Chapter Six
Rays of sun pierced the velvet drapes and the chug of an engine starting awoke all the adults in the car. Jarrod and Nick sat straight up and ran their fingers through their hair in an identical manner
Elisabeth laughed, "Never noticed that before. Brothers."
The whistle blew and the train stopped again.
"One hour to start." Bellowed down the tracks.
"Come on Maris, let's go freshen up. We will see if there is any coffee or tea when we dress for the day."
"Coffee sounds good." Nick groused as he stretched his long legs after a night on the settee.
"What would you like in it?" Maris asked him.
He looked up with a big grin, "Black."
She blushed and did a mock curtsy.
Jarrod's eyes were wide with amusement watching the two. His sapphire eyes twinkled with mirth.
The Peterson's were stirring and Nick looked in on them. The older man was helping his wife manage her necessities for the morning. He bowed out allowing them the privacy of marriage.
Maris and Elisabeth went to the dining car and ordered coffee and tea.
"Will bring it down, Miz Barkley."
They walked back outside and used the woods as a necessary.
"The smell inside was overwhelming me."
They found a clear, stream by the cars and washed their faces.
"I have never done such. This is such an adventure."
Elisabeth laughed, "I wouldn't call it such. When we camp up at the ridge, there is no indoor plumbing so this is the way of it. I am from Sacramento. Second generation Californian but always in a city. I have grown to love living on the ranch with Jarrod and our children. My first husband and I lived in the capital with our two daughters. My husband was a widower with three children and we have a son, Benjamin who turned three last month. Jarrod decided to resign his positions in the state and build a house near his family on the ranch."
"I was raised in Baltimore and came west with Mr. Peterson. My father-in-law had contracted for me to marry his son, Junior, ah David. I was but fifteen. I turned sixteen in Denver at the Autonberry's fine home. I have only been back to Baltimore a few times. My father and mother are past—-my brothers run the brokerage and my sisters are all married with many nieces and nephews." she said with resignation.
Elisabeth felt immediate sympathy for Maris.
"I had James David when I was eighteen. I learned what joy was."
"That we have in common, Isn't that the truth? When Amelia and Adeline were placed in my arms, I understood my heart for the first time. I loved my first husband very much and when he died, I felt like my heart would never mend. Then marrying Jarrod. My heart was full again. JT, William, and Francie are like my own. And now our caboose, Benjamin, has us all wrapped around his finger."
Maris smiled genuinely, "What a lovely family. I can feel the love in your words."
"When did you become a widow?"
"Almost ten years ago. James David was six."
Elisabeth involuntarily shuddered and blurted out, "Same time as Nick."
"How did she die, if I am not too presumptuous."
"Oh, it's fine. Peggy died in childbed. She lost several babies during their marriage; Chip was the only one to survive. He is a junior, also. Nick dotes on him fiercely." She lowered her voice.
"Of course he does. He is a fine boy."
Elisabeth handed Maris a linen tea towel. She dried off her hands and handed back that towel.
"Let's go see if the coffee and tea made it,"
"That's a wonderful idea."
"Maris, I hate the circumstances but I am so glad we have met. And I know our boys feel the same."
"The boys are thinking about becoming roommates. I hope it works out."
"Me, too."
—-&—-
The coffee and tea arrived at about the same time as the ladies. The train whistle blew and they were on their way to San Francisco.
The boys stumbled out of the room, awakened by the moving of the train.
Maris poured Jarrod and Nick a cup of coffee. Elisabeth opened the silver pastry tray and passed out one to each boy.
They wolfed down their pastries and Elisabeth poured them milk. They shared all their plans for the visit to the school, possibly a few extra days in San Francisco, and the Barkley cousins had even invited James David to the ranch for a visit.
"When I was your age,—" Jarrod began, stopped then chuckled, "You three have the same look as I did. No one wants to know what an old man did."
Nick guffawed, "Yep, counselor."
The conversation was lively as the scenery of the train windows seemed to speed up. Maris and Nick across the room just listened to the boys and their Uncle Jarrod discuss school—-and shared an occasional smile across the room.
The train whistle finally blew and the family began to gather their belongings. James David's suitcase had been salvaged and he went to put on a clean shirt. Elisabeth nodded at Chip and JT to do the same.
"Yes ma'am," they said in perfect unison.
"Elisabeth, I will get these clothes back to you cleaned and pressed. I am without clothes until I get to the hotel."
"Oh, it's fine. They were just gathering dust in the rail car."
Mr. Peterson came out, "Thank you so much for your generosity. My wife and I stayed so comfortable during such a disagreeable event. Maris? Do you need anything? I am sorry I have left you to fend for yourself. Although the Barkleys are of the finest echelon to care for you."
"Oh no, I am fine. I will get the concierge at the Palace to set me up with a dressmaker. And I will borrow some coin from Mr. Barkley for the hack. He graciously offered. I will drop JT off at school for the orientation meeting. He is already late but they will understand. Please see your wife and yourself to the doctor. I am well."
"Maris! JD will be stricken for you to be alone in San Francisco in a hack. You are not adept in a large city. We shall hire someone to watch after you. You forget who you are. Our precious Maris."
"Sir, I will have James David with me for half the trip. I am sure I can manage with a driver to the Palace."
"No, I won't hear of it."
Nick interrupted annoyed, "Mr. Peterson, will you allow me and Chip to escort her to the hotel? I will see to her and protect her with my life." with a touch of sarcasm in his voice.
"Oh please, Mr. Barkley. JD and I would be much obliged. Maris is a lady of great station and she is not used to seeing to her own needs."
Maris looked humiliated at his description of her and Elisabeth gave her a reassuring glance.
Jarrod sensed her embarrassment. He had seen a great many ladies of her position treated as chattel, possessions to be controlled. Again, he said a prayer of thanksgiving to be raised by Victoria Barkley and to have given Audra a choice in marriage. He had vowed to protect his wife and daughters from society's injustices.
The porters knocked on the door with a wheelchair for Mrs. Peterson.
"Thank you again, Mr. Barkley. Maris, do not leave the hotel unless I send a driver for you once Mr. Barkley deposits you there. Remember your station as JD always reminds you, my dearest child." and he kissed her on the cheek.
In his hurry, the lawyer did not see how stiff and sad she was—-exposing her life to the Barkleys in this personal way.
Nick was furious. He had never been attracted to cosseted women; he instinctively knew that Maris's situation was not of her own making. He shuffled around gathering his book and jacket from the car.
"Well, Miss Maris. Your chariot awaits." with a wide, disarming grin.
She smiled back in such a way he was completely unmanned by her presence.
Jarrod and Elisabeth watched the whole interaction. Jarrod whispered, "This should be good."
He clasped his wife's hand and kissed her cheek.
"It's about time for the old Nick to come back."
