CHAPTER 8

Considering just how quiet she had been as he'd described what it had been like for him before joining his father, step-mother, and sister in California, Aaron had been hopeful that his daughter had finally fallen asleep. However, he found that hope evaporating when she sat straight up, her eyes wide with curiosity, to eagerly demand;

"So what happened when you got to California, Daddy? Was it different living with your Papa, and Elsa, and Auntie Julie after living with your aunt and uncle? Did you like the university as much as you did the other school? I bet you did! Mommy always says that you're very smart, Daddy, so I bet you did real good at the university. Go on, Daddy, tell me what happened next."

Giving the small china clock a glance, Aaron sighed heavily before making what, he knew would be, a wasted effort by pointing out:

"Amie...baby, do you know how late it is? You're a growing little girl and you need your rest; you wanna grow up to be a big girl like Mommy...don't you?"

Aaron knew that, when she furrowed her small brow in consideration, there was no telling what she was about to say. But even he wasn't prepared for her to shake her head and speculate;

"I don't know, Daddy; considering how many times I've seen you have to pick her up just so you could kiss her, I don't think Mommy's all that big."

Leaning her head to the side slightly, she suggested;

"Maybe Mommy skipped her naps when she was a little girl; I guess that's why she's so short."

Bracing his forehead against the palm of his hand as he shook his head, Aaron blew out an exasperated sigh and lifted his head to demand;

"Amelia Carleecia, where do you get these ideas?"

Lifting her small shoulders, she confessed;

"I don't know, Daddy. But you keep saying that if I don't get my rest I won't be a big girl like Mommy. But considering how small she is, I'm thinking Mommy missed A LOT of naps."

Placing her small fist under her chin, as if contemplating the matter, Amie finally shook her head before offering her father a smile filled with satisfaction;

"So see, Daddy, me staying awake so you can tell me what happened when you went to California won't hurt nothing; specially since I'd miss more sleep wondering what happens anyway."

Aaron, already knowing that he'd lost the argument the moment his daughter made her mind up to offer him a logical explanation, sighed before surrendering;

"Alright, Princess, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to tell you more. Let's see, where should I pick up the story?"

After she'd shifted so that she was more comfortable, Amie suggested;

"I know, Daddy! Tell me about when you got to California and the university."

Pulling from the memories that he had of his journey to California and his time at the university, Aaron began.

AUGUST 1846

Once the gangplank had been lowered, Aaron eagerly disembarked from the ship that had brought him the last leg of his journey. He couldn't deny how much of an adventure it had been, especially traveling the overland route through Panama to catch the next ship bound for San Francisco. But, it still astounded him that making the trip thru Panama took mere weeks as opposed to the months it would have taken him had he gone across the county, but the proof was in the fact that he had arrived just a few weeks after leaving New Orleans. While the voyage had been a fairly smooth one, and he wasn't afraid of sailing, given the amount of time he'd spent on ships over the past few weeks, Aaron couldn't help allowing the sigh of relief to escape as he stepped on the solid wood of the docks. Even though he had become rather experienced as a traveler, Aaron still couldn't help but be impressed by the sight of so many throngs of people as they rushed in one direction or the other, but all hurrying to get someplace. Taking a deep breath, he shook his head before muttering to himself;

"This is nothing like what I knew in New Orleans...or even Panama."

Aaron found his attention diverted as an unfamiliar voice called out;

"Mr. Stempel? Aaron Stempel?"

Reflexively, Aaron turned towards the owner of the voice to find a man he would have guessed to be in his late thirties or early forties, shorter than he was with rapidly thinning hair that was receding from the front. Although it was tinged with a hint of amusement, Aaron compared the man, especially with his spectacles, to a learned professor, something that sparked respect for the man before he'd even met him. Raising his hand to gain his attention, Aaron hurried towards him;

"I'm Aaron Stempel. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that I don't know..."

His expression a mix of relief and delight, the man extended his hand;

"Of course, Mr. Stempel! Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Archibald Bradford."

Noticing the confusion clouding the younger man's face, he explained;

"I work for your father."

A sudden realization dawned on Aaron as he recalled his father writing to him about the man now standing before him. Taking the man's hand in his and shaking it enthusiastically, Aaron breathed a sigh of relief as he nodded;

"Of course! I'm sorry, Mr. Bradford..."

Motioning towards the now secured ship, he continued:

"I'm afraid my only excuse is that it's been a long voyage."

Raising his hand and shaking his head, he advised;

"Mr. Stempel...please, I may look like a stiff-necked accountant, but I'd like to think I'm a fairly agreeable fellow and I'd like it very much if you were to call me 'Archie'."

Archie let a slight smile of encouragement cross his mouth when the young man nodded before returning;

"Well, I may be your employer's son, but I'm not ready to be called 'Mister' yet. So I'll be happy to accommodate you if you'll do the same and call me 'Aaron'."

