Chapter 21
"Now, don't be forgettin' not to let 'em folks give ya a hard time, ya hear, Elizabeth? From what I've heard the lot of 'em are bullies, except Jase's grandma."
Seated on Jason's bed, Elizabeth tried to nod her head, but was prevented by Carly's struggle to braid her newly washed hair. She winced slightly as the blond gave her hair a particularly sharp pull. It was quite odd...when Jason had helped untangle her hair last evening it hadn't seem to give him half as much trouble as it was giving Carly. The other woman had been trying to tame her hair for over half an hour already.
"But don't ya worry none, Jase ain't goin' to let 'em say a thin' against ya..." Carly continued as she finally finished the braid and began to wrap it up into a bun, "I just hope they got 'nough sense to tell Jase where his daughter is. He's 'bout to lose his patience with 'em, not that I blame him, mind ya..."
With each passing word Carly muttered, Elizabeth was becoming more and more nervous about her upcoming meeting with the Quartermaines. From what she had previously seen of the Quartermaines, Elizabeth could see they were a very complicated family. There was definitely no love loss between Jason and his brother, AJ, and Jason obviously had not gotten along with his grandfather. And Elizabeth couldn't quite determine what his relationship was with his parents...
While she knew little of Jason's relationship with his family, she did know they were somehow keeping him away from his daughter. From what she had overheard the other day, at least it seemed Jason's grandmother was intervening on his behalf. Elizabeth trusted Mrs. Quartermaine would do her best to help them. Perhaps then Jason would know where his little girl was...and if she was well...
But even with Lila Quartermaine on their side, Elizabeth had the feeling the meeting with the Quartermaines was not likely to go smoothly. She had no idea what his family knew about her and Jason...what was she suppose to say to them if they asked how they met? Or what if they asked about the night Jason accompanied her home after the dance? Or what if they questioned her ability to help raise Rebecca? Or...Oh dear...
"Elizabeth, ya alright?"
Carly's question brought Elizabeth out of her thoughts. Raising her eyes, she saw Carly's amber eyes staring back at her in concern. "I'm sorry, did you say something, Carly?"
Placing down the silver brush on the bed, and sitting down next to Elizabeth on the bed, Carly took Elizabeth's hand into hers. "I asked ya how ya liked yore hair, but ya didn't answer. Somethin' wrong, honey?"
"Oh no," Elizabeth began with a blush, "I'm terribly sorry, Carly. I...I think I am a little worried about this meeting."
With a reassuring squeeze of the brunette's hand, Carly replied, "Ya ain't got nothin' to worry 'bout. Jase'll be with ya the whole time," pausing for a moment, Carly then continued with a smirk, 'Sides I reckon after livin' with that grandma of yores even them Quartermaines will be easy to handle."
A little taken off guard by the comment, it was a moment before Elizabeth felt her lips start to twitch...oh heavens, Carly was right. If she could live through her grandmother's disapproval and austere lectures, she could likely handle the Quartermaines. Couldn't she?
As she spotted the small smile, Carly broke out into a chuckle, "Ya see? I reckon ev'rythin's goin' to be fine."
Elizabeth continued to smile shyly at the other women and said softly, "Thank you, Carly, for everything...I-I don't know how I would have gotten ready without you."
Standing up slowly, Elizabeth glanced down at the dark blue skirt and jacket the other woman had assisted her into. The material of the skirt was soft velvet, with a short trail, and the jacket, a matching blue velvet, had the most beautiful trim of white lace all around the wide flowing sleeves. In the front of the jacket were beautiful pearl buttons which led right up to the neck, hiding the white silk chemise, Elizabeth wore underneath. Elizabeth had protested when Carly had chosen this particularly sophisticated outfit from the young girl's new wardrobe for her to wear to the Quartermaines, but the blond had insisted that it was perfect.
"Ya look lovely, honey," Carly said as she admired her handiwork, and then added, "But there's a few thin's missin'." She reached over onto the bed to open a round hatbox. Removing a blue bonnet, she handed it over to Elizabeth with the pair of lace gloves laying next to it. "Now, once ya get those on, ya really look the lady."
A nervous Elizabeth moved over to the mirror and arranged the bonnet on her head, slightly off to the side as she had seen other lady's wear theirs. As she stared at her new appearance in the mirror, Elizabeth could hardly believe she was the same person she had been only a day before. The woman before her looked like one of those sophisticated city women...and she felt as if it were somehow all a masquerade...
As a curt knock sounded out, Elizabeth shook off the thought and turned towards the door. Carly cried out, "Come in!"
As the door swung open, Sonny walked into the small room, followed closely by Jason. "If you be wantin' to get there by noon, you'll have to be leavin', Eliza-" As Sonny took in Elizabeth's appearance, his dimples came out, "Now don't you look pretty, Elizabeth. I was wonderin' what was takin' you and Carly so long, but I'd have to say it was well worth the wait. "
Elizabeth, whose glance had instinctively gone to an unreadable Jason as soon as he entered the room, turned a bright shade of red at this compliment. Quickly turning her attention to putting on the lace gloves, Elizabeth stammered, "Th-thank you, Sonny. I-I'm ready." She quickly made her way past the two men to the door and without looking at any of them, stepped through the doorway into the hall. With a confused glance towards Carly, Jason followed her out.
Following behind the couple, Sonny asked, "Did I say somethin' wrong, honey?"
Smiling, Carly whispered, "She's a bit shy 'bout this new look for her," with a small chuckle, she finished, "Ya should've seen how much fussin' I had to do to get her to wear it. She wanted to wear that same frock she had on yesterday!"
"But I see my indomitable wife's prevailed again," Sonny commented.
Carly nodded, "I sure did, but she refused to take the matchin' parasol...oh, well...reckon we be needin' to take li'l steps at a time."
The four friends made their way down the stairs and toward the back of the saloon, where Carly's shiny, black buggy was hitched and ready to go.
Ever the gentleman, Jason assisted Elizabeth into the buggy before getting into the driving seat. As Jason took hold of the reins, Carly called out to them, "Now ya remember, when ya get back we're goin' to see that land of yores and start fixin' it up, Jase."
Ever since Jason had told her he and Elizabeth had decided to live on the land he owned, Carly had been itchin' to see the place. Initially she had been disappointed that the two were not going to be living at the saloon, but after both Sonny and Jason pointed out why a little girl couldn't be raised there, Carly had decided since she was obviously going to be spending a great deal of time at the newlyweds' home, she would have to make sure it was liveable.
Tilting his black hat slightly back with one hand, Jason replied thoughtfully, "I don't know how long we're goin' to be, Carly. Lila said she was going to speak to AJ, but I don't know how he's going to take it. And I'm not leaving without getting information about Rebecca's whereabouts."
For the first time since they had left Jason's room, Elizabeth really looked at Jason.
In contrast to her fancy outfit, he was dressed in a simple long sleeved grey shirt, and black paints. But with Jason, it didn't matter what he wore, he always seemed comfortable in his own skin...unlike her...
As Elizabeth peered up into his shaded face, she noted how his jaw tightened slightly as he talked about his daughter. She prayed that whatever his grandmother was planning would work.
"If she's in Topeka like we've been reckonin', it'll take ya a few days for you to fetch her," Carly reasoned, "That'll give us time to get the place ready for her. Maybe some of the girls and I should head over there now and start cleanin'-"
Jason firmly cut her off, "We'll have to see what happens at the Quartermaines, Carly before we decide on anything."
Against her impatient nature, Carly reluctantly agreed, "Alright, but ya be sure to be careful, I don't trust 'em."
"We will."
With his arms around his wife, Sonny asked his best friend in concern, "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you, Jase? Or the boys? I still think it's strange we haven't seen hide nor hair of Moreno or his boys since the weddin'."
"I don't like it either," Jason muttered, "But they're probably laying low with the murder investigation going on. From what Johnny and Francis overheard last night, the sheriff's been asking a lot of questions about Edward's enemies."
Carly gave a snort of a laugh, "Well, it's 'bout time that idiot did some real diggin' into the whole thin'. But I can tell 'im exactly who he should be talkin' to. Moreno. I'd bet the saloon he's involved somehow."
"Maybe," Jason gave the reins a slight pull as the horse started to fidget, "But there doesn't seem to be any proof of that yet. Damn it, I wished we knew who placed that note in my room."
Seeing his friend's obvious frustration, Sonny nodded, "Francis and Johnny have been talkin' to some of the men who were upstairs that night, but none of them saw a thin'. And Carly spoke to the girls and-"
"None of the gurls saw nothin'," Carly interrupted in frustration, "Most were too busy with the crowd we had, and the others were entertainin' in their rooms upstairs."
"Damn," Jason muttered, "Then it seems the only other place to get answers about this business is at the Quartermaines. I'll question some of the hands."
Carly nodded, and then added, "And be sure to rake that good for nothin' brother of yores over the coals too, Jase. The story goes he was out with Edward late that night. Wonder what they were up to?"
