Chapter Eight
Liesel had Jarrod's suit ready and a breakfast made for him and the children.
"Liesel, I swear I am going to have to visit the tailor soon if you keep making such delicious meals. Or move back to the ranch and work with Nick."
He kissed her and the children goodbye, "Don't worry Liesel. I have faced shrewd businessmen, politicians, and criminals before. I won't be caught unaware. I promise, my love."
"I trust you, Jarrod. I really do."
"I wish you trusted me enough with what went on with Charles, too."
Jarrod made it to the harbor a few minutes early for his meeting with Harris Kirk
He walked around the waterfront, observing and making mental notes about the shipping line. Walking in without being announced, he watched the thorough office work efficiently. He made himself known and was ushered back to the main office of Harris Kirk.
He sat in a comfortable wingback chair. He assessed the bookcase first. Novels, histories, biographies, and religious commentaries-Protestant authors. "Hmm, that is interesting. Well-read, religious, values..."
There was a small well-stocked bar of medium-priced liquor. His files were organized on the long table behind his desk. Above the desk was a large map of the word with Beaufort shipping ports marked. A picture of a large family was to his right. "A family man"
A large steering wheel was mounted on the wall by the window. It looked as if it came from a very old ship. The dark paneling was warm and inviting. Several local art pieces were on the walls of beaches and ships. There was an ancient map of Scotland framed on the wall. It was hand-drawn with notations from the 1700s and battle sites marked. A sword was hung above it.
A tall sandy-haired man in his early thirties came into the room. He was wearing a suit with a navy wool double-breasted coat on top of it.
He hung the coat up and firmly shook Jarrod's hand. "Harris Kirk at your service. Call me Harris. I have been looking forward to meeting you. I have only heard honorable things from the community about you."
A firm handshake Tom Barkley always said was the mark of a man crossed Jarrod's mind.
Jarrod looked at the man's green eyes and could not find any guile.
"Drink?"
Jarrod answered, "No thank you"
"Let us get down to business". He sat behind his desk and handed Jarrod a folder.
"The Captain is giving you Beaufort Shipping to hold for Liesel's children and any children you may have with his daughter. The conditions are clearly spelled out in the papers"
And he quieted to allow Jarrod to read.
He read with his attorney's eye: chairman of the board, no liens, loans or sale of the business, a salary and percentage of the profits, it was spelled out clearly and succinctly. There had to be a catch.
He looked across the desk, "Harris, what is not in this document that I need to know about?"
The Scot grinned, "The Tahiti trade routes. The Captain would like to buy them or lease them to this San Francisco office. You keep them in your family per se and make a great deal of money for yourself, your children, and your sister."
"We are also wanting an additional deep channel port and your help with the legislation."
"The Captain has thought of everything."
"He always does"
Jarrod thanked Harris and told him he would consider the offer. He wanted to talk to Liesel, Audra, and Nate.
Harris showed Jarrod a large crate, a wedding present from the shipping company; "I will have a messenger take it over."
He took a tour of the operation and was well pleased. Taking a hack home, he thought about the offers all the way. He sent a duplicate copy over to Nate to look over.
"This really may work out for all of us."
Liesel met him at the door. She looked upset and he quickly said, "The meeting went well. I want to tell you all about it."
She uncharacteristically interrupted him, "Jarrod, I have had a telegram. Isabella has been hurt. She will be back to the ranch in two days. I have to go."
"Of course my love. Let's go pack. I will send word to the office."
"You have a telegram too."
JTB, Two days out from land. Will telegram from there. No word from Pinkerton or our attorney NJB
Lia was packing the children's final items for the evening train to Stockton.
The messenger delivered the crate with Felicitations from San Francisco Beaufort shipping as they were waiting at the house.
Liesel opened the box with Charles's help.
It was a large Chinese vase of great value.
"Oh Jarrod, look—-it's beautiful"
"Yes it is and the offer that Kirk gave me today is very interesting too. I had a copy sent to Nate on the way home. I want you to read it on the train for your opinion. You know your Father well."
She beamed and kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you for valuing my opinion."
—&—
As they were leaving the townhouse, another telegram came.
Change of plans. Please bring Barkley rail car to Modesto trip back home for Isabella. HB
Jarrod read the telegram, "Liesel, I need to go to the train station. Our plans have changed " and he handed her the telegram
"Jarrod, do you think something bad has happened? "
He hugged her, " I think if it were life-threatening they wouldn't be moving her back to the ranch. But I am concerned. Heath has never asked for the rail car before."
