Chapter Thirty-One
Jo slept until noon. Jarrod and Victoria checked in periodically to assure themselves she was well. Jarrod had shared his concerns with his mother about the angst of the beach, losing Lily, and almost losing Isabella. It was too much for her to handle. He hoped they had made headway last night and if she could sleep, she would be more rational. He was frightened that he might lose her. Jarrod understood dark moods. He had lived under them until Jo saved him from his.
Charles Beaufort arrived about nine o'clock to check on his beloved cousins. Victoria had never met the man but immediately, all of Jarrod's and Jo's concerns were validated in her mind. "Both sisters are indisposed but I will let them know you stopped by." curtly replied Victoria. "I am staying with your neighbors, the DeLands". She narrowed her eyes even further.
Jarrod came out of the study when he heard the voices. "Mother, I would like to visit with Cousin Beaufort". Victoria knew by the look in his eyes that Jarrod was in full protective attorney mode and Charles Beaufort was in trouble with her son.
"Would you like a drink?" Jarrod offered when they went into the study.
"Yes, scotch, please. Mind if I smoke. Want one?" Jarrod nodded and he handed him a fine French cigar. Both men were at a standstill sizing up their opponent. Two wolves circling.
Jarrod filled him in on Isabella's injuries. "Where is Elizabeth?"
"Jo is resting. She's been up with Isabella for days." Charles looked puzzled. "Jo? I asked about Elizabeth''. Jarrod covered easily, "oh I meant Elizabeth". He thought it odd that such a dear cousin had not known her full family name. She was JoElizabeth Marie Beaufort...named after her father and mother. Surely your cousin would know that.
He continued and changed his tactics. "How is the Admiral?"
"He's doing well. Very interested in Elizabeth's happiness and the annulment".
Jarrod held his poker face "Charles, I am assuming you are a man of the world, a bon vivant ..."
Charles stood a little taller at the remark. "Yes Monsieur Barkley I am. A fine French gentleman from one of the first families of the republic".
"Then let's talk man to man. I have currently been made attorney of record to negotiate for the trust. My name is on the cheque book already. I have SEEN to that. I assume I will take control within the year. When my brother marries Isabella, he will of course acquire her share. When Elizabeth and I marry, I will control two-thirds of the trust. My brother will allow me to be his agent. Elizabeth will also control Adrienne's portion until she is 25. Which means I will control it. Men in my family do not allow women to work or make financial decisions. How much do you need to let me and my brother glissade into the family and not cause trouble? I am a pragmatic man and there is plenty of Beaufort money to share. I view you as a partner and member of the family. You have not been treated well, my boon partner."
Jarrod's plan was working. He observed a change in his countenance and confidence.
Charles was astonished. This was not the principled man he had heard Jarrod Barkley described as. "For $100,000 I can provide an annulment and full title to the trust". Damn, I should not have burned those letters.
Jarrod listened and took a long drag on his cigar. "I will need to talk to my brother, of course, and we will get back to you." Charles did a mock bow and walked out of the room. "I bid you adieu, sir"
Jarrod spat the cigar out of his mouth and threw it into the fireplace. It left a bad taste in his mouth. Jo was right. Charles was up to no good and he had something to do with the annulment problem.
"Mother, will you keep an eye on Jo? The twins are with Cosima doing their lessons" He rode into town to send some telegrams to his Pinkerton contact and Scotland Yard.
Jo woke up feeling more like herself. Victoria heard her stirring and came to check on her. "I don't even remember going to sleep" How's Isabella?"
" She's doing well. She's still running a low fever but she was awake longer today. She had broth and tea for breakfast. Dr. Merar will be by late afternoon "
"Where's Jarrod?"
"In town sending some telegrams"
"The children? They went for a walk to the stream with Cosima for some fishing… yes they finished their lessons for today"
Jo smiled… "you do know me well". Victoria smiled and took this opportunity to talk. "You are going to be my daughter-in-law"
They sat down on the side of the bed in a familiar way. "Jo, we have been worried about you." She didn't answer and started looking down at the floor. "I didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable but I wanted to let you know I am here if you want to talk.
Jo sweetly nodded, "It's been a long time since I have had a Mother to talk to".
And they did talk about roses and Marie and croissants and Tom Barkley and Jarrod and the twins and Heath and Lily… for over two hours
Victoria helped her bathe and freshen up. She changed into a thin nightdress. It was still so warm for November. Victoria opened a window for some air circulation.
Jo laid back down and slept again until Jarrod came home for supper. Her future mother-in-law stayed until she was soundly asleep. Victoria was going to fight for this slip of a lady.
Jarrod came into her room when he got back from Stockton. Jo smelled like rose water. The scent filled his nose and he breathed deeply. She was sleeping softly with her long, plush auburn hair spread on the pillows. He couldn't help himself; he ran his fingers through it. Desire coursing through his blood. This damned annulment couldn't come soon enough to suit him.
