by nlindabrit
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.
Part 1 -- Nick's Departure from Home
(Everyone knows how
deeply attached Nick Barkley is to his beloved ranch, so his disappearance
causes consternation to his family, especially Jarrod who bitterly regrets his
harsh words during a recent quarrel with Nick!)
People who knew Counselor Jarrod Barkley, the urbane and sophisticated lawyer
and who also knew the brother nearest to him in age, the volatile rancher Nick,
some four years younger than Jarrod, often thought it strange that the two were
such close friends. After all, they were so very different, the elder a cool
educated and gifted attorney, the younger, a prominent rancher, renowned for
his toughness and hot temper. Two very individual and different men, but tied
by affection every bit as much as by blood it seemed. It had always been so,
almost from the hour of Nick's birth, they had played, learned and worked
together and through all the many diversities of their lives this closeness had
remained. It had even survived the arrival in the family of the twenty four
year old Heath, claiming his rights of kinship and his heritage as the
illegitimate son of Jarrod and Nick's father Tom Barkley. Jarrod and Nick had
both found their own way of forging a brotherly bond with the newcomer and each
had achieved a great measure of closeness with their younger sibling Heath,
whilst somehow miraculously maintaining their own long friendship in the
process.
The close nature of their friendship, did not mean that the Barkley brothers
never had a cross word between them, indeed the reverse was the case. It
sometimes seemed to Victoria, their mother, that despite the fact the two
brothers had been friends from the cradle, they had virtually been arguing with
each other since that time too! It was to be expected really, they were
different men, each viewing life their own way and they were bound to disagree
from time to time. Most of the arguments between Nick and Jarrod Barkley
related to their family and it's interests, which were many and various.
Jarrod Barkley, at thirty-four, was a prominent lawyer, with offices in San
Francisco as well as his hometown of Stockton. He was a successful attorney,
with a thriving practice and so keeping a hand on the reins of the burgeoning
Barkley businesses, mining and ranching empire was hard work at the best of times,
whilst he simultaneously juggled his own work as well. Nick had stepped into
his formidable father's shoes running the thriving Barkley ranch at the tender
age of twenty-two, now eight years later, he was respected and admired for his
forthright and honest dealings, his notable personal courage and his sheer hard
work. For the last two years he had been ably assisted in his efforts by the
newcomer Heath. After a faltering start, Nick and Heath had learned to trust
each other and work together, to such good effect that, in his more candid
moments, Nick had been heard to wonder how he had managed before the advent of
his younger brother, now aged twenty-six.
Heath Barkley was different again from either Jarrod or Nick, less educated
than Jarrod, he nevertheless possessed a shrewd intelligence, which helped him
get close to the lawyer and become his friend. He was a quiet, self-contained
young man, but he established a remarkably good rapport with the much noisier
and more ebullient Nick. Heath was aware that, at times, he and Nick had a
tendency to "gang up" on Jarrod over ranch issues, he tried hard not
to let such occasions cause any brotherly discord, but the truth was that he
was grateful to Nick for sharing his power and would, whenever possible back
Nick up in any family disagreements.
Heath agreed with Nick about the latest issue to cause a row between Jarrod and
the rancher brothers, although he had no particularly strong feelings about it
himself he suspected that Nick did. The matter concerned a small meadow, on the
northern edge of the Barkley property line. It was an unimportant piece of
land, in many ways, it had no major water source, nor was it big enough to
accommodate more than a fraction of the Barkley herds of either cattle or
horses. In addition, it was cut off from the bulk of the other Barkley grazing
lands by a dense wood, making it too remote to be especially useful. For these
reasons, Jarrod had singled out Soreback meadow as a suitable piece of land to
exchange, as part of a much bigger deal, for some far more useful ranch land.
Jarrod had been surprised and annoyed by Nick's initial reluctance to agree to
the sale of Soreback meadow. The lawyer had patiently explained the many
benefits of the deal, going through the terms and asking his brother for valid
reasons for his opposition to it. Nick had given him none, but hadn't wavered
in his hostility either, refusing to explain himself or accept Jarrod's
proposals. The argument had gone from bad to worse, Jarrod rapidly losing patience
with Nick and the rancher, unflinchingly vetoing the lucrative land deal
altogether.
