Chapter Ten
Jarrod eyed Nick over breakfast about his whereabouts last night.
JT had grumbled for a moment that it wasn't fair Chip gotta stay over with James David before he did. His father silenced him with one look and sent him to dress for the day.
Nick read the newspaper while Jarrod finished his second coffee. He was enjoying the curiosity written all over Jarrod's face. He could not even hide his curiosity about his brother's evening.
"Heard you come in late," Jarrod finally relented and asked.
"Sorry big brother. Didn't mean to wake ya." still reading the newspaper hiding his smile. It wasn't often he got the best of Jarrod.
"Did you have supper in the city?" Jarrod asked again.
"Giacomo's. Sent his regards."
"Good deal. Good food. Good people."
Nick kept silent, reading the horse racing results for the third time.
"Ok, heading up to dress. Will leave at about 8:00," he grumbled in frustration.
Nick put the paper down, "I took Maris out for dinner and deposited her safely at the Palace."
Jarrod grinned and slapped his brother's shoulder, "I knew it."
"Jarrod, what do you know about Autonberry?"
"Well, Nate dropped some papers off yesterday afternoon and checked on us—-heard about the derailing. Our names and Autonberry and a few other prominent people made the paper. I asked him about the family."
Nick raised his eyebrow in anticipation.
"JD is ruthless, wealthy—-demanding. Doesn't trust the stock market or speculation. Big cash man. Nate didn't even know about Maris. Just dotes on his grandson, James David. Heard him go on and on at a club about self-made men in the West."
"Maris said that they agreed on Pine Crest for that reason."
"His son, Junior or David as he was known, was a reprobate. Run up gambling debts, wild salon parties, libertine. JD always bailed him out of messes and could care less about the family business. His father threatened the trust if he didn't get married and get an heir. Maris told Elisabeth that her father made a business deal in Baltimore for her and she was on a train west at fifteen to marry David."
"Disgusting," Nick spat in anger.
"I know. Can't imagine doing that to Audra or my daughters or Elisabeth—-hell any woman I know." Jarrod's sapphire eyes flashed in anger.
"How'd David die?"
"Nate said suspiciously, ten years ago. Supposedly drowned in the bay, a gambling boat. JD acts like he never had a son; newspapers only reported accidental drowning. But the rumor mill is rife with conjecture."
"Maris is better off without him. James David too. He's a good kid."
"Agreed."
"On a lighter note, seeing her again?"
"Yes with you and Elisabeth and the boys. Remember?"
"Besides that," Jarrod shook his head.
"Hell yeah," and he toasted his coffee cup to Jarrod's with a loud clink.
—-&—
Jarrod, Nick, and Elisabeth took their seats to listen to the headmaster of Pine Crest give an overview of the school, its purpose, and its campus. JT and Chip sat in the front rows with all of the other upperclassmen guides and prospective students.
"I was a graduate of a military academy and I have brought many of its precepts to California. Discipline, hard work, and camaraderie. But life in our modern world includes much more—-academics, chivalry, physical discipline, service to the community, and morality, we seek to create men of business, the arts, and international acumen, We want to encourage strong moral character with integrity. We create gentlemen here who can handle a Bible, a family, or a sword."
"Students who apply must present letters of reference, academic transcripts, reading lists, and a recommendation from their local parish or conclave. They will undergo physical training as well as mental…."
"This week, we will have an exhibition of athletic teams, a parental ball where the students prepare for their place in the world, academic papers for your perusal in the library, a listing of alumni in several states, meeting the staff and teachers,"
"A new dormitory and natatorium will be finished for the September school term to begin. A generous grandfather, JD Autonberry has graciously contributed to the building fund for these needs."
All three boys jerked their heads back on the front row as well as the Barkleys in the parental section.
"James David, you didn't tell us?"
"I didn't know," as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Did Maris mention it?" Jarrod asked Nick,
"No."
"The guided tours will begin in fifteen minutes. Students are grouped by alphabetical order and age. Older students and a staff member will answer your questions as you walk."
"The boys will be together on the tour, hope they are ready for them."
Nick looked around as they started. He didn't see Maris anywhere.
"I don't think I even asked when she would arrive."
—-&—
Maris took great attention to detail as she readied for the day. She bathed and washed her hair with rose water and lavender. She polished her nails and soaked her foot in water.
The dressmaker from the elusive House of Fracone was at her door at 8 am. She had forgotten that the concierge was to send someone as soon as possible.
"Oh my, I wanted to be at the school first thing. Well, I will need a ball gown to replace the one in the rail car. It will be quick."
A snooty woman came into the parlor, "Mrs. Autonberry. I am so distressed at your circumstances. May I ask what are you wearing?"
"My friend took me to a department store. I was wearing a 'handmedownmdress' and woolen socks. First one in my life and I loved it. My clothes were ruined and spattered with blood."
Her eyes flew open in disgust, "You poor child and a woman of your station."
Maris looked at herself in the mint green dress that Nick had chosen. She loved it because he picked it out. No one had even taken such a thought for her.
