Zelma and Kathy went to make up the bed. Ambrose had protested that he didn’t need a bed as he had so often slept on the floor or on the open ground, but Gabriel had said that it was up to him where he slept but the bed would be ready for him if he wanted it.

When Gabriel, Zelma and Kathy came back, the snow had started coming down thickly and Kathy and Joe decided to leave for their home before it got too heavy and made it difficult for them to walk.

Are you going to be all right in your home, Zelma? asked Liza. You know you don’t have to go there, we can put you up here.

I’ll be all right tonight, Liza, but I’ll see what tomorrow brings. My stove has been alight all afternoon so the place will be quite warm, but I’ll go now also and see you tomorrow. Goodnight everyone; I’m so pleased that you are here with us, Kate.

Gabriel called Si down. We’d better leave now if you don’t mind, Ambrose. I’ll put the shovels by the back door as I think we are going to need them tomorrow. Goodnight all of you. I hope you sleep well tonight, Kate. I’ll see you all tomorrow.

Liza went up to get the boys ready for bed, they were excited that it was snowing, and they knew that they probably wouldn’t have to go to school the next day.

Patrick was downstairs with Kate and there was an awkward silence until he said, It must be very difficult for you, Kate. Today has been a shock to us all, but we are all very happy that you are here and we don’t expect you to feel at home straight away. I’m sure it will take you some time to settle, I know that Liza still has nightmares and she was away for just two years but it has left its mark on her and it probably always will. She has always blamed herself for your capture you know. She has said on many occasions if she hadn’t been so keen to try to get over the loss of her first husband by running around all over the place, then none of this would have happened.

It was never Liza’s fault. Jamie Edgeworth has to take the blame for this. He wouldn’t leave her alone and she made the decision to go to Senor Valdez’s hacienda to get away from him. We came to America to get away from him and he followed her. I blame him and nobody else, said Kate rather falteringly.

Oh, I see. He loves her you know, Kate. He loves her so much that he tried to kill her. His love momentarily turned to hate and he turned a gun on her, but he missed. If I wasn’t around, he would try again to make her his. He wrote to her after his attempt on her life and his letter set out exactly how he felt. She wanted me to read it because we have no secrets, and it was a very sad letter and to be honest, I could only feel sorry for him, said Patrick.

Amelia, said Kate suddenly. Love and hate are strange bedfellows.

Yes, that is exactly what Amelia says, and she’s right, said Patrick.

When Liza came into the room, she was pleased to see that Kate and Patrick seemed to be quite comfortable in one another’s company. The boys are being quite inquisitive about you, Kate, but they know better than to ask questions and in a short while, they’ll forget that you’re new here. Tomorrow the only thing that you will have to do is see Dr Tom. He seems to think that you are quite fit, but as you know he wants to make sure. We can sort out all your belongings tomorrow, unless you want to do it tonight.

No, I’m quite tired tonight, but I have to ask; do you have Frederick’s ring? asked Kate.

Yes, Kate, I’ve kept it safely for you; in fact, I’ll go and get it now. I won’t be a minute, said Liza.

Obviously the ring means a great deal to you, Kate, said Patrick.

It was my engagement ring from Frederick, said Kate.

That was James Marchant’s son, wasn’t it? I know he died at the same time as James, said Patrick very gently.

Kate nodded and Liza came back into the room with a box and handed it to Kate. She opened it and found a couple of necklaces, some earrings and a bracelet, all very pretty and of some value, but in a separate box was her ring and she looked at it and gently placed it on her finger. She looked at it for a long time and then quietly cried, and then her sobs became louder and she couldn’t seem to stop the flow of tears. Patrick looked at Liza for guidance, but Liza was already on her way and all she did was put an arm around Kate and joined in her tears.

It reminded Patrick of when Liza eventually cried after the death of little Meg and he knew that if nothing else, Kate would feel better in a little while, but it would take a lot more than these tears to bring Kate back into a normal life.

He watched as both Liza and Kate gradually stopped crying and he got up and made them all coffee and found some cheese and biscuits, all of which would probably keep them awake, but he had a feeling that they would be having a disturbed night anyway. He then poured them each a small amount of brandy knowing that it would calm them down.

