they are wearing. The British have begun wearing something called ‘khaki’ in warmer climes. I will be leaving shortly for Havana and a new assignment on the German consular staff. Of course I’ll be a military attaché and will be doing a lot of snooping. Assuming your country wins, I look forward to seeing you again some time.”
Helmsdorf bowed and departed. The German did not offer to shake hands. The Germans, Martin recalled, were too formal for that sort of thing.
* * *
Later as they walked from their horses to the Willard Hotel to meet the two widows, Barnes decided that some explanations were in order.
“Neither of the two women is in mourning, so please don’t let that be a concern. My sister’s husband died of a sudden heart attack almost five years ago. She inherited his substantial property, most of which she has sold and is living off the investments. She handles them herself and is doing quite well. The other widow is similarly well off, although I’m not totally certain of the source of her funds. I tease them about being the two richest widows in Maryland, although I believe that Mrs. Holden’s past has been a little more, shall we say, colorful? She actually lived in France and was in Paris when the Prussians attacked and when the French had their own bloody mess of a civil war. It is my understanding that her husband got himself executed for his part in it.”
Interesting, Ryder thought. A woman who handles her own investments and another who saw and survived the horrors of the fighting in Paris in 1871.
They entered the Willard Hotel and were informed that dinner would be served in the women’s suite. Yes, Ryder thought, the ladies did have money. He liked the idea of a private dinner more than being in the Willard’s large, gaudy, crowded and ostentatious dining room where it was sometimes necessary to shout to be heard. Too many people who thought they were important liked to see and be seen at the Willard. This made private conversations almost impossible.
In the women’s suite, Ryder found himself essentially paired with Sarah, which he didn’t mind at all. He confirmed that his first impressions that she was quiet and reserved were totally wrong. Sarah was vivacious and delightful. Either that or he’d been away from women for far too long. No, he decided, she was both attractive and pleasant.
Dinner was extremely pleasant as well. He decided that the ladies must have thought he hadn’t eaten in weeks and had ordered a full menu of beef, fish, and chicken, all cooked superbly by the Willard’s staff. Wine was served, and since they were in private, no one looked askance at mixed couples enjoying themselves, as sometimes still happened.
In short, Ryder was soon as stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey. A walk was in order, they decided. Again, he found himself paired with Sarah while Barnes and Ruth Holden went in another direction. Part of him wondered if this had been planned. Another part decided he didn’t much care.
The Willard was only a block from the White House so they decided to walk to it and then around the mansion where George and Libbie Custer lived.
In response to her question, Ryder gave her a brief personal history. “We lived in Ohio and my father owned a store. He had political connections so I was admitted to West Point at the tender age of sixteen, which meant I graduated at twenty. I think a mistake was made in admitting me at such a young age, but I also think the Army decided to live with it once they found out.
“After graduation and being commissioned, I was immediately sent out west and you already know the story of me allegedly saving Custer from the Indians.”
“Allegedly? Colonel, everything I’ve read and heard said that if you’d arrived a few minutes later, Custer and the remainder of his men would have been killed.”
Martin grinned. “And do you know how many people have told me I should have waited another half hour before showing up?
Helmsdorf bowed and departed. The German did not offer to shake hands. The Germans, Martin recalled, were too formal for that sort of thing.
* * *
Later as they walked from their horses to the Willard Hotel to meet the two widows, Barnes decided that some explanations were in order.
“Neither of the two women is in mourning, so please don’t let that be a concern. My sister’s husband died of a sudden heart attack almost five years ago. She inherited his substantial property, most of which she has sold and is living off the investments. She handles them herself and is doing quite well. The other widow is similarly well off, although I’m not totally certain of the source of her funds. I tease them about being the two richest widows in Maryland, although I believe that Mrs. Holden’s past has been a little more, shall we say, colorful? She actually lived in France and was in Paris when the Prussians attacked and when the French had their own bloody mess of a civil war. It is my understanding that her husband got himself executed for his part in it.”
Interesting, Ryder thought. A woman who handles her own investments and another who saw and survived the horrors of the fighting in Paris in 1871.
They entered the Willard Hotel and were informed that dinner would be served in the women’s suite. Yes, Ryder thought, the ladies did have money. He liked the idea of a private dinner more than being in the Willard’s large, gaudy, crowded and ostentatious dining room where it was sometimes necessary to shout to be heard. Too many people who thought they were important liked to see and be seen at the Willard. This made private conversations almost impossible.
In the women’s suite, Ryder found himself essentially paired with Sarah, which he didn’t mind at all. He confirmed that his first impressions that she was quiet and reserved were totally wrong. Sarah was vivacious and delightful. Either that or he’d been away from women for far too long. No, he decided, she was both attractive and pleasant.
Dinner was extremely pleasant as well. He decided that the ladies must have thought he hadn’t eaten in weeks and had ordered a full menu of beef, fish, and chicken, all cooked superbly by the Willard’s staff. Wine was served, and since they were in private, no one looked askance at mixed couples enjoying themselves, as sometimes still happened.
In short, Ryder was soon as stuffed as a Thanksgiving turkey. A walk was in order, they decided. Again, he found himself paired with Sarah while Barnes and Ruth Holden went in another direction. Part of him wondered if this had been planned. Another part decided he didn’t much care.
The Willard was only a block from the White House so they decided to walk to it and then around the mansion where George and Libbie Custer lived.
In response to her question, Ryder gave her a brief personal history. “We lived in Ohio and my father owned a store. He had political connections so I was admitted to West Point at the tender age of sixteen, which meant I graduated at twenty. I think a mistake was made in admitting me at such a young age, but I also think the Army decided to live with it once they found out.
“After graduation and being commissioned, I was immediately sent out west and you already know the story of me allegedly saving Custer from the Indians.”
“Allegedly? Colonel, everything I’ve read and heard said that if you’d arrived a few minutes later, Custer and the remainder of his men would have been killed.”
Martin grinned. “And do you know how many people have told me I should have waited another half hour before showing up?
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