by Barkley Lady
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 thirty-one
Nick drove the buggy
slowly into Stockton feeling very proud. For the first time he was going to
Stockton with his wife next to him, the last time, when they went to San
Francisco, didn’t count as they got married just before the train left the
town. Now and then he gleamed at the woman sitting next to him and now and then
he reached out to touch her. Theodore was standing between his legs holding the
reins to the horse under Nick’s watchful eyes. The boy did such a good job that
Nick relaxed and started to think about what they had to do in town. There was
the visit to the judge with Jarrod for the adoption of the boy, then Theodore
was having his last check with Doctor Merar, well at least for now. Nick was
certain that this boy and Emily would follow in his footsteps and be regular
customers at the clinic. For a moment he had to think a little harder to
remember before it hit him that they were also going to have a look at the
house that the elderly ladies wanted to turn into a school, a girls school,
teaching the art of how to be good housewives. He had had a hard time keeping a
straight face when he heard that idea for the first time but now it started to
make sense. Pity they couldn’t have come earlier to Stockton so that he could
have seen to it that his sister had gone there and spared her brothers
stomachs. He still smiled at the idea. He had a small problem with seeing his
Mother involved in such a thing but she sure was. Well, as long as Megan stayed
out of it he was happy. She had enough on her hands already with the Coffee
shop and two children and not to forget a loving husband.
As they got nearer town
Theo looked up at the man behind him. He couldn’t believe that Mr Barkley
wanted to be his father. He had known about him all his life, well as long as
he could remember anyway and always had admired the dark cowboy. When Nick had
spent the night in town Theo had always seen to it that his horse had gotten
the best care. He had watched him stand up for those who were weaker and
poorer, care for animals, treat the ladies nicely. Nick Barkley was everything
he would never be and yet here he was going to be his pa. He then turned his
head to the pretty woman sitting beside them. She was the best ma he could
think of. He couldn’t understand why Emily didn’t see that. She was, yes, she
was the prettiest lady in the whole valley too. He knew that what ever happened
in life she would be there for him. Last night when it was time for bed and his
family, his new family, had gathered in his bedroom he had gone so scared that
it would just be a dream and when he woke up it would be all over and tears had
started to fall down his cheeks. His Ma, his Ma had pulled him into her arms
and cuddled him until he felt good and safe and nobody had made a fuss that he
was a boy. Even Emily had tried to comfort him, assuring him that she would
always be his Em. And Pa, Pa had pulled them all into his arms. Yes, Theo felt like
the happiest and luckiest boy in the world.
As the light wind blew
in her hair, making her hat move from its place Megan shifted a little on the
seat. She had come along way since she left the harbour of Liverpool and in
such a short time. Who would believe her if she had said that less than a year
later she would be married and have two children to care for. A small tilt of
her head put her two boys in view and she felt the pride in her grow. She had
been surprised when those two had come running against her and Emily yesterday
and Theo had called her Ma. Emily had been even more surprised and it had taken
the rest of the picnic to explain to her what adoption meant and that Theo
would be her big brother, like Anders to Selma. She had never thought that Nick
would even think of such a thing as that Theo should stay with them, she hadn’t
and yet she had been around the boy for a month. Her handsome strong husband,
her wonderful partner. She placed her hand under his muscular arm and leaned a
little against his shoulder. Nick moved his arm and placed it around her waist,
pulling her closer to him. Theo’s smile grew even bigger. His Ma and Pa really
loved each other.
The buggy stopped in
front of Jarrod’s office, and a waiting Jarrod who looked at his watch just as
Nick stepped on the brake. He was about to say something but reached out to
help his sister-in-law down instead. Just then Theo looked across the street
and stiffened and as Nick took the reins he felt the change in the boy. He
tried to follow where the boy’s eyes went but couldn’t make out which of the
men coming out of the saloon that caused the unease so Nick placed a calming
hand around the boy’s neck.
"What is it
son?"
"Father." One
word, a word that revealed a lot of pain and fright. Nick quickly looked at the
men again as both Jarrod and Megan stopped in their movements.
"Which one?"
"The man in the
blue shirt Sir." By now all three adults were looking at the crowd of men
under the saloon sign. Nick got ready to go over there when Jarrod leaned
forward and touched him.
"No Nick, wait.
Megan take Theo into my office but go out the backdoor so that you can get to
the clinic now instead of later. Nick and I will pick you two up after we have
had a talk with Mr Coss. I’m sure the judge will understand why we will be very
late." He lifted the boy down, gave him the crutches and saw them inside
before he turned back to his brother. "Nick, we need to get him into my
office without causing too much of a commotion. Think we can do that?" The
last words were an order to his younger brother to keep calm and not start a
fight.
"Sure." Nick
tied the horse to the rail and followed Jarrod over to the group. Coss was
standing near the horse trunk when they started towards him but within a few
seconds he started with a staggering walk towards another saloon. The brothers
hurried their steps and when they were on each side of the man Jarrod whispered
a few words in the man’s ear, making him nod and follow with them without a
word. They had just made it into Jarrod’s office when Nick couldn’t keep quiet
any longer and standing very close to the stinking man he stared into his face.
"Why are you in
town today Coss?"
"Hey, can’t a man
have a drink?"
"You have been
wanted for a month Mr Coss, why turn up on the last day that it’s possible to
claim your son back?"
"Has the bastard
been giving you trouble? I heard that the rich and mighty Barkleys had taken
him in. I would have kicked him out a long time ago. He is a useless son of a
bitch." It took all Jarrod’s strength to stop Nick from attacking the man.
Jarrod forced his brother to the other side of the room, showed Coss to the
armchair across his desk before he sat down in his seat behind the desk.
"Mr Coss correct me
if I’m wrong but if I understand you right the boy is just in your way?"
The man sneered so Jarrod continued. "So if we pay you, lets say $ 100
will you sign some papers saying that you relinquish the right to him?"
"Sure where do I
sign?" Coss leaned forward eager to get the money. Nick turned against the
wall so that he wouldn’t do anything to make the situation worse. He felt the
anger rise inside him. How could a young boy just be … for him the boy meant a
young life, someone to care for and show the world … they were talking about a
wonderful little boy. He grabbed hold of a book in Jarrod’s bookcase. Jarrod
sent a warning glance to his brother as he stood up.
"Just a
moment." Jarrod went to the door. "Mrs Smith, will you please run
over to the sheriff and get him and one of his deputies over here at once. It’s
very important" When he had returned to his desk he sat down and wrote out
some papers. Nick had moved to the window to watch for the men, feeling curious
why his brother had asked for Fred. The wait and frustration was killing him
and he checked his watch over and over again. "Nick that is the fifth time
this last minute. They won’t come any sooner. You must excuse my brother Mr
Coss, he is a very impatient man and to wait for just a minute is too long a
wait for him." Coss smiled understandingly back to Jarrod and leaned back
into the chair as Jarrod put down his pen. At that moment the door opened and
Mrs Smith showed Fred and Sam in.
"Jarrod, you wanted
to see us. Is this man causing any trouble?"
"No Fred, I just
want you two to read this out loud and then witness it after Mr Coss has signed
it. After that Fred I want you to follow me to the Judge."
"Sure thing."
Fred looked at Nick, noticed the hard eyes and wondered what had been going on
as he took the paper from Jarrod and started to read. "Nicholas and Megan
Barkley have from this day, 31st March 1880 adopted Theodore Coss
born 4th April 1873 to be their own son and to be treated as such.
They paid Mr Coss the sum of $ 100 as a grant that he from this day 31st Marsh
1880 will have no claims on Theodore Coss and with his signature he relinquish
his parenting rights to the boy and that he has received the sum $100." He
looked at the man sitting in the armchair. "Mr Coss do you understand what
this means?"