Relief was not the word for what Archie felt as he studied the young man before him. He'd worked for several prominent businessmen in his day. And while most, if not all, had been generous with their appreciation for his talents when it came to organization and attention to detail, there were a few whose offspring left a great deal to be desired. Archie had suffered through daughters who were treated like royal princesses and expected everyone else they came into contact with to fall in line with that trend. However, considering how hard he'd worked to educate himself and bring himself up by his bootstraps, Archibald Bradford could not be counted on to accommodate such foolishness. Even the sons, he'd discovered, tended to believe they were entitled to be treated as the heirs apparent to their father's hard-earned fortunes; something that Archie had a serious problem with. While he certainly didn't begrudge anyone for giving to their children, he did have a problem with the children acting as if what their fathers had worked so hard to achieve was simply to make their lots in life much easier...without the benefit of effort on their parts.

When George Stempel had asked him to meet the ship arriving from Panama with his son aboard, to say that Archie had been reluctant was a vast understatement. However, never having been one to shirk the duties his employers entrusted him with, he'd agreed and made the proper arrangements. But, studying the young man in front of him now, and being a fairly accurate judge of character, Archie could see that, despite his sixteen years of age, this was someone who worked to earn what they had, and he worked hard. Even if he were to be given something, there were no doubts in Archie's mind that Aaron would be one of those rare young people who didn't expect to be given anything. But, whatever he might be given, he appreciated it for the gift it was. Archie rerouted his thoughts as Aaron motioned to a large trunk and bag being off-loaded from the ship;

"Those are my bags, Archie. Should I see to having them sent, or..."

Nodding, Archie made a waving motion that found a couple of men joining them. Pointing to the pair, he explained;

"I hired a couple of the hands from your father's warehouse, they'll take care of your bags and deliver them to your father...I mean your house."

Taking the claim tickets Aaron held out to him, Archie entrusted them to the older of the two men;

"Here are the baggage tickets, and you know where Mr. Stempel's house is, right?"

Taking the tickets, they nodded;

"No problem, Archie, we got this."

Pointing towards the street, he suggested;

"If you're ready, the carriage is just over there."

Nodding in the direction Archie had indicated, Aaron quickly agreed;

"Lead the way!"

While they'd maintained a steady stream of correspondence during his time in New Orleans, the vague descriptions he'd received from Elsa and his father had ill-prepared Aaron for the impressive structure he saw when the carriage came to a halt. Staring wide-eyed at the building in front of him, Aaron turned to his companion to demand;

"Why did you bring me to a museum, Archie? Not that I don't appreciate the gesture, but I really would like to get home and see, Papa, Elsa, and my sister."

Initially, Archie thought that Aaron might be trying to joke with him; however, when he saw the look of earnest seriousness in his eyes, he realized that he really had no idea as to just what a thriving businessman his father was. Deciding to take a tactful and sensitive approach to the matter, Archie carefully explained;

"Aaron, this IS your home. You see your father's done quite well with his investments and business dealings."

His eyes roaming from one end of the grand house to the other, Aaron quipped,

"Obviously!"

Slowly shaking his head, Aaron conceded;

"Papa always provided well for us. But this..."

Heaving a heavy sigh, he admitted;

"I wasn't expecting anything like this."

It didn't take a genius to realize that the young man was intimidated by the grandeur he was now seeing, something that prompted Archie to place his hand on his shoulder before pointing out;

"Look, Aaron, I know that this might seem...intimidating. But just remember that in that big pile of brick and wood is your family; if they don't intimidate you, don't let the house do so."

Aaron could certainly see where Archie had a point; after all, he'd been in a number of some of the finest homes in New Orleans and the only difference between those and what he was now staring at was a matter of size and that, ostensibly, this house held a place inside for him with his family. Stepping out of the carriage, Aaron took a deep breath and squared his shoulders, turning to Archie he nodded;

"Alright, I'm ready, let's go."

George Stempel sat at his desk in his study, examining the latest batch of quarterly reports from his various investments and businesses. Although his eyes were focused on the figures and words on the papers he held in his hands, his thoughts were a different matter. Finally realizing that what he was reading wouldn't make sense to him until his mind was cleared of his concerns at that moment, George laid the reports on his desktop, sighing heavily as he did so. Giving in to the temptation, he reached into the back of his lower desk drawer to pull out a silver-framed tin-type photo, carefully studying the image captured beneath the glass of the beautiful young dark-haired woman holding a dark-haired little boy who was a testament to the looks of both his parents. Smiling warmly at the image smiling back at him, George addressed the young woman;

"Well, Amelia my love, we have a great deal to be proud of in our son; he's arriving today and I wonder what changes five years have brought in him. But somehow, I can't help but think that those changes will be for the good and only make us more proud of our boy."

George found his thoughts interrupted as he heard a voice that, although vaguely familiar, had definitely changed in its tone and timber as its owner called out;

"Papa?"

