Chapter Nine
"Jarrod, what is the order of worship for your community church? I was raised Catholic but I have attended Anglican and Episcopalian. My neighbors were Huguenots-ah Calvinists, I believe you would say. My grandparents were Lutheran. I hadn't thought to ask before now." as she dressed for church.
Jarrod explained the simple service of the American western town. "You will meet lots of different people at church. Some Methodists; some Baptists, the Scottish Presbyterians, and some Episcopalians like our mother. It's been called the Stockton Community Church for years. Would you prefer to go next week to the mission?"
"I would like to visit the mission but I am quite comfortable worshipping as a Barkley. Katarina told me how much she loves the church and she is Russian Orthodox."
She was stretching her arm around to fix a clasp on her dress. He noticed and walked over to help her. He began kissing her neck. She leaned back contentedly into his arms.
Ever since the panther scare, they had been very affectionate, even clingy with each other. A new appreciation —Yesterday's funeral reminded them both how close they came to not finding each other without Scott. They had resolved last night after their passion to not take each other for granted. Ever
She sighed, "We need to go make sure the children are dressed. I have gotten spoiled with Lia and Valeria here. In France, I did everything for them. I stubbornly refused to have them raised by a cold nanny. Your ladies are warm and family-like; the children have already bonded to them."
Jarrod told her, "I would love to take one of Rosa's family with us to San Francisco if we can. If not, I would love to find someone to help out so you have more time to bake those pastries I love" and he patted his stomach.
She laughed. "I will think about it. But seriously Jarrod—-they have to be part of the family."
"Agreed, my dear."
They walked into the nursery and found them dressed; Audra was braiding Rose's hair. She had already braided Sophie and Mae's hair. Tab and Jack had their suits and ties on. Jarrod tied both of their ties again.
He kissed his sister on the cheek. "You look beautiful, honey."
She smiled. "I couldn't sleep after Scotty got up so I came to the nursery and helped get the children ready for church. It felt right."
"Thank you, Audra."
"'Tis only fair Liesel with all the time you have given Scotty. And being on your honeymoon and all."
Liesel blushed and Jarrod laughed. They corralled the children and went downstairs to the waiting buggies for church.
They scooted into the two Barkley pews. The children were shushed and wedged in between adults.
Heath had Audra's arm before church as so many people wanted to greet her, express their condolences. He got her into the pew just as the preacher stood up. He was in between his sister and Isabella.
The first song Fairest Lord Jesus (1850) was called out for the hymnal. The pew was short songbooks and Heath shared his with Isabella.
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Her clear voice rang out. He closed his eyes and listened. He felt frozen in time. "Something in her voice was drawing him to peace. Yes, that was what it was."
The service finished up and Heath couldn't remember a thing but her voice. It shook him. He guided the ladies outside. People were still around them for quite a while with condolences for Audra and introductions for Liesel and Isabella.
He kept his arm on Audra but his eyes and ears on Isabella's gracious conversations
Jim Rivers came up and reacquainted himself with Isabella and wrangled an introduction to Liesel. She shared some of her confectionery creation stories with him. He invited her to town and to give Delia some suggestions on baking. He kept one eye on Isabella the whole time and invited her back to town.
He told her he would like to go riding someday, "The shop is keeping me busy six days a week but maybe some Sunday?"
Heath leaned over as far as he could but couldn't hear her answer. Rivers did leave whistling to Heath's chagrin.
Mrs. Travis kept Liesel and Isabella cornered the longest. "Do you ladies really have royal blood? I mean -really? I have heard of all sorts of folks saying they are aristocrats-not you of course but still? I heard you have had tea with Queen Victoria's daughters? Is your grandfather a count? Isn't it so interesting that Nick up and marries a Russian princess then Eugene and now Jarrod? You'd think local girls aren't good enough for Barkleys. Just saying what other people say of course. Not me at all." and she stared straight at the sisters hoping to put them on the defensive." Especially since Jarrod broke poor Meg's heart.
Isabella looked abashed and Liesel handled it perfectly. Jarrod was getting ready to intervene but he felt her touch his arm.
"Mrs. Travis, America is a country of immigrants and that is what made you first settlers so special to those of us who came here later. We have you to look up to and learn how to become more American. I am just, how do you say it? Plain old Mrs. Jarrod Barkley and that is how I want it."
Mrs. Travis beamed at the backhanded compliment dripping with sarcasm, cloaked in sugar. Jarrod's eyes twinkled at his wife's social acumen. He knew she had to navigate worse biddies than Mrs. Travis in the harsh Paris circles.
"Well, my first advice is to go by your given name, Elizabeth. Liesel is pretty of course but it sounds foreign."
Jarrod could see her back stiffen slightly so he said something, "I refuse that. I fell in love with a Liesel and she shall stay Liesel. Why would she give up the special nickname her Grandfather gave her? Come now—-Liesel "
He took her arm and Isabella's; he guided them to the carriage.
Heath brought Audra around. He was pondering all that he heard. "Was he as bad as Mrs. Travis?"
Jarrod joked with Liesel, "Did you just call me plain?"
She swatted his arm, "Yes I did"
He whispered, "I have a challenge now my love. I won't show you plain next time we are alone."