"Yep, I have finally
gotten rid of that bastard." He reached for the papers and signed them
missing Nick’s tight fist and mouth. Jarrod motioned his brother to sign before
Fred and Sam signed it. Nick got the money out of his wallet and gave them to
the man together with one of the papers. "I just can’t understand why you
are prepared to pay for the boy, he is of no use." Before anyone could
react Nick’s right fist hit the man’s chin and as he sank back into the chair
Nick turned to his brother.
"I’m off to see
where my family is. Fred, Sam." He placed his hat on his head and headed
for the clinic.
Doctor Merar was
examining Theodore’s body for any signs of unhealed bones or other damages that
still were there from the beating but the boy showed up as being in perfect
health apart from being too short for his age, still a bit underweight and a
left leg that was more or less lame. In fact the boy’s face was shining with
happiness when the doctor listened to his heart and lungs.
"Alright young man,
tell this old man what the secret is? You are glowing so much I think I’ll keep
you here and save the candles tonight."
"I got a Ma and a
Pa."
"Huh, have
you?"
"They are keeping
me Doctor Merar, I don’t need to pack. They don’t care that I’m a misfit."
Megan felt a sting in her heart as it sounded as if he just was a piece of
stock being judged by appearance. The doctor looked over to Megan and smiled.
"Now that sounds
like a good thing. And about your health young man you are strong as an ox I
should think. What do you say about sneaking out to Mrs Merar and see if she
has any lemon poppy seed cake while I talk to Mrs Barkley?"
"Yes Doctor Merar,
thank you Doctor." He grabbed his crutches and Megan watched him leave,
heading towards the kitchen.
"Now Megan, it’s
your turn to sit on the bench." He patted the seat opposite him and with a
slight hesitation Megan moved over and sat down. They heard the clinic door
open and the knock on the door told Howard Merar that it was Nick on the other
side and he left to open the door. "Hallo Nick. Why don’t you join
Theodore in the kitchen while I check your wife?"
"No, Doctor. I
think I want to be with her and hear what you say."
"Nicholas, I don’t
think it is very suitable. Go to the kitchen." Howard didn’t raise his
voice but Nick didn’t miss the threatening tone in it.
"Kitchen, but I
still …"
"Go." Howard
had dealt with Nick Barkley since he was a toddler and knew exactly how to
handle him and now he stood waiting in the doorway until Nick knocked on the
door to the Merar’s private rooms. First when Nick was let in by his wife he
closed the door and went over to Megan. "Megan lay down on your back and
bend your legs. I know this isn’t very nice but I have to check and see how you
are healing." He smiled towards her and helped her on to her back. During
the whole exam Megan didn’t say a word but tears ran along her cheeks.
"There, Love, all done.
Everything looks as it should and I can’t see any reasons for why it shouldn’t
go well next time."
"Why did …?"
Megan straightened her dress as Howard went to sit by his desk.
"I still think it
was nature’s way of getting rid of something that wasn’t well, Megan. It’s
absolutely not your fault or anything that you could have done to avoid it.
I’ll call for your husband before he bursts in here, he has been very patient I
must say." The older man smiled as he opened the door. Nick sat outside
with a piece of cake in his hand and Howard shook his head as he motioned the
worried husband into the room. "Nicholas, what shall we do with you?"
He watched as the younger man gave half of the cake to his wife and as the
silent communication between them went on. "Excuse this old man but I do
have a few more clients than the Barkley family."
"Sorry, Doctor
Merar. Nick sat down beside Megan.
"Nick, they are
both fine and as for Megan here I can’t see any reason for why there won’t be a
successful pregnancy the next time and in fact I think I’m going to get
prepared to deliver the next generation Barkley in about nine, ten
months." He looked at the blushing couple and smiled at Megan as she
couldn’t look him in the eyes. "And as for the other good news delivered
by Theodore earlier, I found a piece of paper that I was suppose to give to his
mother almost seven years ago but her death and Mr Coss’ behaviour at the time
made me put it aside. Here is the boy’s birth certificate. My dear wife has
been on me that it was time to clean out the old cupboard and all papers in it
and I found it among them. I forgot it the other day." Nick took the paper
and gave it to Megan. She mumbled the names and date on it
"Theodore Andrew
Coss, AnnaBell Coss, Jonas Coss, 4th April 1873." She looked up
and counted. "Nick it’s his birthday on Friday. We have to make it
special."
"I know Megan and
we will give him a true Barkley birthday. Besides I decided on the way over
here what I’m giving him. Doctor Merar, you are certain everything is fine with
my family?"
"I’m sure Nick.
Take them home." Nick stood up and after helping Megan up he shook hands
with the doctor. Howard left the couple while he went to get Theodore.
"Is it the Judge
now Nick?"
"No, Jarrod and
Fred were taking care of it and Coss. We paid him off, I know, not something I
thought I would do, pay for a child but it was better than have him turn up and
destroy our plans for the boy. I thought we should go by the tailor and pick up
the things you ordered last week and then head for the Cattlemen’s for a
celebration dinner. The ladies can wait another hour or so and Em isn’t
suffering at home."
At the ranch
Emily was in a lousy
mood and showed that she indeed was Nick Barkley’s daughter. Victoria was
having a hard time trying to stay calm and one or two threats about the spoon
had been made which didn’t make the situation any better. When Heath walked in
for lunch he found Emily screaming and throwing her toys down the stairs. He
managed to get up to her without being hit too badly by the wooden animals.
"Sweetheart, what
has happened? Don’t …"
"You go, Em don’t
like you. You bad."
"What did I
do?"
"I want Daddy."
"Emily, he needed
to go into town. Now what caused all this? Where is Eggan and Lucky?"
"They do bad thing,
Em get told bad, Em not bad." She fixed him with her eyes and when he sat
down she pushed him. "Go. You bad too." Heath was used to deal with
calves and broncs so he wasn’t having any problems handling her fists and
pushes instead he worried over the reason for this outburst.
"Em I’m sure you
have misunderstood things. I’m sure you didn’t get blamed for what the little
animals did."
"Hmmm, she is
right." A tired and exhausted Victoria turned up. "I told her it was
her animals so she had to see to it that they didn’t do their needs indoors.
When she refused I told her she had to or I would get my spoon."
"Mother! She is
just three."
"Well, my excuse is
it came after she had tested me for an hour." Heath pulled the girl into
his arms.
"Em, why don’t you
and I go and see to the pets and then after lunch you can come with me for a
little while."
"No Em want
Daddy."
"He had to go into
town with Megan and Theodore."
"Always Theore,
never Em." Tears were running down her cheeks. Heath held her close and
rocked her a little.
"You know he was
going to the doctor and then they were going to see the man about Theo being
your big brother."
"I don’t want him.
I hate him."
"Now I don’t
believe that for one minute." Heath looked down at the foyer and saw the
things spread all over the room. "Why did you throw your toys?"
"Because." Her
lower lip was pouting.
"Why don’t you and
I put them back into their box before lunch?"
"No."
"No? Who is going
to do it then?"
"She" Emily
pointed at Victoria.
"Well, I didn’t
throw them. You are a spoiled child Emily. If you don’t pick them up they will
end in the fire." Emily sat on Heath’s lap with crossed arms and hard eyes
looking at Victoria and Heath was amazed how like her father she was when he
was angry.
"Mother, don’t make
things worse."
"You spend the day
with her then."
"Mother, you know I
need to go out to the north pasture to check it." Silas started to pick
the toys up which Emily noticed and she screamed.
"NO. NOT MR SILAS,
YOU" She pointed to Victoria once again.