Jason had been wondering about that as well. He never remembered Edward going for rides that late at night. "I'll look into it." Pushing the thought off to the side, he looked at the quiet girl by his side to find her watching him intently, "But I think we'd better get going, Elizabeth."
At the sound of her name, Elizabeth gave a little start and blushed. Quickly looking away from Jason's inquisitive glance to Carly and Sonny, Elizabeth nodded her head. "See you later, Carly. Sonny."
The saloon owners replied in kind, and then the buggy was off around the saloon building and onto the town's main road.
It was midday, with the noon sun blazing brightly down on a town full of folks going about their business. As she and Jason rode in silence, Elizabeth was careful to keep her eyes trained ahead, but out of the corner of her eye, she could see a number of curious faces. She could also distinctly make out the halting of conversations, and the beginnings of whispers as they passed. So much for her desire to sink back to obscurity after a few days...
"Lizzie! Jason!"
At the sound of the female voice, Elizabeth turned her head in time to see Alexis Davis pushing open the door to her newspaper shop, and running after their buggy.
"Jason," Elizabeth began as she realised the buggy was not stopping, "I believe Miss Davis is calling after us."
"I know," Jason replied indifferently as he continued to keep his eye on the street ahead.
Round eyes flying upward to his face, Elizabeth asked in surprise, "Do you not mean to stop, Jason?"
"No," Jason replied with a slight edge, "She's been hounding everyone at the saloon for information about the murder. I don't want her to start in on you."
Eyebrows furrowing in distress, Elizabeth entreated, "But, it is terribly rude for us not to stop, Jason..." When he didn't reply to this, Elizabeth tried again, "Miss Davis is only trying to do her job...I'll tell her I don't know anything. Which is true, I don't. But please, stop the buggy. She's been kind to me...Please, Jason."
A long moment passed before, Jason let out a low curse and pulled on the reins. Turning to glare at his wife of two days, Jason muttered, "The moment she starts hounding you with questions, we're leaving."
Before Elizabeth could even think of a reply to his rather rude behaviour, an out of breath Alexis ran up to the buggy. "Oh...I am-glad-you-stopped, otherwise I-would have-likely collapsed in a few more moments."
"Are you alright, Miss Davis?" Elizabeth asked in concern as the other woman continued to gulp in air.
Alexis smiled as she leaned onto the buggy, "It's Lexie, remember? And I'm fine, just trying to get some air back into my lungs!" As she took a few more deep breaths, the newswoman's keen eyes took in Elizabeth's new appearance. "Do you not look lovely today, Lizzie. I believe that is the bonnet I saw on you yesterday."
Elizabeth blushed and nodded, "Yes, thank you for your assistance with it."
"I don't believe I was much help, Lizzie. Carly and Chloe certainly know a great deal more about fashion than I do. But I do believe blue is your colour. It brings out the colour of your eyes," Alexis shot Jason a quick glance, "Do you not think so, Jason?"
At this, Jason, who had been sitting silently watching the newspaper lady, glanced down at Elizabeth. He had briefly noted her new outfit at the saloon, but with all that was on his mind, had not given it much thought. But he had to admit, Alexis had a point, the colour did bring out the vivid sapphire of her eyes.
As the silence stretched out while she felt Jason's eyes on her, Elizabeth went red. Attempting to hide her discomfort, she blurted out, "Was there a reason Miss Dav-ah-Lexie, you were running after us?"
With a thoughtful glance from Jason to Elizabeth and down to the glittering gold band on the girl's hand, Alexis slowly nodded. "Yes, Lizzie. I was hoping to speak to you and Jason."
"Why?" Jason asked bluntly.
A little taken off guard by his tone, Alexis replied hesitantly, "There are a few questions I have about your wedding...Everyone is interested in the details of how you both met, and the circumstances around the marriage..."
Elizabeth's face went even redder. She assumed everyone knew exactly what the circumstances around the wedding were already. Was not half the town there when her scandalous behaviour that fateful night was revealed...and did they not hear the reverend suggest the marriage. What else could they possibly want to know?
While Elizabeth was pondering these questions, Jason said in a voice as hard as granite, "Everyone knows what they need to. There's nothing else we have to say."
"But no one understands why you would marry in such a hurry...Perhaps it was partly to save Lizzie's reputation, but she would have survived that," Alexis shook her head, "No there must be more to the story..." She paused before continuing, "There's a rumour going around about you having a daughter, Jason. Some even say it's AJ's little girl." In fact, it was Ned who had told her he'd heard this from a few of the Quartermaine ranch hands.
As Jason tightened his grip on the reins and urged the horse to start moving again, he said in a deadly voice, "I don't want to have to say this again, Alexis. We have nothing to say. Good day."
However, Alexis was not one to give up easily, as she walked quickly beside Elizabeth in the buggy, "Lizzie, you have to see this is an extraordinary story. As far as everyone knew you and Jason were complete strangers. Then one day he rescues you from Sorel. And a few days later, your testimony likely saved him from hanging for murder. Then you get married that very same day. Your wedding and the murder are the only topics people are talking about these days. Don't you want to tell your side of the story?"
Nervously clasping her hands in front of her, Elizabeth's pleading eyes met Alexis's inquisitive ones. "I know this is your job, Miss Davis, but please respect the fact we do not wish to say anything."
After a moment of consideration, Alexis nodded, "Alright, Elizabeth, but if you don't wish to speak of the marriage, will you tell me what you know about the murder?" Alexis doggedly continued now to Jason, "How did that note setting up that meeting with Edward get into your room? And who do you think killed your grandfather, Jason? There were rumours of a feud with Mor-"
"Enough, Alexis," Jason said coldly, "You are not getting any information from us. Find your story somewhere else." With that he urged the horse into a full out trot, and soon, they were leaving behind a rather displeased Alexis alone in the middle of the street.
Flustered over what had just occurred, Elizabeth turned her head around in an attempt to give Alexis an apologetic look, but the woman was already heading back toward her shop. Oh dear...that had not gone well at all...
Still somewhat astonished, she turned towards Jason.
As they continued to ride now to the outskirts of town, Jason could feel Elizabeth's gaze on him. He waited for her to say something, but when she still hadn't spoken as the buggy hit the country road, he asked curtly, "Is something wrong, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth's eyes rounded at his question. How could he ask if something was wrong? "I...I think we may have offended Miss Davis, Jason..."
"More than likely," Jason answered with a shrug as his gaze remained on the road ahead of them.
"But," Elizabeth began in agitation, "How can you say that, Jason? Do you not care we may have hurt her feelings?"
"I doubt her feelings were wounded."
Elizabeth shook her head at his scepticism. "I cannot understand why we had to be so...so..."
Jason finally turned towards her, with a raised eyebrow, "So what, Elizabeth?"
"Well," Elizabeth finished in a rush, "Ill mannered!"
Jason was quiet for a moment as he took in Elizabeth's very real distress over the situation, before finally saying, "Elizabeth, with some people you have to be 'ill mannered' as you put it, before they get the point. Alexis was after a story, and she would have kept badgering us, if I wasn't blunt with her."
"But there must have been a kinder way of not answering her questions," Elizabeth said in between worrying her lower lip, "Could we not simply have told her we had to be on our way? Or tell her we could not answer her questions at the present time?"
Jason shook his head and answered reasonably, "It's a lot easier to just tell the straightforward truth, Elizabeth. This way Alexis is under no illusions she can get anything from us by continuing to hound us."
"I-I feel horribly for upsetting her...she must think I'm terribly rude after her help yesterday."
Suddenly, Jason pulled on the reins of the horse and brought the buggy to a complete stop on the middle of the countryside road. Then turning to Elizabeth, he asked roughly, "Why do you do that?"
Elizabeth's eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Do what?"
"Blame yourself?"
Looking away, Elizabeth replied softly, "I don't know what you mean, Jason."
"I mean, why don't you place the blame on other people when they deserve it? Why do you just assume you're in the wrong?" When Elizabeth didn't reply, Jason continued more gently, "You don't see it do, you?"
Staring down unseeingly at her clasped hands, Elizabeth asked softly, "See what?"
"If Alexis is upset she has no one to blame but herself, Elizabeth. She came up to us to get a story, and we didn't have anything to say to her. She was the one who refused to take 'no' as an answer. And if someone was rude to her, it was me, Elizabeth. Not you."
"But-" Elizabeth began, but suddenly stopped as she felt the warmth of his hand on her face.
With his hand under her chin, he lifted her face so he could see into her eyes. "And this isn't the first time. You haven't blamed your grandmother and sister or the rest of this damn town for turning their backs on you. You didn't even get upset at those kids for pulling that prank with the punch. You place all the blame on yourself."
Elizabeth attempted to shake her head, "But I was at fault. I-"
"And then there was that bicycle lesson disaster yesterday," Jason continued relentlessly, "Francis and Johnny were fooling around, and that's why that coach ran away." Seeing she was about to protest, he held up a hand, "And before you say anything, I'm not angry with them about it anymore. But once again, you took the blame for it, Elizabeth. And I think you've convinced yourself you were really to blame. Why?"
