Author's Note: I need to apologize for not posting this chapter sooner, but I wanted to get it 'right' so it took longer to write than I thought.
The View from the Kitchen
Nick finished up on the south range, after a long day, and made it back to the barn a little before 4:00pm. He put Coco away, and then washed up in the water barrel, before heading inside. As he approached the house from the back he saw Katarina waiting for him, looking pretty in a polished cotton dress with a print of pink and blue flowers.
It had a lace collar, and lavish lace trim on the skirt and cuffs, giving it a very feminine look. Her dark blonde hair was up, with a pink ribbon woven through it, and she wore some earrings with sparkling pink stones in them. Nick wanted to take her in his arms; she looked so soft and delicate, like one of the flowers on her dress.
It had been a month since his birthday party, and he was working on his plan to go slow with her. Nick went to her room in the morning, to talk about what was happening on the ranch. Katarina was now at the blending house almost every day, overseeing the treatments and work on the grapes. They had not been able to hire anyone, so she had stepped in to help out, working with what she remembered from her experiences in the Crimea, and the journal she'd translated.
They also rode together, went to church, and to several social events in the valley. He made it a point to take her into town to do something fun, so her life would not be all work. Nick had not kissed her again, being afraid that the passion between them would overwhelm his self-control. The depth of the kiss they'd shared had kept him awake for a long time after he'd said good night to her. The last thing he wanted was for her to be stuck with him because he had seduced her.
"How did the branding go today?" Katarina inquired, as he walked up to her. She had watched him from the doorway, admiring how strong and proud he looked. It was hard to admit, but she was more in love with him than ever, but doubted that he felt the same way. The kiss they had shared had been the most incredible thing in her life, and she was upset that he had not wanted to kiss her again. Katarina was sure that it had just been the champagne, and the fact that it was his birthday, as an explanation for why he had kissed her at all.
"We finished up in the south range, so as of tomorrow we will head to the far west fields. I have a good crew working with me, so it goes quickly. The calves don't feel anything, I promise." Nick told her, as he put his arm around her waist. She moved closer to him, enjoying how good he felt, while thinking he smelled like sunshine and horses. His presence next to her managed to turn both her brain and body to mush.
Katarina also appreciated his reference to the calves not feeling any pain. He had, two weeks earlier, invited her to watch the branding process. Nick had been dismayed to see her face go white, while her pupils dilated. When he questioned her about it, she had told him all about her Russian grandfather, and his treatment of his serfs, as slaves were known in her homeland.
Her grandfather had caught one of his 'freed' serfs trying to steal from the grinding mill, and had insisted he be branded with the mark of a thief. It had been the man's birthday and all the family were at the main estate of Bulovnir. The old prince had insisted his grandchildren all watch the event, so they would know how to treat a serf. In her grandfather's opinion, emancipation did not mean anything; the workers were still his property.
Nick had been shocked at her story; both at the abuse of a human being, and the fact that the man had thought his grandchildren should watch it. Katarina told him that she'd been twelve at the time, but she could still smell the odor of the burning flesh, and see the pain on the man's face. He then felt bad for asking her to watch the branding, and apologized to her. She though been understanding and not upset with him though, which was a relief.
"Silas wanted me to tell you that he made the chocolate cookies you like. If you want some they are in the kitchen." Katarina informed him, and watched him get a delighted smile on his face. She thought it interesting how easy it was to please him. Her great-aunt's words of advice about men came to her mind.
"Will you keep me company while I have them, Katarina? Have you tried one of them yet? They are the best!" Nick declared, as they walked up to the house, and into the kitchen. The room was 'L' shaped, with the stove and ovens in the long part, while the table was in the shorter part. He saw Rachelle, Silas' granddaughter standing by the stove.
Silas was in the smaller butler's pantry, next to the table, laying out serving pieces for that night's dinner. He was all set to get the cookies, and then Miz Catherine waved him off, saying she would do it herself. The butler watched out of the corner of her eye as the young woman put the cookies in front of Mr. Nick, along with a pitcher of lemonade and glasses for both of them. She sat down next to him, and then poured some of the cold beverage.
He continued to watch the couple, pleased at how happy Mr. Nick seemed as he ate a cookie. Silas had liked Miz Catherine from the first time he'd seen her, because of how she looked at Mr. Nick, with gentleness. Silas was very close to the young man, and knew what a soft, tender heart he really had in him. He also knew why the young man came across as he did, loud, stubborn, and opinionated.
Mr. Nick had inherited the ranch, and all the responsibility, at a very young age. It bothered Silas that at times; it seemed like no one, with the exception of Mr. Jarrod, understood, or appreciated everything Mr. Nick did. The older man though had watched Miz Catherine these last two months, noticing that she did appreciate him. Silas saw it in how she regarded her husband, and the way she was concerned about his comfort and well being.