Raising his head from the photo in his hands, it took George a moment to recover from the shock he felt of seeing what changes had taken place between the eleven-year-old boy he'd entrusted to Beau and Clarissa Alexander in New Orleans to the sixteen-year-old young man standing in the doorway of his study. Lowering the frame to his desk and rising from his chair, George couldn't help but stammer a bit;

"Aaron...son. I...uh."

Understanding the variety of emotions he saw flitting across his father's face, Aaron rushed forward to embrace the man before commiserating;

"I missed you too, Papa."

Fighting to keep the tears of joy he wanted to shed at bay, George returned his son's gesture with a tight embrace of his own as he confessed;

"I did miss you, Aaron...you don't know just how much."

After a few moments more of holding his child close to him, George cleared his throat before pushing his son away slightly to greet;

"It's wonderful to see you, son."

His eyes going from the top to the bottom of the boy's tall frame, George nodded approvingly;

"Well, there's certainly no denying that your aunt and uncle took good care of you. Just look at you, I know full-grown men who wish they'd grown as tall as you."

Aaron's eyes became wistful as he reminded his father;

"Mama always said I would grow to be a tall man, remember, Papa?"

George bobbed his head quickly as he acknowledged the statement;

"I remember, son."

Glancing over his shoulder to where the photo laid on his desk, George invited;

"Come here, Aaron."

Taking the frame in hand, he held it out;

"I think you should have this. Now this isn't your graduation gift, but...well, I think it's only right you should have this."

George shook his head;

"I don't know if you remember or not..."

Studying the photo in his hands, Aaron swallowed hard and nodded;

"I remember when it was taken. Mama said it was for a birthday present for you."

Touched by the fact his son remembered the occasion so well, especially given he was so young, George laughed;

"It was! When I opened it, your mother told me that she took the fact that the photographer was traveling through Seattle at that time as a sign that it was meant to be."

Motioning towards the frame, he explained;

"I think it should be yours. I have others of your mother and us, but I think you should have this one."

Aaron took a moment longer to study the image before giving a slight bob of his head;

"Thank you, Papa, I'll take very good care of it."

Deciding to change the tone of the mood, George informed him;

"Elsa and Julie are at the dressmaker's at the moment, but you should see the meal Elsa has planned for you tonight. And your sister..."

His features filled with elation, a fact evidenced by the joyful smile he wore, George shook his head;

"You should see her, she's such a little doll, even fairer than Elsa. And all we've heard for the past few weeks is how excited she is about her big brother coming home. Last week we were at a birthday party for one of our acquaintance's little girls and this little boy was teasing her; she stomped that little foot of hers and told him to just wait until her big brother, Aaron got here, he'd show him."

Hiking one eyebrow, finding humor in the story, Aaron pointed out;

"Not that I mind defending my sister's honor, Papa, but somehow I thought I wouldn't have to do that until she was a good deal older."

George laughed at his son's quick wit, glad to know that he possessed one before clapping the boy's shoulder;

"Right you are, son...right you are."

Noticing how fatigued he suddenly appeared, George suggested;

"Aaron, I know you've had a long trip."

Reaching for the bell pull and waiting until a tall, gaunt man with white hair appeared in the doorway, George suggested;

"Why don't you go up to your room, rest for a little while, and catch your breath. We can catch up later after you've had a chance to rest and enjoyed a good hearty meal."

Turning to the servant, George informed the servant;

"Baxter, this is my son, Aaron."

George faced his son to assure him;

"Your arrival has been an anticipated one and I'll make sure you meet everyone else later on."

Redirecting his attention back to the trusted retainer, George proceeded;

"Please have Megan prepare Mr. Aaron a tray after you show him to his room. When the men arrive with his baggage, have it sent up to his room and he's not to be disturbed until time to get ready for dinner."

Stepping forward to place his hands on his son's shoulders, George was positively beaming;

"Welcome home, son. I know we have some catching up to do, but I also know that it'll be like no time at all until it seems like we've never been separated."

Aaron gave a slight nod;

"I hope so, Papa."

Following in Baxter's wake, Aaron was silently hoping and praying that his father's decree would prove an accurate one, although he couldn't help but wonder if, just as his father found him changed, what changes he might find in his father.

Although he'd taken his father's suggestion to retire to his room for a bit of rest, sleep was the farthest thing on Aaron's mind as he surveyed what was to be his room. Inspecting what was to be his domain, Aaron had to admit that whoever had decorated it had done so with the thought in mind that he was no longer a child. In fact, he could see that the information he'd shared in his letters to his father and Elsa regarding his interests, likes, and dislikes had been taken into consideration in regards to the room. Putting his hands on his hips, Aaron shook his head as his gaze swept across the space;

"I have to admit, whoever did this, I like what they did. I'm pretty sure that I can be comfortable and happy here."

Aaron found his thoughts interrupted as a small, unfamiliar voice exclaimed excitedly;

"OH GOODY! MAMA AND ME HOPED YOU'D LIKE IT!"

