Chapter Twenty-Five

December 1883

"This is certainly nicer than what I was expecting." Maud Folsom said to her husband Olaf. The couple were in their fifties, tall with fair hair turning to grey, blue eyes, and pale skin. They were in one of the suites at the Empire Hotel in Stockton, where they had just arrived from Sweden, via Mexico and San Francisco.

"I still think we should have told the Barkley's that we were coming." Her husband huffed, as he stroked his moustache. "I will say I am glad that we had the time in San Francisco; what a country this is. That port and the ship building facilities were first rate and worthy of Sweden."

"No, it is for the best we didn't say anything about our visit. We need to see the actual circumstances Simon is living in." She stated firmly "I know what Magda and Erick wanted for the boy, but we are his legal guardians. They knew hardly anything about Heath Barkley and his family."

"Everything we have heard indicates the family is wealthy, powerful, and respected." Olaf replied, as he sat down on the sofa and went to reach for the newspaper that had been left in the suite for guests.

"That is their public front, but who knows what goes on behind closed doors. According to the lawyer in Mexico, Heath is married and didn't know how his wife would feel about raising Simon." Maud walked over to the windows and fussed with the drapes. "I wish we could have found out more about the couple when we were in San Francisco."

She had been hampered by having no social acquaintances to reach out to and did not want the hotel staff to know of her interest in the family. Olaf had been busy touring the port and meeting with a shipbuilding company at the southern end of the bay. The meeting had gone well, and he was pleased with the welcome he received from the American company.

"What is our plan? It is after three o'clock." Olaf knew his wife well and had been married long enough to know when to go along with her.

"We will unpack, get settled, and then have dinner up here. Tomorrow, first thing we pay a visit to this Jarrod Barkley, who is the family lawyer." Maud answered quickly. They had found out from Senor Delgado, the lawyer in Rio Blanco, about the Barkley's. He had mentioned that Jarrod had offices in Stockton and San Francisco; while they had been in the city the couple had gone to Jarrod's office, to be told he was in Stockton for the Christmas season.

The next morning found Olaf and Maud at Jarrod's office, which was in a building next to the courthouse. They went inside, but when they knocked on the door there was no answer and turning the knob, they found it locked. They were perplexed as to what to do next when a man hailed them. The couple noticed he was wearing a suit instead of the pants and work shirts most of the other men in town wore.

"I'm Mark Lennox; I have the office across from Jarrod Barkley." The man indicated an open door across the hall. "Can I help you with something?"

"We need to see Mr. Barkley; do you know when he will be back?" Olaf asked, glad that there was someone in the building.

"He is out at his family's ranch for the holidays. He won't be back in the office until after the New Year." Mark Lennox answered. "However, you could go out to the ranch, as I know he is working from there. Can I assume you are from out of town?"

"Yes, we are." Olaf was aware that the couple stuck out because of their clothes and accent. "How would we go about getting to the ranch?" When he had first heard the word, down in Rio Blanco he had been puzzled, but since learned what it meant.

"Let me take you over to the livery stable. You can rent a carriage and driver, who can take you out to see Jarrod." The lawyer offered, and Olaf was happy to take him up on his kindness. The man's manners were very good, and on the walk over to the stable, he made small talk with the couple. When they arrived at the stable their companion took care of making the arrangements, and then wished them well.

"Are you folks' friends of the Barkley's?" The driver asked, as they headed out of town. Maud gave Olaf a warning look, and he nodded in acknowledgment. One thing that had surprised him was how open Americans were, in talking to strangers.

"Business acquaintances." He commented, and then changed the subject. He had found that Americans loved to talk. "Can you tell me about the history of Stockton?" That kept the man talking for the rest of the drive.

The couple was very impressed as they saw the gate to the Barkley property, and even more so when they saw the house. Olaf gave Maud a knowing look; clearly everything they had heard about the family was true. The driver let them off at the portico, and then said he would go around to the stables to wait for them.

"I think we can be assured that Simon is well taken care of." Olaf said after the driver was out of earshot. He was feeling very uncomfortable with the unannounced visit on the family.

"This is not Heath's house." Maud was having none of his societal worries. "This is Jarrod's family's house. We don't know what Heath's place is like." She hissed in a low voice, before raising her gloved hand to the brass knocker. The door was opened by a dark-skinned man in a white jacket with a tie. He greeted them with a smile and asked their business.

"We are Mr. & Mrs. Olaf Folsom, and we would like to see Jarrod Barkley." Olaf announced, and the man showed them into the hall. He could tell that Maud was taking in the décor, and it was meeting with her approval.

"Mr. Jarrod is out on the range; he might not be back until this afternoon." The butler told the couple, who looked at each other with consternation. Olaf regretted that they had not let the lawyer know they would be in town.

"Good Morning. I am Victoria Barkley." A grey-haired woman came into the hall. She was wearing what he assumed were riding clothes, because of the boots; however, it was different from what women in Europe wore to ride horses. The woman was petite, but Olaf sensed a powerful authority radiating from her. He wished they had written of their coming.

