Chapter Twenty-five
EMERGENCY HEARING ONE WEEK LATER
"All rise, the honorable Frederick Turner presiding."
"I have made a decision. Mrs Autonberry. I find you sane and in control of your facilities. I will allow you to appoint Nathan Springer as your conservator in all matters. However, you may not release him without court approval. He must approve all of your legal and financial matters as long as this court deems necessary."
"But your honor, that is not fair and causes undue harm to her father and my client, JD Autonberry." Mr. Peterson objected.
"It is my decision and it is final. However, I have a codicil to these proceedings."
Jarrod and Nick took a deep intake of air as they waited for the other shoe to drop.
"I will allow Mr. Autonberry's attorneys to gather more information and bring it to the court within a two-month period for review. Second, Mrs. Autonberry is not to leave California or a 120-mile radius of San Francisco. Your conservator must know your whereabouts at all times. Thirdly, You may not dispose of any property during this time period; your jewelry and furs are returned to your father-in-law. Clothing is to be shipped to your new residence when your conservator informs the court of it. You will no longer have the use of the property in Milton. And—-guardianship of the minor James David Autonberry III awarded to James David Autonberry Senior with the same stipulations, a 120-mile radius of San Francisco."
"Visitation for his mother, your honor?"
"Hmmmmm, yes. Once a month, supervised—- and holiday term breaks; she must not leave the radius—or cause any undue derision with the minor, the visitation decree will be rescinded."
Nate spoke up, "Your honor, I take my role very seriously. Mrs. Autonberry will reside at my home if the court agrees."
"Good idea Mr. Springer. Court approves your address,"
Maris crumpled back in her seat and Nate patted her arm.
"But your honor," Mr Peterson tried to argue. He expected her to have no funds for her household.
"And I accept the second document for discovery-alleged to have been signed by Mrs. Autonberry on her twenty-first birthday as her last will and testament. It is notarized and ascribed to by Mr. Peterson and a Denver clerk. My concern is that this document appeared after the date of submission. I will look into it further." It was obvious the Judge questioned the coincidence of the document's appearance at the late hour.
Maris's will appeared at this hearing with her signature and the agreement that her heirs upon remarriage and date would go to her father-in-law. She did not remember the codicil in this paper either.
"No more discussion. I have ruled." and he trounced out of the courtroom.
Mr Peterson looked over at Maris, "You, my dear have caused this whole mess. JD will not be happy."
Nick stepped around the railing and blocked Mr. Peterson's path, "Don't you dare say another word to my fiancée. I don't care if you are an old man or not. You won't know what hit you."
"Nick!" Nate and Jarrod went to each side of him.
He looked past Maris on the other side, "So now you are cavorting with brawlers. Such a shame, Maris."
Nick slumped as he saw Maris wipe the tears from her eyes. He straightened his tie and pulled his vest down. He walked over and took her arm.
"Let's go honey."
—-&—-
"Let's get some food and talk." Jarrod came up on her side.
Grover was waiting outside to take them in a covered carriage.
"We need privacy. Chinatown, Grover. Chang family restaurant on Elm St."
Nick had his arm around Maris; she seemed small and frail in the carriage of the tall men.
The business of the Chinese streets increased to the point that Jarrod told Grover to let them off two blocks away. "Leave us here. We will meet you at the green knoll on the other side—-the harbor side."
Maris smiled sadly as Jarrod was embraced by a Chinese family at the door of a three-story restaurant. He introduced them all. A staircase to her left led into a bricked basement. A variety of smells assaulted the senses.
Jarrod asked for a private meal and they were quickly obliged.
"Mr Jarrod, our lawyer. Saved rice crops two years in a row for my family. He has stabilized the market many times. Good man, good family. Even Tong listen to him."
Jarrod nodded respectfully back to the owner, "It is I who respects what you have done for our fair state."
A waiter came up and took them to a private cubby with a large silk mural stretched on the way. Nick pulled the chair out for Maris and then the men sat down.
"Tea for the lady. Something stronger for the men." Nick ordered.
Maria sipped on her tea, "Yellow tea? It's delicious."
The waiter bowed to her compliment, "Served to emperors in days of our ancestors."
"Jarrod? How do I say thank you?" she whispered.
He told her.
"Xie Xie,"
"You are very, very welcome. I can see you are a Barkley. You give respect to our ways."
Nick grinned, "She is a Barkley and she does that naturally."
"You chose an honorable wife."
"I sure did."
Nate and Jarrod shared a look of sadness at the love in their eyes, knowing what conversation inevitably would have to be held.
That inevitable conversation came after dessert. Maris had gotten some rice and vegetables down with her several cups of tea.
"Nick, Maris—we need to talk about today."
Nick took her hand and patted it.
"With all the codicil and judgments, Nick, you will have to go back to Stockton,"
Maris shook her head, no.
Nick sighed, "Figured. I'ffn I was in your lawyer shoes, I would ask me the same thing."
"And Maris, I know we asked for the ring to not be present today, of course. Let's keep it put away for another few months."
She pulled the ring out of her dress on a long chain, "I wore it under my dress. I will continue to—-"
Nick smiled at her, " Thank you, honey. The main thing is to keep James David in your life and you not, uh lose time with your boy. They blame me for losing control of you, Maris. But as these two are my witnesses, you will be my wife no matter when. I can promise you that."
Jarrod and Nate looked relieved that the conversation had gone without anger, just sad recognition that the engagement was postponed. All four at the table knew James David was the priority.
"I could never be the reason Maris loses her son. Couldn't look myself in the mirror. Honestly, I wouldn't even visit Peg's grave in good conscience knowing I had done that." he had told Jarrod the night before.
Nate looked over at Jarrod and then the sad couple, "But your brother and I have a few ideas and ways around and through this—with some creative planning."
Jarrod's eyes showed mirth for the first time in days. He and Nate had discussed these possibilities the past week but both had held hope that the prenuptial would be overturned. But here they were.
"This is one idea I have—-"
Nick listened and Maris perked up as he spoke, "Big brother, I have another idea to add to the game."
Maris surprised all of the three by adding, "I have an idea of my own."
The whole table broke out in laughter and Nick gave a toast to the table.
"Here's to us,"