Called upon to express his own opinion, Heath Barkley had found himself in a
dilemma. He could see the sense of Jarrod's arguments, but he was convinced
that Nick had deep personal reasons for his hostility to the deal and he
wondered what these might be. Nick was in intransigent mood and didn't
enlighten Heath, nevertheless the younger man felt he had to side with Nick in
this matter. He said as much to Jarrod, with an apologetic smile and the lawyer
was unsurprised, in the two years since Heath's arrival in the family circle,
this was far from the first such incident.
"I understand your reasons for what you've just told me Heath, believe me
I do, but can you throw any light on this issue? Have you any idea what it is
that's making Nick dig in his heels over Soreback Meadow?"
"Sorry Jarrod, I wish I did! I'm sure there's something though, I keep
hoping he'll share it with me. You know it's kind of funny, sometimes I can't
shut Nick up, but over this, he hasn't said one word, not a single one."
"Have you actually asked him Heath, I mean right out?"
"No, but I will Jarrod, first chance I get, I promise."
As things stood, with his mother Victoria and sister Audra away in Denver for
the next few days and young Eugene back in college, the lawyer had to be
content with Heath's promise. With both the ranchers in opposition the deal was
stalled until either Nick and Heath or Jarrod had a change of heart.
Heath took the bull by the horns next morning when he was alone with Nick as
they rode into Stockton to look over some agricultural machinery that the
Stockton blacksmith had been making for them. He knew as soon as he asked him
that Nick wasn't about to tell him anything, his dark- haired brother's
ferocious frown told him that much!
"What the devil's up with you Heath? You sided with me didn't you, why the
questions?"
Heath answered the angry demand in his usual quietly peaceable voice, glancing
sideways at the glowering Nick as they rode.
"I just think if we could give Jarrod a solid reason for opposing the
deal, he'd understand and it might save a lot of trouble in the long run. It
isn't as though you don't have a good reason, is it Nick?"
The scowl he got from his brother would have shaken a lesser man than Heath.
"My reasons are MY business, I'm not about to lay out my feelings for you
OR Jarrod to walk all over and that's my last word on it, do what you
like!"
With that Nick had angrily spurred his horse away and Heath had wisely let the
subject drop. To have persisted would only have antagonized Nick and if Heath
knew anything about his brother, it was that he was the sort to just dig in
harder, the more he was pushed.
Heath didn't relish the prospect of reporting the failure of his mission back
to Counselor Barkley, but decided he should do it without delay, for there were
time restrictions on the deal and Jarrod was growing impatient. He called at his
brother's home, which was situated close to the Barkley mansion, that evening
and baldly told the lawyer exactly what Nick had said. Heath had known that
Jarrod would be displeased but the depth of the lawyer's anger surprised him,
he had never seen such cold, bitter fury in Jarrod's vivid blue eyes before and
fervently hoped that he could keep Nick and Jarrod apart until his oldest
brother's wrath had cooled a little.
Heath was destined to be disappointed! Jarrod had had just about enough of
Nick's stubborn behaviour and declared his intention of riding back to the
mansion with Heath for the purpose of confronting Nick at once.
Heath did his best to dissuade Jarrod, offering to tackle Nick again himself
but the lawyer shook his head, "no Heath, enough is enough! I'm prepared
to listen to any reasonable argument against this deal, but all I'm getting
from Nick is a stone-wall and I'm not about to whistle an advantageous
transaction down the wind for that! Let's go!"
Sighing, Heath accompanied his brother back to the mansion, wondering how the
hell he was going to keep his two older brothers from each other's throats! He
wished with all his heart that Victoria would hurry home from Denver, if anyone
could bring about a truce, it would be the Barkley matriarch, Heath doubted if
anyone else could do it at this stage, but he made up his mind during the short
ride to at least try and broker some sort of peace deal.