Victoria Barkley had been in the doorway from the back hall, as Silas had opened the door to the couple. She recognized the couple as they said their names, and who they wanted to see; that and their accents let her know exactly who they were. She took note of the man's grey suit of fine wool in a European cut, complete with a pearl tie pin. The woman was dressed in sapphire blue serge two-piece outfit; the fabric had been woven to give it a faint plaid pattern with the addition of a lighter blue. The trim and collar were the lighter blue, and Victoria recognized the quality of the brooch and earrings the woman wore.

"Welcome to Stockton." She smiled warmly at the couple, going on "Let's go into the parlor and talk." Victoria gestured toward the room.

"Silas will you bring some refreshments for our visitors?" She asked, and then added "After that please send one of the hands go to the north range to tell Jarrod he needs to come home for lunch."

"I do hope that you will stay for lunch?" Victoria inquired, as they sat down in the parlor.

"Mrs. Barkley, thank you for the invitation. Yes, we will be glad to stay for lunch." Maud spoke quickly Victoria noted. She was glad the couple's English was so good.

"Please call me Victoria." She requested of the couple, who nodded.

"I am Maud, and this is my husband Olaf." Maud replied with a smile, as she took her gloves off. Victoria noted they were smooth black leather of good quality. "Victoria, I am curious about the reference to Mr. Jarrod Barkley working outside? I thought he was a lawyer."

"He is a lawyer, but when he is at home he likes to go work with his brothers. We have over" Victoria told them some facts about the ranch.

"He sounds like Olaf. He is a ship" Maud paused, and Victoria could see she was searching for the correct words. "He designs ships but makes it a point to work a little on each of the vessels he has designed." She beamed with pride, and Victoria could see that the couple was happy.

"Ach, it is nothing. Anyone can draw a ship, but to really design a ship you must know it inside and out. Plus, I can make sure that my designs don't get changed." Olaf declared firmly. At that moment Silas brought in the coffee service, along with some sweet and savory food.

"I want to tell you that I know you are Simon's grandparents." Victoria had decided to bring the matter up first. "I recognized you from a picture that Simon has." The boy's two trunks had arrived a week after he had been at the big house.

Heath had been there to help unpack, along with Elspeth and Rosalie. Victoria had been in the nursery spending time with the children. She was interested to see Simon's possessions, and noticed the first thing he reached for was two pictures. One was of a couple, and the other was a family portrait that Simon was in. She had asked him who the people were, and Simon had identified his parents and his farfar and mormor.

Victoria had not recognized the words, but Elspeth said it was Swedish for grandfather and grandmother. She explained that to Simon, and then asked him questions about his grandparents. Simon told them about his grandfather taking him on a boat, and playing in the ocean, while his grandmother would serve him pancakes with lingonberries. Heath had watched how Simon's face lit up while he talked, and then when he found his collection of ships. The vessels were both war ships and commercial vessels, made of wood and metal. Victoria knew it was hard for Heath, but she noted with approval how he asked Simon questions about the ships.

"How is Simon? We have been so worried about him since his parents were killed." Maud asked, her brows puckered. "As soon as we heard about Erick and Magda, we made our travel arrangements."

"Actually, I can take you upstairs to see him." Victoria understood the woman's concern, knowing how she would feel in the situation.

"We were told that Simon was staying with Heath and his wife." Maud looked surprised, and Victoria noticed the worried look the woman gave her husband.

"Heath's situation wasn't the best for a young boy." Victoria paused, trying to explain without giving too many details. "My second son Nick lives at the house here with his wife and family – two young boys and a new baby. Since the nursery was already setup it made more sense for Simon to stay here." She hoped that would close down any more questions about Heath for the time being.

"I see the wisdom of that Victoria; and congratulations on the new grandchild." Olaf smiled, giving his wife a reassuring look. "What about Simon's education? Is he in school? He is a very bright boy." It was clear that the couple were very invested in Simon, which Victoria thought was good and bad. The boy had loving grandparents, who would undoubtedly want Simon with them in Sweden.

"Simon didn't speak any English when he arrived here, so school wasn't an option." Victoria saw surprise in Olaf's eyes, and she rushed to reassure the man. "Nick's wife, and her grandmother, were both schoolteachers. They have been overseeing Simon's education, and they would agree with you about how bright Simon is."

"In our country we value education very highly; that is why I was asking about school. His parents had him educated at home, by a monk, because of the lack of quality schools in Rio Blanco." Olaf commented, going on "I am glad that your family prizes education also." It was clear that the man was reassured about Simon's education, Victoria could see.

"Let's go upstairs to the nursery." Victoria stood up, privately glad that Elspeth was upstairs working with Simon. She knew that the Scottish woman would find approval with the couple. It was important to Victoria that Simon's grandparents were pleased with the care he had received. They were the boy's legal guardians, and had the final say in his life. Victoria hoped that the couple would let the family stay in touch with Simon. She had become very fond of the boy, who had her late husband's eyes.