Aaron spun around to find himself face to face with the closest thing to a living doll that he'd ever seen. Although instinctively, he knew who the little moppet was, he found himself staring in awe at just how adorable the little girl was with her wealth of carefully

arranged silvery gold blonde ringlets, her pale porcelain complexion, and her vivid blue eyes. Lowering himself to sit on his heels so he was more on her level, Aaron smiled warmly;

"I bet you're Julie, aren't you?"

At her silent nod, Aaron placed the flat of his hand over the center of his chest before asking;

"Do you know who I am?"

Her small, cherubic face reflecting how seriously she took the question, Julie nodded solemnly. Seeing her hesitancy and wanting to put her at ease, Aaron's smile broadened as he held his arms open wide in an invitation, something that found the solemn look she wore quickly giving way to a bright smile that made her eyes glow even brighter as she rushed forward to wrap her small arms around his neck. Laughing as he returned the embrace, Aaron observed;

"I'll take that as a yes."

Pulling back as Aaron rose to his full height, holding his sister in his arms, Julie eagerly nodded;

"Yep! You're my big brother, Aaron!"

Julie's smile fell slightly as she lowered her eyes before confessing;

"I'm sorry I don't remember you. Well...I remember the things Mama and Papa told me bout you, but I just don't remember you."

Touched by her admission, Aaron tapped the tip of her nose with the tip of his finger as he confessed;

"Well, considering you were a little baby the last time I saw you, I think I can forgive you. Besides, I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to making some memories with my favorite baby sister."

Aaron couldn't help the broad grin that spread across his face as she giggled before reminding him;

"But I'm your only baby sister, Aaron."

Hugging her close, Aaron nodded;

"That's true, but that just means we get to spend more time with each other, doesn't it?"

Both turned at the sound of the soft knock on the already open door to find Elsa standing in the entrance asking;

"Vould it be alright if I came in and said hello?"

Elsa found her heart and spirits brighten considerably at the sight of her step-son and daughter so obviously happy to see each other, not to mention the happy smile Aaron wore as he greeted;

"I'd be insulted if you didn't, Elsa."

Setting Julie on her feet, Aaron hurried forward to embrace his step-mother;

"I'm happy to see you."

Elsa closed her eyes in gratitude as the young man hugged her tightly, offering a silent prayer of thanks that he'd arrived safely; however, her prayer was shortened considerably as she felt a tug on her skirt. Glancing down, Elsa found her daughter excitedly chattering;

"Guess what, Mama, Aaron said he really likes his room, and he said that me and him are gonna spend a lot of time together."

Pursing her small mouth, as if thinking about the matter, Julie speculated;

"I think it's on a count of me not remembering him and cause I was such a little baby the last time he saw me."

Elsa smiled lovingly as she placed her hand on the top of her daughter's head to acknowledge;

"I tink dat sounds vonderful. I told you dat I taught you'd like your big brudder."

Placing her hand on his arm, Elsa informed Aaron;

"I hope you like vhat ve're having for supper tonight. I'm having all da favorites dat I remember you liked prepared."

Aaron gave his step-mother's hand an affectionate pat before nodding;

"That sounds wonderful. But, if you ladies wouldn't mind too much, and since there is a little time before supper, I'd like to see about unpacking before time to get dressed."

Slightly embarrassed that she hadn't thought of the matter herself, Elsa rushed to apologize;

"Oh, Aaron, I'm so sorry I didn't tink of dat myself."

Eager to put her at ease, Aaron assured her;

"It's alright, Elsa...REALLY!"

Reaching out and lifting his sister in his arms, Aaron laughed;

"Besides, I wouldn't have missed seeing you and this little moppet for all the world."

Aaron leaned closer to place a kiss against her cheek before promising;

"Or having you welcome me home. It's just the sooner I unpack the sooner I can relax and enjoy my time with all of you."

Setting his sister on her feet once more, Aaron vowed;

"I'll see you a little later at supper, okay?"

Julie nodded before happily skipping out the door, calling as she did so;

"I'm gonna go help, Millie with the cake she's making, Mama."

Elsa could only shake her head at her daughter's enthusiasm as she confessed;

"I have no idea vhere she gets so much energy, but I'm glad for da fact she always puts it to such good use."

Nodding towards the trunk and baggage, Elsa offered;

"Vould you like me to stay and help you vith your unpacking?"

Glancing over his shoulder, Aaron gave her offer some thought before finally shaking his head as he admitted;

"I appreciate the offer, but to be honest with you, Elsa. I'd like a chance to get used to everything...if that's okay?"

Considering that she had felt the same way when they'd taken up residence in the large house, Elsa was more than able to sympathize with his reasons, something that found her nodding;

"Of course it's alright, Aaron. But if you tink you need any help, yust yell."

Crossing to the door, she turned, her face bright with her smile and sentiment as she declared;

"I'm glad your back vith us, Aaron. I know your education is important, and I'm glad you did so vell in New Orleans, but I'd be lying if I said ve didn't miss you."

Shaking her head, she observed;

"I'm glad your home, it's not good for my Yulie not to have her big brudder to grow up vith."

