This is a triple chapter as I will be traveling this weekend! Beginning to tackle Heath and the Monteros-one of the most pivotal storylines in BV for me!
Chapter Four
Ben woke up with a resounding headache in a shed. His hands were tied and starting to become raw. He looked around. It was daylight by the few rays streaming through broken boards. His ankles were also tied with rope. He tried to stretch out and relax the cramps in his thighs. Over went a pail and made a clanging noise.
Someone came to the door and bright light streamed in. It registered to his foggy mind that he had been in here all night. It was almost dusk when he mailed the package and settled into his hotel room.
"Hey, he's awake. I guess he is going to live after all."
He kicked his leg as he walked into the shed. His cramped muscles rebelled at the gesture.
"Ohhhhhhhh" escaped his mouth before he could help it
"Here boy. Don't be trying to escape. I will untie you for a minute to get some water in ya. Don't need ya dying on me. Yet—-"
The cool water felt good on his parched throat. His eyes were starting to adjust to the mottled light in the room.
The guard got up and he heard muffled voices.
"Your brother told us to hold him. Mr. M wants him alive as a carrot to get Wheeler."
Garbled discussion escaped his ears.
"Yes sir if you say so"
In walked a very handsome, well-dressed man in his mid 40's.
"Untie him. This is all a mistake. We need to talk some business without my brother in here"
He helped Ben to his feet.
"I saw in your belongings that you are an attorney and you had a land deed for my property and my brother's land. How did you come about it?"
Ben carefully remembered the script Jarrod had planned out.
"Can I relieve myself before we talk business? This has not been a very hospitable place to spend the night."
"Of course," they walked behind the shed with the guards hovering nearby.
He felt for his wallet, watch, and gun. They were gone along with the faux deed and bill-of-sale that Jarrod created with Carl.
They gave him a few moments of privacy to get his thoughts together.
"My name is Benjamin Issacsson and I am an attorney from San Francisco. My client, Jonathan Nicholas received this said property as collateral for a poker debt. The owner did not come through with cash and the land is his."
The guard handed him the deed. The brother read over it.
"It's not filed."
"Yes, my partner had it filed in Austin" was his first bluff. Jarrod had told him it would take a while for the Magnesses to check up on that.
The man looked distressed, "Hmmm". He hadn't thought of that.
"Well, we bought the land for back taxes. So your client got swindled. Hate you had to come all this way."
"Well I need an assessor from Fort Worth to come document it and appraise it then I can let my client know whether to pursue legal action in Austin. I assume you have the legal judgment and filings and notice of auction; tax receipts for the past ten years, summons and notice of public sale filed at a courthouse signed off on by a judge."
Ben worried he had gone too far with the younger brother by the look on his face.
"Well let's get you cleaned up and see what our lawyers can get for you. Sorry 'bout this misunderstanding. My brother's hands thought you were looting the old Wheeler place. My older brother isn't too fond of the Wheelers but you will find me reasonable. We can come to a gentleman's agreement"
He had a horse brought around, "This way" and he led Ben off to his home.
The guards shook their heads, "Mr. M. gonna be mad that his little brother took the man. He planned on roughing him up and finding the location of Carl Wheeler. He says he will pay for what he took from him."
—&—
Silas came in with a new pan of eggs for the sideboard as Heath, Nick and Ed sat down for the meal. Isabella and Audra joined them a few minutes later.
Audra was goading Isabella with questions about the dance, "You have to tell me something, Bella."
"We had a nice time together and he asked me to the church social next Sunday."
"Oh delightful, Bella! What should you wear? Maybe another blue?"
Victoria and Jane laughed at the young ladies., "You two, sound like Jane and I when Tom took me to a dance."
Jane grinned, "I think you wore lavender twice in a row too on my suggestion and Tom's compliments."
Audra grinned, quite proud of her matchmaking, "I didn't know Father liked lavender."
Ed raised his eyebrow in interest. "I think another blue would cause the young man to lose his head, if that is what you would like to happen?" and he winked.
Nick laughed loudly; Heath glared at him.
Isabella blushed and Victoria spoke, "Let's change the subject."
