Nick's Little Girl

Chapters 24-30

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 twenty-four

The Barkley household was full of life when Howard Merar took a grip of the doorknob and hit it onto the door. Jarrod opened and let him and his wife in.

"Good Morning." He greeted them with a smile. "Here Mrs Merar, let me take your cape. We are grateful that you will take care of both the children while we are in Stockton. McCall’s wife and Silas will be at your service too. Emily can be quite a handful if she wants to."

"Morning Jarrod, I’m sure she and I’ll get along fine." Jarrod showed them the way to Theodore’s room. Emily was already there telling the young boy about the Little Mermaid. Theodore’s eyes were wide as he listened to her "read" the book for him. He looked at the pictures she pointed at.

"Good morning Children. How are you feeling today son?" The doctor took out his stethoscope to listen to the young lungs and heart.

"Me too."

"Emily, let the doctor have a look at Theodore." Jarrod tried to scoop up his niece.

"Me too." Her lip started to quiver.

"Come here, want to listen to Theodore’s heart?" Howard motioned her to come to him and she quickly obeyed. After putting the ear plugs in her ears he moved the plate over the heart. Emily’s face lit up when she heard the heart beat. "Now it’s Theodore’s turn to listen to your heart." Emily started to pull her dress of. "Young lady no need to undress, I think I can find it under your dress."

"Sure?"

"Sure."

"Can Em listen to too?" Howard smiled.

"Of course you can. Let me see …" He put the plugs back in her ears and searched until he found it.

"Boom boom. Mine stronger." Howard chuckled as he moved the plugs to Theodore."

"Well, little wild cat you didn’t get hurt badly, did you?"

"No, only face. Auntie say she hope better when Daddy come home. He not like it." Now Howard started to laugh.

"You tell your daddy that it runs in the family. Hear anything son?" A very small nod came from Theodore when he heard Emily’s heart. He was still a bit confused over his situation. He had heard of the Barkley family, he knew they were rich but he couldn’t understand why he was there and even more why this little girl was prepared to fight for him, he who wasn’t worth the earth he walked on. Yet she treated him as an equal, they all did. He hadn’t slept in a proper bed since his father threw him out and even then it had not been as soft as this one. When he got to listen to her heart he was amazed over what he heard. He could have listened to it all day if he was allowed too. Then he got to hear his own. Yes, she was right. Hers sounded louder than his. Howard took the stethoscope and put it back into the bag and started to check on the other injuries the boy had. When he wanted to pull the blanket down the boy almost fought him and with a lifted brow he turned to the boy. Iva who had been watching understood the situation and came to the rescue.

"For heavens sake Howard. What are you thinking, pulling down a young man’s cover when there is a young girl present? Come Emily. I think we better wait outside." Emily wanted to protest but the tone of Mrs Merar’s voice made the child quickly follow her. Outside they almost walked into Megan. Iva smiled at the young woman. She looked wonderful in a deep purple outfit that picked up the redness in her hair and the green in her eyes. Her hair was perfectly formed around her head.

"Auntie Eggan, me listen to boom boom, mine and Theo." Megan looked at her as she squatted down.

"Boom boom?"

"Boom boom. Mummy go boom boom" Emily pointed to her body. Iva formed the word heart and made a motion with her hand so that Megan would understand.

"Oh, you got to listen to your heart. You lucky girl. Now I just want to check on Theodore then I have to be on the way, Sweetheart. Promise to be a good girl today."

"Not allowed in there." Iva bent down.

"I think you aunt may go in, it’s you and I who have to wait here. Why don’t you show me your room while we are waiting?" Emily took her hand and led her to the next room. Megan smiled as they went into the room and she went into the boy and the doctor.

Jarrod and Megan sat in front of the low wooden fence watching the judge study his papers before the next witness was to appear. Megan knew that both Heath and Vera Woods should be sitting behind her but she was too scared to turn around and see them. She looked again at the note Jarrod had handed her when they sat down. "Love, I’m behind you all day. Vera." It felt good to know there was someone else but the family who supported her. Jarrod smiled at his sister-in-law as he took her hand and gave it a warm squeeze. He wished that Nick could have been there but there was no way he could stall the trial another week or two. He watched as his mother took the witness seat. She had been called by Miss Ascot’s lawyer Samuel Wells and been very worried about it since she never had gotten to know why and she didn’t want to say anything that would ruin the fragile friendship that had started to grow between herself and her daughter-in-law.

"Mrs Barkley, when did you first get to know Miss Ascot?"

"In Denver, in early November when I visited my sister and her husband."

"And what was your impression of her?"

"She seemed a well educated woman with good manners."

"Isn’t it said that you wanted her as a daughter-in-law?" Jarrod raised a brow as Victoria inhaled.

"I’m being misquoted. I said that any mother would like to have a lady like Miss Ascot and her friends as a daughter-in-law, not specifically Miss Ascot."

"But still."

"I can’t see any mother not want the best for her sons."

"No further questions." Jarrod looked with surprise at his mother.

"Jarrod, what was that about?"

"I don’t know Megan. It’s my turn now." He sat tapping his fingers together for a moment before he stood up and approached his Mother.

"Mrs Barkley. From the information I have you met Miss Ascot and her friends Miss Esmeralda Sommersville, Miss Heloise Tanner and Miss Antonia Biscotella at a ball held for the hospital in Denver."

"Yes."

"Where they escorted there or did they come by themselves?"

"Objection!

"Over-ruled, but Mr Barkley you have to explain."

"I will. Mrs Barkley shall I repeat the question?"

"No. I honestly don’t know but I met Mr Tanner, Miss Tanner’s father in Denver the day after, so I assume he escorted them."

"But you didn’t see him at the ball?

"No."

"So these girls went to a ball alone." Jarrod walked over to his desk and picked up a piece of paper and walked over to the judge with it. "Here is a testimony signed and witnessed from Brian Jones who worked as a doorman that evening. He verifies that they came without an escort and furthermore bribed him to get in since they didn’t have an invitation. He also states that Miss Sommersville and Miss Biscotella wanted to turn back when they found out you had to be invited to attend. Mrs Barkley knowing that would it change your opinion about the ladies?"

"Objection.

"Over-ruled."

"Yes, it would. No proper lady goes to a ball, even if it’s for Charity unescorted and then to pay a bribe."

"Here is another testimony from the Central Pacific line stating that they had an engine breakdown earlier that day making a train that wasn’t going to stop in Denver make that stop, a train that carried the women from the East coast on their trip to Stockton." Jarrod handed over the papers to the judge showing that the stop hadn’t been planned. He turned towards Miss Ascot. She was busy studying her hands, so he lifted his eyes and met the three girls sitting behind her. Two of them had their eyes turned down while the third let her gaze wander around the room, not wanting to meet Jarrod’s eyes.

"Mrs Barkley, when you met Mr Tanner the day after was he alone?"

"No, Miss Ascot was with him."

"Thank you Mrs Barkley. That’s all for now." Jarrod went and sat down. Mr Wells looked at his client and tried to question her but got a poker face when she answered. The judge hit his gavel on the desk.

"Mr Wells, your next witness please." The man stood up, straightened his tie and put his thumbs under his vest. He was nervous.

"I call Miss Adams to the stand." Megan inhaled and grabbed Jarrod’s arm. He patted her hand.

"Go Megan, he can’t hurt you." Megan rose up on weak legs and walked up to the judge and placed her hand on the bible, swore in and then moved to sit down. Victoria watched the young woman sit down and felt a pride over her that she only had felt for her own children before. The few days Megan had been allowed to be outside had given her some colour and she didn’t look so pale as she had done a month ago. Victoria had enjoyed the fact that Megan didn’t give much for the pale fashion, but instead wanted to look healthy. The only jewellery she wore beside her wedding ring and engagement ring was the piece Nick had given her for Valentine’s Day.

"One moment." The judge looked over his glasses to Megan. "Secretary, make a correction here please. Miss Adams is married, Mrs Nicholas Barkley, right?"

"Yes, your honour. I am." Several people in the court room inhaled and a small commotion occurred as the women whispered to each other.

"Quiet. Mr Wells, your witness."

"Excuse me Mrs Barkley and congratulations on your marriage. It must have happened very recently I gather and very conveniently for this trial." Jarrod rose.

"Objection!"

"Sustained." Mr Wells bowed but Megan fixed him with her eyes.

"I don’t call nearly three months very recent Sir." Mr Wells paled. Jarrod smiled at her. For the bench her family and friends did the same.

"My apologies." Wells gathered his papers and turned to her again. "Now tell us about your background."

"Objection, this question proves nothing of why we are here."

"Sustained. Mr Wells do I have to remind you why we are here?"

"Sir, I want to prove that Miss...sorry, Mrs Barkley has a background that makes her well, not very well educated." Jarrod stood up.

"Mr Barkley sit. Mr Wells, we are not here to establish whether Mrs Barkley has the proper background or not. We are here because Miss Ascot feels that she has been calumnied by Mrs Barkley."

"Judge, I’m getting to that." The judge gave the lawyer one more stern look. "Mrs Barkley, you arrived in this country when?

"I arrived about six months ago on the Mermaid of Liverpool."

"Half a year ago, huh. And you travelled third class I assume?" He walked smiling back to his table.

"No, I had a first class ticket." He stopped.

"But I got information here saying that …"

"I got ill in third class. Yes, I did get ill but that is because I volunteered to help out in third class when an epidemic of influenza broke out and the ship’s doctor needed help." He started to frantically look through his papers.

"No further questions." Jarrod rose.

"Mrs Barkley, even if you were ill our authorities let you come in this country why?

"I had my sister in Sparks and if I recall right the ship’s captain and some passengers from first class put in a good word for me."

"Let’s make a jump in time until the first time you met Miss Ascot. What happened?"

"Do you mean when I first ran into Miss Ascot or when we were properly introduced?"

"Is there a difference? Your first encounter."

"I was having tea at Mrs Wood’s Coffee shop when Miss Ascot came in with her friends. We were the only people there besides the staff. They said some hurtful things about my niece, myself and my husband."

"Was he your husband then?"

"No. He was a close friend and my niece’s father."

"Do you remember what was said?"

"Objection!"

"Over-ruled."

"It was something about me being Nick’s charity case and light footed and that Emily should be placed at a boarding school with no return ticket. I don’t recall the words exactly."

"What did you do?"

"Something very bad, I threatened to hunt them down if they hurt a hair on Emily’s head." Megan blushed and turned her gaze down to her hands, missing Jarrod’s smile.

"Your second encounter?"

