Chapter Forty Five
The mayor wrote Buck a note: I told them we were out of the deal. Still looking for the lady. The rest of us don't want anything to do with this.
His livery man rode out to Buck's ranch and left it with his housekeeper. She knew exactly where her boss was. She waited until the livery man was gone; she took the long path down to the cottage. She rapped on the door and the guard opened it.
"It's your woman." he called out.
She frowned at him, "Aren't you forward?"
"Truth ain't it "
Buck came into the room from his bedroom.
"Shhhhhh, remember not to say names." he whispered in her ear.
She nodded and let him feel through her dress. She had been with Buck years before his first wife died. It was to her that he came for his needs and to talk at night.
She handed him the mayor's note.
He whispered in her ear, "Tell Roy to send four men at daybreak."
"How's your mother?" She whispered back.
"Sleeps most of the time. Doesn't know who we are."
"I am sorry Buck."
"The end comes for us all but I would rather take a bullet than lie in a bed for months."
"I know my love" she whispered back.
"Let's have some quiet time, you and me. Out in the corral."
"Of course."
—&—-
Buck took his pleasure from his housekeeper and sent her back to the big house.
"Be careful that you aren't followed."
"I was and I will be." as she adjusted her skirts.
He walked back inside and motioned to the guard who was in Lisette's room taunting and leering at her.
He closed her door behind him and made sure his mother's door was closed too.
"Give her some more of that rag. Knock her out. I will help you take her to that prospectors cabin at the old mine in Merced county. It's time to move her."
"Yes sir,"
"And don't take any liberties, do you hear me? She's valuable to me."
He looked disappointed but said "yes sir."
The guard used more of the Chinese liquid on the rag and held it over Lisette's nose until she quit fighting. Buck made sure she was unconscious and they loaded her up and covered her with a blanket.
They carried her in and tied her to a cot.
"See you in the morning. Leaving you the wagon and your horse."
"Yes sir."
—&—-
Jarrod and Macklin waited all night and day for something to happen. It didn't so they decided to head back to Stockton.
"I guess you were right. We need to get back to the ranch. They boarded their horses on the drover car and rode back silently in the first class section.
They walked into the mansion, "Jarrod, you are just in time. Nick just woke up and said Anna. Clear as day."
Jarrod gave her a grin under his full beard, "That's the best news I have heard in days. I need to clean up and I will stop by to see him."
Audra escorted Macklin to a guest room. Henry ran down the stairs and almost knocked Jarrod over.
"I am so glad you are home. Where is my mother? You found her, didn't you?"
Jarrod felt tears stinging at his eyes, "No son but I won't quit trying. I promise. I just need more time. I came home to think and make a new plan.."
"You promised!" he yelled out.
"And I keep my promises, Henry. I am looking day and night." holding Henry tight.
The boy slumped, "I miss her."
"I do too."
He picked him up and carried him upstairs. Henry burrowed down on his shoulder and Jarrod could hear the soft sobs of the eight year old. He patted him on the back and took him to his room.
Henry silently sat on Jarrod's four poster bed as he took off his soiled clothes and drew a bath.
"Mista Jarrod, can you keep the beard? I like it."
Jarrod sadly smiled, "Of course—-son. And there's something else I have been meaning to ask you. My brother Nick calls me Pappy. Been doing that for years. Would you like to?"
"I would like to have a Pappy. Yes sir."
"Then Pappy it is."
—&—
Anna sat by Nick's bed day and night since she returned. Victoria and Audra would take turns so she could nap or eat but she rarely could stay away long.
"Annie?" his hoarse voice broke her reverie or prayers and dozing.
"Nick?" she smiled.
He opened and closed his eyes trying to focus, "Water?"
"Of course."
She gave him several sips of water.
"How long been here?" he asked.
"A week today. You were shot and left in the trees."
"Four men. Came up on them in the pasture—-they knew my name. Never saw them before." he whispered between sips of water.
"Yes. Three of them are dead. Jarrod and Mr Macklin are out searching for the fourth man."
"Macklin? That louse? Why is he here?"
Anna didn't know how to answer, "Jarrod asked him to come help in the search."
"Confounds me. Macklin?"
"Yes dear," and she went to change the subject
"Let me get your family. They have been here the whole time."
"Wait a minute. Annie?"
"Yes Nick."
"I love you. When I am outta this bed, gonna make us official iff'n you will still have me." he rasped.
"Of course, Nicholas. I gave you my heart I think as far back as the first time we met on the train. I shall be the best wife I can to you—-I love thee too."
Nick took another sip of water and grabbed her hand. His voice strengthened and he began to quote the poem they memorized together in the past few weeks. Her voice and his mirrored the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
One of her surprises getting to know Nick Barkley was his love for literature and poetry. He had read everything she had in college and much more. His quick memory served him well as he crooned words of love over her.
"Been dreaming of speaking this over you again-" he coughed and swallowed deeply. He begin to speak out of sheer will.
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death."
Victoria heard their words and stood at the door not wanting to interrupt such a sacred moment. Tears poured down her face in gratitude that Nick had found love and this one was worthy of his big heart.
—-&—