She blushed as he kissed her on the cheek.
Victoria saw it and smiled.
—&—
Sunday lunch was lively and everyone went their separate ways. The children were put down for naps; Jarrod and Nick with their wives went upstairs for quiet time. Jane and Victoria took tea in the rose garden for some sister time.
Heath came upon Isabella asking Ciego to saddle a horse for a ride.
"I will do that. Want some company? I was going to ride out and check on some stock. Not much danger with the panther in broad daylight. Jarrod says you are a fine shot and gave him a run for his money in France,"
She smiled and his stomach flipped, "I don't know about that —-but I have hunted with Papa since I was little; Liesel too. I brought my rifle in my trunk. Mama Marie would die if she knew I packed weapons. It mortified her and we just kept it from her. I would duck hunt, pheasant, and grouse. If you don't think I am a total heathen, I would love to hunt deer or elk one day."
He laughed freely and relaxed, " I would be glad to see that happen one day myself."
They took out for a ride and Heath appreciated her riding astride and competently on the horse. He admitted to himself that he hadn't felt this comfortable with a young lady in a long time.
They rode until Heath had to return to the ranch to meet Nick. They had to pick up Ed Tanner at the livery and train at five pm.
—&—-
The children slept for three hours after the exhausting weekend. Jarrod and Liesel enjoyed each other thoroughly.
"That was far from plain, Mr. Barkley."
"I hate to say it but I told you so" and he pulled her against him again in a long kiss.
They delighted in having a long stretch to talk about and plan for the future afterward.
"Happy one-month anniversary" Liesel kissed him soundly.
"I plan on celebrating soon with you in San Francisco. We will have to—-no, get to go soon. I don't want to leave until this business with the panther and Ed Tanner is settled. I have a few more days in the Stockton office too to file an appeal on a Modesto case and the last of the Barkley holdings business. I will finish up just reading the newest correspondence about the Breckinridge holdings so I can start those trusts in San Francisco."
"I can't wait to see the city I have just read about. I hear the harbor is teeming with ships and people from all over the world. Will you take me to the Palace hotel and Chinatown? Can we go to the artists' marketplace and find several bookstores? I can't wait to meet Charles and see your townhouse."
He made a mental note to reserve a night or two there with her and it reminded him, "I spoke with Nick and then Rosa. We are welcome to take one of her nieces with us. Another cousin from Mexico is coming looking for work and Rosa offered to train her in the big house. Lia and Valeria both do well with Jack and Rose. So we have some help and —some private time." and he kissed her again.
She smiled widely, "Oh Jarrod as I said before, Thank you! I have never wanted the stiff, cold staff of the chateau to raise my children. But the extra set of hands in California has been a blessing—- it's like a member of the family caring for them."
"Your wish is my command. Liesel, I would do anything for you."
—&—-
Tab and Nick met up after a nap for some father-son time. Katarina and the twins were still fast asleep.
"Well son, what would you like to do for the next two hours?"
"Let's go ride my pony."
Nick's heart sank. He had avoided telling Tab. "I am a coward, I could just kick myself"
"Well son, let's take a walk. I have some bad news."
Tab's eyes grew wide. He looked so much like his beautiful mother when he was concerned,
They walked outside and down to the barn. He checked his sidearm just in case.
"Is my pony died?"
Well, there it is all laid out for ya, Nick.
"Yes, son. She died the other night. The panther killed her the night before he cornered Uncle Jarrod and Aunt Liesel. "
Tears began to flow from Tab's eyes and stung at Nick's eyes himself.
Tab quietly sobbed and began to talk between little intakes of air, "Papa, I am going to miss that pony real bad but I would rather have my Uncle Jarrod—-and Aunt Liesel alive."
Nick swallowed the lump in his throat.
"Me too"
They sat silently for a while longer then Tab spoke, "I was gonna name her Blackie. Did she hurt 'bad before she died?"
Nick breathed in and caught his breath.
"No son, I don't think so son. Panthers are really fast."
"He coulda killed Uncle Jarrod, couldn't he?"
"Yes buddy"
"Aunt Liesel, too?"
Nick nodded. His words were caught in his throat.
"I am sure glad he didn't. Can you show me where that panther got you?"
Nick slowly unbuttoned his shirt and showed him the jagged scars healed over by time on his chest and shoulder; they were laid bare and throbbing in his mind.
Tab reached out and traced the scars with his chubby fingers. Nick closed his eyes.
"Is that how he got my pony?"
"Pretty much"
"Papa, I am glad you and Mr. Tanner killed that panther that hurt you. I love you."
"I love you too, Tab" and he hugged his son.
"Papa, kill that panther too—-for me and my pony and Uncle Jarrod.—-Aunt Liesel too—- and those calves too. I have money I can give Mr. Tanner too to hunt with ya."
"Me and Uncle Heath and Mr. Tanner going to try our best."
"You will do it, Papa. Don't tell anyone I cried, please. I'm not a baby like the twins and my new cousins."
"Gotcha covered. Want to ride to town and pick up Mr. Tanner with me and Uncle Heath since you are hiring him too?"
He broke into a smile, "Yes sir"
They all rode into town and picked up Ed Tanner on the 5:00 train.