I think that’s a very good idea, Patrick; we can also raise our glasses to Kate’s homecoming. I know that you are going to have difficult times ahead, but we’ll get through them together, said Liza.

Yes, we will get through this and I know that there is nobody in Benson who won’t want to help, said Patrick. We didn’t see Sean today; no doubt he’ll call here sometime tomorrow.

Who’s Sean? asked Kate.

Sean and I came to America together and trained for the army together. We have worked together for years and today you saw everyone who we consider our extended family and he is the only one who obviously couldn’t make it here. I know he was out on patrol earlier and as always would have had to make a report when he got back. As I say, we will see him tomorrow, unless, of course, we are snowed in, said Patrick.

You both have a great many people who care about you, said Kate.

Yes, we are very lucky. They care about you also, said Liza.

How can they; they don’t know me, said Kate.

They care about you, Kate, you can be sure of that, said Patrick and it was clear that Kate found that difficult to believe, but she said nothing.

I’m very tired, Liza, may I go to my sleeping place? asked Kate.

Of course, said Liza and she showed Kate up the stairs and into her bedroom. Kate looked at the bed and the nightdress that was lying on it.

It’s so long since I’ve been in a bed. I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep in it, mumbled Kate.

It doesn’t matter. You can start off in it, but if you end up on the floor, then why not. Zelma found it difficult, but she now has a bed in her home and she finds it very comfortable. I’ll help you get ready and hang up your clothes, said Liza, then I’ll tuck you in. Our room is just across the way, so if you need us just come and get us. It will get easier, Kate, I know it will. I realise that I was only a captive for two years, but it did take me a while to get used to being back, although I didn’t find it difficult to get used to a comfortable bed, and Liza smiled as she helped Kate out of her clothes and into her nightdress. She pulled back the bedclothes and Kate sat on the edge and then swung her legs up and wriggled into position. Liza covered her with the bedclothes and kissed her goodnight. The old saying is correct, ‘tomorrow is another day’ and everything can only get better from now onwards. God bless, Kate, welcome home.

Liza made her way slowly down the stairs; Patrick had cleared the cups and glasses away. He sat in his rocking chair and called her over and sat her on his lap.

It’s been a momentous day for you today, Liza. How do you think she is going to cope with being back in the real world? I know that everyone will help her. How are you going to cope? You have waited so long to find her and you know that she can’t possibly be the same as the person you knew ten years ago. Too much has happened to her for her ever to forget and put it behind her, said Patrick.

I think that she will cope better being here in Benson to start with. People here are very accepting of others with difficult situations, so I believe that when she has been here for a while, she will then be able to make decisions about what she really wants to do and where she really would like to be, and you know that I will never force her into a life that she doesn’t want. It is going to be difficult for us for a while, as we will have to tread very carefully, but in a much smaller way, I do know what she is going through, so I believe I will be able to cope; I hope that you can, said Liza.

As long as you love me, Liza, I can cope with anything, said Patrick.

I will always do that, Patrick; there is no fear of that. Will you take me to bed now, Patrick? smiled Liza cheekily.

Yes, I will, my Liza. Do we have to try to be quiet tonight? he asked.

Probably, smiled Liza.

They went up to bed and when Patrick climbed in, he said, You need loving tonight, Liza, it’s been a difficult day for you. I know I need loving tonight.

I think that the most frightening thing is that if Matthew’s father hadn’t died, then I would probably have had ten years just like Kate has, or I would have been dead by now. Instead, I had the chance of a new life and found love. I have been really lucky, said Liza.

Yes, it’s strange how things work out. Just one action changes people’s lives. We’ve both been very lucky, said Patrick.

A few hours later, they heard a thump and a cry; Liza was up grabbing her nightdress as she went. Patrick sat up asking what the noise was. The boys called out also wondering what had happened. Liza knocked and entered Kate’s room only to find her picking herself up from the floor. Oh Kate, are you all right; did you fall out of bed?

Kate looked at her and grinned, and then she laughed. Yes, Liza, I fell out of bed. She laughed again, and then seemed not to be able to stop laughing, which set Liza off. Patrick looked in and was smiling. He called out to the boys saying that Aunt Kate had fallen out of bed, but she was fine, so they were to go back to sleep. He started laughing with them but said that he was going back to bed and would leave them to their hysterics.

