Nick's Little Girl

Chapters 10-17

by Cattis

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

Chapter ten

Heath found Nick sitting on a tree trunk with his back leaning against a tree. He was facing the sunset but his eyes weren’t really watching. Heath got up to him and sat down. He knew from his appearance that his brother was unsettled over something and if he waited long enough Nick would tell him. When the sun had been over the horizon for some time Nick stood up and walked over to his horse. Surprised his brother followed him, studying him carefully since this was not the behaviour he was used to.

"Nick, you haven’t said a word for hours, what’s eating you?" Heath got hold of the snaffle and stopped Nick from leaving.

"Nothing."

"Doesn’t look like nothing to me. Come on, can’t help you if you won’t say."

"Why do you think I want help?"

"Nick, look I know you well by now and you are this quiet when you are either very angry, upset or something is wrong. Besides you are the one always telling me that brothers are supposed to be there for one another. Come on." He looked up to the man on the horse.

"No Heath, I don’t want to talk about it since there is nothing wrong. All I wanted was to spend some time watching the sun."

"If it’s something wrong with Emily I sure hope you tell us because we all love that girl."

Heath let go and walked over to Charger. When he turned around the horse he could only see the back of his brother. "Well, friend, I guess we should have a talk with the councillor and see if he can break through that stone wall because something sure is wrong." Slowly Heath rode home for breakfast thinking what could have caused the dull mood his big brother was in. When he got home he noticed that Nick still hadn’t arrived and he sighed. He definitely needed to talk to Jarrod.

"Good morning." Megan limped into the dining room where Jarrod and Victoria were sitting.

"Besides having a little trouble walking, you seem to be in a good mood. What happened to your foot?" Jarrod looked up from behind the newspaper.

"Oh, I think our Megan is just happy that she is allowed outside from today, right?"

"Yes." She smiled. "My foot, I just strained it a little yesterday, missed a step in the ladder. How far is it to Stockton?"

"It’s too far for you to walk. I can give you a lift and then you can just hire a buggy and driver at the livery to drive you home when you are done. I’ll be leaving in 20 minutes if that’s fine with you."

"It is." Emily came running into the room and climbed up into her chair.

"I look for Daddy, he not there. Made bed already." She looked over what they were eating and smiled towards her aunt. "Can I have eggie please? I like Mr Silas’s eggie." Megan took the plate and put some scramble eggs on and was about to take a piece of bacon. "No, just eggie."

With a lifted brow Megan put the plate down.

"Anything for your cup?"

"Milk … and tea." Emily took the spoon and used her fingers to push the eggs on it.

"Emily, did you say your father has already made his bed?" Victoria looked over to Jarrod.

"Hmmmm." The girl nodded as she knew she wasn’t allowed to talk when her mouth was full so when she had swallowed she continued. "Made bed already. Perhaps Mr Silas did early?" During the time she had been there she had helped Silas everyday to make the beds. Megan looked at the two adults at the table.

"Something wrong?"

"I don’t think Nick has made his bed for years. I suspect he hasn’t slept in it."

"Daddy have bottle on table too. Mr Silas forgot them."

"Silas forgot?" Megan looked at her niece.

"Megan it’s not as surprising as it might sound. Silas has always kept Nick’s room tidy and in place. Emily has been with him in the mornings to know the routine. It does bother me that he apparently has spent the night up and been drinking alone, not like him at all. "Good morning dear." Victoria smiled to Heath.

"Morning. I’m sure he is alright Mother, just has something on his mind. I’m sure it’s one of those girls you mentioned"

"I’m sure you are right. With three new ladies in town for the holidays he has to work out a plan to see them before they meet the two of you." Victoria smiled happy that the mystery was solved and she continued her breakfast missing the look between the brothers, something Megan did notice but didn’t say.

"Auntie Eggan, more please."

"Are you sure you don’t want anything else? You might turn into an egg if you eat too much."

"Then you pick me. Thank you."

"Scrambled eggs and pancakes. She doesn’t want anything else if she has a choice. Either your sister was a bad cook..."

"I assure you Victoria, Cathy knew how to cook but I also know that eggs and milk are expensive if you are poor and don’t have a hen and a cow and these dishes are like big treats. Emily has never had these more than perhaps once or twice a year before she arrived here. To be able to get them every day is like coming to heaven. Cathy used to write about the food she managed to do in Sparks so if I was in Emily’s place I think I too would want just those two dishes. And even if my sister had a chance to get a hen she never would since birds scared her. Now excuse me, I need to get ready so Jarrod doesn’t leave without me."

Megan stood up. How on earth could she explain to Victoria how it was to survive on just potatoes and the odd fish if you didn’t want to raid the dustbins outside the restaurants or wealthy people’s homes?

Just as Megan came down the staircase Silas was opening the door for someone. As Jarrod and Heath came into the foyer the sheriff stepped inside.

"Fred, what can we do for you?"

"I’m afraid I have got some bad news. Your client escaped jail earlier this morning and I have a posse out looking for him. Would be happy if you would accompany us in the search since you might help to get him back to Stockton alive."

"Why do you think so?"

"You have done it before and he has only wanted to talk to you during the time he spent in my custody."

"Ok, we will both came along."

"Good, Nick is already in the other one heading for the mountains."

"Jarrod, I’ll get the horses, you see to our rifles and ammunition. Be careful today Megan. That man is dangerous."

"What the sheriff?"

"No, my client. I’m sorry dear. Stockton will have to wait until tomorrow."

Megan watched the brothers leave in different directions before she sat down on the stair wondering how she would now get into town. Silas came up to her.

"Perhaps one of the hands can give you a ride if you ask them."

"Or I could walk."

"You have a bad ankle and have just been ill. Mr Nick will be mighty angry with you."

"He’s Em’s father, not mine. I’ll go out and see if anyone will help me into town because I really have to go there."

"Know what. I need to get some supplies for both Christmas and the party. If you wait an hour I can go today instead of tomorrow. Just wait."

Megan sat thinking as two small arms circled around her neck. Emily kissed her cheek and moved to her lap.

"You nice. Where you go?"

"I was going into town because I have some things I must do but it seems that I might not be able to get a lift. Now I’m waiting for Silas. What are you going to do today?"

"Ande, Anna and Elma come to play. We be in my room. Now come outside with me. I show you animals."

"Alright. Let me go upstairs with my purse and then I’ll follow you."

"Miss Megan." Silas came from the kitchen. "I can’t go in for supplies today, I forgot that I’m picking up the little one’s friends today. I’m truly sorry."

"It’s alright. When Em is showing me the animals I’ll ask Mr Duke if he is available."

"At least let me take your hat and purse to your room Miss so you don’t waste any more time."

"Thank you, Silas." Megan gently lifted off her hat and put her purse in it and gave her things to the man standing next to her. When she came outside the front door Emily was talking to her uncles wanting to come with them on the horse so she walked up to them.

"Come Em, show me the animals around here. You told me about some hens, lets start there."

Emily took her hand and pulled her down to the henhouse, forgetting in a second that she wanted to ride with Heath. The brothers watched them disappear around the corner.

"Heath, while we catch up with Fred and his men, tell me what you know about Nick’s behaviour last night. I don’t believe at all the tale about the ladies." He pressed his horse forward followed by Heath.

"I don’t think that either but I don’t know what is bothering him. He was sober so he can’t have had much to drink either, I can tell you that but besides that I don’t know. I think it has to do with Megan and Mother’s way of treating her. I think he wanted her at the party, instead she is babysitting Em and you got them a hotel room to add to the effect."

"Gee, didn’t think that far and I’m supposed to be the one with brains. Serious?"

"No, I think it is as Mother says. She is family and he wants her to be treated that way too, not as a maid."

The brothers hurried to catch up the posse, both lost in their own thoughts of how to sort the situation at home.

"Look, Auntie Eggan. Lots of birds, give egg. Em help Mr Silas pick every day. He make pancake some day, cake some day and eggie every day." Megan watched the hens walk around in their surroundings, picking seeds as they passed them. The rooster came towards them in haste, ready to protect his ladies. Megan who had the same experience as her sister might not have been as scared as she had been, but she did feel very insecure and backed off.

"He not bad, he just think he biggest but Em is bigger." The girl walked to the big bird and pattered him on the head. "See, he nice."

"Em what else is there to see." Megan felt she wanted to get away from the hens and that large rooster. Duke came around the corner and saw her and Emily and smiled.

"Morning, Miss Adams. Nice to see you outside. Is she showing you around? One could think she had been living here all her life, totally unafraid of the animals but she does listen when you tell her not to go inside to some like the young bulls. Prince Oxford is alright."

"Hallo, Mr MacCall. She is much braver than me and my sister put together." Megan smiled. "Sir, are you going into Stockton today. Mr Jarrod had to go with the sheriff.

"I’m afraid I’m not. I’m heading the opposite way otherwise I could have given you a lift and the men have already left for their duties so I have no one here that can help you. I’m truly sorry."

"I guess it will just have to wait until tomorrow then. Em, come lets continue. Mr MacCall did

mentioned a bull. I have never seen one before." Emily came running but stopped to pick up a stone which she gave to her Aunt.

"Yes you have. Uncle Arrad say Daddy is like bull." Duke quickly left before he burst out laughing. Megan tried to keep her own face straight.

"Well, then I must see this Prince Oxford or was it Cambridge?" Megan hadn’t put the name totally on her mind but she remembered it was one of the universities at home. Emily pulled her down to his pasture.

"Prince Oxford. See he big"

"Oh my Emily. He is not big he is huge. And you are sure he is kind to us?"

"He is." She walked inside to him and stroked the animal’s muzzle. The bull licked the girl in her face and Emily giggled. "Now go to horses. Daddy teach me to ride."

The couple walked around visiting all the animals. Megan was surprised to see how this girl who in her first three years never had, for what she knew, any contact with farm animals now walked around as if she had been living here all her life. She was also impressed over the range of animals that were on the ranch and she understood that there would never be a shortage of food or something missing. As they got back to the house Victoria was waiting for them.

"Emily, you better get ready if you are going with Silas to pick up your friends. I’m going to visit some friends this afternoon Megan, will you stay home and watch the children?" Megan felt she had no choice since she couldn’t get into Stockton.

"Alright." She went upstairs to change.

The afternoon was spent with the children indoors since it started to rain. Megan built them a hut with the help of a table and then they played shop with Megan as a shop owner. After dinner Silas drove the children back to the Swedish community. Emily hugged them all before Silas lifted her up again and took her home.

"Mr Silas, Em like them."

"I know you do. Did you have fun?"

"Yes, Daddy come home before bed?"

"I don’t know little one. Sometimes these pursuits go on for days. We will have to see. Your Aunt Megan can put you to bed if your grandmother isn’t home."

"Auntie Eggan, I like her too. She tell me story." Silas smiled and stroked her head.

Megan stopped at the sign and felt such relief. Never in her life could she imagine that this short distance would take so long to walk and feel so long and scary. She knew that when she was going home again she was spending money on a buggy. She wiped the dirt off her feet and put her shoes back on again. Giving the town sign a pat she straightened her back and walked into the town she had so longed to go to. When she reached the centre she looked around and decided that she should start with the bank and she walked towards it, only stopping to peek in the shop windows that she passed. It sure was different from London and from the other American towns she had been to. How Sparks was she couldn’t really say but she got a feeling it was even smaller that Stockton. As she entered the bank she wondered who she should talk to. At home she was used to the clerks all having different responsibilities but here it looked like everybody lined up in the same line so she did the same. As it became her turn she smiled to the young man on the other side and explained her business. As he couldn’t help her he went and fetched his boss, Mr Tanner.

"This way Miss Adams." Mr Marcus Tanner watched the well dressed British woman enter the room he directed her to. He remembered slightly the monologue that his wife had with him after Victoria had left them the other evening. "Please have a seat. My clerk told me you wanted to open an account in the bank and have the money you have in London transferred here, am I right?"

"Yes, Mr Terrance at my bank in London told me that was the way it had to be done, he couldn’t arrange it from London. I have all the necessary papers with me and a letter from Mr Terrance." She handed him the documents and watched him read them.

"This shouldn’t be any problems Miss but it will take some time before we have the money here. If you wait here I’ll have Mr Baker open an account for you while we discuss the details of the transmission." He left and she sat watching the painting of a president for what she could see. As she was sitting there a young lady brought in a tray with coffee cups.

"Mr Tanner told me to bring it in here while you were waiting." She started to place the cups and Megan didn’t feel like she could tell the young girl that she didn’t drink coffee.

"Miss Mandrill, thank you." Mr Tanner came into the room with some papers. "Miss Adams, I have got the clerk to arrange the account, now we need to arrange a wire to your bank in London. Do you have an address while you are in Stockton?"

"Right now I’m staying with my niece and her family so I gather it’s best to use their address. Perhaps when I get something for myself I can come in and notify you?"

"Of course." Marcus Tanner was impressed by the woman opposite him. Not only did she dress better than most women he knew, including the once close to him, she had better manners too. He felt it was going to be a delightful experience doing business with this young lady. He wasn’t sure what the rate for pounds was against dollars but still the amount she had on her account in London was impressive. Little did he know that Megan had saved every penny she had managed since she was fifteen and that Mrs Capenwick had paid her a good fee when she left her. The old woman had been a tough lady to be with but Megan had been the first to stay so long and leave not because of the lady herself but for family reasons. Mrs Capenwick had been impressed and given Megan two and half years income as a bonus.

"Mr Tanner, if I wish to find a place to start a business where shall I look?"

"I suppose it depends on what kind of business it is Miss Adams." Megan blushed as she realised what he thought she was thinking of.

"Mr Tanner, I assure you that I’m a decent woman and have no intention of selling myself. If so I could have stayed in London."

"I’m sorry Miss Adams. I know that next to the General Store in Main Street there is a shop for sale." He felt ashamed of even thinking in those terms but the money and what his wife had hinted had mislead him. There was a knock on the door and one of the clerks came in with a small blue book and some papers that needed to be signed.

"There Miss Adams, now you have an account in Stockton Savings and Loan Society. Now will you accompany me to the telegraph office and we will see that the wire to your bank in England is on it’s way." Megan stood up and followed him to the office just across the street. After the clerk had given them the receipt over what he had sent, Megan and Mr Tanner agreed that the bank would send a notice to her when they got a reply from London. They bade their farewells and he went back to the bank. Megan stood wondering where to go now.

She stood turning looking at both sides before she saw the sign of a coffee house. She walked over to see if they even served tea. In the window there was a small sign saying that the coffee house needed a new baker. Since another sign said they served tea she walked inside and asked to see the owner about the job. Mrs Woods came out from a room behind and after Megan had explained why she was there she was shown to an office.

"Well, Miss Adams, why do you think you would be suitable for the job?" Mrs Vera Woods was a steady woman who had worked all her life and raised five children. She had had the coffee house for ten years but was starting to feel the early mornings and had decided to get some help. She had already had seven people asking for the job, none had matched her wishes.

"Mrs Woods, I may not have worked in a bakery before but for ten years I made chocolate and candy. I started from the floor and when Mrs Smittens sold the business I was offered the chance to buy it but couldn’t come up with the money fast enough. The day after it was sold my loan was accepted, the clerk handling it had turned ill and everything had been left on his desk. I got myself another job instead of staying. I’m used to working hard and to early hours. I was planning to start a shop here but working for you would give me a chance to decide where it’s best to place it instead of jumping to the first best choice."

"Let me see your hands, Child because your outfit sure doesn’t give me the impression of a working girl." Megan reached her hands forward. She knew that they bore traces and scars of hard work. Vera turned them around. "Where are you staying now?"

"At the Barkley ranch."

"Huh?"

"My niece is the daughter of Mr Nick Barkley and he invited me to stay. I have planned to find something in Stockton today since I think it’s the best for my niece. I’m a reminder of her mother and I want her to settle down where she is now but I don’t want to be too far away. Don’t want to lose contact."

"Barkley’s are powerful and important in this town. How will they react to you working here?"

"I don’t know but I’m not staying with them and work as a maid. I’m sure they will understand besides they are not my family, just my niece. If I hadn’t arrived in Sparks as I did we would never have met and if I had arrived as planned, well then Emily wouldn’t be with them. Mrs Woods, why don’t you give me a month to show you my capacity? I can work for breakfast and lunch, depending on if I can find a cheap room some where close. It’s a bit too long to walk from the ranch every morning." Vera Woods stared at the girl and started to laugh.

"Walk, Child don’t say you walked from the ranch, it must be at least …well … a very long way."

"It took an hour and was very boring. I’m used to walk, it saves money."

"Lass, the job is yours. I’m British too but came to this country for … well … I must have been your age. I had just turned twenty and was newly wed to Mr Woods. And you will get paid properly and I have a small room that you either can rent or it can be a part of your pay"

"Mrs Woods, you flatter me but I’m ten years older than twenty. And I’ll accept the room and I don’t mind paying for it, just want to see it first before we settle the price. And my niece must be allowed to visit me in it."

"Of course, it’s your room and as long as it doesn’t disturb your work you can have anybody you want there. But I warn you young lady. I will not have any gossiping going around concerning my coffee shop."

"I’m not here to make a mess of myself Mrs Woods. You are the second person today thinking I would entertain the other sex for payment or joy."

"Sorry lass. Come let us go and have a look around the shop and at the room." They walked around the place and Megan’s skilled eye judged the bakery and saw that it was clean and well organised. The room that was offered wasn’t large but light and clean. It contained a large bed, bedside table, a table with three chairs and a desk. Behind a door were washing facilities.

"Mrs Woods, if it’s OK with you I would like to start to work in two days time so I have time to explain to Emily and get my things here. I would like to have a day off besides Sunday."