Thirty minutes later, Heath abandoned his attempts to play the peace-maker and
left his two brothers alone in the library to continue their slanging match
without him! He had tried every compromise he could think of to reach some kind
of consensus between the opposing positions of Jarrod and Nick, all to no avail
and he was fed up to the back teeth with the recriminations and accusations
flying between the rancher and the lawyer. He went upstairs to the peaceful
sanctuary of his own room and tried not to strain his ears to hear what was
going on down in the library. Stretching himself out on his bed with a weary
sigh, for he had spent a long day in the saddle working alongside Nick, Heath
tried for the umpteenth time to figure out what Nick's motivation in refusing
to part with Soreback meadow might be.
Some days earlier, when the problem had first arisen, Heath had consulted the
detailed maps that delineated the boundaries of the extensive Barkley lands. He
had found the one which included Soreback meadow, but it had not told him a
great deal. The date of it's acquisition was noted and the name, which Heath
thought a strange one, was written on the map in longhand, as though it had
been added when it occurred to someone as a suitable name for this apparently
insignificant piece of land. Heath didn't recognize the hand-writing but
assumed that it must be Tom Barkley who had named this meadow and inscribed the
name on the map. Heath sat up on his bed as an idea occurred to him, maybe
Nick's stubborn resistance to parting with this piece of land had something to
do with Tom Barkley. Nick had been devoted to his father and they had worked
very closely together on the ranch, as closely as Nick and Heath did now. Heath
was willing to bet that something had happened there, an event involving his
father and that this event, whatever it was, was the reason for Nick's
intransigence. He lay down again considering this new idea, what could the
unknown event have been? Plainly Jarrod knew nothing of it, who else might
conceivably know? Victoria was the obvious person, but she wasn't due back from
Denver for several days yet. Heath knew he had no time to wait for his mother,
Jarrod had already told him that time was fast running out to close the deal.
Cudgeling his tired brain, Heath tried to think who else might be able to shed
some light on this obscure piece of family history. He sat up again and swung
himself to his feet, grinning, there was one other person in this house who
just might be able to enlighten him. Heath came out of his room and ran lightly
down the back stairs that led directly to the kitchen.
In the library, the dispute between Jarrod and Nick was reaching white heat,
already both men had said things that they ought not to have said and the
situation was rapidly deteriorating. The simple fact was that both brothers, in
their different ways, were exhausted and each was taking out their weariness on
the other. Had their mother been at home she would without question have
intervened, calling both sharply to order. Victoria was a slender, diminutive
woman, but her strong character and powerful personality were such that she
could and did command both the respect and obedience of her sons. She could
probably have prevented the worst of this argument and it's outcome, but she
was far away in Denver and so Jarrod and Nick continued to rage and fume at each
other unchecked.
Jarrod was over-tired, he had been working ferociously hard on a number of
important cases, in addition to keeping a grip on the ever-growing Barkley
holdings. He was a father now too, his baby son Jack was doing an effective job
of ensuring that the lawyer didn't get much sleep and as if all of that were
not enough, there was another family matter monopolising Jarrod's time. His
youngest brother Eugene was in his second year at college, studying medicine
and seemed hell- bent on being even more badly behaved and inattentive to his
studies this year than he had been the last! Both Jarrod and Nick had played a
part in the raising of Gene and Audra after their father's death but Jarrod was
not only Gene's elder brother, he was also his guardian. He had tried hard to
help his troubled younger sibling, at first exercising the greatest tact and
patience, trying to understand and sympathize with the boy's discontent and
restlessness. As time went on, the worse became Gene's conduct and Jarrod had found
it increasingly necessary to take a firmer line with him. He was growing tired
of having to play the heavy father and this was a matter weighing heavily on
him at the same time as he was trying to finalize the land deal involving
Soreback meadow.
