Chapter 12

Their first evening in San Francisco was spent relaxing. Jarrod had invited Melissa to join them for dinner, and Ella found she liked her immediately. The three women enjoyed one another's company, even making plans to do some shopping the next day. Ella had sent a message from Stockton to the specialist, Dr. Milton, asking for an appointment. When they arrived at Jarrod's townhouse, there had been a message waiting for her, letting her know when he was free. Since it wouldn't be for a few days, Ella decided to enjoy her time with Audra and Melissa, doing some much needed shopping for the party that weekend at the Barkley Ranch.

Jarrod escorted Melissa home, leaving his two house guests alone. Ella could tell Audra seemed preoccupied, and asked her friend if there was anything she wanted to talk about.

"I was just thinking about the party this weekend. Mother invited an old beau of mine," Audra said quietly.

"Oh? Was he one of the ones your brothers ran off?" Ella asked, giving her friend a slight wink. Audra laughed.

"Strangely enough, no. At the dance a few months back, I asked Nick if he had ever liked any of the men I'd dated. He said there was one."

"And who is this gentleman?"

"His name is Carl Wheeler. He and Nick were childhood friends. We saw each other for several months and I really thought he was going to be the one..."Audra's voice trailed off as she stared into the flames in the fireplace.

"What happened?" Ella asked softly.

Audra sighed.

"Carl and Nick had a difference of opinion concerning some sheep Nick had bought."

Ella's eyes widened. Sheep in cattle country? She knew most cattlemen didn't want those animals anywhere near their stock. Noticing Ella's surprised look, Audra went on to explain.

"Nick had been...oh, swindled is too strong of a word...tricked, maybe? Nick had been tricked into buying some sheep. He hated it. He was eager to get rid of them, but the man who'd sold them to him, Josiah Freeman, asked for Nick's help in getting the sheep to market. Carl challenged Nick, told him not to help. Well, my big brother does not like to be told what he can and cannot do. So he helped Josiah. Carl tried to get me to talk to Nick, to convince him not to go through with the plan. I broke it off right then. I wasn't about to let Carl use me that way."

Audra's face flushed a bit in anger. Ella couldn't help but chuckle, and Audra noticed.

"What's so funny?" she asked, smiling.

"Oh, just that Nick isn't the only one who doesn't like to be told what he can and cannot do."

Audra laughed and nodded her head in agreement.

"My mother says I have a flair for rebellion," the young blond admitted.

"That's not always a bad thing," Ella replied. They were silent for a few minutes, then Ella started up the conversation again.

"So are you glad Carl is invited? Or upset?"

Audra leaned back against her chair, raising a delicate hand to her forehead.

"I think I've loved Carl Wheeler since we were children," Audra confessed, her voice just above a whisper. "The incident with Nick hurt things between us, certainly. I think I'm ready to forgive him and move on. I just wonder if it's too late?"

Ella considered Audra's words.

"Maybe you'll be able to find out at the party? Or are you going with someone else?"

Audra shook her head.

"A few have asked, but I haven't said yes to anyone."

Jarrod came home then and the three bid each other goodnight. Audra and Ella would meet Melissa for lunch the next day, then spend the afternoon shopping.

Jonathon bid Heath goodbye and instructed Sam to stable the new stallion. He couldn't wait to see the look on Ella's face. Sam whistled when he saw the horse, giving his boss a huge grin.

Jonathon walked into the house and into his study. He noticed there was mail on his desk; apparently someone had been into town. He leafed through it, not seeing anything that needed his immediate attention. There was a telegram from Ella, and he eagerly ripped open the envelope. He turned around and was startled by the presence of his housekeeper.

"Wilma! I didn't realize you were standing there," he said, re-stacking the letters.

"I heard you ride in. Thought you might like something to eat?" she asked.

"Oh, no...thanks. We ate on the trail a few hours ago. Dinner tonight at the usual time will be good enough. I think I'll go wash this trail dust off and then go check on the stock. Any news while I was away?"

"No, sir."

"Good. Then I'll see you later," he said as he brushed past her. Wilma waited until she heard the door to his room close, then she walked over to the desk. The telegram from Ella lay on top of the letters.

Doctor cannot see me until Thursday. Will be home Friday. Much love, Ella.

Wilma smiled. This was Wednesday. She'd have to put her plan into action tonight. Maybe, by the time that little twit returned from her trip, Wilma would have everything in place.

Lunch had been a lively affair. Melissa and Ella became fast friends and enjoyed each other's company immensely. Audra watched them and felt a twinge of sorrow. She knew Ella was happy with her husband, yet she couldn't help but wish that she'd been available for Heath. She would have loved having Ella as a sister in law.

