Chapter Eleven
Jarrod woke up and stretched in the bedroom he kept off his office.
He had bought part of a storefront last year that went up for sale. He remodeled the back into a private bedroom, kitchen and sitting area for himself straight from his office. It had become impossible to get a room on short notice anymore at the hotel and his back ached from the settee. Originally he leased the front space to a draftsman that used the natural light for drawing up home plans and businesses. He had been widowed and moved back east with his child. The space was open for rent now.
He smiled as the sun slipped in between the curtains.
The warmth of Davina's kisses came quickly to mind.
They had finally put the unpleasantness of the temperance conversation and her disappointment in Patrice and Nick behind them after two weeks; the casino proposal was sure to fail so that would no longer be a source of contention between them.
"I do admire a woman of convictions but a man's house is his castle. I am finally glad she understood that." He spoke to himself as he shaved in the mirror.
"It's going to be a good day."
—-&—
Davina lounged in her silk peignoir longer than usual. The warmth of Jarrod's kisses still filled her. He had asked her to meet him for a late lunch. Two dates in twenty four hours—-it was going well.
"Father was right. I was ready to break it off when I wrote to him after that dreadful talk in Jarrod's office. Liquor and gambling—but father convinced me to stay the course. I am glad I did. And then the embarrassment of Patrice kissing Nick on their first introduction. Then my friend had bragged on-and-on what a good kisser Nick was—. Mortified just mortified."
Dearest Davina….Your letter leaves me so distressed. I must post my response by rail immediately. Jarrod Barkley is a fine man, a man of substance and means. They are rare. He is financially secure for life and forbid I sound crass, that is important. I know that from integrity is known throughout the state. He will look after you well and is quite smitten with you if his behavior at our home was any indication. You must school your objections to his vices. They are few. He is not known for drunkenness or licentiousness or debt. Your dear departed mother and I had the same conflict as I now write this to you at this time. I liked my brandy and my cards. It pains me to reveal this to you now. Her sweet kisses and loving care in our marriage showed me the error of my ways. I like your Jarrod underestimated the prayers of a faithful wife, like scripture says to lead me to truth. Your mother never nagged or showed shrewish behavior. I came to the truth that way through her preacher. It shall be the same for you….Your loving Father
She adored her Father and took his advice to heart, "I can change Jarrod Barkley and lead him from sin—just as my dear mother did."
They dined at Como's and went to the hall for a chaperoned dance as usual. She wore a new pink dress and adorned herself in rose water and her mother's pearls for bravery.
Jarrod immediately noticed the difference in her countenance and appreciated the change of heart.
For the first time, she invited him inside her Aunt's sitting room in the sleeping house and closed the door.
She poured him a glass of wine and took a small one herself. She sat on the settee with him as only one light was lit in the room. She grazed his knee, smoothing her skirt.
Jarrod took the hint and kissed her several times lightly trying to gauge her experience. Her breath deepened with each kiss. He almost deepened the kiss but in case a servant came into the room, he did not want to compromise her.
He embraced her in between kisses and found himself content in her arms. He reluctantly said goodnight and whistled all the way back to his office.
—&—
"Mr. Barkley, your Mother and brother are here with guests."
"Send them in."
"What a surprise lovely lady—Nick? And who are our friends?" he said with cheer in his voice.
Victoria thought to herself that his mood had improved the past few weeks. He must have made up with Davina.
He bent down and smiled at Henry, "And who is this fine gentleman?"
Lisette smiled as he acknowledged the little boy. It had been rare over the years. Her father was the only one who showed the boy affection in between frittering away her and her mother's inheritance.
Nick introduced them all and he shook Henry's hand, "Pleased to meet you sir."
"Jarrod, would you have time this morning to visit with Lisette? She is in great need of an attorney before she begins her business in town." she said firmly.
He recognized the tone in his mother's voice and she rarely offered his services to visitors. It must be important.
"Of course. Esther, will you reschedule the probate clerk filing to this afternoon."
"Yes sir."
Nick volunteered "Mother, Miss Anna, Henry? Want to take a walk around Stockton? There is a horse auction in town young man and you were asking me the different kinds of horses you have read about. Now is the time to show you in person. After that I know the best place for penny candy and books—-sarsaparilla?"
"May I, Mother?"
She swallowed the lump in her throat, "Yes dear. Mind your elders," Lisette handed Anna some money.
"Nope, this is on Nick Barkley. A welcome to Stockton."
"Yippee!" he squealed in happiness.
"Anna?" Victoria smiled, taking the younger girl's arm, "The store next to the candy has a wonderful selection of fabric. But I guarantee you will love the horse auction first."
"I know I will." looking at Nick and Henry already heading for the door.
"Mrs. Taylor?" Jarrod interrupted her thoughts as she was so thankful for Nick Barkley and his family.
"I need to get my valise of papers from the rig."
Nick yelled back, "Nope, not on my watch. No lady carries her own bag in."
He helped his Mother and Anna into the Barkley rig. Henry climbed up front. Nick grabbed the bag and took it back to Lisette, "At your service."
Jarrod shook his head at his brother. He couldn't decide which lady had caught his fancy.
The barrister took the bag from Lisette, "I can't let my younger brother make me look bad."
They all laughed.
"Let us sit at the table and tell me about your business in Stockton." as he pulled out her chair.
Her laughter faded away and the hard look crossed her face again, "I need an attorney that is independent of my family and business. Someone who only looks out for Henry and my interests. It is a long time coming, Mr. Barkley—- and your Mother has brought me to your door. Let's talk. Attorney-client privilege of course. Precursory to our mutual opinion of each other. I will need you to sign a non-disclosure and I will pay a retainer for today's appointment."
He frowned, uncomfortable at her request, "I assure you I take my ethical obligations seriously."
"I believe that or I would not be here. But you have to understand, I am a woman that has been betrayed in every area of my life including the legal system. I shan't be taken advantage of again."
And two hours later, the door was still closed.