"I didn’t meet her but she was at the ranch on Christmas Eve. I heard her voice and chose not to attend the dinner party; instead I put Emily to bed." Miss Ascot snorted and whispered loudly.

"She did a lousy job; the girl came down and ruined the evening." Jarrod turned to the woman before he turned back with a smile.

"Last time you met Miss Ascot was at church on Christmas day?"

"Yes, that was when we were introduced."

"Would you mind telling the court why you a few days later sued Miss Ascot for calumny?"

"I do mind but I’ll tell. Mrs Barkley came home and accused me on facts she said came from Miss Ascot that I was to have escorted a man into a Madam’s house. Mrs Barkley was upset which she had the right to be since I was engaged to her son. Miss Ascot had described a dress I have."

"Is there any truth to this Mrs Barkley, remember you are still under oath?"

"I had been into Stockton that day and I was wearing the dress for the first time but I can also show what I did in town."

"Now why didn’t you just deny it, why go to the lengths of suing?"

"Mrs Barkley didn’t believe me when I did. I guess my background that Mr Wells wanted to put on the record isn’t as good as Miss Ascot’s."

"Aha" Miss Ascot straightened her back. "I told you so." She turned to her lawyer. He tried to get her to keep her voice down.

"No further questions your Honour."

"Mrs Barkley. You may return to your seat. Mr Wells if you can’t get your client to behave I shall have to adjourn this court until you do."

"Yes, your honour." "The judge glanced at his watch.

"I think we will adjourn it anyway until after lunch. See you all back at two o’clock." He stood up and left the room. Jarrod smiled and gave his hand to Megan.

"Come, let’s have lunch. You did well. Nick will be very proud of you."

Back at the ranch…

Emily was tired of being quiet so that Theo could rest and left the room when Mrs Merar turned her back to her. Knowing that there weren’t any grownups in the house besides Mrs Merar and Silas Emily decided that she should have a look around. She knew there were rooms that her granny had told not to go into but she had never said why. Emily started with the room next to hers, Victoria’s. As it was easy to open and close the door the girl was soon in there walking around, touching what ever she could get her hands on. The closet turned into a wonderful treasure place and within minutes she had pulled a few dresses off the hangers and was trying them on. Wearing one of Victoria’s better dresses she put on some high heels and shuffled towards the toilet table where her grandmother had left her beauty box open.

Iva and Silas found her 30 minutes later when she came down to lunch wearing Victoria’s dress, shoes and pearls, smelling of four different perfumes and painted as Silas said later that day, as if she was joining native Americans in a war against the United States army.

By the stream…

24 hours after they arrived at the stream they were still looking for a place to cross. For every step the horse took further towards west the lower Nick’s mood got and not even Joshua’s songs or the stars had managed to calm him the night before. Nick could feel that something was wrong at home, something was worrying Megan and he wanted to be with her. He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn’t see the loose stones and therefore fell off when Big Duke lost his footing, sliding down the path. For a moment he sat on the ground before he tried to get up but the pain that went through his body made him sit back on the ground again. His men quickly gathered around him as Joshua checked his boss’ arm.

"Think it’s broken Nick."

"Never mind my arm, how’s the horse?"

"Thad is checking him. Jimmy get some strong twigs and see if there is a shirt or something in Nick’s bedroll that we can use." Nick bit his teeth together as Joshua and Walt together pulled the arm in place before tying it to the twigs. Thad came and informed his boss that the horse was limping because of a strained fetlock. Grumping, Nick was helped to the wagon while Thad took Big Duke’s reins and led him to the cold water. Gently a couple of the men helped him to get the horse down at the shore and into the cold water hoping the swelling would ease off. Slowly they all started the now even slower walk downstream.

Chapter twenty-five

Victoria sat behind Megan in the court room. The trial had been going for an hour and with a silent sigh Victoria checked her watch again. Everything was going too slowly for her taste and it was getting very warm in the room. She fanned herself with her hand wishing she was back at the ranch, preferably in her garden. She moved her eyes from the witness, Miss Sommersville to Megan. She could see that it was getting a bit too much for the girl too and she felt a sting of worry. Megan had been up and about for some weeks now but she wasn’t that strong yet and with the heat the situation was starting to take its price. Megan stroked back a sweaty lock of hair that had fallen down from its place. As Jarrod thanked the witness for her last answer he turned around to walk back to his seat and Victoria managed to catch his eye, nod towards Megan and with relief noticed that Jarrod asked Megan how she was feeling as he pushed the water glass towards her. Another sigh left her as Megan shook her head. Heath patted his mother’s hand.

"She will be alright Mother. It’s just one more witness I gather and that is Miss Ascot and then it’s all over."

As if Mr Wells heard him he called out for Miss Ascot and Victoria watched as she walked up to the judge and placed her hand on the bible. The woman was dressed in the latest fashion and looked as if she was going for a walk along a boulevard in Paris and not about to take a seat in a court house in Stockton. Another sigh left Victoria. Mr Wells walked towards his client with a smile but Victoria quickly noticed that he was nervous. His client’s manners hadn’t been the best before, nor had his research covered the facts. He knew and it showed that it was a large risk to put Miss Ascot in the stand.

"Miss Ascot. Would you like to tell us your version of how you met Miss Adams, sorry, Mrs Barkley?" He turned slightly towards Megan. Everybody knew that he was calling her the wrong name on purpose.

"We, my friends and I, went to this cheap coffee shop that according to my friend Heloise had the best apple pie in this part of the world. Can’t say I agree with her. Anyway we were sitting there when this woman came up and threatened us for no reason at all." The judge kept a stern look on Miss Ascot as he tapped his fingers against each other.

"And you are sure she had no reason?"

"Objection." Jarrod stood up.

"Sustained!. Mr Wells, Mrs Barkley and four witnesses have already confirmed what was said. Miss Ascot please do remember that you have sworn to tell the truth. To commit perjury is a large crime that always results in jail. I suggest that we let Mr Barkley continue and you Mr Wells can ask your questions afterwards." Wells bowed to the judge as Jarrod rose. He was taken by surprise by the judge’s move as this wasn’t the normal way to handle things but he wasn’t going to lose the opportunity.

"Miss Ascot, I want to go back in time, to Denver. I know you met Mrs Victoria Barkley there but would you like to tell us why you were so eager to attend the charity ball that you would bribe yourself in?"

"Denver isn’t a very …what shall I say … there isn’t much to do and the ball sounded fun."

"And you, a well educated young woman of the finest family find it appropriate to attend without an escort?"

"There weren’t any available at that moment."

"But there was afterwards?"

"What exactly are you hinting at Mr Barkley?" Jarrod fetched a paper and gave it to the judge.

"This is a written statement from Colonel McBride. He escorted Miss Ascot to a hotel afterwards. He has been sent to Europe because of it and therefore can’t attend here today. His commander wasn’t pleased when he got to know of his officer’s actions."

"So what? Isn’t a lady allowed to enjoy a man’s company?"

"It depends Miss Ascot, it depends on the reasons for it and the actions taken." Mr Wells stood up.

"Judge, I would like to have a word with you."

"Very well, Mr Barkley, Mr Wells."

"I can’t see that Miss Ascot’s behaviour has anything to do with this case." Wells hissed at Jarrod.

"I just want to prove that a woman that frequently seduced men shouldn’t be the one to come with accusations."

"So one encounter proves ...

"

"Wells, I have a dozen men that can speak about Miss Ascot just in this town and one is the father of a friend of Miss Ascot." Wells paled.

"Are you saying that …"

"That to clear my client I’m prepared to show this town who Miss Ascot really is and with that either put her out of business or it will bloom."

"And you can prove it Jarrod?" The judge fixed the lawyer with his eyes.

"I can."

"Mr Wells, the call is yours. You may have a few minutes with your client to talk the situation over but if she chooses to continue I’m going to allow Mr Barkley’s questions as long as they don’t get too improper." The lawyers went to their clients to explain the situation. Megan listened carefully to what Jarrod had to say and silently hoped the woman would end it all. She wanted to go home to the children and to be honest just to get out in the fresh air. She almost jumped out of her seat when Miss Ascot’s hard voice was heard.

"You are fired." Wells bowed to his ex-client and with a nod towards Jarrod he left the room. Jarrod stood up to continue after a look at the judge.

"Miss Ascot, would you like to tell the court about the house you own at the Constitution Park? The corner of Pilgrim St and Fremont St?"

"I’m sure I don’t own a house there." She watched as Jarrod gave the judge a piece of paper. "You must like papers, Mr Barkley."

"Young lady, I wouldn’t try anything." The judge looked at her. "This proves that you own the house Mr Barkley is talking about and what business it contains."

"So is that a crime?"

"No Miss Ascot but perjury is. Now Mr Barkley you may continue." Ascot twisted in her seat. This wasn’t going the way she had planned and she started to worry about the questions that were to come.

"We are here today because you claim that Mrs Barkley has been going around saying what? My client and I have never found out and we would like to know."

"Alright, I told Mrs B that her son was getting cheated on and she fell for it. How I enjoyed that! It served Miss feel sorry for me right. In war anything is allowed."

"In war?" Jarrod tilted his head as he frowned a little. "Please I don’t understand?" he had realised that if she was given the scene she would say what they wanted her to say.

"I came here to catch a man, a man that was foolish or busy enough to let me go on with my business and Nick was perfect. There were just a few obstacles in the way: Miss Adams here and that child."

"So you created a lie?"

"Of course, how else would I get Mrs Barkley to do what I wanted after I learned that he fallen for her cheap tricks and proposed to her. I just didn’t count on Miss Proper here to sue me or that they would run off like mice." Megan shivered when Ascot laughed.

"So…"

"So I turned my interests back where they were from the beginning."

"To Marcus Tanner."

"Yes. A married man is better than nothing and he lets me have my fun."

"The bordello?"

"Yes."

"Then why are we here Miss Ascot if everything is fine?"

"Because that lousy bitch sued me and I decided that I shall get every cent she has on that account of hers. Oh yes, Mr Barkley, I know exactly the sum. It’s $5, 985 and 88 cents!" The judge hit the desk with his gavel.

"I think this is over. Miss Georgina Ascot, the house you own is from this day Mrs Nicholas Barkley’s. Besides that you will have to pay the costs for Mr Barkley, and for perjury I sentence you to 6 months jail and another 6 for using this court as your playground. Mr Barkley, I gather you will see to it that this estate is turned to over your client."