"One more word from
you Emily Catherine Adams Barkley and you will end up in your room without any
toys or books."
"Em not fraid of
you. You orrible." She pointed her finger at her grandmother.
"Emily!"
Victoria hissed. Heath stood up with the girl and took her into her room before
anything else was said. To himself he hoped Nick and Megan would come home soon
or it would be a long afternoon.
In Stockton
"What do you think
Nick? Won’t our idea work?" Margaret looked at the rancher, who weighted
on his heels before he answered.
"Why would wealthy
young ladies want to come here instead of San Francisco? Or may I rephrase it:
why would parents send their daughters here? Stockton is just a small ranching
town with cowboys and saloons."
"For heavens sake,
son. It’s a growing town without the social problems that San Francisco has. I
think that just because it’s calmer and smaller, beside our advertisement about
"get the same education" as the royals in England" will probably
get us some girls too and then, Love it’s up to us to show that we are simply
the best."
"But how …? You
will need teachers, staff …"
"Well …" Vera
looked at him. "I’ll teach the domestic subjects and master the kitchen,
Margaret will take care of etiquette, embroidery and lead the staff, Victoria,
gardening and other things that might be good to know out here and Megan
…"
"Oh no, Megan is
not getting involved with this. She has enough as it is. I’m not going to allow
it."
"Megan will run
this place as she does with the coffee shop."
"Vera, did you hear
what I said? She is not getting involved here. She has a household of her own
to take care of first."
"I heard you Nick
and I think you are underestimating her."
"So several months
of illness and Saturday are just pretend? Something I just dreamed of?"
"Nick Megan knows
…"
"That’s it she
doesn’t. She wouldn’t say no, especially not to you two."
Much later Nick sat by
his desk in the study doing the bookkeeping and studying the figures from the
months he had been gone. Things were going slow and there was so much else on
his mind too, besides that his two girls both were sour at him for different
reasons and for reasons he didn’t understand. Putting the pen down he hid his
face in his hands, using his fingers to rub his forehead. He felt so old and
tired. Jarrod walked into the room at that point bring the papers from earlier
today with him.
"Want to keep these
in the family safe or your private?"
"Huh?" Nick
looked up.
"Little brother,
you look terrible."
"Right now I think
you are the only one on speaking terms with me besides Theo who is asleep and
Silas who I haven’t seen yet."
"I heard of the
actions here today and your meeting with the in-laws."
"They are not my
in-laws." Nick growled.
"Nick, I’m on your
side in this so don’t … Here have a whisky instead. Papers where?"
"I’ll put them with
the rest."
"The rest?"
"Em’s birth
certificate, Theo’s that we got today and the marriage licences."
"Aha, you started
your own family collection."
"Huh."
"Nick, things will
calm down besides Heath and I want to discuss something with you. Something we
talked about while you were gone." Nick lifted a brow and watched Heath
sink down in one of the chairs by the hearth. "Father left this house to
you, it says so very clearly in his will, which also says that as long as your
siblings and mother want they may live here. And when we wanted to leave the
family would provide for something else. Remember we decided to pay for Audra
and her husband’s house in Boston, Eugene has his in Philadelphia, I got my
house in San Francisco which leaves Heath."
"And I have my eyes
set on a piece of land not far from here that we don’t use for anything today
but would be enough for a house and a small garden. Still close enough for us
to work together but far enough for us to have separate family lives."
"But yesterday I
thought of building Meg and me a house at the lake."
"Now you don’t need
to do that. Let her have the money to redecorate the house instead, just inform
Mother first."
"Have you two
discussed this with her?"
"No."
"And when you are in
Stockton Jarrod?"
"Well, I do have two
younger brothers so I hope they have a guest room that I could use now and
then"
"Mother is not going
to like it."
"What am I not going
to like?"
"That Nick and Megan
take this house into custody according to Father’s will meaning Heath builds
his over at Land’s end, you and I have our rooms and Megan gets to redecorate
the rest if she wants too."
"You are right, I
didn’t like it." She turned around and walked up to her room.
Chapter thirty-two
Megan strode into the
study, finding Nick standing by the bookshelves looking for the bookkeeping
books from January – March for a few years. He wanted to compare the figures
from the past five years with what he got this year. He was so deep in his
search that he didn’t hear her come in but when he did he smiled towards her
noticing too late the hard look in her eyes.
"How dare you! How
dare you come home after two months and ruin what Victoria and I have started
to build up! Wasn’t it enough how you treated Emily yesterday, punishing her
just because somebody else told you to? She went to bed without knowing why.
You didn’t even bother to say good night to her." Megan hissed dangerously
towards him making Nick actually back a step.
"What on earth are
you talking about?" He put the book he was holding back in its place.
"I can’t believe
how you treat your Mother or daughter. What give you the right to destroy their
life and ours?"
"For heavens sake
Meg."
"Don’t Meg
me." Her green eyes burned into him. "You can find your own home to
redecorate. I’m leaving this one." As she turned Nick reached out to stop
her. "Don’t you dare touch me!"
"Calm down. I have
nothing to do with it. It was Jarrod and Heath."
"Now that is
pathetic. I never thought you would sink so low that you put the blame on your
brothers." Before Nick could say anything else she had rushed out of the
room. He strode over to the door and slammed it shut. The paintings on the wall
shivered before two of them fell down. He almost gave the closest one a kick
but bent down and picked it up. It was a portrait of his father and his horse, done
shortly after the house was built. Nick inhaled and sighed.
"Father, I could
definitely do with some fatherly advice of how to handle my girls. Emily fights
and behaves badly, Meg is angry at me for something I haven’t even said and
Mother … well … without talking to her I guess I got the blame for my brother’s
idea." Another sigh left him and he turned to hang it back.
"Boy Howdy Big
Brother, if you are going to knock the walls down there are better ways than
slamming the door." Heath opened the door and popped his head in.
"Want to calm down with some brotherly bonding and come fishing with me,
Jarrod and Theo?" Nick stood quiet for a moment feeling that he had to
calm himself before answering his brother. As he straightened the painting he
noticed a piece of paper sticking out from the side and as he turned he took
it.
"I might as well.
As it is now I can’t concentrate anyway and starting from tomorrow with the
trial, who knows when we will get another chance. I’ll get my things. Which
lake?"
"We thought of
going up to the stream for some trout. Shall we wait or are you coming?"
Nick went over to the desk.
"Go ahead, I’ll
meet you there. I want to put things away first."
"Alright, don’t
take too long or there might not be any left for you." Heath closed the
door as he left, missing the fact that Nick sank down in the chair. When he
finally felt calm enough to meet Megan without starting a new scene he went up
to their room. He was surprised and relieved that she wasn’t there and he
quickly got his gun strapped to his leg and his fishing gear out of their
wardrobe. When he closed the door and started towards the stairs again he heard
her voice from Emily’s room and he stopped.
"Sweetheart, I
don’t know." Emily answered something but he couldn’t make out what she
said so he put down his things and moved closer. He knew it wasn’t very nice to
eavesdrop but somehow it didn’t matter right now. He stood so that he could
peek into the room. Megan was sitting on the bed with Emily on her lap. Emily
was crying.
"Auntie Eggan, why
Daddy hate me?"
"I don’t think he
hates you. Why do you think that?"
"He gone long time
and when he come home only Theo, never Em." Megan stroked the child’s hair
and didn’t know what to say at first. "Then he say Em be bad girl, say
don’t do, but Em do nothing, just sit and eat, then Em get punish."
"I think he is
confused Em. He doesn’t know how to handle a little girl, it’s easier with a
boy since he is one."
"He not kissie
nightie or read book." Megan kissed Em’s forehead.