It took a little while but soon they were both sitting on Kate’s bed getting some control over their mirth. It’s a long while since I’ve laughed, Liza. I feel better for that. You go back to bed and I’ll try to stay in mine for the rest of the night, and she laughed again. I think I’ll remember tonight, and another giggle emerged.

Liza kissed her on the head and was still laughing as she left the room, saying that she would see her tomorrow and hoping that the rest of her night was undisturbed. Still trying not to laugh, Liza checked on the boys and they were back in their beds; they were both concerned that their Aunt Kate had not been hurt.

As your daddy said, Aunt Kate is all right, she’s just a little bit shaken. She wasn’t used to the bed. Sleep well boys, she said and she kissed them both.

When she went back into her bedroom, Patrick was sitting up and smiling. I bet that’s the first time she’s laughed in nearly ten years. See, Liza, good comes out of bad sometimes. She’s not hurt, is she?

No, she’s just shaken and maybe bruised, said Liza and they both settled down again and slept peacefully for the rest of the night.

The next morning, although it had snowed, the roads were perfectly passable and it was not deep enough to stop the boys going to school, much to their disappointment. Si arrived followed shortly by Gabriel and Ambrose.

Did you sleep well, Ambrose? asked Liza.

Yes, the bed was very comfortable, thank you, Liza, said Ambrose and he wondered why Matthew and John were sniggering. Is Kate still asleep?

I presume so, I haven’t disturbed her this morning, said Liza and the boys giggled again.

What’s so funny? asked Ambrose.

She fell out of bed, Matthew sniggered.

It’s not funny, said Liza.

It is; you were all laughing last night. Aunt Kate also found it funny, said Matthew.

That’s good if she laughed, said Ambrose. Laughing won’t have been something she’s done in a long time.

Patrick and Gabriel left for the day saying they would be back early if the snow started coming down heavily and Zelma wrapped the boys up warmly and saw them off to school and they too would be back early if it was necessary.

Liza looked at Ambrose and said, She’s in a bad way really, isn’t she, Ambrose? I really suppose that it’s only to be expected after ten years living with the Indians.

I didn’t find her living in an Indian camp, Liza. I found her in a Mexican store and cantina near where I’d been trading with some Peons. She was known as ‘the sad one’ and the storekeeper kept calling her by that name and laughing, she turned on him whilst I was there and shouted ‘my name’s Kate you illiterate moron’ for which she got a hard smack across the face although I don’t think the storekeeper knew what she said as he didn’t speak English, said Ambrose.

I was about to ask her if she was the Kate that you had been looking for when some of the renegade band led by Brave Eagle burst in. He recognised her and told the storekeeper that she was his and he was going to take her with him. The storekeeper didn’t know what was being said and he certainly didn’t know who Brave Eagle was otherwise he wouldn’t have argued with him. He was knifed for his trouble and Brave Eagle went to grab her, but I told him that she was my woman and I’d paid good money for her. He laughed and said she was too sad to be any good anyway and had been ever since he had told her that her friend was dead and surprisingly, he left.

We did what we could for the storekeeper, but he died, it was only then that I told her that I was going to take her to you. I hadn’t even asked her if she was your Kate, I just assumed that she was. She just looked at me as if I was mad and told me that there was no point in bringing her to a dead woman; she might as well stay where she was. She took some convincing that you were alive and had been looking for her for a long time. When she finally believed me, she still didn’t smile, she just nodded and collected some food from the store and some blankets, saddled a horse and silently joined me ready for the long journey.

Throughout that journey, I found that she was acting more Indian than white. She asked very few questions, she just slept when I did; she ate when I did and rode behind me all the way. Although I found her in Mexico, she had been sold on to many Indian camps before she ended up there. I know no more than that and even if I did, it’s not my business to tell you. When she is ready, she’ll talk to you, but I think it will take some time.

Of course I would like to know what happened to her, so I could help her, but she doesn’t need to tell me anything if she doesn’t want to, it’ll all work out well eventually, I know it will, said Liza.

