I do not own The Big Valley, nor any of the original Barkley Characters.
Thanks to my Beta Reader, especially for her help on the scenery they'd be going through, though all mistakes are still my own. Blind Man's Bluff Chapter Fourteen Scene Twenty-Five
The wind was blowing gently as Jarrod, Peggy, and his brothers made their way through the trees that stood near the San Joaquin River. Peggy turned to Jarrod, "Maybe we should just go to your family's ranch. I mean, your mother and sister, they shouldn't have to wait longer than necessary to see you."
Jarrod, Heath and Nick couldn't help but smile and once again remind themselves how blessed they were it was Peggy who found Jarrod, not one of her brothers. "You know," Nick started speaking, "I bet you your brother's men are thinking the two of you will take the direct route to Stockton, or the ranch. Why not throw them off a bit."
Jarrod turned his head slightly, "Just exactly what did you have in mind, dear brother?" He had been away too long as it was, but he knew where Nick was coming from.
We could go north through the hills until we get to the Delta, then head east. It would actually be better; there's a series of islands and lots of ways to cross them. We can literally get 'lost' because there isn't one route. Adam and his men would have trouble figuring out which route we chose. It's pretty wild there with all the streams and marshes, but there are some rolling hills that will also give us some cover. We wouldn't have to worry about stopping for supplies; there's plenty of grass and water for the horses, and there's lots of game and birds for us to catch and eat. Besides, when we turn east it will be just a short ride until we get to the edge of the ranch. If they're expecting us to go to Stockton, they'll miss us."
Heath looked at Jarrod, who seemed deep in thought, "I don't know about you, Jarrod," Heath started speaking, "but it sound good to me. Besides, I know a few ways through the Delta that they'll never find. I've hunted here before."
Jarrod turned his head towards Peggy; he knew the scratch on her arm was healing up nicely, as was his. He didn't want her in harm's way any more than she had to be, "All right, we'll do as Nick suggests. Anything to throw Adam and his men off our trail."
Scene Twenty-Six
Peggy stood next to the tree and looked out on the river, sort of hard considering there wasn't a full moon out. In her mind she could see the sparkling clear blue water, the fish that may very well be swimming in it, and a dozen other small life forms that could inhabit the river. It all fascinated her. Then again, life was fascinating. She'd been amazed and captivated by the thousands of birds that lifted off as they'd rode by. Heath had explained that it was a flyway for birds and had more different kinds than anywhere else. The many little streams also interested her. She even enjoyed the wind that seemed to blow through without stopping. It smelled so nice and clean. Nick had been right; it was a wild place, but a beautiful one.
Her mind was on Jarrod, his brothers, her brothers, and this whole mess. Most of all, she thought on Jarrod. She was confused by the feelings she had for him; she'd never felt that way towards any man. She had kept them all at arm's lengths; that way, she couldn't get hurt. Somehow, Mr. Barkley had gotten past the wall she'd put up.
"You'd best get some sleep," Jarrod walked up beside her, "We only have a few hours before we cross the river, and then we'll be riding hard." They'd have to ride hard, just in case Adam, or anyone he had hired, actually took a wild guess, and picked the route they'd taken.
Peggy turned around and leaned up against the tree and looked Jarrod in the face, "I'm not going to Nevada once we get to your ranch. I don't know where I'll go, but it won't be there. It will be the first place father would look for me, and he will look once he finds out Michael Taylor is dead, and he will find out. He always finds out my secrets somehow."
Jarrod took a hold of her shoulders, "Please, stay in Stockton. I don't want you to go anywhere else."
Peggy stared at him; he'd gotten past her wall, but she hadn't really expected him to ask her to stay either. "Jarrod, I'm a Caldwell, I'm also..." Jarrod moved his right hand, and covered her lips with his fingers.
"You're Peg, a wonderful, beautiful, bright woman," Jarrod spoke soft, a tone of conviction in his voice, " and I think I'm falling in love." Wanting her to know just how badly he wanted her to stay, Jarrod held her close and kissed her with all the passion he could.
"Um, um," Nick cleared his throat and smiled, "Are the two of you going to be able to travel on little, or no, sleep?" the grin on his face went from ear to ear. That only served to get Jarrod and Peggy to separate rather quickly, Peggy doing her best to hide the feelings Jarrod had just aroused in her.
"Your brother has lousy timing," Peggy shot Nick a playful glare as they headed back to where they were camped, her heart still pounding. That only served to get Jarrod, and Nick, laughing.