"Why he did what he
did will have to wait for him but I do know he loves you a lot. You are his
little girl."
"He only like Theo.
Em hate Theo."
"Now I don’t think
you do. I just think you are a little jealous and don’t know who to handle
it."
"What ellous?"
"It’s when you want
something somebody else has but you can’t have. I think that for nearly a month
you were all that mattered to Theo and then your daddy came home and he took
over. Theo has never had a daddy to look up to, it’s normal that little boys
wants to be with other boys."
"He forgot Em"
"Sweetheart, so
much has happened in so few days. I know he hasn’t forgotten about you. Theo
wanted to read with you yesterday but you said no."
"No daddy."
"He hasn’t
forgotten you either. He just finds it hard when you don’t act like the angel
he thinks you are. He forgot that you are a three years old with the same
temperament that he has." Emily sat quiet for a while, while she was being
rocked by Megan.
"Why you opt Theo
and not Em?
"Because Em didn’t
want me as her mummy, she only wants me for her auntie."
"Please opt me,
then we leave." Nick was shocked. His little baby didn’t think he loved
her. What kind of beast was he to give her that impression? And now first Megan
had said she was leaving and Emily wanted to leave too. He felt helpless and
turned to the stairs again. When he reached them he sat down on the top one.
Damn it. He was not going to take the blame for Jarrod’s idea, he was not going
to lose his girls because of this. Damn, it was hard to be a father and a
husband. His fingers searched for his watch and he felt the piece of paper.
Father what would he have done, would he have let us walk out of his life? No
he would have fought for his marriage, family and everything else that was important.
Would he have waited, hesitated perhaps act when it was too late? No, he would
have gone straight into the situation and sorted it out. I’m like that. Nick
thought. I’m like Father in every situation but this, why am I hesitating here?
Because I … Nick stood up. I’m a coward. He stood up took a few steps down and
turned back and walked towards Emily’s room again.
"May I come
in?" Emily took a firmer grip around Megan’s waist.
"I guess so."
"Em be good."
Emily’s voice was tiny and with a hint of panic.
"Shhh" Megan
stroked her. Nick pained even more. His daughter thought he came just to punish
her.
"I’m sorry Em. I
can’t take back what I have done, only hope I’ll learn." He stroked her
cheek. "What can I do to make you believe me? I love you Sweetheart."
Megan nudged at Emily, feeling the girl wanted to go to her father but wasn’t
sure if she should. When Emily had changed lap Megan stood up. Nick gleamed at
her while he and Emily cuddled. Megan first went over to put away the things
that were on Emily’s desk and then she cleaned up after the kitten before she
started towards the door. She felt relieved that father and daughter at least
had made up as she entered their bedroom. After getting her bag she started to
pack enough things to keep her going for a few days before she went over to her
side of the bed and pulled out the bedside table drawer. The first thing she
saw was the Valentine gift from Nick and as she touched it tears started to
flow. She lay down, letting her tears run. A soft touch as the bed sank down
made her understand that she wasn’t alone.
"Please go."
"No, Beloved. I’m
not going to lose you for something I’m innocent of. Our marriage means a lot
to me and I’m prepared to fight for it, but I’m starting to wonder about you?
You accused me for judging and punishing Em for a reason she didn’t know and
yet you are doing the same to me. At least I know that Em had been horrible and
thrown things around since I did find a wooden horse in the foyer but you
accuse me of lying to you. Have I been such a horrible husband to you? Have I
ever lied to you before? Then why should I start now? Meg?" He tried to
turn her to face him. "I don’t know what Mother said to you but believe
me, I did not tell Mother that this house wasn’t hers any longer, I told my
brothers that we were building by the lake. Heath wants to build by land’s end,
Jarrod has his in San Francisco so I guess they couldn’t see why we should
move, besides Father did leave the house to me. I have said it before; I’ll
move if you want as long as we don’t leave the valley, we could even move into
that house of yours."
"It’s going to be a
school."
"There aren’t any
papers signed about that yet, are there?" Megan shook her head.
"You won’t like it
in town."
"That’s another
thing." He put his arms around her. "Megan, I don’t care where we
live as long as we are together."
"Me too."
"Emily went down to
the kitchen to see if Silas had any goodies stored away, why don’t the three of
us go for a ride? We could have a peek at different places or just go to the
small waterfall."
"The waterfall
sounds nice." He smiled at her as she turned her head and looked at him.
"Then the waterfall
it is. You might to want to wash that pretty face before we leave." With a
kiss he left her.
Chapter thirty-three
It was just the third
day of April and yet the sun was hot. At least Nick felt it as such from where
he sat beside Jarrod and Megan. Yesterday had been a waste and from the start
of today, this day would be the same. He thought of all that needed to be done
at the ranch, pulling out his watch to gleam at it.
There had been two
surprises the day before. One had been that both Jarrod’s friends were on the
enemy’s side, the other that the judge was changed from Judge Formby, a very
dear friend of Jarrod’s to Judge Wellington from San Francisco. Nick had been
both hurt on his brother’s behalf and stunned but Jarrod had explained later
that their boss probably worried about losing and put in all he had since the
Craven’s were a rich client. Heath had added that it only meant that Jarrod was
the best and it had explained why Miss Ascot had had another lawyer than they
had thought she would. Nick hadn’t even known that that woman hadn’t had Johan
Peters as a lawyer when it came to court. As for the judge, well, he hadn’t
decided over how he felt about that change, yet. Nick pulled himself back to
reality, studied Jarrod for a moment before he straightened his back in pride
over Big Brother as he looked over to the jury and instead wondered what they were
thinking of. The evidence provided to them yesterday should have made it clear
the Barkley family was right and that Craven had no chance to win or gain on
this. Nick still couldn’t figure out why Mr and Mrs Craven hated his wife so
much that they would take it to court. Surely by now after three months they
would know who they were dealing with.
Nick took a sip of water
trying to keep his eyes and ears focused to what his brother was doing and
saying. So far it wasn’t in any way interesting and he felt the warm air making
him dozy. He reached out a hand, touched Megan’s and gave it a small squeeze.
His wife looked tired and tried to smile back. For some reason she was scared.
Nick knew she hadn’t slept very well, he had woken twice when she nearly pushed
him out of bed and once when she actually had fallen taking the blanket with
her. At the end he had secured her against his body with his arm and leg and
somehow managed to get her to lay still but sleep no. And to make it worse
Emily had come into their bed around four. He had left them when the clock
struck five and gone out for a ride instead. He braided their fingers and tried
to give her some of his strength. She looked so beautiful in the simple dress
she had chosen.
Behind the couple sat
Victoria, Heath and Vera Woods. They had all decided together with Jarrod that
it was best if Margaret Capenwick were kept a secret until Jarrod called her as
a witness but she had after yesterday been so frustrated that Vera today had
lent her new friend some clothes, since the ladies knew that Margaret’s
expensive outfits would catch attention in the courtroom of Stockton. Margaret
was now sitting in the back row hiding under a bonnet, shawl and a very plain
coat.
Heath was keeping a
close eye on his sister-in-law. While Nick had been gone he had made it his job
to keep her safe and well and the look of her now made him worried. He wondered
if she and Nick had had another argument because of the house suggestion he and
Jarrod had made but he sure didn’t think it looked so. He didn’t want her to
turn ill again. She and Nick sure needed time together and she to be on her
legs. He started to think, developing the idea that suddenly came to him and as
Jarrod again asked the man about the sales Mr Melwin had done with the Barkley
products Heath let his mind travel to the lodge.