She stirred and looked up into his sapphire eyes. Her green eyes were just as full of love for Jarrod and surprising herself, desire was coursing through her blood too. Her breathing quickened. It was the last thing she expected to happen herself today. Her doubts and fears of the past four days were lessened by rest and Jarrod Barkley by her bedside.
Jo lifted herself up on her arms and leaned into Jarrod's arms and kisses. She was wearing a pink peignoir. It was much too sheer for propriety and he tried to avert his eyes. Jo pulled Jarrod's head down onto her breasts. It was the first time he had ever touched her in this way. And she had brought him to it. She closed her eyes and whimpered at his touch. His hands roamed over the swell and they both breathed deeply and then pulled away from each other. They both recognized it was a stolen moment that did not belong to them yet. Jarrod held her until they stilled their bodies. Jo just proved to herself that she was able to be a wife to Jarrod in every sense. She quieted the nagging doubts of her dreams with his touch.
Carl Wheeler and Grace Anne were guests at dinner. Audra had been asking to see the baby when he had been checking in on her every day. She was still in pain from her wrist and ribs but came downstairs dressed for the meal. Carl looked at her when he entered the parlor. She was paler and dressed in a simple blue dress that did not bind her injuries but he thought she had never looked more beautiful to him. Audra was thinking the same about him, Carl has never been so handsome to me, especially with a baby in his arms. She smiled brightly despite the lingering bruises on her face. He didn't mind. Nick took Grace Anne into the dining room as well as his mother's arm. Carl took Audra's and they proceeded to have a very enjoyable meal. Silas had taken trays up to Jarrod, Jo and Heath with some broth for Miss Isabella. The brothers came down for after-dinner drinks.
Nick was happy for Carl to be there with the baby. The conversation was good at the table and everyone seemed at ease. Carl took him aside on the veranda.
"Nick I was wondering if you would do me a great service. Would you be Grace Anne's godfather? We hadn't gotten around to her baptism with the stink Emily's parents put up … and I would like to think you would do a great job raising her if something were to happen to me." Nick let out a large whoop. The family came to the doors to check on them. "Is that a yes?" The whole family smiled as Nick told them the news. "I got one condition, my friend, I don't want her to ride sidesaddle". Carl busted out laughing along with the family. "I agree. She needs to learn to ride astride and Nick, don't you be going and buying a pony anytime soon."
While Nick was showing the family his game of making Grace Anne laugh, Carl and Audra shared a private moment in the foyer. "Carl, do you remember me telling you how guilty I feel about passing on those rumors about Isabella and Jo?" He nodded. It had weighed heavily on her mind since the very first night.
" I have decided to talk to them and my brothers and apologize for my part."
"Do you want me there?"
"I think I can do it but would you mind saying a couple of prayers for me to have courage."
Carl pulled her in close for an embrace and kissed the top of her head. More might have happened but Nick bellowed, "I think this young lady needs a nappy change." The family was laughing heartily at his predicament.
Charles was ecstatic when he arrived back at Melanie's palatial home. The DeLands had been settled in the Valley almost as long as Tom and Victoria. Their only son, Paul DeLand was well-educated and an East Coast debonair. The DeLand cousins had settled in town and ran a chandlery shop for river traffic. They had embarrassed his family with the whole River Monarch fiasco. His second cousin had a daughter named Melanie after some long-forgotten grandmother and she had briefly seen Nick Barkley socially. Paul was fifteen years older than the Barkley children and was at school when they were born. The dispute over the gold had ruined them and Paul refused to acknowledge that side of his family. His father considered them a mortification and paid for the orphaned daughter to leave Stockton.
Paul was forty-four years old when he met his wife, Melanie. She was young, beautiful, and titillating. She was no virgin but he educated her well in the ways of the world. He paid the bills, forgave her indiscretions, and showed her off in society. He died of a massive heart seizure and left her a very wealthy widow after five years of marriage. Melanie would be twenty-five years old this year.
Charles had very indiscreetly checked into Melanie's financial situation. It was promising even if the Beauforts did not eventuate. But maybe, he could have his cake and eat it too as the British say.
"Melanie, get your best champagne! I have bested my cousins."
"Tell me all about it"
Charles told her a different version of the story. Melanie believed every word about how the Beauforts were groveling to their cousin. He knew he had a limited amount of time to pull this charade off. News from France was bound to come and they would find out he had not filed the American papers in Washington DC. The papers would have been re-signed in France and returned to the states. He just did not know how much more time he had. It was impossible to predict. Maybe marrying Melanie would hedge his bets. Everyone said Jarrod Barkley was a man of his word. He had all but promised $100,000 to him today. Charles Beaufort had some planning to do tonight ...after he sampled Melanie's ample gifts. He had been teaching her some new pleasures from French putains he knew. She was an excellent student and very willing to please him in all ways.