Two days later, with Carina free of nursing duties, Harry hired a pony and trap. They drove to visit Garibaldi’s army, bivouacked on the beaches where the Redshirts were preparing for the invasion of the mainland. The men’s faces had the same determined look Carina had seen in Palermo. They were scorched in the sun by day and chilled by sea mists at night but morale was high for the Pioneers had successfully crossed the Straits. Ben was safe and Carina longed to be with him.
‘A penny for your thoughts.’
Ben was so strongly in her mind, Carina did not hear Harry.
‘I said, a penny for your thoughts.’
She was wearing a wide straw bonnet and Carina fiddled with the bow as she turned her head. ‘I must talk to you, Harry. Please stop the trap so we can speak?’
‘I told you already; I don’t want to know about the last six months. You’ve done your penance and now it’s over.’ Harry flicked the reins on the pony´s back so she broke into a trot. ‘I hope Garibaldi is in no hurry for I’ve no stomach for bloodshed.’
‘Then why don’t you go home? You can tell your friends in White’s how you served in Garibaldi’s campaign without ruining your best coat!’
Harry’s mouth twitched and his cheeks went red. She should be ashamed of herself, Carina thought – but if only he would listen to her! She had tried to tell him about Ben so many times. Harry regarded her sojourn in Sicily as a punishment – when it had been the best time of her life. His refusal to let her speak maddened her. When he dropped her off in the village without giving her another opportunity, she made up her mind. Harry was afraid of what she had to say but it could be put off no longer. This evening, without fail, she would tell him she was in love with Ben. She would sit him down before supper and make him hear her out.
‘There you are, my friend!’
Carina heard a familiar voice and saw Greta Mazzini running down the road. She wore a red tunic that reached below her knees and was out of breath as she wrapped her arms round her.
‘I’ve been looking all over for you. I couldn’t believe it when I received your letter. Just imagine, Carina Temple as a nurse!’
‘I wasn’t as bad as all that – but not so good either!’ Carina laughed. ‘I’m so glad you’re here. Is Stefan with you?’
‘Yes.’
‘Come back to the house and I’ll tell you everything.’
It made her happy to be with Greta and, as they walked the short distance, Carina told her about the meeting with Garibaldi and the horrific casualties after the battle of Milazzo. Greta had heard about Enrico and held her hand as they spoke of him. There was a horse tethered outside the farmhouse and they went inside to find Alberto Mario standing by the sink, pouring water from a pitcher.
‘I’ve just ridden from Messina and am dying of thirst.’ Alberto gulped down the water and refilled his glass. ‘I hoped to catch Jessie on my way to meet Colonel Bavari at the barracks.’
‘Then I’ll make some coffee.’
‘No, thank you – I’m already late. Garibaldi leaves tonight and I’m sailing with him. Please will you tell my dear wife?’
‘And when do we follow?’ Carina grasped Alberto’s arm. ‘The general promised us we could ride as couriers. We’re waiting for his summons.’
‘What are you talking about?’ Alberto’s gaze went to Greta. ‘Miss Temple is a nurse—’
‘Garibaldi gave me his word,’ Greta replied with a winning smile. ‘He won’t be surprised, but he may need reminding.’
‘I’ll come with you now unless you speak for us!’
‘Then it appears I have little choice,’ Alberto Mario said, removing Carina’s hand from his sleeve. ‘Does Jessie know about this?’
‘No, but I’ll tell her as soon she gets back.’
‘I’ll pass on your message.’ Alberto strode towards the door. ‘When you arrive in Reggio, report to staff headquarters.’
‘So we’ll ride with the Redshirts, after all!’ Greta grinned as he went out. ‘It’s lucky Alberto Mario’s used to strong-minded women! And now I must go and find Stefan. Shall we meet on the ferry tomorrow?’
Greta took care not to mention Ben, Carina noticed as she waved her off. When Jessie and Jane came home, she told them Alberto’s news and her own plans. Jane raised her eyes to Heaven and Jessie said she was sorry to lose her, but they didn’t try to change her mind. Too animated to go to bed, the women talked late into the night until, one by one, they fell asleep around the kitchen table.
They were woken at dawn by a loud banging on the door. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Carina went to open it and found Harry on the doorstep, dressed in plaid trousers and green frock coat.
‘Garibaldi’s landed in Italy! Four thousand Redshirts sailed overnight and are camped near Reggio. I’m travelling with the newspaper reporters. I hope victory will be secured by the time I get there!’