Waiting until she'd left his room and pulled the door closed, Aaron sighed heavily as he wished aloud;

"Let's just hope that I make a decent big brother for her, Elsa."

Aaron stood in front of the large and ornate mirror that was located at the bottom of the grand staircase in his new home, working on straightening his tie when he found his attention drawn by the sound of a throat clearing. Turning he found himself facing Baxter, the Stempel family's butler, studying him as if he was some type of foreign object. Aaron was about to speak when the man lifted his chin slightly and informed him in a rather haughty tone;

"While I understand this is your first day in this household, young sir, I certainly hope you understand that you're expected to dress properly for the evening meal."

Although he thought he might have imagined the derision he heard in the man's tone when he addressed him as 'young sir', Aaron knew there was no mistaking the smirk he saw on the man's features as he glanced upstairs where he knew Elsa was to comment;

"Even though there are certain areas where my advice regarding the running of this household is ignored, dressing for the evening meal is one area where Mr. Stempel has upheld my suggestion."

Waving his hand towards Aaron in a flippant manner, Baxter decreed;

"You'll need to make certain you're properly attired after this. If you require it, I'll take the time to properly tutor you on what is and is not acceptable to wear, MASTER Stempel."

Aaron remained silent for a few moments in the wake of Baxter's statement. The last thing he wanted to do was make waves in his father's house, however, as he'd been reminded several times since his arrival by his father, Elsa, and even Julie, this was now his home as well as theirs. Making his decision, Aaron used the fact that he was every bit as tall, if not taller than the man now attempting to give him a dressing down, as well as the education, breeding, and the certain position he possessed in the family to set the man straight. Squaring his shoulders, giving him an even more imposing stature, Aaron lifted his chin and assumed an arrogant manner as he informed the servant;

"And I understand that this is your first day in dealing with me as a member of the family that pays your wages, so I'm willing to overlook your, shall we say, demonstration of arrogance."

Lifting his finger as if struck with a sudden inspiration, Aaron corrected himself;

"Actually, Baxter, I believe that was how my father addressed you...was it not?"

At the servant's nod, Aaron continued;

"Good, I am usually good with names, but it never hurts to make sure you know. I think I should set you straight on a few things. First, and most importantly, I am not a child; so from here on out, I give you leave to address me as Mister Aaron, Mister Stempel, or even Aaron if you wish. But NEVER address me as MASTER Aaron again. As far as offering me lessons in how to dress properly, I've never had anyone criticize my appearance, my taste in clothing, or my ability to know what is or is not appropriate to wear, whatever the occasion might be. Mind you, considering that I lived in one of the finest and most respected homes in New Orleans, attended one of the most prestigious schools in the city, and was a welcomed guest in many of the other respected homes in the city, all without complaint I might add, I'm sure that you can see your advice isn't needed."

Even though Aaron had been determined to set the man in front of him straight, especially given the snobbishness he'd heard in the man's tone as he'd addressed him, he relented somewhat as he explained;

"Baxter, there's something that I want straight between us from the start. Today is the first time that we've met, but here you are assuming that I'm some ill-mannered, unsophisticated clod from the wilderness. Quite frankly, I think you were determined and looking for an opportunity to 'dress me down' for lack of a better way to phrase it."

Holding his open hand out for the man's inspection, Aaron pointed out;

"Because if you weren't you would have taken the time to notice that I was in the process of putting my tie on..."

Waving towards the chair just under the mirror, he added;

"Not to mention waiting to put my jacket on."

Trying to lighten the mood a little, Aaron laughed a bit;

"Unless of course you just didn't notice either one; but if that's the case, I'll speak to my father and we'll see about having your eyes examined for some spectacles."

There was no denying the irritation in the man's expression when he retorted;

"There is nothing whatsoever wrong with my eyes or my vision...MISTER Aaron. I can assure you that if I felt there was I'm quite capable of addressing the issue with Mister Stempel myself."

Aaron could see that his first impression of the man had been the correct one, something that now found him advising the family retainer;

"Fair enough, Baxter, but I think that we should have an understanding between us. I don't consider myself better than anybody else; however, since I try to treat everybody equally I expect the same in return. Now I'm willing to concede that what you probably see when you look at me is your employer's son, but just as I'm willing to treat you as a person in your own right, rather than my father's employee, I expect that same courtesy in return. Do I make myself clear?"

Narrowing his pale eyes a bit, Baxter questioned;

"I wonder what your father would say if he heard how you just spoke to me...hardly gentlemanly in my opinion...SIR."

Determined he wasn't going to back down, Aaron shrugged;

"Maybe not, but one of the most valuable lessons that I've learned, thanks to my father and uncle, is that there is a time to be a gentleman and there's time to be a man. I'd like to think that I'm smart enough to know when those times are."

Turning back towards the mirror to deal with the issue of his tie once more, Aaron slid his eyes in the direction of the servant's reflection to state with finality;

"There's another lesson I learned from my father and uncle as well, Baxter."