"Because...because-" Elizabeth couldn't seem to find an answer for him. Why was he saying all this to her? She didn't want to think about all of this now. Wanting to escape his questioning eyes, Elizabeth said softly, "I-I think we should be going, Jason, or we'll be late."
Jason hesitated for a moment, but seeing the plea in her eyes, he let the matter go and took the reins again. He knew he was being a bastard for pushing her, but he hated how she condemned herself for other people's actions. He had a feeling her grandmother had something to do with this. And it made him damn angry.
They rode in silence for the next half an hour down the main road as they passed both the Hardy and the Spencer farms. But as they reached the edge of Quartermaine land, Jason finally broke the silence again, "There's a few things we should talk about before we get to the ranch."
Elizabeth, who was lost in a myriad of emotions and thoughts, started at the sound of his voice. Turning to look at him beneath the rim of her bonnet, she asked hesitantly, "What do we need to discuss, Jason?"
"Why we're going there, for one thing. You need to be prepared."
Elizabeth's forehead furrowed. "I don't understand Jason. We're going there to see your grandmother and to find out Rebecca's whereabouts so we can bring her home."
With a frustrated sigh, Jason replied, "Yes. But you don't know the whole story. To get that information out of AJ, my grandmother is going to blackmail him."
For a moment, Elizabeth stared at Jason in shock, not really sure if she had heard him correctly. "Blackmail?" Elizabeth repeated in a whisper. She could certainly not see Lila Quartermaine blackmailing anyone.
"AJ's always wanted the Quartermaine land, and he thought when Edward died, he and Alan would inherit it," Jason carefully kept his voice void of all emotion, "But it seems Edward didn't trust him to run the land, and left everything to Lila. He thought my feelings for Lila would force me to run the land for her."
In the process of trying to come to grips with these new details, she recalled the confrontation she had witnessed between Jason and his grandfather at the fair...
"...You know what you have to do to see her. Just take over again."
"Grandfather!" yelled AJ, who had been standing off to the side. He moved towards Edward. "You're going to hand over everything to Jason? I won't let you!"
Elizabeth remembered all too well how angry Jason's brother had been over his grandfather's plan...Eyes widening with realisation, she turned to Jason and whispered, "Your grandmother is going to ask AJ to hand Rebecca over to you for the land..."
His cold eyes meeting hers, Jason said with a bitter laugh, "That's the Quartermaine way, Elizabeth."
"But to trade a child...it's wrong, Jason," Elizabeth's voice was now filled with worry and outrage.
Jason's blue gaze softened slightly at her concern. "I know, Elizabeth. And if I thought there would be another way to get Rebecca away from them without bloodshed, I would do it." Pushing back the rim of his hat angrily, he continued, "But I can't think of another way."
Elizabeth was silent for a moment, still lost in the horror of someone willing to trade an innocent child for a piece of land. She understood the pull of the land...she herself had felt it for her grandmother's farm. There was something about the great promise of the land that was comforting. But a child was something so precious...to even compare them...
"Elizabeth?"
Wiping away the gathering wetness from her eyes, Elizabeth said softly, "If they're willing to do this, they do not deserve her. Let us bring her home, Jason."
For a moment Jason didn't reply as something stirred inside of him at the determined look on her face. Then he nodded curtly, "We will. I just want to make sure you're ready for how ugly it's probably going to get at the ranch. AJ's not going to take any of this very well. Don't let him upset you."
"I will be fine," Elizabeth assured him. And for some reason she knew she would be. She was no longer worried about what the Quartermaines thought of her. She was more worried about Rebecca, and was more determined than ever to help Jason find her.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
As she made her way with Jason past a few ranch hands up the porch stairs, Elizabeth could hardly believe the size of the ranch house she was about to enter. Actually, the structure could hardly be called "a house" with its four stories, and she had no idea how many acres the brown brick building covered. It was intimidating to say the least.
As they stepped onto the porch, the front door was immediately opened by a lanky servant with curly dark hair.
"Jason, and this must be your wife." The butler's dark eyes curiously studied the young woman before him. "Your grandmother is expecting you in the salon," the man informed them as he motioned down the hallway and then whispered, "Unfortunately the rest of the family is in there as well."
Jason's face hardened as he replied, "Thank you, Reginald." Placing his hand on the small of Elizabeth's back, he started to lead her through the front foyer toward the salon.
Even from the hallway they could hear AJ's voice raised in anger.
"There has to be some mistake! Grandfather couldn't have done this! Not after all I did for him. Tell them it's a mistake, Mr. Elder!"
"I am afraid not, Mr. Quartermaine. Mr. Edward Quartermaine made his wishes very clear. He had a new will drawn up a few months ago, and as you can see, this is his signature. He wanted both the ranch and the land to go to your grandmother."
"No, damn it, I won't believe it! I-"
"That's enough, AJ. Raising your voice will certainly settle nothing."
"Grandmother, you know this is wrong. You know how hard I've worked for the land. You know I've earned it! How can you blackmail like this?"
"You do not know how it pains me that it has come to this, AJ, but this is for the best. You know Rebecca is not your daughter. When you tried to pass her off as your own, you harmed not only Jason, but an innocent child. Rebecca deserves to know her father."
As she reached the entrance of the salon with Jason, Elizabeth caught sight of the back of a pacing man, whom she immediately recognised as AJ Quartermaine. On his left sitting on the chaise by the window was his grandmother, clad in black mourning but as composed as she had been the previous day. Next to her sat the beautifully coifed Monica Quartermaine also in mourning colours. Two other men were in the room. A vaguely familiar looking elderly man with greying hair stood in front of the fireplace. It took a moment before Elizabeth recognised he was the man she had seen in the coach with AJ and Alan the day of her wedding. Beside the elegantly dressed man was a rather agitated Alan Quartermaine.
"Mother-" Alan Quartermaine began but stopped abruptly as he spotted the couple by the door. "Jason!"
Immediately all eyes turned toward the double doors of the salon. However, it was AJ who was the first to react. He prowled up to his brother, and spat out bitterly, "Why am I not surprised you'd show up? Have you come to gloat, Jason? Or are you here to make sure Grandmother blackmails me as you told her to?!"
Even though AJ was shouting into Jason's face, the other man didn't even flinch. In fact it was almost as if he didn't even notice his enraged brother. As Elizabeth glanced nervously from one brother to the other, she had the feeling Jason had completely withdrawn into himself.
"Well, damn it! Are you going to say a damn thing? Or are you just going to say silent as usual and let Grandmother do your dirty work to get Rebecca?! Do you know what the hell this will do to Eve, you bastard?!" With each word, AJ's face was turning a darker shade of red until finally so enraged he grabbed Jason by his grey shirt.
Elizabeth let out a small gasp, and without thinking, she moved towards AJ. "Please let him go!"
"Get out of the way Elizabeth," Jason ordered as he kept his eyes steady on his brother, but Elizabeth stayed in her position beside the two men.
"AJ, stop this immediately!" Lila quickly made her way over to her grandsons, but the eldest paid her no heed as he took a step closer to Jason.
As quick as lightning, Jason's hands had his brother's by the wrist. "Get your hands off me, AJ."
"You think I'm going to let you win?!" AJ growled as he released his brother's shirt, but in the next minute, his right hand came up as he again moved toward Jason.
Taking a step back, Jason was about to easily duck the wild punch, but he didn't need to as AJ soon found himself falling towards the ground. "What the h-"
In the next chaotic moment, as Monica screamed, AJ landed with a thud face down on the ground. Everyone in the salon immediately gathered around his fallen form. Everyone that is except Jason. His full attention was on a pale Elizabeth, who was peering down anxiously at his brother.
A worried Monica and Lila inquired if AJ was harmed, but received no answer. Bending down, Alan asked in concern, "Are you alright, son?"
After a long pause, a moan broke out and AJ turned himself over to slowly sit up. "I'm alright."
"Here let me help y-"
Angrily shrugging his father's hand off his arm, AJ muttered, "I can get up on my own, damn it!" And in another moment, although a little unsteady on his feet, AJ did get up on his feet with an ugly red bump on his forehead.
Concerned, Monica placed her hand on the wound, "Oh AJ, we should get one of the hands to go for the doctor."
"I said I'm fine," he growled as he removed her hand, and glared at Jason.
Seeing that AJ seemed to be relatively unharmed, Alan turned on Jason. "I think it's time you left, Jason. You've done enough harm."
Lila's fiery blue eyes bore through her son as she said distinctly, "I believe you have forgotten this is my home, Alan. I invited Jason and his wife here. They are certainly not leaving."
"But Mother, did you not see what he did to AJ?"
"Jason did not cause him to fall, Alan."
Alan stared at his mother in surprise, "What the hell do you mean, Mother? If Jason didn't cause him to fall, how the hell did he fall?!"
"Don't speak to her like that," Jason warned in a low tone as he moved his gaze away from Elizabeth to his father.
