Chapter Seven

Miriam was frustrated with Jarrod. He had been gone two weeks and uncharacteristically had not sent her any communication. Her mother reminded her that men do not like to be nagged and lectured about their behavior.

"The sooner you learn that the better. You can always get what you want by your charm and looks. Look at your Father and me. We are marvelously happy and content with no conflict at all." and then she changed the unpleasant conversation to changing her calling card font and the new silver service from Colorado and her father's new tailor.

She stopped by her father's office, Wilson Brothers but Hiriam wasn't there.

Hiriam Wilson, a wealthy entrepreneur, and investor was at that very moment in the posh apartment of his mistress. His secretary only knew how to contact him.

She stopped by her Uncle Henry's publishing offices. He owned several large west coast newspapers and dailies. He also published dime novels and scandal sheets that made him a very wealthy man. Henry Wilson was proud of his reputation for making men and taking them down with the stroke of a pen.

He was thrilled to see his beautiful niece. He was partially responsible for making her the most eligible 'catch' in society.

"Has Barkley come to his senses and put a diamond on that hand, my darling?"

"Not yet but soon."

"Just let me know and Uncle Henry will set that man straight. I can make him anything he wants to become." and ominously "or make him sorry he hurt my precious niece."

"Oh no Uncle Henry, Jarrod is wonderful. He's out of town in New Orleans on business and I miss him."

He kissed her on the cheek and bid her goodbye. He gave the hint to his editor, "Find out what Jarrod Barkley is investing in New Orleans. It might be worth looking into ourselves for some extra cash. The man knows how to make money. Or what client he has taken on...might make for a good story."

Miriam tried to be patient but it was still annoying her. She was close to Jarrod's office so decided to 'pop' to see if she could get any information from Evelyn. His secretary was a professional and very loyal to her boss but it was worth a try. Woman to woman...

She sweetly answered that no communication for Miriam has passed through their office but she would be sure to send it right over if it came.

She didn't have the heart to tell her she had heard from him almost every day and he would be arriving by private rail tomorrow in Stockton. Packets of legal documents had arrived for his eyes only from New Orleans.

The word paternity was still weighing heavy on her mind. What had Mr. Barkley gotten himself into?

The young socialite met her friends for an uptown lunch. They exchanged pleasantries and opinions on what kind of ring Jarrod might bring back from New Orleans for her. And they chatted mindlessly about the new trims from Paris and the opening night of the new theatre.

Jarrod arrived in Stockton and picked up a horse at the livery. As he was sorting his belongings to pack for the ranch or stay on the train, he came across his smoke-ruined trousers in a bag. Ophie had cleaned them up as best she could but he still could smell the stench. He checked the pockets before he discarded them. Elizabeth's broken chatelaine and pocket watch were there. Picking it up from the wharf as they left, he had meant to give it back but the kiss had him distracted the rest of the night. He would get it to Abraham, his jeweler for repair or replacement.

He hadn't sent word ahead because he wanted some solitude during the ride to finish up the words in his head to talk to his family. He strapped his valise onto the mare and headed out. A new pearled hair comb for Audra, a cloisonné broach for mother and tobacco for the men, pralines for Silas.

"Jarrod, why didn't you let us know you were coming? We would have sent someone to pick you up." She searched his eyes with her eyes, "What is wrong? You look tired."

"You know me, well Mother. I need to talk to you before I talk to the family tonight. You deserve the courtesy, lovely lady of knowing first." and he walked her into the study.

Jarrod told his Mother the whole truth. All of it. She sat down and he brought her a sherry and himself a scotch. "Mother, I had no idea until two weeks ago."

"Oh, Jarrod"

"Does she favor us?"

"Yes and no." And he explained all of the similarities and differences. He showed Victoria the picture he had placed in his watch fob. She was Jarrod and yet she wasn't. She held his watch in her hands for the longest time staring for some recognition….

"And you had NO idea that you and … John?"

