Chapter Twenty-One
The next morning found Jarrod and Priscilla in the larger surrey, which was better sprung than the smaller two passenger one. By mutual agreement they had agreed to wait to leave until Heath and Nick headed out to the range. Jarrod had explained to Priscilla that he really did not want to say anything to Heath until he knew what Phoebe had actually seen. She had agreed and added that she had not said anything to Nick for the same reason.
"Did Nick say how his talk with Heath went?" Jarrod asked as he guided the bay horse on the road over to the Morton's ranch. The weather was warm, but several fluffy clouds in the sky kept the sun from beating down too hot on them. The smell of pine wafted on the air, as they drove by a grove of trees. If it were not for the circumstances this would be a very pleasant drive.
"It didn't go well, but he wasn't sure if it was because of him not saying the right things, or Heath not wanting to listen." She answered, as she adjusted her white satin parasol with its ruffle and lace trim. She had green crocheted gloves on her hands, which were ornamented with amber silk bows at the wrists. Her dress was a fern green poplin with amber stripes woven into the fabric. The dress had amber cord trim, and collar and cuffs of the same amber.
The outfit was very appropriate for paying calls, as well as becoming to Priscilla. He had noted that even when she was with child Priscilla was still very careful of her appearance. Jarrod smiled as the green feathers on her amber hat brushed his ear. Her expression was one of concern, as she said the words.
"Honestly, I do not think it mattered what Nick said, or didn't say. Unfortunately, I have seen this type of behavior before during divorce cases. It is one of the reasons why I really don't like handling them." Jarrod shook his head ruefully as he made the observation.
"What do you mean?" She asked, puzzlement in her voice.
"The desire to get even, to get their pound of satisfaction; I'm not sure what to call it. All I know is that the person gets so fixated on their anger, they don't see anyone else's viewpoint." He explained "it never bodes well for a quick settlement and causes great hurt not just on the parties involved but everyone around them."
The rest of the drive was spent talking about doings in town, with Priscilla being eager to get caught up since she had not been to town for several weeks. Jarrod appreciated what she was doing, trying to take his mind off his worry about Heath's behavior. When they arrived at the Morton's house, he was still amazed at the transformation that had happened under Phoebe.
The outside was impeccably maintained with well-kept grounds; the change continued inside the house. Previously, in the entrance hall there had been limp dark green curtains, a square table with a rectangular candlestick. Now the woodwork was painted bright white, the walls papered with a geometric print in shades of blue, a crystal chandelier and wall sconces. The rug was a medley of blue, cream, and black. The hall was welcoming and fresh, with the gleaming, clean windows letting in sunlight.
"Mrs. Zack is in the parlor; let me know that you are here to see her." Juan, the Latin houseman answered, after Priscilla had greeted him and asked to see her friend.
"Priscilla, Jarrod." Phoebe came into the hall and greeted them happily. Phoebe was a petite thing, with fiery red hair and sparkling green eyes. Her dress was a soft green polished cotton, sprigged with ivy leaves in a darker green. He made it a point to compliment the ladies on how well their outfits coordinated, which caused them to laugh.
"It is pleasant of you to call on me." Phoebe stated, after they were sitting in the parlor. She offered coffee from an oriental porcelain service, with silver utensils. There was a two-tiered tray of cookies and savory treats. Jarrod thought about the times he visited the Morton's before Zack married, with the only room being used was the study. He had heard through the grapevine that while Rufus had given Phoebe free rein with the rest of the house, the study had been declared off-limits.
"I like the new drapes, Phoebe. The soft blue highlights the wallpaper." Priscilla paid another complement, as Jarrod nodded his head. "Part of the reason we came to see you is that I wanted to take a look at the rose garden."
Jarrod realized what Priscilla was doing and followed the ladies out of the French doors to the terrace. The terrace was brick, and offered outdoor seating, with urns of late fall mums in them. There was a path that led to the main floral garden, centered around a fountain. There were no flowers though, as it had been made ready for winter, such as they received in Stockton.
The rose garden, which Phoebe had started when she had first arrived at the ranch, was off to the right. There was a sundial in the middle, with the rose beds being curved around the marble and brass instrument. Jarrod knew that Priscilla had done the layout for Phoebe and given her a white rose bush as a wedding gift.
"Phoebe, we didn't come to see the garden. I know you've heard the gossip about Heath and Sarah?" Priscilla tilted her head as she asked the question. Jarrod saw the other woman nod hesitantly, as Priscilla spoke. "Sarah wants a divorce and is asking for a great deal of money. I told Jarrod what you saw back in July, in San Francisco." He watched as Phoebe bit her lip, and then turned to look at one of the bushes, examining it intently.