Victoria was another
Barkley who couldn’t concentrate. She found the old man very boring. He had
apparently worked with Peter Melwin during the house building but she couldn’t
recall him at all and information he came with Jarrod managed to shatter into
little pieces. She hid the yawn that she felt came and her mind wandered off to
poor Mrs Persson who not only had her own six children today but also Emily and
Theodore. The only consolation was that Alma was used to having small children
around her, and that Emily loved being with Selma and Anders, and that Anna
seemed to have taken to Theo. Emily was bound to behave around them. Victoria
turned her attention back to Jarrod.
Nick weighted the chair
on its back legs as sitting still was hard. He started to feel very restless
and hungry, wondering if it wasn’t time for lunch he put his fingers into the
pocket for his watch and felt the piece of paper he had found behind the
painting. He pulled it out and moved a little closer to Megan in case it was
something she should read too. When he unfolded it he felt his jaw drop,
nothing, there was nothing written on it at all besides the first words
"This painting … " and here he had thought his Father would provide
him with a secret. He was about to crumble the paper together when he
remembered what had happened when he felt it when he sat on the stairs. Even if
it didn’t say anything it was important, it had saved his marriage this time.
He gently folded it together and saw that Megan studied him. He would have to
tell her about the paper tonight when they were alone. He looked up and noticed
Judge Wellington also looked at him and he smiled an apologetic smile back as
Jarrod sank down on the chair beside Megan.
"I think it’s time
for lunch. The court starts again at one o’clock. Mr Barkley, I hope your
witness will have arrived by then." Every one stood up and Nick put a
gentle hand on Megan’s back.
"Nick, what was in
that paper? You look so strange."
"I’ll explain when
we are alone as long as you promise not to laugh."
"Counsellor
Barkley, the floor is yours." Judge Augustus Wellington was in Stockton
Court room for the first time and he didn’t like it. He missed his cool court
room in San Francisco and wished he never had promised his old friend to take
this trial. The Barkley family had swept the floor with the evidence they had
gathered concerning Tom Barkley’s connections with Peter Melwin and how much
the Melwins really owed them. Wellington understood that his friend wanted him
there hoping it would help the firm’s client Mr Craven and the lawyers
representing him and he sensed that it was more to it that just the crops and
he hoped that Jarrod Barkley now would clear the "sky" for him so
that he could be on his way back to the city.
"I call Mrs
Margaret Capenwick to the stand." Jarrod looked out over the audience and
down the aisle came a magnificent woman dressed in a silver grey dress with her
white hair perfectly formed around her head. Adeline Craven paled as her older
sister walked past her while her husband Albert suddenly started to cough.
When Margaret had been
sworn in and taken her seat Jarrod started with the normal questions about who
she was and how she came to know Megan Barkley née Adams. Margaret answered the
questions but when she had finished stating why she was there she turned to the
judge.
"Your honour Judge
Wellington, it would be much easier if you would let me tell the background to
why my sister and her husband persist on having us all perform this ridiculous
trial." She held up her hand to Jarrod. "Counsellor Barkley has
informed me the procedure but I’m an elderly lady and would like to leave this
building before I’m ready for the graveyard. After I’m done I promise I shall
answer any questions there are from the lawyers." Wellington looked over
his spectacles at her.
"Mrs Capenwick, you
should have come forward before this started."
"Your honour,
Counsellor Barkley and I tried last week but were met with the words that this
had to be settled in court."
"Very well then,
Mrs Capenwick. Let it be known to the protocol that we are changing the normal
procedure and let the witness first tell us her statement. Mr Peters and Mr
Goldstein, be prepared with your questions when Mrs Capenwick is done.
Counsellor Barkley you may join your clients. Mrs Capenwick you may
start." He leaned back in his chair and watched the woman as she
straightened her dress and then her hat.
"As I said before
my name is Margaret Capenwick but I was born as the first daughter to Lord
Chapwell and my sister Adeline came less than a year later. Our parents already
had five boys. The family owned a castle in Sussex. My sister and I had our
debutante ball at the same time meaning I had to wait a little while Adeline
had hers a little early. By then our economy wasn’t very good and my brothers
spread around the world in different choices of work, only Anthony stayed at
home since he was Father’s heir. At one of the dances I was introduced to
Joseph Capenwick whose family had made their money in textiles and transport
industries. Joseph worked together with his father and two brothers but he also
had a few things on his own. He volunteered to pay some of the family’s debts
if he was allowed to marry me. I said yes of course and Father accepted it. My
husband had his toys as all boys do, the toys are just different depending on
how old boys are. Now my husband liked engines and unfortunately one day when
our youngest was a year old he was killed in one of his games leaving me as a
very wealthy widow."
Nick was amazed over the
woman in front of him and he leaned forward on his elbows while Jarrod who
heard the story before leaned back and just enjoyed the situation.
"By now Adeline had
met Albert Craven. He made the big mistake to brag about his money and tell
Father and Anthony that heritage and traditions were in the past and were going
to be destroyed as they were parasites. Money was the thing and was the only
thing that mattered. Well I think you can imagine Father’s reaction when
everything he cherished was criticized. Mr Craven was told to leave and Adeline
was forbidden to see him. She disobeyed Father and eloped and we received a
telegram informing us that they had gotten married. For our parents she was as
good as dead but I stayed in touch with a letter now and then."
Margaret looked at the
judge. "I can see that you are wondering why I’m telling you this but you
will understand, Your honour. I have three children, 2 boys and a daughter,
Abigail. Abigail is very much like her aunt. Anyway after my husband’s death I
had kept our London home and I decided that the children and I were going to
live there. Modern communications are good to Sussex and my husband’s family
saw to it that we could keep his part of the companies they had together and
for his own transport company I saw to it that it was run by people I could
trust. I wanted everything to be in order for his sons one day. When my
daughter was eighteen she met her husband at a debutante ball and left as the
last child the house. It got very empty and I got bored. That is when I started
to educate the daughters to old friends and their families in how to behave and
anything else that might be good for a Lady to know when she goes on to her
debutante year. It seemed that I managed to keep my students but never seemed
to be able to keep a maid until I came across Miss Adams."
Margaret smiled to Megan
and saw that the girl relaxed a little as Nick reached for her hand and held on
to it. She sighed. They were so sweet together.
"Every Saturday I
used to treat myself to some exclusive chocolates and one Saturday Mrs Smittens
told me that she was closing the shop and since she knew I was, once again,
looking for a new maid or rather a lady’s company, she asked if I would be
interested in one of her girls. After she had told me about Miss Adams I went
home and thought about it and the coming Saturday I asked to meet her."
The hot air made her
sweat and she stopped talking while she looked in her purse for her
handkerchief. After she had wiped her face she got out a small hand fan before
she continued. "That is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Miss
Adams stayed with me for a little more than five years but during that time I
learned things I never knew I would and Miss Adams turned into a very special
lady. Once when one of her nephews was ill and she had to take care of him I
visited her. I can’t remember who of us was most surprised. I did know that
people lived under different, what shall I say, circumstances but I never
before knew how bad it could be. My admiration for the girl grew immensely.
When she was back by my side I forced her to guide me around in both Southwark
and the East End and after that I started a few funds seeing to it that the
children and women got it better, a little any way. A few schools, a hospital
ward etc. I noticed now that my daughter didn’t like what was happening and
that she complained to her aunt. Every letter Adeline sent told me off for
spending the money on scum and that I needed to get rid of Miss Adams at once.
I didn’t bother about it and continued to go my own way. I knew about Miss
Adams’ sister here in America and I knew about Miss Adams’ dream of joining her
but also the reason for why she still was in London so when the day came when
she buried her Father I told her I would pay her ticket. I didn’t want to lose
her but I felt better to know that she would arrive here safely.