"No, you can’t do that." Ascot threw herself down from the stand and towards Jarrod. Heath and Megan reacted at the same time and reached Jarrod just as Ascot pulled a knife out of a pocket. Without hesitation Heath shot her in the arm making her miss Jarrod but unfortunately making the knife just land next to Megan’s foot. Seeing that, Megan lost control over her body and she fainted. As Ascot was led away Victoria moved over to Megan as somebody ran for Dr Merar. Slowly recovering Megan’s tears were falling in anger.

"I can’t believe it, why do things always have to happen to me? Why?" A cold cloth was placed over her forehead and she peered up towards a slightly older blond woman with pretty eyes.

"Here, let me wipe your forehead. It will keep you clear and focused. It looks like you are very warm." Sheena Fenton smiled at the woman that was married to her favourite customer. When she had heard about the trial she had decided that she wanted to see the reason for Nick’s absence and during the day she had found that she really liked the girl.

"Mother move so that I can lift Megan up onto the bench. Hello, Sheena. Fancy seeing you here." Heath smiled at her. He knew of Nick’s affection for the girl and that he would always choose her over any other girl but Heath didn’t know that Nick had told his wife about her. Megan peered under the cloth wanting to get a better look when she heard the name but it was not until Heath carried her over to the bench where Dr Merar was waiting that she did get a proper look. When Sheena decided she had better leave and turned around Megan caught her dress and whispered.

"Please Miss, don’t go. I would like to talk to you? Sheena bent down.

"Are you sure Mrs Barkley? Megan nodded. "What if I come to the coffee house tomorrow Ma’am, at noon? Megan nodded again and let go of the dress. After a check over Megan was carried out to the buggy and Heath drove them home.

At the ranch…

Silas had cleaned his mistress’ room while Mrs Merar did her best to get the young girl clean. Emily cried and screamed for Megan as Iva scrubbed her. She couldn’t understand why she had to get everything off when she had done herself pretty for Auntie Eggan. Her temper was showing and Iva was as wet as the child. Theodore laid in his bed wondering what was happening since nobody had told him and he could hear Emily. Thinking something was really wrong he tried to get up to help her but the pain made him fall back on the pillow. With a large effort he sat up after a while and perched on the bedside looking for his crutches.

"Mr Theodore. You get back to bed. What will the doctor say if he finds out you are trying to get out?" Silas walked in with a lunch tray. "Here is your lunch, sorry about the delay." He noticed that the water jug was empty. "I’ll get you some more to drink."

"Sir, what is happening to Emily? Please Sir I want to go to her."

"It’s Silas, Mr Theodore. Miss Emily has, let us say made a small mess and is getting cleaned before Mrs Megan comes home."

"But she is crying."

"Don’t worry about her. Better to have her cry now than when Mrs Barkley and Mrs Megan comes home."

"She might be punished? She is a good girl. I can take her punishment."

"That is not for me to decide." Silas left the room. Emily had stopped crying but that didn’t ease Theodore’s worry for her. He decided that he should eat and then try again to leave the room.

An hour later Emily sneaked into Theo’s room and crept down under the covers beside him. He let her sleep on his left side holding a protective arm around her. Iva Merar borrowed one of Victoria’s dresses while her own was hung out to dry and Silas served her a large cup of coffee. When Heath drove up the buggy by the front door Silas was there to open it. Worriedly, he watched as Megan was carried into the parlour. Victoria explained quickly to Iva and Silas what had happened as, with curiosity, she noticed the dress.

"Silas, I think we all would like some tea or coffee and perhaps something cold to drink too. And Iva I would like to know if there has been any trouble here." Victoria walked ahead into the parlour and sat opposite her daughter-in-law. "How you feeling now Megan? Perhaps some tea and a rest will do the trick and get you up and about again. I’m proud of how you handled things in the court room today."

"Not that I fainted?" Victoria smiled.

"No, but that I do understand. The heat and emotions can get to you and you are not completely recovered yet. No, I meant how you handled the situation. Oh, that was quick Silas."

"I had most prepared, Mrs Barkley."

"Iva, please let us in on your change of clothes?"

"Well Jarrod did warn me that she is a handful but I didn’t believe him." With a sigh Iva told them what had happened. Victoria felt a sting of anger when she noticed that Heath and Megan were both fighting the laughter in them, something they both managed until they looked at each other and the bubble burst. Megan was the first to recover.

"I’m sorry Mrs Merar. She has never done something like that before. She knows she isn’t allowed into Victoria’s room. I guess curiosity got the best of her today when she felt alone. I’ll deal with her and of course replace what is destroyed." Megan stood up. "Thank you for the help today." She knew she had to leave as soon as possible before she started to laugh again. Just the thought of how Emily must have looked or smelled made the giggle return. She had just made the stairs when Heath caught up with her and together they went into Emily’s room. Surprised that she wasn’t there since Iva had said that the girl had been sent to her room they started to look around and when Megan gently opened Theo’s door she stopped and smiled. Feeling Heath’s hands on her shoulders she smiled at the couple sleeping in the bed before she closed the door.

On the way home…

As soon as the men managed to cross the stream they decided to make it a day and as the cook started to prepare the meal, Joshua and Thad help their boss to a tree so that he would have something to lean on while they got the camp and horses ready. Nick picked out the map and started to estimate how far south they had gone. He knew they had passed the desert and when he found the river on the map he let his finger follow its line until he was sure where they were. Feeling the disappointment that they had lost so much ground he started to check for the best and quickest way from where they were. He decided that they should move along the range as far as the bottom of the San Joaquin Valley and then head straight for the river. It should take them an extra week but should be without any more unpleasant surprises. His arm hurt and he tried to find a comfortable position to hold it in.

"Nick, find any doctors on that map?" Joshua looked at his boss.

"No, why?"

"Don’t you think …?

"No, I’m going home. How is the stock of supplies? Can we make it without having an extra stop?"

"I’ll check but I think so. If not I’m sure we can find couple of rabbits or another meat on the way."

"How’s Big Duke?"

"He looks fine. Perhaps a slow walk one more day and then he will be fit again which is more than I can say about you."

"Never mind me. I’m going home."

Chapter twenty-six

In the Coffee shop’s kitchen Vera was putting the things back from the store boxes while she was trying to figure out the new stove and oven. She had started to bake a batch of cookies but the result wasn’t something she would want to sell. Vera felt happier than she had done for a long time. Megan would take care of the business part and she, Vera, could keep on doing what she enjoyed the most: bake. When Megan had made her proposition Vera had first hesitated but after a few seconds realized that it would be perfect: she could bake and let go of the boring part, Megan who’s health was a bit fragile didn’t need to get up in the morning to work and the two could still work together. The staff looked forward to it too as a happy Mrs Wood was more easy to deal with than one guarding them all the time. None of the girls had gathered that Mrs Barkley would prefer to sit out in the Coffee Shop rather than behind a cover meaning she could see everything. Megan sat at her corner table going over the books. They were opening again next week and she wanted everything to be fine and in order. She had for the first time earlier made some chocolates, testing the equipment she got for it and now and then she put a piece in her mouth. She didn’t want to admit it but she was getting nervous to meet the woman who knew more about her husband’s private parts and demands than she did.

Sheena Fenton crossed over the street towards the Coffee Shop. Now and then she had stopped to check her outfit in a shop’s window and even if she knew that everything was in order she felt nervous. Why would Mrs Barkley want to see her? She had thought over that question all night while she had been working but couldn’t come up with an answer. She had even talked it over with her best friend who had suggested that perhaps Mrs Barkley wanted private lessons or perhaps she didn’t know who Sheena was and was just grateful for the help yesterday. Sheena was however sure Mrs Barkley knew who she was; she had seen it in her eyes but how? As the town’s clock let its bells sound over the town letting everyone know it was noon Sheena read the sign in the window and she wondered where she would go now and she started to look around to see if she could find a door to the back of the building when she heard a key turn and Megan opened the door.

"Hi, Miss. I had forgotten that we kept the door locked. Come in." The girls that were cleaning behind the counter stopped and studied the woman that stepped inside the shop and when Megan noticed the interest she made a quick decision. "Would you feel terribly hurt if I suggested that we get a lunch basket and go out to a park?"

"Not at all Mrs Barkley. I think I would actually prefer that." Sheena looked stunned at the woman next to her.

"It’s Megan. Girls, get a lunch basket ready at once, pack it for two." With a "Yes madam" they hurried out to the kitchen.

“I must say you have made a difference here." Sheena said.

"She has, hasn’t she?" Vera came out to the shop with the basket. "I was just getting the basket ready since I guessed that you would want to leave the shop Megan. Anna has gone to get the blanket for you." When the girl arrived with the item Sheena bent down and took the basket.

"Allow me to carry. Any idea where to?"

"No, I don’t know the town enough to suggest a calm spot."

"If you don’t mind we could go to Fremont Park and then have a peek at the house you got."

"Lead the way."

The two women found that they had a lot in common, even without mentioning Nick once but after everything was eaten and the tea drunk Sheena smiled at the woman beside her. In her heart she was happy for Nick and she didn’t feel the jealousy she thought she would. This woman suited him fine.

"Megan, why did you want to talk to me? I could see in your eyes yesterday that you knew of me and what I do and yet you wanted to see me. Must say it both surprised and worried me a bit."

"I’m sorry Sheena. That wasn’t my purpose. I was a little surprised myself too by what I did. I guess …" Megan looked down at the blanket. "I guess I wanted to find out who you are. Nick talked so very fondly of you that I felt a bit jealous."

"I’m surprised he even mentioned me. I don’t think you have anything to fear. Nick has never come to me when he has been involved with someone and then I know that he would never take a girl, how shall I say it, to bed. I know because we talk a lot about it."

"I understood that, that you meant more to him than just a .."

"Prostitute? Saloon girl? Megan I don’t mind you using those words about me for they are true. I have been in this profession since I was fifteen. I met Nick when I was twenty-one. My husband, yes I am married, owns the saloon. These days I only take the special customers and Nick has always been my favourite. Not many men like him."

"I know." Megan looked shyly up.

"Megan may I be direct?" When she received a nod she continued. "I know him well in many ways and I can say this after the short time we have talked that he has made the right choice when it comes to a life partner, a soul mate. There are many rumours going around in town about you and that is why I went to the court house yesterday. I wanted to see you with my own eyes. I have also heard that you have been ill and knowing Nick he would have left you alone then, right? Megan nodded again. I know it’s none of my business but did you get a chance to be intimate with him before you turned ill?" A blushing Megan nodded again.

"I was well a few weeks and we were married a few days before Emily turned ill."

"So you got to be with him right?"

"He said he would teach me." Megan whispered.

