Visiting Cotton

What he really needed was something strong. A mouthful or two of brandy would do it, he thought. He hoped he hadn't pushed himself too far, but he had needed to be out in the open.

Well, maybe he could persuade Maggie to carry on with the reading lessons.

The young lieutenant came quickly, wearing an alarmed facial expression and followed by Maggie. "Cotton, are you all right? I didn't know you'd been marching today. You should ride in the wagon, certainly. Let me give you a hand."

Mister Brady was just as bad as the rest of them. "I can manage, sir, thanks. Only... only I don't want the Captain worryin'. I just need a bit of a rest, sir, that's all. Really."

"Of course, of course," he cried. "Come along to the wagon then, and you too, Maggie. You'll look after him, won't you?"

"Yes, of course, sir," she replied with a smile. "Try and stop me. Should I fetch his pack? Where is it, Gabe?"

"Leave it. It's with the Captain's stuff. Should be safe enough there during the march, after all. Thanks though."

As the trio walked back to the wagon, Maggie spoke to the lieutenant. "Someone said there's a town ahead, sir - is that right? Will we be stopping there for long?"

"Maggie, I don't need any laudanum, and don't you go wastin' your money on me for anythin' else. I just need a bit of a rest and I'll be fine. I promise not to do too much, all right?"

"All right, I were just asking!" she replied, giving him a wide-eyed good-natured smirk. "Besides, I'd like to buy some things at the market too. Things I can sell later."

He really didn't want any laudanum. One dose was quite enough for anyone, and a Rifleman needed his wits. Besides, he had two bottles of brandy somewhere if he wanted to get drunk.

"Can't learn me lessons if'n I can't think straight," he said, smiling shyly at Maggie.

"True enough. So you're ready for lessons again?"

Brady looked at the pair curiously. "What lessons?" he asked guardedly. He hoped it wouldn't be something embarrassing.

"She'm learnin' me to read, sir. But don't tell the Captain just yet, sir, please."

Brady looked startled, then surprised, then impressed, all in rapid succession. "Learning to read, then. That's a fine achievement to have, Cotton."

"And he's a right good student, sir. Took to it like a duck to water."

He blushed and looked even more shy.

Brady laughed. "Did he, indeed. Keep up the good work then, Maggie."

"Certainly will, Mister Brady. And you watch what books and letters you leave lying about now. He'll be reading everything before we know it."

"Maggie, don't say things like that." He looked at Brady. "She's jokin', sir, I wouldn't do a thing like that."

The lieutenant exchanged grins with the pair. "I know, Cotton. You're the epitome of a trustworthy man. And here we are now. Up the steps. All right, now? We're about to get marching again, so I'll leave you in Maggie's capable hands. And yes, Maggie, I think there will be time enough for marketing. I'm not sure how far ahead the town is, but I think we'll be stopping for a little while at least. Take care of Cotton for us, now." He paused to search in his pocket. "And if he's been able to march this far today, he ought to be able to walk to a tavern when we get there. Buy him a good strong drink, and one for yourself." He smiled as they thanked him and then he rushed away.

And by now they had attracted the surgeon's attention. "It's you again is it, Rifleman Cotton? I thought so. You need to take it easy, young man."

He fussed and scolded for a few moments until he was satisfied and left them in peace. Maggie gave Cotton a conspiriatorial smile as she settled herself comfortably. "Well here we are again, Gabe. Home sweet home. Lieutenant Brady is sweet, isn't he? I think he really admires you." She handed him the coin saying, "Here, you take it. You can buy me a drink when it's time."

He approached the wagon walking with intent and a calm composure. His pelisse lay folded across his arm and carried in a kind manner to keep it from damage. He had learnt that the best place to look for the Miss was right at the wagon where her dear would be found. And so he did go, as agreed.

He just saw the doctor leave and he himself approached. "Excuse me.." He began, glad that he saw a glimpse of the lass there." Good morning, miss, Cotton." He nodded to both and looked somewhat flustered.

"I'll not disturb you for long. 'just.. brought this." He looked to his pelisse and nodded.

"Oh yes, of course, Willoughby!" she cried, taking it from him. "I'd almost forgot. I'll try to have it ready for you this afternoon, though it might be later." She looked around as she heard noises from the front of the column. The men were beginning to march. "I'll take good care of it. You'd best hurry back now!"

"Thank you, miss." He smiled and let the pelisse be taken from him. " You needn't hurry. 'tis best it done proper, rather than in haste." He could do with his dolman only. Many times if the weather was warm enough ,they could be seen riding with only those anyhow.

"Good day to both of you." He grinned and bid his farewell. And then he was gone, heading back to his horse, and of onto Bella's back, for the march had begun.

[ooc - AND good night in this way too! ]

Maggie smiled as she watched him depart. "Such a gallant he is," she commented to Cotton. "Always calling me 'miss' though I keep telling him not to. Are you all right now, comfortable?"

"You'd think folks wanted to get me drunk," Cotton said, shoving the coin into his pocket. "Two bottles of brandy, and now Mister Brady comes up and gives me enough money to buy another one. And what did he say I was?"

Maggie frowned. "An epidemy? I don't know, but it sounded like a compliment anyway. I think. But you should hang onto those bottles, and sell them later for a profit. When everyone else is running out, you can turn around and charge double."

"I think it was a compliment, anyway."

He nodded ruefully at the surgeon. "Yes, sir, sorry, sir. Is... is it all right if Maggie keeps me comp'ny today as well, sir?"