"It’s agreed. Now would you like some coffee?"

"No thank you but I plan to have a cup of tea in the shop. That way I can eavesdrop a little before everybody knows who I am." Again Mrs Woods let her body roar with laughter and she walked her new employee downstairs and served her herself.

Megan sat enjoying the tea when four girls came in. Megan had already realized that Mrs Woods must have worked hard and had customers that were better suited than most people from where she came from. The group of women sat down next to Megan and it didn’t take her long to realise that they must be the ones that got invited to the party yesterday. Megan nearly dropped her cup when she understood that they talked about her, Cathy and Emily.

"Imagine poor Nick being stuck with not just the child but her aunt too."

"And didn’t your mother say that Mrs Barkley had said that he felt responsible for her."

"Yes, Nick Barkley’s own charity case."

"Well, from what you have told me about Nick she must either be cheap or light on her foot. Or perhaps even both."

"But I did like the child. Her manners were perfect. She has been taught well. Even your mother thought so Heloise. I can understand that he wants to keep that angel."

"She is now, just wait until she is older."

"He can always send her off to a school in Boston and with no return ticket." Megan felt her anger rise and as she gathered her purse she stood up and turned to the group of women. She noticed in the corner of her eye that Mrs Woods watched her but for once Megan lost her temper.

"Ladies, if you are going to talk about someone I suggest you check so that person isn’t in the room. Oh, how rude of me, how are you to know that I’m the cheap and light footed slut from London who poor Mr Barkley is stuck with. Mind my words ladies, if anything happens to my niece I suggest you get a bodyguard and sleep with your eyes open because I won’t rest."

Megan turned and walked over to Mrs Woods. "I’m sorry Mrs Woods. I would have loved to work for you but I can understand that it can’t be done after this. Good day." Megan left the coffee shop before anyone had time to react. She had just reached the corner when she heard some one call her name and she stopped and turned.

"Eh, lass you do rush away don’t you. Hey, from what I heard I gather they spoke ill about you and your niece and lass you do have the right to defend your family. In fact if I still had been hesitating about you I would have been sure after that performance. Damn it girl, you’ve got what it takes. Now you go home and be with your niece and I’ll see you in a day or two." Vera hugged the girl and grinned at her before she turned and went back to the coffee house. She was sure she had found someone like herself and looked forward to work with the girl.

Megan walked back to the bank and left them her new address so that all notes would come to her and not the Barkley’s, then she went and did some shopping for Christmas and Emily. She realised she was going to miss waking up with her creeping down under her sheets but this was the best for right now. After a few hours shopping she went to Doctor Merar’s clinic.

"Well, Miss Adams. It nice to see you on your feet. What can I do for you?" Howard Merar smiled at the woman in front of him as he wondered where her escort was since she looked tired.

"I came to pay my bill."

"It has been taken care of already, dear."

"Then that somebody can have a credit deposed with you because I never let anyone else pay for me. How much do I owe you? I know you came out to the ranch for a least three times and then the medicine … "

"Young lady, you don’t need to pay because Nick Barkley has already done it. Save your money instead." Megan inhaled.

"Doctor Merar I have twice today been "accused" to be a woman of the night, I have been called cheap and light footed and Nick Barkley’s own charity case, I’m in no mood to discuss this. I gather the fee is about the same as in London which would make this enough." She opened her purse and took out a bill. Iva Merar had been watching and understood how the girl must feel and stepped in.

"Come dear, let us settle things and I’ll see to it that you get a receipt. The Barkley brothers are regular customers here so I’ll add the sum to their account and withdraw it the next time my husband visits the ranch." Fifteen minutes later Megan was heading back to the ranch with a hired buggy. She was tired and hoped nobody was home when she arrived, a hope that died the minute the buggy passed through the gates. Nick Barkley mounted his horse just as the buggy stopped. He was quickly back on the ground to help her down. His hand moved towards his wallet when a gaze from her stopped him and amazed he watched her pay for the drive. Shaking his head he helped her down and tipped his hat to the driver who hurried off back to town.

"Alright Megan. We have been worried about you and I was on the way to Stockton. May I at least carry some of your bags or are those also off limits?"

"I’m sorry Mr Barkley I have just had a horrible afternoon. Please take care of your horse instead, I just want to be alone for a while." Nick saw the tired eyes but also the tight mouth and backed off realising an argument was the last thing he wanted right now when both were tired.

"Only if you will come with me and Emily and watch the sun go to bed."

"What?"

"The sunset. I promised Em I would take her. It’s either that or a picnic tomorrow Miss Adams."

"I’d rather choose the picnic and go to bed now Mr Barkley."

"Your choice." He flung out his hands and backed as Megan gathered her bags. He stood watching her tired body enter the house before he mounted again and rode down to the barns. He wondered what on earth had happened since she had become so formal with him. Well at least he had a picnic to sort out and hopefully get a chance to talk about her plans. As he lifted off the saddle he hoped it wasn’t too late.

Father and daughter sat close together on a rock watching the sun get smaller and smaller in the horizon. He hadn’t seen Megan at dinner and when Emily had knocked on her door there hadn’t been an answer. Nick had told his daughter that her aunt had been very, very tired after being in town all day so she probably had fallen asleep. If he had looked up at her window when they had ridden out of the ranch he would have seen her tear-stained face.

"Daddy, tomorrow when we go picnic Auntie Eggan come too?" Emily looked up at Nick.

"She promised she would, Sweetheart. She was just very tired tonight."

"She get lost?"

"I don’t think so, I never asked. But she has been ill."

"Yes, she stay in bed long."

"Yes, and it takes time to be strong again."

"She miss Mummy."

"That too, Sweetheart." Nick pulled her closer. The purple sky was turning black and he knew that soon it would be pitch dark. "What do you say, shall we go home again? We can play with your animals before it’s time to sleep."

"Or shop?"

"Or shop but you will have to teach me because I don’t know that one."

"Auntie Eggan do. She play shop yesterday."

"Well, I’m a rancher and I don’t know." He stood up and carried her over to the horse and placed her in the saddle before he mounted. Emily held on and giggled as he spurred the horse forward.

Chapter eleven

Megan woke up feeling someone creep under her covers, someone with cold feet and she shivered. Pulling the blanket up a bit more she suddenly coughed and in a moment there was a tiny hand in her face.

"You hot. You sick again. I get Daddy." Emily quickly got out of the bed and ran towards the door.

"No, Em. I’m alright. Just very tired. No need to …" She stopped talking as she heard the door close and with a sigh she pulled herself up and out of bed. The room was really cold since nobody had lit the fire and the one that had been burning when she went to bed were long gone. Slowly she moved her body over to an armchair next to the hearth and tried to make a fire from there. Realizing that it was no use she lowered her body down on the floor and started to build a fire with the logs.


Nick was buttoning up his pants when the door opened and he quickly turned his back towards it. Just as he did the last one he felt Emily’s small arms around his leg.

"Daddy, Auntie Eggan hot again. She make cough too." Emily looked up at her father.

"Damn." Nick cursed low. He had guessed something like this would happen when he had seen her yesterday. "Well, then Em we better go and see about the patient don’t we?" He bent down and picked her up. "Where is this young lady’s slippers and dressing gown? It’s too cold on the floor Em for you to be running around only half dressed."

"I wasn’t going to. I was going to bed."

"You were? Have you been out all night? If so I’m going to lock you in." He poked her in her tummy and got her giggling. How he had got to love that sound.

"No I been in bed all night." Emily held out her arms to show him how long she had been in bed. When they got nearer Megan’s room Nick heard her cough and a sigh left him.

"Em what shall we do with your aunt?"

"Take her picnic?" With a smile Nick put Emily down.

"Sweetheart, go and get you slippers and gown." He watched her run of to her room as Heath came out of his room.

"Time to do the fire?"

"Nope, Megan is apparently ill again according to Em." He opened the door as Megan coughed again. Heath shook his head.

"See you in the barn later."

"Yep, I’ll just deal with this and then head for the bunkhouses." He walked inside and took in the fact that the woman wasn’t in her bed but by the hearth. He strode over. "Miss Adams, what shall I do with you?"

"Nothing." Her voice was hoarse. "I manage quite well on my own."

"If I weren’t a gentleman I’d put you over my knee and …" Her eyes narrowed as she took in the man standing in front of her with his hands on his hips.

"You just try." She tried to stand up but coming half way up she swayed. Nick quickly caught her hand with a few moves he was carrying her back to bed.

"Now you are staying and don’t you dare get up until you have learned to take care of yourself."

"Haven’t got time to stay here that long." She pulled the blanket up as Nick walked over to the hearth and finished Megan’s work and got the fire started. He came back to the bed as Emily came into the room and crawled up to her aunt. Nick sat down on the bed and stroked a lock away from Megan’s face.

"Alright, let’s make a deal. You stay in bed until the picnic this afternoon meaning breakfast and lunch in here. Emily can be with me or Silas today after breakfast so you will get plenty of rest."

"If I don’t?"

"Then you have to explain to a certain young lady why there isn’t any picnic." Megan’s eyes searched Nick’s.

"Just because I overdid things yesterday, don’t let it go out over her."

"Think it over Miss Adams." He stood and left the room.

"Your Daddy can make me so …" She didn’t get any further since Emily put her hand on her cheek.

"You sleep and we go picnic. I be good and play with animal while you sleep."

"You understand too much." They nuzzled together and soon both were back to sleep.

Nick walked straight to the bunkhouses to start the days work by telling the men what they had to do during the day. After everyone was on their way Duke came up to him.

"Woke on the wrong side son?"

"No, had to deal with a stubborn woman who doesn’t take care of herself. Duke, can you join Heath in the South Pasture. I have some things I need to sort out here and then I’ll get the supplies for the bunkhouses."

"Nick, that woman isn’t used to have someone worry about her. It’s probably as hard for her as it is for you. Morning Heath, seems you and I are tagging along today. Boss here has got some paper work to do."

"Yep, and wild cat to tame."

"Ha ha, very funny. Damn, now I got a headache." The cook came up with a cup of coffee.

"Here, boss. Might help"

"Thanks. I don’t know where you are starting but I’m getting the stock sorted."

"Horses are fed and groomed. Haven’t saddled since I didn’t know if I should." Heath walked over and got himself a cup too and joined his brother and Duke.

"Nick, what is it you want us to check at the pasture? I was there with a few of the hands just a few days ago."

"I talked to Gilligan yesterday. He has had several animals disappear. I want every one that we have to be counted, every fence checked. Anything that isn’t as it should be I want to know. We have a big trail in January and I want to be able to deliver what we promised."

"But what about the rest?"

"I talked to several ranch-owners yesterday after I found out what had happened and none of them has had any problems and also Gilligan said it was only his newest breed that were gone,
you know the red ones, the Herefords, we only have a few of them and they are all in the South."

"All marked, right?"

"Of cause." Nick massaged his temples. "See you later." He got up and left Heath and Duke to plan the day.

"How long you think it will take?"

"She’s family, nothing more."

"Huh, and how will you explain his behaviour yesterday when he found out that she must have walked to Stockton."

"You are right Duke, I don’t know. I only know that they been very good friends from the first moment."

"If Emily hadn’t been there, think they still be just friends?"

"I don’t know. Duke, you know how Nick is when he has set his heart on someone, he is more than hopeless, not to mention …"

"I know Heath, and this is different but then so is the whole situation. Come let’s get going."

Nick drove the buggy to a picnic place near one of the small lakes that was on the ranch. Emily sat on his lap holding the reins, pretending that it was she that was driving. Megan sat quietly beside them listening to Nick giving Emily instructions on where they were going so that she would get them there, studying the landscape as it passed by. This part was more beautiful than the road to Stockton. Now and then Nick’s smile gleamed at her, checking that the blanket was still over her legs. He wondered over the strength in this woman who’s health seemed so weak and he thought over what he had learned while he was in Stockton earlier.

"Megan, what do you think, perfect place for a picnic?" He nodded over to the lake side.

"Yes, it’s beautiful. Perhaps we can stop by the trees over there?"

"We will if our driver will take us there. Hear that Em, the group of trees." He gently steered the horse feeling Emily’s small pulls. "I think you are of the right material Miss Barkley, we are going to be able to make a horse- woman out of you. Now let’s stop." He pulled the reins and stepped on the brakes. After tying the reins he stepped out and lifted Emily down before giving Megan a hand. "Now on the way home Miss Adams, you drive." Megan shook her head. "Have to start sometime if you are going to live out here. One day the distance will be too long for you to walk."

"It fun, Auntie Eggan, I did it." Emily got hold of Megan’s skirt.

"I know you did, and when I get old you can drive me."

"Chicken." Nick took the blankets and basket they had with them and walked quickly to the soft green spot he had chosen for their picnic. After placing out the blankets he left the girls to unpack the basket while he tended to the horse, seeing that it got watered and then tied to a tree next to a spot with plenty of grass to munch on. With a last pat he walked back to the girls but before he reached them he stopped and studied the scene in front of him. The likeness between aunt and niece was stunning and you could easily have mistaken Em for Megan’s daughter. Emily ran up to her father when he didn’t come to them quickly enough.

"Daddy, come, Mr Silas make pancakes for Em." Nick grabbed her and flung her up in the air.

"You are one very spoiled child."

"You spoil." Nick rubbed his nose against hers before putting her down on the blanket. Megan smiled softly at father and daughter but her eyes weren’t really with it. Nick noticed it.

"Alright Megan?"

"Yes, just still tired but I have myself to blame." She handed him a plate. They had had another discussion just before lunch when she had sneaked out of bed and started to pack and Nick had walked in on her.

"Relax, Meg. Now what has Silas made for us or is the pancakes perhaps for me? He pretended to reach for them as Emily made a dive.

"Mine."

"I would say Mr Barkley, your daughter protects her food as she hasn’t seen pancakes for a very long time. I would go for the chicken instead, seems safest."

"Hmm, but I so did want pancakes too." He winked his eye as he grabbed a chicken leg. He held a plate so that Megan could serve him while he munched a little on the leg. "Thanks. Oh, my manners. Some wine Miss Adams?"

"Yes please." Emily held out her cup.

"Hmm, now since when is your name Miss Adams?"

"Please?" Emily tilted her head.

"Alright." He bent over and reached for a bottle. Megan was about to stop him when she saw that he pulled out the lemonade. "This is special wine for little girls. I would say another specialty of Silas. Now for the lemonade for Miss Adams." He poured a glass of red wine to Megan. "Here."

"Thanks."

Later Emily asked if she could play and with instructions to be careful and not go into the water she ran off. Nick sat watching Megan store away the leftovers before he leaned forward and stroked away a lock.

"What’s on your mind Meg?" Megan lifted her head and looked him in the eyes before turning her head away.

"I need to talk about something with you, I think."

"Does it have connections to what happened yesterday in Stockton?" Megan bit her lip and smiled at him before she nodded. "Will it be easier if I tell you that I was stopped several times today so that I could be told what an unusual woman you are."

"Sorry about that."

"Nothing to be sorry about, in fact I would say it’s something to be proud of." He was lying down on his side. "Can you see Em?"

"Yes, she is by the water." Nick nodded.

"I didn’t make things easier did I?"

"No, I … I … I just don’t know where to start."

"Mr Tanner told me that you were at the bank and that if he didn’t know anything else he would have thought you had the best education a woman could get. He was very impressed with you. Then there was Iva Merar. Now she told me that there were guts in you and that if I did anything to destroy that she would see to it that the next needles that sew me together would not be sharp! Now I don’t know why I got that speech from her but I did. When I did my last stop a Mrs Woods came up to me and I think she was about to smack me but stopped at the last minute. Anyway she announced that if I or any in the family hurt your feelings she wouldn’t do any business with us any more. I didn’t even know that we did."

"I’m sorry."

"For what?"

"For what they said to you. I was a little angry after I left the Coffee House and went to the clinic."
"Meg, start from the beginning please. Tell me why did you walk into town when you knew that …" He stopped at the sound that reached him. "Where is Em?"

"Nick what is it? Sounds like a rattle."

"It is. EM?" Nick stood up, slowly followed by Megan.

"Daddy lookie, funny thing." Emily bent down to pick something up. Both Nick and Megan reacted.

"EM DON’T TOUCH! RUN AWAY." Megan ran towards her niece as Nick shot the head of the snake just as it attacked the girl. Emily’s scream stilled the blood in Nick and it took a few seconds before he managed to run. When he reached Emily Megan was already holding her in her arms and Nick pulled both into his, holding them tight against his body. Suddenly Emily’s small fists hit his chest.

"You bad, you hurt him, you say sorry." Emily’s cheeks were striped by her tears. Nick stroked them away.

"Sweetheart, if I hadn’t shot him he would have bitten you and then we would have lost our Em."

"Emily listen, that was a bad animal, a dangerous animal. You do not touch snakes. If you Daddy hadn’t been so quick we would have to dig another hole next to your mother." Tears were running down Megan’s cheeks too and Nick pulled her even closer, giving her a gentle kiss on the head.

"Why don’t you get Em cleaned up while I get rid of the snake." He leaned his head against hers and felt her nod but none moved for the moment. After a while Emily started to move, wanting to get down. Megan walked with her to the lake and washed of the blood and snake tissue that was on the girl. She pulled the dress of letting Emily stand in her underwear. Nick took what was left of the snake and walked over to a bunch of stones. He studied the rattle and decided to keep it and with a skilled cut it came off. He took it over to the buggy and put it in a box before either girl saw it. He wasn’t sure if Megan would agree with him right now about drying it for Emily. Standing by the buggy he wondered about the feelings that went through his body when he watched the couple by the lake. He didn’t really know what to do so he went over and sat on the blanket waiting for them to come up to him. Emily ran and threw herself onto his lap while Megan slowly walked back to them. Nick let his eyes rest on the woman and when she got closer he reached out his hand and helped her down.

