Chapter Twenty
"Thank you for meeting me, Mrs. Springer so quickly."
"Please call me Alice. Nate had business a few blocks away and it was a perfect time."
"Please call me Maris"
They exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes and Maris refilled the tea cups.
"I have a donation for the arboretum. I so enjoyed my time there and would love to become a patron of the auxiliary."
"Of course my dear," as she took the check. Her eyes reflected the amount on the check for a moment.
"Is it too little or too much? I was not sure how much to procure."
"Oh Maris, it's perfect. I would love to discuss several projects that will benefit greatly. Any stipulations?"
"No, I would love to hear about them. My father-in-law does ask for a plaque of some sort. I don't need my name mentioned, please. I would just like to be an auxiliary lady"
"Plaque of course for your family," appreciating Maris's modest manner.
"Would you think of joining our book club? We meet every two weeks and discuss the books we are reading. We also eat a very wonderful lunch at our various homes. Sometimes we meet at the Palace or Oriental Tea Room."
"I would love that. I uh, haven't ever been part of such."
"Then it's high time. And I can send several books with you that I have in the carriage that were recent reads of my friends. Some may be controversial but you can always defer on a title. And just so you know, most of us are suffragettes."
Maris's eyes grew wide, "I think I would like to know more about that. Does your husband know?"
"Of course. He believes women should vote too. So does Jarrod Barkley."
"Oh my, I have never heard of such but I find myself quite intrigued." with surprise and a smile.
Alice laughed, "Just wait. There is an assortment of views and it gets quite lively."
They talked for several minutes about the arboretum and book club; Maris asked very intelligent questions. Alice was pleased.
They finished their tea and Maris bit her lip.
Alice put her hand on the younger woman, "Is there something else? I sense you have something on your mind."
"Nick said you were wise counsel. That you were Chip's godmother and a good friend to him and Peg."
Alice smiled widely, "Peg was the same age as my little sister. I lost her a few years before Nick and Peg married. She was so much like my own Naomi." and she sighed.
Maris smiled back, "I have a question. I do not have funds of my own. They are always paid by my father-in-law. I don't know anyone else I can ask about Nick, legally?"
"A legal question maybe for my husband?" She looked confused.
"Nick said you were well-read in the law too. That you and Jarrod lively converse on topics in the news."
"I admit I enjoy sparring with the word."
"Nick and I have become very close. How do I tell my father-in-law? He is my guardian. And as the head of the family? James David knows and is very much in favor of our uh, friendship."
"I am very glad for Nick to find a second chance in life. He is a good man—-the best. And it's been a long time coming; he has seen something very special in you, I believe." Trying to discern what Maris was asking. It seemed too simple of a question.
"We are to write to each other and visit in three weeks."
"But your father-in-law? He is your family of course but you have a choice to see whom you want."
"What if my father made a deal for my marriage to David? He has passed but his father—-. He is the executor of the estate. Well, Mr. Peterson is. Do I have to have his permission to see Nicholas?" she fumbled around with her intonation.
Alice took a deep breath, "Maris, you have rights and one of those is to live your own life. I think you are an amazing woman and it is time for you to stand on your own two feet. Go to the ranch and have a wonderful time with your son—and Nick" as she reached over and squeezed her trembling hand. "Maris? May I talk to my husband? He has a wide breadth of knowledge of the law and people. He will know what to do."
Maris shook her head yes, "I cannot retain his services since my funds are managed by Mr. Peterson and my father."
Alice gave her a wide smile, "I think Nate will appreciate your donation to the arboretum. It is close to his heart too—-and so are the Barkleys."
"What is close to my heart, my dear?" as Nate walked up to the conversation.
Maris blushed and Alice reached for Nate's hand.
"Our friend needs our advice, husband. Sit down and visit with us."
Maris took a deep breath, "I have some legal questions that I hope you can answer."
"My lovely lady, I will do my best," as Nate thought about the legalities Jarrod had asked him to investigate.
And Maris began to tell her story.
Nate put on his best poker face and Alice teared up as they heard her take her first steps to freedom.