Jarrod paid extra handsomely and got the car attached and on its way by midnight with his family aboard. The children slept well with Lia and Liesel stared out the window into the darkness.
They pulled into Modesto and Lia stayed with the sleeping children as Jarrod and Liesel went to the hotel early in the morning.
They went upstairs and knocked softly on the door; Audra opened the door and let them in.
Heath sat up quickly on the couch where he had been sleeping. Jarrod frowned.
Audra looked at Liesel, "She needs you" and lowered her voice, "she was attacked, raped."
Liesel did a deep intake of breath and went towards the bedroom.
Jarrod looked at Audra and Heath; they told him the details. He rubbed his brow in frustration.
"Oh dear God, that poor girl."
"Jarrod, I have asked her to marry me."
He jerked his head up and nodded, "Heath, what if there is a child? Have you considered that?"
"I would never let an innocent child suffer, Jarrod. I have told Bella I would raise him or her as my own. I know I can do that."
"I know you can, little brother. Where is Ed?"
"He took our horses back to the ranch so I can ride the train back with Bella. He has been there every step of this hell she's been through"
Audra bounced the fretting Scotty and Jarrod took his niece, "Come see your Pappy, little one."
They were startled by Isabella's loud sobs. Heath jumped up to go.
Audra stopped him, "No, Heath. She needs her sister right now"
Jarrod went back to the train and gathered their children for lunch with Audra and Heath. Liesel stayed closeted with Isabella. They brought them back soup to eat.
Liesel came out several hours later and greeted her children and Jarrod, "Bella is asleep. When can we go back to the ranch?"
"We can leave with the 5 pm engine, my love."
"Thank you Jarrod" and she went back into the room.
Jarrod thought she didn't look well but chalked it up to anger and grief.
Liesel helped Isabella dress and gather her things for the railroad car. Heath took her bag and arm. Liesel held back for a moment looking distraught.
"Are you ok, my love?"
"Yes, Jarrod. Just tired."
They got to Stockton finally at midnight after the rail changes. Heath woke the livery owner up and got the Barkley wagon and rig he wired for.
Jarrod carried the children up and Audra went to her room with Scotty.
Liesel and Heath got Bella settled.
"Heath, thank you for everything." Bella gave him a warm smile.
He grinned back, "anything for my pretty Bella, wife-to-be" and kissed her gently on the cheek.
He took his time not to startle her and she relaxed immediately in his embrace. Their eyes met for a long time and he attained his goal of making her feel comfortable with him.
"Liesel, I hate to ask but will you stay with me tonight?"
"Of course little sister."
She went back and got her gown and robe. She kissed Jarrod goodnight and clung to him, "Bella needs me tonight, my dearest" and she started to tear up as he embraced her.
"Liesel?"
"I am just emotional about Isabella. Heath will help her get through this I know —but part of her innocence will never be returned or the same—-ever. It haunts you forever and comes up when you least expect" and the rest of her words were garbled in sobs.
"Liesel, were you raped?" he whispered.
She pulled away and he could see the fire in her eyes, "No, that is not what it is called when you are married."
He was speechless and just pulled her closer into his arms. He could feel her anger dissolve the more firmly he held her. She cried into his shoulder.
"I love you, Liesel."
"I, I, -I, Goodnight my husband" and she whisked out of the room.
Jarrod tossed and turned all night. He got up and fixed a scotch. "It has been six weeks since I slept without Liesel on the train. I admit I have gotten used to her within my arm's reach and hearing her breathe—-I hope she's back where she belongs soon. Poor Bella. I know she needs Liesel more right now. It makes sense now that Charles hurt her in more ways than his affairs."
He dozed off again and woke up with a start remembering the date. "Six weeks, is Liesel with child? We have been together every night except for the soirée when she was feeling ill from the champagne and Ghislaine. Am I going to be a father?" He couldn't help but grin.
—&—-
Liesel, Jane, and Victoria met for tea at breakfast in the kitchen. "I would just like a biscuit, please."
The children had already eaten with their cousins and were playing outside.
Liesel has finally given Isabella a sleeping draught after a nightmare. She was sleeping soundly and Liesel went down to join her mother-in-law and her sister. She confided the details of Isabella's attack to them.
"Isabella blamed herself for falling for the note about the horses." she shared.
"Heath has been so kind and his proposal was so honorable. I think Isabella and Heath will make a fine marriage—-but I admit, I have thought that from the beginning."