Jarrod put his head down in shame and looked away from his Mother, "This is the part I am most embarrassed about. I was planning on marrying her, mother—- and I bet you good money, he was too. John was a good, honest officer and friend to me. Julia was just that way... She made you feel like you were the only man in the world for her— and oh Matt Parker… I am a fool but Mother— I have an extraordinary daughter now. I can't wait for you to meet her."

His brothers opened the door at that very moment. Nick bellowed, "You have a daughter?"

"Shut the door Nicholas and come sit down and hear what your brother has to say before you yell it to the whole ranch!"

Jarrod told them the story again. "And Nick before you say a word, I remember what happened here with the Parkers. Do you think I haven't thought of it a million times? She's a child for heaven's sake."

"You are right Jarrod" Nick poured another drink and refreshed everyone else's.

Nick and Heath did well as Jarrod thought. They actually felt sorry for Jarrod having to admit what he did to his Mother. Both had lived enough to have their own assignations and hopefully not an unknown child. Neither could imagine his shame.

All of the Barkley's nursed their drinks. "I wish I had gone with you. I am sorry you had to do this alone," said Heath. Everyone nodded.

"Thank you all. I knew deep down that no matter how reprehensible my actions were, my family, would be here for me." And he lit another cigar. He rested his arm on the mantle and looked up at Tom.

"Jarrod, let me tell Audra in my way," said Victoria as she touched his arm. "I am going to leave you with your brothers now but I plan on hearing all about Daisy tonight. I assume we will keep this among us until Jarrod decides what is best for him and the child."

"Oh Big Brother, do you think she's really yours?" Nick blurted out as the door closed.

Jarrod nodded, "The more I look at the child the more convinced I get. Is it just my mind reading too much into it—and yet, I admit if I was introduced to her as John's child, I wouldn't question it. It's the most damnable thing." He showed them his watch fob.

They shook their heads too looking for a clue. They didn't.

"Did they want money?" asked Heath.

"No, in fact, Elizabeth wanted full custody. I wouldn't give it. The Beauforts and Jacksons are as wealthy as we are...maybe more. They are the finest family you could ever want for a child barring present company. "

"When do we get to meet her?" Nick slapped him on the back and Heath smiled back.

"Uncle Nick...I like the sound of that."

"Well, Uncle Heath will end up as her favorite. We all know that."

"We will see after I buy her first pony". They all laughed good-naturedly.

"Thank you both," Jarrod said quietly as he stared at the portrait of Tom Barkley.

Nick went upstairs and found his Katarina working on the ledgers from the blending house. Her Latin knowledge had come in handy on the ranch and she was now an intricate part of Barkley wine business. He told her about Jarrod's conundrum. Katharina was a good listener and she would keep Nick's confidence.

"Oh Nicholas, I fear this will not turn out well. An illegitimate child will not fare well with those society wolves of San Francisco. I am glad he left the child in New Orleans. They are much more c'est la vie. Poor Jarrod. He would make a good father I know. I hope to meet his little printsessa. What did Miriam say?"

"He hasn't told her yet."

"Oh no, that's not good. I will pray that her heart will open up. I don't have a good feeling,"

"Me either, me either sweetie" as he pulled her close to him.

Breakfast was subdued. No one looked as if they had gotten any sleep at all. Katarina had even come down to eat which was not her custom.

"Audra would be back in a day or so" and Mother assured him again "she would be better at telling her". They all agreed that no one should know who the child's real mother was including Audra.

"There were people in Stockton with long memories" spat Nick. The birth certificate was sealed just like their lips.

Jarrod stayed another couple of days at the ranch and rode the range with his brothers. He needed that connection to home and his family. He stopped by to see his Ruthie and made sure she had plenty of funds to get through the next months. She always cheered him up. He spent the afternoon with her but things were somehow different this time.

Jarrod arrived back in San Francisco and headed straight to his townhouse. Charles was there ready as always.

"Supper at six?"

"Thank you, Charles"

Jarrod knew he wanted Daisy in his life. That was obvious to him. He refused to ever lie to a woman and if Miriam wouldn't accept her, then he wouldn't even consider marrying her.

