Everyone arrived at breakfast the next morning at nearly the same time. With the children excited about the afternoon's plans, the din of chatter was louder than it had been for the past few days. Emily stood off to the side just to enjoy it for a moment and thought how happy Victoria would have been to be there, too. The thought made Emily miss her so much it actually hurt her heart.
Julia wore a different dress today. She was getting used to having everyone around; she chatted with Jarrod and informed him that she slept in her dress last night, then she flitted off to join Carrie and Vicky and Ellie, and then, of course, to stand next to Audra and simply look at her. James and Daniel were also in high spirits. They had already started morning chores and James had been very good about following rules.
Emily thought Audra looked more rested this morning than she had yesterday. Her face seemed softer somehow. Audra was also looking forward to riding out to the herd in the afternoon.
The happy chatter didn't stop after everyone was seated so Nick called for quiet and Jarrod led the family in a short prayer of thanks for a new day.
Talk at the table revolved around the day's plans, of course, until Emily asked Nick if she should still plan on the next meeting of the executive committee of The Cattlemen's Association being held at their home. She pointed out it was only three short weeks away and there was so much to do to get ready.
Without hesitation, Nick said, "Of course!" and Emily looked at her plate and chewed her lip.
Everyone watched this exchange but only Jarrod knew it was an act.
The act was not entirely convincing but it worked. Nick asked Audra in front of everyone if she would stay on longer to help Emily. Audra stopped to consider. She reasoned to herself that Charles would be angry whether she was gone three days, three weeks, or three months. And in the midst of this gathering, she couldn't think of a good reason to decline.
"Yes," she said, "I would love to help in any way I can."
Jarrod offered to send a telegram that morning to Charles to let him know Audra would be staying at the ranch awhile. Audra felt momentary panic at how Jarrod would write the telegram but she knew she trusted Jarrod to do the right thing by her.
What Audra did not know was that Jarrod and Nick wrote the telegram the night before and in it Audra's brothers did not ask Charles but informed him that his wife would be staying in California to help with the house and the ranch. There was to be no mention regarding how long she would stay; It was, in fact, a power play disguised as standard courtesy.
"Audra," Emily said, leaning forward in the chair, "You don't know what a relief that is for me. I really do need help. There are the thank you notes to write for the flowers and there are still many people to notify by letter." She wasn't lying. The telegrams and flowers continued to arrive though the volume was starting to decrease. She added, "I'm sure Sarah can help, too, but she has her own home and family to manage." And everyone knew Sarah refused to hire help.
Carrie was thrilled to have her aunt stay on. Audra was the most sophisticated, glamorous, person she had ever met and she wanted to be just like her. The adults were quietly relieved to have Audra remain in California.
Nick suggested a family picnic for the next day, Sunday, after church and the idea was met with unanimous enthusiasm.
After breakfast, Emily and Audra made a preliminary list of tasks to be completed over the next few weeks and Jarrod left for town. The men and boys went out to finish morning chores, and Julia followed Carrie, Vicky, Ellie, and Leah to the corral to see Grace's new pony and to take turns with Grace riding him.
In town, Jarrod sent telegrams to his business associates and legal clients, as well as the telegram he and Nick had written to Charles the night before. He also sent a telegram to his good friend, a regional director with the Pinkerton Agency, asking for a thorough investigation into personal affairs and business dealings of Charles Lorton, Esquire.