"He’s your first?" Sheena smiled when Megan nodded to her again and she made a quick decision. "I can teach you too, not the practical way I’ll leave that to Nick but I can tell you about what he likes and so on. There is a way that I can even show you what I’m talking about but then you need to dare to walk into the house we have. What I’m telling you now has to stay between us. We have a room we call the education room, a room with peeping holes. I can promise you that I have never let Nick near that room but the room serves its purposes this way: when we have a new girl we let her watch together with one of the more experienced girls. That way she gets to know what to do with out being clumsy or having to ask her customer all the time. The idea was in a way Nick’s even if I don’t think he would want to know about it. If we arrange a time you can be in the room and I promise that I’ll pick the right girls and customers for the purpose. Some things that I know Nick enjoys are very private so I’ll just tell you about them. Just promise to never let Nick know about this."

"Why?"

"Why I’m doing this? I like you girl and I don’t want to see your husband in my room again. Now shall we have a peek at the house you got yesterday? What are your plans for it? My girls were worried yesterday that you would continue the business, seeing that the Barkley name would give you an advantage."

"You can tell them they need not worry. I’m not going to run it. I’ll wait to decide what to do with it until Nick comes home but if I sell it I’ll make sure it’s turned into a normal home, ordinary hotel or anything but what it is today."

"Auntie Eggan you play with Em and Theo today? Em not see you for long and Em miss you." Megan stood in the kitchen preparing lunch for the children. She turned slightly and watched them by the table. Theo had been placed in an old wheelchair that the family had gotten when one of boys had an accident. It was too large for him and he couldn’t wheel it himself but he could be up and join the family. Emily did her best to push him around. Suddenly she felt like she was going to faint and she sank down on the floor before she did. Emily was quickly by her side and placed a small sticky hand on her aunt’s head. "You sick again? You need bed? Em get Uncle Heath or Arrad?"

"Mrs Megan, me call for help too?" Megan watched Theo pull himself around the table corner to see her.

"No, children. I just needed to sit down for a second. I don’t know what came over me but I’m sure it’s nothing serious and we shall play this afternoon. I came home early for that."

"You work too much." Emily stood beside her with her hand on her hip and finger waving and repeated the words she had heard her grandmother say to her aunt last night. Megan started to giggle and pulled the girl down on her lap.

"I know I do but it has been so fun to have something to do every day again and see that it pays off. Now who wants pancakes?"

"ME!"

Both children sat in the wheelchair as Megan pushed it slowly around the corrals and barns as Emily wanted to show Theo all the animals. They patted, scratched, got licked and picked on. When they reached the horses Emily quickly jumped out of the wheelchair, crept under the fence and headed for Coco. Theo looked so longingly towards them that Megan lifted him up and walked over to the gate. With a little help from Emily they managed to open it and after Megan had placed Theo on the ground and closed the gate she carried him over to the horses. She placed him on a tree trunk that lay there and left him with Emily and the animals after instructions to call for her when they wanted to leave. Megan walked slowly over to the water trough and put some cold water on her face. The fainting feeling came over her again and she felt her legs bend under her just as a strong arm caught her.

"Wow Megan, take it easy. We got a bathtub inside if you want to have a bath."

"Thanks Heath. Something sure is wrong. I feel well but all of a sudden my knees feel like they are made of jelly."

"And you are sick in the mornings too. Perhaps you shouldn’t work so much or stay up late. I walked past your bedroom last night about one when I got home and you were still up."

"You are right. I just want things to be ready when Nick comes home. When is he coming home Heath?"

"I don’t know. He should have been home by now. Leave it for another week or so, remember I had problems with floods, they might have had the same problems. I promise you that if he not at home in two weeks I’ll go looking for him, alright?

"Alright." Emily came running.

"Auntie Eggan, can we ride? Em know and Theo too."

"Well Emily is too small and Theo isn’t well enough. What if I get out some fun things in the garden and we play with them instead." Emily thought it over.

"Alright. We get Theo. You too Uncle Heath?"

"I have work to do Sweetheart. With your father out riding somebody has to do all the work."

"All alone?"

"All alone."

"You wrong. Mr Duke here too. And others."

"You are one clever Miss. Can’t fool you can I?"

"No, come Auntie Eggan. We get Theo now."

"Need help Megan?"

"Yes please, don’t think it would look so good if I did faint while I carried the lad." Chuckling Heath followed them.

In the evening Megan joined Victoria by the hearth in the parlour. Victoria was sewing on the quilts Megan had put together for her and Megan had started on new embroidery. They sat talking about the Coffee shop and the life on the ranch when Jarrod walked through the oak door.

"There you are Lovely ladies. Megan, I have a guest for you."

"For me?" Megan hoped for a second that it was Nick but when she saw who it was she fainted.

Chapter twenty-seven

Megan woke up to the heavy smell of gardenia, and though still dizzy, tried to sit up but was pushed back by gentle hands. Another hand stroked a lock from her face and she turned her head to the person who sat next to her on the settee.

"Madam, what …?"

"My dear Miss Adams. Oops I have to try to remember that you are a married woman now Mrs Barkley. Any more surprises in store for me?"

"No Madam. But why?" Megan struggled to sit up. She could hear Heath in the background telling Jarrod off for something, she couldn’t hear what it was about but she was surprised. Heath never raised his voice but now he seemed angry. "Something happened?" Victoria saw that Megan looked towards the study.

"Heath didn’t like the way Jarrod surprised you. He walked in just as you fainted. Seems he promised his big brother to protect you from getting ill or hurt again." Victoria reached for the glass. "Here Love I have to agree with him so if it wasn’t him, Jarrod would have to deal with me."

"I’m sorry. I’m being a nuisance again."

"For heavens sake no Megan. You just got a shock and it’s partly my fault." Mrs Margaret Capenwick smiled at her former employee. "When I got Mr Jarrod’s telegram and decided that I needed to come here I wired him not to say anything."

"Telegram?" Megan looked at her benefactor.

"He asked for my advice and I guess he wanted to get some answers about my dear sister and her so called husband. I’m sorry Megan for the trouble they seem to have caused you."

"But you …" Heath came into the parlour and quickly walked over to his sister-in-law.

"Megan are you feeling alright or shall I escort you up to your room?"

"No, Heath I’m fine I think. My head is a bit dizzy but that is I think because of all the questions flying around."

"Mrs Capenwick why don’t I show you to your room so that you can freshen up and Jarrod see to it that Silas makes us all an evening snack and then we can all sit down and you and Jarrod explain to the rest of us how come you are here. I can understand that Megan got a shock if she thought you were in London and then you walked in here."

"So can I and I think it’s a wonderful idea Mrs Barkley. I have booked a room at the hotel in town but your son suggested I should come straight out here tonight instead of going there."

"Well, I would have been disappointed at him if he let you stay in Stockton when we have room here. And so would his younger brother and if you thought Heath was loud you should hear him" Victoria rolled her eyes as she led Mrs Capenwick up the stairs. Jarrod hurried out in the kitchen before he had to face his sister-in-law. The reaction she had had was not the one he had expected and he had been scared when she fell to the floor. He told himself off as he entered the kitchen, he should have remembered that she wasn’t as strong as she seemed and that she had been very ill. Of course seeing her old employer was too much, he should have known that.

"Megan, are you sure you are feeling alright? I don’t want Nick to come home and find you ill again, not when you have been well for a few weeks. Can I get anything for you?"

"Don’t worry Heath. I just got so surprised I guess. Please my shawl, it’s hanging over my chair in my bedroom. I think I could do with it." Heath leaned forward and gave her a kiss.

"It will be around your shoulders in a few moments." He hurried off, taking the stairs in twos. Megan was left sat on the settee wondering what was happening around her.

Half an hour later everyone was seated round the small table in the parlour. Jarrod started telling them how he figured that Mrs Capenwick might have an answer as to why the Cravens had such a grievance against Megan and that was the reason he sent a wire to a colleague in London hoping he would know who she was and managed to get her address. As soon as his friend had sent back the information Jarrod had wanted, he had sent a long, a very long as Mrs Capenwick stated, wire to her with several questions. Mrs Capenwick sat for a while thinking of how she should continue when it was her turn.

"The same day as Jarrod’s telegram arrived I had received a large pack of letters from Megan. The postal service must have kept them for some time." She picked up her cup and took a sip. "I’m afraid I have to admit that I put the telegram aside being so pleased when I recognised the neat handwriting on the envelopes and normally when I get a telegram it means bad news and I didn’t want to spoil the moment. I managed to get my new … well maid … to make some tea for me and moved out in the greenery and sat there reading about the trip over here and then the hospital visit. The last letter in the bunch told me that Megan had left for her sister. As I sat there checking the dates, realising that they were over three months old I remembered the telegram. I returned with it to my sofa and was very worried, almost shaking when I opened it. The anger I felt after I had read Jarrod’s questions was as strong as the worry and I think I said a few things a lady shouldn’t. That evening I had dinner with Reverend Archer and his wife and when they had left I realised I missed Megan so much, not just as a maid or company but also as a friend and as a daughter. Yes my dear, I know I’m not easy to be around but somehow …" She patted Megan’s hand. "Mrs Archer had mentioned something about how easy and cheap it was to travel to America these days so when I woke up the next day I had made my mind up. I sent Jarrod a telegram informing him that I would come myself and asked him to stall the trial until I was there." Jarrod smiled.

"I would say that you ordered me to cancel the trial until you arrived. I have told Judge Formby that I had a witness coming from England so he said we would wait until that person was here."

"So that is the reason it has been so calm."

"Yes, Heath. The Judge also knew that Nick is out of town and considering that he is one of the main characters in this …" Jarrod flung out with his hands.

"So I ordered Jarrod." Margaret rolled her eyes. Anyway I found out that there was a steam ship leaving Southampton a month later and booked a ticket on it. Miss Seville didn’t want to leave her family so I decided to my daughter and her husband’s distress to travel by myself. The time before the trip I saw to it that everything was taken care of in London and a week before I left another bunch of letters arrived from Megan. The last one telling me about her engagement to Nicholas. Jarrod told me in his office before we drove out here about the marriage and what has happened since Christmas and I must say I’m ashamed of my family." Victoria folded her serviette and placed it besides her plate.

"Then you know about Megan’s unfortunate illness, Emily and Theo and why Nick isn’t here besides everything else."

"Only the short version: Emily is Nick’s daughter, Theo is a young boy and Nick himself is on a business trip. I want to find out more but perhaps we can continue tomorrow. It has been a very long day and this old hag is getting very tired." Margaret followed Victoria’s example and placed her serviette on the table.

"Hag? Mrs Capenwick where on earth have you picked up that …?" Margaret smiled as Victoria stood up.

