The overlanders, p.15
The Overlanders, page 15
The air was warmer than it had been on previous nights. A breeze came in from the sea bringing with it the smell of salt and sand. There were sounds of people talking, laughing, breaking glass and then the sound of a fight came drifting through the air. People milled about, a few drunk and disorderly. At one time, Andrew gently took her arm and pulled her towards him to shield her from a nearby fight. Neither wanted to admit it, but each enjoyed the other’s company. Sarah wanted to speak but did not know what to say. The streets had dried out considerably leaving deep grooves and making it difficult for Sarah to walk and several times she stumbled. Andrew automatically put his arm out to steady her, then placing her arm in his they continued to walk.
It felt right that the two of them were together. Part of her did not wish the walk to end. They continued in silence until Andrew spoke.
‘Have yer found any answers to the questions yer have been searching for?’ She considered for a few moments before answering.
‘Some I have, others no. I think I am getting more confused. I still want to prove something to myself, that I can finish this trip. ’
‘We have a bit to go.’ She nodded.
‘Why are you not wed or do you have someone?’ She asked, frightened of what he may say.
‘Nae, there has not been anyone I have wanted to wed. And you?’
‘Hmm, eventually I think I want to marry and have children. Is that not what is expected of a woman? Everyone in my family cannot wait for to get me to be wed and off their hands, but somehow I think I will just end up being an old spinster but if I do wed I want to be treated as an equal, to share the marriage not be a puppet doing whatever my husband wishes me to.’
‘Somehow I do not think yer will be an old maid,’ Andrew said quietly. Sarah blushed. ‘I would have thought yer would have plenty of suitors back home.’
‘No, no one special.’ She felt she owed Andrew an explanation. ‘Several women I know were abused by their husbands I...I do not want a marriage like that. I think I was so frightened I had to run away.’ Andrew thought for a few moments.
‘Not all men are like that. I am sorry Sarah you have seen some men at their worst.’ He wished to change the subject. ‘Speaking of suitors, it looks like yer Peter’s taken a fancy to Nancy,’ Andrew remarked.
‘It does appear that way.’ Speaking in a low voice, she added. ‘As long as she is a yes woman, they will be fine.’
‘What do yer mean by that?’ Andrew grinned.
‘Nothing, nothing, it does not matter.’
Approaching the hotel door, a crowd was trying to leave, forcing the pair to stop and wait. Andrew was pushed towards Sarah, forcing them to stand face to face. The pressure from the crowd forced their bodies together. Andrew grabbed Sarah around the waist to stop her from falling over. In doing so, he inadvertently pushed on Sarah’s wound. She winced and let out a cry.
‘Are yer all right Sarah? Sorry, I did not mean to hurt yer.’ They remained only inches away. Sarah felt her heartbeat increasing and odd sensations all over her body. Her chest tightened, as she fought to control her breathing. His body heat and scent wafted over her.
‘No, no, I am fine. My back’s sore that is all. It is nothing.’
‘I will have to have a look at it.’
‘No, it is fine. It hurt only because it was knocked.’
The way was clear for them to proceed into the hotel. There were still plenty of people inside. Sarah excused herself and walked up stairs, her corset digging into her back. The pain increased with each step, making the climb uncomfortable. As she looked back, she saw Andrew talking to Mrs. Garland, who nodded affirmatively in Sarah’s direction. Thinking nothing of it, Sarah wearily continued to climb the stairs. In her room at last, she realised she could not undo her gown. As she stood wondering what to do next; there came a knock on the door. Opening it, Andrew stood leaning against the doorway with a grin on his face.
‘Have yer forgotten something?’ he asked.
‘No, I do not think so.’
‘Are yer sleeping in that gown all night or what?’
She was confused. ‘Is he offering to help me out of my gown or...?’ she wondered.
‘Mrs. Garland will be up to give yer a hand as soon as she can.’
Sarah relaxed.
‘How did you know I would need help?’
‘I do have a mother and sister and had a few lady acquaintances on the odd occasion.’ Sarah narrowed her eyes suspiciously as the last comment sunk in. ‘Good night, Sarah. I will see yer in the morn.’