"Needless to say I
found the house very empty after she had left and I realised that she had
become like a daughter to me. I wished I had had one more son, and don’t get me
wrong now because I have the best daughter-in-laws a mother can have but one
more son would have meant that he could have married her and she would have
stayed with me. My own flesh and blood daughter had become worse and all she
wanted was to have and have. Her demands were driving me mad so about two weeks
after Miss Adams had left I paid her a sum of money saying that was it. She was
cut from my will and she and her husband had to fund their lifestyle by
themselves. I drew up funds for all my grandchildren and for my sons too. I
know that if I had done this while Miss Adams still had been with me she would
have seen to it that I hadn’t done it. Abigail complained to her dear aunt at
once and I got a telegram saying that if I didn’t pull back the funds my sister
and her husband would see to that I was declared insane. Did I bother no, did I
pull back the funds, yes I did. I pulled back Abigail’s but not the grandchildren’s
or my boys’. Then I went to Lord Bremness and my brother Anthony and they
helped me with the rest. Now things like this don’t happen over night, all this
took a few months and the last pieces weren’t ready until Christmas. You see
Your honour, I turned Miss Adams into my heir. She will get everything except
the few things I have marked out for my sons, daughter-in-laws and
grandchildren. My daughter won’t get a thing. I told the family about this at
our Christmas dinner and the day after I had a telegram from my sister."
She saw the shocked eyes
of Megan and Nick’s brow s raise in surprise as he looked between them before
he steadied his wife as she was about to faint. He held the water glass for her
as her hands were shaking. When he had placed it back on the table he gently
stroked her back calming all the emotions that went though her. The trio behind
them stared at Margaret and tried to understand what she had just told them.
"I can just imagine
what went though my sister and her husband’s heads when they met Miss Adams and
her husband. Oh. I think I have said Miss Adams all the time out of a habit.
It’s of course Mrs Barkley. Sorry Dearest. I think that by hurting Mrs Barkley
they thought she would get me to change my mind but what they didn’t know was
that Mrs Barkley had no idea of what I had done or that I had wanted to adopt
her but my lawyers and advisers say you can’t adopt an adult and especially not
when she didn’t know." She looked up at Judge Wellington who looked back
at the woman. She was a surprise indeed and with a look at the Craven’s table
he adjourned the court a few hours so that the lawyers could have a discussion
with their client. He also saw that younger Mrs Barkley looked like she needed
to lay down.
"Jarrod you
knew?" Nick looked at his brother while helping Megan to her feet.
Victoria and Vera had hurried to Margaret.
"Yes, Margaret told
me everything last week but I had to promise not to say anything. As she said
we tried to keep this out of court."
"So that I would never
know?" Megan studied the face of her brother-in-law.
"No Megan, I just
think she was looking for the right time to tell you and it hadn’t come yet.
You two have never been completely alone since she arrived and I think that is
what she wanted."
"She could have
asked." Megan felt hurt and Nick saw the pain in her eyes and pulled her
into his arms.
"You know what
Love, if you had known it wouldn’t have been such a good effect. Now everybody
could see that it was a complete surprise for you. Adding to the good points.
Come we have a few hours before we need to be here again. Why don’t you and
Margaret talk things over in Jarrod’s office while the rest of us have a nice
piece of pie and some very strong coffee, even if I would rather have a cold
beer? And there is another good thing with this break, now I have a chance to
pick up a few things for our birthday boy tomorrow."
"Nick, about that,
think the Persson children would like to come to a small party on Saturday? I
mean, tomorrow is Friday and us being here for two days, think Theo would mind
if he had to wait for the party?"
"No Megan, I think
he won’t mind but that doesn’t mean we won’t celebrate tomorrow but the party
is on Saturday." Heath heard the last words.
"Party?"
"For Theo."
"Can I get to
arrange a fishing pond like the one they had at the fair?"
"Sure, no children
party without a fish pond."
"Well, if Uncle
Heath gets to do the fish pond I think I need to think of something too.
Margaret, you were magnificent."
"Thank you Jarrod.
Megan, I should have told you before."
"Margaret, I
suggested to Megan that the two of you talk things over in Jarrod’s
office."
"I like that. Will
you join me Megan?" Megan smiled at the elder woman.
"Of course."
Chapter thirty-four
Nick stood leaning
against the fence to the paddock smoking his cigar. The darkness was closing in
and the chilly clear air felt good after the two days indoors. In the paddock
were the five horses from the Doyle’s and a few new ones that Sam Brahma had
found a week ago. Nick studied their movements and felt very satisfied with
what he saw. Duke McCall came up, accepted the cigar Nick handed him and
together the men stood in silence for a while.
"I got the saddle
and bridle for the pony. They will be in the tack room tomorrow morning."
"Wait until after
breakfast. The women decided that they didn’t want to get up at five and you
know that Theo is up with us, even if we tell him to enjoy the opportunity for
a longer sleep. He will notice if they are there and I don’t want to spoil the
surprise." He blew out the smoke. "Some fine mares there."
"A couple of the
men saw the stallion again today."
"Huh, perhaps he’s
worth a try?"
"Think so."
"Monday?"
"I’ll send out a
couple of lookouts tomorrow to see if he stays in a certain area or if he just
moves about."
"See if there are
any mares with him. I didn’t see any last week."
"They didn’t
mention any but I’ll see to it that they check it out. Plans?"
"No mares we could
use these ladies." Nick nodded towards the two mares that stood close to
him.
"Tried the roan
yesterday morning. She is calm. Perhaps something for Megan to learn on?"
"Megan is not too
bad as a rider." Duke smiled when he sensed his boss’ surprise. "She
and I have been practicing both riding and driving a buggy. She learns quickly
even if she’d rather let someone else drive."
"But …"
"I guess she’d
rather have me as a tutor than you and I was suppose not to say anything but as
I have noticed that she hasn’t even been down here since you came home I
figured you might as well know."
"She is full of
surprises." Nick shook his head and grinned. Duke noticed the figure
coming in the dark and after giving Nick a squeeze on his shoulder he left.
Passing Megan he tipped his hat. Seeing Nick she hesitated a little as she was
unsure if he wanted her company or not.
"Come here,
Love." Nick pulled her into his arms and gave her a gentle kiss. A soft
push on the side made them turn towards the paddock again. The roan mare stood
by the fence hoping for something to munch on. Megan patted her flank and
smiled.
"Sorry, haven’t got
any with me today." Nick reached into a pocket and gave Megan a bit of
sugar.
"Always be
prepared." He stood behind her and rested his head on her shoulder.
"I couldn’t find
you inside when I came down again. Do you want to be alone?"
"No, I don’t mind
your company. It just felt good to be outside and I didn’t feel like a game of
pool with my brothers or discussing the trial. Did you get a chance to talk to
Alma when you picked the children up?"
"Yes, I invited
them and a few more children that were there. Emily has found herself a group
of friends and Theo is happy to just be around her and Anna." Megan
smiled. "Actually I think those Scandinavian children treat him as one of
them and I think he enjoys that. I guess being from another country has made
them understood how it is to be different, to not fit in. In all I think with
Em and Theo it will be twelve children. Think we can handle it?"
"No problems but
Mother said she invited a few from the orphanage too so it will be more."
He felt her lean against him. "How are you doing, my beloved Megan? It’s
been a quiet afternoon."
"I’m scared,
shocked, tired and angry."
"Angry?"
"Yes, that they
would do something like that to hurt you and your family, just because they
wanted revenge and to hurt Margaret."
"Me? Meg it was you
they used. The Barkleys as a family won yesterday. Today was all about you. I
was surprised that they still wanted to continue the trial after what Margaret
had told the court and I’m grateful that the judge realised the situation and
made it short when Peters called you to the stand."