Although Baxter had come to realize that the methods of intimidation he'd tried to exercise over the eldest Stempel child had failed, he was determined not to allow Aaron to see his acceptance of that failure. It was with that thought in mind that the retainer pulled his thin shoulders back and lifted his chin before asking;

"And what lesson might that be...MISTER Aaron?"

Facing the man, Aaron leveled his dark gaze at him before stating his determination;

"That if you want to be treated with respect, you need to be prepared to respond in kind. Mind you, that's aside from being prepared to stand your ground for what you will and will not tolerate; I made my mind up quite some time ago as to what my limits were. And, despite my age, I'm more than prepared to stand my ground."

Seeing the hint of trepidation, as well as the discretion in the man's eyes, Aaron wasn't surprised when he asked;

"If there's nothing you require at this time, SIR, might I be excused? I need to make certain that the meal preparations are coming along as scheduled."

Facing his image in the mirror once more, Aaron nodded;

"By all means, Baxter, don't let me keep you."

Even though he'd hoped that he could share the same sort of easy-going relationship that he and Charles had managed to form, Aaron could tell that he and Baxter would never be able to enjoy such a bond. While he hoped that he and Baxter might be able to forge, at least, a cordial means of dealing with each other, Aaron had the gnawing feeling that forced civility might be the best they'd be able to manage. Despite his concern regarding the matter, Aaron found his thoughts on the subject interrupted as he felt a slight tug on his arm. Looking down to find his sister looking up at him, the smile that had begun froze as Julie asked without preamble;

"Was Baxter being on old meanie again?"

Curious and puzzled by her question, Aaron lowered himself to sit on his heels, placing his hands on her small shoulders to ask;

"What do you mean 'again', Julie? Are you saying that Baxter's like that sometimes?"

Julie, seeing that her brother was genuinely concerned, gave a slight bob of her head as she confirmed;

"Uh-huh...LOTS OF TIMES! But he never acts like that with Papa...just Mama."

Aaron scowled a bit before demanding;

"What do you mean, Julie?"

Lifting her eyes towards the upper floor where she knew her mother was, Julie explained;

"Well, I heard him say how he thinks that just cause Mama's from Sweden and still talks like she is that she's ignorant and it's his job to make sure the house is run properly. He's always telling everyone not to do this or that when Mama says they should or shouldn't. The only thing he didn't do that with was fixing up your room cause Mama told Papa that me and her wanted to do that as a surprise for you, and Papa told him that Mama wasn't to be interfered with."

Aaron lowered his eyes to the floor for a moment as he let just what his sister was saying sink in. Finally, shaking his head, he asked;

"Sweetie, why hasn't she talked to Papa about this and had him set Baxter straight, or better yet, dismiss him?"

Julie huffed a bit as she answered;

"Cause when Papa hired him he told Mama how in-demand Baxter was and how good he is at his job. Papa told Mama that having Baxter helping run the house would make sure everything went smooth and that he wouldn't have to worry about anything and could concentrate on business. The couple of times Mama tried talking to him about it, Baxter would tell Papa that Mama misunderstood and he'd just apologize to Mama and tell her he'd try to do better."

Shaking his head, Aaron theorized;

"Let me guess; once he's sure Papa isn't paying attention he just goes back to treating Elsa the same way he did before...right?"

Julie nodded;

"Yep, and then he says or does stuff to try and make Mama feel silly that she ever said anything in the first place. I tried telling Papa that I don't like him cause I think he treats Mama mean, but he said I just don't understand how Baxter is cause he's from England and that means he just acts kinda different."

Patting his sister's small shoulder, Aaron vowed;

"Well, you know something, sweetie? I've met a lot of people from all sorts of different places and I'm sorry but it doesn't matter where you're from, acting rude and mean is wrong no matter what. I'll talk to Papa as soon as possible about Baxter, I don't know if he'll listen to me, but I promise you, as long as I'm around he's not going to treat your mother, and anyone else in this house, with anything less than courtesy and respect."

Hearing the door of the master bedroom open and close, Aaron stood straight, grabbing his jacket as he rose. Once he was satisfied that his tie was straight and his appearance was satisfactory, Aaron held his hand out to his sister as he invited;

"Come on, Julie, let's go wait for them in the drawing-room."

Letting her lead the way, Aaron was determined that, before the next couple of days passed he and his father would have a serious discussion regarding Baxter and his behavior towards the mistress, children, and other members of the Stempel household.

George looked up from the documents scattered across his desk, scowling at being interrupted by the knock on his study door. Shaking his head in agitation, he fussed;

"Interruptions...interruptions. I'll never get finished with reading these contracts at this rate."

Lifting his head to stare at the doorway, glaring as if ready to burn a hole thru the portal with the heat of the anger in his eyes, George huffed in irritation as he ordered tersely;

"Come in!"

Despite his initial frustration, George's expression changed considerably at the sight of his son as Aaron peeked around the slightly open portal to ask;

"Am I bothering you, Papa?"