"Want to stay or shall we pack things together? We need to talk Meg."

"We do, I have to tell you some things but … as I said before I don’t know where to start."

"How about that you are leaving us?" Emily sat up.

"No, you stay."

"I’m just moving into Stockton, Emily. I got myself a room and a job. How do you know?"

"I met Mrs Woods and Mrs Merar remember?"

"I know I should have told you before."

"I just don’t understand why." Emily sat listening to them trying to handle the information that her aunt was leaving her.

"I can’t be living off you and your family Nick and I’d rather have a job that pays me some salary. Guess it’s just a habit."

"Meg, I understand that, and a lot more things than you know I do. I have seen and heard what has been going on and I was really upset when Mrs Merar told me …" He stopped thinking that perhaps this talk shouldn’t be done here with Em. "Meg, I told Mrs Woods that you weren’t well this morning and you don’t need to be there tomorrow morning. No you didn’t lose the job. We just agreed it was better if you got well first. She expects you in the bakery after New Year but the room is available before that. Why don’t we pack things together and you and I sit down after this young lady has gone to bed." Megan didn’t know what to think. Her boss had done some planning with Emily’s father about her Megan’s future even without asking her. She felt the anger rise and at the same time she felt humiliated. Without knowing it her fists had clenched and she bit her lip. Feeling that she wasn’t going to be able to handle herself she rose and left Nick and Emily on the blanket and she started to walk towards the ranch. Nick moved Emily out of his lap and headed after her.

"Megan, don’t be .."

"How dare you? How dare you get involved in my life? What gives you the right?" The tears were running down her cheeks and Nick pulled her into his arms as she started to hit him with her fists.
"Megan, I care so much about you, I promise I really do. I can’t stand seeing you ill again, I want you to get well and stalling your move and work-start seemed at the moment the best thing to do. Ouch. Take it easy. Megan. I don’t want you to leave and not just for Em’s sake but for pure selfish reasons too." He pulled her as close he could, feeling her body shake with anger and his shoulder getting wet from her tears. His hand stroked her hair and back trying to calm her. When he felt it was safe he loosened his grip and bent down and carried her back to the blanket where he sat with her while Emily sat next to her talking. Together father and daughter comforted Megan.

"Daddy, will Auntie Eggan stay?"

"I don’t think so Em, but perhaps she’ll want to move back with us one day. We just have to wait and see."

Chapter twelve

Duke volunteered to get the horse settled for the evening and buggy ready for use in the morning when the trio arrived at the ranch. He could see that something had happened but understood better than to ask. He watched Nick firmly hold Megan’s elbow while carrying an Emily in just her underwear. Heath saw them too and joined Duke by the horse.

"What happened?"

"Didn’t ask."

"Guess I need to have a talk with big brother later, just hope it will go better than last time. Come I’ll help you." He started to lead the horse to the barn where the men unhitched the animal from the buggy. While Heath got the horse into the barn Duke started with the buggy. Silas came up to him and got the basket and the young girl’s dress. The men looked at it, wondering how come it was spotted with blood. Duke told Silas that Emily had looked fine. Silas was still holding the dress when Duke found the rattle and he called for Heath.

"Heath, check this out. Emily’s dress blood strained and …" Heath caught the hem of the dress Silas was holding. "And then this rattle, not cut off too long ago judging by the end." Heath whistled.

"Must have been some beast. Ten rings." He took the rattle from Duke and held it up towards the sky.

"Been snake hunting, Little brother?" Jarrod walked in with Jingo.

"Nope, but my guess it that Nick has been. Duke found this in the buggy and have a look at Emily’s dress. And then add to the fact that Megan looked like she lost all blood and that all three were very stiff and quiet when they got home. Something happened out there today." Jarrod reached for the rattle.

"Ten rings? Long time since I saw such a magnificent rattle. Where is the rest of the snake? Why save the rattle?" He looked at the three men watching him. Silas folded the dress and shook his head and headed back to the house with it and the basket. Judging by the weight of the basket he knew it wasn’t in it and that was all he right now wanted to know. He also wanted to check on Megan, knowing that he probably would be the one that could get some answers from her. Duke took the rattle back from Jarrod as he scratched his head.

"This is my guess, and mind you it’s only a guess, Nick shot the snake so that it wouldn’t hurt Emily or Megan."

"My guess too but that doesn’t explain the blood on the dress. And why save the rattle?" Jarrod pushed his hat back.

"No need to keep on guessing, we have to ask Nick or perhaps Emily. I have a feeling she might be the one that will talk. Duke, is it possible to save the rattle somehow?"

"Sure and I guess that is why it’s here and not the rest of the snake. As you both said it must have been some creature. I’ll get to it as soon as the buggy is ready."

"Get started with it Duke so it doesn’t get destroyed. I’ll get one of the men to deal with the buggy and Ciego can deal with both Jingo and Morris so that Jarrod and I can talk to Nick before Mother gets home." After a few orders Heath caught up with Jarrod just as he stepped inside the house and they were met with Emily’s giggle and Nick’s chuckle from the upstairs.

Megan had gone straight to her room and closed the door as they got inside the house and Nick felt it was just best to leave her alone right now and instead he took Emily to the bathroom. While the warm water was filling the tub, bubbles starting to build up he undressed her and got his own shirt off. When there was enough water in it he lifted her up and put her down into the bath. Soon bubbles flew over the room and paper boats bobbed on the water while father and daughter played. Emily’s sheer joy over the bubbles made Nick laugh. They continued to play and to wash Emily as long as the water was warm enough. When it was time to get up Nick fetched the towel that he had hung over the hot water can and as the water ran out of the tub he wrapped her in it and lifted her up. A knock on the door caught their attention and Heath peeked in.

"Decent enough?" When he saw the young lady all wrapped up he came in and burst out laughing.

"Boy Howdy Big brother! You look like you been in the tub too." Nick was wet from top to bottom.

"I know, I need to get some dry clothes after I got this lady dressed in her nightie and dressing gown.

"No, don’t want to sleep. Too early."

"By the time you have had dinner and we read several of your stories it is time Em. Please Em no discussion tonight." He leaned his head against hers.

"But sleep mean Auntie Eggan go."

"We don’t know that yet Sweetheart but if you don’t sleep I can’t get a chance to talk to her."

"Yes, you do." Emily’s lip pushed forward.

"No I don’t. I want to have a grown up talk with her."

"You fight."

"No we don’t."

"Yes." Emily crossed her arms. She was not going to be put to bed. Heath stepped in.

"Sorry to interfere but what if I get this lady dressed, Uncle Jarrod can have a go at the bathroom and you Nick get dressed and sort out what ever has happened." Heath took Emily and left the bathroom. He could feel that something serious apparently had happened. Megan leave? "JARROD" Jarrod came up the stairs. "I told Nick you would get the bathroom ready while he got changed and had a talk with Megan."

"On my way. Hi young lady, had fun this afternoon?"

"Daddy bad, shot thing. Auntie Eggan cry and angry. They fight." The brothers looked at the girl and then over to Nick who leaned against the doorway.

"That’s one way of putting it." He sneered and left for his room.

"Well, I better get this room tidied up before Mother comes home, get this lady dressed and I’ll meet the both of you in the kitchen.

Megan crept up on the couch and stared into the fire that someone, probably Silas, had lit earlier to keep the damp from the room. She pulled up her knees to her stomach and wrapped her arms around them. She felt so lost and so empty. She had gone through so many emotions in so little time, fear when she saw the snake move his head towards Emily, warmth when Nick embraced them, anger and humility when she understood what Nick had done. She was so used to control her emotions, in fact that had been one reason for her survival and that she today was who she was. The other was being in control of her life and she felt that she had lost that too. Somebody else was deciding what was best for her, without even asking her. She didn’t have any tears left but still she cried. Silas walked into her room after a knock and went to the couch. Megan had heard someone enter and closed her eyes hoping whoever it was would think she was sleeping. She felt someone put a blanket over her and then more logs on the fire. She sensed that it was Silas but still couldn’t make herself open her eyes. After a few minutes he left her alone.

Jarrod passed Nick’s room on the way to the kitchen and decided to check in on his brother. He found him sitting in an armchair by the fire, still wearing his wet clothes and with a glass in his hand. He walked up to him and managed to take the glass from him and then went to get some dry clothes for him. Something was very wrong; his little brother looked like he had lost everything.

"Nick, what did happen?"

"Nothing worth talking about. I just got tired that’s all. I guess seeing to Emily made me forget how tired I really was." He stood and took the clothes from Jarrod and tried to walk past him. Jarrod got hold of his arm.

"Nick, I know you too well for you to lie to me. Heath and I have seen the rattle; Duke is seeing to it that it’s preserved since we figured that is why you saved it. I’ll ask you once more, what happened and don’t nothing me."

"Emily was about to pick up the snake, I shot it just as it attacked her. She got scared as Meg and I did. It took some time to calm her."

"Who Megan?"

"No Em. She had blood and meat over her dress and face."

"That explains that but what’s this about you and Megan fighting."

"Jarrod, I found out today that Mother said to Mrs Tanner that Megan is staying here just because …" He hesitated as he didn’t know how to put it. "Actually I met some people today who met Meg yesterday and they all had things to tell me that I didn’t know. Meg is upset because I arranged with Mrs Woods that she don’t need to start work tomorrow, that she can get well first."

"And that’s the only reason? What had Mother said to the Tanners and how did you find out?" Jarrod wasn’t going to let him slip away so easily.

"Know the girls Mother invited for the party? They gossip and apparently loudly without bothering to check if anyone is around them.

"And Megan found out what was being said about …" Jarrod felt like he was standing in a court room with a very stubborn witness.

"According to Iva Merar because I haven’t had a chance to talk with Meg about it, but according to her Meg apparently is my charity case, and that the only reason she is here is because I feel sorry for her." A gasp at the door made the brothers turn to the door seeing their Mother standing there holding her hand in front of her mouth. Nick sighed and said quietly to Jarrod. "I can’t handle Mother right now Jarrod, please?" Jarrod put his hand on his brother’s shoulder and turned to Victoria. Gently he forced her out of Nick’s room and down the stairs to the study without saying anything until he had closed the door.

"Mother, why? I thought you liked Megan. Just the other night you even said Nick could do worse and you spent quite some time with her getting the textiles ready for Emily’s room. Not to mention talking about Christmas and getting the preparations ready for the holiday."

"I didn’t think …"

"Maybe that’s the problem Mother. You visit the worst gossip in this Valley and you expect things you say to stay between the two of you? When she has Heloise at home, who is even worse than her Mother and has always been after Nick?" He passed the room in front of Victoria who sat on the edge of the settee. She didn’t really know what to say. She had been so taken by the beauty of the girls and the good backgrounds she hadn’t really thought of what she had said and now she didn’t remember what she had said but evidently it must have been something very bad. Nick was clearly upset over something and his look had been so hurt.

"Jarrod, I didn’t …"

"Mother, I’m honestly not interested it what happened just in solving this situation that has gone from being pretty good to worse. Here Heath and I have been betting on how long it would take those two to see what we have been noticing, even if he tried to tell us that they were only friends because she is Em’s aunt. Haven’t you noticed how much time Nick has spent with her and how he has cared about her? No wonder Megan didn’t want to have anything to do with the family yesterday when she got back from Stockton."

"She was tired because she has been ill."

"No Mother, she was upset but you are right, she wasn’t well either. Nick told me at lunch today that Megan had her fever and cough back. Still Mother what were you thinking of?"

"I only want the best for you boys, Jarrod."

"And what if Megan is the best for Nick?"

"Surely you are wrong? I mean she has nothing except what she has in that trunk and a blurry background. Georgina Ascot has money, very good background and style and I think she would be perfect for him."

"Mother, we are all old enough to find our own wives. We do not need any help from you; it’s not like this is the first time you’ve interfered. Now stay out of Nick’s way and let him make his own decisions. I don’t envy his situation right now. Megan is about to leave the ranch, which I guess you want but not Nick. The worse that can happen now is that Nick packs his things too Mother and leaves the valley with Megan and Emily."

"NO."

"Yes, Mother that might happen if you don’t leave them alone. Now I promised Heath I would join him and Emily in the kitchen. I don’t want you near Nick for a while." Jarrod went to the door and stopped. "And that goes for Emily and Megan too Mother. And to be honest I don’t think I want to talk to you anymore tonight either. As for the party on New Year you’d better get some more men." Victoria sat and watched him leave with horror in her eyes. Oh Lord what had she done?

Jarrod went straight to the kitchen where Silas and Heath were making tea for Emily who was telling them about the picnic and the snake. She waved her hand in the air to show how the snake had moved. Jarrod got Heath’s attention and pretending to get something in the cupboard, he went over to Jarrod who quickly told his brother what had happened.

"Boy Howdy, Jarrod. What can we do?"

"Right now, nothing, just keep Mother and Nick apart and give him time to sort things with Megan. Can’t say I blame her for reacting like she has, imagine Nick if someone came and suddenly took care of things for him."

"He would be a terror but I think he was just concerned about her and acted like he would with Audra or Mother, not thinking that Megan isn’t used to it. For them it would have been nothing. I think Mama would have reacted the same way as Megan."

"Think so?"

"Uncle Arrod. Finished bathroom?" Emily turned her green eyes to her uncle. He hadn’t heard her story.

"Yes, sweetheart I have and I did hear about your adventure today." The young girl’s confused eyes met his. "The snake. It must have been a big one?"

"It was this big." She held out her arms as Heath burst out laughing.

"You know young lady, you are telling this like your father tells his about the fish he catches, it grows for every new listener. Are you done? Now who shall read to you me or that man over there in corner?" He pointed to Jarrod.

"Daddy."

"Not an option. Me or uncle Jarrod?"

"Daddy." Emily’s lips started to tremble and the brothers looked at each other. Nick came down the stairs just as large tears started to fall down the child’s cheeks. "Daddy."

"Oh, what’s happening here? Finished Sweetheart?" When she nodded he lifted her up and with a smile towards Silas and his brothers started up the stairs again.

"Guess we’re not worth much when Daddy is home." Jarrod sank down on one of the chairs and took one of the sandwiches that were left. Silas poured him a cup of coffee and placed it in front of him.

"Dinner will be in an hour Mr Jarrod."

"Silas, it looks like it might just be the three of us. I think a tray for Nick and Megan is the best option right now."

"Problems, Mr Jarrod?"

"Yes, and I can’t solve them and feel so helpless. You know today I managed to keep a client from getting hanged and another got his rights to the earth he is living on but none of those cases can compare to ..."

"Don’t worry, big brother. You will see when things calm down they will sort out. We just have to see that they don’t do anything they will regret later."

"And how do you suggest we do that without getting killed in the process?"

Nick read for Emily for nearly 30 minutes before he told her that it was enough. She tried to prolong the moment by starting to tell him about the ranch and what she had done before the picnic, then there had to be a visit to the toilet. When Nick for the fifth time tucked her in his patience was about at it’s limit.

"Emily, that’s enough. You are going to be one sad girl if you try anything more, understood." Emily saw her father’s strained face and understood. He put Ollie in her arms and gently pushed the angel so that it flew and guarded over her. Before he left he gave her one last good night kiss. Leaving the door slightly opened he continued to Megan’s room. For a moment he stood there wondering what he should do, what he wanted to do. A gentle knock and he walked in. She was still lying on the couch by the fire that was slowly dying out. He went over and got it going again. Working with it gave him some more time to sort out the emotions he had within him before turning to the woman. He sat down on the floor next to her and gently touched her face.

"Meg, we need to talk and solve things. Pretending it’s not there won’t help us. Nether does running away." He pushed away some dark locks from her face before letting his finger run along her face. "I’m sorry for what Mother has done and even sorrier for you finding out the way you did. Then I wish you had told me yesterday so I didn’t need to find out through others either." He continued to caress her face. "What I did today I would have done if it had been Audra, Mother or Emily too. You are not going making things easy for me, are you?" He started to wonder if what he had felt today had been wrong but then the last weeks feelings of belonging would be wrong too. He leaned his head against hers. "You know, when Jarrod came home with Beth I asked him how he could be so sure that she was the one that he after less than a week could marry her he looked at me and said "I just knew here" and he pointed to his chest. When I saw you in the churchyard ..." The words just came to Nick and it hit him that they were true, he had just not thought of it before. "and then on the train ride. Girl, I could have taken you to the priest before we went here but all I could really think of was getting Cathy to her grave and get home to my little girl." He turned around and leaned his back against the couch and sighed. "I can understand that you want to leave after what happened but do you think it could be a new start for us, that Em and I can come and visit you and I can court you as you should be courted." When he still didn’t get any response he gave up and started to get ready to leave.

"Please don’t go." He turned to her.

"Then talk to me, I’m getting mighty tired of just hearing my voice and making a jerk out of myself."

"You are not."

"What?"

"Making a jerk out of yourself." She started to sit up as her cough started. Nick moved quickly and sat down next to her, stroking her back. "Sorry." She leaned against him and he gently moved so that she came lying with her head on his lap and he pulled up the blanket.

"Let me take care of you, Meg, let me be me and accept that I’m what I’m raised to be. I’m taught to treat a lady with respect and care for and look after my family, even if it means making decisions that are not popular. I can understand, even if I’m having problems with it,that you are so used to take care, to look after yourself that you take it as interfering. I’m not out to hurt you."