Nick, like Jarrod, was no stranger to hard work, their father had been a firm
believer in the work ethic and both brothers had grown up, aware of the need to
strive hard for things and to always do their best. Nick had set a punishing
work schedule in the lead up to the annual round-up and he and Heath were both
working flat out and with dogged determination to meet the deadlines they had
imposed on themselves. Unknown to anyone at home, Nick had taken a nasty fall
from his horse about a week ago. The fall had done no visible damage but Nick
had badly jarred his spine and it was giving him major trouble. He had
reluctantly allowed Doctor Merar to check him out and the Doc had assured him
that his aching back would heal in time. There was no need to fear any lasting
disability. He was though, in constant pain from the injury and this was
aggravated by his stubborn refusal to rest and give his back a chance to
recover. The pain was rubbing his temper raw and he was in no mood to
compromise with his eldest brother about the sale of Soreback meadow! In his
heart Nick knew that he was acting foolishly, his reason for opposing the sale
was of so personal and to Nick so intrinsically trivial a nature that he could
not bring himself to share it. Certainly not with his enraged eldest brother
who would disdain Nick's reasons, of that Nick had no doubt whatsoever.
Old Silas had been a staunch ally of Heath's, ever since the angry natural son
of Tom Barkley had arrived in this house. Many were the occasions on which
Heath had sought out Silas here in this homely kitchen and he couldn't think of
a single occasion when he had needed help, that his friend Silas had failed to
give it. Heath hoped fervently that Silas could help him now, for if the old
Barkley retainer couldn't shed any light on the story of Soreback meadow, Heath
wasn't sure what the heck to do next!
Silas didn't disappoint his young friend, "Yeah, sure I know how that
sorry place got it's name, Mr. Tom named it, he and Nick near enough broke
their backs there!"
Heath seated himself opposite Silas at the big table and picked up the coffee
he had been served with, "for the Lord's sake Silas, tell me all about it,
otherwise there's gonna be a murder in the library before too long!"
Silas smiled serenely, "don't you fret about that pair none, they've been
scrappin' since Nick learned to talk!"
Heath brushed aside the happy reminiscences, "Silas please, Soreback
meadow, I need to know...now Silas!"
It was true that Jarrod and Nick had been arguing from childhood onwards and it
was not unusual for them to disagree profoundly about matters of Barkley family
business, but as the blazing row in the library continued, both brothers were
aware that this particular fight was different from any of it's predecessors.
It was hard to say what the difference was but the atmosphere had subtly
altered to the point where the confrontation was turning ugly.
"I am sick and tired of trying to explain to you how damned important this
whole deal is," declared Jarrod. "In fact I'm tired of you full stop!
You fight every innovation I ever try to make and half the time you don't have
the least idea what I'm trying to do!"
Nick's hazel eyes flashed, "well now, compared to your genius, I'm just a
thick-headed cowboy aren't I?"
"Your words brother Nick, not mine!"
The rancher jabbed a hard hand in his brother's shoulder, "don't you dare
patronise me," he warned, his face dark with rage.
"Don't you dare threaten me," warned the lawyer slapping Nick's hand
away, "I'm giving you fair warning Nick, either you give me a valid reason
for your opposition to this deal or you sign the papers right here and now,
I've had enough!"
True to form, Nick dug his heels in, "my reasons are MY business, if my
word isn't good enough, then you can go hang Big Brother!"
Perhaps if he had been less tired, less stressed, Jarrod might have read
between these intransigent lines, divining that Nick had some highly personal
but important cause to dislike the sale. As it was, he was feeling every bit as
stubborn as his younger brother and he almost shouted at Nick, "That's it!
Things are going to have to change around here! I'll be damned if I'll be
thwarted at every turn by you and Heath every time you don't like a deal I've
strained every nerve to make!"
Nick immediately flashed back at him, "that's about the size of it isn't
it Jarrod, everything has to be your way or no way! Well go ahead," Nick's
voice was a positive roar now. "Take it all, you think you're the only
member of the family with a brain so go ahead, run the ranch, I wash my hands
of it!"
Without a backward glance Nick strode from the library and after setting his
glass down with a crash, Jarrod too left the room and indeed the house, to
return to his own home. Of the two men, it would have been a toss-up which was
the most enraged.