Liza and Zelma got a breakfast tray ready for Kate and Liza took it up to her. She knocked at her door and entered. She found her sitting fully clothed on the bed. Oh, you’re dressed and ready. I thought you would have had a longer rest today. Why didn’t you come downstairs?

You didn’t tell me to, said Kate.

Kate, you don’t have to wait for anyone to tell you to do anything. This house is as much your home as it is ours. You can go wherever you want to whenever you want to, day and night. Shall I sit with you while you have your breakfast? asked Liza.

I’ve forgotten how to eat properly, said Kate.

It doesn’t matter; it’ll come back to you in time, said Liza and they sat together while Kate tried to use a knife and fork with her bacon and eggs, having first managed a spoon with her porridge. See, Kate, you’ve done that beautifully. Have you got over falling out of bed?

Kate looked at her and then grinned, I think I have a bruise where I sit down.

Tell Dr Tom that you did that to yourself. You hadn’t forgotten that he’s coming to see you again today, said Liza.

No, I want to see him; there are one or two things that do need checking. Will you please stay with me, Liza? I find it difficult to talk to people, said Kate.

Of course I will, Kate. We’ll set up the sitting room so that we can be private. Will you come down now? Ambrose and Zelma are there now. We’ll probably find that a few people will call today; if you find it too difficult, then they will understand and Zelma and I will deal with it, said Liza and they went downstairs together.

Ambrose and Zelma smiled their welcome to Kate and she managed a smile back, which was a great improvement on the day before. Did you sleep well, Kate? asked Ambrose and then he laughed.

You heard then? said Kate.

Yes, the boys gave that secret away, he smiled. Did you hurt yourself?

No, just my dignity, she smiled. She had made a joke and everyone was pleased that she was beginning to relax in their company.

Liza made sure the sitting room was warm and in order ready for the doctor. Kate didn’t seem at all bothered that she was going to be examined by Dr Tom and presumably in intimate places that most women would have cringed at, although Liza remembered that no women in the Indian village seemed very coy and she supposed Kate had got used to having no privacy.

It was beginning to snow slightly, and they all hoped that it wasn’t the start of the blizzard that was being forecast to arrive in the next few days.

Tom arrived and said that Hannah, Ellen and the twins would like to call later, if it was going to be convenient. Liza made no secret of the fact that she would be delighted to see them and so would Kate, but they mustn’t expect too much from Kate yet.

It will probably be good for her to know that people care and it will help her get used to meeting people again. I don’t think the twins will bother her too much, they still don’t talk a great deal, said Tom.

They don’t need to, Tom; they know what each needs without talking. I find it fascinating that they understand Gabriel and he understands them. He’s another one who doesn’t say more than he needs to. I do think that they are wonderful, Tom, you must love them dearly, said Liza.

Our life is now so very different and useful. Ellen’s a great help, she’s really part of our family, we wouldn’t be without her, said Tom.

I notice that young Greg seems quite taken with her, said Liza.

Yes, but they are both very young. We’ll see what happens, it’s early days, said Tom.

He, Liza and Kate went into the sitting room and Tom gave Kate a very thorough examination. I think you’ve been very lucky, Kate. I can tell you’ve had a number of children and it follows that you have had to be intimate on many occasions. You have a small infection which can be cured easily and I will sort that out for you this afternoon. I believe that some of the Indian cures are often better than what we can supply. I saw that last year, he said looking at Liza. You have been beaten quite severely, but that does seem to have been some time ago. I’m delighted to tell you that somehow medically you have come out of your ordeal relatively unscathed, although you may not believe that. I can see that you have a long way to go before you feel completely comfortable amongst people, but it will get better, Kate, I promise you.

Kate just nodded and started dressing herself again. Liza felt relieved that it seemed that Kate was relatively fit; she had been worried that Kate could have something difficult to treat.

Liza showed Tom to the door and thanked him. She’s very lucky, Liza; I’ve seen some terrible cases of people who have had to go through what she has, and they have picked up some nasty diseases. She obviously had the sense to look after herself. I’ll tell Hannah that she can call shortly if that’s all right.

I’d look forward to that, Tom. I think we’re going to be in for a lot of snow shortly, so I hope you’re prepared and have some food stocks in, said Liza.

Does it get very bad then? asked Tom.