George rose from his desk chair to shake his head before hastening to assure his son;

"Not at all, Aaron! You're the farthest thing from a bother that I could possibly imagine, son."

Motioning to the chair in front of his desk, George invited;

"Have a seat and tell me what's on your mind, my boy."

Even though Aaron had made his mind up to speak to his father regarding the way Baxter behaved to various members of the Stempel household, especially Elsa, it had taken him a few days to decide on the best way to approach his father about the matter. He had actually planned on taking a day or two more, wanting to make certain he presented his case in the best way possible. However, when he'd happened upon Baxter undermining Elsa's instructions to one of the housekeepers, in front of her no less, and he'd seen the disheartened look on his stepmother's face, Aaron decided there was no time like the present to speak with his father. Taking a deep breath he launched in;

"Papa, I've been home close to a week now and I've noticed some things that I'd like to discuss with you."

Waving his hand, George nodded his encouragement;

"Go ahead, son, I'm listening."

Deciding to just come to the point, Aaron began;

"Papa, I know that you're a busy man, and I know you work hard to make certain that we're all taken care of and provided for as well as possible. But I think there are some things that you're overlooking regarding the house, especially where Baxter is concerned."

Sighing heavily, George clasped his hands together on his desktop;

"Let me guess; Elsa said something, either her or Julie. Son..."

George found his words halted as his son held his hand up and shook his head, correcting his assumption;

"No, Papa, they didn't say a word. I'm basing this on what I heard and what I saw."

Leaning forward, bracing his forearm on his father's desk as he did so, Aaron filled his father in on everything he'd heard and seen since arriving the week before. When he'd finished telling his father everything, Aaron shook his head;

"Papa, you and I both know that man's behavior towards anyone, let alone the mistress of the house, wouldn't be tolerated anywhere else. I know the argument is that the man is good at his job, which is all well and good, but being good at your job isn't a license to be insubordinate...no...scratch that; the man is flat out rude and arrogant."

Aaron waved his hand in his father's direction to challenge;

"You seem to be the only person he doesn't act that way with. But, then again, that just might be the way it appears because, either you don't say anything or it just hasn't been witnessed by others."

There was no denying that George's ire with his son's presumptuousness was beginning to rise. However, considering that San Francisco and the ways people conducted themselves there was something new to Aaron, George reined in his irritation as he tried leveling with the young man;

"Aaron...son, things are done a little different here than what you might be used to."

Unwilling to allow excuses for the retainer or the reasons why his behavior should be considered acceptable, Aaron challenged;

"Are common courtesy and politeness not in fashion in San Francisco, Papa? Because, quite frankly, if that's the case I think I'd just as soon not live here."

Seeing that his son was determined in the course of his argument, George tried again;

"No, of course not, son. But you have to keep in mind that Baxter's from England and was trained to be a butler in some of the finest households. Quite frankly we were lucky to get him, he came highly recommended and he does make certain the house runs smoothly."

Aaron pinned his father with his eyes, pointing out as he did so;

"If those households were where he learned his manners they couldn't have been too fine in my opinion. And as far as the house running smoothly, is a smooth running house worth the price Elsa, Julie, me, and I'm pretty sure several others pay for the privilege? What price are you paying, outside of his salary, for a smooth-running house, Papa?"

Scowling heavily, George vowed;

"You should know better than to think that I'd allow Baxter, or anybody for that matter, to treat me like that; well qualified or not."

His own gaze never wavering from his father's, Aaron demanded;

"Then why do you expect your wife, children, or anyone else for that matter in your household to allow it?"

Unwilling to continue the line of conversation they were engaged in, George pulled a great lung full of air into his chest before pushing it forcefully out to order;

"Aaron, I appreciate that you're concerned for Elsa, your sister, and even me; but, son, I am Lord and Master in this house and what I say goes. Now, I say Baxter does his job and he does it well, therefore I see no reason to consider changing anything at this time. But, this is your home, if you disagree with anything the man says then by all means bring it to my attention and I'll address it accordingly."

Waving his hand over the top of his desk, George begged;

"If there's nothing else, son, I have work to do."

Aaron sat for a moment longer, realizing that what he'd been afraid of since his arrival where his father was concerned, and most especially since the discussions he'd had with his sister, was a valid concern. Finally, shooting to his feet, his expression a reflection of the disappointment and dismay he felt with his father at that moment, as well as his determination in the matter, Aaron shook his head;

"No, sir, there's nothing else; but, Papa, just as you've made your mind up...so have I."

Crossing his arms over his broad chest, Aaron declared determinedly;

"I'll show Baxter the same level of courtesy and respect that he shows me. But make no mistake, if I catch him disrespecting Elsa, or fussing at Julie...or anybody else for that matter, without just cause, I WON'T be letting the matter pass."