Silas' train of thought was broken by Miz Catherine's musical laughter, which filled the room. Mr. Nick had told her something funny; the butler was sure, knowing how entertaining the young man could be. He glanced out the corner of his eye, and saw how close they were sitting together on the bench seat. Mr. Nick looked relaxed, which cheered Silas greatly, because in his opinion, the young man worked too hard. That was something else Silas liked about Miz Catherine, she could get Mr. Nick to relax.
Victoria had come downstairs, and walked into the dining room, expecting to find Silas there. She wanted to remind him about the extra guests they had coming for dinner that weekend. Not seeing him, she headed down the back hall that went to the kitchen area. As she walked closer to the kitchen she heard Nick's booming voice, which reminded her that she needed to talk to him about something she'd seen out riding that morning. Victoria then caught the tail end of Catherine's laugh, and realized that her son wasn't alone. She sighed, and then decided to continue on to the kitchen anyway, wanting to talk to Nick while the issue from the range was fresh in her mind.
"Miz Barkley, you really don't need to be in the kitchen to talk to me. Let's go to the dining room." Silas has seen the woman heading into the kitchen, and decided that it was time for some straight talk. His voice broke her train of thought, as he took her by the elbow and led her in the opposite direction. Victoria was surprised at what he was doing, even as she let him steer her into the dining room.
They arrived in the room with its cream colored brocade and painted panels, elaborate lace curtains, and fine damask table cloth. The silver epergne on the lowboy by the window glowed in the diffused setting sun. Victoria looked at Silas, in his day jacket of starched white linen, while he was almost scowling at her.
"Miz Barkley, you've made your feelings about Miz Catherine very apparent, and that is your right. However, Miz Catherine is Mr. Nick's wife, and that counts for something. There is also the fact that Mr. Nick has been a whole happier since he brought her home, than he ever was before. That should count for a lot with you. The young woman has never been anything other than kind to Mr. Nick." Silas almost scolded the older woman, who was regarding him with consternation. Before Victoria could even open her mouth, the butler was gone, leaving her alone in the dining room.
That evening, during dinner and afterwards, Victoria made it a point to watch Nick and Catherine together. She had been taken aback, and if it had been anyone else besides Silas, she would have been furious too, in how he had talked to her. On further reflection, as she thought about what he'd said about her, Victoria decided she didn't like the light he had portrayed her in.
She had prided herself on trying to be as neutral as possible, towards Catherine. The girl, which is what she was, had so far been well behaved, and settled into life on the ranch nicely. Catherine also, unless she was doing something with Nick, or in town, kept to herself, the older woman had noticed. She had found out that the girl's maid took her breakfast on a tray every morning, which meant she didn't come to the table.
Victoria, sitting in the library after dinner, looked over at the girl, who was sitting on the red velvet sofa working on some needlework. Catherine's dress was turquoise silk, elaborately decorated with ruching and frills in the same material. A matching necklace, earrings, and bracelet of emeralds and diamonds off set the turquoise color dramatically. The older woman knew that the ensemble was the height of fashion, and complimented the dark blonde hair and blue eyes perfectly. Victoria though thought the dress too old for the Catherine, and the emeralds more jewelry than an eighteen year old should be wearing.
Nick was sitting next to Catherine on the sofa, smoking his cigar and looking very content as he did so. Victoria had no problem agreeing with Silas that her middle son had been much happier since he'd brought Catherine home. His social life had changed for the better too; instead of hanging around the saloon so much he now socialized with other young couples in the valley. Victoria was glad that Nick was cleaning up his life, but wished it wasn't for the reasons it was happening.
She looked at the sofa again, and saw that Audra was now talking to her sister-in-law about the needlework she was doing. The design was of a tiger against flowers and foliage that Catherine had said were native to India. She was using cotton, wool, and silk threads for the embroidery, with the different textures giving the piece the impression of depth.
Victoria admired both Catherine's skill with a needle and her patience to sit there doing the delicate stitches required. As she watched the Russian girl's hands work on the tapestry, Victoria discerned what a restful person Catherine was. The older woman had never been good at sitting still, always feeling the need to be involved in direct action and talk.
Catherine though, from what Victoria had seen so far was not like that in the least. Direct action would never be something she would do, or have any interest in. Victoria was surprised that Nick was attracted to someone like Catherine, who would never challenge him. She knew that her son was enjoying having the pretty, well dressed girl around, and the attention she gave him. Even as a baby Nick had liked to be fussed over, Victoria reminded herself, and Catherine was certainly attentive to Nick.