"I understand that Nick. There is more to it than that, I have been thinking while I have been in bed. For the first time in my life I have been treated as an equal, slept in a bed like that one." She pointed towards the bed. "Spent my own time in a room like this." She turned so that she faced him. "I brought up that people are different Nick, different not because of the colour of the skin as it seems here but depending on the background. If you are poor you are expected to serve the rich and live in certain places. When Cathy and I started to talk about America it was because we were getting told that here you were accepted because of who you are and if you work hard success will soon come. I’m not afraid of hard work, early mornings I just didn’t come here to be a servant, then I could have stayed with Mrs Capenwick."

"I don’t want you as my servant or mistress, I want you as my wife and that we together raise Em. Besides that I don’t expect you to work more than I would expect from my mother or sister."

"I felt such panic when your …" Nick placed a finger over her lips.

"I know what she did and the only thing that held me back that day was my respect for her, now I wish I had put down my foot then so that you had understood. I tried to make you understand but I guess it didn’t get through." He smiled as he moved a little on the couch and managed to get her on his lap. "That’s better. My neck was getting sore. I found your notes that night and read them. I spent the night wondering what to do, why you didn’t like it on the ranch?" He inhaled. "Also I started to wonder why you didn’t want to be near your niece. It wasn’t until I was on the way home after the posse that I realized it must be something else otherwise it wouldn’t have been such a hard decision for you. I had things all planned when we got home, just to find that you weren’t here. Before I understood that your things were here and that you’d probably just gone into Stockton I was prepared to gather my own posse and go after you. Then came the next shock when I understood that nobody had driven you in and that all buggies and horses were at home, that you must have walked in and alone. Something doc had forbidden if I recall right. When you came home in the buggy I felt such relief."

"And I wasn’t very nice to you."

"No you weren’t and I didn’t understand why. Today I do. I don’t think I would have been so civilized if I had been in your shoes. But I’m still hurt that you thought it was true what they said."

"I think that is why it hurt so much. I have had a struggle to understand how come you have been so kind and warm to Emily and me. And I started to get feelings for you, looking forward to hearing you read or tell the news or just what had happened during the day. It felt such a`comfort to see you sitting in the armchair."

"We still got something to solve, Love. If you still want to leave the ranch I’ll have to accept it but I’m not letting go of you so sooner or later I’ll have you back here. I don’t want to have to choose between you and the ranch but I can build another house for us if you don’t want to live here. The ranch is my blood Meg." He kissed.

"I would never do that."

"Do what?"

"Make you choose." She leaned against his chest, listened to his heart for while. "but I’m not sure Victoria will be so happy having me around here Nick. Those girls were mighty pretty and looked as if they were the right sort …" Nick laughed.

"What are they? Cattle? Sorry darling, couldn’t resist. I think I’m man enough to make my own choices and I’d rather have this lady that knows what hard work is than have a fancy woman who spends her time talking rubbish." He nuzzled his face against her. "And as for Mother well as I said we can always build a new house. We don’t have to decide on the future tonight Meg but think of what you want to do. I know that Mrs Woods saw a partner in you, not just a new baker. She told me that she wanted to retire to have a chance to be with her grandchildren but she wasn’t ready to sell her life achievement just yet. Perhaps if we find her another baker you can help her with the rest. In a way include a new branch of the Barkley Holdings with you as the boss. You can even start that chocolate thing I have heard you talk to Silas about. See I do listen"

"More than you should too." Nick stood up and carried her to bed.

"Perhaps so, but now I’m putting you where you belong and we talk more tomorrow. You feel hot and your cough is getting worse. No decisions until you are well enough except for this one. You don’t leave the ranch until you are well. If you then still want to live in that room you have found, I’ll accept it but be prepared to see a lot of me and Emily there." He sat beside her. "I love you Miss Adams and I intend to take care of you the rest of my life. I’ll leave you for now so that you can get ready for bed and get a tray up for you so that you get some dinner tonight. Tomorrow you stay in here; I’ll accept the couch but no more. Emily is having her friends here so you will get some rest. I want you well by New Year because we have a ball to attend." He kissed her and left her.

Chapter thirteen

The knock at the door made her jump where she sat on the couch. She tried to call out to who ever it was to come in but her sore throat wouldn’t cooperate so slowly she got up and started the short walk to the door when it opened.

"Miss Adams, back to bed."

"Doctor Merar. I’m resting and not doing much but not in bed. Please I don’t want to stay in bed." Megan was getting tired of begging to stay up. Howard Merar tried to look stern as he took her elbow and led her back to the couch. Pieces of cloth were lying all over the table.

"Resting?" He studied the woman as she moved to sit down. He had met Nick and Emily on their way to pick up the Persson children and Nick had mentioned that Megan was ill again. Remembering how she had looked when she visited him at the clinic a few days ago he decided to make a visit at the ranch and said so to Nick. He had been surprised to see how relieved the man had looked. "What are you doing?"

"Clothes for Ollie. For Christmas. They celebrated it here."

"Aha, and not in England."

"They probably do. The wealthy and middle classes but not where I come from. I’m not sure Emily has done it before either."

"Not many days left now is there Miss Adams."

"No. Why are you here?"

"A bird told me you were ill again." He burst out laughing when he noticed the look she gave him.

"Actually if you hadn’t been so stubborn the other day and my dear wife decided to take your part I would have wanted to have a look at you then because you didn’t look too well."

"I had a really bad day and I did too much at once."

"So I understood. Now sit still." Howard Merar spent the next 30 minutes examining and talking to Megan. Shortly after he had left there was another knock on the door and Megan sighed wondering whom it was this time. Emily and her friends peeked in and Megan motioned them to come in. The children brought with them a few books and asked if she would read to them. As they gathered around her Megan picked up the first book and started to read about Princess and the swineherd. When she was done she noticed that someone else was listening too from the doorway. Nick didn’t look too happy where he stood with his arms crossed and he motioned to the children to leave the room and that at once.

"I didn’t mind Nick." Nick squatted beside her.

"In a few days time it’s Christmas Eve. I want you downstairs with the rest of us getting the tree ready and starting the celebrations. That won’t happen if you don’t listen to me or the Doc. Emily knows that she isn’t suppose to disturb you. I’ll get Mother to read for them if it’s a story they want to hear. Heath and I are getting ready to go and get the tree otherwise I would do it myself. Please Meg. I’m not in the habit of begging and I’m getting tired of you not listening." He sighed when he saw the glazed tired eyes watch him. "What are you doing?" He moved over to sit beside her as he changed the subject.

"Not much. Clothes for Ollie." Nick picked up a small dress.

"Looks like the one Em wore the other day."

"I used it as a model."

"Em is going to be thrilled. She loves that doll. Meg, please do get some rest too." He pulled her to him.

"I promise I’ll rest but this Christmas thing scares me."

"Scares you? Why?"

"It’s silly. Now if Emily isn’t allowed to be in here then that should go for you too." She changed subject hoping he would leave the question hanging. Nick stood up laughing.

"You are right. See you in a couple of days and rest, rest and rest some more." He left her thinking of what she had meant by being scared of Christmas but she had clearly not wanted to talk about it and right now he didn’t have the time to deal with either. As he closed the door to her room Victoria came down the hall. "Mother, would you mind reading to the children. I just shooed them out of Meg’s room."

"Of course not. I’d love too." She hurried down to Emily’s room and entered. Within minutes the children had gather around her with a book each. Nick went down to the kitchen to see if Silas got the box of supplies ready. Last year it had taken them a week to find the right tree but then they had also found the perfect one for this year. Nick knew they were running late but hoped that it would just be a pick up this time, that it still looked as fine as it had last year. Silas was busy having the kitchen table covered with trays and a large wooden box. He barely looked up when Nick came down the stairs.

"Mr Nick, box soon ready."

"Thanks Silas." Nick fought for a moment before he sat down by the table. "Silas, may I ask a favour from you." Silas stopped and turned to the younger man.

"Anything I can do for you Sir."

"I know that you and Megan have become close, will you keep an eye on her so that she gets her rest."

"Not a problem, Mr Nick. Miss Megan is a pleasure."

"Good, hmm, and if you could find out why she’s scared of Christmas I would be mighty grateful."

"I think I can answer that now Sir. I don’t think she has ever celebrated Christmas herself. Prepared it for her master she has but never for herself. You are forgetting that she comes from other circumstances than you do, if I may be so straight forward Mr Nick. What I have understood is that she has gone to church but that’s all. I think she finds it confusing."

"Confusing? Thanks Silas. It cleared things a little but didn’t solve them." Nick took the box and left the kitchen. He was in deep thought as he put down the box by the table in the foyer and went upstairs to get his bedroll and warmer clothes. Heath stood watching as he passed him without even noticing that he was there. Jarrod came out to the foyer to bid good tree hunting to his brothers.

"Think you can handle things here then Jarrod?"

"Don’t worry Little brother. I think I got the easy part. You have to handle Nick."

"Yep, he’s no problem but three women Jarrod in different ages and with all that’s going on?"

"And I get to have them all by myself for a few days. Here comes Nick. Everything ready? Any last minutes instructions for your big brother?" Nick glared back.

"No, come on Heath, we don’t have much time."

"And whose fault is that? I wanted to leave a few days ago." Jarrod closed the door behind his brothers shaking his head.

Early morning four days later, just as the sun was rising the two brothers came driving in with the tree. They had run into trouble both directions and were tired and dirty. Nether said much until Heath pulled up the reins outside the door.

"Why don’t we just leave it outside until we have gotten some sleep and breakfast Heath? I don’t think I can handle a trimming right now."

"Me neither. Lets get it off the wagon and against the wall. I’ll wake Ciego up and he can take care of the horses. Boy do I want a hot bath. That mountain lion sure scared the hell out of me."

"Imagine going up the mountain without a rifle. What were you thinking of?" Nick shook his head, thinking of how he nearly lost his brother. "Think we should keep as quiet with this as possible, just the normal stuff."

"Me too." Just as they started to hitch the tree of the wagon the door opened and Megan turned up in her nightdress and shawl.

"Morning. Need any help?"

"Get indoors Megan, you are not dressed to be out this time of the day."

"Nick, for heavens sake, give her a break. At least someone is up. Megan if you wouldn’t mind I would like something like a sandwich before I get some sleep and I know old grumpy here wouldn’t mind the same. Don’t say anything but we lost our supplies on the way up and are mighty hungry."

"Sandwiches and tea coming up." Megan retreated into the house. Nick placed the tree against the wall, took what he could from the wagon and went after her while Heath drove down to the barn.

"Meg, I’m sorry. I’m just …" Nick stood with his things in the kitchen doorway watching her move around in the kitchen.

"You are just wet, smelly and hungry. Go and get cleaned up and I’ll have something ready for you when you get down." She smiled towards him. Nick put his things down and went up to her.

"Smelly, huh? I will get you for smelly." He pulled her into his arms, making sure she couldn’t escape.

"Let go of me. You are going to wake up the whole household." She giggled as he tickled her. Nick, enjoying her giggled continued.

"No I’m not. I’m extremely quiet." As he stopped he leaned his head against hers. "Would you mind making it coffee instead of tea?"

"Silas has taught me so I think I can do that. Want something in the coffee as well?"

"No just black."

"Alright, better hurry if you are going to beat Heath to the bathroom. Sounds like he is on the way." Nick quickly placed a kiss on her forehead and took the backstairs.

"I guess you were thinking of this and not sugar and milk." Silas came into the kitchen with the whisky bottle.

"I did but he just wanted it black."

"Then let us surprise him because it sure looked like the boys could need it." Silas and Megan got to work and by the time both Nick and Heath were seated by the kitchen table thick ham sandwiches, scrambled eggs and bacon and a fruit cake were on the table. Silas poured the coffee at the desk, sneaking down the liquid before he served the two men. Megan sat down and enjoyed a cup of tea while they tucked in to the food while Silas continued to prepare the dough for the breakfast bread. Nick reached for the coffee and took a sip and then inhaled.

"Now this brand can be dangerous, especially if a man is going out on the ranch afterwards." Heath looked at his brother and took a sip himself.

"It’s spiced." He took a gulp of the coffee. "Man, did I need that!" They continued to eat and shortly the table was left with just dishes and Heath pushed back his chair.

"Boy howdy, now I’m filled up as the turkey at Thanksgiving’s. I’m going to sleep like a baby." Heath stood up and looked at Nick. "Don’t even think of waking me up for the next five hours."

"Don’t worry boy. I need that beauty sleep too, even if I don’t think it will do you any good." Heath sneered and left, to tired to even bother to answer. Nick stood up and held out his hand. "Please join me for a little while." Megan looked at the things at the table when she felt Silas push her.

"Go on, Miss. Let me do my job." He winked at her as she let Nick lead the way up the stairs.

"Nick is it so suitable that I hmm I go into your room if you are going to bed?"

"Just now Meg, I’m too tired to even bother. I just know it has been a trip, even it was short, to hell and back. I have missed you and if you don’t say anything I won’t. Besides how many times haven’t I been in your bedroom."

"I was ill and you are a man."

"Doesn’t justify things in my eyes." He held her hand tight as he went into his room. As soon as she was inside he turned the key. "Don’t want a certain young lady to come in here right now. Come." He went over to his bed and sat down to pull his boots off. Megan stepped in and helped him when things looked like a struggle. Within a few minutes Nick was lying in bed with Megan next to him, telling her quietly about the trip and about the fear that they weren’t going to get back in time.

"I still have some problems with this Christmas thing Nick. I have tried to sort things out while you have been away. For me it has only meant I got a few days extra off since Mrs Capenwick went to her daughter and when I worked for Mrs Smittens we always had much more to do. It also meant that the church sometimes gave out food supplies to the most needed. Father and my brothers always got drunk and mother, Cathy and I used to hide to stay out of the way. I never thought of it as being some thing nice and joyful. I’m trying hard, promise, to settle into things."

"It’s alright, Meg. You take the time you need, just let me and the rest know and don’t pull into yourself. I’m happy if you just are with us. Perhaps right now isn’t the time to ask but have you thought anything of what to do after the holidays?" Nick lay on the side and studied her. Now and then he stroked away a lock or just caressed her face.

"I have but we can talk later. You need your sleep. In a few hours Emily will realize that you are home." She cupped her hands around his face and gave him a gentle kiss. Surprised over her actions he pulled her closer. She started to stroke his hair and sang a lullaby quietly until she could hear on his breathing that he had fallen asleep. Then she gently loosened his grip around her and slid out of the bed and tucked him in.

Hours later first Heath and then Nick appeared in the dining room where the women and Jarrod were having lunch. Emily jumped of the chair and ran to her father, throwing herself around him happy that her daddy was home again. Both men ate happily again and told Victoria and Jarrod a slightly different version of the trip than Nick had told Megan.

"I didn’t want to start to hang the last decorations before you woke up and could get the tree inside. Experience has taught me that you will only knock down the garlands while getting it in place. But besides the foyer and the parlour I think everything is ready, we’ve even been in to Stockton this morning for last minute shopping. So when can you be ready?"

"Mother calm down. Both Heath and I need to get into Stockton first, then we need to trim the tree. We don’t have to be done until tonight so what’s the hurry?"

"We might be having some guests over for dinner. I would like everything to be ready then." Both Nick and Heath looked over at her.

"If we are not, they can help us but if you can postpone it Mother I would be grateful because I don’t feel like entertaining tonight. Em, want to come with us into town?"

"Me come again? YES" Emily clapped her hands joyfully, making the others smile.

"Imagine finding a trip into Stockton so much fun." Heath shook his head.

"Emily, we need to find Aunt Megan a present. Do you know what she wants for Christmas?"

"No." Emily thought. "I got drawing." Nick and Emily walked along the pavement after having left Heath at the livery with the buggy. Nick knew what she needed but he wasn’t just sure he could handle a trip into the dressmaker again. When they stopped outside Miss Jocelyn’s dresses and accessories Nick

squatted down to Emily.

"Em, you need to help me out in the shop and pick something you think Megan will like, alright?"

They walked into Miss Jocelyn’s and once again he could feel all women look at him. Jocelyn quickly left the counter and came up to him.

"Mr Barkley, what can I help you with this time? Looks as though you learned how to do the young lady’s hair." She smiled at them and bent down. "Now lets see, Emily it was right? What do you need this time?" Nick coughed and felt the embarrassment rise over his cheeks when his daughter answered.

"I don’t need anything but Auntie Eggan do. We shop for her. Daddy, what we get?" Jocelyn stood up and winked her eye.

"Christmas present." Nick nodded.

"Anything special on your mind?" He nodded. Jocelyn could see that he was uncomfortable and nudged him over to a quiet corner away from all the listening ears. "Now tell me."

"Well, Miss Adams has been ill so we have seen her a lot in her night dress. She needs a new one, something nicer than the flannel she has and a dressing grown." Emily pulled at her father’s leg. "Yes, Sweetheart?"

"I like." Emily pointed towards a golden dress.

"That is nice. She probably needs a new dress too and something for New Year."

"Hmm, how does the woman look ? I presume she is an adult?"

"She is. Same hair and eyes as Em, I think. What does Aunt Megan look like?"

"Like Mommy." Jocelyn laughed.

"Not much help there. I’ll go after the child’s colours then. The golden outfit would be nice, think it will fit? Mr Barkley, let me put it in a box. If it needs fitting she is more than welcome here and I’ll do it. I’ll also show you some lovely dressing gowns and the latest nightwear. I know you are a man with good taste, I learned that last time. If Aunt Megan needs another dress for New Year, why not give her a certificate to come in here and try something out. We can settle things between us." Relived Nick agreed to everything and Jocelyn quickly gathered what she needed in the shop and together the three picked out a couple of night dresses and a dressing gown and with three large boxes Nick and Emily left the dressmaker. As they walked by the bookstore Emily stopped. There in the window some watercolours were on display. Nick looked at them and remembered Megan’s sketches.