—&—
Dearest Bella Dona,
Time is passing so slowly until you arrive….chores….cattle….we took the boys on an overnight camp out—let a king snake into the tent—to scare young William—the whole tent collapsed around us—-peeling potatoes and kitchen duty at the big house for the ruckus—boys will be boys—-missed you so I went to Como's in Stockton on Friday night—had a glass of vino to toast you—told him all about the lovely bellissimo I shall introduce him to in a few weeks—-I had a plain white plate—-saving the good dishes for you. Affectionately, N
Bella,
It is still a week and a half until I meet your train. Pressed my good suit. Took JT and Chip to the creek. We have gone fishing most every week since the boys were knee high—-Going to miss this—-have you ever been fishing? Could add it to the week—-Mother is excited to meet you—-freshened up the guest rooms. Rode out to the north forty today—-got boot stuck in the mud—-smiled about your pretty little beaded shoe. Fondly, N
Nicholas,
The days drag on until we visit the ranch. James David and I have purchased new pairs of riding boots for our time in your family's fine company…The week we spent in San Francisco after you left was uneventful except for Monday night. James David found Grover and had him take us to Giacomo's. I tried two new dishes and received a tour of the kitchen upon James David mentioning your name. The smells were heavenly and I enjoyed every minute of the evening. I met with Mrs. Alice Springer at the Arboretum twice. I am the newest provisional auxiliary member and I shall train in the fall once the boys go back to school. It shall make my heart full to be of such service to the fine institution. I also joined their book club. Kindly, your Bella Dona.
Nicholas,
We will arrive by private car on the fourth, around 4 pm. We have returned to our ranch this past week. A new litter, the whelp of six. All are feeding well and very healthy. I chose the runt to keep. She made his way to me wobbling and looked up at me. He fell over and licked my fingers when I picked her up. She nuzzled up into my neck and went to sleep. I was smitten. She captured my heart. I hope you don't mind, I named her Belle. After my favorite endearment and only endearment of my life—
I accept your offer to Como's and to go fishing—-and I raise a glass of vino as I write. Until, Yours with esteem. Bella Dona
/blog/a-very-victorian-guide-to-letter-writing/
—&—
Jarrod met Nate in the lobby of the Hotel Lathrop.
"I apologize, Nate, for all of the subterfuge. I would rather have all the information before I talk to Nick. He knows I have asked you to look into this for us. I have told him everything so far. Mrs. Autonberry and her son will be at the ranch in a few days."
"And since we talked last month, Alice and I have become very close to the young lady in question. We have had Maris and James David to our home. As you and Nick already found out, we have come to admire her very much."
"And?" Jarrod, reading the attorney's look on his face, "Am I right?"
"Yes, counselor. I cannot even glean a morsel of a slip about JD Autonberry in town but I did some hunting around. A clerk in Denver I knew. Owed me a favor or two. If Maris remarries at any time, it is likely she will lose every penny. There is not one, a single asset in her name or even her late husband's. All is in his name. Down to her creditors and dressmaker. She does not technically even exist aside from a marriage license from 1874. There were rumors of the prenuptial contract between her father and JD. I believe she is—and she believes too, penniless. If she were to remarry, she would lose any Autonberry holdings."
"Could her father bargain all her rights away? Even if she was fifteen?"
"Financially yes."
"That's what I thought. Is she aware?"
"Yes. And she is not concerned about that in the least. It seems your brother has quite the charm."
Jarrod chuckled with relief, "Well none of this may come to fruition but obviously they both have thought about it. We both consulted you."
"Jarrod, the source, has concerns that he will not allow her to go. He's very possessive and more so since his son died. A man once asked for her calling card at the bank, a new businessman in Denver. JD called the loan on his construction. Lost his shirt and left town."
"That's sickening. Does Maris know?"
"No idea at all according to my source."
"Is there any problem sharing this with Nick? What does Maris know?"
"It's fine. I was open about our friendship. She only knows about the money. Jarrod, it's the damnedest thing. Alice has never seen such a situation: well-educated, classic beauty—but has never been allowed a moment of freedom until she met your family. It's like she is the family pet on a leash. She hasn't lived without someone telling her what to do. She has been under her father's thumb and then JD's her whole life. I don't think she has ever made a decision on her own before—or ever knew any different. JD may blame the Barkleys for his loss of control."
"I assume it might happen."
"We will be prepared if their courtship proceeds."
"I hope it does for their sake. She's got our hearts and you know how we feel about your family. But—-
"Thank you, Nate. I do too. Nick losing Peg lost a part of himself. But?"
"I just have a bad feeling about Autonberry."
"Me too, Nate. Me too." He took a long drag from his cigar.