Lila gave her grandson a reassuring glance, "It is alright, Jason." Then turning to her son, "As to how the boy fell," the elderly lady's speculative blue gaze rested briefly on the still pale Elizabeth, before continuing, "The boy must have tripped. But enough of all this..."
With a kind smile meant to put at ease, Lila moved towards Elizabeth. "I am sorry, Elizabeth dear, I have not had the opportunity to properly welcome you to my home." Offering her frail hand to the girl, she continued, "Come sit down. You must have had quite the shock from all of this. I am afraid the members of this family have all forgotten their manners."
Blinking slightly at the old lady's sudden turn of conversation, Elizabeth clamped down on her distress long enough to accept the woman's hand and followed her over to the chaise.
"Mother, we have not settled any of this yet!" Alan shouted in disbelief.
Still smiling at Elizabeth, Lila replied firmly, "Yes, Alan, we have. AJ knows what he must do if he wishes to have the land."
At this AJ immediately glared at Jason, who continued to stand near the doorway keeping a watchful eye on everyone in the room. AJ growled, "I won't do it. I won't hand over my daughter to that murderer!"
"Rebecca is Jason's daughter, AJ. I know this will be terribly difficult for you and Eve. But it is time for you to do the right thing for everyone in this family." Lila's voice was filled with sadness.
"D ifficult? You know this is going to kill Eve, Grandmother. You know what losing the baby did to her...and then we got Rebecca. She would do anything for that little girl."
With a soft sigh, Lila nodded, "Yes, I know, and I am sorry she will be pained by this. But for how long do you think she and Rebecca can stay in hiding, AJ? What kind of life is that for a young girl?"
"At least she will have a life. Living with Jason, she'd be dead within a week. You know what he is. You've heard the stories, Grandmother."
Lila shook her head, "I know exactly what kind of man Jason is, AJ. He will keep Rebecca safe."
Making his way toward Lila, AJ pleaded, "You can't mean to do this, Grandmother. I know you can't."
The now weary woman hardened her crystal blue eyes as she met her grandson's brown ones. "The only way you will get the land is if you hand over Rebecca to Jason. That is final. Make your decision, AJ." Lila's tone left no room for argument.
For a long moment the room was completely silent. Uneasy, Elizabeth glanced around at the strained faces until she finally met Jason's eyes. Not one muscle was seemed to be twitching in his body as he too waited for AJ to come to his decision. While he seemed eerily calm on the outside, Elizabeth suspected he was holding his emotions tightly in check as usual.
Her gaze then shifted to AJ, whose face, on the other hand, showed the great turmoil he was under. At least it seemed he truly cared for Rebecca and his wife...Elizabeth could see it in his eyes. She wondered if perhaps he would give up the land for Rebecca. Maybe Jason and his grandmother were wrong...
AJ broke the silence with a curse, followed by, "Alright, Grandmother. I agree to your terms." Spinning around to meet Jason's steady gaze, he said bitterly, "I hope you're happy, Jason. Once again you win." His gaze then fell on Elizabeth as he continued, "First you get off for murder by getting some town whore to lie-"
To Elizabeth's horror, before AJ could even finish his sentence, Jason was across the room and grabbed AJ by the collar of his fine jacket. "Don't you ever call her that again, you bastard."
AJ laughed harshly, "Why not? The whole damn town's calling her that." His face broke out into a cruel mocking smirk, "I would've thought you would know it's one thing to have a quickie with a girl like that, but to marry her? You sure have changed Jason. I always thought you went for the innocent kind like Robin...oh, but then again, it turned out the love of your life wasn't so innocent after all..."
"Shut up, AJ!" roared Jason as his fingers tightened on AJ's jacket.
AJ only continued to laugh, "Touched a nerve, did I?" His gaze once again fell on Elizabeth as he said to her, "You know sweetheart I think I may even see why Jason married a little nobody like you. You even look like Robin. Dark hair, petite...not as much of a looker mind you, but I'd wager you'll soon be wanting out just like-"
"That is enough, AJ!" Lila rebuked angrily as she stood up, "I know losing Rebecca is painful for you, but how dare you say such things in my home?!"
"Why should he always get everything, Grandmother?" AJ turned wild eyes toward her, "He can have other children with her, but Eve and I will never have any. How is that fair?!"
Lila's face softened slightly in sympathy. "I am sorry AJ, but Rebecca is Jason's daughter. In time, you and Eve can adopt another child who really needs a home..."
"Do you think that will make Eve feel any better about losing Rebecca to this killer and his whore-"
With those words from AJ, Jason had had enough. Pulling his brother up by the collar of his jacket, he flung him like a rag doll towards the ground. "I told you not to call my wife that again." As AJ went to rise to his feet, Jason raised his fisted hand ready to smash it into his brother's damn smirking mouth, but a gentle touch on his arm gave him pause.
"Don't Jason," Elizabeth said softly from behind him. "I don't think he even realises what he's saying..."
Jason turned around and gave her an incredulous glare, "He knows damn well what he's saying, Elizabeth."
She shook her head, "He's in pain, Jason. It must be very difficult for him to have to tell his wife that they have to give up Rebecca."
"Elizabeth-"
"And besides, fighting will not help us find out where Rebecca is. Please, Jason..." her blue eyes reflected the plea.
After a long tense moment as his eyes locked with Elizabeth's, Jason took a step back away from AJ. But with a deadly glare down at his brother, he said calmly, "If you ever insult my wife again, you're a dead man, AJ."
Monica let out a gasp of horror, but Jason continued, "But Elizabeth is right. I want my daughter, AJ. Where is she?"
AJ simply glared back at him angrily.
"AJ, please do the right thing," Lila insisted.
Slowly, AJ rose to his feet, and shook his head. "No. I'm not telling him a thing." When Jason made an angry movement in his direction, AJ continued, "I will retrieve Eve and Rebecca. I need some time to prepare them."
"No," Jason said firmly, "There's no damn way I'm trusting you. Tell me where Rebecca is, AJ."
AJ was about to shake his head again, when Lila said impatiently, "AJ for heaven's sake Jason's worried about his daughter. Tell him where she is."
"She's in Topeka, alright?!" shouted AJ, "But I want to retrieve her myself. I can't just let Jason go there and take Rebecca away from Eve without preparing her."
"Alright, you can go to Topeka and tell Eve about the situation, but I'm coming with you," Jason was using all his self-control to keep his temper in check in the face of AJ's stalling tactics.
"No." AJ was adamant, "You're going to just have to wait for us to come back with her."
"There's no chance in hell-"
Lila stepped into the two men, and held up a hand. "Enough, both of you. If neither of you wants the other to go and pick up Rebecca, then I have a suggestion." The grand lady waited until she had both her grandsons' attentions, before informing them, "I received a telegram this morning from Emily. It seems she should be in Topeka by tomorrow. AJ you will tell me where Eve and Rebecca are staying, and I will send a telegram asking Emily to accompany them back to this house. When they arrive, AJ will be able to explain to his wife the situation, and Rebecca will be handed over to Jason."
"But what is Emily to say to Eve?" asked Monica.
Lila sighed, "She will simply say that the family wishes for Eve and Rebecca to return home. In fact, AJ should also send telegram to inform Eve to come home with her." Glancing from one young man to the other, Lila asked, "Well, do you two agree to this suggestion?"
With a curse, AJ said, "Do I have a choice? Alright, we'll do this your way, Grandmother."
Wanting to beat his daughter's location out of AJ, Jason was quiet for a moment longer as he considered the alternatives to his grandmother's plan, but he knew this was likely the least disruptive way to bring Rebecca home. And he trusted Emily. He nodded.
"Good," Lila said with a sigh of relief. She turned to the elderly gentleman who had been watching the whole proceedings in astonishment from the far end of the room. "Mr. Elder, would you please draw up the necessary papers for the transfer of ownership of the land to my grandson?"
The lawyer slowly nodded, "Certainly, Mrs. Quartermaine." Then after bidding a rather uneasy polite farewell to them all, he was gone.
Having taken care of these matters, Lila turned to Elizabeth, "Now that is all settled, my dear, why do we not go out to the gardens and become better acquainted?" Taking the girl's arm, she led her towards the double doors. Turning around, she looked questioningly at her youngest grandson who remained by AJ, "Jason, will you not join us?"
"I will be out in a moment, Lila," Jason replied gently, but then locking gazes with AJ, he explained, "I have a few things I need to take care of first."
Elizabeth glanced at Jason with worried eyes. Seeing the girl's concern, Lila patted her hand, "Jason will be fine, dear. And we will have a nice chat until he joins us." After giving Jason an understanding smile, the remarkable lady gently guided Elizabeth out of the room.
As soon as Lila left, the remaining three Quartermaines turned to Jason. AJ demanded, "What more do you want, Jason? Stealing my daughter not enough for you?! Get out!"
Eyes glittering fire, Jason replied coldly, "There's a few things we need to get straight before I go anywhere, AJ."