"Think she would like them?"

"Yes, and Em." Smiling Nick went in the store.

"Please put together two packages of the watercolours that are in the window. I gather you need brushes and paper too. Anything else put it in as well." The shopkeeper made two parcels putting everything a beginner needed in them. Shortly afterwards the couple met up with Heath, who was carrying several boxes with his own shopping.

"Boy Howdy, we should have taken the wagon instead of a buggy. Em, you will have to walk home." He started to pack the things they had bought while Nick went to pay the livery man. When he got back she still stood looking at the buggy with tears falling down her cheeks.

"Sweetheart, what’s the matter?"

"I don’t walk. I get lost." Nick pulled her into his arms and held her close.

"Uncle Heath was just joking Love. You are going to drive us home and he can walk."

"What?"

"Come on. Let’s get going. We have a lot to do at home." Nick lifted Emily up before he pulled himself up and settled by the reins. Heath joined them and with a smack of the reins they started their way home.

Megan sat on the couch watching as Emily helped her father and uncles hang the ornaments on the tree. Now and then the girl ran over to her aunt to show her how beautiful something was. Victoria and Silas were hanging the last garlands in the foyer so that everything would be ready at dinner time. Nick had deliberated placed Megan on the couch so that he knew where she was. He wanted her to be a part of everything and had got worried when she didn’t want to take part in dressing the tree. Having her watch them was the second best thing as he wanted her to feel good about the celebrations that were to begin.

"Alright, now it’s just the top angel left." Jarrod held it up. "Who shall get the honour to place her at the top this year?" With a look at his brothers he nodded towards Megan. Nick and Heath got the message, went over to her and lifted her up.

"What?" Megan suddenly found herself sitting on two strong shoulders while Emily was clapping her hands. Victoria and Silas turned up in the doorway to see what all the commotion was about and soon joined them around the tree. With a deep bow Jarrod gave Megan the angel and pointed to the top.

"Up there, Lovely lady. Then it’s only one thing left before we can relax with Silas special Christmas egg toddy." Megan reached out carefully and placed the silver and white angel at the top, seeing to that she sat steady on the branch and wouldn’t fall down. Gently the men placed her back on the ground and Megan stood watching the tree.

"It’s really nice."

"Nice? That’s all. We risk our lives and you call it nice?" Nick placed an arm around her and pulled her against him. She felt his chest against her back and she leaned back and looked up to him.

"Nice." Jarrod burst out laughing.

"Alright Children, time to hang up the stockings. Come Emily, we need to find you a stocking."

"What you do with stocking?"

"We hang them on the hearth and when Saint Nicholas comes tonight he will fill them up with goodies. Here let me show you your father’s." He pulled Nick’s out of a box. "And these are Heath’s and mine." Emily decided she wanted goodies too and she quickly sat down on the floor, pulled her shoe and stocking off and then gave the stocking to her uncle.

"Here Uncle Arrad, Em want goodies too."

"I think it’s too small."

"No, Em got little foot, see." She showed them all her bare foot. "Daddy got big one." She pulled his trousers up so that every one could see his feet before she moved over to Heath. "See, he got big too."

"Jarrod, hang it up. I’ll find something more suitable when she has gone to bed." Nick tried not to laugh and Jarrod hung it beside his and his brother very seriously as he too was fighting with the laughter inside him.

"There now time for that toddy." Nick coughed.

"I think you have forgotten something. Sweetheart come with me to the kitchen." He held out his hand to Emily and they went to the kitchen.

"What we do?" She watched him as he got out some cookies, placed them on a plate and then poured milk in a glass.

"This is for Saint Nicholas. If you leave cookies for him he might leave you something extra. Here you take the plate and I’ll take the glass." He gently pushed her towards the parlour and then to the hearth. They placed the dishes down on the table so that it would be easy for the old man to take. Emily sat down on the couch.

"Now wait." She sighed. Megan went up to her and kneeled in front of her.

"Why don’t you and I go in the kitchen and see to it that you get some dinner and then a bath. I guess this Saint Nicholas will come faster if you are asleep." Emily took Megan’s hand and they walked back into the kitchen.

While they were there Megan heard a knock on the door and laughter soon appeared in the foyer. She stayed with Emily in the kitchen, having dinner with her. Silas came in and started on the adults dinner.

"Seems Victoria didn’t cancel the dinner guests."

"Mr Nick didn’t look too happy but he is too much of a gentleman to let it show. Perhaps you should join them and I’ll take care of the little one."

"Don’t think so." Megan sat with the girl until she had finished her dinner and then they went upstairs.

Emily was so excited over what was going to happen the next day she didn’t notice that Megan was more quiet than usual. When Emily was dressed for bed she wanted to say good night to her father and with Megan’s permission she ran downstairs. When she reached the bottom of the stairs she saw to her horror a lady chewing on her cookies and she ran up to her.

"No, not eat. Not yours." Emily’s tears ran down her cheeks. Now Saint Nicholas wouldn’t leave her anything like uncle Jarrod had told her. Nick got a hold of his daughter and carried her to the kitchen, trying to calm her. Georgina Ascot hardly gave the young girl a look. Heath sighed.

"Miss Ascot you just ruined Christmas for Emily. You ate the cookies she had left for Saint Nicholas."

"Well, she’d better learn that he doesn’t exist then."

"Boy Howdy, she is three, it’s her first Christmas here."

"So …" Victoria didn’t know what to say as she was surprised over the coldness in the woman.

Nick came in with Emily again, carrying a new plate and glass of milk. Em walked straight to where she put the other plate and put the new there instead. The cookie that was left on the plate there she held up to Miss Ascot.

"You have this too." When the woman didn’t bother to take the cookie, Heath reached forward and took it.

"Thanks, Sweetheart. Don’t mind if I do."

"Leave these here."

"I’ll guard the plate until your daddy has tucked you in, then he can take over until it’s bedtime for us too. Alright?" Emily nodded and hugged Heath. "Sleep tight and see you tomorrow." Nick lifted her up and after Emily said her goodnight to Jarrod and Victoria too he carried her upstairs, where Megan had prepared her room and now was cleaning out the bathroom. Nick grabbed her and pulled her with them into the bedroom.

"Now we will read you one story each and then it’s time to sleep. And no fuss tonight."

After laying awake for a few hours Megan decided to go downstairs with the presents she had made. Nick had told her that it was going to be the last thing he did before turning in as they wanted Emily to believe there was a Saint Nicholas. As she reached the bottom of the stairs she stopped and watched the scene in front of her. Heath and Nick were seated in an armchair each, feet on the table, headed towards the fire and between them were cookies and two glasses of milk. The candles in the tree were still burning and there were parcels everywhere in different colours and sizes. She softly walked over to the tree and placed her parcels among all the others and went over to the men.

"Now I must say that you gave the impression that Saint Nicholas was a very old man."

"Oh, I do feel terribly old. My feet are killing me." Heath moaned.

"He’s old and I’m older. Here come and join us." Nick reached forward and pulled her down on his lap. She froze as Heath was watching them.

"Don’t mind me Megan, I’m happy just to see you two get along so well." He yawned. "I think I’m going to hit the sack. Don’t forget the stockings Nick. Jarrod left that part to you."

"Don’t worry. Got everything under control. See you tomorrow and be prepared for an early rise. I have a feeling Emily is going to make us get up early."

"If she takes after you, it is perhaps no use to even go to bed." Chuckling he left the couple.

"Like Christmas?" Megan leaned against his shoulder.

"Always have. I used to get everyone up at five, even Jarrod. What are you doing up?"

"Couldn’t sleep."

"Lets just sit here for a while. The warmth might get you a bit sleepy because you know Saint Nicholas can't come if you are up."

Chapter fourteen

It was still dark outside when Emily woke up. She lay looking at her angel that hung over her head when she remembered another angel on the top of a tree. She slipped out of her bed and went to the door, careful she turned the doorknob and went out in the hallway. She had nearly reached the stairs when she turned back to her bedroom to get her slippers and dressing gown. Once dressed she started downstairs and walked into the parlour with wide eyes. There were presents under the tree, many presents. She walked over and touched them and saw that her name was on some but not all. Picking up one with her name on it she looked to see if she could unwrap it without being seen but soon she gave up and looked towards the stockings instead. She saw that her stocking was filled, so filled that he had put one more on the same nail. She couldn’t reach it when she jumped so she started to pull a table towards the hearth. CRASH The plate and the glasses fell on to the floor. For a second she just stood and stared in horror before she ran off to the kitchen.

Nick was woken by the sound of something breaking. Thinking that someone was breaking in he grabbed his gun and hurried down the stairs, closely followed by Megan and Heath who also had woken up. With guns drawn the men moved cautiously towards the parlour and the dining room area from which sounds could be heard, when Megan brook out in a giggle. Coming from the dining room was Emily with the sweeper and a bin. She was having problems getting the things to do as she wanted as both were much too large for her. When the young girl heard her aunt she stopped and tried to hide the things behind her back as she looked down. When someone choked she peeked up and saw her father standing in front of her.

"Miss Barkley, what in the Lord’s name are you doing?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? I don’t think that’s the proper answer young lady."

"Just cleaning."

"And why would you get up at four in the morning to clean?"

"Cause Mr Nicholas …" Emily was tempted to say that he broken the dishes but realised her father wasn’t in the mood to play right now. "Glass on the floor, Em pick up."

"Huh, and why is it there?"

"Because Em pull table." Megan felt sorry for the girl and went up and got the things and went into the parlour to sweep the glass up. Heath walked up to his brother.

"Nick, lets you and I return to bed. Nether you or I are decent enough." Nick looked down and realised he was just wearing his pyjamas pants, just as Heath.

"Emily, go upstairs to bed. You can join either me or Megan but it’s not time to get up just yet. I doubt that Jarrod or Mother want to get up at this hour." Emily ran as quickly as she could up the stairs. She was not tempting fate today when there were things for her under the tree and her stocking was filled with goodies. Nick went into the parlour to see if Megan needed any help.

"I think she wanted to get to her stocking and she pulled the table without taking off the dishes first."

"So she said. I guess a filled stocking is tempting but I don’t think even I have been up at this hour to get it or tried to reach it by myself. Father would have used the strap on me if I tried. Let me have that and you too return to bed."

"Go to bed yourself. I know what to do with these. And I’ll see both of you in a few hours. And I would suggest with some more clothes than pants and gun on." Heath placed his hand on Nick’s shoulder and the brothers went up the stairs.

"Know how close I was to shooting Heath?"

"I know because I was just as close. Don’t be too hard, she did tell you what happened and she did go back upstairs when you told her to."

"Don’t worry, I’m just going to check which bed she is in." He went into his own room but she wasn’t there so pulling on his shirt he continued to look into Megan’s room before entering Emily’s. The young girl was lying in her own bed crying and scared.

"Em, sshh, it’s alright. You just scared us. Want to join me in my bed or shall I stay here?" Emily moved to the wall making space for her father. "Both Uncle Heath and Daddy thought someone had broken in and we were ready to shoot. If Aunt Megan hadn’t seen it was you and started to giggle I don’t know what might have happened. I know it’s tempting with everything downstairs but believe me, the waiting is worth it, we just have to wait a few more hours."

"Not angry?"

"Not any more."

"Mr Nicholas had been here."

"I noticed. Now get some sleep" He was half dozing off when he felt that someone was tucking them in and he opened one eye and smiled before he drifted off.

A couple of hours later Nick gently woke Emily up and asked if she wanted to join him in getting things ready and then wake the others. Emily hurried up not wanting to miss the chance to be with her father and be by the presents. Nick saw to it that she got her dressing gown and slippers on and then went and got his own. Emily sneaked behind her father down the stairs, now and then putting a finger over her lips meaning that she was going to be quiet. Nick felt her tension until she saw that the mess she had made was cleaned up and the table back in its place. The prepared fire was quickly lit and Nick started on all the candles in the tree while his daughter sat on the sofa waiting for everything to begin. Silas came in and placed a tray with cups and two pots. As he left he motioned her to follow and she went with him into the kitchen. There he gave her a plate with cookies and a fruitcake while he took one with sandwiches. Emily wondered when they were going to eat when it was time to open the presents, she surely didn’t have time for a sandwich. When Silas and she got back into the parlour Nick was ready with the tree.

"Em, shall we wake them all at once or shall you start with waking Megan?"

"Wakie Auntie Eggan."

"Alright, you run up and do that and I’ll wait until she is down here too then." Emily took the stairs as fast she could and Nick heard her open Megan’s door and gently close it. Megan suddenly felt someone touch her eyelids, pushing them up.

"Oh, take it easy and I’ll move."

"No, Daddy say get up."

"Get up?"

"Yes. Goodies" Laughing Megan pushed the blanket aside and reached for her dress. ‘’No, Daddy and me this." Emily pulled at her dressing gown.

"Alright, now I don’t have one of those, I suppose my shawl will have to do then if I’m not allowed to get dressed." She threw it over her shoulder and walked with Emily down to the parlour. Smiling Nick met them. "Your daughter wouldn’t let me get dressed so I suppose this is the dress code for the morning."

"It is Love. Now you two go and have a seat by the fire and keep warm while I’ll see to it that the rest comes down too. Megan." He touched her face. "Merry Christmas, may this be a memorable one for us all." As he watched the two girls that held his heart walk inside the room he wondered how Megan would feel about his surprise. Suddenly he wasn’t sure it was such a good idea but it was too late to change things now.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! TIME TO WAKE UP!" He called out a few times and shortly sleepy Heath turned up at the banister. "Heath get a shirt on at least. There are going to be some ladies attending this morning’s party."

"I gather I’m one of them." Victoria came pulling the belt of her dressing gown as Heath quickly rushed back into his room.

"Merry Christmas Mother." Nick met her with a kiss on the cheek.

"Merry Christmas, Son. We haven’t had a morning like this I think since Audra and Eugene were small. When did we stop?"

"The year Father was killed Mother. I hope you don’t mind."

"Of course not. We haven’t had a child here since then either. If I remember it right neither Gene or Audra wanted to get things ready for Saint Nicholas so we skipped the rest too and started with the presents after breakfast. Emily?"

"Already seated. Go on in." Victoria smiled at her son. She couldn’t remember when she had seen him in such a splendid mood a Christmas morning, even if he always did his best since he loved this holiday. Nick waited for his brothers who now both made their way down the stairs.

"You do know it’s only six Nick and that we could have this a bit later."

"You be happy that you got two more hours sleep and we didn’t get you up when Em decided to open presents." He placed his arm around his big brother’s shoulder and walked him into the room. Heath occupied an armchair that placed himself in the middle of the group. Victoria sat on the sofa opposite Emily and Megan.

"So Young lady I heard you were up early." Jarrod fixed her with his eyes and Emily bent her head.

"Yes and Daddy send me bed."

"Good, because I don’t think I would have been civilized at that time in the morning. Now what did you do down here?"

"My stocking."

"Ahhh, the stocking. Nick you or I?"

"The honour is yours Pappy." Nick sat down next to Emily. Victoria started to pour the coffee and tea, handing out cups to everyone. Emily sat jumping as she could hardly wait for the goodies and now Granny was pouring coffee. "Calm down Em, it will come. Just wait." Jarrod went over to the stockings and picked them down.

"Now let us see. This one is labelled Heath, this Victoria, here’s mine, and these two, yes I said two belongs to a very young lady."

"Me." Emily slipped down and went and got her stocking from her uncle. "Lookie, I got two, he left one more. What’s in?" She shook the stockings.

"Well, Lovely lady, you will have to look inside won’t you. Here Megan is yours and here Little Brother. Seems he thinks you’ve been good this year too." Megan sat looking at the stocking she had on her lap. She was absolutely sure she hadn’t hung any up yesterday and … Slowly she turned to Nick and silently said thank you. Nick winked his eye and smiled at her. His hand gently touched hers.

"Oh, goodies and little box and more goodies and crayons …" Emily was pouring out the contents from

her stockings.

"Em, just don’t eat it all at once." Megan smiled at the pure joy that showed in the child’s face. Victoria handed Emily a sandwich.

"When your father was young he at least had to eat one small sandwich before he was allowed to taste the sweets and I think that should go for you too. Just one small."

"Just one." Emily held up one finger.

"Yes, one."

"Daddy open box." She stood up with the box in one hand and her sandwich in one. Nick opened the lid a little before he gave it back to her and took a sandwich.

"Guess I better have one too because I sure would like a bit of this sugar cane."

"I was wondering over the sandwiches." Megan took one too and sat watching everybody pour out their stockings. She was just happy having got one that she wanted to save it but a nudge from Nick made her pour contains out too. There was a small box in it as well as candy. She careful put the candy back before she took the box in her hand, feeling that Nick was getting a bit restless beside her and a glance at him told her that he was worried about something. Slowly she opened the box and inhaled. Inside was a beautiful ring with a large emerald and two smaller rubies. She looked at him.

"Nick."

"Meg, will you marry me?" The room turned quiet and all eyes were focused on the couple on the couch. Nick thought it took a life time before she answered.

"Yes." Her voice was hardly audible.

"Sure?"

"Yes."

"Sure?"

"She said yes, so don’t ask her anymore. She might change her mind then." Heath threw a fudge at his big brother. All at once there were a lot of movement as all gathered around the couple, wanting to see the ring.

"Come on put it on." Nick took the box from her, then her left hand and gently pushed ring down her finger. It fitted perfectly.

"Now imagine that. It must have been …" Victoria sat down. She had seen that ring before, when Nick was eighteen. "I think you need to tell her the story about that ring."

"There is a story?"

