Chapter Ninety Six
Nick knocked on Anna's door, "Ya ready?"
She opened the door in her riding gauchos and a new cowboy hat tied behind at her neck. Her cheeks were pink with excitement.
He had whispered after the reception, "Wear your riding clothes, your hair down and the new hat I had Rosa leave on the bed."
She looked at him with amusement, "Husband, you are a man of many surprises. Hair down? That's not proper for a married woman."
"I am not aiming for proper and I want to see your hair in the wind."
"My trousseau?"
"Ciego will send it to the train station. Pack light for a camping trip tonight. Saddle bag. Need an hour?"
She winked with wide eyes and an impish smile, "Thirty minutes."
He groaned at the implication, "Damn I am a lucky man."
Her sister came down the hall and heard his exchange, "Yes you are. "
They laughed and she helped Anna out of the old-fashioned wedding gown.
"Did you know we aren't going on the train?" she asked Amelia.
"Yes. I can keep secrets but you still are going on a trip. Not just tonight."
"Tell me."
"Nope. He bought you a new riding hat."
Anna tried it on in the full length mirror in her pantaloons and undergarments.
Amelia could not help but think Nick would be well pleased with her little sister. She broached the conversation, "I know we have talked before but since Mother isn't here—-do you have any questions?"
Anna immediately blushed and was relieved at the same time. She had wanted a moment to ask her older sister, married three years.
"Yes," and she whispered several questions.
Amelia answered them honestly and with propriety,
"Anna, trust him. He loves you—-everyone can see it in his eyes. He's older. He will take his time. He has waited a long time to find you."
"But I know he—what if I disappoint him? I uh, uh." and she,as if she were going to cry.
Amelia put her arm around her younger sister, reminded of how young she really was—-"You won't. Just be yourself Anna and enjoy your husband. Did you do what I told you to do the other night?"
"Yes ma'am. I have read the Song of Solomon, actually four nights in a row."
Amelia chucked, "Then you know God's plan—-Enjoy him and let him teach you. Ask him what pleases him?
"I will try." and she finished up dressing while Amelia packed the saddle bag. She put several more items in the small traveling trunk and closed it.
"I am going to miss you, sister."
"Me, too but we will write—and Nick is bringing you back east before we know it."
They cried and held each other quite a while until they heard spurs in the hall.
Anna joined Nick at the door and he took her saddlebag.
Amelia kissed her on the cheek one more time and followed them downstairs. The whole family was waiting and greeted them with congratulations and claps. After the final hugs with her brothers and children again, Nick took her arm to the corral.
—&—
"Where is the rig?" she asked, looking around.
"Nope. I have a wedding gift for you."
"You gave me the lovely pearls at the rehearsal. And of course my frog," jingling her charm bracelet.
"Close your eyes and turn around."
He brought a beautiful blue roan Appaloosa with a new black saddle and reins.
"Oh Nick, she's beautiful." and she flew into his arms.
"How's that for a thank you. I wanted you to have your own horse."
"Oh Nick—this is the best day of my life."
He pulled her tight and kissed the top of her head, "And it ain't over yet."
Anna giggled and rubbed his back with the tips of her fingers. The horse neighed and startled them.
"Well I think that means to get on our way."
"Smart horse."
—-&—
The ladies finished cleaning up the wedding items and sending Anna's trunk to the train station. They ate a light lunch and the Devereaux's said their goodbyes. They were headed to San Francisco and Monterey for two weeks before returning home to Massachusetts.
Nate and Alice arrived from town.
Jarrod was expecting them, "I will tell Lissy you are here."
Alice accepted the kiss on the cheek by Jarrod, "I would love to visit with the lovely Grete. I am very curious about her baking skills. Haven't seen them since my grandmother. And your lovely Mother."
"I will let them know, my dear Alice."
Nate went into the paneled Barkley study. He patted the fine leather valise with the paperwork. He chuckled at Victoria's hidden involvement in this complicated legal maneuver they were getting ready to discuss. He hoped he wouldn't have to use it but it might tip the case for Paul Franklin. He had no compunction for using it against the man. Jarrod Barkley deserved all the happiness in the world in his opinion.
With Alice in the parlor with his Mother and Grete, Jarrod brought Lisette on his arm. He stopped at the closed door to the study.
He tipped her chin upwards, "We are going to be married. We will get this past us and run the finest hotel in town. And lots of little Barkleys running around that pond and fountain." and he kissed her.
She smiled, "I trust you. And I too, look forward to that day."
He opened the door and they walked in, to a standing Nate looking outside.
"Lisette, the ranch suits you. You look lovely my dear." Nate squeezed her hand.
"Thank you, Nate. I feel very at home here."
Jarrod poured them all a drink as they sat down on the sofa.
"Paul Franklin is due in Modesto in a week for Buck Turner's probate hearing. Our friends, the federal marshals helped us get him back from the east coast. He is going to be in for a big surprise."
Lisette's eyes grew wide and Jarrod watched her reaction.
"Nate?"
"We have a case for the divorce all lined out. I would like to go over all the plans and the counter plans we have derived. I hope we have covered all his legal escape routes. He in my humble opinion is likely to sign the divorce agreement and we may be able to have it done within three months. I have a judge already in line to sign it."
She swallowed, "I am afraid to get my hopes up."
"Lisette," Jarrod took her hand, "It will be compromising some things."
She looked at them, "The incest?"
Jarrod immediately jumped in, "That is our last weapon."
"Then what?"
"Letting him take ownership of Modesto, as a partner of Buck's."
She sucked in air, "I can do that."
"He won't be able to keep it in that town." Nate commented.
"He will have to litigate it. With creditors we will inform his whereabouts to—"
"Ok, I trust you both."
And Nate thought again about Victoria's offer. "My Ace in the hole."