Katarina added, "Nicholas, are you and Heath headed to the horse auction tomorrow?"
"Planning on it. Ed is going to ride down with us. Those pale horses Heath is interested in may be there— those horses named after you, Isabella."
"Oh Nick, I have seen them in Spain. They are beautiful." and she described her love for the rare horses in precise details.
"Really? We rarely have any come through here. Mexican horse traders are the only ones who get their hands on them and usually they are a fortune." joined in Heath.
"The Captain brought home a creamy palomino with one blue eye and one brown eye. She had white on one side of her face and white patches. I took to her immediately and even named her, Beurre, Butter in English. Father traded her off as breeding stock when I was away. I tried not to get too attached after that." and she began picking at her food quietly.
The rest of the table ate silently for a few minutes and Audra patted Isabella's arm. Everyone at that table knew the pain of losing a horse they loved.
"I am sorry" she whispered.
Heath looked up at Isabella a few times as the conversation turned to other matters. They made eye contact and he saw the sadness in her eyes.
She smiled back at him in an unguarded moment.
He smiled a lop-sided smile back at her.
Ed lifted his eyebrow again and nodded at Nick. He grinned widely.
—&—
The rest of the week passed quickly for Liesel in San Francisco. Jarrod stayed busy every day with meetings but managed to eat either lunch or dinner with Liesel and the children. Liesel's initial fears seemed unfounded and fueled by her late husband's habits—not what she had come to know of Jarrod.
"I can love him and trust him" she repeated to herself over and over during the day.
She was beginning to read his complexities; dedication, frustration, stubbornness, brilliance, wisdom, exhaustion, determination, responsibility, all rolled up into his strong personality.
She had desired Jarrod from the very beginning but the amount of respect and admiration she had for her husband overwhelmed her.
She was finding the kind of lifelong love she only dreamed of—but she couldn't make herself speak the words to him.
I will soon, I promise, she told herself.
Liesel and the children explored Jarrod's neighborhood and parks. Charles and Liesel reorganized the kitchen and brought in some new cookware and baking items for Liesel. She added to the kitchen herb garden and Jarrod put up a swing for Jack.
Charles's sister, Bea came to the house and escorted Liesel back to the dress shop and to some other top-drawer shops in the elite shopping districts. She worked for a wealthy family that was off on holiday so she had extra time to acclimate Liesel. Charles had volunteered his sister to help the young Mrs. Barkley navigate San Francisco.
"Thank you so much, Bea. I don't want to embarrass Jarrod in any way. I understood continental style but I am an American now. I want to make him proud of me."
Bea frowned at Liesel, "Honey, I have seen the way that man looks at you. You could wear gunny sacks and he would think you are the most beautiful woman in the room."
"It is my hope, Bea. I want to be enough and please my husband." and she ducked her head and looked out of the carriage.
The older woman shook her head. "A new bride shouldn't doubt herself so much. I is suspecting her dead husband did her very, very wrong. I think Mr. Jarrod is going to have to bury some ghosts up in his marriage he don't even know exists."
The owner of the store was very glad to see Liesel again. She had the new dresses ready and several more items. Bea helped her pick out accessories for the gowns. Liesel naturally chose very understated elegant pieces. Bea and the owner capitalized on her choices.
The shopkeeper had read the newspaper again the day after Liesel left the shop for the first time.
"I will do my best to make sure the wife wins this one in the fancy 'smancy gossip rag. The amount of mistresses in this town makes my blood boil."
And she took it as a personal challenge to help Mrs. Liesel Barkley win the war in the newspaper. Liesel was gathering allies she didn't even know yet. Ruth Springer and Nan Lightfoot were two others. Mr. Charles threw his edition in the fireplace at his home after reading it. Several of Jarrod's well-to-do clients did the same. Harris Kirk of Beaufort Shipping was especially incensed. Riva Issacsson ranted and raved until Abraham took the newspaper from her, "The Lord will vindicate her, you will see."
They left the store with her purchases and headed to the Oriental Tea Room. Bea and Liesel found a quiet spot and discussed her wardrobe.