"There is. I was with Father up in the woods. We were hunting, what can I have been …"

"You had just turned eighteen and the two of you decided to celebrate it with a hunt."

"Anyway I walked along a stream when something caught my eyes and when I bent down it was a small piece of gold. When I told Father about it he suggested I turn it into a ring because it sure had to mean something. And I did."

"This ring."

"The stones are from a trip I had done earlier that year and it just felt right to put them in." Nick felt awkward and he suddenly just wanted to take Megan with him and leave the room.

"Pretty." Emily touched the ring. Megan sat in her thoughts and gently touched it.

"Nick, I don’t think I have seen it since you came home with it." Victoria sat trying to remember if any of Nick’s earlier romances had had the ring.

"It hasn’t been out. I have kept it in my safe until I felt it was right."

"Not even …" Heath whistled. "Come on, let’s open the presents. What do you say Emily? Shall you go and get one if Jarrod doesn’t get a move on."

"I go." Emily hurried up but was stopped by Jarrod who carried her back to the couch.

"My job, young lady. You wait here." Nick looked gratefully over to Heath, who smiled back. He had known about the surprise.

Hours later the men were waiting in the foyer for the women. Nick passed back and forth through the room, Heath sat on the bottom stair and Jarrod was leaning against the wall.

"What is it with them that they can’t be on time and always have us men waiting?"

"Calm down and get used to it, since two of them up there are yours." Nick growled.

"Nicholas, it’s Christmas." Victoria came down the stairs followed by Megan and Emily. Megan was dressed in her new dress and the brothers all stood quiet. Nick walked up to her.

"You look stunning."

"Sorry for taking so long, so many buttons."

"See, I right. Auntie Eggan pretty."

"Yes, little brat. You were right." Nick lifted her up and gave his arm to Megan. "Ladies, shall we leave for church?"

"It’s not fair Big Brother, that you have two and you don’t share." Heath winked to Megan.

"Get your own because these are mine." Laughing the Barkley’s left the house and headed towards the church.

As Megan was getting ready for bed there was a knock on her door and she went and opened it.

Nick stood outside.

"May I come in, please? She stepped aside and let him in. He stood for a moment watching her move around in her new gown wondering if she had put on one of the nightdresses too. Blushing he quickly moved over to the hearth and started to work on it. Megan followed his moves and wondered what was bothering him. Her hand touched the ring and she inhaled. He must have regretted asking her and now he didn’t know how to get it back.

"Nick, if …" She swallowed. "If you have changed your mind it’s …"

"Changed my mind?" He looked confused at her as he stood up. "No, why should I?"

"It’s just that … well you saw how the people reacted today and we …"

"They just noticed that the Barkley bench is getting filled up again." He took her hand and led her to the armchair. "No, I didn’t come here to break up with you but I was having second thoughts of how I did it. I should have talked to you privately first. Megan, if you don’t want to get married I understand, then take that ring as a token of how I feel about you and know that I’ll be waiting for you."

"I’m sure Nick but I would lie if I said it didn’t scare me because it does. I have never thought of getting married, in fact I have tried to avoid that as much as possible so that .."

"So that you could be independent. I still want you to stay as you are. I don’t mind a fight once in a while, and I like the fact that you are not afraid to work or say what you think. You are strong even if your health isn’t. Don’t change, promise me that. Don’t turn into something you aren’t just because of me." He kissed her.

"I never thought I would be scared of things like this. I guess it depends on feeling I don’t have control over what is happening and can’t think properly." Her voice almost disappeared for him as she continued. "And my experiences aren’t the best either."

"Been married before?"

"No, but with brothers and a father who drank too much, and living in Southwark you get to see things a girl shouldn’t see, not until she is properly married anyway. And you .."

"Huh?" Nick was trying to grip what she was saying even if he didn’t get all. "What me?"

"So experienced." He started to chuckle.

"Don’t worry Darling, when that day comes I promise you I’ll teach you all I know and then some." He pulled her closer. "Megan I can promise this, I would never force myself on you, not now and not after we are married. A no from you is a no even if it will make me restless and hopeless to be around. Talking about marriage shall we surprise everyone and see if Father Michael will marry us on New Years Eve, I mean everybody we know will be here for the party anyway."

"Don’t think Victoria will be pleased."

"She didn’t say much when Jarrod came home and announced that he had gotten married."

"There is a big difference Nick. They weren’t living under the same roof and didn’t get engaged.

"So …Living like we do is even a bigger reason for getting married quicker. I don’t want to wait that long Meg. It’s hard enough now as it is. Alright not at the party but name a date soon after that."

"Nick, what is Mrs Woods going to say?"

"What has she to do with us?" He thought for a moment. "Ohh remember my suggestion the other night. It might not be so bad after all. Talk to her about it tomorrow or in a few days. Now you are all mine for the moment." He lifted up her chin and kissed her.

Chapter fifteen

Emily and Megan were sitting in the kitchen painting with their watercolours. As a model they used a peach that Nick had picked for them when he and his brother had been down in the orchard checking on the fruit. Emily had been sad when they had gotten home since it had turned out that the Persson children all had gotten measles when Silas and she had been to pick them up. Mrs Persson had just had the doctor there and was on her way to send them a note when Silas drove up outside their house. Silas had stopped at the doctors on the way back to the ranch for some more information, knowing that Emily had been with the children. He wasn’t calmed by what the doctor had said but decided that nature must have its run. As soon as Megan had come home from her errands in Stockton and found out what had happened she had gotten the watercolours and paper out and urged the girl to come and draw with her. Now they were both enjoying the progress, laughing and commenting on their pictures. Nick and Heath were working in the study listening to the sounds from the kitchen.

"What do you say, shall we call it a day and join them?" Nick put the books together and stood up.

"I’m all for that. I just can’t solve the problem with three trails almost at the same time and the stock auction in Modesto."

"Huh, we could take one each and persuade Jarrod to take the third or have Duke led it."

"Duke has asked to stay behind if possible. He said he is getting too old. And it’s not as fun going by myself as it is if you are there too, Big Brother." They left the study and met Victoria as she came in from being out on one of her visits. She walked right past them, just stopping at the bottom of the stairs when she heard Megan and Emily in the kitchen. The two brothers looked at each other before they hurried after her and walked into the kitchen just as Victoria stalked up to Megan.

"How dare you treat my son like that!" Victoria pointed her finger at Megan who stood up.

"Mrs Barkley I would like to know what I’m supposed to have done."

"How dare you, and what a fool you are to think that you could do it in broad daylight and think nobody would see you. But you were …" Victoria continued to point her finger but Megan pushed it aside.

"What have I done?" Megan was angry and confused, in her mind she tried to recall what she had done in Stockton that could have caused this reaction. Nick was shocked and just stood in the doorway not knowing what to do. Emily sat at the table looking at her grandmother with large wide eyes.

"You were seen walking with a man into Madam … no I won’t say it."

"WHAT?"

"Georgina said she was 100% sure it was you because she recognised the dress since she had seen you it on you before."

"This dress? You gave it to me for Christmas and it’s the first time I’ve worn it. I have met Miss Ascot twice. The first time I wore my black wool skirt and white cotton blouse and the other time was after Church on Christmas day when I wore the golden brown dress Nick and Emily gave me. SHE has never seen me in this one. Unless you have shown her the dress before you gave it to me."

"Don’t you try to be smart with me. She said it was you and therefore …"

"Mrs Barkley, I would never ever sell my body for anything I would rather starve. I have seen enough of that from when I grew up."

"You are a liar and a slut. And I want you out of this house at once." Megan took a step towards Victoria, who took a step back and almost tripped over a chair.

"Don’t worry Mrs Barkley. I will leave." Megan walked to the door. The men automatically took a step to the side to let her pass but Megan stopped in front of Nick and pulled the ring off.

"Nick, I love you with all my heart but I can not stay in this house after this." She glanced over to Victoria. "And I’m not sure I can stay in Stockton either after Mrs Barkley and Miss Ascot are done. Give this ring to Emily instead when she gets old enough or to the future Mrs Nick." She took his hand and placed the ring there before she turned to Heath. "Heath, I would appreciate if you can give me a lift into Stockton in fifteen minutes ." As he nodded she walked quickly towards the stairs. Jarrod came in through the door just as she rushed up the stairs and he did notice that she had tears in her eyes. He was about to go after her when he heard Nick in the kitchen.

"DAMM IT." He threw the ring across the kitchen. Emily followed it with her eyes, tears running down her cheeks. "Mother, you are lucky that I have been brought up to respect you and that I have never laid a hand on a woman before because you have just ruined the best thing that has happened to me besides Emily." He walked up to her and leaned over her. Jarrod walked into the kitchen and was about to interfere when he was stopped by Heath. "Better start praying that I can talk some sense into Megan so that she stays because otherwise you might lose this son. I love this ranch, this land more than anything but if I have too I’ll start over again somewhere else because without Megan …" He rushed past his brothers as Emily quickly slipped down from the chair and ran to where she had seen the ring fall. As it had landed it had rolled under a cupboard and she lay down and tried to reach it.

"Mother, Heath what is going on here?" Jarrod was trying to understand the situation. He was worried by the little he had heard.

"Mother here accused Megan of having an affair. Miss Ascot had apparently seen her today." Jarrod just shook his head.

"Mother, Mother, what have you done? Not even I can help you now." A crash made them all jump. "Heath, we’d better do something." Emily went up to her Uncle Heath and pulled his leg. He bent down and picked her up.

"Yes, Sweetheart?" He ached for the child. Emily held out her hand.

"Auntie Eggan’s."

"Yes, it’s hers. Shall we go upstairs with it to her?" She nodded and Heath went to the stairs. "Jarrod, I’ll see what I can do upstairs but you better deal with it here."

"Megan, open the door. We need to talk." Nick tried the doorknob again but it was as locked as seconds before. "MEGAN" He was angry, frustrated and he just couldn’t take it any more so he took a step back and kicked in the door. Megan was sitting in front of her trunk placing her few belongings in it. Nick walked up to her, pulled her up and held her arms in a firm grip. "Megan, running away doesn’t help. Doesn’t my trust in you mean something? I know you wouldn’t do such a thing. You have told me enough of your background and I have read Cathy’s notes. I love you and I’m not letting you leave because of this."

"It does but …"

"There are no buts Megan. NO BUTS" He inhaled and let go of her. Megan’s hands went up to her upper arms where he had held her, trying to ease the pain he had caused. She watched Nick stride back and forward. "Pack what you need for a week and change dress. We are leaving with the next train to either San Francisco or Sacramento, with Emily and before we get on the train we are seeing Father Michael. I’ll get myself and Em packed at once. If you must, put your things into the trunk, it’s going into my room anyway when we get home." He left the room and run into Heath and Em outside. Emily reached her hand to her father and gave him the ring.

"Thanks, Sweetheart. Em go and pack what you want to have with you. We are leaving as soon as possible, so Heath I would appreciate it if you could get that buggy hooked up and drive us." Heath put down Emily and she hurried into her room as she didn’t want to be left behind.

"Nick, this won’t solve anything."

"It will." He turned to go and get his packing done. Heath stood watching his brother enter his room before he sighed and left to go and get the horse ready, As he came down the stairs he met Jarrod.

"They are leaving for a week to start with. Perhaps you can …"

"I’ll start with Megan and see if I can get a picture of what have happen because Mother refuses to say anything but "He can’t leave us because of her".

"Well, he can." Shaking their heads the brothers went to deal with their tasks. Jarrod knocked on the broken door and entered. Megan was back on the floor packing her things. He walked over to the bed and sat down.

"Megan, I’m trying to make some sense of this. Start to tell me what happened."

"She accused me of being unfaithful to Nick, made me into a lady of the night even if it apparently happened today during the day."

"I understood that Miss Ascot is involved."

"She had apparently recognised me because of the dress. I put on this one for the first time this morning so I don’t know when she has seen it or me in it."

"Alright, tell me about your day. I just want to make sure Miss Adams has a case here and can sue Miss Ascot for calumny." Megan looked at Jarrod for the first time since he entered the room. "I mean it Megan, if what she is saying isn’t true, stay and fight it. Running away would just say that she was right."

"Now why didn’t I think of that?" Nick stood leaning against the wall by the door. His case stood beside him.

"Because you were too busy kicking in the door, besides this is my job." He sighed when he saw the case. "Know what." He picked up a key from his pocket and threw it to Nick. "Go to San Francisco and give me a few days to sort things up. Perhaps it’s the best thing and it will give you some time to be together before the trails and round up starts."

"Thanks, Megan are you packed?" Nick couldn’t see any bag or suitcase.

"I only have the trunk." Nick left the room and within a few minutes he was back with a suitcase.

"I’m sorry, I forgot. I’ll get Em ready and please change." Nick didn’t want to see that dress on her and when she had nodded he left.

"Before you change and while you pack please give me a short version of your day."

"Silas and Emily drove me to Miss Jocelyn’s when they were going to pick up the Persson children. It was around eleven and I was there for about an hour. She had so many things she insisted I should try on." Megan sighed as she started to pack." Then I hurried to Mrs Woods and had lunch with her and we talked about the future. At one I had a meeting with Mr Tanner at the bank." She walked over to her purse and gave him a little blue book. Jarrod opened it and whistled and then looked at the receipt. "After a quick visit to send my banker in London a thank you wire for handling every thing so quick I met Nick and Heath at the General store. It must have been around twenty five to two or something like that. And I got a lift back here with them."

"Thank you Miss Adams. I shall look further into it, that is if I’m your choice of lawyer? If you’d rather have someone outside the family I not only would understand but also can arrange one for you."

"No if it’s alright for you, it’s alright for me."

"Then I shall leave so that you can change. I got a feeling that my little brother dislikes that dress very much." Megan just smiled as Jarrod bowed and headed downstairs.

"Daddy, is Auntie Eggan going leave us, we coming back?"

"Auntie Megan is coming with us and as far as I know now we are coming back. Have you got what you want with you?" Nick looked at the books and Ollie. He picked a few of the dresses as he sent his daughter to get some underwear. When he was sure everything was in the suitcase he took a closer look at his daughter and went to get a clean dress for her. After a quick wash and change they headed down the hallway and reached Megan’s room just as she stepped outside. Nick stroked her cheek before he placed a gentle hand on her back and led her towards the staircase. Outside his room he stopped and got his things. First now Megan noticed that even he had changed and was wearing a suit. His tie was still hanging loose. They walked down the stairs and stopped in the foyer. Silas came with a basket.

"I though you might need this on the train."

"Thanks, Silas. We will be home in about a week."

"Alright Mr Nick." Nick saw Jarrod.

"Jarrod I want you to join us as far as to Stockton. I need you both right now." Jarrod raised his brows but didn’t ask anything as Victoria came into the room. "Mother, you better sort yourself out if you want us to return because as long as you treat Megan the way you have done the past week I can see us living here. It’s a choice I have made and don’t put any blame on Meg. If it was up to her she would leave the house alone, I won’t have that. You haven’t been yourself since you came home from Denver but there was a few weeks when I though you were back to yourself then Heloise and her friends turned up and you lost it …" Nick picked up his gun and placed it in his suitcase. "Jarrod?" His brother picked up the basket and went out to the waiting buggy. After they stored the things Nick sat in the back with Megan and Emily and Heath mounted Charger.

"Where to Nick?"

"To Father Michael Jarrod, I’m not waiting another day and I’m not going to give anyone a reason to say anything else about Meg." He took Megan’s hand in his and put the ring he had given her a few days ago back on her finger.

An hour later they all stood on the platform waiting for the train to San Francisco. Jarrod had sent a wire to his butler so that the house would be ready to great them when they arrived during the night. Megan stood with her arms around Emily while the brothers were talking about what needed to be done. Nick gave Heath a few last minute instructions concerning the round up and trails.

"I think you might be right Nick about Denver. I’ll send a letter to Uncle and ask him about Mother’s visit just in case. Mind you she came home and found out that she had a granddaughter of three, perhaps not a surprise a mother wants to find. I’m also going to check up Miss Ascot."

"You do that. I know Megan."

"Nick, I believe her too but if she is going to sue Miss Ascot it’s my job to see that there is nothing that will crack open and surprise us all. Take it easy for a few days. There is the party in a few days."

"Forget it. I’m not going to it when my family isn’t allowed to be there. Which reminds me, don’ forget to cancel the hotel room."

"What room?"

"Mother said that you were going to book a room for Megan and Emily at the Cattlemen’s."

"Forgot that." Jarrod smiled. "Don’t worry Little Brother. Things will sort themselves out and you and the girls will be home."

"It’s not just about this week Jarrod. I have to know that when I leave with the stock in a few weeks time that they are safe and I have something to come home to. I meant it when I said that I would rather leave the ranch than be without Megan. We are young and strong, neither afraid of hard work so I know we can make it if we have to start all over again." He saw the train come. "Jarrod do some of your magic because I don’t want to leave the valley. “

"Don’t worry Heath and I will do the best we can and sort things out here. We don’t want you to leave either, you are needed here." He bent down and took two of the cases as Heath took the rest and the brothers went to find seats for their brother and his family. Nick carried Emily and steered Megan in their footsteps. As Heath jumped from the coach they reached the door. Jarrod was let out first before Nick helped Megan up. While the girls went to find their seats Nick stayed behind talking a few more minutes with his brothers.

As the train left the station the two brothers stood watching. Jarrod turned to Heath as he lifted his hat and scratched his head. Heath drove his hands down the pockets and stood on his heels.

"Heath, are you heading back?"

"Why, need help?"

"Yes, I think we need to find this Madam’s house and we need to talk to the people that Megan saw today to start with. I would want to ride out to the Tanners before Miss Ascot hears that they left."