That brought to mind Silas' comments to her earlier, and Victoria wondered why the man had felt the need to make them. She had never thought that Catherine was a bad person, just one who was wrong for her son. It took more than kindness to make a successful marriage, in Victoria's opinion. She looked over at the couple again, and saw Nick put his arm around Catherine's shoulders. She turned her head slightly in response, giving him a soft smile, like some private communication.
Even as Victoria thought that, she remembered where Catherine was from, the circumstance of the marriage, and how old she was. She had never wanted one of her children to end up in an arranged marriage, and certainly hadn't wanted one of her sons to marry a girl who was just barely out of the school room. Victoria didn't see any future for Nick and Catherine, taking those issues into account. In her mind, that settled it, and she put the matter aside.
Unfortunately, the matter had not stayed aside, and that, along with Silas' comments had kept her awake a lot of the night. Victoria had decided that a second opinion was needed, which is why she was now climbing the stairs to Jarrod's office. She took it as a good sign when his clerk said that he was available, and showed her into the office.
"Lovely lady, how nice to see you! What do I owe the honor of this visit to? You're not suing someone are you?" Jarrod inquired, after showing her into his office, and greeting her.
"If I ask you something, will you tell me the truth?" Victoria asked her oldest son, who looked at her with consternation. He became very worried about what she was going to want of him.
"Are my feelings about Catherine apparent? Does Nick know?" She went right to the point, and one of the worries that kept her awake last night. If Silas had seen her feelings about the young woman, would Nick have also, she wondered. It had come to her that if Nick did know, it might strengthen the bond he already had with the Russian girl. Victoria knew too well how protective, and possessive, her middle son was.
Jarrod, when he heard what the subject was, groaned inwardly, while wondering if 10:00 in the morning was too early for a drink. He had thought things were settling down with his mother and Catherine, until now. If she was asking those questions, obviously things were nowhere near settled. He was also curious as to what had caused her to be here asking him about the matter. Jarrod decided to find the answer out to that question, before he answered any of hers.
"Exactly why are you asking, mother?" He speculated that someone must have made a comment that she'd overheard. That idea opened up a multitude of other avenues, but he didn't have time to wander down them, because of the answer she gave him.
"Silas scolded me for my behavior towards Nick's marriage, and Catherine." Victoria hated admitting that, but knew better than to lie to her attorney son. He now had to inwardly chuckle, thinking that it had taken Silas to bring his mother up short. Jarrod knew that all the household staff adored Catherine, and were beyond pleased that not only was Nick married, but to a very high born aristocrat. He would have agreed with his mother's observation, that servants were the worst snobs.
"Mother, the general census, among the valley and the household staff, is that Catherine is the loveliest lady anyone has met, and they all sympathize with her for having mother-in-law troubles." Jarrod decided to put it right out there, not sugar coating the news in any way. She had asked for the truth, and she needed to hear it.
Victoria's eyes flew open wide, as she heard what her oldest son had just told her. She had always told herself that she wouldn't be one of 'those' mother-in-laws, who resented the woman their son married. She had welcomed Beth with open arms, and had been more than gracious to Hester, who deserved none of it.
"Excuse me, the girl was barely eighteen when she married, in a ceremony that her uncle did the equivalent of holding a gun to Nick's head! And everyone thinks I am the problem?" She was almost quivering with anger and rage, as she pondered the unfairness of the situation. If she had been asked her opinion, she would have told Nick, or any of her other sons, to walk away from the land grant. Nothing was worth the price the Governor-General Prince had extracted.
"No one else has a problem with those circumstances Mother. Lots of girls get married at eighteen, in arranged marriages." Jarrod sighed, now really wanting a drink.
"Well I am not anyone else, I am Nick's mother! Would you please answer my question, does he know how I feel?" Victoria was not happy with what she'd learned so far, or where the conversation was going.
"Nick is aware that you have reservations about Catherine, but is hoping that as you get to know her you will come around." Jarrod said, remembering a conversation he and his brother had engaged in several weeks ago. He was impressed with how well Nick was holding his temper about the situation. Jarrod also knew that the only reason why was because it was their mother that was involved.
"Are you telling me he wants her to stay? On the ranch, as his wife?" Victoria was heard what her older son had said, and felt her heart go cold. She knew that that it should not have come as a surprise, thinking about her middle son. Catherine's arrival, with her beauty and pretty clothes, had been to her lonely son like a drink of water to a thirsty man – wanted so badly that neither one cared where it came from.
Jarrod was saved from answering by a knock on the door, which he responded to. His law clerk opened the door and Heath walked into the office. Jarrod had forgotten that his younger brother was going to be dropping off some mining paperwork. He greeted his caller so jovially that the younger man started to look worried.
"Mother stopped by, to discuss Nick and Catherine." Jarrod announced, after Heath had greeted Victoria with a hug. The younger man now knew why his brother had been so glad to see him.