"Now, don't be forgettin' not to let 'em folks give ya a hard time, ya hear, Elizabeth? From what I've heard the lot of 'em are bullies, except Jase's grandma."
Seated on Jason's bed, Elizabeth tried to nod her head, but was prevented by Carly's struggle to braid her newly washed hair. She winced slightly as the blond gave her hair a particularly sharp pull. It was quite odd...when Jason had helped untangle her hair last evening it hadn't seem to give him half as much trouble as it was giving Carly. The other woman had been trying to tame her hair for over half an hour already.
"But don't ya worry none, Jase ain't goin' to let 'em say a thin' against ya..." Carly continued as she finally finished the braid and began to wrap it up into a bun, "I just hope they got 'nough sense to tell Jase where his daughter is. He's 'bout to lose his patience with 'em, not that I blame him, mind ya..."
With each passing word Carly muttered, Elizabeth was becoming more and more nervous about her upcoming meeting with the Quartermaines. From what she had previously seen of the Quartermaines, Elizabeth could see they were a very complicated family. There was definitely no love loss between Jason and his brother, AJ, and Jason obviously had not gotten along with his grandfather. And Elizabeth couldn't quite determine what his relationship was with his parents...
While she knew little of Jason's relationship with his family, she did know they were somehow keeping him away from his daughter. From what she had overheard the other day, at least it seemed Jason's grandmother was intervening on his behalf. Elizabeth trusted Mrs. Quartermaine would do her best to help them. Perhaps then Jason would know where his little girl was...and if she was well...
But even with Lila Quartermaine on their side, Elizabeth had the feeling the meeting with the Quartermaines was not likely to go smoothly. She had no idea what his family knew about her and Jason...what was she suppose to say to them if they asked how they met? Or what if they asked about the night Jason accompanied her home after the dance? Or what if they questioned her ability to help raise Rebecca? Or...Oh dear...
"Elizabeth, ya alright?"
Carly's question brought Elizabeth out of her thoughts. Raising her eyes, she saw Carly's amber eyes staring back at her in concern. "I'm sorry, did you say something, Carly?"
Placing down the silver brush on the bed, and sitting down next to Elizabeth on the bed, Carly took Elizabeth's hand into hers. "I asked ya how ya liked yore hair, but ya didn't answer. Somethin' wrong, honey?"
"Oh no," Elizabeth began with a blush, "I'm terribly sorry, Carly. I...I think I am a little worried about this meeting."
With a reassuring squeeze of the brunette's hand, Carly replied, "Ya ain't got nothin' to worry 'bout. Jase'll be with ya the whole time," pausing for a moment, Carly then continued with a smirk, 'Sides I reckon after livin' with that grandma of yores even them Quartermaines will be easy to handle."
A little taken off guard by the comment, it was a moment before Elizabeth felt her lips start to twitch...oh heavens, Carly was right. If she could live through her grandmother's disapproval and austere lectures, she could likely handle the Quartermaines. Couldn't she?
As she spotted the small smile, Carly broke out into a chuckle, "Ya see? I reckon ev'rythin's goin' to be fine."
Elizabeth continued to smile shyly at the other women and said softly, "Thank you, Carly, for everything...I-I don't know how I would have gotten ready without you."
Standing up slowly, Elizabeth glanced down at the dark blue skirt and jacket the other woman had assisted her into. The material of the skirt was soft velvet, with a short trail, and the jacket, a matching blue velvet, had the most beautiful trim of white lace all around the wide flowing sleeves. In the front of the jacket were beautiful pearl buttons which led right up to the neck, hiding the white silk chemise, Elizabeth wore underneath. Elizabeth had protested when Carly had chosen this particularly sophisticated outfit from the young girl's new wardrobe for her to wear to the Quartermaines, but the blond had insisted that it was perfect.
"Ya look lovely, honey," Carly said as she admired her handiwork, and then added, "But there's a few thin's missin'." She reached over onto the bed to open a round hatbox. Removing a blue bonnet, she handed it over to Elizabeth with the pair of lace gloves laying next to it. "Now, once ya get those on, ya really look the lady."
A nervous Elizabeth moved over to the mirror and arranged the bonnet on her head, slightly off to the side as she had seen other lady's wear theirs. As she stared at her new appearance in the mirror, Elizabeth could hardly believe she was the same person she had been only a day before. The woman before her looked like one of those sophisticated city women...and she felt as if it were somehow all a masquerade...
As a curt knock sounded out, Elizabeth shook off the thought and turned towards the door. Carly cried out, "Come in!"
As the door swung open, Sonny walked into the small room, followed closely by Jason. "If you be wantin' to get there by noon, you'll have to be leavin', Eliza-" As Sonny took in Elizabeth's appearance, his dimples came out, "Now don't you look pretty, Elizabeth. I was wonderin' what was takin' you and Carly so long, but I'd have to say it was well worth the wait. "
Elizabeth, whose glance had instinctively gone to an unreadable Jason as soon as he entered the room, turned a bright shade of red at this compliment. Quickly turning her attention to putting on the lace gloves, Elizabeth stammered, "Th-thank you, Sonny. I-I'm ready." She quickly made her way past the two men to the door and without looking at any of them, stepped through the doorway into the hall. With a confused glance towards Carly, Jason followed her out.
Following behind the couple, Sonny asked, "Did I say somethin' wrong, honey?"
Smiling, Carly whispered, "She's a bit shy 'bout this new look for her," with a small chuckle, she finished, "Ya should've seen how much fussin' I had to do to get her to wear it. She wanted to wear that same frock she had on yesterday!"
"But I see my indomitable wife's prevailed again," Sonny commented.
Carly nodded, "I sure did, but she refused to take the matchin' parasol...oh, well...reckon we be needin' to take li'l steps at a time."
The four friends made their way down the stairs and toward the back of the saloon, where Carly's shiny, black buggy was hitched and ready to go.
Ever the gentleman, Jason assisted Elizabeth into the buggy before getting into the driving seat. As Jason took hold of the reins, Carly called out to them, "Now ya remember, when ya get back we're goin' to see that land of yores and start fixin' it up, Jase."
Ever since Jason had told her he and Elizabeth had decided to live on the land he owned, Carly had been itchin' to see the place. Initially she had been disappointed that the two were not going to be living at the saloon, but after both Sonny and Jason pointed out why a little girl couldn't be raised there, Carly had decided since she was obviously going to be spending a great deal of time at the newlyweds' home, she would have to make sure it was liveable.
Tilting his black hat slightly back with one hand, Jason replied thoughtfully, "I don't know how long we're goin' to be, Carly. Lila said she was going to speak to AJ, but I don't know how he's going to take it. And I'm not leaving without getting information about Rebecca's whereabouts."
For the first time since they had left Jason's room, Elizabeth really looked at Jason.
In contrast to her fancy outfit, he was dressed in a simple long sleeved grey shirt, and black paints. But with Jason, it didn't matter what he wore, he always seemed comfortable in his own skin...unlike her...
As Elizabeth peered up into his shaded face, she noted how his jaw tightened slightly as he talked about his daughter. She prayed that whatever his grandmother was planning would work.
"If she's in Topeka like we've been reckonin', it'll take ya a few days for you to fetch her," Carly reasoned, "That'll give us time to get the place ready for her. Maybe some of the girls and I should head over there now and start cleanin'-"
Jason firmly cut her off, "We'll have to see what happens at the Quartermaines, Carly before we decide on anything."
Against her impatient nature, Carly reluctantly agreed, "Alright, but ya be sure to be careful, I don't trust 'em."
"We will."
With his arms around his wife, Sonny asked his best friend in concern, "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you, Jase? Or the boys? I still think it's strange we haven't seen hide nor hair of Moreno or his boys since the weddin'."
"I don't like it either," Jason muttered, "But they're probably laying low with the murder investigation going on. From what Johnny and Francis overheard last night, the sheriff's been asking a lot of questions about Edward's enemies."
Carly gave a snort of a laugh, "Well, it's 'bout time that idiot did some real diggin' into the whole thin'. But I can tell 'im exactly who he should be talkin' to. Moreno. I'd bet the saloon he's involved somehow."
"Maybe," Jason gave the reins a slight pull as the horse started to fidget, "But there doesn't seem to be any proof of that yet. Damn it, I wished we knew who placed that note in my room."
Seeing his friend's obvious frustration, Sonny nodded, "Francis and Johnny have been talkin' to some of the men who were upstairs that night, but none of them saw a thin'. And Carly spoke to the girls and-"
"None of the gurls saw nothin'," Carly interrupted in frustration, "Most were too busy with the crowd we had, and the others were entertainin' in their rooms upstairs."
"Damn," Jason muttered, "Then it seems the only other place to get answers about this business is at the Quartermaines. I'll question some of the hands."
Carly nodded, and then added, "And be sure to rake that good for nothin' brother of yores over the coals too, Jase. The story goes he was out with Edward late that night. Wonder what they were up to?"