Silas had come through as Heath had fervently hoped he would, now at last Heath
understood why Nick felt so strongly about an insignificant piece of pasture,
perhaps once Jarrod was made aware of the problem, this terrible quarrel could
be ended. Heath entered the library uneasily, there was silence from within, he
smiled grimly, he hoped the hot-tempered Nick had not resorted to using his
fists to settle the issue! He stood in the doorway looking around the deserted
library, both his elder brothers had vanished, seemingly into thin air.
Hearing a commotion at the front door, Heath hastened to see what was
happening. He exclaimed with pleasure at the sight of his mother and sister, in
travelling clothes and clutching those of their bags that the sweating Ciego
was not carrying. Heath hurried forward to relieve the ladies of their burdens
and Ciego carried their trunks slowly up to their rooms. Heath kissed both
women and when they had all seated themselves comfortably and a smiling Silas
had brought coffee, he asked Victoria why she and Audra were home early.
Audra made a face and Victoria herself cast up her eyes, "to tell you the
truth Heath we were sick of the social whirl, there didn't seem to be a moment
of the day that wasn't filled with little gatherings of some kind. We liked it
at first and joined in everything with a good grace but the novelty has long
since worn off!"
Audra nodded, "I reminded Mother one evening that it was six weeks since
either she or I rode a horse and that was that! We packed our boxes and here we
both are."
Well it's mighty good to have you both home," said Heath sincerely.
Victoria's shrewd hazel eyes rested thoughtfully on her blond son, "so how
are things here Heath?"
His rueful blue eyes met hers and he smiled his lop-sided smile, well Mother,
I'd like to tell you that Jarrod's land deal is all signed, sealed and done
but..."
His mother smiled encouragingly, "but?"
Heath sighed and held out his cup to his sister for more coffee, "I guess
I'd better start at the beginning," he said quietly.
The ladies heard him out in attentive silence and Audra wrinkled her brow
thoughtfully, "but I don't understand something Heath, in fact there are
two things I don't understand. This meadow isn't important to us as far as I
know so why is Nick so set on keeping it?" She peeped at her brother,
anxious not to give offence, "and if you don't feel strongly about it
yourself, why did you take Nick's side?"
"Because it was as plain as day that it mattered to him Sis!"
She nodded, "yes I see."
Victoria had been thinking and now she looked at Heath, "this meadow, what
is it called Heath?"
He looked significantly into her eyes, "Soreback meadow," he said
gently.
Victoria's hand flew to her mouth, "oh no!" Of all the places on this
ranch! No wonder Nick was so upset, now why on earth would Jarrod..." She
broke off, thinking, then went on, "oh of course, poor Jarrod probably
doesn't know anything about it, it all happened when he was away at college, oh
I wish I'd been here to tell him." Victoria's hazel eyes were wet with
unshed tears.
Heath squeezed Victoria's hand, "easy now Mother, it'll all come
right."
She rallied herself, sitting straighter in her chair and nodding, "I hope you're
right Heath!" She looked at this young man who had swiftly earned as dear
a place in her heart as any of the children to whom she had given birth.
"Do you know the story of Soreback meadow Heath?"
Her son nodded, "I do now," he said ruefully.
"Did Nick share it with you," asked Victoria curiously.
Heath shook his head, "no Silas just got finished telling me all about it,
then I came into the library to break up their fight, only both of them had
gone."
"Gone? Gone where?"
"I wish I knew Mother," answered Heath soberly.
Audra leaned forward, "Mother, why don't I know about this?"
Her mother smiled at her, "because you were a tiny girl when it happened,
no more than four or five at the most. Your father won the meadow in a poker
game with a neighbour of ours, Amos Carter was a stiff-necked bullying sort of
a man, Tom didn't like him a bit! I think he quite enjoyed winning the land,
because it was on our side of the Stockton road, the only bit of land that side
that wasn't ours. He said at the time that it felt as though he was evicting
Amos from Barkley property. Amos took it badly, that man always was a sore
loser, he persuaded your father to take another bet."