Aaron, seeing the way his father quickly raised his head, held his hand up to stop him before he could begin;

"I mean it, Papa. I won't go out of my way to antagonize the man, but I also won't just let whatever he says or does out of the way pass either. You told me a long time ago that the mark of a man is determined by how he acts towards others and what he will or will not put up with. Well, as far as I'm concerned, I've seen just what sort of man Baxter is."

Turning to leave the room, Aaron, his hand on the doorknob, glanced over his shoulder at his father, shaking his head as he did so to remark;

"I'm just surprised that you let it go because either, you haven't seen it for yourself, or you just don't care as long as he does his job."

George sat at his desk, gaping at his son's back as he left the room, speechless at Aaron's statement. But whether it was more for the fact that he knew, deep down, that he had no viable argument he could offer his son, or because the young man was right, George wasn't quite sure

Aaron pulled his father's study door closed and was making his way towards the staircase when he noticed Baxter standing just inside the doorway to the front sitting room. Given the smirk he wore, Aaron knew the manservant had been close by while he and his father had been engaged in their earlier discussion regarding the man's behavior. Despite his youth, one of the lessons that had come hard-won for Aaron, thanks mostly to the bullies he'd been forced to deal with, was that of never allowing your opponent to see you as anything less than confident in your abilities. So, with that thought in mind, Aaron continued on his intended destination, determined not to give the man any type of satisfaction at the idea that he might have any effect on him. However, as he was coming to realize, gloating was something of a second nature to the English servant, a fact that became glaringly obvious when the man approached the staircase to face Aaron with a sneer as he questioned;

"Is there anything that I can do for you...MISTER Aaron?"

When he'd left his father's study, Aaron was determined in his course. But, he'd also been just as determined to map his course out as carefully and calmly as possible. However, he was also wise enough to know that the man addressing him now was one who would do everything possible to push the issue, something that found him deciding to make his intentions crystal clear;

"No, Baxter, there's nothing you can do for me."

Aaron had turned to climb the stairs when Baxter's hand shot out to stay his progress as he grabbed the younger man's forearm;

"A word of advice if I might, YOUNG Sir."

Despite the advantage he THOUGHT he had with the eldest Stempel child after 'overhearing' the conversation between father and son, seeing the way Aaron narrowed his eyes before lifting them to stare at him in warning, Baxter lifted his hand before continuing;

"I understand that you lived a different sort of life in New Orleans. However, if I were you, I'd stop interfering in how things are done here and simply pay attention to what's most important to you and your life, Mister Aaron. I think you'll find your life may well go along a good deal more smoothly if you confine your attention to your own concerns."

Although he'd never been one to give a lot of credence to bullies, something this man obviously was, Aaron was also someone who made it a practice to never underestimate someone's words either. His mouth becoming a firm line of grim determination, Aaron answered the man's thinly veiled warning;

"You're quite right, Baxter, about paying attention to what's most important to me. And rest assured, that's EXACTLY what I'm doing. As to your 'suggestion' before you decide to take it upon yourself to offer your 'advice', let me offer you a piece of advice as well. I realize you're older and have probably seen a good deal more of the world than what I have, but given what I've seen from you in the last week I feel safe in saying that I've dealt with more vicious than you, mind you they were still wet behind the ears on top of it."

Shaking his head, Aaron declared;

"You may have the wool pulled over my father's eyes, Baxter, but I promise you, that's not the case when it comes to me."

Stepping closer to the man, noticing the trepidation and hint of fear in the retainer's pale blue eyes, Aaron warned;

"But since I believe in being fair, let me share something with you; I happen to care about my family very much so, and that includes my step-mother and sister. I've told my father and now I'm telling you; if you think that I'm about to allow you, or anyone else for that matter, to run over top of Elsa, Julie, or anyone else in this household, you're sorely mistaken."

Seeing no need to disguise his feelings in the matter, Baxter sneered;

"And pray tell, MISTER Aaron, just what do you think you can do about any of this, especially given your father's, shall we say, lack of concern in the matter? As you can see, SIR, I am still in your father's employ, am I not?"

Baxter felt the smirk he wore drop and a chill run up his spine when Aaron's mouth simply curled slightly and his eyes narrowed, giving the young man an expression that could only be described as dark and maniacal. The chill Baxter felt increased as Aaron allowed a slight laugh escape that was tinged with a hint of darkness as he shook his head and advised in a tone that left no room for doubt as to his sincerity in his statement;

"Then I suppose I'm just going to have to get very creative in whatever I decide to do...won't I, Baxter?"

Watching as the younger man turned and began climbing the stairs, Baxter had to fight the urge to scurry away when Aaron stopped midway up the stairs to turn and order;

"Miss Julie and I are going for a walk in the park, Baxter; have Millie prepare a small picnic basket for my sister and I."

Waiting a few moments until he heard Aaron's bedroom door close, Baxter remained rooted to the spot on the stairs. Finally, unwilling to risk rising the younger man's ire anymore at that moment, he hurried in the direction of the kitchen to carry our Aaron's orders, wondering as he made his way just how determined Aaron would be to keep his word, not to mention how far he'd go to make sure he kept it.