Chapter Nineteen
JD closed the hotel door after giving one last look at the sleeping Lila.
"I just don't know if I can make her suitable to be the third, next Mrs Autonberry. Of course, she still would be beneath my beloved Maris. But a second heir might be useful? What if it is a girl? I wonder if I could even approach my Maris to raise the child? A foundling she took in? A distant relative? Mmmmmm that's an idea."
—&—-
JD met Maris and James David at a private breakfast table reserved for the most wealthy. He was pleased Maris had done that. He had forgotten. She is such a jewel.
She was wearing a mint green day dress that he had not seen before.
"You look beautiful, daughter. You can tell that it is a Paris couture dress. It's obvious.
"Yes, Paris," she smiled knowing it was the House of Paris department store, ready to wear and Nick picked it out. It made her feel closer to him this morning.
James David downed his coffee. He had arrived early and was glad he had spoken to his mother first about last night.
"About last night," and he stared at both of them.
"Grandfather, the driver was armed but I should have been with them."
"Good. You see the error and acknowledge it. A man does that. A lesson learned with no one hurt."
The waiter brought more coffee, juice, and water to the table. They ordered breakfast.
"Tell me about your new friends."
James David told him about JT and Chip, "They have asked Mother and I to visit their ranch in a few weeks. It's not far from our ranch on the train."
"Good, honorable contacts. The parents, all there?"
Maris added, "We would stay in the Barkley mansion with Mrs. Victoria Barkley."
"Good, good. I will be in Portland then I have to head back to Denver. Won't be able to see you for a while. Got several problems weighing on me."
"Anything, I could help with?" Maris genuinely asked.
He laughed, "Nothing you should worry your pretty little head over. Watch over our boy and buy yourself more of those green dresses."
She lowered her head and looked embarrassed.
"Maris? Take a lady's maid with you to the Barkleys on the trip. I want another set of eyes on you."
"Yes sir, Father I have one more request today."
"Maris? When do you have to ask? Charge it to me. You have never been extravagant or wasteful."
"May I make a donation to the San Francisco Arboretum from our family? They were so kind to arrange a private tour for me and I have met a new friend, Mrs. Nate Springer. She is chair of the ladies' auxiliary."
"I recognize her name, well her husband's. Good people?"
"Yes, law partner of the Barkleys. I fell in love with the orchid hothouse."
"Of course, you did, a rare beauty like yourself. I am lucky to possess such a daughter. Will five thousand be adequate?"
"Oh my, your generosity has no bounds."
"Not with you and James David. You are my family"
Maris had a hard time not recoiling from his squeeze. They finished breakfast and he kissed her on the cheek.
"See you both soon."
Maris watched him leave as James David ordered another plate of eggs.
"My growing boy."
"Growing man, you mean" as he patted her arm.
They stopped at the desk and she sent a message to Mrs. Nate Springer for a visit.
"Nick said she was a fine lady and Nate was the best in the business after his brother—-I need advice and I am hoping she is just the lady for it."
—-&—
The Barkleys were out an hour from home and Nick was staring out of the window quietly.
Chip and JT kept baiting him about missing Maris. He would grin, tousle their hair, or fake punch them.
"OK boys, enough. Let Nick be alone." Jarrod growled.
All the heads looked at him, "We were just poking the bear. A little fun. We are sorry."
"It's all right boys, Uncle Jarrod woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning"
Elisabeth laughed too then covered her mouth.
Jarrod sheepishly grinned, "OK OK—-I just have a lot on my mind."
Heath had left a rig at the livery and the five of them rode back to the ranch. They stopped at Jarrod's house first.
"Chip, carry Miz Elisabeth's bags up. I need to talk to your uncle," with a grouse in his voice.
His son recognized it and quickly disappeared into the house with the bag. The young children swarmed Elisabeth in the foyer.
"What bee is in your bonnet? You are keeping something from me, big brother. I thought we outgrew this."
Jarrod sighed and turned toward him, "Because Nick, I don't know what I know. Wanted to look into it before you go all half-cocked. JD Autonberry is a powerful man—and he may not let go of Maris easily."
"Speak plainly, Jarrod." Nick stood more aggressively.
"We have to tread carefully. JD is a formidable man and if half the things I've heard are true, we could hurt Maris and James David more than help them."
"How?" with steel in his voice.
"Mr Peterson made some wild, and if I do say so myself unconventional, even bizarre statements about Maris not being able to remarry and take care of them in their old age—- and she was theirs. Like a possession, a pet almost. There seems to be a prenuptial agreement to the fact she can never remarry. Her father and JD hashed it out."
"Like an indentured servant?" Nick looked confused.
"Yes but with millions as you say in a gilded cage."
"Is it legal?"
"I have Nate looking but that kind of agreement, almost medieval, would not likely be filed in court records. I know he wouldn't want that out there."
"Do you think Maris knows?"
"Peterson said she didn't. And I believe that. There is not an ounce of guile in that lady"
"I would be surprised if she did but I wouldn't say for certain. But I am fairly sure the money won't be a factor or the house or ranch. I can keep her quite comfortable,"
Jarrod put his hand on his brother's shoulder, "Let's wait to see if Nate has any ideas."
"Thanks for looking out for me. I will write her tonight with a few questions that should answer all of these"
The boys tentatively came back out on the porch.
"Come on Chip. Your grandmother will want to hear all about the school."
"And your lady friend" he jested back.
"Boy! Drive us home and keep your mind on the road.
"And I can keep mine on Maris." with a conspiratorial Nick guffaw.
Chip joined in and they laughed all the way home. Father and son.