"It's a lovely dress, my dear, for a department store and the color suits you—-but what if you ran into a grocer's wife with the same dress? Not acceptable."
"I plan on wearing it today, I am meeting friends,"
"Let's hope the servants don't recognize it. You might be ruined."
"I will take the chance. Now let's talk about the ball gown for Friday."
She measured her and convinced her to order a couple more day dresses and an evening dress for the rest of the week.
"Until you return home—"
Maris submitted as she always did except for adamantly wearing the mint dress today.
The dressmaker showed her patterns and fabrics. She quickly chose several and then her eye caught drawings for undergarments.
"I will need something else like this." As she pointed to a slip and chemise. Silk?"
"Of course. Now let's look at your feet."
"I really need to be off."
"Not until I give the cobbler your measurements."
"I have a wound from the train."
"I see. I will be careful."
Maria looked over at Nick's monogrammed handkerchief he had given her on the train and smiled. She had folded it into a triangle on the bureau.
The lady finally finished by 10 am but she sent a servant up to do her hair. She finally left the hotel at lunch.
All the way to the countryside, she relieved the Italian restaurant and the feel of Nick Barkley's weathered hands in hers.
—&—
Nick finally saw the green he was looking for after the parents' luncheon. He didn't want to seem too anxious or obvious so he continued talking to the group of men around him—-but keeping an eye peeled for her path.
He had to admit the school was growing on him. The physical activities pleased him greatly. He knew Chip would thrive in the book smarts but keeping him busy and building muscle—-that would be what he needs.
And the entrepreneurial class he would take pleased him and Jarrod. The world was changing quickly and Tom Barkley had taught his sons well—-diversify. The tungsten mining in the old silver mines had made them millions just as the cattle and crops provided security. Their land and rental property were steady income and the timber replanting would provide for their grandchildren. The stock market investments they made were prudent and safe. He hoped JT, Chip, William, and even little Benjamin one day would learn their grandfather's money sense. Heath's boys were part of the Barkley trust but devoted to the horse farm and ranch.
Maris was talking to the President of the School Board.
"I am so sorry I was late. After the derailment, I needed to take care of some matters."
"Of course Mrs. Autonberry. I know it was traumatic. I wanted to ask you something. Your father-in-law donated money for the new natatorium and two dormitories. We would like you to unveil the plaque at the ball."
"I had no idea. But I will be glad to—- Again I apologize."
"My lovely lady, no need and it is an honor for the Autonberrys to attend our fair institution."
"James David is very happy here and I am well-pleased with his progress. My father-in-law agrees."
"That is wonderful news for our school."
"I will take my leave. I see my friends, the Barkleys over there. They gave James David and me respite after the derailment. I am indebted to them. Poor Mr. Peterson and his wife have been admitted to the hospital for convalescence. I received a note this morning."
"Mrs. Autonberry, I appreciate the referral of the Barkleys to Pine Crest. They are a first family of California. Settlers to the San Joaquin Valley. Mining, cattle, public service. Jarrod Barkley was an attorney general a few years back until he retired from politics. He could have been our governor or senator without a doubt."
"They are a fine family,"
And she inched away towards the Barkleys.
—-&—
They finally made direct eye contact with each other but people were engaging them in conversations as they tried to meet.
"Oh my! Nick Barkley. Have you met my daughter, Gertrude? She has a son here and she has been widowed this year too."
Nick politely held a short conversation and another overdressed, and yet beautiful woman came up, "Nick Barkley! You old fox. My grandson is here. You better save me a dance at the ball."
"Sure Lucy," to an old friend from primary school. She married well and moved to San Francisco afterward. They had had a brief romance before she married; he had ended it and she found her husband.
Maris listened with wide eyes a few people over as guests greeted her.
"Two women throwing themselves at him?" And she felt a bit jealous.
They finally made their way to each other.
"I like the green." He said in a low voice. It made her stomach flip.
"I had hoped so," she said brazenly—-then immediately regretted her impulse.
An older man repeated her words, "You hope what? I didn't get that last part." Thinking she was talking to him.
"I hope uh, it doesn't rain."
"Nope, not a cloud in the sky. I know your father-in-law. Could I have a moment of your time to walk?"
"May I rejoin you, sir? I need to talk to Mr. Barkley. His family did me a great service after the derailment and I have news for him."
"Ok make sure we talk. I got an idea for an investment for JD."
"Yes sir," and she walked sideways to get to Nick.
They stepped a few feet away from the crowds.
"We have enjoyed the school so far. Again, I want to compliment you. The dress, your hair—-lovely, just lovely," as he pushed a wisp from her face.
"I intended to be here earlier but I was delayed in town."
"But you are here now, Bella."
"The Petersons were admitted to the hospital for convalescence. I got a note that it was a precaution."
"That's good, Maris, a precaution. But does this mean, you are unchaperoned again? I would like to see another meal on our horizon."
"I would too, Nick."
Elisabeth and Jarrod joined them.
"The boys wanted us to meet them at the archery exhibit."
"Let's go." And Nick took Maris's arm as they walked across the manicured lawn.
"We have some sons to find."