The couple followed Victoria upstairs, and she noted how Maud was taking in the décor as they walked down the hall. When they arrived at the nursery Victoria opened the door and let the couple enter first.

Maud had been very impressed, both with Victoria and the house. Now as she walked into the nursery, she took in the sunlight filled room, the painted mural on the wall, and the layout. She saw Simon sitting at a table with a younger boy, while an older woman with gray in her red hair was doing a math problem on some paper.

What took her back though, was the other boy who was younger and was sitting on the rug, arranging alphabet blocks. The boy at the table with Simon had dark hair, while this boy had blonde hair. The boys now noticed the newcomers, stood up politely and turned to face the couple. Maud could not believe how much alike, other than hair color, that Simon and the younger boy were.

Simon recognized the couple right away, and came up to them, bowing respectively; Maud reached for him and gave him a hug which he returned. She had been concerned that Simon would have forgotten about her and Olaf, but it had not happened. Maud took in how happy he looked, and how excitedly he introduced the other boys.

Victoria introduced Elspeth, who was soon talking with Maud and Victoria, while Olaf was at the table, letting Simon explain what he was working on. Just then the door on the right opened, and Maud saw a young woman come into the room. She had dark blonde hair, the large blue eyes of the dark-haired boy, and a happy smile.

Maud noted her clothes, of pale pink blouse with a skirt of pink, blue, and cream plaid. She had pearl eardrops, and a magnificent ring of rubies and diamond on her left hand. This was Victoria's daughter-in-law Maud surmised. It was confirmed when Thomas Henry jumped up and went over to her.

"Mama, Simon's grandparents are here. The ones in the picture." He said with enthusiasm, as he hugged her. Maud watched as Alden came over to her also, and the woman bent down to hug him. It was clear she was a loving mother, which made Maud smile at Olaf.

"I understand that you have a new baby Priscilla, how wonderful." Maud offered, after introductions had been made.

"Yes, he is just about six weeks old, and really healthy. I would bring him out, but he just went to sleep after eating." Priscilla exclaimed. "It is a pleasure to meet both of you. Simon has told us a great deal about you and his trip to Sweden."

The next fifteen minutes were spent with the children, until Silas came to the door. He announced that Mr. Jarrod was home, and lunch would be ready shortly. Maud was glad to hear that Simon would be joining them for lunch. Priscilla explained that the boys came to the dining room for lunch and Sunday dinner, but had breakfast and an early supper in the nursery.

"This is my son Jarrod" Victoria introduced him when they were in the dining room. Maud noted his working clothes and remembered what Victoria had said. She recalled too that the man was well regarded as a lawyer – that she had been able to check out in San Francisco. However, she was disappointed that Heath would not be joining them for lunch; Maud was curious as to the man who Erick and Magda had told her about.

Lunch was a merry affair, with everyone talking and laughing. Maud was not surprised that Simon was well behaved, but saw that the other boys, even the youngest one, were equally well behaved. The food was delicious, and Maud complimented Victoria on both the food and the décor of the house.

"I understand that you wanted to meet me with." Jarrod stated, after lunch was over. A Latin woman, who Priscilla introduced as Rosalie the nanny, had arrived to take the children upstairs for their naps.

"Jarrod, I have something I would like to propose to Maud and Olaf." Victoria had enjoyed getting to know the couple and could see how close they were with Simon. "It will be Christmas in two weeks, and families should be together for the holidays. I would like to invite both of you to come stay with us, starting today. That way you can spend time with Simon and be able to talk with Jarrod also."

Victoria had thought of the idea, both because of the season, and because it would give the family – especially Heath- time to get to know the couple. She watched as Maud and Olaf looked at each before Olaf nodded his head.

"Thank you, Victoria, and all of you too" he indicated Elspeth, Priscilla, and Jarrod. "That is so kind of you, and we would be very happy to accept your invitation. We wanted to spend Christmas with Simon."

It was decided that the couple would go back into town, followed by a carriage from the ranch. They could check out of their hotel and come back out in time for dinner. Jarrod offered to go into town with the couple, but they did not want to take him away from what he had been doing. They said that there would be plenty of time to talk about Simon during the stay.

After the couple left, Elspeth and Priscilla excused themselves to go back upstairs. That left Victoria and Jarrod alone in the hall.

"Nicely played Lovely Lady." He commented in a low voice, looking around to make sure no one was in the doorways. "I am sure it will be an interesting visit."

"They seem to be decent people and have a good relationship with Simon." Victoria paused, before she looked directly at Jarrod. "Having them in residence, and around town, should help to put to rest the rumors that Penny stirred up." Her face hardened with anger, as she thought about Sarah's mother.

"Well, at least for a while Mother. However, the moment Simon and Alden are seen together the talk will start again." Jarrod sighed as he made the statement. He understood her feelings toward Penny, since he had not cared for the gossip she had caused in town. "I am heading back out, to help in the back pasture.

"When you see Heath, please give him a heads up about this. He needs to know what is going on." In truth she recalled the conversation in the barn, about how left out of things he was with Simon. It was her invitation to give, but she did not want him blindsided at dinner.