‘Good night, Andrew.’ Letting out a sigh, she decided she may as well be civil. ‘Thank you for escorting me back to the hotel and organizing Mrs. Garland for me. Night Andrew, I will see tomorrow.’ Andrew smiled and headed in the direction of his room.
A few minutes later, Allison arrived to help Sarah with her dress. It felt good to have her back free. Allison released the last of the laces on the dress, then the bodice exposing the wound dressing underneath.
‘Miss Paterson, there is some blood on the gauze; I should have a look.’
‘If you think it is necessary.’ Allison pulled back the dressing enough to see the wound. It was slightly infected at one end, and pus and blood oozed out.
‘I think you should have this looked at tonight. It looks like a piece of wood is still in it.’
‘I am sure it will be all right. I will ask Captain Mackenzie to look at it tomorrow. It will be fine till then.’
‘If you are sure, but I do think you should have someone look at it as soon as possible.’
‘Thank you Mrs. Garland I will.’
‘Good night, lass. You looked bonnie tonight. I noticed the Captain could not take his eyes off you.’ Sarah blushed. Allison slipped out of the door, closing it behind her. Sarah stepped out of the gown checking that no blood was on it and hung it up. Taking off the rest of her clothes, except for her bloomers, she turned her back towards the mirror. As she undid the bandage around her waist, the dressing slipped off and fell to the floor. Bending down, she picked it up while at the same time feeling a pulling and popping sensation around her wound. Standing up, she once more looked into the mirror and, to her shock, saw blood and pus oozing out of it. Getting a dressing, she tried to reach around to clean it. The position of the wound made it hard for her to see what she was doing and the twisting made her neck and shoulder uncomfortable. There was another knock on the door.
‘One moment please!’ Slightly flustered, she grabbed her dressing gown. She paused, trying to figure out how not to get the stuff coming out of her wound onto her clothes.
‘It is Andrew!’ Grabbing a face cloth, she positioned it over her back. Twisting her body as she tried to hold it in place, she put on the dressing gown. At last, drawing a long breath, she slowly opened the door; Andrew stood patiently outside with his medical kit in his hand.
‘Mrs. Garland said yer may need yer back looked at.’
‘Oh she did, did she?’ She was resigned to the fact that she was not doing a good job of dressing the wound anyway.
‘You better come in.’
‘Leave the door open, lass, Mrs. Garland will be here in a minute.’ he said. He placed his kit down preparing to use it and waited until Allison arrived. Feeling self-conscious, Sarah sat on the bed, fidgeting with the top of her dressing gown to make sure she was covered. It seemed an eternity before Allison finally arrived.
Allison helped her get ready as Andrew politely turned his back. She lay down on her stomach as Allison placed a blanket over her legs and bottom with the dressing gown on top.
‘All ready, Captain Mackenzie.’ Allison said.
Andrew positioned the lamp and gently pulled up the dressing gown exposing her lower back causing a gentle shiver with the rush of cold air.
‘What a mess. Did this just burst?’
‘Yes, I bent over and felt the pop; I must admit it felt better afterwards.’
‘Hmm, there must have been a splinter left behind and it has festered. Fortunately, it has worked itself to the surface. The piece has come out, all except for a small bit. I will have to get it out and give it a good clean.’
Sarah clenched her fists dreading the next part. She grabbed hold of the pillow and bit her lip. Allison patting her hand.
‘It will be fine, lass.’
Sarah felt Andrew’s hands touching her back as he gently examined the wound. The nervous feeling returned, not because of the idea of him having to get the splinter out, but because he was so close. Shaking, she inhaled deeply and let her breath out slowly.
‘Would yer like anything before we start?’ he asked.
‘No, I am fine. Do what you have to.’
She felt him stand and return with what he required.
‘Mrs. Garland, could yer please hold the basin for me?’ Gently, he cleaned the wound. Placing his hand on Sarah’s shoulder, he whispered quietly.