"I know that Megan was to see the dressmaker and Mrs Woods. She talked about that this morning."

"Yes, and she had an appointment with Mr Tanner at the bank. Our Megan isn’t a poor girl. Nick was right, she has worked hard and saved what she has earned."

"Doesn’t surprise me. She has made that clear from the very beginning that she wanted to leave everything and start over where she would be accepted as Megan Adams and not Megan from Southwark. Coming from poor circumstances I can relate to that. Megan struck me from the very beginning to be a very decent girl with very high morals, I can’t see her ever visiting a Madam’s house or being one of the ladies." He started to walk to Charger. "Jarrod, you head out to the Tannner’s. I’ll talk to Mrs Woods and perhaps the dressmaker. You might be interested in asking Miss Ascot how come she was in the neighbourhood. I’ll also check out which houses are around Main Street because the bank, dressmaker and the tea house are all situated along it."

"You do that and I’ll start at the bank with Mr Tanner. No need to go in the telegram office. Megan had the receipt left and it’s not just dated, it’s timed. Then I’ll head out to the Tanner’s place. See you home tonight." As Heath mounted to ride to the livery, Jarrod climbed in the buggy and drove to the bank.

Nick sat down beside Megan and took her hand. He noticed the sorrow in her eyes and stroke her cheek. Emily stood on her knees watching out of the windows, seeing the town disappear in the distance.

"Things are going to be alright Meg. Jarrod will get to the bottom of it, we get a week together and Mother has some time to think things over." He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. "And I got what I wanted, you as my wife as soon as possible." He gave her a kiss and caught Emily who was about to fall from her seat. "Take it easy young lady. It will be 7 hours before we can get to a doctor if you hurt yourself." Emily crept up in her father’s lap.

"Nick, I’m just sad it had to go this far, that you had to threaten leaving …"

"It wasn’t an empty threat Meg, I mean it."

"I don’t want you to have to leave, it’s not easy to start all over again and .."

"Darling, you and Emily are more important than anything. I have spent hours brooding about this so I know what I want. Trust me. What ever happens we will be fine."

"Excuse me, I must ask. Are you from England Miss?"

"Yes, I’m from London. Why?"

"My husband and I left the old country about thirty years ago and every time I hear the accent I still feel homesick. Have you been here for long?"

"No Madam, I have just been here for a few months." Nick looked at the older woman who sat on the other side of the pathway. She was exquisitely dressed and he wondered what she was doing in an ordinary coach even if it was first class. The woman turned to the man sitting next to her.

"Albert, hear that. This young girl is from London."

"Dear Adeline. Calm down." He looked over his glasses to Nick and Megan. "You must excuse my wife."

"There is no harm asking sir. I’m sure my wife can answer questions about your former hometown." The older man smiled back at Nick.

"I’m not so sure Nick." Megan judged that by the way they talked and were dressed they belonged to the upper classes.

"Why not?"

"You don’t understand."

"I think what your wife is saying is that London is a very large city and we might not have lived in the same parts. Never mind, young lady. We left London before you were even born."

"Do you live around here or are you just like us, just travelling around?"

"We live in Stockton. Just going for a week to my brother’s flat in San Francisco. Are you having a nice tour round about?"

"Oh yes." Nick had charmed the old lady and she was delighted that he would talk with her. "Oh, I’m Adeline Craven and this is my husband Albert."

"Nick Barkley, my wife Megan and this is my daughter Emily."

"Excuse an old woman, and being one I’m allowed to ask, how did you met?"

"We met by Emily’s mother’s grave." Adeline stared.

"It isn’t as bad as it sounds. I have come over to be with my sister and her daughter but she had just died and Nick, who is Emily’s father was arranging for her coffin to be moved near them so that Em can go there when she wants."

"And you fell in love. How romantic!" Nick grinned.

"Now Mrs Craven, how come you and your husband ended up in this country?"

"Long story. My parents didn’t approve of our marriage and we eloped."

"Why?"

"Nick, it’s none of our business."

"Well, young man, I’m born Lady Chapwell and daughter to a Lord, my dear husband might have been rich but he didn’t have the right background. My sister had just become a widow after a very short marriage and I just couldn’t stand it any longer. We do still write now and then. She has become a cranky old woman, if I may say so." Megan had sat up straight when she heard the woman speak.

"Madam, if I may be frank. I don’t agree with you. Mrs Capenwick can be hard to please but she isn’t cranky." The three adults around her just stared at her.

Chapter sixteen

The high back armchair was placed in front of the hearth, on the side table was a bottle of the finest brandy and the light was dimmed as much as possible. Nick sat with his feet up on a stool towards the fire with a cigar in one hand and a glass in the other. He sat listening to the sound from the street missing the quietness around the ranch. Megan was upstairs putting Emily to bed, probably having to read the same story several times and sing the same lullaby a few times. As he took another sip from the glass he thought of the events during the day and the train ride. He had found it hard earlier, trying to comprehend that people placed a different value on another person just because they were born to the wrong parents or in the wrong area. For him it was who you were that was important but Mrs Craven’s changed attitude towards them, especially Megan had been so clear once she had understood that Megan had been Mrs Craven’s sister’s "lady company." He shook his head when he thought of how the elderly couple had changed places in the train to avoid them and muttered something very unsuitable that he hoped Emily hadn’t heard or picked up. His little family had been in distress when they at last had arrived in San Francisco, Emily because she was very tired and it had been a long day with lots of ups and downs, Megan because she now believed she would destroy everything his family had built over the years and he because of all the emotions within him. He didn’t know what was worse, the anger over Miss Ascot and the Cravens, his mother’s behaviour, Megan’s distress or his own feeling of not being there for her and Emily. He took a gulp of Jarrod’s brandy and sent a thank you thought to his brother. His mind travelled back to the platform when they arrived and when they met his old friend Joseph Melwin. Joe had been there to pick up some friends of his parents and was about to offer them a lift too when Nick understood who the friends were. He had been a bit harsh towards Joe and said a few things he now regretted. Nick ran a hand through his hair and he looked up and smiled. After putting the cigar in his mouth and the glass down on the table he pulled his wife down on his lap. He quickly took the cigar and then nuzzled his face into her hair and inhaled her scent.

"Is she?"

"She is. She was very tired Nick. It had been along day for her too. She was upset because you got angry."

"I know, I just couldn’t handle things and when she started to play with her bread I guess I snapped."

"You did. It’s been a long day for you too." Megan leaned against his chest, feeling his arms around her. "I’m sorry for everything today, Nick and for this whole situation. You shouldn’t be here, you should be sitting with Heath discussing some animal or what ever you two do."

"I doubt very much that Heath wants to sit on my lap and I know I don’t want him too." She let go of a giggle.

"You know what I mean. Don’t twist it."

"I know, Darling, and I’m here because I want to. It was my idea that we should come here." When she shook her head he pulled back his head and looked at her. "I’m quite sure I said that we should come here."

"What I mean is that you wouldn’t have made that decision if I hadn’t .."

"Meg, what ever happened wasn’t your fault. This is a good thing aside from what happened on the train and platform, for that I need to call in to Joe tomorrow and Em and I have to have a talk tomorrow morning. We are finally getting some time together without anyone else. We can be a family for a few days and then decide what we are going to do. We are going back to the ranch but the question that remains is shall it be into our own house or in the exciting one. I don’t mind starting on a new one, I know exactly the place but can you and Mother be calm enough during the time it takes to get it ready because I won’t be able to start on it until March?"

"But you saw the reaction of …"

"Yes, I did and I was taken by surprise by it but then they didn’t know who they were talking to and I’m sure that Joe will have informed them by now. We never talk about our money, branches and what we’ve got but it’s plenty and as it is we are one of the richest families in California. Jarrod has made a name for himself as a lawyer as I have as a rancher. We are met with respect here, darling and that hasn’t changed just because we have got married. And as for the wedding, I’m sorry that it wasn’t the wedding of your dreams but it sure was mine. I got the woman I have longed for and that’s what matters to me. And my brothers were there and it was a priest not just a register. Now let us for a few days leave today behind and hope those brothers of mine sort things out until we get home." He kissed her head and smiled to himself when she nuzzled into his arms. "Want some of Big Brother’s brandy?" She shook her head before she whispered.

"Will I need it?" He chuckled and took a firmer grip of her.

"Hope not." He continued to chuckle before he whispered into her ear. "I had a good teacher." He felt her get hot and realised that he had made her blush. "Don’t worry Sweetheart."

"Still see the teacher?"

"Now if I start revealing my sinful past what will I get in change?"

"Don’t have much to give."

"Meg, I have known Sheena since I was fifteen and yes, I still see her now and then and no, I don’t think I shall introduce you. My father took me to her after we had been on a trail and he realized that I was interested in girls and the girls in me. He figured I wouldn’t get myself or any one else in trouble that way. She was twenty one. Now after fifteen years I guess she knows my needs better than anyone. Will I go to her again? Hope not. I can’t say no Megan even if I wished I could but that would mean I would lie to you. I can say that I have never been unfaithful to any girl I have been dating. Sheena is mostly in between these days, and mostly it has been times when I been in such a way that I did need a relief of some sort. And it’s better to go to her than start a fight, right?" He winked at her.

"At least I feel much better afterwards." He pressed the cigar end into the ashtray and took a better grip of his wife. "And one thing for sure if I would go to her you wouldn’t even know."

"I wouldn’t?"

"No, Megan. I would see to it was done in such a way that it wouldn’t hurt you but right now I don’t feel any need to be with anyone but my wife. I love you." He lifted up her chin and kissed her deeply and soon felt that she responded to it. His hands went over her body and found its way under her skirt.

"Meg, I want you so, please don’t say no."

"Why should I Nick when I want you too but I’m still a little scared."

"Trust me."

Back at the ranch

Jarrod sat by the desk waiting for Heath to sort out his note book. Heath hovered in the armchair by the hearth and was in no hurry since he at the same time was summing up the information he had gotten. Victoria had gone into the kitchen to start preparing the food for the New Year’s party. She was worried over the situation her accusations had caused, especially since the faces of her two sons in the study so clearly had told her that she was wrong. She had decided that she was going to wait until the morning on New Years Eve, if Nick wasn’t back by then she would send him a telegram asking him to come home.

"Hmm, I started with Miss Jocelyn. Not a bad looking lass if you want my opinion. Surprised that Nick didn’t fall for her when he was there with Em the first time." He grinned towards Jarrod, who impatiently waved his hand for Heath to continue. "Anyway she confirmed that Megan had been there for almost an hour and she had ordered a few things beside the dresses Nick had wanted her to try. She considered Megan to be the "perfect model" with an excellent eye for details and sewing knowledge". She did sell Megan a new hat and purse and there should be a receipt for those. She is prepared to testify in court if needed." He turned a few pages back and forth before he continued with a sip from the whisky glass beside him. "Hmm" He chewed on the pencil.

"Heath!"

"Sorry, Jarrod. Just sorting. I went to see Mrs Woods after that. A lovely lady with a delicious apple pie. For a moment I thought she was Megan’s mother, she spoke so fondly of her and is looking forward to their partnership. I didn’t know that our Megan was going into the baking business. In any case she can confirm that they had lunch, cold meat and some thing I didn’t know how to spell. After that your client rushed off to her appointment at Stockton Savings and Loan Society. I went along Main Street since the shops were there and checked with a few saloons, none have seen her go in there. I did find a pleasure house that I haven’t been to before. The ladies did look pretty nice though." Jarrod’s look caused him once again to grin. "Don’t worry Big brother I didn’t stay … this time … For your information that house is at the corner Grant St and Oak St. I doubt very much that even a healthy Megan can move that fast. Mrs Woods said she left the tea shop with just five minutes left. It took me four minutes from the tea shop to the bank and a quick walk from Oak St to the bank took me about 12 minutes. She did meet me and Nick at the Grocery Store on Weber Ave and she came from Hunters St as far as I remember. As for the ladies I asked them if they knew about a British girl that was suppose to be there and described Megan and the dress she wore today. The answer is no. However they did tell me about a new Madam that came a few weeks ago but they were all sure that she was American and from the East coast. One of the girls had apparently worked there for a week or two but she was busy when I was there. Her name is Annabelle." He put the note book back in her pocket.

"And I went out to the Tanners and met the five women. I told them I needed to know what had happened when Mother visited them earlier and …" He shook his head. "Well, let’s say they must think I’m either very stupid or blind. According to Mrs Tanner she and the girls had been into Stockton this morning. When I insisted that Mother said that she had at least talked to Miss Ascot, she reminded herself that Miss Ascot had stayed at home. Miss Ascot was however not home when I came so I told them it was very important that I talked to her, in fact a matter of life and death. The looks exchanged between the girls told me that the mother didn’t know what was going on and I was right. When I left a Miss Esmeralda Sommersville came running and gave me an address where I could find Miss Ascot but I wasn’t allowed to say where I got it from. Well, I went there, after a stop at my office for my gun and a stop at Fred’s letting him in on what was happening. At the saloon in Fremont St I did find Miss Ascot entertaining a couple of men. It didn’t take long to scare them off. She admits talking to Mother today. On the question on why she is accusing Megan for apparently what she is doing herself she just laughed me in my face and told me that "Miss Proper" has herself to blame. So I asked her what she gained from it she said that Nick was going to marry her whether he wanted to or not and the child was going to be sent to an orphanage. Heath, I just can’t believe that Mother believes this woman and not Megan." He looked at his brother with sorrow in his eyes. "I went back to the office and wrote out the papers I needed to give to the judge for suing Miss Ascot. She doesn’t stand a chance. All I hope now is that Megan survives the whole thing because I just got a very bad feeling about it."

"They are going to need the family as support. Shall we tell Mother?"

"I think we must and let her know that she isn’t allowed to see the Tanners and someone has to inform her that since this afternoon she is a Mother-in-law."

"Boy Howdy what a mess. I still say poor Megan. I’ll get Mother."

"Please do."

In San Francisco

With Emily in between them Nick and Megan were walking to the playground. Emily was pleased. She had two of the persons she loved most with her and all their attention even if she did notice that Auntie Megan now and then did get a kiss from her Daddy. But that was easy to interrupt by pretending that their arms were her swing. She had loved being in the park with her uncle last time and she remembered how much fun it had been and as they got nearer she tried to get loose from them making her father take a firmer grip of her hand.

"Ouch, you hurt."

"Sorry, Em but why did you suddenly try to …" Nick noticed the swings. "Sorry again, didn’t see the playground. Go along and we will be right behind you." The young girl ran off and was soon sitting on a swing trying to get some movement on it. Nick caught up with her and soon the girl was up in the air. Megan walked over to a bench and sat down and watched them. When Nick saw that, he stopped the swing with Em and whispered something in her ear. Emily nodded and jumped off and went to her aunt.

"Come, swing."

"No, you play with your Daddy."

"No, you come." She pulled her aunt with her to the swings and had her sit down on one as she got on the other herself. "Push" Nick pushed her and when Megan wasn’t looking he moved over and pushed her too. Megan almost fell off the swing making Emily giggle. "You hold." While they continue to play Joe Melwin came up to them.

"Joe, I was going to come and see you later. How are you?" Nick greeted his friend with a firm handshake before pulling him into hug.

"Talked to the butler. He said that the child had talked about the park and knew about a playground over here so I figured I would check it out."

"Boy, you did meet my wife and daughter yesterday."

"Yep, did that. Nice to see you again, Megan was it?"

"It is and this is Emily. Nice to meet you to Mr Melwin."

"It’s Joe. I understood from my parents guest that it must have been some trip here yesterday, sorry about that. They were shocked when father made it clear to them who Nick Barkley is and the Barkley family’s importance to this part of California. Not to mention when Father said that he had intended to wire for you Nick as a business partner for the project he and Mr Craven are starting and Jarrod to be the lawyer. I offered to come over here and see if I could smooth things over. But Nick, you have to deal with Mother yourself because she was pretty upset that she wasn’t invited to the wedding."

"Nobody was. We just had Heath and Jarrod as witness’ and nobody else."

"Me."

"Oh I’m sorry Sweetheart. I did forget you were there too yesterday." He lifted her up.

"Yes, me there too with uncle Arrad and Heath."

"Arrad?"

"Jarrod"

"Well, then you haven’t had a party have you? Or that’s what the party on New Year’s is for?"

"No, we don’t intend to be there but don’t ask. It’s a long story and I’d rather not talk about it."

"Don’t worry friend. There is a respectable place not far from here, why don’t we go there and have a drink for us and something else for the ladies." Megan understood that Joe wanted to talk with Nick about something.

"I have a better idea. Emily and I can continue to play here for a while and you two return to the house. That way you can talk more freely."

"And we go place with pancakes?"

"Is there such a place around here Em?"

"Yes, Uncle Arrad took me."

"There is a café just around the corner, perhaps that’s the place." Joe pointed out the directions for Megan.

"Thanks. Come Em, let’s swing a little more." Nick stood still for a moment before he and Joe left.

"So you mean that Mr Craven and your father are starting a hotel chain using your father’s connections in America and Mr Craven’s in Europe. What’s in it for me then?"

"Your products."

"Our products?"

"Yes, you know that for the last two years that the only wine my parents serve when they get guests from outside California is yours, as well as some of the products you say you have been testing like nuts and asparagus." Nick sat opposite his friends tapping his fingers against each other.

"So I sell you my products?"

"Yes and No, my father wants you to be a partner, owning a part of the hotels and therefore provide them with the products."

"For free?" Joe was moving very uncomfortably on the chair. He knew his friend was a tough business man and that the ranch had grown during his years in command.