"Margaret still
wants to adopt me and asked me to think it over."
"Meg, I can’t tell
you what to do, just follow your heart."
"I’m scared Nick."
He pulled her closer.
"Don’t be. I’m
here."
"Hurry up, is
everything in place?" Victoria urged them to be in the dining room when
Nick, Heath and Theo came in from the barns. Silas had prepared a special
breakfast for the boy with the things he had noticed the boy loved for
breakfast. Emily came down the stairs as fast as she could holding her auntie
with one hand and with a small piece of paper in her hand. She had put on her
Christmas dress to be as pretty as possible after Megan had explained why today
was special.
"Auntie Eggan, you
still opt me?" Emily stopped half way down.
"I want too Em if
you are sure."
"Em want too."
She took a few more steps down before she stopped again. "When my
special?"
"When is your
birthday? It’s in May, on the 29th. Nearly two more months."
"Too long."
"I know and to make
it worse Love, you have to share it with me."
"Your special
too?"
"Yes, but as I’m so
much older I’ll let you have the day. Alright?"
"No, it our."
She jumped the last step and pulled her aunt towards the dinning room but
stopped when she saw the decorations. "Pretty." She put the crumbled
paper beside her plate and crept up on the chair. Victoria was about to take it
to throw it away. "No." The girl pushed her grandmother’s hand away.
"Theo’s."
"Sorry,
child." Victoria walked over to her place as Jarrod, Margaret, Vera and
Megan stood by theirs. They heard the front door open and the three boys come
in. Nick was louder than normal so that they would know that they were on their
way.
"Come on, Son. Need
to clean up a little before we sit down for some food." Theo looked at him
and nodded. As soon as he had gone towards the kitchen to wash Heath hurried to
his place and Nick went for the trolley they had prepared yesterday.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO
YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!" The volume of the voices that met Theo when
he turned into the dining room almost knocked him down and he backed a few
steps. Emily jumped down from her chair, grabbed his arm and pulled him into
the room.
"Special day, we
have pancake." Nick went up to him and tousled his hair while Megan pulled
him into her arms. Theo looked at the decorations hanging from the ceiling and
that laid around his place. With the help of his parents he was soon placed
where he should be while the rest of the family sat down. Nick pushed the
trolley closer too him and grinned when he noticed the boy’s large eyes on all
the parcels.
"Now where shall we
begin? Here is something from your grandmother." Theo looked stunned at
Victoria as he took the parcel. He sat watching it until Emily pushed his arm.
"You open, thing
inside." She looked at him with an experienced face which made the adults
burst out in laughter. "Em help?" Megan touched Emily and shook her
head. Theo started to carefully open the sides first, trying to save the paper
as much as possible. When he lifted the lid of the box he found a game of
Chinese checkers. He touched the marbles and with shining eyes he looked to
Victoria and thanked her before turning back to the box. Emily pushed him
again. "More."
"Sweetheart, let
Theo take his time." Megan stroked her back.
"But Em want
pancake."
"In time you will
get some." Theo looked at his sister and smiled.
"Here Son, this is
from Uncle Heath." Nick was as patient as his daughter but not for the
same reason. Theo understood that he couldn’t spend too long time looking at
each item but was still stunned over things he got: clothes from Mrs Margaret
and Mrs Vera, fishing rod and harmonica from Uncle Heath, books and more games
from Uncle Jarrod, a Punch and Judy from Emily, more clothes from his
grandmother. It wasn’t until he opened the last parcel that was from Ma that
his tears started to fall as he got so overwhelmed. Megan had gotten him boots,
a vest, a bandana and a cowboy hat with the help of her husband after he had
told her about the pony.
"I’ll look like you
Pa." He put the hat on.
"Well, I’ll let it
go for today Son, but we don’t wear our hats at the dinner table." Theo
quickly took it off as Heath chuckled.
"Theo, we will
teach you all that you need to know about wearing a cowboy hat so that it will
show that you are a Barkley man."
"Why don’t you
brand the poor boy too?" Victoria looked at her sons.
"MOTHER!" Her
sons answered her in unison.
"Ready for
breakfast Theo?"
"Yes, Granny."
"No."
"There is more." Emily and Nick answered at the same time. Emily
reached the small crumbled paper to him. Theo looked at her and took it. There
was something hard inside and as he unfolded the paper a stone showed. It had
the rough shape of a heart.
"It’s pretty Em. So
soft." He let the stone stroke his cheek.
"Em find it when we
picnic. Em find many stone." Theo showed Megan.
"It’s lovely. It
looks like a heart, dear." She gave it to Victoria and one by one the
family members got to feel the soft stone. Theo followed its way around the
table with a worried look and Megan realised that the stone probably meant more
to the boy than the other gifts he had gotten. When the stone was put away in
the box with the cowboy outfit Nick smiled to Megan and winked his eye as she
nodded.
"Son, now it’s my
turn but we have to go outside, I think your Grandmother and Mother would have
my behind if I brought it in." Heath moved quickly and was out of the room
before the others knew it as Nick lifted up Emily. He was a little worried how
she would react to the present. When they all reached the front door Jarrod
held it open so that they all could go outside. Nick placed a hand on Theo’s
shoulder as Heath came leading the pony. Theo stared first at the pony and then
at Nick. "Happy Birthday Son. I was about your age when I got Coco. He is
your responsibility and I trust you are capable of taking good care of him. He
is four years old and called Dusty."
"Thank you Pa. I
will, I will take the best of care of him." He hopped over to the horse
and caressed the soft head. Emily watched and sighed.
"Now we never get
pancake." Giggling Megan stroked her cheek.
"Don’t worry, Love.
That little cowboy must have some food in his tummy or his Ma will have a serious
word with his Pa."
Nick threw himself down
on their bed and grinned at Megan as she was struggling with her dress. He was
still fascinated over how beautiful she was without the extra colour and stuff
the women he had been with before had used. Megan was just clean, you saw what
you got and he loved it. Her skin had been coloured by the sun and that was her
makeup. Her hair had some red in it that sparkled in the candle light. Sensing
that something had gone wrong he decided to help her and walked over to her and
started to unbutton the buttons she struggled to reach. He helped the cloth
slide off her shoulders but to his disappointment she placed her arm over her
bust and stopped it from gliding off completely so instead he placed a kiss on
her neck before he pulled her into his arms.
"Somebody is in a
good mood tonight." Megan tilted her head and gleamed up to him.
"Hmmm, I have the
right to be."
"Mind letting me
into the secret?"
"I got a lovely
daughter who finally decided that her aunt is going to be her Ma, a son that is
going to be one of the finest horsemen in this state and the best of all
…" He lifted her up and carried her to the bed. "I have the most
wonderful wife a man can ever ask for. Not only is she beautiful and sweet as a
warm ripe peach, she is this family’s brain and glue." He let his lips
trace down her neck when they heard a knock on the door. "Sssshhh, if we
don’t say anything whoever is out there might go away." Another tiny knock
was heard.
"Daddy?"
"Nick you can’t
leave her like that. What if she was having a nightmare? Go and get her."
Nick stood up.
"You owe me girl.
Nightmare huh?" Megan nodded and Nick sighed. Another thing he didn’t know
about. "Hello sweetheart, what is it?" He lifted up Emily and wiped
away the tears from her cheek.
"Nanny say Em must
knock." She put her arms around his neck and Nick walked with her over to
the bed.
"What are you doing
up Em? Last time I looked you were fast asleep."
"They forget
Em."
"Who?"
"They. And then Em
all alone and dark round." She snuggled up into his arms. Another knock
brought the attention to the door again and Megan walked over as she tied her
dressing gown. Nick sighed.