"Priscilla, I know you only want to help Heath, and I don't condone Sarah's behavior. However, I do not wish to be involved in what is going on. Based on some of the things I've heard, Heath's behavior leaves a great deal to be desired." She had turned back around as she spoke, and then gave Priscilla a sad smile.
"Heath is guilty of nothing more than seven years ago getting very drunk and doing something stupid. He was young, and away from his family when it happened." Jarrod stepped forward as he spoke. "He never knew about Simon, and when the woman found out she was with child she married a fine, upstanding man. Simon was lawfully born and has grandparents who are his legal guardians. Heath has never cheated on Sarah, nor would he, being the man that he is. Do you really think it is fair for Sarah to get rewarded for her behavior?" It was a great deal to say, as well as brutal but he wanted to appeal to Phoebe's sense of justice.
"Would I have to testify in court?" Phoebe asked hesitantly, which Jarrod took to be a good sign of her helping them. He repeated what he had told Priscilla last night, about being disposed more than naught. Priscilla went over and sat on the wrought iron bench, and Phoebe went to sit next to her, while he sat on an adjoining chair. "Well you see, it was like this-."
Three months earlier, San Francisco July 1883
Phoebe stretched luxuriously in the canopied bed, with its soft silk sheets and comfortable pillows. She sat back and looked down at the breakfast tray in front of her with pleasure. One of the best things about the Metropolitan was the food because of the French chef. Today breakfast was light as air popovers, filled with eggs, peppers, onions and mushrooms. There was a bowl of bright red berries, topped with mascarpone cream, alongside fresh coffee, and orange juice; she sighed happily.
"Well now that is what I like to see honey, you smiling and happy." Zack was next to her and reached over to kiss her. His blue eyes were full of love, and Phoebe was sure she was the luckiest woman in the world.
"You were right, this trip was a good idea." She replied snuggling against him. Zack had suggested the trip for their anniversary, but she was concerned about leaving Rufus Jr. and Diana with just the nanny. There was also the issue that she had had a miscarriage two months earlier and was still prone to bouts of sadness and tears. Her mother though, when she had written to her had said that a change of scenery would do her good. The trip had done that, with the added bonus that she had been given the ok to resume relations with Zack.
"I always forget how much I miss the ocean." Phoebe commented, after a bite of food. She had grown up in San Diego and gone to teaching college in San Francisco. She had met Priscilla there, and it was Priscilla who introduced her to Zack. "Not that I don't love the valley." The comment was delivered with a giggle, and Zack nodded his head.
"Well now I have a surprise for you, besides the sailing." Zack stepped out of bed and walked over to the armoire. He had arranged a sailing trip with some friends who owned a boat, which had touched Phoebe greatly. "You know that today is our official anniversary honey." He was back and presented her with a long rectangular box of black velvet tied with a bright green ribbon.
"Oh Zack, you are too wonderful." Her eyes filled with tears; she cried so easily it seemed, but this time they were tears of happiness. He settled next to her, as she took the box and untied the ribbon. Phoebe gasped when she saw what was inside. A bracelet with six square cut emeralds in diamond frames; the emeralds were linked by gold filigree work set with pave diamonds.
"It is beautiful!" She exclaimed as she held the bracelet up to admire it. Zack gently took the bracelet and undoing the clasp put it around her wrist.
"I love you so much, and everything you've done for me – and our ranch. You have made life so wonderful, and I wanted to give you something special." He said, as he took her in his arms and kissed her deeply. "You know we have enough time before the sailing trip to" he whispered in her ear what he had in mind. Phoebe moaned happily in agreement.
"Let me just take the tray outside." Zack rolled over to get out of bed, picked up the tray and leaving the bedroom he went to the front room. She heard the door open and shut, then he came back into the room. It was very clear what was on his mind, and just as she extended her arms, she noticed the bracelet.
"The ribbon, I need the ribbon." Phoebe saved the ribbons and bows from all her presents – she had grown up the only girl among five boys, so feminine things were few and far between. Her birthday was Christmas Day; she had always had her own tree, which she decorated with the saved mementos. She sprung out of bed and started to rush out of the room when she remembered that she was naked.
"My dressing gown, where is it?" She looked hurriedly around the bed, even as she noticed that Zack was admiring her with a gleam in his eye. Phoebe spotted the yellow silk garment draped over a chair and she grabbed it quickly. Securely tying the sash after donning the robe, she went into the front room, and over to the door.
Carefully opening the door, not wanting to run into anyone wearing only her dressing gown. The hall was empty; she knelt to where the tray was and picked up the ribbon. Phoebe was all set to stand up when a door halfway down and diagonal to her started to open. She rocked back on her heels, glad that the door to the Morton's apartment had double pilasters on either side, giving the effect of an alcove.