Jason had been wondering about that as well. He never remembered Edward going for rides that late at night. "I'll look into it." Pushing the thought off to the side, he looked at the quiet girl by his side to find her watching him intently, "But I think we'd better get going, Elizabeth."
At the sound of her name, Elizabeth gave a little start and blushed. Quickly looking away from Jason's inquisitive glance to Carly and Sonny, Elizabeth nodded her head. "See you later, Carly. Sonny."
The saloon owners replied in kind, and then the buggy was off around the saloon building and onto the town's main road.
It was midday, with the noon sun blazing brightly down on a town full of folks going about their business. As she and Jason rode in silence, Elizabeth was careful to keep her eyes trained ahead, but out of the corner of her eye, she could see a number of curious faces. She could also distinctly make out the halting of conversations, and the beginnings of whispers as they passed. So much for her desire to sink back to obscurity after a few days...
"Lizzie! Jason!"
At the sound of the female voice, Elizabeth turned her head in time to see Alexis Davis pushing open the door to her newspaper shop, and running after their buggy.
"Jason," Elizabeth began as she realised the buggy was not stopping, "I believe Miss Davis is calling after us."
"I know," Jason replied indifferently as he continued to keep his eye on the street ahead.
Round eyes flying upward to his face, Elizabeth asked in surprise, "Do you not mean to stop, Jason?"
"No," Jason replied with a slight edge, "She's been hounding everyone at the saloon for information about the murder. I don't want her to start in on you."
Eyebrows furrowing in distress, Elizabeth entreated, "But, it is terribly rude for us not to stop, Jason..." When he didn't reply to this, Elizabeth tried again, "Miss Davis is only trying to do her job...I'll tell her I don't know anything. Which is true, I don't. But please, stop the buggy. She's been kind to me...Please, Jason."
A long moment passed before, Jason let out a low curse and pulled on the reins. Turning to glare at his wife of two days, Jason muttered, "The moment she starts hounding you with questions, we're leaving."
Before Elizabeth could even think of a reply to his rather rude behaviour, an out of breath Alexis ran up to the buggy. "Oh...I am-glad-you-stopped, otherwise I-would have-likely collapsed in a few more moments."
"Are you alright, Miss Davis?" Elizabeth asked in concern as the other woman continued to gulp in air.
Alexis smiled as she leaned onto the buggy, "It's Lexie, remember? And I'm fine, just trying to get some air back into my lungs!" As she took a few more deep breaths, the newswoman's keen eyes took in Elizabeth's new appearance. "Do you not look lovely today, Lizzie. I believe that is the bonnet I saw on you yesterday."
Elizabeth blushed and nodded, "Yes, thank you for your assistance with it."
"I don't believe I was much help, Lizzie. Carly and Chloe certainly know a great deal more about fashion than I do. But I do believe blue is your colour. It brings out the colour of your eyes," Alexis shot Jason a quick glance, "Do you not think so, Jason?"
At this, Jason, who had been sitting silently watching the newspaper lady, glanced down at Elizabeth. He had briefly noted her new outfit at the saloon, but with all that was on his mind, had not given it much thought. But he had to admit, Alexis had a point, the colour did bring out the vivid sapphire of her eyes.
As the silence stretched out while she felt Jason's eyes on her, Elizabeth went red. Attempting to hide her discomfort, she blurted out, "Was there a reason Miss Dav-ah-Lexie, you were running after us?"
With a thoughtful glance from Jason to Elizabeth and down to the glittering gold band on the girl's hand, Alexis slowly nodded. "Yes, Lizzie. I was hoping to speak to you and Jason."
"Why?" Jason asked bluntly.
A little taken off guard by his tone, Alexis replied hesitantly, "There are a few questions I have about your wedding...Everyone is interested in the details of how you both met, and the circumstances around the marriage..."
Elizabeth's face went even redder. She assumed everyone knew exactly what the circumstances around the wedding were already. Was not half the town there when her scandalous behaviour that fateful night was revealed...and did they not hear the reverend suggest the marriage. What else could they possibly want to know?
While Elizabeth was pondering these questions, Jason said in a voice as hard as granite, "Everyone knows what they need to. There's nothing else we have to say."
"But no one understands why you would marry in such a hurry...Perhaps it was partly to save Lizzie's reputation, but she would have survived that," Alexis shook her head, "No there must be more to the story..." She paused before continuing, "There's a rumour going around about you having a daughter, Jason. Some even say it's AJ's little girl." In fact, it was Ned who had told her he'd heard this from a few of the Quartermaine ranch hands.
As Jason tightened his grip on the reins and urged the horse to start moving again, he said in a deadly voice, "I don't want to have to say this again, Alexis. We have nothing to say. Good day."
However, Alexis was not one to give up easily, as she walked quickly beside Elizabeth in the buggy, "Lizzie, you have to see this is an extraordinary story. As far as everyone knew you and Jason were complete strangers. Then one day he rescues you from Sorel. And a few days later, your testimony likely saved him from hanging for murder. Then you get married that very same day. Your wedding and the murder are the only topics people are talking about these days. Don't you want to tell your side of the story?"
Nervously clasping her hands in front of her, Elizabeth's pleading eyes met Alexis's inquisitive ones. "I know this is your job, Miss Davis, but please respect the fact we do not wish to say anything."
After a moment of consideration, Alexis nodded, "Alright, Elizabeth, but if you don't wish to speak of the marriage, will you tell me what you know about the murder?" Alexis doggedly continued now to Jason, "How did that note setting up that meeting with Edward get into your room? And who do you think killed your grandfather, Jason? There were rumours of a feud with Mor-"
"Enough, Alexis," Jason said coldly, "You are not getting any information from us. Find your story somewhere else." With that he urged the horse into a full out trot, and soon, they were leaving behind a rather displeased Alexis alone in the middle of the street.
Flustered over what had just occurred, Elizabeth turned her head around in an attempt to give Alexis an apologetic look, but the woman was already heading back toward her shop. Oh dear...that had not gone well at all...
Still somewhat astonished, she turned towards Jason.
As they continued to ride now to the outskirts of town, Jason could feel Elizabeth's gaze on him. He waited for her to say something, but when she still hadn't spoken as the buggy hit the country road, he asked curtly, "Is something wrong, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth's eyes rounded at his question. How could he ask if something was wrong? "I...I think we may have offended Miss Davis, Jason..."
"More than likely," Jason answered with a shrug as his gaze remained on the road ahead of them.
"But," Elizabeth began in agitation, "How can you say that, Jason? Do you not care we may have hurt her feelings?"
"I doubt her feelings were wounded."
Elizabeth shook her head at his scepticism. "I cannot understand why we had to be so...so..."
Jason finally turned towards her, with a raised eyebrow, "So what, Elizabeth?"
"Well," Elizabeth finished in a rush, "Ill mannered!"
Jason was quiet for a moment as he took in Elizabeth's very real distress over the situation, before finally saying, "Elizabeth, with some people you have to be 'ill mannered' as you put it, before they get the point. Alexis was after a story, and she would have kept badgering us, if I wasn't blunt with her."
"But there must have been a kinder way of not answering her questions," Elizabeth said in between worrying her lower lip, "Could we not simply have told her we had to be on our way? Or tell her we could not answer her questions at the present time?"
Jason shook his head and answered reasonably, "It's a lot easier to just tell the straightforward truth, Elizabeth. This way Alexis is under no illusions she can get anything from us by continuing to hound us."
"I-I feel horribly for upsetting her...she must think I'm terribly rude after her help yesterday."
Suddenly, Jason pulled on the reins of the horse and brought the buggy to a complete stop on the middle of the countryside road. Then turning to Elizabeth, he asked roughly, "Why do you do that?"
Elizabeth's eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and confusion. "Do what?"
"Blame yourself?"
Looking away, Elizabeth replied softly, "I don't know what you mean, Jason."
"I mean, why don't you place the blame on other people when they deserve it? Why do you just assume you're in the wrong?" When Elizabeth didn't reply, Jason continued more gently, "You don't see it do, you?"
Staring down unseeingly at her clasped hands, Elizabeth asked softly, "See what?"
"If Alexis is upset she has no one to blame but herself, Elizabeth. She came up to us to get a story, and we didn't have anything to say to her. She was the one who refused to take 'no' as an answer. And if someone was rude to her, it was me, Elizabeth. Not you."
"But-" Elizabeth began, but suddenly stopped as she felt the warmth of his hand on her face.
With his hand under her chin, he lifted her face so he could see into her eyes. "And this isn't the first time. You haven't blamed your grandmother and sister or the rest of this damn town for turning their backs on you. You didn't even get upset at those kids for pulling that prank with the punch. You place all the blame on yourself."
Elizabeth attempted to shake her head, "But I was at fault. I-"
"And then there was that bicycle lesson disaster yesterday," Jason continued relentlessly, "Francis and Johnny were fooling around, and that's why that coach ran away." Seeing she was about to protest, he held up a hand, "And before you say anything, I'm not angry with them about it anymore. But once again, you took the blame for it, Elizabeth. And I think you've convinced yourself you were really to blame. Why?"