"Nick, why don’t you come over tonight and discuss it with them. It’s better than having me run as a go between. I’d rather return to the drawing board where I belong. I’m showing them the drawings for the hotel tonight, give you a chance to see them too. I’m sure Mother will love to meet your family." A door opened and a young cheerful voice called out.

"DADDY". Joe stood up.

"No question whose daughter she is." Emily came running and crept up in Nick’s lap.

"Daddy, I had waffle with cream and jam. See" She held out her dress. "And then we went to shop and got nuts to put on the stove." Nick frowned as Joe started to laugh. Megan came in.

"Sorry Nick, she was too quick for me. Em come with me. Your father is busy. You can tell him later about your day."

"It’s alright Megan. I need to get back to my office. Nick, about tonight?"

"Megan, Joe wants us to go and see them tonight and have a look at the business they want the Barkley’s to get involved into."

"Then you should go."

"Megan, you are welcome too."

"If you don’t mind, I’d rather avoid Mr Craven and his wife right now. Don’t think it will be good for Nick’s business if they are reminded about me besides I don’t think Emily can go."

"You are right, didn’t think of that. Nick?" Nick looked at Megan who nodded.

"I’ll come but only stay for dinner and a presentation, won’t stay and be social. I’m on my honeymoon , not a business trip."

"I’ll make sure Mother understands that you are only staying a very short while. Megan, I hope to get to know you better in the future. Now I better get going so that I have something to introduce tonight." Nick showed Joe out while Megan pulled Emily upstairs for a dress change.

"Are you absolutely sure Megan that you don’t want to come? I’m sure that if we ask Mister Ming he and his wife can look after Emily." Nick was trying to get his tie straight as tried at the last minute to persuade Megan to go with him.

"I’m sure Nick. Besides Em and I are going to roast chestnuts and then read some. I’m not sure I’ll be up when you get back but I’ll try. That last shop just about took my energy."

"I saw that." He sat down and pulled his boots on. "The dresses that you got are lovely Meg. Now we just need to get you some … Damn."

"Bad Daddy." Emily came running in her dressing gown.

"Now what are you still doing up? You know in some countries I have heard that little girls go to bed very early and they only see their father for an hour a day, if they have been good."

"Em good. Em be nice to Auntie Eggan too."

"You better be, Young lady. She means a lot to your Daddy."

"That’s why you kissie all time?" Nick blushed at his daughter’s comments.

"Yes."

"Not like Em?"

"Oh I love my Em but the sheriff would take me if I kissed you all the time."

"Why? Em wants kissie." Nick kissed his daughter on the cheek.

"I guess it depends on the kisses Sweetheart. Some kisses are only to be between a man and woman and some between a father and his daughter. Now you be nice to Auntie Megan, right."

"You kissie her many time."

"Em, remember when we were in Church yesterday." Emily nodded. "Well, I married your auntie because I love her and she is now my wife."

"Can’t. Daddies marry mummies not aunties."

"One day I hope she will be a mummy too. You see nearly every woman becomes a mummy sooner or later, an aunt you can only be if you have a brother or a sister who gets a child."

"I don’t have brother or sister, I can’t be auntie?" Nick leaned his head against hers trying not to laugh.

"You are a bit too young to be an aunt Sweetheart. You wait until you are as old as I am then you might be an aunt. If life works as I hope it does you will have brothers or sisters or perhaps even both.

Now I need to go Em."

"How I get brothers and sisters? Ande has. I borrow his?"

"I think Mr Persson wants to keep his children Emily, we just have to get our own but you are too young to wonder and ask about this and I haven’t got the time. Now hurry down to Megan. She said she was going to get the pan warm." He gave her a kiss and got one back before she ran off. He strode over to the mirror and took one last look. Megan had been right. This new dark grey suit did look good on him. He buttoned the buttons and went downstairs to the kitchen. "Girls, now I’m off so be good." Megan turned towards him and smiled and as he turned around and left she whistled. Laughing Nick put on his hat and went out to the waiting coach.

"Mr Craven." Nick’s eyes were narrowed and hard where he stood with his crossed arms. He could feel the irritation that had started to build already when they started to talk during the drink now slowly turn into anger. "Are you suggesting that I should give you crops and wine for free in return for advertising in papers in the East?" He inhaled as he tried to keep his voice low.

"What better advertisement can you get besides having you name mentioned together with ours?"

"My products are sold even before they are harvested because of my good name, I don’t need your name, which by the way says nothing to me. I’m sure my wife can tell me more if I ask her."

"Well, your name can’t be that good since you married a simple maid?" Mrs Craven took a sip from her sherry. Mrs Melwin almost jumped in her seat when Nick snapped the glass he had in his hand.

"You are wrong Adeline, the Barkley family is our royalty here. Any mother in California and several other states too want nothing more than to have one of the Barkley brothers as son-in-law. Nick’s Megan must be very special. And besides I was a nanny when I met Peter so I can’t see what that has to do with it."

"Thanks aunt Jane. My wife Mrs Craven, knows what hard work is, just like me. I wouldn’t want a wife who sat still and did nothing during the day without a life of her own. Sorry for the glass Aunt Jane, I’ll replace it tomorrow." He bowed slightly towards them and left the room quickly.

"Nick, wait." Joe came running after him.

"Not now Joe. You knew about this suggestion, didn’t you? Oh yes you did. I can see it on your face. To think that I offered even one evening on this when I could have been home roasting chestnuts with the girls. From now on there won’t be any free deliveries to this household either. You and your father went over the line for friendship just thinking I would accept it." He took his hat and left.

When he finally got home he saw Megan sitting on a chair in the parlour with her sewing. He stopped in the doorway and watched her for a while. He was about to sneak in on her when she spoke to him.

"There is a wire for you on the desk." She sounded sad and tired. He turned to the desk and saw that it was sent from Stockton.

"You could have opened it, it’s addressed to us both." As he opened it he walked over and sat down on the chair next to her. "Why are you sitting here and not by the fire or on the sofa? You would be more comfortable. And why have you cried?" He lifted up her chin. "Darling?"

"It’s nothing Nick. Just tired."

"Megan, I have had a bad evening, a very bad evening in fact. I don’t want to have to worry about you too."

"Your friends were here about two hours ago."

"Friends?"

"Yes, them you went to visit."

"What did they want?"

"I’m not sure but they waited for an hour. Nick, I’m sorry that you lost the partnership because of me. I’m a lot of trouble. They said that you would lose more too."

"Meg, I don’t know what they said to you but they offered me free advertising if I gave them products for their hotel kitchen. I would sell it to them if they wanted, but I never give anything for free, never. You are not the reason. They thought they could fool me and they lost. I’m late home because I decided to walk home and calm down and clear my head. And I went and sent a wire to Jarrod about the offer so that he and Heath will be prepared when they are approached. I was very disappointed in both Joe and his father. I have known them since I was just a toddler. As for Mrs Craven, well she should be lucky I don’ …" He read the wire one more time and grinned. "Good news My darling." He handed her the wire. Megan looked at it and didn’t understand a thing.

"What?"

"Huh, oh sorry, didn’t think. Jarrod and I created a code when he went off to college so that we could communicate without parents understanding what we wrote about. It says. Nice weather."

"I could read that."

"They are the words telling me to decode it. It says: Problem solved. Legal matters taken. Mother informed. Want the Barkley family home for the party."

"Oh, they work fast. Nick …"

"Something wrong? I thought you would be happy."

"I am."

"So?" Megan slowly put her embroidery away before she stood up.

"I’m happy but very tired." She kissed him as she passed him. At the doorway she stopped and watched him read the wire again with a smile on his face. Megan wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or not as she climbed the stairs. She was tired after yesterday, tired after the day today and the fight with Emily before she got to bed, tired over the threats Mr Craven and Melwin had come with and tired after the worry that Nick wasn’t going to come home at all. When she closed the bedroom door her tears came again and she walked over to the window and leaned her head against it. She stood there looking out without seeing for a while, not being able to gather herself together and get to bed. Two strong but gentle hands reminded her suddenly that she wasn’t alone anymore, that she now shared her life with someone. As his arms encircled her, she leaned closer to him.

"Nothing, huh? Then why is my beautiful wife so sad. I don’t believe it to be just tiredness Meg."

"Emily is mad at me, she doesn’t want me here with you, then they came but you didn’t and it got later and later."

"And you thought I wasn’t going to come home, that I regretted our marriage?" He felt her nod. "You surprise me in many ways. As a working girl you are so strong and confident but when it comes to yourself …" He stroked away some hair. "There are so many sides of you that I love but also you wake up my protection instincts. I honestly don’t know what I can do to make you believe me, Megan. I know things have been up and down the short time we have known each other but I also think it can only be better. It’s my fault that Em gave you a hard time, I shouldn’t have answered her questions when I was in a hurry and then left things for you to sort out. Now let’s go to bed. Tomorrow I’ll sort the matters with the Melwins out and Em and you and I will sit down and talk. She is young but I have a feeling she understands more that I give her credit for. We can stay here tomorrow too and not go home until the last minute or we could be bad and wire that the Barkley family will return some time next year." He rocked her gently. "Miss the city sound?"

"A little. It’s comforting to know you are not alone."

"Haven’t thought of it that way, just noisy. I miss the quietness of the night when I’m here."

"It’s not quiet around the ranch."

"It is when I’m not hollering."

"There are a lot of strange sounds, cracks and a lot of other things that you don’t hear because you are used to them."

"Then show them to me when we get home and we’ll see if I know what they are. Perhaps it’s just Heath snoring or Jarrod? Or the water closet? I remember when we got that. It kept me awake for a week. Now why don’t we move somewhere more comfortable and private than the window and make our own sounds?"

Chapter seventeen

Megan woke up encircled by Nick’s arms. His breathing was calm and steady and she lay feeling how his chest raised and then sunk back a bit. As she stretched out a little she wondered where Emily was. The girl had, during the early hours, always joined either her or Nick, yesterday she had been lying on the floor complaining there wasn’t any room in her daddy’s bed for her but today she hadn’t come at all. Megan peered at the clock as Nick pulled her into a firmer grip and she felt him nuzzled against her body.

"Nick,"

"Hmm?"

"Seen Em?"

"No, so let’s make the most of it."

"I’m worried, let me just check on her and I promise I’ll come back."

"I gather you won’t be with me otherwise, will you?" He let go of her when she shook her head. "Check the floor too, you know where we found her yesterday." He turned to his back and let his eyes follow her as she put, to his disappointment, her nightdress on and then dressing gown. When she went out of the door he sat up and decided to make a visit to the water closet while he was waiting. On the way back he could hear his daughter cry for her mummy and Megan trying to calm her and worried he went to see his daughter. When he entered the room he caught Megan’s worried gaze.

"Nick, I think she is ill. She is hot and didn’t like the light."

"You go. I want MY mummy, not you. You go home." Emily pushed away Megan’s hand from her face while her tears were running down her cheeks. Nick went up and kneeled beside the bed.

"Sweetheart, will I do?"

"NO. MUMMY" Nick touched her which made her scream even more. He could feel that she was burning hot.

"Meg, I’ll get the doctor. Any idea what it can be?"

"Anders and his sisters had measles; perhaps she did catch that when they played the last time. What a fool I am Nick. I should have thought of it when Silas told me about it the other day, but no, all I could think of was getting out of the house. Poor Em. I’ll get some cold water and a cloth."

"No, you stay here, I’ll go and …."

"NO."

"Em, Sweetheart. I need to get the doctor and …"

"She go."

"I’ll go Nick. You better stay here." Megan moved quickly and got the basin with cold water for Nick before she got ready to go and get the doctor. As she got down the stairs Jarrod’s faithful servant greeted her and she asked him where she would find the nearest doctor that was good. Before she got a chance to do any more Mr Ming was on his way to the doctor and Megan could only go back up the stairs again.

"That went quick." Nick wiped Emily’s face with the cold cloth.

"Mr Ming went before I got a chance to get my coat. I guess that was better too since he knows his way around here and I would have needed some very clear directions." Megan went over to the bureau and got out a dry nightdress for Emily. "Nick perhaps you should get dressed before the doctor comes." Nick looked down and realized that he only had his pyjamas pants on.

"You are right. Here. Need help with that?" He pointed at the nightdress as he gave her the cloth.

"I’ll wait until you are back." Megan took the cloth from him and continued to wipe the child with the cold water. Emily cried and hit at Megan but without success as her aunt continued to chill her down.

"You are not my mummy. I want mummy."

"Sorry, Love. I can’t get her for you. Are you sure I can’t do for a little while?"

"NOOOOOOO. MUMMY" Nick could hear his daughter’s heartbreaking cries for her mother while he got dressed. He felt so lost and helpless. She was asking for the one thing he couldn’t give to her. Just as he entered her bedroom again Ollie came flying through the air, right into his arms. Emily was by now sitting up in the bed fighting everything that came in her way. He watched in horror as Megan getting hit several times just picked her up and placed her on her lap and held her close, rocking her and humming a lullaby to see if that would calm her a little. Emily made one last effort to get away and bit Megan but not even that made the woman loose her grip. Nick hurried to them, sat down and placed Ollie in Emily’s arms before he too encircled her with his arms and joined in the lullaby. Slowly Emily calmed down surrounded by the two people that loved her more than anything in this world. A cough made Nick look up and see the doctor standing in the doorway. He moved over and had a talk with him explaining the morning’s trauma. The doctor only needed to do a quick exam of the young girl to confirm Megan’s suspicions but he also told the worried adults it could also be scarlet fever or chicken pox since she was showing symptoms of them too. All they could do was wait and see what kind of spots appeared. They were advised to send a wire to Dr Merar so that they knew for certain that it was only measles that Emily’s friends had or if there were other diseases going around in Stockton too. Anyway, travelling home was out of the question for the next one - two weeks for the child, not even in a private carriage or in a private stage coach. After showing the doctor the way out Nick came up and joined his girls on the bed again. Emily was sleeping now after the doctor had given her something which made her father and aunt relax a little and they too advantage of the situation and changed the girl’s clothes and bed sheets before tucking her in.

"Megan, I need to go out, we need to wire home and then I have a few other things that need to be taken care of. Think you can handle her?"

"Don’t worry about us Nick. You need to get her some more nightdresses. We only brought one and yesterday we just got one more. Remember, she wasn’t really interested and just wanted out of the store."

"I know. I’ll go there again. Same sort and size? Anything else?"

"You need to tell Jarrod about us occupying his house for a while and then you must get packing."

"Packing?"

"You need to get home to the ranch Nick. We weren’t going to stay more than a week and Heath needs help, he can’t manage everything by himself. We will be alright here and as soon as she is cleared for travel we will join you."

"Meg, I will not leave the two of you, that’s out of the question. I’ll do the things I have to do today and then come back here." He lifted up her chin and gave her a quick kiss before he left for Jarrod’s study. In haste he wrote a letter to his brother with orders that he didn’t want to see his mother in San Francisco. He explained again what had happened at the party in a few more words that in the wire and then told Jarrod about the visit Megan had had. Then he wrote two smaller notes, one for his Mother and one for Heath that he added in the envelope. Done, he almost ran to the post office and sent the letter express before he went off to wire the family, hoping the letter wouldn’t arrive too long after the wire. Then before going back to the Melwin household he went and did his errands. When he arrived at the house of his friends, the family butler showed him to the parlour but Nick decided to stay in the foyer instead while he waited.

"Nick, I didn’t expect to see you today."

"No, I can gather that after you threatened Megan last night. I just wanted to give your wife a replacement for the glass I broke and inform you that you will hear from Barkley Holdings lawyer in the near future. I would also like to see the documents that have us providing you and your family with free products and wine, if not today be prepared later when asked to show them. I don’t take threats on my family easily Mr Melwin. Morning, Madam" Nick put his hat back on and tipped it towards Mrs Melwin and as he closed the door he could hear her have a go at her husband. With a small smile on his lips he hurried back to Jarrod’s house.

At the ranch

Jarrod tore open the wires that had come from San Francisco, surprised that Nick had sent him two and he started with the latest one. Reading it as he walked into the dinning room his steps slowed for each word he read and so as he had sat down he quickly tore open the other and quickly read through it too. Suddenly he was aware that two pairs of eyes were looking at him and as he folded the wires together he smiled at them.

"They can’t come home for the party."

"But …How does he expect us to sort things out if …"

"Mother, calm down, they can’t come because Emily has got measles. He says a letter is on the way express with more information. We have to wait for it. This however …" Jarrod held up the other wire. "This bothers me. Peter Melwin and his partner a Mr Craven have told Nick that the Barkley Ranch shall provide the new hotels the gentlemen are building on the East coast with free products. I got a wire last night from Nick about a partnership and where he wondered if I had been approached. I was going to wire him and say no. I can imagine Nick’s reaction to the demands. He just mentions that there will be no more shipping to them and he wants me to draw up the papers so there will be no mistakes in the future."

"I imagine he blew up like dynamite last night. I have seen the notes about the things they get and always wondered why."

"When your father and I were going to build this house we didn’t have the exact amount of gold and Peter said he would settle with some products from the ranch instead. It seems we are still paying him."

"Any papers Mother, because I don’t remember seeing any?" Jarrod looked cross over the table.

"I don’t know. I’ll have a look in the closet today. But Jarrod, they need us in San Francisco."

"Nick is very direct with that, he doesn’t want you there right now and frankly Mother I don’t blame him."

"I suppose you are right. Jarrod, the Melwins are coming here for the party, perhaps we can sort things out with them then."

"I will at least have a talk with them but I have to go on Nick’s line here. If the products in the beginning were instead of payment they have been paid enough by now."

"What does Mr Melwin do?"

"He deals with property these days, back then he was an architect if I recall it right. Jarrod, will you be going to San Francisco?"

"I’ll wait for the letter and then decide."

To be continued…