Chapter Sixty Four
Ximena dressed in an extraordinary black silk day dress with her new lined black boots. She put on her fur coat, hat and muffler as David put on a heavy black wool coat, scarf, and hat. They watched a beautiful snow fall in Denver. They were dressed in the latest elegant style.
Yesterday she had shopped on Larimer Avenue with David. It had been balmy and blustery. It was too warm for the heavy winter apparel they purchased in San Francisco.
The porter that accompanied them warned them, "Old timers say it will snow soon. A warm wind brings in a cold snow,"
"The locals are always right, Davos. I couldn't imagine snow today with that warm wind. And here we are."
He fumbled with his tie. Ximena kissed his hand away and tied it herself.
"Let's go Davos. Get your life back."
—-&—-
The driver drove them to Autonberry Assets. The doorman told them that the snow was expected to pick up later; Mr. Autonberry and his employees went home early. There were just a few left and they would be gone by lunch.
David nodded and got back in the carriage, "Well Ximena, we either head to his home and brave the weather or head back to the hotel. Just don't know what to think of the weather."
They looked out of the coach as the snowflakes fell.
"I think we will go. It's only a few inches."
"OK Ximena but we leave if he gets angry or the snow piles up. I won't subject you to my father."
"I chose to come, Davos, and stand by your side."
She pulled a jagged piece of turquoise out of her bodice, "My father wore this into battle. I will wear it today for good luck."
"You, my Ximena, are my good luck."
He leaned over and gave her a kiss. He announced his father's address and the driver turned off the Main Street and headed out of town.
Ximena's eyes were still fixed on the snowflakes. David distracted himself with watching the awe in her eyes of her first winter experience.
—-&—-
The snow was soon replaced in her view with the five-story sandstone brick mansion. A wrought iron gate surrounded the property. She could see a garden and fountain from the carriage. Their driver gave the gatekeeper a name. He ran inside, asked and came out to unlock the gate.
"Peter Autonberry and wife," David had announced.
Ximena looked at him quizzically.
"That is the name of my father's brother. His late partner. He had a son, my cousin. I am betting he is alive somewhere. Or his son? Enough to get us in. His name was Todd."
They brought the carriage around the front and a doorman helped them out.
He told the driver to pull his carriage to the back and stable the horse out of the elements.
"I will make today worth your while, " and the driver agreed.
—-&-
They were ushered inside and their coats were taken. Ximena stamped for a moment to get the remaining snow off her fine boots. She wanted to look perfect to meet David's father. She took a few glances at her love. He had a nervous twitch in his cheek and she saw him smooth his palms on his dress coat.
"Coffee? Tea?" as they entered the grand parlor.
David asked for coffee for both of them. The butler left and they looked around at the ornate golden room with the finest velvets and mahogany.
"It still looks the same. Some things have changed but the look is the same cold old wealth. Decorated to impress."
"Impressive it is."
David went over and squeezed her hand, "I prefer our hacienda. The stucco, the tile, the blues—it feels like home.'
"Thank you. David" as she was filled with love for him once again.
A beautiful brunette came into the room with a baby in her arms. David tried not to react and Ximena schooled her features.
"Good Morning. I am Mrs. Lila Autonberry, my son James. My husband is in a business meeting. He should be finished soon and be out. His lawyer just arrived on the sunrise train. Just beat the weather it seems. I did not disturb him but I knew he would want to see, uh family? Cousin, nephew? I have only been in the family a year and have only met his grandson, James David. But I recognized the family name."
David did not answer her question directly but turned on the charm, "Ah Mrs. Autonberry. Charmed to meet your acquaintance. I heard that our dear patriarch remarried and has a fine namesake."
She beamed at his striking masculinity that bordered on flirting. Ximena slightly raised her eyebrow in a trifle of jealousy.
He continued, "And may I present my dearest wife. Ximena. This is her first experience in winter and I do say myself, enjoying every moment of our escapade."
"Pleased to meet you Mrs. Autonberry."
"Mrs. Autonberry."
They both laughed and said, "Please call me Lila."
"Ximena, if you will."
They sat down on the settee and Lila handed James a small tea biscuit.
He chewed on it for a few minutes as they made small talk. Baby James looked at Ximena and reached for her.
She hesitated and looked at David. He nodded slightly and Ximena reached for him.
"He's quite a messy eater and you have a beautiful silk on," Lila hesitated.
"It's fine. I don't mind. He reminds me of someone I care very much about."
James sat in Ximena's lap. He reached up and patted her cheek. His chubby hand rested on her tan skin and rosy cheeks. He stared into his dark eyes with his golden hazel eyes. He gurgled and smiled at her,
David watched in amazement as Lila said, "How wonderful. He isn't usually comfortable with strangers and he takes to you so well."
David cleared the lump in his throat and said, "It seems young James recognizes a jewel of great worth."
They visited for a few more minutes. James stayed contentedly with Ximena.
A shout for the butler rang out.
Branch Davis ran out into the foyer, "Get a doctor. JD has collapsed."
Lila ran in immediately and David followed at a distance.
Branch narrowed his eyes, "Who are you?"
"Family" was his only reply as he pushed past the lawyer.