Audra was listening intently, drinking in every word of this hitherto unheard
story of her beloved father. "What was the bet," she asked eagerly.
Victoria sat back in her chair, remembering how angry she had been with Tom
when he came home and confessed to her that he had been suckered into an almost
unwinnable bet by Amos Carter. "Well Dear, the meadow wasn't a meadow
then, it was a rock-strewn wilderness and needed a serious amount of clearance
before it could be in the least useful. Amos challenged Tom to clear it within
the week, with only Nick to help him. Amos undertook to do the same with a
similar meadow on his side of the Stockton road, helped only by his son Todd.
Well when Tom told me, I nearly murdered him!"
Audra was puzzled, her blue eyes wide, "why were you so cross about it
Mother?"
"Well Todd Carter was twenty years old and as tall as a tree! He was
renowned for his strength too and Nick was only fourteen. He was getting tall
even then but he was skinny too, he'd shot up and hadn't put much flesh on his
bones."
Audra couldn't restrain a giggle, "Nick? Skinny?"
Victoria smiled, "he was Darling I promise you. Well they started work,
your father and Nick, they laboured night and day and at the end of a week,
they had cleared Soreback meadow and also won the bet, by sheer hard work and
Barkley effort. Tom named the place Soreback because he and Nick certainly had
them when they finished their task!"
Audra clapped her hands, "they won? How splendid!"
Victoria nodded, "I remember how proud Tom was of Nick, the boy worked
past the point of exhaustion, doggedly determined not to let his father down.
If it was possible I think what they did in Soreback meadow brought Tom and
Nick even closer together than they already were."
She glanced at the quiet Heath, she always felt slightly uncomfortable talking
about the bond between Tom and his sons, a bond that Heath had never had
himself. He understood her worried look and smiled to re-assure her, she felt a
rush of love for this intelligent and sensitive young man, so swift to
comprehend her fears and so keen to allay them.
Heath had a question for his mother, "Silas mentioned something about a
horse?"
Victoria smiled reminiscently, "ah he was a beauty, Tom gave him to Nick
as a reward for his hard work, Nick was so happy. He had him corralled in
Soreback meadow away from everyone else until he could ride him creditably. As
a matter of fact I nearly murdered Tom again! Nick had already missed a whole
week of school working beside his father, then he played truant for a further
week, training his beloved horse!"
Her eyes sought Heath again, "I'm sure you can understand why Soreback
meadow has a worth to Nick far beyond it's actual value."
He nodded, "yes of course I can understand that, so would Jarrod have
understood, so why wouldn't Nick tell him Mother, or tell me either come to that."
Victoria's tone was tactful, "as far as you are concerned, Nick is always
hesitant to flaunt his strong relationship with his father in your face, as to
Jarrod? Well if I know Nick, he thinks his reasons for being attached to
Soreback meadow are silly and sentimental, not a good enough reason to cancel a
lucrative land transaction, he would rather put his fist in the fire than tell
Jarrod such a tale."
Heath nodded, "I'm sure you're right Mother," he smiled, "you
usually are! So what do we do now?"
Victoria was decisive, "we three all turn in and get a good night's sleep
and in the morning I'll talk to your brothers and see if we can't resolve this
situation."
Heath was apologetic, "I wish I could have had it settled for you before
you came home Mother."
She cupped his cheek in her hand, "it sounds to me as if you had already
begun to do so Darling. Leave Jarrod and Nick to me, if necessary I'll take a
strap to the pair of them!"
"I believe you Mother," laughed Heath.
The Barkley matriarch's eyes sparkled, "it wouldn't be the first time
Heath, I can assure you of that!"
Victoria was not overly concerned about the rift between her sons, there had
been such disputes many times in the past and she had never found it too hard
to effect a reconciliation. Her eldest son, admittedly a clever lawyer, was not
so puffed up in his own conceit that he didn't have the greatest respect for
his mother's opinions and judgement. Her rancher-son Nick was one of life's
confident creatures, more likely to give advice than to take it, there were few
people to whom Nick would defer his own views but his mother was one of them.
