Chapter Three

Jarrod and Elizabeth were speechless. They looked at each other and the attorney graciously gave them moments to gather their thoughts. After about 20 minutes of the couple re-reading their letters, he began to mediate the meeting.

"Jarrod, are you married"

"No"

"Engaged?"

"No, sir"

"Elizabeth, are you willing still to take the child?"

"Yes, absolutely."

"Wait, sir. I haven't waived my custody of the child."

They both turned and looked at Jarrod. "A single man raising a 12-year-old daughter? "

"I don't want to give up my daughter."

"If she is your daughter, you mean?"

"I would never abandon my child…no matter what," said Jarrod firmly. Elizabeth felt her resolve melt for a moment. A man who doesn't abandon his child.

She looked at him, "Can we meet her? We will not of course tell her our intentions today. We don't want her upset no matter what happens and feel forsaken."

Jarrod agreed.

"Can I ask you a question sir? Did my brother know you were seeing the same woman? ".

Jarrod could not believe her directness about this very private matter but he respected her for it. She was no shrinking violet and after Julia's letter, there was cause to ask.

He took an attorney's breath and answered.

"We both suspected after Matt's arrest. We never came right out and asked though."

She felt he had answered her truthfully. She exchanged glances with the attorney and nodded to him. He's telling the truth. I can see it in his blue eyes.

"I will arrange a visit. How about a French Quarter cafe for lunch? It will feel more natural for the child to meet strangers outdoors than at the convent school. I will bring her to the bistro on St James and Rue Orleans at 12."

Jarrod and Elizabeth walked out together into the bright sunlight and squinted. "Can we go somewhere and get a coffee?" he asked.

"Tea would be better." She gave Jarrod her first smile of the day.

They walked quietly several blocks. She ordered in French for them a dark roast coffee and an Earl Grey cream tea at the Cafe du Monde in the French Market.

Jarrod asked about her tea choice, "My family has imported tea for years. I have some pretty varied tastes. Mexican vanilla makes it sweet with a touch of alcohol" and she winked at him.

She asked for beignets for their table, "Extra napkins, too" she graciously asked. "Just wait until you see the powdered sugar." They laughed.

Elizabeth broached the subject first, "Jarrod, this is awkward. I just want the best for…" she stumbled over her words, "our child". " I have raised all my sisters and we can provide her a good, happy home. How will your family react to a child?"

"We have some experience with an adult child" and he told her all about Heath. She listened and smiled at his acceptance and how the family rallied about him.

"They will accept Mary Margaret I know" He got a funny feeling in his stomach saying her name for the first time. He may have a daughter.

"Are you seeing someone? How will she be with an illegitimate child?" Jarrod flinched at the directness but appreciated the honesty of her question again. Just like in the attorney's office…

"I don't know but we will work through it. I wouldn't choose anyone over my child."

He knew he just lied to Elizabeth. Miriam would not accept another woman's child. He knew that instinctively. The scandal would destroy her. She was no Victoria Barkley or even close. He would have to carefully prepare her for the child to visit...or maybe even live with them. She might privately accept the situation but not if it became a public one...He would think about that later.

He looked down at the pocket watch. They had been talking for almost two hours. "It's time to go to the bistro. Should we walk or hail a hack?"

"Walk" and she took Jarrod's arm to the cafe.

They made it several blocks to the bistro. A beautiful little girl with dark hair and green eyes smiled at them. Her hair was the exact color of Nick's and her eyes were identical to Elizabeth's. Jarrod and Elizabeth looked at each other. This child looked like both of them.

Julia Saxon had been a statuesque woman. Mary Margaret was tiny boned like Victoria and Elizabeth. She was left-handed like John and Eugene. Her cheekbones favored Jarrod. Her rosebud lips were Marie's. In every way, she seemed to belong to both families. The only things that were Julia Saxon's were her long, graceful fingers, her smile, and melodious voice.

It was a very pleasurable lunch for all four of them. Mary Margaret was well-mannered and very personable. She was very curious and inquisitive. Jarrod and Elizabeth kept their eyes peeled for any tell-tale hints. There were none.

Jarrod leaned over to the attorney and whispered, "May we take our young lady for ice cream?"

The attorney said, "Yes, she needs to be back by supper."

They found a bookstore and toy store. Jarrod bought her two new books and a set of drawing pens. She was enjoying the attention of a father figure. She had never had a male in her life that wasn't a priest.

Passing by the red brick buildings and black iron rails gave New Orleans a decidedly European feel. People were friendly and it seemed much louder than San Francisco. It reminded Jarrod much more of the ethnic neighborhoods of immigrants rather than downtown. The child took in every sight. Obviously, her convent school had not allowed them much time in the city.

Mary Margaret asked them questions about everything they saw and made very insightful observations about the busy life in New Orleans. She made Jarrod laugh quite loudly several times in her descriptions. New Orleans was growing on him.

Elizabeth observed joy on both their faces and it was contagious to her.

They went by a dressmaker's shop and she animatedly enjoyed the beautiful dresses in the windows. She asked Elizabeth questions about dresses and certain braids she had seen on other little girls. She was starting to get to that age…

The ladies went into the shop and came out with hair ribbons of several colors, for herself and other girls that had to live at the school too. She wanted to share this special day with her friends. Elizabeth spoke French with the shopkeeper and Mary Margaret had listened with interest.

Jarrod stayed outside the shop enjoying his cigar and watching them through the window laugh and smile. Elizabeth was a natural at mothering.

Elizabeth asked her to tell them about herself...Her earliest memories were of backstage watching her mother sing. Her mother put her in a convent school and visited her on holidays eventually when traveling became too much. Her mother was the most beautiful woman in the world and she lived for her visits. Then one day, when she was ten, a man came and told her that her mother had died. She stayed at the convent for the past two years alone since then. She spent holidays now with the nuns and the caretakers.

Elizabeth held back her tears but felt them in her heart and throat. Jarrod was uncharacteristically quiet. He reached out and squeezed the small hand of his child?

Mary Margaret changed the subject abruptly, "Do you speak French?"

"Yes, I do".

"What is my name in French?"

"Marie Marguerite".

"That's beautiful. Does it mean something special? I know Mary was the mother of the Christ."

"Marguerite is the French word for Daisy"

"I am going to remember my perfect day always as Daisy." and she gave a mock bow.

They passed a corner flower stand, a few blocks from the school. Jarrod bought her a bouquet of daisies and she grinned ear to ear. "For our Daisy" with an emphasis on our with a mock bow and a kiss on her hand.

Elizabeth had never met a man like Jarrod Barkley. To actually care what a little girl wants. Her heart was full with the feeling that this would work out for the first time without a fight.

She went into the school after hugging Elizabeth and Jarrod. "I hope you visit again soon".

"We will."

Jarrod escorted Elizabeth home. Her mansion on the Esplanade was aglow with light. Her sisters were all at home. "Please come in Jarrod. I know we have a lot to talk about and I would like you to meet my sisters."