"They seem very happy together, and I don't know if we would have been able to cultivate the grapes this year, if it wasn't for her." Heath offered up, hoping that would help his mother's attitude with the girl. He had in fact been impressed with how well Catherine had managed everything at the blending house.
"Fine, she translated the journal! That still leaves us with the issue that she is a school girl, who has nothing in common with your brother! Nick only married her because he was forced to by her uncle. I don't think that is a good beginning for a marriage!" Victoria huffed, being even more upset that Heath was on Jarrod's side too.
"Mom, she has done a lot more than translate the journal. She has been overseeing the work on the grapes, with the treatments and everything. Haven't you noticed that Catherine is at the blending house every day?" Heath was puzzled, having assumed that Victoria would know what Catherine had been doing.
"Excuse me; you are letting her do all that? What does she know about grapes anyway?" Victoria was now aghast, thinking about the young girl having that much responsibility.
"They grew grapes on her family's estate in southern Russia, where she spent a lot of time. Catherine also spent time on the main estate, in central Russia. She knows a great deal about agriculture, and land management." Heath explained to Victoria in a calm tone. In truth he had been very impressed with Catherine's knowledge.
He had enjoyed the chance to get to know her better, and felt like they were becoming friends. Heath wasn't sure what had changed with Nick, but was glad to have their old relationship back. He and Catherine also talked about religion, which had been enlightening to him. She didn't lecture him, or try to change him, just let him talk about his issues.
"Lovely lady, have you spent any time getting to know her? Or talking about anything besides superficial stuff?" Jarrod peered at here, as he went on "I think you have unfairly painted her with a brush, and shut your mind." Victoria thought that her older son's tone of voice reminded her of Silas.
"Catherine comes from a family of land owners, mother, and she relates to Nick in a way no one else ever has. Nick is not the easiest person to deal with, and he is very obsessed with his land and the protection of it. She doesn't get bothered by his behavior, because in her world, that is how men behave." Jarrod hoped his mother was hearing what he was saying. He had been to Europe several times, and had vivid memories of visiting landowners in Prussia, who took pride in showing the souvenirs of all the invaders they had driven from the family estate.
"Mom, Jarrod is right about Catherine, she does deal with Nick well, and doesn't care how loud he gets. I think they both have feelings for each other." Heath stated, not feeling right in revealing that they were actually in love with each other. Victoria looked from Jarrod to Heath, and thought about what they had just said.
"I will agree that she tolerates his loudness; I've never once seen her jump or flinch when he bellows." She offered, as she pondered the character of her middle son. Victoria also had to give weight to Jarrod's comment, about Catherine coming from a family of landowners. She could see how the girl would understand Nick, and his feelings about the ranch.
"Maybe you could give her a chance, and get to know her? I think she is going to be staying with us, if I know my brother." Jarrod said with a smile, thinking about Nick and his behavior towards Catherine.
"Thank you for pointing out what you did about Catherine, and you're right, I didn't know anything about her background. I need to rectify the situation with her." Victoria informed them, hoping that the girl would be receptive.
"The marriage isn't what you wanted for Nick, Mother, but I think it is what he wants. They are very close already, and he tells her everything that goes on around the ranch. Nick likes her company, and the fact that she is very caring toward him." Jarrod was pleased to see that his mother was coming around on the matter.
"So anything we discuss with him, he will probably talk to Catherine about? And they are close?" Victoria had not thought that the girl knew anything about what happened on the ranch. This new piece of information though changed the dynamics of ranch life. Victoria also wondered if the couple was sharing a bed. If they were, then the marriage couldn't be annulled, but she was uncomfortable having that discussion with Jarrod and Heath.
"I agree with Jarrod, Mom. There have a been couple of times when we're all together, with Nick telling us something about a ranch matter, and you could see that Catherine already knew about it. It is weird too, how they are almost tuned into each other. I don't believe in mind reading, but they have a connection that is hard to explain." Heath voiced the observations he had been noticing ever since he saw Catherine and Nick together.
"Heath is right there. I remember watching them when we were in the hotel in San Francisco, and I thought the same thing that Heath is. They are very supportive of each other too." Jarrod could have told Heath more about that type of connection, because he had been blessed to have that rapport with Beth. He had realized that was why seeing Nick and Catherine together made him think of Beth, and how much he missed her still.
"She is very beautiful, and I can't fault her behavior in any way. I will get to know her, and pray that you all are correct, about her making Nick a good wife." Victoria was hopeful that they were right, and she had been wrong. It still made her sad though, because it wasn't what she had wanted for Nick, or any of her children. On one level she knew that they were all adults, and were going to make their own decisions, and mistakes. However, it was still hard to let go of your dreams hopes for them.