"Wear the Worth dress for the Consulate on Saturday. This new bottle-green silk with the cream embroidered insert is perfect for the Springers. Save the other new ones for next week for the opera and the Carrington visitors."
"Thank you." and she poured the tea for her companion.
Bea thought to herself, "I have never met such a fine lady, a royal one I do hear with no pretentiousness. Just pouring tea in the fanciest tea room in the city for a servant. Don't that beat all."
"Miz Liesel, you are beautiful, lovely, and gracious. You don't have to worry ' bout a thing."
Liesel looked around the room, took a folded newspaper page out of her bag, and slid it discreetly towards Bea.
Since she was young, she had found it easier to confide in servants rather than friends. Servants were loyal; society was not.
The older woman read it, folded and pushed it back across the table. Liesel placed it back in her bag.
Bea took a deep breath and patted her hand across the table, "We gots this. I understand now."
Friday came around and Jarrod was home early. Liesel had his suit ready, pressed, and laid out; a light meal for them and the children ready.
He smiled at her preparations "Thank you, Liesel. You have thought of everything."
"Pappy" as Jack and Rose clamored for his attention, Liesel just smiled in contentment. She was ready for the weekend. First, the Springers tonight and the French Consulate Saturday. The opera and the theatre were taken care of next week.
As he dressed for the evening, he called out to her, "I have an appointment on Monday with Harris Kirk of Beaufort Shipping. Do you know him?"
"Only that my father thinks highly of him. He promoted him from a purser position. The captain has an eye for talent."
He came out and saw her in the green dress.
"You take my breath away, Mrs. Barkley."
"Merci. Mr. Barkley, would you finish up these last buttons?"
He finished up the buttons one by one, kissing her neck with each button.
She took a very deep breath and leaned into him. He squeezed her tight.
"I love you Liesel."
—-&—-
"Nick, I want to go to the horse auction this weekend with you and Heath. Isabella can go with me and we can take Scotty. We will just ride the train and meet you there. I am thinking that I would like a new horse or at least look."
He agreed thinking it would be good for Audra to get out of the house. The men would ride there and meet the ladies at the hotel on Sunday evening.
"I will add y'all a room when I go into town today. "
—-&-
"My nephew, my sobrino, my namesake. I am very pleased your father sent you to me. I hope the trip has been memorable so far. There will be no speaking of the 'incident' that sent you to the new country. All young men need to sow their oats as the Americanos say. The woman was obviously at fault. Give it no more thought. I have made a fine reputation in this country and you will be accepted as a gentleman here too." spouted Don Alfredo Montero as he met him in San Francisco on his train.
"Maria and her husband will be meeting us at the horse auction. They are traveling up from León in Mexico. They will stay with us on the ranchero near Stockton. She has not been home in several years." and he thought of the 'unfortunate incidente' that precipitated father and daughter leaving California.
I lost a prize bull to make a point.
Al Montero was a striking young man. He was of Spanish nobility blood. Black wavy hair with an olive complexion and deep brown eyes; his Castilian Spanish parents were wealthy landowners of noble blood for hundreds of years. He compromised a young seniorita of a middle-class family. Al was sent to America to his uncle and godfather; the young woman was sent to a convent.
"Tío Alfredo, I hope to learn much from you; you are a wise and successful godfather to me. My father sends his regards."
Jarrod and Liesel carried their sleeping children upstairs. Lia was waiting to ready them for bed. Quick kisses to the tops of their auburn ringlets and tiptoeing out of the room, they backed out of the darkroom.
"Jarrod, I, so, enjoyed tonight. The Springers and the Lightfoots are such wonderful people. Their wives went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I know why you enjoy their company. Their children were so kind to our young. We had so much fun playing— ah, Whist, it was. Thank you for including me in your life."
He furrowed his brow at her last comment and took her hand into the bedroom; he closed the door.
"Liesel, you are my life; of course, I would include you in every part of it. Rose and Jack are my children. When you came downstairs in that new dress, I appreciated your beauty. It took my breath away. You are extraordinary on the exterior but you are beautiful where I need you to be—-here."