There was no time to delay. Jane was to accompany the ambulances the next day, while Jessie and Carina were in the advance party. They spent the morning loading bandages, medicines and surgical equipment on to a mule cart and, with her bag containing Paulo’s breeches and boots, Carina sat between Jessie and the driver as they lumbered down the dusty road to the beach.
The trawler requisitioned as a ferry was packed to the gunwales and Greta had saved a place for them in the stern. Once their precious cargo was stowed, Carina sank down on a pile of sacking with her grip bag under her knees. They had been on the go since dawn, but she was too excited to be tired. Greta had brought a basket of food. She handed out cheese and bread with slices of watermelon and Carina’s gaze travelled over the crowded deck. Anne Lamartine was standing in the bow, accompanied by an officer of the Cacciatore d’Etna. As the boat moved away from the beach, she took off her hat, waving it above her head and shouting, ‘Viva Garibaldi! Viva Italia!’
The Frenchwoman’s long hair flew out behind her like a banner and everyone on board took up the chant, apart from Carina. Gradually the singing died away and the passengers became quiet, all eyes fixed on the opposite shore. Carina made out a long, sandy beach. A flotilla of fishing boats rowed out to greet them and, within an hour, the passengers were disembarked and the trawler set off to collect its next load.
Greta left them to meet up with Stefan and, as their supplies were being loaded onto a wagon, news came through that Garibaldi had taken Reggio. The Redshirts had entered the town by night and, after an hour of ferocious hand-to-hand combat, the enemy had surrendered. The bells were ringing when they arrived and an ecstatic crowd was out on the streets. As Carina alighted, two boys caught hold of her hands and dragged her into a dance. She lost her bonnet and would have been swept away, if Harry hadn’t appeared and pulled her free. He retrieved her hat and Carina tucked it under her arm.
‘Isn’t it wonderful? This is what it was like after the liberation of Palermo.’
‘I have to say the Latin temperament is too ebullient for my taste.’
‘Oh, Harry, don’t be such a dry stick. Don’t you want to join in?’
‘I’d prefer supper and a good night’s rest.’
For all his assumed diffidence, Harry’s eyes were bright and when they gained the corner of the square, he clapped Alberto Mario on the back.
‘Well done, sir! A tremendous victory!’
‘Indeed it was.’ Alberto managed a weak smile. ‘Now, Miss Temple, you’re to come with me. Garibaldi is expecting you.’
‘You’re not serious! You can’t let Carina consider such rashness.’
Not Harry too, Carina thought with a ripple of annoyance. Taking no notice of him, she turned to Jessie. ‘May I borrow your husband for ten minutes?’
Jessie offered to keep her bonnet and Carina followed Alberto down the main street to where Garibaldi had taken lodgings at the edge of town. Two soldiers guarded the entrance and stood to attention as they saluted Alberto.
‘From now on you’re on your own. Good luck.’ Alberto cast a glance over his shoulder as he headed back. ‘What’s Jessie supposed to do with Mr Carstairs in your absence?’
‘Tell her not to worry about him. Harry can look after himself.’
The guards moved aside and Carina did not hear Alberto’s reply. The door swung open and she stepped into a smoky kitchen with a low ceiling. Ben standing by a window and Garibaldi sitting at the table with Lamartine leaning over his shoulder. A newspaper was spread open and he was reading aloud. When he caught sight of her, he stopped and stood up.
‘I’m glad to see you, Miss Temple. You are most welcome. Come in, come in.’
The general introduced her to his senior members of staff and Carina recognised the names of the gallant men who had fought at Calatafimi and Palermo, the heroes of Milazzo and Reggio. It was beyond her wildest dreams to be among them but when they came to Ben, he bowed and turned abruptly away. I should have told him in Messina, Carina thought with sudden misgiving. He’s angry because this isn’t what he planned. I should have been patient and waited.
Garibaldi indicated the chair next to his own and as she sat down, Carina met Lamartine’s hostile stare.
‘Well, what a surprise.’ The Frenchwoman said, throwing back her hair, ‘When did you arrive, Miss Temple?’
‘I travelled from Messina on the same boat as you, along with Jessie Mario who’s in charge of the ambulances.’
‘We’ve no need of your rags and plaster now! Isn’t that so, Generale? From now on our progress will meet with no resistance.’
