Chapter Three
Jarrod went downstairs for coffee and sent hot chocolate up to Jo's room. He spent some time looking out into the harbor to the south and the cliffs towards the north.
It feels surreal that six months ago, I didn't know Jo even existed anywhere but my dreams. Here I am standing in a hotel in France counting the days to my wedding. The ten years we were apart closed in one night on the ranch. I wish John was around to see how this has worked out. I wish I could hear his good-natured teasing me about marrying his little sister. I have always wanted children and now I have two...and I was there the night they were conceived...Little did I know they would be mine today. The paradox is mind-boggling…
He was deep in his thoughts when Jo came up behind him and embraced him. The French were quite comfortable with public displays of affection and no one even noticed. Her long curls were hanging from a loose chignon. He took in her deep scent of rose water. She was wearing a day dress of pressed gold cotton with a passementerie braid in a deep purple.
"Calixte?"
"Yes, I am well dressed for this trip. Audra picked the trim. Thank you for the hot chocolate. You know me well". He kissed the top of her head and she smiled back at him.
They headed out to the Le Havre bank and to the Beaufort-Jackson Shipping offices. Jo stopped to admire the climbing rose on the inn. The gardener was reattaching it to the briquette-entre-poteaux wall.
"Could I bother you for a cutting as you prune? I would like to take it home to California." Home to California made Jarrod feel content. He liked the sound of that...Surely this day will bring news.
They entered the combined shipping company to a frosty greeting from the manager and the workers.
"Madame Beaufort, we did not know you were coming."
"We just arrived yesterday, Paul. This is my attorney, Jarrod Barkley." Paul nodded to him and did not extend his hand.
"Is there a problem?"
"May we speak privately? " Jo nodded and motioned for Jarrod to come too. Paul seemed disgusted. The men in the office barely disguised their own feelings of distaste for her and Jarrod.
Paul shut the door. "Madame, may I speak freely?"
"Oui"
" I have worked for your Father and the Admiral for thirty years. What you and this man have done is demoralizing, to say the least."
Jo was baffled. "What exactly have I done?"
"The innocent does not become you"
Jarrod angrily interjected, "You will not talk to Madame Beaufort that way"
Jarrod's anger surprised the manager but he continued, "We have heard the news that you are closing the LeHavre offices and moving the company to San Francisco. You are already moving your assets there. This town depends on the Beauforts and Jacksons. We would have hoped to hear firsthand from your father or even yourself"
"I don't know what you are talking about. My family has no intention of closing our French offices"
Paul looked surprised, "So you are denying it?"
"You have my word. Where do you get such an idea?"
"Your cousin Charles. He and his wife are living on the Beaufort lands and liquidating the Admirals assets for you and a certain Heath Barkley. He is an owner of the family trust now and he wants the shipping company moved to California where he can run it. Charles is very upset to have to do this but he must carry out the family wishes."
Jo and Jarrod were incredulous. "Oh hell no, Paul! Heath Barkley is Isabella's husband but isn't interested in the trust at all. This is Charles's mare's nest."
"I have seen the papers, Madame"
"Then you have been hoodwinked. Where can I see these so-called papers?"
"Antoine de Valla, at the bank". Of course, one of Charles cronies.
"May I speak to your men in your office, please". Paul said "Yes" and he gathered them in the crowded lobby.
"Men of Beaufort and Jackson Shipping, I need to speak to you. You have sacrificed your lives for my family's company. I am disheartened to find that some rogue has passed false information to my dear cousin, Charles. He has been deceived and I shall rectify it. I will pay double wages to every man that signs on for another year and completes this winter season. I am BlackJack's daughter and I will seek revenge. You know my Father's reputation. I am a quick study."
The men broke into applause and she had regained their loyalty. Now to deal with Charles.
Jarrod had seen her work her wiles on a board room of investors but this maneuver was astounding with wizened sailors and traders. She greeted each one with a handshake and an occasional kiss or hug. She asked them about their family, called them by name or relative she knew, and directly looked each man in the eye. By the time she was finished, every man in the room would have gone into a war for her. She was a force to be reckoned with...
"Let's get somewhere quiet, Jarrod. We need to talk".
"No...Keep walking Jo... towards the Havre town square. We are being followed."
Isabella was getting ready for a late dinner at the Cattleman's Hotel with Heath. They were going to celebrate their first anniversary and stay overnight in Stockton. They had an idyllic month at the ranch after their week at the cabin. Isabella knew she loved Heath before the wedding but she never dreamed it could increase day by day.
He had been a patient lover and took his time in pleasure. He taught her what pleased him and in turn, he carefully noticed what gave her pleasure. From the very first night, she had trusted him and several times a day since then, he had proven himself to her. She was glad that their room was at the end of the hall or she would have been mortified to face Victoria or heaven forbid, Nick.
Little did she realize that they could read their happiness all over their faces and be quite pleased to see the young couple so content.
Isabella did have one question she was trying to gain her courage to ask Victoria. Heath had the same question he was wanting to ask his 'Bella. They knew each other's bodies intimately but they had not reached the point to talk about such personal matters yet. He decided he would ask her tonight.
"Mother, uh Victoria " she stammered. "Yes dear" "I need to ask you a personal question."
Victoria patted the settee, "You can ask me anything, daughter".
"Would being married...uh uh change the date of my health? It should have been two weeks ago."
Victoria smiled. Oh to be a young bride again. "Yes dear, with all the changes in your life, it can be delayed. If you have any other changes in how you feel or miss another monthly, you may be with a child."
"Thank you Mother" and she quickly changed the subject and averted her eyes from her mother-in-law's loving, steel gray eyes.
Heath and Isabella had a very romantic dinner replete with champagne and candlelight in town. They ate, danced, and soon went up to their room.
Isabella had brought one of her honeymoon peignoirs that had not been worn. Heath had been enjoying undressing her more than worrying about her nightwear. She was determined to wear it but she failed again. As soon as the door was shut, Heath began undoing her hair and buttons. She quickly forgot about the nightgown.
After they spent their passion, they cuddled in each other's arms.
'Bella, can I ask you something?" She nodded still lost in her love.
"We have been together for over a month and I think I would have noticed...have you had your time?"
"Of course I have had a good time. I think you would know that." then she realized what he had meant.
She was mortified and Heath couldn't stifle his laugh. She hit him with her pillow and he laughed harder. Their tussle increased and they were once again loving each other.