"You are so right. I think we all should turn in. You especially Megan."

"But I still have so many questions and so many thoughts."

"My dear, I intend to spend some time in this country you have adopted as yours as my return ticket isn’t due until late September, just before the autumn storms. We will have time to talk. Victoria is right. You do look pale. Good night to you all. So go to bed, Lass."

"Hag? Lass? Mrs Capenwick, I don’t think a lady would use words like that."

"Well, this lady has been around another younger lady for too long. Don’t think I haven’t picked up a word or two." She took Megan under her arm and started the walk up the stairs. The Barkley members stood smilingly as they watched the couple climb the stairs.

"Jarrod, I think you have given Nick another mother-in-law but I’m not sure if he will thank you or not." Heath chuckled.

"Another?" Victoria raised a brow.

"Mrs Woods acts like she is Megan’s mother too." Victoria joined in his chuckle.

The day after, Megan sat in the garden with the children and Margaret. Victoria had decided that they needed time to be on their own, so that Megan could get some answers that were of a more private nature. When she had tried to get Emily to join her for a trip to Stockton the girl had made scene and it was decided that she and Theo could paint with the watercolours under Megan’s watchful eyes. Emily was happy and Theo didn’t mind trying something new. Megan had learned from Vera that Theo really should have started school in January, but when she tried to talk to the boy about it he just shook his head, and after the talk she had with Miss Jones, the school teacher, she had decided to teach him herself until it was decided about his future. She had asked Jarrod to try to find a family for the boy in San Francisco or somewhere else but Stockton so that he could get a fresh start. Heath had given Theo some new crutches which would allow him to rest his broken arm but still let him be independent and move around. Margaret had brought out her embroidery and enjoyed being in Megan’s company again.

"Mrs Capenwick."

"It’s Margaret now Megan. New country new habits plus you are a married woman now and I’m a guest in your home. I had lots of time to think on the way over here and came to terms that I wanted a fresh start between us. I meant what I said last night. Abigail might be my daughter but I realised that I felt closer to you than to her. You have never been afraid of me no matter how badly I behaved. I’m ashamed over the hardship I have put you through over the years."

"You shouldn’t. I knew there was a reason for it. I also understood that there was something different about our relationship since you gave me all the time I needed to be free when dad was dying and then you did let me fulfil a dream, the one to join up with Cathy. You have taught me so much that has been useful since I came here."

"I turned you into a lady."

"Yes, you did. No Emily, you can’t paint red over black, it won’t show." Megan turned her attention to the children for a moment giving Margaret time to study her. "I have an idea. Why don’t you pick different flowers and leaves and I’ll show you how to paint with them. Emily if you help Theo I’m sure he can walk on his crutches. Theo, take it easy, remember what doctor Merar said today about being careful so that you don’t fall on that broken arm or ribs." With Emily’s small basket the two went off for a search while Megan stood up to put away the paint. "I think I’ll get some lemonade or cider. Is there anything else I can bring out or do you want to move inside?"

"I’m fine Megan. I don’t mind being outside as long as I don’t have to sit in the sun. You will have to show me around later. The landscape looks so different from Sussex."

"Or London."

"Or London. It’s much cleaner and calmer here, almost reminds me of how it could be before everything got so busy."

"It’s never quiet here, I still haven’t got used to all the sounds."

"Well, you are a city girl, me I’m brought up on the countryside. So run along and get that cider. I’ll keep an eye on the children."

"Auntie Eggan think daddy like his horsey?" Emily placed her picture on the table. Megan looked at the reddish thing that was supposed to be a horse.

"I’m sure he will. Why don’t you and I go into Stockton and get a frame for it?"

"Theo’s too?"

"We can get a frame for Theo’s too." Emily nicely let Megan help her with her nighty.

"You read Em’s book?" Emily quickly got a book from the shelf and crept down in under the covers. "Theo listen too?" Megan nodded and went for the boy. She found him struggling with his nightshirt as his right arm pained when he tried to pull the shirt over his head. He looked helplessly at Megan.

"Mrs Megan, must I have this? Why can’t I sleep in my pants?"

"Because there are clothes to spend the day in and there are clothes to wear at night. Come let me help you. There, better?" He nodded. "You know what Love, you do need some more clothes than the once I got you last week. Why don’t you and I go shopping tomorrow and we can also get one of those modern nightwear for men, the ones with pants? I know my husband has some and I’m sure they must have them in your size too or we can ask Mrs Jocelyn to make some for you. Emily is ready for a night story in her bed, want to join her?" Megan lifted the boy up when he nodded and she carried him into the next room. For the next hour Megan’s British accent was heard reading a story about Hans and Gretel and the gingerbread witch. Emily fell asleep resting her head against Megan’s lap and when Megan closed the book Theo too could hardly keep is eyes open.

"More please Mrs Megan"

"Nope, I think it’s enough for tonight. Lets get you into bed young man." After Megan had managed to get off the bed without waking Emily she carried Theo to bed and tucked him in. "Now you sleep tight. We have a big shopping day tomorrow."

"You’re not going to work tomorrow?" Theo had gotten used to seeing Megan leave in the morning and come home late. "You didn’t go today.”

"I think Vera can handle the shop alone for a day or two. We could pop in and see if she has any apple cake when we are done."

"Can Emily come too?"

"Sure, it’s you who are getting the clothes and trying them on, if you want her there too…"

"No girls allowed."

"Thought so. Why don’t we decide about who’s coming and not tomorrow." She kissed his forehead and left his room, leaving the light slightly on. She had in the short time he had been with them noticed that he slept much better if it was on. After a quick check on Emily she walked down to the rest of the family in the study. The brothers were telling Margaret about the rules in pool. Megan stopped in the doorway and watched her old employer. It was such a change of the old woman from the first day Megan had met her, she could never believed that the "old bitch" would be a lovely woman that actually enjoyed letting go of the "unwritten class rules" and was eager to learn about life outside the mansion in Knightsbridge Road.

"Oh, Megan, dear. Have you played this game?"

"No." Victoria got a mischievous look in her eyes.

"Why don’t we three play against the boys?"

"Mother!" Jarrod looked at her.

"Yes, Jarrod? Scared that we will beat you? Now what is it Nick does to get you to play?" She walked over to her sewing basket and pulled out a small purse. "Lets see, will a dollar do?"

"Victoria!" Now it was Megan’s turn to be stunned.

"Make it two." Margaret placed a dollar beside Victoria’s. The two women stood challenging the boys. Heath scratched his head.

"Seems too me Jarrod, we don’t have a chance to back out." Still with a slightly horrified look Jarrod reached out and gave his mother the pool cue.

Chapter twenty-eight

Slowly the riders and their accompanying wagon made their way over the Diablo Range towards the San Joaquin Valley. The path that had been marked out on the old map was gone and most of the time they were forced to cut their way through thick shrubbery, make detours around fallen stones and sharp depth. Nick was surprised that what had caused the problem down at the river with its floods now was a problem since they lacked water. His calculations were now taking him and the men towards a small town called Avena and he hoped that they not only would be able to get some supplies for themselves but more importantly find a large water supply for the animals. As the sun was just starting to settle a week after they left the stream Nick saw a small farmer’s house on the horizon and he motioned the men towards it hoping he would find water and shelter there for the night.

As they rode in the farmer came out with his rifle ready to shoot. Nick quickly called out who he was and their wish. Slowly the old man walked towards the riders as his wife peeked through the window as she hid behind the curtains.

"Barkley you say? How do I know you are not lying to me?" He stared at the cowboy. He had heard of the Barkleys when he first came to California forty years ago but that man had been his age or just younger. Nick slowly moved his hand towards his pocket but when the old man noticed that he lifted his rifle.

"I just want to get out an identification note Sir. Would you mind pointing that somewhere else?" Nick got his wallet out from his inner pocket and pulled a piece of paper which he reached to the man. After a quick look, it was handed back.

"What can I do for you?"

"We are on our way home but have had some trouble. Would like to get the horses a good dose of water and a corner where we could set up camp for tonight."

"There is a small lake about one mile south. As for shelter, well you could use my barn." Nick tipped his hat and the group turned towards the lake.

Hours later Nick stood by the farmer’s corral studying the five horses in it. Joshua and Thad joined him with a cup of coffee for him. The trio stood talking when the farmer came out with a small batch of hay for the animals. Surprised Nick left his men and strode over.

"Sir, why the extra food? The grass is pretty good here and the animals look fine." The old farmer looked sadly at Nick.

"Tomorrow it’s all over. My son has sold everything." Nick sensed that something was wrong and took the old man by his elbow and nudged him over to the fire. The men quickly made space and Joshua went for a cup of strong coffee for the farmer as Thad brought out a bottle of fine whisky. After that the men moved so that their boss and the farmer could get some privacy.

"Tell." Nick poured some of the golden liquid in the coffee for the man.

"My wife and I came out here forty years ago and have lived here since then. The land has been good and provided what we need and a little extra that we have sold in Coatinga. A month ago my oldest son came home and told us that he had sold the farm to someone who wanted the land and that he got us a house in town. Considered us too old to handle ourselves out here." The man held out the cup and Nick generously poured more whisky into it. "So tomorrow the butcher is coming to slaughter the animals because the buyer didn’t want them." Nick thought of the pony in the coral as he reached into his pocket for two cigars. Giving one to the farmer he leaned forward and lit his own. As he blew out the smoke he turned to Joshua and motioned that he should come. The old man was so deep in his misery that he didn’t notice that Nick gave his man some orders. Joshua quickly left with a nod and with Thad and three more men left the camp side. Nick small talked to the man until Joshua came back to report.

"Sir, my men tells me that the horses are of best quality, the bull looks fine and that there are 15 cows."

"There are and two pigs and some hens Mr Barkley."

"How much did you get paid for the stock?"

"Nothing. My son sold everything for $ 900. That’s house, animals and everything else."

"I’ll pay $ 1500 for the animals but that needs to include food for them for the trip to Stockton and a wagon for transport."

"Mr Barkley I don’t know what to say. Why?"

"I don’t like good people being fooled by their own. I was told there were two wagons. That will give you one with two of the horses. If you and your wife are ready to leave tomorrow morning we can help you get loaded."

"Mr Barkley, let’s go indoors and settle everything."