Garibaldi leant forward, absorbing himself in the broadsheet, and Lamartine pitched her voice higher. ‘How will you occupy yourself? Are we to be favoured with more of your charming poetry?’
‘I’m here to ride with General Garibaldi and the Redshirts to Naples.’
Garibaldi put down the paper and everyone stopped talking. Carina was conscious of Ben watching her from where he stood by the window. There was a moment of suspense before the general answered. ‘I gave you my word in Palermo and I intend to honour it, Miss Temple. You will ride in the company of my personal bodyguard.’
‘But she has no experience—’ Lamartine exclaimed.
‘Great courage is required for nursing our wounded soldiers.’ Garibaldi interrupted her mid-sentence. ‘Miss Temple is an excellent horsewoman. I pray no more blood will be shed between fellow Italians, but her training can only be a benefit. We leave at three and I suggest we now retire.’
Garibaldi rose, the two women flanking him on either side, and spoke to Carina first. ‘I propose Miss Temple stay here as my guest tonight. I’m sure Colonel Mavrone will make the necessary arrangements for you, chere madame.’
He made the announcement as if she had already given her assent and Carina felt colour rush into her cheeks. Ben can’t leave me here, she thought wildly. He knows I want to be with him not the General. Why doesn’t he say something? Her eyes searched his face, but Ben ignored her appeal. There was a hard line to his mouth and he looked her over briefly before turning to Lamartine. ‘Shall we go?’
Garibaldi had foisted Ben with Lamartine while she had no choice but to stay here! The implications of spending the night with Garibaldi became clear and Carina’s gaze bored into Ben’s back as he went out of the door. Too late, she understood why he warned her not to compete with Lamartine. Garibaldi was a man who took whatever was on offer and that was how her eagerness had been perceived. She had disappointed him once, at the reception in Palermo, and he would be incensed when she did so again. But that was nothing compared to what Ben must be thinking at this moment!
Had she learnt nothing in all this time? It wasn’t her fault. Ben should have insisted she went with him! Instead, he had abandoned her and now matters were beyond her control. The kitchen emptied, and when everyone had gone, Garibaldi led her up a narrow staircase. Carina was in such a panic she stumbled and he gave her his hand. They reached the top and a figure in a nightcap shuffled onto the landing.
‘This is my manservant, Basso. He’ll give up his bed for you tonight. He is used to sleeping on my floor.’
Carina was too distraught to feel any kind of relief. Ben would think she had deliberately set out to secure the general’s attention when it was the last thing on her mind. He would be furious. There was a suffocating feeling in her throat and she did not answer.
‘Try to get a good night’s sleep.’ Garibaldi stroked one side of his moustache as he looked at her. ‘Thank you for saving me from Madame Lamartine this evening. Don’t worry, my dear. Colonel Mavrone will come to his senses by the morning.’
As he lifted her hand to his lips, Carina supposed Greta must have said something to him. If he knew about her relationship with Ben, then he should have sought his permission beforehand! Garibaldi was inspirational, charming and utterly ruthless. He had manipulated them all to his advantage – but he didn’t know what Ben was like and anxiety left her speechless.
‘Basso will provide you with the uniform of my bodyguard in the morning.’ Garibaldi’s gaze was calm and unrepentant. ‘Don’t be concerned, Miss Temple. No one will question your honour when you ride at my side into San Giovanni tomorrow.’
Carina stayed awake so long worrying, she had only just fallen asleep when Basso woke her. Stiff from lying on the narrow pallet, she stretched her arms to ease her cramped muscles. Basso brought her warm water, clothes and a comb. She put on Paulo’s boots and breeches and a red shirt with a belt and holster. Then she tugged the comb through the hair and tucked it under the distinctive cap of Garibaldi’s bodyguard. She packed her clothes and gave her bag to Basso before going downstairs to join Garibaldi and his officers.
Sitting round the kitchen table drinking strong coffee, she listened as they planned their strategy for the day. Ben was not present and Lamartine only made an appearance as they walked down the street to mount up in the square. Carina was allocated a sturdy cob and was adjusting the length of her stirrup leathers when the Frenchwoman rode up beside her.
‘A word of advice, if I may?’ Carina made no reply and Lamartine nudged her horse closer. ‘All men are bastards. Don’t ever expect them to be faithful. They’re all selfish bastards – to the very last one of them.’