"Because...because-" Elizabeth couldn't seem to find an answer for him. Why was he saying all this to her? She didn't want to think about all of this now. Wanting to escape his questioning eyes, Elizabeth said softly, "I-I think we should be going, Jason, or we'll be late."
Jason hesitated for a moment, but seeing the plea in her eyes, he let the matter go and took the reins again. He knew he was being a bastard for pushing her, but he hated how she condemned herself for other people's actions. He had a feeling her grandmother had something to do with this. And it made him damn angry.
They rode in silence for the next half an hour down the main road as they passed both the Hardy and the Spencer farms. But as they reached the edge of Quartermaine land, Jason finally broke the silence again, "There's a few things we should talk about before we get to the ranch."
Elizabeth, who was lost in a myriad of emotions and thoughts, started at the sound of his voice. Turning to look at him beneath the rim of her bonnet, she asked hesitantly, "What do we need to discuss, Jason?"
"Why we're going there, for one thing. You need to be prepared."
Elizabeth's forehead furrowed. "I don't understand Jason. We're going there to see your grandmother and to find out Rebecca's whereabouts so we can bring her home."
With a frustrated sigh, Jason replied, "Yes. But you don't know the whole story. To get that information out of AJ, my grandmother is going to blackmail him."
For a moment, Elizabeth stared at Jason in shock, not really sure if she had heard him correctly. "Blackmail?" Elizabeth repeated in a whisper. She could certainly not see Lila Quartermaine blackmailing anyone.
"AJ's always wanted the Quartermaine land, and he thought when Edward died, he and Alan would inherit it," Jason carefully kept his voice void of all emotion, "But it seems Edward didn't trust him to run the land, and left everything to Lila. He thought my feelings for Lila would force me to run the land for her."
In the process of trying to come to grips with these new details, she recalled the confrontation she had witnessed between Jason and his grandfather at the fair...
"...You know what you have to do to see her. Just take over again."
"Grandfather!" yelled AJ, who had been standing off to the side. He moved towards Edward. "You're going to hand over everything to Jason? I won't let you!"
Elizabeth remembered all too well how angry Jason's brother had been over his grandfather's plan...Eyes widening with realisation, she turned to Jason and whispered, "Your grandmother is going to ask AJ to hand Rebecca over to you for the land..."
His cold eyes meeting hers, Jason said with a bitter laugh, "That's the Quartermaine way, Elizabeth."
"But to trade a child...it's wrong, Jason," Elizabeth's voice was now filled with worry and outrage.
Jason's blue gaze softened slightly at her concern. "I know, Elizabeth. And if I thought there would be another way to get Rebecca away from them without bloodshed, I would do it." Pushing back the rim of his hat angrily, he continued, "But I can't think of another way."
Elizabeth was silent for a moment, still lost in the horror of someone willing to trade an innocent child for a piece of land. She understood the pull of the land...she herself had felt it for her grandmother's farm. There was something about the great promise of the land that was comforting. But a child was something so precious...to even compare them...
"Elizabeth?"
Wiping away the gathering wetness from her eyes, Elizabeth said softly, "If they're willing to do this, they do not deserve her. Let us bring her home, Jason."
For a moment Jason didn't reply as something stirred inside of him at the determined look on her face. Then he nodded curtly, "We will. I just want to make sure you're ready for how ugly it's probably going to get at the ranch. AJ's not going to take any of this very well. Don't let him upset you."
"I will be fine," Elizabeth assured him. And for some reason she knew she would be. She was no longer worried about what the Quartermaines thought of her. She was more worried about Rebecca, and was more determined than ever to help Jason find her.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
As she made her way with Jason past a few ranch hands up the porch stairs, Elizabeth could hardly believe the size of the ranch house she was about to enter. Actually, the structure could hardly be called "a house" with its four stories, and she had no idea how many acres the brown brick building covered. It was intimidating to say the least.
As they stepped onto the porch, the front door was immediately opened by a lanky servant with curly dark hair.
"Jason, and this must be your wife." The butler's dark eyes curiously studied the young woman before him. "Your grandmother is expecting you in the salon," the man informed them as he motioned down the hallway and then whispered, "Unfortunately the rest of the family is in there as well."
Jason's face hardened as he replied, "Thank you, Reginald." Placing his hand on the small of Elizabeth's back, he started to lead her through the front foyer toward the salon.
Even from the hallway they could hear AJ's voice raised in anger.
"There has to be some mistake! Grandfather couldn't have done this! Not after all I did for him. Tell them it's a mistake, Mr. Elder!"
"I am afraid not, Mr. Quartermaine. Mr. Edward Quartermaine made his wishes very clear. He had a new will drawn up a few months ago, and as you can see, this is his signature. He wanted both the ranch and the land to go to your grandmother."
"No, damn it, I won't believe it! I-"
"That's enough, AJ. Raising your voice will certainly settle nothing."
"Grandmother, you know this is wrong. You know how hard I've worked for the land. You know I've earned it! How can you blackmail like this?"
"You do not know how it pains me that it has come to this, AJ, but this is for the best. You know Rebecca is not your daughter. When you tried to pass her off as your own, you harmed not only Jason, but an innocent child. Rebecca deserves to know her father."
As she reached the entrance of the salon with Jason, Elizabeth caught sight of the back of a pacing man, whom she immediately recognised as AJ Quartermaine. On his left sitting on the chaise by the window was his grandmother, clad in black mourning but as composed as she had been the previous day. Next to her sat the beautifully coifed Monica Quartermaine also in mourning colours. Two other men were in the room. A vaguely familiar looking elderly man with greying hair stood in front of the fireplace. It took a moment before Elizabeth recognised he was the man she had seen in the coach with AJ and Alan the day of her wedding. Beside the elegantly dressed man was a rather agitated Alan Quartermaine.
"Mother-" Alan Quartermaine began but stopped abruptly as he spotted the couple by the door. "Jason!"
Immediately all eyes turned toward the double doors of the salon. However, it was AJ who was the first to react. He prowled up to his brother, and spat out bitterly, "Why am I not surprised you'd show up? Have you come to gloat, Jason? Or are you here to make sure Grandmother blackmails me as you told her to?!"
Even though AJ was shouting into Jason's face, the other man didn't even flinch. In fact it was almost as if he didn't even notice his enraged brother. As Elizabeth glanced nervously from one brother to the other, she had the feeling Jason had completely withdrawn into himself.
"Well, damn it! Are you going to say a damn thing? Or are you just going to say silent as usual and let Grandmother do your dirty work to get Rebecca?! Do you know what the hell this will do to Eve, you bastard?!" With each word, AJ's face was turning a darker shade of red until finally so enraged he grabbed Jason by his grey shirt.
Elizabeth let out a small gasp, and without thinking, she moved towards AJ. "Please let him go!"
"Get out of the way Elizabeth," Jason ordered as he kept his eyes steady on his brother, but Elizabeth stayed in her position beside the two men.
"AJ, stop this immediately!" Lila quickly made her way over to her grandsons, but the eldest paid her no heed as he took a step closer to Jason.
As quick as lightning, Jason's hands had his brother's by the wrist. "Get your hands off me, AJ."
"You think I'm going to let you win?!" AJ growled as he released his brother's shirt, but in the next minute, his right hand came up as he again moved toward Jason.
Taking a step back, Jason was about to easily duck the wild punch, but he didn't need to as AJ soon found himself falling towards the ground. "What the h-"
In the next chaotic moment, as Monica screamed, AJ landed with a thud face down on the ground. Everyone in the salon immediately gathered around his fallen form. Everyone that is except Jason. His full attention was on a pale Elizabeth, who was peering down anxiously at his brother.
A worried Monica and Lila inquired if AJ was harmed, but received no answer. Bending down, Alan asked in concern, "Are you alright, son?"
After a long pause, a moan broke out and AJ turned himself over to slowly sit up. "I'm alright."
"Here let me help y-"
Angrily shrugging his father's hand off his arm, AJ muttered, "I can get up on my own, damn it!" And in another moment, although a little unsteady on his feet, AJ did get up on his feet with an ugly red bump on his forehead.
Concerned, Monica placed her hand on the wound, "Oh AJ, we should get one of the hands to go for the doctor."
"I said I'm fine," he growled as he removed her hand, and glared at Jason.
Seeing that AJ seemed to be relatively unharmed, Alan turned on Jason. "I think it's time you left, Jason. You've done enough harm."
Lila's fiery blue eyes bore through her son as she said distinctly, "I believe you have forgotten this is my home, Alan. I invited Jason and his wife here. They are certainly not leaving."
"But Mother, did you not see what he did to AJ?"
"Jason did not cause him to fall, Alan."
Alan stared at his mother in surprise, "What the hell do you mean, Mother? If Jason didn't cause him to fall, how the hell did he fall?!"
"Don't speak to her like that," Jason warned in a low tone as he moved his gaze away from Elizabeth to his father.