The sun rose to a busy morning. The men were loading the wagons, all eager to help as they felt for the old couple. They were all amazed over the quality of the stock and Joshua pointed out to Nick that the old man knew what he had been doing. As food, pigs, hens and supplies for the men were loaded on the Barkley wagons, furniture were loaded on the Doyle’s. Mrs Caroline Doyle had spent the night baking and preparing food for the younger men after she had learned what had happened and as she had taken to Thad she now gave him a mild lecture of the importance of eating properly even if you were a cowboy. Thad laughed and let her keep on. She had reminded him of his own mother who had died the year before he came to California. Albert Doyle gave the men instructions and information about every animal as Nick and Joshua stood looking at the map. Nick looked over to the man as he thought of something and he left Joshua to finish studying the map.

"Albert, I would like a word with you and Mrs Doyle." The older man didn’t show the worry that went through him as he followed Nick over to his wife. Nick motioned to Thad to leave. "Mrs Doyle, Albert. On the ranch there is a small cottage not far from Stockton. We used to rent it out to the church before they got their own quarters for the priest. It’s small, probably needs some work, only has a small garden but if you would like to live there I’m sure we can make something up. I’m always looking for good men that know the quality of stock. I got a good horse man but could do with another. You don’t have to decide now. Here is my name and address, just let me know …" Nick started to write on a piece of paper and didn’t see the look that was exchanged by husband and wife.

"Mr Barkley. My wife and I will join you today if it’s alright. Anything is better than to stay in the town. My son well, let him wonder why we don’t turn up." Smiling Nick reached out his hand while he realised that it would take at least another week before he would be able to enjoy the comfort of his own bed.

The men enjoyed the ride towards Stockton. They had a small herd to drive, plenty of food and the best thing, had left the mountain range and now just had the valley in front of them. In a weeks time the ladies in Stockton better start to look out for them.

In Stockton…

The Barkley surrey drove towards Stockton with the three women and the two children. Victoria and Margaret had decided to use their winnings for something for the children, something fun and sat talking to the children about what they would want. Megan sat quiet as she was still upset that her brothers-in-law didn’t think she was suitable to get what Theodore needed and during the drive she was now trying to memorise the items that Silas had counted up. Emily felt that her aunt was not too happy and she tried to keep still. She knew she was coming along just because she had begged to and that her granny and the other old lady said they would take care of her. She couldn’t understand why Theo didn’t want her with him when he was getting new clothes.

"Granny, why uncle Arrad not happy at breakfast, why he say that auntie Eggan not handle things?" Victoria smiled at the young girl in her lap.

"Well, he lost at pool last night, not just once but three times to his Mother and Mrs Capenwick."

"Hmmm, but then why auntie Eggan not ..?"

"Because I’m a woman Emily, your uncle or uncles think I can’t see to it that young Theo here gets properly dressed."

"I do Mrs Megan."

"I know Theo."

"Jarrod seem to have forgotten that I used to do all their clothes shopping when he was a boy." Victoria shook her head as she thought of her stubborn son.

"Daddy took me dress shop, he not a girl, he handle things and we shop for Auntie Eggan too." Emily tried to understand why Megan shouldn’t be qualified.

"Don’t worry Emily. Theo will get properly dressed and have enough clothes."

"Mrs Barkley. I have got enough. I got pants and two shirts and a nightshirt."

"Oh, and do you have clean underwear and socks?" Blushing Theo sighed. It would cost money and he didn’t like that Mrs Megan spent more money on him and she had done so much for him already. He would never be able to pay it back.

Mrs Capenwick walked into the Coffee Shop ready to judge the woman that Megan had as a partner and of whom she was so proud. If this Vera Woods was out to hurt her Megan she would have to pass over her, Margaret Josephine Capenwick’s body. Emily ran around the counter and threw herself into Vera’s arms with a big smile.

"Mrs Woods Em got bookmark, it’s pretty it’s an angel. Look." She held out the beautiful paper angel. "See she looks like Auntie Eggan, see!"

"Well, Let me have a peek Love. Now it must be your Auntie."

"No, she here, not in box."

"As you say Love, as you say." She put down the young girl. "Now what does a lovely lady like you want?"

"Theo and I want apple pie."

"You do? And where is Theo?"

"Auntie Eggan get boy clothes. Em not follow. Em go with granny and Mrs Capick to fun shop."

"Hallo Vera." Victoria came around the counter too. "Let me introduce you to a friend of Megan, from London. "Vera, this is Margaret Capenwick, Margaret this is Vera Woods." The two women shook hands before they both started to judge each other. Megan had told Vera about Mrs Capenwick so Vera was well aware of whom she was. Victoria sensed the situation and eased it up by popping her head into the oven. "Vera, I’m dying for the apple pie and some of that sauce you do and I know that Emily is too. We have been trying to retell the aroma, the taste, the smoothness to Margaret and Theo but I think you have to serve us some, to do it justice. Now where do you hide it?" Laughing Vera went to the kitchen while Victoria steered Margaret to a table. Emily followed keeping a close eye on her book mark. "Vera is fine Margaret. She is a perfect partner to Megan."

Just as Megan rolled Theo inside the shop Vera brought out four plates with large pieces of pie on them and a large jar of the creamiest vanilla sauce. Theo turned to Megan and smiled while she placed him at the table.

"Look Theo, Em got." Emily held up the angel.

"She is pretty. I got this." Theo touched his shirt.

"You look pretty too." Emily smiled.

"Now Emily, boys look handsome and girls look pretty."

"Theo short hair." Emily put a large piece into her mouth as Megan stroked her head.

""Yes and you could do with a haircut too Em."

"Did you get everything?"

"I think so. Underwear, couple of shirts, pants, socks, a pair of braces, shoes, belt, coat and a cap. Did I forget anything Theo?"

"No Mrs Megan."

"And we ordered a pair of pyjamas and a vest."

"You be more andsome." Emily looked at the boy and smiled.

Chapter twenty-nine

Megan was with the children in her and Nick’s room. The sun was slowly settling down for the evening and its last beams found its way through the curtains and to the table they sat by. Theodore was slowly learning how to write his name and the alphabet while Emily sat painting as she pretended to be at school too. Megan sat next to the boy watching him struggle with the slate-pencil on the slate, smiling as his tongue popped out for every new letter he started.

Emily sat swinging her legs as she hummed. She was happy just to be allowed to be with Megan and Theo and to be in daddy’s room. She looked up and looked around. She liked the few changes Auntie Eggan had done, the room looked as pretty as her granny’s. She turned her head back to her drawing and took another flower she and Auntie Eggan had picked when they were on a picnic. Her auntie had been home much more this week than last.

Vera Woods knocked on the front door and while she waited for someone to open the door she looked around. She could understand that Megan liked it out here as it was so peaceful. When she heard Silas open the door she turned her attention back to it and smiled.

"Good Evening. Mrs Capenwick is expecting me." During the week that had passed the two women had found that they actually enjoyed each other’s company, much to the surprise of both.

"Welcome Madam. She told me that. She is waiting for you in the parlour." Silas showed her into the room.

"Vera, how good to see you. Did it go well today?" Margaret walked towards her new friend and helped her unload what she was carrying.

"Megan’s sweets go like butter in the sun and the new peach pie too. She is a good lass, so filled with ideas. Where is she? Can we plan things without getting interrupted by her?"

"We can. She is working with Theo. They made an agreement earlier today. Theo got to be out with Heath in the tack room if he studied with her after dinner."

"I still can’t believe that the school wouldn’t take the lad. I thought this country had a law saying that school was compulsory."

"There is. Nice to see you Vera. Margaret told me you were coming and we got Heath involved this morning."

"So that’s why Theo got to do what he likes best earlier today." Vera giggled. "For a moment I wondered how the lad managed to persuade Megan. Guess he got help."

"He did. Oh, here is Silas with the tea. Come on ladies. We have plans to make." The three women worked for nearly an hour when Jarrod walked through the door. He threw his hat and portfolio on the table before he went to the liquor trolley and poured himself a large brandy.

"Dear son, it’s customary to greet the people in the room before …"

"Sorry Mother, ladies. I just needed this so badly. Bad news!" Heath walked in as Jarrod said the last words and quickly went to his Mother.

"Nick?"

"No, but we better send out a posse for him. The trial is next week, starting Wednesday. I didn’t manage to postpone it any longer. If Nick is not there they will claim that he ran out and ask for a court order to search and catch him." A gasp made Jarrod turn to see his sister-in-law stand under the arch into the parlour. "Megan" He took a few steps towards her but was beaten to her by Heath. Pulling her into his arms he gave her the comfort she needed.

"Don’t worry. I’ll leave tomorrow with some of the best hands we have and we will find him." He looked over her shoulder and saw Emily and Theo make their way down the stairs as fast as they could. When Emily reached the bottom she turned to Theo and urged him on before she ran to the door. Heath looked on in surprise as the boy got a more secure hold on his crutches and followed. He was just going to ask what was going on they all heard Emily’s excited voice.

"DADDY! DADDY! DADDY!" At once action broke loose in the parlour and they all followed the children. Megan stopped as she reached the pillar by the door and grabbed hold of it. The shock at seeing Nick again overwhelmed her and she sank down on the ground.

"Hello Sweetheart." Nick caught his daughter with his good arm, scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder. "Shouldn’t you be in bed by now?" He had seen the light marks in her face and wondered what she had been up to.

"No we do school, Theo do his name then Auntie Eggan left and Em looked out window. Lots people. Who they?"

"School? Theo?" Nick saw the boy nearing him carefully on the crutches and smiled. He knew that boy, seen him in the livery more than once but what was he doing here at this hour? Before he could ask he was surrounded by family and two elderly women he didn’t know but no Megan.

"Nick, aren’t you going to introduce us?" His mother looked over his shoulder.

"Family, meet the Doyle’s. I have promised them Heavenly Gate but as it’s late they will be staying here overnight and I’ll take them there tomorrow morning after church. The animals are mine. Heath you are going to love the bull. He’s a beauty."

"The horses too Big Brother. Where on earth have you been? We have been worried, about to sent a search party for you?"

"Problems on the way back home. Thanks Duke." Duke McCall came up to his boss and freed him from the reins and took the horse away. Several other hands helped their friends with the animals and Mr and Mrs Doyle came up to the Barkleys.

"You have a fine son, Mrs Barkley, a very fine son indeed."

"Thank you Mr Doyle. I’ll go and get the guest room ready for you and your wife."

"If you don’t mind Mrs Barkley, we won’t accept the room. We have been looking forward to spend one more night with the young boys and outdoors. It’s done us good."

"Well, if you change your mind just let us know." Victoria turned to her son and noticed the arm. "Nick, are you hurt? What have you done?"

"It’s nothing Mother. Now who are your friends?" Nick had patiently waited to be introduced. He recognised Mrs Woods but was getting curious as to whom the woman in the expensive dress was.

Margaret had been waiting for a cue.