It did last year; we had to hole up here for a while. It was very cosy. Poor George nearly died of hypothermia, but he managed to get here through all the snow drifts. We’ll have to do the same if necessary. I saw George the other day and made him promise to come down here before it gets too bad, but I’ll make sure he does. His roof has been mended since then, but his place is still really cold and he shouldn’t be cut off from everyone else, said Liza.

Kathy called as Tom was leaving and as always she had food with her. Kathy, you’re wonderful, you really are so very thoughtful, said Liza. Kate looked up and smiled at Kathy and even though it was a small gesture, they all felt that it was a step in the right direction.

How did you get on with the doctor? Kathy asked.

He thinks that I have been very lucky considering, she said not amplifying on what the ‘considering’ could be. Liza nodded happily agreeing with her.

Kathy and Zelma busied themselves around the kitchen, chatting together as they always did because they were such good friends.

Caroline Browne called out asking if she could come in. She looked at Kate and said, We’ve all known that Liza has been looking for you for so long and I’m so pleased that you are here safely at last. I don’t want to insult you, but I’ve brought some clothes as I know that you won’t have had a chance to get some yourself. There are some underclothes and a couple of skirts and several tops. I didn’t know your size, but skirts and blouses and other tops should fit. When you’re ready I’ll fit you out properly.

Kate looked at her and a tear or two ran down her cheeks. So kind. Thank you, was all she could say and she clasped the clothes to her as if they were precious, which they were to her.

Liza touched Caroline on the arm and said, You are so thoughtful, Caroline. You know that it is appreciated more than Kate is able to say at the moment.

I know that, Liza, it will take time but if there is anything I can do to help, just let me know. I had better get back now before the snow gets heavier, said Caroline.

Liza, I hear that you’ve asked George to get down to you before he gets snowed in up at the church. You’re going to have a houseful so I’m going to send Joe up to see him and get him down to us today. We’ll keep him warm and cosy at our place this year. Last year it was very serious and he could have died. Anyway, you won’t have to worry about him, leave him to us, said Kathy.

That’s good. Ambrose and Gabriel can share our sitting room. Si will go in with the boys as usual, we’ll have to set Zelma up in here, said Liza.

There’s plenty of room in where I am, said Kate. Zelma can share with me if she has no objection.

I’d be happy to share with you, Kate; we can keep one another company. I might be able to stop you falling out of bed, Zelma laughed and it elicited a pleasant smile from Kate.

We’ll get your bed over before the snow gets any worse, said Liza.

I can help you with that, said Ambrose and he, Zelma and Liza went to Zelma’s home and dismantled her bed and carried it over and manipulated it up the stairs where Kate and Kathy had already pushed the bed which was there to one side making room for Zelma’s. It was all very friendly and cosy and Liza could see that a bond was appearing between Kate and Zelma.

We’ll just have to arrange for you and Gabriel now, Liza said to Ambrose.

Does it really get so terribly difficult to move around? asked Ambrose.

Yes, and it’s better to keep one house really warm and focus all our energies in one place rather than trying to keep two places going, and we all get on well. Last year we couldn’t even get from here to Gabriel’s. We’re hoping that this year will be better, but the Indians are saying that we are in for at least a bad week or two, said Liza.

Hannah and her family visited after lunch and Liza was fascinated to see that the twins homed in on Kate the way they did with Gabriel. Liza wondered whether they could sense Kate’s pain. They immediately went to stand either side of her and smiled up at her and she couldn’t help but be drawn to them. They said very little, but they had their boxes with them and they opened them and showed her the spoons that they were so very proud of. Also, they had made cards which had welcome messages on them. Liza could see that Kate was very touched by this.

After greeting Kate and welcoming her to Benson, Hannah and Ellen then discussed the problem of the weather. It seemed to be a topic which was occupying everyone in town. Hannah said that they had got in extra food stocks, so they were well provided for. They didn’t outstay their welcome and left within the hour.

It was certainly a day of visitors. Sean came to visit his ‘family’ as he put it. He was introduced to Kate and he did what Patrick had done and went straight to her and kissed her on the cheek and told her how he and Patrick had been on patrols specially to find her, but had been out of luck. "Liza always gave us specific instructions on the way you may have been held, but you’re