He took his index finger and traced her bodice. He laid his hand across her heart.
She kissed him and began to unbutton his shirt this time.
"I am returning the favor, Mr. Barkley."
"Fair enough" and they became lost in each other.
—&—
Ben settled into the guest room of the Magness home. He looked around the endless miles of mesquite trees and prairie scrub as they rode in. There was a guard down the hall reclining on the landing.
"The younger brother seems to want to settle this somehow. I am going to bide my time and see what happens in the next few days. There is little chance of me making an escape as a Jewish boy from the city."
They had his clothes cleaned, a tray of homemade food and a basin to wash brought up. His door was unlocked but he was sure there would be a man here instantly if he chose to leave.
Nick went into town and sent a telegram for a hotel room for Audra and Isabella. He checked for a telegram from Ben. He had missed three days now checking in. Nick was concerned. He sent a telegram to the land agent in Fort Worth to check on the young lawyer and an additional bonus will be added to his fee. It was a day's ride any way you looked at it. He wouldn't hear anything for a day or two.
"Should I go to the horse auction or just head to Texas?" he struggled to decide.
Ed, Heath, and Nick headed out for the auction. McColl would send word at any of their stops if there was any news about Ben.
—&—
"Katarina, there might be some trouble with young Ben, Jarrod's partner. I haven't heard from him in three days. I might need to go see if he needs some help. But I wouldn't if you needed me here and uh the baby might be a comin sooner and you know-"
"Women stuff still bothers me after three children still."
"Oh, Nicholas. I am perfectly fine. The stomach issues have passed and the other issue went away. The midwife says I have three months left. The babe is strong. He moves around all of the time to reassure me. I want you to be there for Carl. He's like another brother in this house of men. I would never keep you away."
"Hmmmm, you said He? Thinkin' it's another boy?"
"Yes. I have been dreaming about another brown-headed boy running around. I would like to have a Nicholas Jonathan Barkley II."
"Don't cha think one is enough?"
"Na. I would love a whole house full of you."
He kissed her passionately. She moved toward him intimately.
"Gaw woman! You are killing me. I am not taking a chance on hurting you or the baby."
"Dr. Merar said it was fine."
"You tempting me, now? No. I wouldn't forgive myself if something bad happened."
"Nicholas Barkley, don't you head to Big Annie's when you leave."
His brow furrowed, "Don't be talkin' like that. I keep myself for you and you only. This stallion is staying stabled pretty well with his beautiful filly. I love ya, Katarina."
"I love you Nicholas" her eyes filled with tears.
He raised his eyebrows and shook his head, "Kitten, don't cry."
"These are happy tears."
"I will never understand."
—-&-
Saturday morning rolled around; Jarrod and Liesel took the children to the park. They walked hand-in-hand through the paths and allowed the children to run and play.
By mid-morning, the children were sufficiently worn down and they returned to the townhouse. Jack missed the top step and promptly hit his nose. It began bleeding profusely.
"Mamere, Mamere" he cried.
"Here here, Jack. We will get you cleaned up and it will be fine."
He wanted his mother and pushed Rose away.
"Jack, I know you are hurt but you can't hit your sister. Go with your mother and get cleaned up. I will expect you to apologize when you come down."
"Yes Pappy." he sniffed.
"Jarrod, would you mind watching Rose for a few minutes. I need to clean him up. Lia and Charles are both out."
"Of course Liesel"
She took the bloodied boy upstairs and Jarrod settled in his chair. The morning edition was in the foyer. Looming Railroad Merger: Western Coastal and Pacific Line
He glanced up at Rose several times as she was playing with a basket of blocks near the door.
"She's happy" and he began to read the article.
"Uh oh. I sorry, Pappy" cried Rose.
Jarrod quickly looked up at the breaking of glass; Rose had emptied the contents of Liesel's purse on the ground. A glass container broke on the floor. Liesel had laid down her purse in a hurry to get to Jack.
"I want candy" she looked up with her teary green eyes—so similar to her mother's.
"It's ok sweetie. Let me pick it up. I don't want you to cut your finger. Remember we don't bother Mamere's purse."