"Margaret Capenwick." She held her hand to the dark haired man as she studied him even more closely.

"Madam." At once Nick pulled his back even straighter.

"Don’t Madam me, it’s Margaret."

"Hello Nick." Vera walked up to him and gave him a hug. "You don’t need to look so worried."

"Sorry, just wondering where my dear wife is? She is alright?" He looked at the people standing around him. "Mother? Jarrod? Heath?"

"Megan is fine." Jarrod looked around. He knew that Megan had been right before him when they left the house but now she was nowhere to be seen. Nick’s eyes went over to the house. He saw the young boy bent down by the door and within a second Nick had handed Emily to Heath and ran towards the house. In horror the rest turned and followed him with their eyes.

"Mrs Megan, are you alright? Did you fall?" Theo had turned around when he saw all gather around Nick. With a sinking heart he turned around to go upstairs and pack. He was sure Mr Nick wouldn’t let him stay, not when he found out that Emily had been in a fight because of him. He looked over his shoulder once more and saw Emily hug and kiss her father. His heart sank even more and he felt the tears raise in his eyes. When he had taken a few steps towards the house he noticed Megan on the ground. She was pale and looked like she was in pain and he hurried as fast as he could towards her. As he sank down beside her he touched her face, it felt sweaty. "Mrs Megan!" Megan slowly opened her eyes. He could see the pain dim her sight.

"Theo, please…" Megan suddenly felt herself being lifted up and carried indoors. Her head leaned against a shoulder she knew and had missed. "Nick. I missed you so."

"Beloved Megan, what happened? I hoped you would be well by now." He carried her upstairs as he heard a horse gallop pass the front door. The swishing sound that followed him let him know that at least one of the ladies had followed him.

"I am well. It’s just my stomach. Must have been something I had for dinner or before that. Otherwise I am strong, ask Victoria or …"

"Shhhh." Nick kissed her forehead as he entered their bedroom. He noticed the table by the window and the things on it and understood why his daughter had arrived to him first and what she meant about school. He placed his wife on the bed and sat down next to her. "I missed you too." He felt dirty and he knew he was in desperate need of a bath and shave. Megan smiled at him as the pain came again and she doubled up.

"Nick, out! Let us get to Megan and get her ready. Heath went for Howard." Victoria gently forced her son out of the room as Vera and Margaret started to unbutton Megan’s dress.

"Daddy, Auntie Eggan bad again? She good before? Why she not good now?" Emily pulled her father’s arm to get his attention.

"I don’t know Em." Nick sank down hiding his face in his hands. This was not the homecoming he had planned for.

"Daddy?" Emily tried again. "Theo help me. Daddy sad." Emily’s desperate voice made Nick look up and smile a little.

"Sweetheart, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?" Emily took his hand and pulled him down the stairs to where Jarrod and Theo were waiting.

"Thrown out of the room Brother Nick?" Nick nodded as Emily led him to Theo.

"Daddy, this Theo. He lives here." Nick raised a brow as he studied the boy and held out a hand.

"Nick Barkley and I think we have met before, son?"

"Theodore Coss Sir. Yes, I was in the livery."

"My daughter says you are staying here now."

"Yes Sir. Mrs Megan let me come here when I was hurt. I gather I have stayed too long. I shall go and pack at once."

"I can’t see why you should pack, boy. If there is anything you and this young lady should do it is get ready for bed."

"I don’t want to." Emily’s mouth pouted.

"Em, it has been a very long day and an even longer trip. Megan is apparently not feeling well and I definitively need a bath. I’m not in the mood for a discussion. I promise we can play tomorrow but right now Young Lady, bed!"

"Come Em. We can read your book." Theo took his crutches in a steady grip and hopped up the stairs. "Your room if I win"

"No Em win." Emily followed him. Nick felt a hand on his shoulder.

"What is the story with the boy Jarrod? What has happened here while I have been gone?"

"A long story, a very long story. Why don’t I get you a large drink while you get in that tub upstairs and Heath and I will fill you in." Jarrod nodded to his younger brother as he came in with Dr Howard Merar.

"Nick, nice to see that you are home." The doctor nodded as he walked up the stairs.

"How is she?" Heath joined his brothers.

"Mother threw me out." Nick started to strode back and forth. "Jarrod, I’ll take you up on that offer." He went up to his bedroom and gently knocked on the door. Margaret opened the door slightly.

"Mrs Capenwick, I would like some clean clothes please and my shaving …" He had hardly finished the sentence when his mother brought his things. "Mother?" Victoria stepped outside.

"Nick, let Howard examine her then he will let you know. Get cleaned up and get some food. See to the children. I’m sure this won’t take that long. It’s so good to have you home Nick." She reached up and kissed his cheek. With a sigh he walked towards the bathroom when he noticed the door to Theo’s room slightly opened and he peeked in. The boy was struggling with the pyjamas shirt. Nick inhaled when he saw the thin lines on the boys back and with a knock he walked in. After putting his things on a chair he went over and helped the boy get dressed.

"There, now who won?"

"Emily, Sir."

"And that means?"

"She comes here." Nick raised a brow. "You see Sir, if you win you can stay up longer." Nick still didn’t understand the prize but as long as the children were happy he was satisfied. A tiny knock on the door and Emily popped in her head. She had been told off so many times when she just rushed in that she now knew that a girl had to knock before coming into a boy’s room.

"Daddy, you read?"

"I’ll read one story. I really need to get cleaned up. No Em, I won’t sit in bed. Theo is going to sleep there and I’m dusty."

"Granny be mad?"

"Huh, she will find the spoon."

"Ouch." Nick smiled as he started to read where the children told him to. After a chapter he left them looking at another story with pictures.

Chapter thirty

Nick lay in bed with Megan’s head resting on his chest and his hand playing with her locks. How he had dreamed about this night, his home coming night but now none of what he had wished for seemed important. He let a sigh leave his lips as he heard the grandfather clock strike three times. His mind drifted back to earlier that evening and he remembered the shock he had felt over all that had happened while he had been gone and the relief he had felt when his brothers told him that Megan had been well for almost four weeks and been a knockout in court.

Heath had helped him get shaved after the hot bath and after that he had hoped his wife and Doc Merar would be waiting for him. Instead another shock when Mrs Capenwick had come out of the room and told them that it would be a long time before Doc Merar could come out to them with any news. She had later told Nick about the plans for the house that Megan got, plans that she and Mrs Woods hadn’t told Megan about yet. His Megan, his amazing Megan.

After a long wait he had checked on the children instead and found his daughter fast asleep beside Theodore. Theodore, Theo, Jarrod had told him how he had come to live with them. Another sigh, he really needed to have a word about fighting with his daughter even if he was proud that she stood up for what she believed in but young girls shouldn’t fight. They should be taught how to behave like little ladies. Theo, young Theo, in a few days Megan’s responsibility for the boy was over and the court was going to place him in another family, a family that might not appreciate him as they should. That is, unless his scum of a father did turn up. Jarrod had told him about Megan’s search for the proper parents but also that she had been waiting for him, Nick to help her. Hmmm, perhaps the Doyles would do if they weren’t considered too old.

His hand moved up to his head and he ran his fingers threw his hair. Perhaps … yes … that could be an idea. He better have a word with the young lad tomorrow, hmmm later today. Heath had said that even with his limp leg he was a good horseman. Like he didn’t know that. His mind travelled even further back to a night shortly before Emily came to live with them and he had a night out. When he had arrived very late at the livery he had found Big Duke all done for the night and a very tiny boy working on the horse next to him. He had never seen anyone disappear as fast as the boy did and after a look at Big Duke he had decided to stay in town for the night. Regret went through his mind. He should have checked out who the boy was and why he had been in the livery at that hour. Then the boy hadn’t been beaten up. What had his big brother said, that it was the boy’s birthday in a few days time.

He shifted position a little making sure he didn’t disturb Megan more than necessary. Her sobs had finally ended and he hoped she would get a good night’s sleep. His hand caressed her again softly. Her hair was so soft and smelled so wonderful. He inhaled the scent. He sighed again as he heard the clock beat again. There wasn’t going to be much sleep tonight. His thoughts started to wander again to the two elderly women that apparently now were to be included in his household, at least if he was to believe Heath, what had he said, his two mother-in-laws. As if it wasn’t enough with one, he managed get two. He rolled his eyes. Well, he had only had the best experience with Mrs Woods and Mrs Capenwick sure gave a good impression, who would imagine a lady at her age would leave her hometown for such a long trip and alone. There definitively were some go in the British women and he now had three and a half to deal with. He managed to calm the chuckle that almost burst out.

He moved a little again, wondering if he should get up and sit by the hearth instead or perhaps even lay on the couch. Megan’s hand moved over his chest and got hold of his night shirt. His Megan. He had almost lost her before and then tonight again. And then she had blamed herself for losing the child, his child, their child. He could hear Doc Merar’s harsh words that it was as well it happened since it had been consumed while Megan had been ill and most certainly would have been born with a disability. Like they would have cared. But Doc was right about one thing, if it was to happen it was better now than later. He had seen enough with the animals to know what could happen and to know that the longer before the miscarriage took place the harder it was. And to see a nearly full grown baby would have been hard or even worse if it was stillborn.

No, it was probably for the best but how could he make Megan understand that. She had hardly talked to him afterwards, weak as she was with the blood loss but he knew that she saw it as another failure on her behalf. His girl. He was so proud of her. He was proud before he left two months ago and now when he had heard of all the things she had achieved while he had been gone he was so proud that he could give that stallion he had seen yesterday a match and win. He loved her till death. He held his hand still when he once again noticed that she moved. This time she didn’t go back to sleep but lifted her head a little as if she was searching for something. He placed a soft kiss on her head.

"Go back to sleep, Beloved. You need the rest."

"Nick, I’m so sorry."

"For what?"

"For not …"

"Sssshhh, remember what the doctor said. We are young Meg, in a few weeks we can give it another try and this time everything will be fine. You are strong and I’m home." He moved so that he could kiss her softly. Her lips were as soft as he remembered them.

"Nick, your arm?" Megan touched his sore arm. Doctor Merar had had a word to say about that one too last night.

"It’s healing well, almost as good as new."

"But how?"

"Big Duke tripped and I fell, it happens and isn’t much to talk about. Now rest. Those mothers of yours said they would have my behind if I didn’t see to it that you got your sleep and rest. And they look awful strong so I don’t think I want to tangle with them." Megan smiled. "Now sleep."

"Can I at least be on the couch?"

"We’ll see tomorrow Love, hummm please move your hand before I lose my control."