"Ma, is Em here? I
heard her cry before but when I got there she was gone." Theo stood outside
looking miserable. He didn’t like to disturb his parents this way but his
sister’s crying had shaken him.
"She is in here
Theo." Megan stepped aside. "She has had another nightmare. I don’t
think she has had one since you came." Theo went over to the bed.
"Sorry Pa."
Nick moved so that the boy could get room too
"It’s alright
Son." Theo stroked her cheek too.
"You could come
into my room, Sis and read my new book if they let us have the light on."
Emily shook her head and clung on even harder to her daddy.
"Know what Theo,
why don’t you get that book and we all can read it." Theo’s eyes shone and
he went off. "Megan, what is this nightmare thing? When did it start?
"A few days after
you left, she overheard Jarrod talk to Fred about one of his clients and
somehow in her mind she thought they were going after her because she had done
something wrong. Anyway she heard something about a dark cellar. There were
different dreams nearly every night, the other worse than the other but after
Theo came they stopped. Sorry, I just haven’t thought of them." Nick
smiled to her over his daughter’s head.
"It’s alright,
Love. I gather the things that have happened to her during her short life isn’t
making things easier either. Seems we won’t be alone tonight, remind me
tomorrow that we are buying a larger bed. Why don’t you get yourself ready and
when your done we can change places for a while."
"I’m sorry that
your plans were interrupted." She kissed him and left with her things for
the bathroom. Nick sighed and thought of what he had planned and that now had
been postponed.
It was still dark when
he woke Megan with a soft kiss. When her eyes were just open enough for her to
notice him he placed a finger over her lips and whispered in her ear.
"Just get dressed
for a ride. I want to show you something."
"But …"
"Sshhh, I don’t
want company. Duke told me. I give you ten minutes to get ready while I get the
horses. Meet me outside. Hurry please and please Love don’t wake them."
Nick helped her out of bed. The cold air hit her and she wanted to climb back
but her husband helped her into the dressing gown. "Ten minutes." She
hurried as fast as she could thinking how fast one could forget how it was
getting up before the hearth had warmed the room and when it was still dark.
She found the skirt and boots Victoria had gotten her when her riding lessons
had started and with a coat over her arm she hurried down the stairs trying to
button the shirt. The cold water and the toothpaste had at least woken her and
made her feel a little better. For every step she took she wondered what on
earth her husband was up to. She gently closed the door as Nick came leading
the horses up to the house. He tied both to the rail while he helped her with
the coat.
"Nick, I’m not that
…"
"Don’t worry, we
won’t rush away but that don’t mean we have all the time in the world. Come on,
let me help you up. I tried Patchy the other morning so I can guarantee she is
calm and steady. Trust me." He was ready to help her when she mounted the
roan. Nick let out a whistle. "Perhaps it is a good thing that it is Duke
and not me teaching you because I sure don’t know where to keep my eyes Mrs
Barkley." Megan snorted and took the reins from him. Chuckling Nick
mounted Big Duke. "This way my Love, this way." Nick rode slowly out
of the gate.
Theo stood watching them
from the window. He had heard Nick and Megan and after she had left the room he
had sneaked up to the window. Smiling he watched the two people he loved most
beside his little sister ride out in the darkness before he returned to his
warm bed.
They rode beside each
other in silence. Megan noticed that Nick had his saddlebags and bedroll on and
she felt the blush rush to her face. Nick sensed that something was going on in
his wife’s head and he tilted his head to study her more closely while he
smiled to her.
"Where are we
heading Nick? It’s so dark I don’t even know which way we are going or if I
have been here before." Her hand went up to strike a lock back into its
place. "Oh, Nick I forgot my hat."
"So? You are
beautiful even without it. And no talk about decent women must have a hat
because nobody besides the horses and I can see you and we don’t care." He
grinned at her. "Why don’t you let it loose completely?" He reached
over to help her but she pushed away his hand and slid a little down the side.
Nick steadied her.
"No."
"No? Want to slide
down?" He couldn’t help himself, he just had to continue to tease her as
he was enjoying the moment that he was, for once, alone with her.
"No. I can’t
concentrate with you around. Is it still far Nick?" He shook his head and
calmed Big Duke into a walking pace.
"Be careful around
here Meg, some branches are low but this is the best to approach the place we
are going to." Suddenly Megan heard the water and her eyes started to
beam. Just as they came out in the open the first sunbeams came and got the
water in the fall to glitter. Nick stopped the horses and turned to Megan.
"When we were talking the other day you said something that got me thinking
and the other morning when the bed got too crowded I took old Patchy here and
went to check this place out. What do you think?" Megan looked around her.
The greenery of the hardwood forest where the trees were still leafing giving
them the fragile green colour, the glittering water, the rising sun’s golden
colour colouring the sky in purple and lighting up everything, it all made the
place look magical.
"Oh Nick it’s a
dream. What on earth did I say when we were here that …? She turned to him. He
got his horse moving and Patchy followed Big Duke.
"What you said was
something like this "I have never felt so much at home as I do here."
He got off the horse and tied him to a branch before he helped Megan off the
horse. Placing the saddlebags over his shoulders he gave Megan the bedroll
before he led her to the small stream that left from the fall. Megan couldn’t
get enough of the scenery and almost tripped. Nick got everything ready and
helped her down on the blanket. "Mind the grass, Love, it’s still damp
from dew." He opened the bags and pulled out a bottle of champagne and two
glasses. With experienced movements he opened the bottle and poured it.
"This was a
marvellous idea, Precious, absolutely marvellous."
"Now you know why I
was in such a good mood last night. Well, one of the reasons." He let a
finger run along her face and then follow her body line and Megan felt her
blush rise again. "After the trial and Margaret’s talk about how it looked
in the part of London you came from my mind started to run in, I guess you can
say, different twists, I had never realized really how bad your upbringing must
have been and I must say I admire you even more now but I also felt bad."
"Bad? Why? You
haven’t done anything to feel bad Nick."
"I have, instead of
courting you as I should I more or less rushed you into a marriage, then I left
you alone with my Mother and daughter. And not even a proper wedding did you
get."
"Oh, Nick, do you
really think I care about it. I got the man I dreamed of, that’s all that matters
to me."
"I know, you don’t
ask much of life, of material things that is. I have noticed that the only
jewellery you use is the cameo and the rings …"
"I got my
watch."
"And your
watch." He smiled.
"I don’t have
…"
"I know that. I
also know that it’s my duty and pleasure to see to it that you have some
more." He pulled a box from one of the bags. "Here Love." Megan
took the box and was about to answer when he put a finger over her mouth.
"Open." Megan lifted the lid gently and looked at the necklace that
lay there.
"Nick, it’s so
beautiful. The pearls, they are so …" She let her finger run over the pink
round pearls. Nick leaned forward, took it, turned her around and placed it
around her neck. Then he loosened her hair.
"I love you."
Megan leaned into his arms. "I’m … I … Megan, what would you say about
building our home here, on this spot with the road leading to the house the way
we came riding and a veranda or garden facing this way so that we can enjoy it
both mornings and evenings? I talked it over with Jarrod and Heath last night
and after a discussion they saw things my way. Mother can have the house even
if it’s rightfully mine. Perhaps Theo or Em or any one else of our future
children might want to live there after her but I want you to have your first
own home, a home that is yours from the beginning. Jarrod is going to see if
there is anyway this piece of land can be yours or if not that both our names
are on the paper. I want you to have this as your morning gift. The ranch
buildings are just ten minutes away if you take a short cut so it’s no
problems. Megan, what do you say? Shall we build our home and future on this
spot?" Megan turned around and placed a kiss on her husband’s lips.
"Yes, I would love
that."