The older ladies smiled knowingly, "We may have mentioned it a time or two ourselves."
"Liesel, if I am not being too personal, does Dr. Merar need to see Bella? Audra thought it was a good idea."
"I think it would be too"
They continued to visit and catch up with the happenings in San Francisco and the ranch.
"Is Mr. Tanner still here? I would like to thank him for his kindness to Bella too."
"No, he brought back the horses and headed off on the train. He told us a generalized account of what happened to Isabella. He said he was leaving on a good note and a clear conscience. I thought that was such an odd thing to say."
Jarrod came down the back steps to the kitchen, "Morning, lovely ladies." And he kissed each one on the cheek.
"I hope you all slept well, How is Bella?"
"I gave her something to sleep. She had a nightmare during the night."
He reached out and rubbed Liesel's hand with his thumb. She smiled back at him and slightly winked. The older ladies exchanged a look of endearment.
She got up and poured Jarrod a coffee, brought him a biscuit and jam. "Would you like me to make some eggs?"
He shook his head, "No my dear. This will suffice."
She went towards the stairs after kissing him on the cheek, "I better go check on Bella"
He got up and walked her to the landing; he lowered his baritone, "Are you sure you are ok?"
"Yes Jarrod I am just tired. It was a long night. If Bella is still asleep, I may nap in our room."
"I love you Liesel"
She smiled and headed up the stairs. Jarrod watched her walk up sadly, masked his expression, and went back to the ladies.
Victoria thought it odd. Jane shook her head too.
—&—
Liesel spent the second night away from Jarrod but Isabella slept better. They both came down to breakfast in the dining room with the family. The men stood up to meet them.
Small talk was the order of the breakfast. Isabella sat next to Heath and they shared smiles. Jarrod and Liesel caught up with the children's adventures and Katarina. She was about two months from delivery.
"I wish we had heard from Nick. I am trying not to worry."
Jarrod patted her hand, "Texas is just not as accessible as California by train. Their constitution back and forth for years forbade land grants for railroads. There wasn't much incentive to build them there. I am expecting him to arrive today. Carl will probably stop by today to see if I have heard anything."
Audra spoke up, "I haven't seen Carl in three years. I heard you say he married in Texas and was widowed soon after. I guess we have that in common now"
The table grew quiet.
Victoria spoke next, "Dr. Merar is coming by today after lunch to check on the broken arm in the bunkhouse: I want to see him myself about my knee. The arthritis is bothering me."
"Douglas and I are heading into town today. We will check on telegrams too"
They finished breakfast and all headed off to their various tasks. Isabella and Victoria stayed to visit while Liesel and Katarina went to check on the children.
"Mother Barkley—-is it alright to call you that? Since Heath and I are to wed, it seems strange to call you Mrs. Barkley."
"Of course, I am honored. How are you feeling?"
"Better each day. I still have a hard time sleeping all night but Liesel says it will get better."
"Did Liesel tell you that Dr. Merar can see you today?"
"She wants me too but I think I am fine. But knowing my sister, I won't win that argument."
Vic smiled. "Jane and I too"
She said seriously, "I am very proud of having you as a daughter. Heath couldn't have a finer wife."
"Thank you. I feel so debased. I keep taking a bath and I can't feel clean. I can't believe he would want me."
"Oh Bella, you are not. Your courage and bravery are evident to all of us. Trust Heath's promise. He is a good man. I am proud of my son and you."
Jarrod came back through the parlor to get the jacket he left on his chair. He heard the delicate conversation and started to turn around when he heard Liesel's name. His curiosity got the best of him.
"Trust Heath. That is what Liesel says too. That is the only way she healed was to trust Jarrod. She is the bravest person I know. I trust her completely."
Victoria furrowed her brow, "I am glad Liesel is there for you."
"Oh, Mother. She was so ill-treated. I have seen the bruises and heard his anger. He flaunted his mistresses in her face. When she was 'with child', he called her all sorts of names. She was so sick and it angered him. But he was her husband. It was her lot in life." and she began to softly cry.
Victoria reached out and held her hands.
"Oh my. I have come to love Liesel so much as a daughter—-. I knew it was an arranged marriage and not particularly happy."
Jarrod cleared his throat and the ladies turned towards him. He grabbed his jacket and kissed them both on the cheek. "See everyone at lunch"
I am starting to unravel the mysteries of Liesel.