Lila gave her grandson a reassuring glance, "It is alright, Jason." Then turning to her son, "As to how the boy fell," the elderly lady's speculative blue gaze rested briefly on the still pale Elizabeth, before continuing, "The boy must have tripped. But enough of all this..."
With a kind smile meant to put at ease, Lila moved towards Elizabeth. "I am sorry, Elizabeth dear, I have not had the opportunity to properly welcome you to my home." Offering her frail hand to the girl, she continued, "Come sit down. You must have had quite the shock from all of this. I am afraid the members of this family have all forgotten their manners."
Blinking slightly at the old lady's sudden turn of conversation, Elizabeth clamped down on her distress long enough to accept the woman's hand and followed her over to the chaise.
"Mother, we have not settled any of this yet!" Alan shouted in disbelief.
Still smiling at Elizabeth, Lila replied firmly, "Yes, Alan, we have. AJ knows what he must do if he wishes to have the land."
At this AJ immediately glared at Jason, who continued to stand near the doorway keeping a watchful eye on everyone in the room. AJ growled, "I won't do it. I won't hand over my daughter to that murderer!"
"Rebecca is Jason's daughter, AJ. I know this will be terribly difficult for you and Eve. But it is time for you to do the right thing for everyone in this family." Lila's voice was filled with sadness.
"D ifficult? You know this is going to kill Eve, Grandmother. You know what losing the baby did to her...and then we got Rebecca. She would do anything for that little girl."
With a soft sigh, Lila nodded, "Yes, I know, and I am sorry she will be pained by this. But for how long do you think she and Rebecca can stay in hiding, AJ? What kind of life is that for a young girl?"
"At least she will have a life. Living with Jason, she'd be dead within a week. You know what he is. You've heard the stories, Grandmother."
Lila shook her head, "I know exactly what kind of man Jason is, AJ. He will keep Rebecca safe."
Making his way toward Lila, AJ pleaded, "You can't mean to do this, Grandmother. I know you can't."
The now weary woman hardened her crystal blue eyes as she met her grandson's brown ones. "The only way you will get the land is if you hand over Rebecca to Jason. That is final. Make your decision, AJ." Lila's tone left no room for argument.
For a long moment the room was completely silent. Uneasy, Elizabeth glanced around at the strained faces until she finally met Jason's eyes. Not one muscle was seemed to be twitching in his body as he too waited for AJ to come to his decision. While he seemed eerily calm on the outside, Elizabeth suspected he was holding his emotions tightly in check as usual.
Her gaze then shifted to AJ, whose face, on the other hand, showed the great turmoil he was under. At least it seemed he truly cared for Rebecca and his wife...Elizabeth could see it in his eyes. She wondered if perhaps he would give up the land for Rebecca. Maybe Jason and his grandmother were wrong...
AJ broke the silence with a curse, followed by, "Alright, Grandmother. I agree to your terms." Spinning around to meet Jason's steady gaze, he said bitterly, "I hope you're happy, Jason. Once again you win." His gaze then fell on Elizabeth as he continued, "First you get off for murder by getting some town whore to lie-"
To Elizabeth's horror, before AJ could even finish his sentence, Jason was across the room and grabbed AJ by the collar of his fine jacket. "Don't you ever call her that again, you bastard."
AJ laughed harshly, "Why not? The whole damn town's calling her that." His face broke out into a cruel mocking smirk, "I would've thought you would know it's one thing to have a quickie with a girl like that, but to marry her? You sure have changed Jason. I always thought you went for the innocent kind like Robin...oh, but then again, it turned out the love of your life wasn't so innocent after all..."
"Shut up, AJ!" roared Jason as his fingers tightened on AJ's jacket.
AJ only continued to laugh, "Touched a nerve, did I?" His gaze once again fell on Elizabeth as he said to her, "You know sweetheart I think I may even see why Jason married a little nobody like you. You even look like Robin. Dark hair, petite...not as much of a looker mind you, but I'd wager you'll soon be wanting out just like-"
"That is enough, AJ!" Lila rebuked angrily as she stood up, "I know losing Rebecca is painful for you, but how dare you say such things in my home?!"
"Why should he always get everything, Grandmother?" AJ turned wild eyes toward her, "He can have other children with her, but Eve and I will never have any. How is that fair?!"
Lila's face softened slightly in sympathy. "I am sorry AJ, but Rebecca is Jason's daughter. In time, you and Eve can adopt another child who really needs a home..."
"Do you think that will make Eve feel any better about losing Rebecca to this killer and his whore-"
With those words from AJ, Jason had had enough. Pulling his brother up by the collar of his jacket, he flung him like a rag doll towards the ground. "I told you not to call my wife that again." As AJ went to rise to his feet, Jason raised his fisted hand ready to smash it into his brother's damn smirking mouth, but a gentle touch on his arm gave him pause.
"Don't Jason," Elizabeth said softly from behind him. "I don't think he even realises what he's saying..."
Jason turned around and gave her an incredulous glare, "He knows damn well what he's saying, Elizabeth."
She shook her head, "He's in pain, Jason. It must be very difficult for him to have to tell his wife that they have to give up Rebecca."
"Elizabeth-"
"And besides, fighting will not help us find out where Rebecca is. Please, Jason..." her blue eyes reflected the plea.
After a long tense moment as his eyes locked with Elizabeth's, Jason took a step back away from AJ. But with a deadly glare down at his brother, he said calmly, "If you ever insult my wife again, you're a dead man, AJ."
Monica let out a gasp of horror, but Jason continued, "But Elizabeth is right. I want my daughter, AJ. Where is she?"
AJ simply glared back at him angrily.
"AJ, please do the right thing," Lila insisted.
Slowly, AJ rose to his feet, and shook his head. "No. I'm not telling him a thing." When Jason made an angry movement in his direction, AJ continued, "I will retrieve Eve and Rebecca. I need some time to prepare them."
"No," Jason said firmly, "There's no damn way I'm trusting you. Tell me where Rebecca is, AJ."
AJ was about to shake his head again, when Lila said impatiently, "AJ for heaven's sake Jason's worried about his daughter. Tell him where she is."
"She's in Topeka, alright?!" shouted AJ, "But I want to retrieve her myself. I can't just let Jason go there and take Rebecca away from Eve without preparing her."
"Alright, you can go to Topeka and tell Eve about the situation, but I'm coming with you," Jason was using all his self-control to keep his temper in check in the face of AJ's stalling tactics.
"No." AJ was adamant, "You're going to just have to wait for us to come back with her."
"There's no chance in hell-"
Lila stepped into the two men, and held up a hand. "Enough, both of you. If neither of you wants the other to go and pick up Rebecca, then I have a suggestion." The grand lady waited until she had both her grandsons' attentions, before informing them, "I received a telegram this morning from Emily. It seems she should be in Topeka by tomorrow. AJ you will tell me where Eve and Rebecca are staying, and I will send a telegram asking Emily to accompany them back to this house. When they arrive, AJ will be able to explain to his wife the situation, and Rebecca will be handed over to Jason."
"But what is Emily to say to Eve?" asked Monica.
Lila sighed, "She will simply say that the family wishes for Eve and Rebecca to return home. In fact, AJ should also send telegram to inform Eve to come home with her." Glancing from one young man to the other, Lila asked, "Well, do you two agree to this suggestion?"
With a curse, AJ said, "Do I have a choice? Alright, we'll do this your way, Grandmother."
Wanting to beat his daughter's location out of AJ, Jason was quiet for a moment longer as he considered the alternatives to his grandmother's plan, but he knew this was likely the least disruptive way to bring Rebecca home. And he trusted Emily. He nodded.
"Good," Lila said with a sigh of relief. She turned to the elderly gentleman who had been watching the whole proceedings in astonishment from the far end of the room. "Mr. Elder, would you please draw up the necessary papers for the transfer of ownership of the land to my grandson?"
The lawyer slowly nodded, "Certainly, Mrs. Quartermaine." Then after bidding a rather uneasy polite farewell to them all, he was gone.
Having taken care of these matters, Lila turned to Elizabeth, "Now that is all settled, my dear, why do we not go out to the gardens and become better acquainted?" Taking the girl's arm, she led her towards the double doors. Turning around, she looked questioningly at her youngest grandson who remained by AJ, "Jason, will you not join us?"
"I will be out in a moment, Lila," Jason replied gently, but then locking gazes with AJ, he explained, "I have a few things I need to take care of first."
Elizabeth glanced at Jason with worried eyes. Seeing the girl's concern, Lila patted her hand, "Jason will be fine, dear. And we will have a nice chat until he joins us." After giving Jason an understanding smile, the remarkable lady gently guided Elizabeth out of the room.
As soon as Lila left, the remaining three Quartermaines turned to Jason. AJ demanded, "What more do you want, Jason? Stealing my daughter not enough for you?! Get out!"
Eyes glittering fire, Jason replied coldly, "There's a few things we need to get straight before I go anywhere, AJ."