Nick respected her wisdom and she, who knew the depth of his affection for his
sire, could best understand and enter into his feelings about this contentious
issue.
She was not unduly anxious about the land deal either. She could appreciate her
lawyer-son's exasperation that his diligence might all come to nothing if the
deal fell through, but Jarrod would be philosophical enough once his mother had
put him in possession of all the facts. Better than most people, Jarrod would
comprehend his brother's deep attachment to this land. This meadow had been the
source of the youthful Nick's pride and happiness, secure in the knowledge that
he had made his adored father proud of him, Victoria knew that Jarrod would
understand and forgive Nick his intransigence.
Victoria was tired from her journey home and slept soundly, awakening early
next day refreshed and eager to sort out the family strife without delay. She
washed and dressed in riding clothes and instructed Ciego to saddle her bay
mare Misty Girl for her. She intended to ride over to Jarrod's house before
breakfast to ensure that she caught Counselor Barkley before he left for his
Stockton office. Silas made no demur to her delaying her breakfast but the old
retainer was reluctant to let her leave his kitchen without her morning tea
inside her and so she gratified the old man by drinking it. Gratifying him
further still by declaring that it was the first decent cup of tea she had
drunk since leaving for Denver.
Victoria enjoyed her ride, the day was bright and crisp and she relished the
exercise. Before leaving home she had knocked on Nick's bedroom door and softly
opened it, looking around the magnificent apartment, it was clear that Nick had
not spent the night there. His mother was not concerned, doubtless Nick had
ridden off in an almighty rage and it might be some time before he returned
home. Nick was one of the toughest and most resourceful people Victoria knew,
he could more than take care of himself.
She arrived at Jarrod's elegant house just as the lawyer was leaving the table
after an early breakfast, Sarah was still upstairs dealing with baby Jack's
morning bath.
"Mother! What a pleasant surprise, tired of the Denver high life?"
Victoria kissed her handsome son, "exactly so, Audra and I found ourselves
longing for a good gallop through Sky meadow!"
Jarrod led the way back into the breakfast parlour and sent the servant for
fresh coffee, "speaking of meadows Mother..."
"I know Darling, I know, by the sound of it, you've shown exemplary
patience with your brother and whilst being kept totally in the dark as
well."
They sat at the highly polished table and Victoria poured the coffee.
"I don't know about exemplary patience Mother, at one point last night I
seem to recall declaring my intention to run the ranch as a dictatorship from
now on," confessed Jarrod ruefully. The lawyer's shrewd eyes looked a
question at his mother, "would I be correct in assuming that you can shed
some light on this matter?"
"You would Counselor!"
"Thank heaven for that! Tell me all about it Mother, everything you know,
please!"
Victoria did so, telling Jarrod the whole history of Soreback meadow and the
lawyer heard her out, listening with a frown of concentration on his face. The
frown didn't lift, as his mother finished her tale, rather it intensified until
he was looking very severely displeased indeed.
Before Victoria could probe his obvious annoyance, there was a welcome
interruption as Sarah entered the room with the baby in her arms. There could
be no reverting to the subject of Soreback meadow until Victoria had held and
kissed her grandchild and exclaimed at his rate of growth during her absence. Eventually,
the nursemaid bore Jack away to his breakfast and at Jarrod's request Victoria
repeated the history of the meadow for her daughter-in-law's benefit.
Sarah looked searchingly at her husband, "well at least now we know why
Nick was so determined to hang onto Soreback meadow," she said carefully,
unsure how Jarrod felt about the matter in the light of this new information.
Jarrod's striking blue eyes were unusually austere, reluctantly softening as he
looked at his wife, "yes I guess we do, what we don't know is why the
devil Nick didn't tell me all this himself! I'm well aware of his devotion to
Father, does he really think I wouldn't have understood? In the circumstances,
I would have done what I intend to do now, cancel the deal completely!"
He sounded both annoyed and hurt and his mother made haste to re-assure him.