With that, she touched her spurs to the horse’s flanks and rode off. She should know, Carina thought – but to whom was she referring? Had she been with Ben last night? The thought made her feel sick. Garibaldi said Ben would come to senses by this morning, so where was he? Catching sight of Greta, she rode over to her.
‘I hoped to find you with Garibaldi yesterday evening.’
‘Stefan preferred to keep away. We stayed in town and dined with your friends.’
There was no time to find out more for they were off. With Garibaldi at their head, the cavalcade left Reggio while its citizens slept. Once the town was behind them, they headed inland, riding in single file through terrain bleached bare by heat and lack of rain. The sun came up, turning the landscape blazing white and they had been in the saddle for over three hours before Garibaldi reined in.
The general stood in his stirrups and put his spyglass to his eye to survey the layout of the land. Carina saw a fortified town by the sea with encampments along the beach. Columns of their own infantry, who must have marched during the night, were strung out in battle formation and as close to the enemy as they could get. No one spoke until a plume of dust rose from the road. The main body of cavalry was approaching and when Garibaldi gave the signal, they began their descent, slowly at first and then at a canter as the general galloped ahead.
Garibaldi’s grey horse and red poncho made him stand out and Carina watched nervously as a volley of shots from the battlements of San Giovanni exploded around him. Seemingly indifferent to danger, he dismounted and climbed onto a rock, shouting to his men not to return fire. The general stood there alone, a dramatic and formidable figure, showing himself to five thousand Redshirts as they swept up the coast.
In their black hats with bayonets and daggers in their belts, they looked like an army of bandits, Carina thought as she followed the others to take shelter behind rocks. Bullets whistled overhead and black canister shot rained down so she pulled her neck scarf over her nose and mouth. Her instructions were clear; she must stay close to Garibaldi at all times. She was ready to mount up when, in front of her, she saw an infantryman lying wounded and unconscious on open ground.
Tossing the reins of her horse to an officer nearby, Carina grabbed a medical bag and ran forwards. A shell exploded, covering her with earth and grass as she ducked and knelt beside the injured man. She wound a tourniquet round his thigh, using her teeth to secure the knot, then beckoned to the men behind her. As the soldier was dragged to safety, she dashed back to the rocks. Enemy fire began to slacken and Carina counted time between the volleys until they stopped altogether. She stood up and spoke to the captain who held her horse.
‘What’s happening?’
‘Garibaldi’s negotiating a surrender. You’re meant to be with him, aren’t you? You’d better hurry up!’
Looking around, Carina saw the other members of the bodyguard had gone. The field was aflame with Redshirts and Garibaldi could be anywhere among them! She had forgotten her first duty and as they cantered down the hill, the captain shouted to her. ‘Better stick closer to the chief from now on!’
They had reached Garibaldi’s entourage and Carina saw him sitting cross-legged on the ground, smoking a cigar, as relaxed as if he were on a country picnic. He gestured to her to join them and one of the men handed her a water skin, which she tipped into her mouth. Succulent peaches and slices of black bread were passed round and they watched as the gates of the town opened. A small detachment of Bourbon officers marched up the hill towards them. They looked uncomfortable, sitting on the ground in their gold-braided uniforms, and one of them made a long speech.
Garibaldi sat in silence, puffing on his cigar until the senior officer demanded the Redshirts withdraw.
‘I can make you prisoners or push you into the sea!’ the general´s voice rang out. ‘You may return home in defeat or retain your rank and serve under my flag. The choice is yours, but I’ll not hold back all day.’
The enemy could not hope for a conditional surrender, but went on blustering until Garibaldi pulled his hat down and gave an ultimatum.
‘I never make bargains and I refuse your offers on any terms. You have twenty minutes before I attack.’
He took out his watch and the Bourbon officers scrambled to their feet. They hurried back towards the town and Garibaldi shouted for his mount. His mood changed in a lightning stroke and Carina ran to her horse and vaulted onto its back. With his bodyguard behind him, he galloped down the hill, cavalry and infantry closing in on all sides and brought them to a halt close to the gates.
The horses snorted and stamped and Carina’s heart beat faster than the seconds ticking away. Her gaze scanned the high castle walls and she saw a white flag hoisted on the battlements. A loud cheer came from the ranks of the Redshirts and was echoed from inside the walls. Precisely twenty minutes after he had given his ultimatum, the garrison of San Giovanni surrendered and Garibaldi took the town without firing a shot.