The question that still played in his mind, "Was she even someone he trusted to tell her he had a child?" That was the question that played out in his mind.

The Beaufort house had been very quiet since Jarrod left. Daisy asked every day when "Pappy was coming back". They all felt the same way.

Lis brought in the mail and gathered everyone around the dining table. "Well Miss Daisy, you have some letters". Her eyes got big, "I haven't ever gotten mail before." She took them out of the packet and began to read them aloud at the table.

Dearest Daisy,

I hope my letter finds you well and your Aunts are taking good care of you. Let me know if they aren't taking you for enough ice cream and hair ribbons. They will get in trouble with me if they aren't. I have told my horse Jingo all about you as you asked and I gave her extra carrots from you. It's hot and dry here at the ranch but not nearly as warm as New Orleans. I will be home to rainy San Francisco soon.

Keep listening to your Mamere. She is a very special lady and knows exactly what we want for you. I can't wait to hear you speak French and I look forward to a new drawing soon for my office.

I look forward to seeing you again. Love, Pappy

Dear Daisy,

I am your Uncle Nick, your Pappy's handsome brother. I know he has already told you that. I have a gray maned horse named CoCo. I have had her since I was young. I am excited to meet you and teach you all about ranching. The mountains and the valley of the San Joaquin River are home to all of us Barkleys. I hope you will love it too.

I look forward to meeting your Mamere Elizabeth and all your aunts. Pappy says they are the most beautiful ladies in New Orleans and you are the prettiest of them all.

Uncle Nick

Dear Daisy,

I am your Uncle Heath and when Pappy said you wanted to know about our horses, I couldn't decide which one Gal or Charger. So when I meet you, I will take you riding and tell you about both of them, just me and you.

I came to the Barkleys when I was older too. I can tell you from experience that they are the finest family you can ever find and we are pretty lucky to have them in our life. Pappy says you have a beautiful family in New Orleans. You must be pretty special to have two wonderful families that love you already.

Uncle Heath

Dearest Mary Margaret 'Daisy',

My name Is Victoria Barkley and my son, Jarrod (your Pappy) has blessed me with your arrival into our family. I am proud to take the name, Grandmere which you and your French family have chosen. I think it is beautiful and I am honored to be called by that lovely name.

My horse is named Misty-Girl and she does love her carrots and sugar cubes. I cannot wait for you to meet her.

I look forward to meeting you, Daisy. I hope it is soon. I understand you are quite an artist and writer. Keep saying your prayers and up with your lessons. I can't wait to hear you play the violin. Until then, please write often and let me know more about you. With love, Grandmere

Dear Daisy,

I love your name and that you picked it out. How fun! I always wanted a nickname besides Squirt from your Uncle Nick. I love horses too and I have several. I ride Ladino every day. You will love her! I can't wait to go riding with you either.

We have a wonderful dressmaker here if you visit Stockton and lots of stores in San Francisco. I would love to have matching dresses with my new family!

Much love from your Aunt Audra

Daisy read the letters over and over. She couldn't wait to respond to her new family she hadn't met and she ran up to her room. Julienne had given her a new writing desk for her bed and she couldn't wait to use it.

Elizabeth excused herself too. She went to her room and pulled a small drawstring bag and note out of her pocket…a new gold chatelaine and pocket watch with tiny seed pearls and three sapphire chips.

Dearest Elizabeth,

I found your broken chatelaine in my ruined trousers when I returned home. It was broken beyond repair so I took the liberty of replacing it. It is a small token of my heartfelt thanks for the past weeks. You have given me a great gift and allowed me to participate in Daisy's life. I cannot thank you enough. Your family is a blessing to me and I cannot wait until we can visit again. The inscription on the back of the watch changed my life that night too. I shall never forget the night of the fire on the docks. Warmly, Jarrod

She turned the watch over, Amazing Grace. She placed the note in her jewelry box and kissed the back of the fob.