Chapter Twelve 12/19
Labor started quickly just like Violet but a full nine-month baby—-a healthy little girl. Victoria and Katarina got her delivered and Isabella cleaned her up before Dr. Merar came. He pronounced the eight-pound baby perfect.
"Mother, what is your favorite flower? From your travels West or the ranch? I want her to have a California name. I only have her middle name picked out. All of my other flower names are French. She needs an American name."
Victoria thought for only a moment, "Mountain Laurel goes beautifully with the mountain Violet that Jarrod picked out. They are so lovely—-Yes, that's my choice, Laurel"
"I love it. Perfect! " and she brought the pink crying baby to her breast and closed her eyes in contentment.
Nick sent a telegram to Jarrod. Laurel Victoria has arrived safely. Mother and child are fine.
Nick couldn't bear to write the last name out, "Hell it's cheaper that way anyway. The baby doesn't deserve to carry that mongrel's last name."
Jarrod was eating lunch with the Governor and Amy at the Piedmont Hotel when he got the telegram. He ordered champagne and he and Amy toasted the new baby.
"Jarrod, let me send a gift for the baby and for Liz too when you go back. I am sure every new mother would like a special treat too."
"Thank you, Amy"
"Governor, I shall see you on my return. I will be heading back home for a few days. I will stop by to pick up the gift on my way out of town."
"I will have it delivered to your office" she rebuffed him for the sake of their subterfuge.
He leaned over and kissed Amy on the cheek and sighed exasperatedly. She played her part well after he left. This was her opportunity.
"Are you and Jarrod ok?"
She sniffled, "No sir. I haven't told anyone but I am rethinking my decision. Jarrod is adamant that he is moving back to Stockton when his term is over. I don't want to be a rancher's wife or even a small-town lawyer's wife. I am a city girl. I love the bustle and amenities of Sacramento and San Francisco. I hated every minute of my visit to the ranch."
"Does this have anything to do with Jarrod's arrest in San Francisco?"
"Oh no! He and his family were totally in the right and I am going to do my best to get the law changed for sweet Liz. The men and even the women talked every meal about horses and cattle and water rights. Isabella spoke on-and-on about her namesake horses. Adrienne talked about cattle vaccines with the men. I was lost as a goose. Jarrod is a fine and honorable man. I just don't think I want to marry him."
"Does he know?"
"Yes—-he's being patient with me but he isn't changing his mind about Stockton. The Valley is in his blood."
"Do you love Jarrod?"
She hung her head "Not enough to marry him. I am thinking about traveling to San Francisco."
"I will help you my dear." as he took her hand to rise from the table.
I may have a career on the stage one day she thought to herself as she headed out to shop for the new baby.
"I wonder what color laurels are?"
She bought several baby gowns in pink&white florals and a new peignoir for Liz. She had them delivered to Jarrod's office.
She stopped at a toy store and bought the newest edition of toy soldiers. Peter had told them that different regiments come out each year and his boys loved them. She picked up a new children's book, Three Jovial Huntsmen.
And she purchased a first-class ticket to San Francisco for the next two weeks.
—&—
Jarrod took the morning train. He patted his vest pocket for Liz's surprise gift and picked up his valise with Amy's gifts and his clothes. He had been away five weeks and it seemed the longest trip of his life.
Jingo was waiting at the livery and he rode back to the house. He went straight to the guest house. Fiona led him into the bedroom. He stood at the door and gazed at Liz with a newborn swaddled on her chest. He was speechless.
"Jarrod, come see Laurel. Your Mother chose her first name. I think it's beautiful."
"It is Liz but not as beautiful as my view from this door."
He quickly moved to sit on the edge of the bed and leaned over to kiss Liz full on the lips. He pulled back the blanket to get a look at his newest girl. Her auburn hair was already evident and her eyes had the Beaufort green markings. She was pink and chubby.
He gave her Amy's gift. She loved the two long gowns with matching bonnets with floral embroidery. She opened the new green peignoir with a note from Amy, something frilly for the new mama with love.
She patted the baby's bottom and Laurel fell quickly asleep. Jarrod took her and placed her in the cradle. He kissed her softly on the forehead and gazed at the babe. She was beautiful.
They smiled as a couple at her for a few minutes and Jarrod leaned over and cupped her face, "My love, I have missed you" and he kissed her for a few minutes.
He pulled a ring box out of his pocket and placed a very unique ring on her finger.
"Oh Jarrod, it's beautiful. I have never seen anything like it."
"There are six pearls in it. One for each girl. I added a Beaufort emerald from your family and a Barkley sapphire for us. My friend Abraham made it for you. It also looks like a budding flower when you tilt it. It is a regard ring."
(Regard rings were popular from around 1820 the 1900s and original antique regard rings are now highly coveted
(Dearest was often spelled out using precious stones on rings and given as a gift for a lover in Victorian times. Dearest was spelled out using a diamond, emerald, amethyst, ruby, emerald, sapphire, and tourmaline).
"Oh Jarrod it does" and she started to cry—-sob more like it. "I love it—it's so beautiful—-and thoughtful and no one has ever done anything like this for me—-" and she continued to cry, squeezing his hand.
Jarrod was at a loss for words and his mother came into the room.
"Mother, look what Jarrod had made for me"
"Oh, it's a beautiful regard ring. Did Abraham do it?"
"Yes", still unnerved by the number of Liz's tears. She didn't seem to be able to stop.
Victoria noticed and laughed heartily, "Jarrod, you need to know something about women. After giving birth, it is quite natural for a mother to cry uncontrollably—-you have just given Liz a beautiful, thoughtful gift. Take it as a compliment, Jarrod."
He smiled cautiously relieved, "Well I guess I have a lot to learn."
Victoria laughed heartily again, "You will have many lessons with six daughters."
Liz just laughed and cried at the same time.
—&—
Supper was lively with all five girls, Tab and the twins along with Tori and Charlie Wheeler all wanted some Pappy time. He was looking forward to having this blessing every day and another with Isabella's rounded belly.
Nick had taken to calling Heath, a mother hen. Jarrod would never admit to it but he had those same protective feelings. Liz would be upset to know he accidentally awakened Laurel just making sure she was breathing.
Jarrod's three days at the ranch passed quickly. He made some additions to the house plans, met with the contractors, spent all the time he could with Liz, and met with Esther to reopen the firm within the year. Young Ben Issacson would travel down from San Francisco to help her with legal matters. Working for his future gave him a great deal of pleasure and fulfillment. He had a family now.