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By Root 2269 0

apparent that this one port would become the single most important hub for the debarkation of American men and equipment. It was woefully disorganized, stevedores going about their routine with the lackadaisical attitude of men who seemed unaware of the war. With the men of the First flowing ashore, marching inland to the cantonment that would house them for their initial training on French soil, the most immediate concern was the port itself. Pershing understood that American engineers and others who had expertise in matters of transport and tonnage were an immediate priority. Yet another challenge had been added to his list, convincing Washington to send those men across the ocean, and, if they did arrive, convincing the French officials to stand aside and let them do their jobs.

“CAPTAIN PATTON REQUESTS TO SEE YOU, SIR.”

Pershing looked up from a mound of papers, blinked hard, focused on the young lieutenant at his door. “Yes, I’m expecting him.”

Patton was there now, all energy and motion, stood in front of his desk, waited for Pershing to acknowledge him.

“Sit down, George. Be with you in a minute. Damn it all.” He took a deep breath, slapped his hand down gently on the papers, said, “All right, enough of this for now. This is an amazing country, George. For every colonel who commands a military installation, there’s a civilian official who gets in his way. It’s a game to them. Who has the most influence, who is better at having his own way. It’s not the top people. They’ve been wonderful, totally cooperative. It’s the local despots, little men who control their little corner of France. They have an uncanny talent for keeping their heads down, so that no one in Paris knows what they’re truly up to out there. Once I mention a problem to Monsieur Painlevé or General Pétain, it gets handled immediately. But I can’t go running off to the highest authority every time some idiot gets in our way.” He paused, saw a frown on Patton’s face, matching his own. “What do you want, Captain?”

Patton’s eyes widened, and he said, “You asked me here to discuss . . . personal matters, sir.”

Pershing nodded now, said, “Sorry, yes of course. I need to make a decision about Nita. She has written me about coming here. I assume you’ve heard something of this?”

Patton frowned again, thought a moment. “Sir, I don’t have so much influence over my sister. As you know, sir, she possesses a formidable will.”

“You and I must be united in our efforts, George. I cannot have her here, not now. There are many reasons. I am concerned that our engagement was a mistake. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time. I didn’t want to leave her behind without some feeling that I would return to her. Damn these women.”

Patton seemed surprised at Pershing’s frankness. “Sir, my sister was as happy as I have ever seen her. I thought your engagement was a wonderful thing.”

“Yes, yes. I agree. I don’t mean to suggest I did it as a favor.” Pershing stopped, felt a wave of frustration. “You see? This is just one reason I do not need her in France. I cannot be distracted from my work, and she is . . . quite the distraction. Besides that, her presence will inspire talk, George. There is enough talk around this place already, without adding a juicy slice of gossip. These Frenchwomen are a curious lot. All the wives I have met seem so completely wrapped up in the lives of their husbands, basking beside him in his importance. But then, when you meet the single ones, they seem only to be wrapped up in you. A more flirtatious lot I have never imagined. It is not an environment Nita would find . . . amusing.”

“Sir, I will write her immediately, and instruct her to put aside any thoughts of travel. Perhaps, sir, you should do the same.”

“I have a better idea, Captain. You write both letters. Make mine . . . softer. You can be the bull. Prepare both of them by this evening. I cannot be distracted from all of . . . this.”

“As you wish, sir.”

Patton seemed to hesitate, and Pershing said, “What is it?”

“Sir, I was wondering. You know that I deeply appreciate