Chapter Thirty Four
BlackJack and Victoria found themselves in the yard watching Cosima tutor the children on another warm November day. "Mrs. Barkley, I am glad that we have the opportunity to talk privately with each other." Victoria coolly nodded. She had been polite to their guest but not overly welcoming.
"I know what you must think of me. I am guilty of your worst opinion and much more you shall never know. . I have abandoned my daughters out of grief for my late wife. I don't expect your understanding but I hope for a cordial visit. It is obvious how close you are to your sons and daughter. Jarrod says the bond strengthened after the death of your Thomas. I was not able to do that. I am back and willing to try. I am a very imperfect man. I would like to make peace with you and your son, Heath."
"If Jo and Isabella have seen fit to forgive you, that is enough...but understand actions speak much louder than words. Jarrod had talked to him about Tom?
"I agree, Mrs. Barkley."
"Call me Victoria"
Heath had come from the corral up the side of the house to wash up. He heard the whole conversation. He had a lot to think about on the range.
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Our Stockton contacts have informed us that the Beaufort sister will recover from her injuries, Charles Beaufort has aligned himself with a local woman and John Joseph 'BlackJack' Jackson has arrived from Tahiti. He will be a formidable adversary if he positions himself with the Barkley Holdings. He has numerous nefarious associates and our sources believe he will not hesitate to use them if his interests are threatened. On the positive side, the Western Coastal is not affected by any of these machinations at this date. JTB has not shown any current interest in pursuing the family's case against the RR. My primary concern is still the combining of the holdings of both entities and the association of Elizabeth Beaufort to the Morgan Banks. The harbor project will further solidify these relationships. We were unable to sever any of those ties. The Morgans are redoubtable forces and we do not have the ability to compete with their intelligence operations in the business community. It is my recommendation that we do not pursue anything that will affect the banks. I recommend that we continue to try to destabilize the JTB and Beaufort alliances as possible. We still believe that JTB can and will eventually pursue his grievances against our RR and other entities we own. Our stock is continuing to rise in the United States market and we must protect our interests.
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JT Barkley
Confirmed tickets for ballet matinee December 1, 2 pm
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To: J T Barkley Esquire
From: Auguste Matthieu, Advocat for Jean Alexandre Beaufort III
My client was sent the necessary original documents for the annulment on October 1 of this year. They were certified and notarized by the court here. They were sent by legal messenger to be filed in Washington, DC, and/or New York church envoys. My office shows they were delivered to my client in person and he signed them in front of the notary. I filed the French papers on October 5 of this year. We do not have confirmation of an American filing in either city, Both must occur for the annulment to be legal and only original documents may be filed. . Typically a voyage takes 7-10 days by steam. My client is now incommunicado until next fall. I will make further inquiries on my end. This was very important to my client's last wishes.
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JT Barkley
Scotland Yard
No outstanding charges on Charles Alexandre Beaufort IV.
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JT Barkley
Pinkerton Agency
Continued inquiries on Barkley Holdings and Beaufort Shipping from the French embassy, Morgan Banks, Scotland Yard, and an unnamed San Francisco source. Please advise.
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Dearest Elizabeth,
I wanted to drop you a note of felicitations and appreciation. Thank you for the gift of flowers you sent after our night at the Embassy. For a woman of your grand stature to acknowledge a woman of my standing has left an indelible mark on my soul. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. I may take you up on your kind offer of employment in the future. More so, your confidences are safe with me about your paramour and I hope to use the invite you have graciously preemptively given me for your wedding one day… I bid you adieu.
With much affection,
Jacqueline
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E Beaufort
Calixte de Aucoin
Grand opening of House of Creole confirmed for December 4.
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Madame Elizabeth Beaufort
In addition to your monthly reservation, we added the cost of the rooms of Monsieur Charles Beaufort and companion along with liquor, meals, laundry, livery, and miscellaneous expenses. Our concierge is holding bills of a tailor, tobacconist, and haberdashery for payments. Please advise.
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E Beaufort via JT Barkley
December 2 signing of the contract for harbor and all invested parties.
For the Morgan Bank
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Nick Barkley c/o Barkley Ranch
PR Smythe Silversmith
Order in transit for silver rattle, bowl, and utensils engraved GAW. Paid by bank draft
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Jarrod T Barkley,
Please refer to the previous communication. We will make a decision at a hearing in April if you want to make an appointment on our judicial calendar at this time. It is to your advantage to have your said parties agree and file with their national envoys. A Vatican commission will need evidence and testimony from all the parties. It is a lengthy process.
Jarrod T. Barkley Esq
Dear Counselor Barkley.
Please advise your client that we will make a definitive ruling on the individual petition within the next six months unless the parties can come to an agreement earlier on their own. Both parties would have to joint petition the Vatican court together for brief resolution with due cause. The Church views marriage as a sacred sacrament and we do not issue annulments without council deliberation. It is our opinion that marriages should not be dissolved without significant rationale.
Monsenior Francis de Montenegro
Vatican Liaison
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Madame Beaufort,
The Victoria Marie rose is now confirmed to be shipped in March from Grasse, France. Rosa centifolia Victoria Marie
The Lily Marie rose is still in la realisation. A date will follow.
Thank you for your generous gift to the San Francisco Arborterum and your Patronage of the rose exhibit.
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To J T Barkley
Russian Land Grant offer has been accepted by the Prince. The passage has been confirmed for Mr. Nicholas Jonathan Barkley on the first ship to leave San Franciso in March sans ice melt.
Bank draft will be validated at the time of deed transfer.
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Dear Jarrod,
Your packet of architectural requests arrived today. I am impressed with your attention to detail And yet, why am I surprised? I will have my staff begin work on the acquisition of the specific building materials you are requesting. Also, your fiancee has an exceptional perception of light and acoustics. Bravo!
William Miller
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Mr. Barkley,
Your custom orders will be ready by the wedding and the Christmas holiday. Your servant Abraham
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As Jarrod and Jo worked in the study on the mail and calendar, Charles and Melanie boarded the train for San Francisco with packed trunks.
After today's mail, Jo and Jarrod had to make some decisions about their relationship and the upcoming months. They talked through all their options, what was best for the children, how not to conflict with Heath and Isabella, and how not to hurt each other anymore. Jo cried and allowed Jarrod to hold her. But she stoically accepted their fate. Neither of them could find peace with their final decision but they finally made one. Could they live with it? They had to...all their options were gone.
Nick and BlackJack carried the dinner conversation. The bigger the story Nick told, the bigger BlackJack told in response. They were at their best with their one-upmanship. By the third story, everyone at the table was laughing except Heath. He remained quiet and focused on his meal.
"Excuse me, I am going up to check on Isabella." Jarrod looked at the others and got up to follow him.
"Brother, can we talk?"
"Jarrod, I got nothing to say. If you all want to act like he hasn't done anything wrong, that is up to y'all" He turned his back on Jarrod and walked up the stairs.
"Heath if you don't mind coming down to the study in about thirty minutes, Jo and I would like to talk to the family. If 'Bella feels like coming down, she is welcome. If not, we will come up afterward." Heath nodded his head and continued up the stairs.