The family let the young couple sleep and went to church without them. Emily had tried to sneak into their bedroom but Theo had stopped her and instead the children had got dressed and found Silas getting breakfast ready for the family before he left for the day. He had sent them out with the egg basket knowing that the young boy would see to it that the birds got fed and the eggs all picked. They had met Mrs Doyle among the hens, introducing hers to the Barkley’s. Emily had had several questions since she could see that the new hens looked different than the brown ones she was used to and the old woman had found herself describing the different breeds of hens. Theo had been watching the two roosters walking around glaring at each other and he was a bit worried that a fight would break out while Emily was among the birds but to his relief they kept calm. When they were done and had given Silas the eggs Emily had gone out to Mrs Doyle again while Theo had hoped out to the barn. Mrs Doyle took Emily to the cat and her kittens and the child was kept busy caressing them all. She was still sitting among them when Heath found her an hour later when it was time for breakfast.

Nick went downstairs to the kitchen to prepare a tray for Megan and himself just to find that his mother or Silas had already started one for them. All he now needed to do was to put the food on it and boil water for Megan’s tea. Tea? Coffee he knew how to brew but tea? His mother had never let him or any of his sibling touch her tea. He knew that he needed hot water and some leaves. A quick look at the tray told him that the tealeaves were already on it and he went over to pots to get the water and coffee boiling. While he was waiting he started to search around in the kitchen until he found the rest. Scratching his head he stood wondering how he was to get everything upstairs he heard soft feet come down the stairs and as he folded his arms and made a stern face he turned around.

"Mrs Barkley, upstairs. Don’t you trust your husband enough to bring you breakfast?" Megan nodded.

"But tea …"

"Got that. Upstairs woman before they find you down here." With a sigh Megan turned and slowly climbed the stairs. Nick grabbed the tray with his good hand, steadied with the other and followed her to make sure she went where he wanted her. "Megan."

"I just need to …”

"Alright then straight to bed." She nodded. After leaving the tray Nick returned to the kitchen just as the coffee was ready and the water was boiling hard and when Megan returned to their bedroom he had set the table by the window and pulled out a chair for her. As she sat down he placed a warm blanket around her shoulders to keep her warm.

Hours later Nick left Megan sleeping on the couch and went to escort the Doyles to their new home. Heath and a few of the hands decided that they would come along to give a hand even if it was Sunday and resting day. Just as Mrs Doyle was going to climb up to her seat she stopped reached for something in the back of the wagon instead and brought out a kitten and a puppy.

"Children! This sweetheart for you Emily and I thought you should have one too, son." She handed the puppy over to Theo. Holding on to the crutches and to the lively pup got to be too much for the boy and he dropped the crutches to be able to hold on to the pup. The little dog let his little tongue run over the boy’s face and the laughter from him made Nick grin. Emily held the little kitten as gently as she could and when her father saw the shine on her face he melted. Margaret went up to the girl to have a look at the kitten and smiled when she saw the black soft fur.

"You need a name for her, if it is a her?"

"Emily." Nick looked at his daughter. "What do you say to Mrs Doyle?"

"Thank you Mrs Doyle." Theo and Emily both answered quickly hardly taking their eyes from their pets.

"Oh Mr Nick, the eyes of the children are enough." And as the wagon and men left the yard the children both were occupied with the youngster. Theo sat on the ground patting and scratching the dog.

"How Em know if she?" Emily held the kitten to Margaret, who gently took it and turned it around.

"It’s a little girl."

"Oh, she Eggan, cause she best thing Em know next daddy but he boy. My Eggan." She held the animal against her cheek.

"I think I’ll name my dog Lucky because I’m lucky I got him."

"Theo we show Auntie Eggan? Please Mrs Capeick."

"Later, Love. Your father said she had just fallen asleep again?"

"Why she ill again?"

"It’s just one of those things that happen. Why don’t we go upstairs to your rooms and see if we can make beds for them."

"How we make bed?"

"You will see. Theo shall I help you?"

"Yes please Mrs Capenwick."

Megan woke up a few hours later feeling a soft touch on her cheek and slowly she opened her eyes to see straight into her husband’s hazel ones, glittering with happiness. He placed a kiss on her nose tip.

“We are going for a picnic. Want to come along or do you want to baby sit the family’s newest editions?" He grinned at Megan’s confused look. "Mrs Doyle gave the children a kitten and a puppy, as if we don’t have enough as it is, but she is a sweetheart and I couldn’t say no to her. Besides the joy in both Em and Theo made it worth it I think but I have already made the speech of responsibility to them now that they have someone to care for and made sure that neither you, me nor Heath will take over, help them yes but they are not ours to care for." He helped Megan to sit up.

"Animals? Isn’t there already barn cat around here?"

"Sure is but I doubt that little Eggan will be allowed to be in there."

"Eggan?"

"Yep, named after you dearest." Nick chuckled. "Anyway Margaret has promised to keep an eye on them while we are on a picnic." He was steadying her when Emily came running into the room

"Auntie Eggan, you come? Please come, Em show you my Eggan."

"Emily, she is staying at home. Mrs Capenwick promised to see to her and Lucky. You do know that they are to small to go on a picnic."

"Lucky?"

"Theo got Lucky, he made him fall."

"Holding a puppy and two crouches were a little to much for young Theo." Nick helped his wife up and helped her with her coat. Steadying her they left the room to stop at Theo’s where both baskets now were placed. Margaret was sitting on the bed with the boy looking at the dog and both looked up when Megan and Nick walked in.

"There you are Lass. Have you seen such tiny things? This one could be a good hound with the right training."

"What’s a hound Mrs Capenwick?" Theo looked at the black and tan bundle in the basket.

"It’s a hunting dog Love. He looks good and with the proper training."

"I don’t think it’s a good idea Mrs Capenwick."

"Why not?"

"Then someone might take him."

"Don’t worry Theo, nobody will take him from you." Nick bent down by the basket. He hadn’t though of the puppy as a good hunting dog, just a child’s pet.

"My next ma and pa might, they might not like dogs." Megan sat down beside him.

"Then we better found someone who does." The boy leaned against Megan and Nick smiled knowing he had made the right decision during the night.

"Come on all picnic goers or the sun will be down before we even reach the lake." The children patted their animals once more before they headed down the stairs.

"Megan, when you return Vera and I would like a word with you. Now hurry along, or they might leave without you."

"Don’t think they will as the driver is here." Megan took a firm grip of Nick’s arm and together they left. Margaret sat watching the sleeping pets realising that she had missed country life without knowing it. Soon she was joined by Victoria and the two women sat on the bed talking about what had happened during the last twenty-four hours.

Emily ran to the lake closely followed by Theo as Nick placed the large blanket in the shade. Megan stood by the buggy watching them. She remembered what had happened last time they had been here and a shiver ran down her spine. She slowly walked towards Nick, feeling her whole body protest with pain. Nick let her move this bit herself as his own mind also had travelled back to that day when he had almost lost his daughter to the snake, Megan had gotten so angry with him but they both realised they loved each other. Perhaps it was here they should build their house, if they weren’t to stay at the family home? The distance wasn’t too far.

"What are you thinking about?"

"That I’m the luckiest man on earth." He looked around. "And if we should build a home here."

"I’ll let you make that decision." She sank down on the blanket as the children came back to them.

"Have we pancakes?"

"Still eating pancakes Em? I would think you had enough by now."

"No, best food."

"What about you Theo, what’s your favourite?"

"Anything Mr Barkley. I like Mrs Megan’s stew and Mr Silas scrambled eggs and Mrs Woods’ apple pie and …"

"Mr Silas eggies are nice too."

"Good thing then I got us more hens, so we get more eggs." Nick started to look around the pots.

"Sorry no pancakes, just chicken and chicken and more chicken and I think yes it’s chicken in this one too." Emily pulled down the pot he was holding so that she could see.

"No, pancakes for Em." She giggled

"And me?"

"And Theo." Megan gave them a plate each and they helped themselves to the pancakes and syrup.

After food everyone rested in the shade for a while before Nick asked Theo if he would join him to check on the horse and see to that it got water. Megan quickly gathered Emily into her arms before the girl could ask to come along.

"Sweetheart, shall you and I see if there are any flowers around here to have fun with and perhaps some beautiful stones too?" Emily loved the fun things her aunt could come up with.

"What you do with stones? Big or small?"

"Small I think Em. Bring your little basket and you shall find out." Together the girls walked along the edge of the lake. Emily run ahead and picked up the stones she liked, studied them closely before she decided if they were to go in her basket or not. Now and them she looked over her collection and threw out one. Megan slowly followed her, picking different flowers and herbs finding each stop as a welcome rest.

"Theo, my brothers told me what has happened to you during the last year and how you came to get to know my wife and daughter. I understood from the talk in your bedroom that you know that the judge will be looking for a family for you starting tomorrow." Nick loosed the reins from the tree.

"Yes Mr Barkley. I met him last week together with Mrs Megan. He said he has a few families already to choose between. There is to be an auction if Mrs Megan can’t come up with a name before Wednesday." Theo looked down. He knew that the couple that paid less would get him as an extra labourer.

"What do you want boy?" Nick placed the boy on the horse back and lead the horse towards the lake.

"I don’t know Sir."

"No wishes?"

"I just hope they are kind and let me sleep indoors." Nick heart ached when he heard the tiny voice and its small wish.

"That’s not much. Sorry I didn’t hear what you said"

"I would want to go to school too." Nick raised a brow.

"How has your time at the ranch been?" Nick got busy with the horse.

"I have enjoyed every moment Sir. Mrs Megan, Emily, the horses, the bed, food, even the bath every night and …" His voice perked up and Nick noticed the happiness in his eyes.

"Would you want to stay?” He helped the boy down and gave him his crouches.

"Stay Sir? But how? I’m too young to be a cowboy Sir and I don’t have a horse."

"How? Well, I was more thinking of having a talk with the lawyer suggesting that you are to be adopted by Megan and me."

"Adopted?"

"Yes, meaning that no one can come and claim you from this family."

"You mean Sir that you will be my Pa, Mrs Megan my Ma and Emily my sister?"

"That’s what I mean." Nick lead the horse back to the tree and tied it firmly again. He turned to the boy who still stood by the waterside. Nick walked back to him. "Well? Are you going to grow roots there or shall we catch up with the girls?"

"Mr Barkley … Pa … thank you … I … I race you." He hoped away and Nick started to laugh when he saw and heard the joy in the boy. "And I’m faster than you Pa."

"Are you?" He headed after the boy, caught him and tossed him over his shoulder and headed after Megan and Emily.

To be continued…