A woman stepped out the door, dressed in a dark blue day dress, and started to walk down to the stairs. Phoebe hoped the woman would be gone quickly, so she could get back into her apartment. That hope was dashed when the woman turned around and started walking back. Up until then Phoebe had only seen the woman's back, but now, peering between the pilasters, she saw the face – a face she knew. The woman's hat had a veil, but it only partially obscured the features.
Sarah Barkley – Priscilla's sister-in-law - was coming towards her. Phoebe did not know the woman well, and she was puzzled as to why Sarah was at the Metropolitan. She knew that the Barkley's had a townhome, where Sarah spent most of her time. Phoebe's mind was a whirl, as she worried about Sarah seeing her, and why Sarah was there anyway.
The answer came clear as the door – the one the woman had exited from – opened and a man stepped out. He was of medium build with dark hair; his pants were smooth grey wool, and his white broadcloth shirt was untucked. In his hand he was holding a woman's reticule, which he held out to Sarah. Phoebe saw Sarah smile at the man; what he did next almost caused Phoebe to gasp out loud. He took Sarah into his arms and kissed her with fervor. It was clear that Sarah was enjoying it, and it was clear to Phoebe that the man was not Heath.
She held her breath, until the couple separated; the woman turned back to walk down the hall and the man went back into his apartment and shut the door. Phoebe jumped up, still clutching the green ribbon, as she scooted quickly inside. Her breath expelled in a huge gasp, and then she felt sick at what she had seen just now.
"Honey are you all right? You look pale." Zack came into the parlor and reached for her hands. "I see you found the ribbon." He added with a laugh, before he turned serious again and looked at her.
"I'm I'm" Phoebe stuttered not sure what to say. She was shocked that Sarah was breaking her marriage vows. There was also the fact that she did not want to tell Zack what she had witnessed. "There was someone in the hall and I had to wait until they were gone; I didn't want to be seen." Phoebe left it at that, as it was partially the truth.
"I was starting to wonder what was taking so long." Zack spoke, and then surprised her by scooping her up into his arms. "Now we are going to go do what I was talking about earlier." He swept her into the bedroom.
End of memory
"At the time I did not know who the man was but before we left the city Zack, and I went shopping. At the Bayview Department Store I saw him and found out his name. I then remembered some of the gossip I'd heard." Phoebe looked over at Priscilla. "I only talked to Priscilla about this because I thought she should know what was going on."
"Can we go back inside Phoebe? And I want to you to write down everything you saw, adding as much detail as possible – time, clothing, anything else." Jarrod went to help Priscilla up from the bench, and as Phoebe nodded yes, they headed inside.
"Thank you for this, you are doing the correct thing." Jarrod told the young woman, as she sealed the document in an envelope and gave it to him. They were in the study now, and Phoebe was sitting at the desk. "Now I need you to write me a letter of introduction to your father in San Diego." He could see she was puzzled by the request.
"Your father-in-law runs a very tight household, and Juan has already walked by the study twice. Since you do not want to tell Rufus the real reason for our visit, I am giving you one." His voice was low as he spoke. "I have business coming up in San Diego and your father could be helpful. Priscilla brought me over to get a letter of introduction to him."
Jarrod had noted the second time Juan had walked by the room; Rufus would want to know why the Barkley's were there, and what Phoebe was writing. The story was plausible, and if Rufus did ask him about the trip, he could always say the matter had fallen through.
Once he had the second envelope, goodbyes were said, and Phoebe escorted them into the front hall. She hugged Priscilla and promised to come over next week to visit. He waited to say anything until they were at the end of the Morton driveway.
"I think this might do the trick. Thank you for taking me." Jarrod turned to Priscilla and saw that she was biting her lip. She was staring off into space, and he started to worry that she was not doing well. When he asked though, her reply to him off guard.
"Does Rufus have Juan spying on Phoebe?" There was concern in her voice as she asked the question. Jarrod sighed ruefully, understanding how his comments had sounded. She would be very upset for her friend if that was the situation.
"No, I do not believe that Juan is spying on Phoebe. What I meant to infer is that Rufus likes to know what is going on at all times, whether it is his ranch or town." Jarrod replied with a smile; Priscilla had worked for Rufus and now sat with him on the school board. She had commented before that the man could not leave anything alone.
"Oh, I see. That makes me feel better." She relaxed her hands that had been gripping the parasol's handle. "I know that Rufus likes Phoebe a great deal, so I was taken aback at your comment." Priscilla added as an explanation. The rest of the drive back home was spent talking about anything besides Heath.