‘It is going to hurt, but I will try to go as gently as I can.’
Gently he rubbed her shoulder, and his touch was so soothing she did not want him to stop. She wanted him to hold her close, but she knew this would not happen. Andrew set to and in no time at all the rest of the splinter was removed. Once more, he put a clean dressing on the wound and asked her to lift her stomach as he wrapped it around her waist. At one stage, he accidentally touched Sarah’s breast which sent a shiver down her spine. She hoped he had not noticed but he had. Andrew noticed all right, he wanted to stop there and let his hand linger a while. He felt her nipple was tight, he wanted to place his lips on them, suck and lick them, but of course it was out of the question. Completing his task, he knew he would have to leave. If Allison hadn’t been in the room, he would not have been responsible for his actions. He pulled the dressing gown back down over her back. Allison took the basin over to its stand.
‘All done.’ He crouched beside her; seeing the tears in her eyes. Andrew smiled.
‘Something is in my eye, that is all.’ she said.
Andrew brushed a hair away from her face.
‘Is there anything yer need?’
‘No, thank you Andrew. I will lie here if that is all right.’
‘I will leave these things here as I will have to check yer back tomorrow.’
‘I am sure it will be fine, no need to check it.’
‘I will check it tomorrow, Sarah.’ The tone in Andrews’s voice told Sarah it was not worth arguing.
Standing up, he grabbed another blanket and placed it over her.
‘Good night again, Sarah, I will see yer in the morning.’
‘Night, Andrew.’ Allison collected the used bits and pieces including the bowl.
‘Good night, lass,’ Allison said.
‘Good night and thank you.’ Sarah replied.
Sarah thought about what Andrew had said about him checking her back. It was like an order, a father talking to a child, or a husband talking to his wife. Do not question me. Once before, she heard this when he tried to warn her about the unfriendly Maoris. She had seen him in a couple of bad moods while they were travelling and the way he had spoken to the guides was firm. He was definitely like a Captain commanding his men. She wondered if he was trying to dominate her too. Her mind drifted back to the dance, remembering Andrew and then what Ben had said to her. While she did not want to be a man, but she did want to have some of their opportunities. How dare he say such a thing and what did he mean ‘if she wants a man?’ If she did, it could be Andrew. Trying to draw a conclusion, she felt unsure if Andrew had any real interest in her. The way he looked at her sometimes makes her feel as he was interested.
Andrew walked into the bar, and found that there were still a few people milling around. Damn that woman. Oh god, how he wanted her. He was confused. He had never felt this deeply about a woman before.
‘Whisky please, John G.’
‘Certainly, Captain.’ The man poured his drink.
‘Captain, is it?’ Andrew turned to his left to see a tall, distinguished looking gentleman in full army uniform. Andrew glanced at his shoulder epaulettes, a full Colonel, stood beside him.
‘Bombay Regiment India, Sir.’
‘Seen action in your time?’
‘Yer could say that. Been in a few sticky situations. Mysore and Hyderabad. Nae really want to remember.’
‘Know what you mean.’ The man put his hand out towards Andrew.
‘Colonel Wyatt, 65th Regiment, I am in charge of all this lot.’ He glanced around the inn nodding at several officers and men who were in the bar drinking and entertaining their lady friends. Andrew took his hand, shook it and went back to leaning on the bar.
‘When did yer get out?’ the Colonel asked.
‘Less than a year ago. After ten years, I had had enough.’ Andrew drank his whisky and signalled for another.
‘Why did not you go for higher rank?’
‘Was offered it but thought better of it. Left to seek my fortune while I was still alive. If a bullet was not going to get me, the dysentery would have.’
The two talked on. Andrew liked the man, he reminded him of his Commanding Officer back in India, straight and to the point. You knew where you stood with him. This man had come up through the ranks, difficult for any man. The feeling was mutual and the Colonel enjoyed Andrew’s company as well.
‘If you ever change your mind and want to re-enlist, I am always looking for able bodied single men who can command.’