She nodded and Jarrod picked up pieces of the broken lotion bottle. He cleaned off her keys, coin purse, and wallet. There were several bills and lists in the bag. He cleaned them off with her wet handkerchief. He unfolded a newspaper article much worse for the wear—
He took a deep breath and read the worn page:
"Rose, this turned out to be providential. This helps me understand what has been going on in Mamere's pretty little head since we got home."
And he kissed his auburn-headed toddler on the top of her head.
—&—-
Liesel came downstairs ready for the soirée at the French Consulate. Jarrod was waiting downstairs in his white tie and tails. All afternoon, he had pondered the newspaper clipping in her purse.
"All this time, Ghislaine is still haunting her. First the nude picture then the damn gossip column. The extra trips to the dressmaker, the young girl who came to do her hair, all make sense now. I know Charles was a miscreant—-he used her badly and now she is 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' in our marriage." (1900 slang from NYC tenements out of canon)
He looked up at Liesel and did a sharp intake of breath. "Oh my Cherie." and he kissed her on the cheek staring deeply in her green eyes.
She was wearing a gold Worth gown she had brought from Paris; the color bothered her but she tossed aside the notion as wasteful. The House of Worth gowns were the height of fashion and wealth. This and one other had been given to her by Mama-Marie in her trousseau trunk. Marie knew the status-conscious St Petersburg society would fawn over her daughter's wealth. Little did she know the dress would make its way across the Atlantic and make its first appearance in San Francisco.
(A Worth dress was the epitome of wealth averaging about $10,000 a dress)
Jarrod took the large amethyst pendant Abraham had made out of a velvet pouch. He placed it around her neck and began kissing her neck.
"Oh Jarrod, it is extraordinaire."
"No you are" and he kissed her again.
"Father had the large uncut stone for years in our safe. Abraham was able to cut it down into the pendant which doubles as a brooch. When I was home and looking through the stones we had, I knew it was meant for you. When I was in New York, I was drawn toward that amethyst necklace I bought you. I didn't know why until Abraham explained it. "
She looked at him to continue.
"Serenity and calm is what the ancients believed"
She smiled at him
"Liesel, I had no idea I needed you until I met you. I resolved to never marry again but I was drawn to you in a way I can't explain. Now I believe we have always been desirous of one another?"
She blushed and gave him a nod.
"But it's more than our boudoir—don't get me wrong I look forward to that each day and I admit I plan ways to incite your warm French blood."
"Jarrod!" She feigned shock and laughed.
"I went into the jewelry store in Manhattan to buy you a wedding gift; I worried I didn't know you well enough and didn't know your tastes after our quick wedding but I perused the cases. My eye was drawn to the amethyst necklace. The jeweler was disappointed I am sure. He had diamonds and rubies and emeralds. I thought I would buy you something bigger later when I got your ring. But I had to get the necklace. Then Mother and I opened the safe at the ranch and voila, there was the uncut stone—-still encased in rock. I had forgotten that we even owned it."
She looked at him in wonder and nodded for him to continue.
"My Father had that stone for twenty years or more. It was like it was waiting for you. I was waiting for you. I was the stone chiseled away. There is also part of it in your wedding ring. Abraham said it was a first for him to put one in a ring."
She could only look at her husband with love as he spoke. She looked down at her wedding ring on top of the edelweiss band.
"How blessed I am to have such a man as my husband, Jarrod my dearest."
"No, it is me, Liesel. I promised to love you and only you. I keep my word."
She thought it curious that he brought up his vows. There was no time to ponder it as he flustered her mind with a deep passionate kiss.
"It's time to go, my love. No matter what happens tonight, I am at your side now and forever. I love you."
—&—
And across town at the Swiss consulate, Ghislaine was getting ready in her most alluring golden gown from the House of Worth.
"A gift from Charles Beaufort is poetic justice as I see it"
She admired herself in the mirror, "I wish I had a larger necklace to wear but this cut glass and paste will do the trick. It draws the eyes to this low décolleté."
"I am so glad Pieter found out the guest list ahead of time. The extra effort is worth it to bring Jarrod back into my life."