—&—
Heath came in after breakfast and saw Bella reading on the verandah with Tab and Jack. The younger children were in the nursery.
"Want to go for a ride?"
"I would like that Heath"
The boys went with Lia as Heath hooked up the two-seater rig.
He helped her up and she flinched when she stepped up. He noticed.
"I am still a little sore." lowering her eyes quietly.
He swallowed his anger. He wished he had killed Al with his bare hands. He was struggling to keep his feelings in check since they had been back at the ranch. He put his fist through a line shed wall the first day back on the ranch.
They rode out to the north ridge. They sat close together but he carefully didn't push any physical contact.
They stopped at the cottonwoods. He took out a blanket and laid it out. Isabella and Heath sat down comfortably on it.
"Bella, I wanted to talk privately with you. I know a lot has happened and I want you to know I want to marry you—-not cuz of what happened but because I do love you. I think the first time you got off the train with Scotty, I felt something. I fought it, I did. I promise to be a good husband and you will never want for anything. I keep my promises."
"I believe you Heath and I do love you too. I am pretty scared right now—-but I am not scared of you one bit. You do know you haven't kept your promise to me already?"
He looked confused.
"Deer hunting!"
He laughed. "You are right, little lady. I owe ya that. How about on our honeymoon, we go up to the lodge and we take care of that deer hunting promise?"
"You have a deal, Heath"
He leaned over and gently kissed her on the lips. He didn't press his issue and she was relieved.
"I need a little more time."
"You got all the time you need Bella. I ain't going anywhere."
"I do need to clean my rifle and sight it again. It's been a while."
He smiled and clasped her hand. They headed back to the ranch.
Heath showed her a piece of land he would like to build their house.
"Tell me Bella what you would like. I just ask for our window to face the east. I like a good sunrise."
"Me too"
—&—
"Pappy, Grandma, Aunt Jane—Mamere is hurt real bad. Help! Lia? Valeria? Miss Rosa?" Tab and Jack cried out from the nursery.
Jarrod got there first. Liesel was unconscious on the nursery floor and blood was pooling on the back of her skirt.
"Boys, go find your grandmother" when Audra ran into the room.
Jarrod picked up Liesel and took her to their room. He laid her on the bed. Her eyes flickered and she looked up at his sapphire eyes.
"Jarrod, I love you."
"I love you too, Liesel"
Dr. Merar got to the house several hours later to a weak but alert Liesel.
"I just fainted and hit my head. I have been so tired and dizzy the last few days."
"You should have told me, Liesel."
"I wasn't sure, Jarrod. I am sorry I lost your baby. I didn't mean to" and she started to cry.
"Oh Liesel, it's not your fault, my love"
The doctor gave her something to sleep.
He walked out with Jarrod; "She will be fine. It was early. She lost a lot of blood and she will be weak for a few weeks. Keep her down as much as you can. Wait at least two weeks before you resume your rights. If she gets a fever or more bleeding or pain, send for me right away."
"Thank you, Howard. Would a stressful confrontation cause this?"
Howard frowned, "Yes it would. Sometimes, it's just nature. But yes a particularly angry encounter can do it."
He downed his scotch and stared at the fireplace as Dr. Merar went up to see Isabella. He broke the glass when he set it down too hard. He cleaned up his mess and went back upstairs to his wife.
The doctor examined Isabella with Jane and Victoria in the room. She began to cry immediately from embarrassment. Audra talked to her softly seated at her head.
He completed his exam quickly and pulled the blanket down so as to not cause her any more distress.
"Miss Beaufort, you are badly bruised and there are a few cuts. Other than that, you will be sore for several more weeks. Isabella, do you understand about babies and how they are conceived?"
She closed her eyes and nodded, "yes".
"When should you bleed again?"
"About three weeks." She barely whispered.
He looked at the ladies, "Will you let me know if she misses the time?"
He reached down and squeezed her hand, "I have seen this more times than I care to remember. You will overcome this and let Heath help you. If there is a baby, remember God has a plan for you and your child. Heath will be a good father and that's all that matters."
"Thank you" she whispered with her eyes closed.
—&—
Carl showed up to talk to Jarrod while Dr. Merar was there. Jarrod was upstairs with Liesel and Audra answered the door.
"Audra"
"Carl, so good to see you. Come on in. Jarrod told us you might come by. Liesel is not well and he is upstairs. I can get him in a few minutes. We can catch up on our lives. Three years is a long time."
"No Audra, just let him know I came by. Good to see you" and he turned quickly to leave.