Andrew held up his glass as if to salute, as did the Colonel. Both then drank down their whiskies. A lieutenant on Andrews’s right accidentally knocked Andrew, spilling his drink.
‘Sorry Sir.’ The officer did not see his colonel. ‘Sir, I must apologize. I am a lieutenant in the 65th Regiment and have returned from a dangerous mission.’ The young man was drunk and Andrew was not in the mood for him. His leg ached and he was frustrated and angry with himself about Sarah. After a few minutes of singing his own praises, the young man said:
‘You civilians have no idea what it is like on the front line, to have to make life and death decisions for you and your men.’
Andrew eyed this young man. If any of his lieutenants had spoken like this, he would have had words with him, but thinking about it, none of his lieutenants would have done this. They had been through hell and back; it was not to be bragged about. The young man stopped talking for a few minutes and glanced at Andrew, his buddy, while another lieutenant filled Andrews’s glass and those of his companions. Andrew then spoke, spitting out his words:
‘Look ,laddie, the day yer order yer men into battle knowing none may survive and they do, that is when yer can brag. Until then, I would keep my mouth shut. Killing or being killed is nothing to boast about. When yer stop telling people about what has happened, when it is too painful to remember, that is the time yer can sing yer own praises. But, trust me, yer will not, as the memories are too hard to bear. Yer have a lot to learn my lad, a lot to learn.’
Andrew leant back on the bar as the lieutenant saw his commanding officer.
‘Sir, I... I did not see you there.’
‘Obviously not,’ the Commander replied glaring at his young lieutenant.
‘Good night, Colonel.’ Andrew drank another glass of whisky, then refilled it.
‘Good night, Captain and remember what I have said about re-enlisting.’ Andrew nodded, turned, and glared at the young lieutenant. He was tired, his knee was sore and he was preoccupied with Sarah and did not need this. Picking up his glass, he drank the last of the liquid and placed his glass back on the bar and left.
The Colonel turned to his subordinate,
‘Next time you shoot you mouth off, check who you are talking to. He is a veteran and an ex-Captain of the Bombay regiment who has seen more in his time than you have at the moment. God may forbid, but I think yer will see it all too soon. A war is coming. He is not interested in your minor skirmishes. I would be embarrassed if I were you. That man fought at Mysore and Hyderabad and survived.’
Andrew entered his room. Sitting on the bed, he removed his boots and threw himself on his bed he placed his hands behind his head. The whisky was taking effect at last; his leg was not as painful now. Some of what the young lieutenant had said was playing on his mind. The sounds, the smells and the people in India floated back. The memories, both good and bad, resurfaced once more. He drifted off into a restless sleep, his mind troubled by memories of the past.
Peter was having a good time at the dance. For him, Nancy was wonderful, and he enjoyed her company. Her smile lit up her face as it did when he first met her. Every time she was near, he felt his heart beating faster. He saw Andrew signalling that he was taking Sarah home. A while later, the last dance was called. Peter guided Nancy on to the dance floor. He pulled her as close he could, even though her mother was looking at them both. The dance finished all too soon and it was time to depart.
‘I think it is time to go.’ said Peter
‘I suppose it is.’ Nancy looked up into his eyes.
‘Shall I walk you to your carriage?’
‘That would be nice, but not yet, mother is talking to the Reverend and she will be there for a while.’ Grabbing Peter’s hand, she led him towards the balcony, through the doors, which she closed them behind her.
‘Do you think this is wise, young lady?’ Peter asked with a smile on his face.
‘I think you are a trustworthy fellow, Mr. Paterson.’ Nancy replied.
‘Oh, I do not know about that.’ He pulled her towards him. Nancy looked through the glass windows in the doors to check that her mother was preoccupied elsewhere and turned back to Peter.
‘Nancy, why have I found you here of all places? There must be a reason. I must have been good lately...We are going in a couple of days, why don’t you come with us?’
‘Oh Peter, you are a funny fellow. I am afraid I am not as strong or as fit as Sarah is. I find walking into town tiring enough. Do not get me wrong, I am not afraid of hard work but it is not for me. I like my home comforts too much.’