During lunch, Ella mentioned she needed to find someone who knew something about herbs. Melissa suggested she talk to her parent's gardener, Wong. His mother had taught him about herbs when they lived in China, and Melissa was sure he'd be able to tell Ella where she could find the herbs she needed.

The Ambers lived on a large estate in San Francisco with manicured lawns and beautiful flower gardens. Melissa told Ella and Audra that Wong had lived with them for as long as she could remember, taking care of the Ambers' landscape. He was like a member of the family. Mr. Ambers had a large green house built so Wong could grow his plants year round. Ella and Audra were amazed as they walked into the glass structure. Large ferns as well as flowering plants were everywhere. Those that were in bloom were fragrant and colorful, while those that had not bloomed yet were green and healthy looking.

They found the old man in the back with his hand in a clay pot, smoothing soil over seeds he'd just planted. Wong looked up when he saw Melissa and smiled.

"Ah, Missy Merissa," he said in his thick Chinese accent as he bowed to her. Melissa smiled and introduced Ella and Audra. He, in turn, bowed to each of them as well.

"Wong. Would you be able to talk to Ella about herbs? She needs to buy some, and maybe you could tell her where she needs to go?"

The small man turned to Ella, his brown eyes twinkling. Melissa and Audra walked away, giving Wong and Ella some privacy. Wong pulled up another stool, and Ella sat down.

"Missy need herbs? Missy sick?"

"My husband and I are trying to have a baby and our housekeeper is knowledgeable with herbs. She's been giving me Queen Anne's Lace, but I forgot the herbs when I came on the trip. I thought I'd buy some here so I could continue taking it. She said it's very important that I take them every day."

Ella watched Wong's brows draw together in question. She felt somewhat embarrassed to be talking to him about such a delicate subject, but she was worried that if she missed even just a few days of taking the herbs, she might not be able to conceive.

"You want baby?" he asked.

"Yes," Ella said, nodding her head.

"To get baby, you not take Wired Carrot."

"No, not Wild Carrot. Queen Anne's Lace."

"They are same prant. They not help you have baby, they kill baby."

Ella's mind began to whirl. She had seen Wilma use the herbs from the bottle marked "Queen Anne's Lace". She was sure of it. Perhaps Wong was wrong? But no, Ella knew he wasn't. Deep down, she'd always been suspicious of Wilma. She was always insistent that Ella drink the herbs, and not miss a day. Ella had let her desire for a child override her instincts. She began to shake and couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Wong called to Melissa who came running.

"Ella, what is it? What's wrong?"

"I have to get home," Ella whispered.

"Come on, let's get back to Jarrod's," Audra said, helping her friend to her feet.

"No, I have to get back home...to Stockton. I have to see Jonathon," Ella cried.

Melissa and Audra helped Ella into the hired hack, and they went back to Jarrod's. Ella wasted no time in beginning to pack her things. Melissa was just about to go to Jarrod's office when he came home. She told him Ella was packing and asked him to speak with her.

Jarrod knocked on Ella's door and went inside when she bid him to enter. She was throwing clothes into her bags haphazardly.

"Ella? Melissa tells me you want to go back to Stockton. Is everything alright?" he asked, standing in the open doorway.

"No, everything is not alright," she said turning to him. Jarrod could tell she'd been crying.

"What can I do?" Jarrod asked.

"I need to go home, Jarrod. Now. I have to be home tonight!" Ella cried out. If she hadn't been so upset, Jarrod would have insisted she stay the night, then leave in the morning. He could tell she was leaving with or without his help, and he knew Jonathon would want him to help her.

"Alright, I'll help you. Please calm down, Ella. I'll get you on a train to Stockton tonight, but I want you to calm down."

Ella nodded and sat down on the bed. She put her head in her hands and began to cry softly. Jarrod left her to go and make the arrangements. Audra and Melissa were sitting in the parlor, waiting for him to return.

"She's going to go home tonight. I think that's the best thing for her," Jarrod said. "Can either of you tell me what happened?"

"It's my fault," Melissa said, her eyes welling with tears. "She said she needed some herbs and I knew Wong would know about them. She was talking with him when she became upset."

"Did she say what Wong had said to make her upset?"

"No, just that she needed to go home."

Jarrod nodded.

"Audra, why don't you go up and help her. I'm going to take Melissa home. Then I'll be back to pick Ella up and take her to the train station. Don't let her leave without me."

Audra nodded and went upstairs. She found Ella taking things out of her valise and folding her clothes neatly. Audra began to help, not saying a word. Somehow she felt it was best for her to just be there for her friend.