"Of course you would Darling and your brother knows you well enough to
know that. Don't you understand Jarrod? It isn't that Nick believes you would
think his reasons for opposing the deal trivial, it's Nick himself that
believes it. He thinks he is being foolishly sentimental and frankly I think
he'd rather die than admit to his true feelings on the subject."
The lawyer considered his mother's words for a long moment, eventually smiling
at her, all trace of his former irritation had vanished. "As usual Lovely
Lady you're absolutely right! Shall I ride back with you and make my peace with
the old Bear?"
"Not this morning," smiled his mother, "Nick hasn't shown his
face at home since you quarreled, I'll have him ride over to you when he shows
up."
Sarah was a trifle concerned, "didn't Nick sleep at home last night?"
"No but he was always one to take himself off and lick his wounds,"
said Victoria, "don't worry, he's probably headed home right this
minute!"
Content to leave any further diplomacy over Soreback meadow to his mother,
Heath Barkley headed out early to continue the preparations for round-up, due
to begin any day now. He could have done with Nick's energetic presence for there
was a great deal of work still to do, but then again, Nick was likely to be in
a pretty bad mood once he discovered that his whole family knew the story of
how the meadow got it's name. On balance thought Heath, I'm probably better off
without him today!
Heath had only been here in the Valley, living as a member of the Barkley
family for three years. He had grown up in ignorance of the identity of his
father, only learning it from his real mother's dying lips. There had followed
a period of aimless wandering, as he contended with the bitter emotions boiling
within him. He felt lost and confused, an uncertainty from which he had emerged
determined to confront the Barkley clan in their stronghold, demanding
recognition and his birthright. He had expected hostility and rejection and
initially he had been met with both of these things. But circumstances allowed
him to demonstrate his capacity for loyalty and steadfastness, standing
shoulder to shoulder with his three half-brothers against the hired thugs of the
Coastal and Western Railroad. Looking back, Heath believed his decision to do
so was the best thing he ever did in his life, leading as it did, to his
whole-hearted acceptance by his new family.
Not that it had been easy with Nick! After their dramatic first meeting on the
rickety bridge, an encounter which led to a soaking for both men in the stream
as the bridge collapsed, they had met again when Heath rode in asking for work.
Nick hired him, on Jarrod's orders but viewed the stranger with deep suspicion,
their first fist fight came the same evening. Even after Heath was admitted
into the family, Nick and his new brother vied with each other constantly, each
anxious to demonstrate his abilities to the other. It had taken Heath's superb
handling of the difficult trail drive, only weeks after he joined the family to
convince Nick of the newcomer's worth. Since that time, their relationship had
deepened and strengthened until there was now an unbreakable bond between them,
forged from their shared experiences, for they had worked hard, played hard and
saved each other's necks in the last three years. Heath was in a strange
position when it came to trying to understand Nick's feelings about his late
father, but despite his own lack of such a parental bond, he believed he
understood a little of what Nick must have been going through. He would do his
best to help smooth over any awkwardness between Nick and Jarrod, as and when
Nick chose to put in an appearance again! Until then there was plenty to do and
joining his men, Heath briskly detailed them to their allotted tasks.
Ranch foreman Dave Mc Call bossed one of three work gangs, old Brahma had the
second and Heath took the rest of the men himself. Half-way through the
afternoon Brahma sustained a bad injury when he was kicked by a horse and
over-riding the old man's vehement protests, Heath had him loaded into a wagon
and himself drove the protesting ranch hand into Stockton. After forcing Brahma
to submit to the ministrations of Doc Merar, Heath left the old man at his
daughter's house to be looked after, forbidding Brahma to report for work for a
few days. Climbing aboard the wagon, Heath picked up the reins, and urged the
team forward, stopping the horses again almost at once when he spotted Nick's
horse Coco, hitched to a rail outside the telegraph office.
Leaving the wagon, Heath made his way across the street, almost colliding with
Nick as his brother emerged from the telegraph office.
"Heath! What are you doing here? Never mind, I'm glad to see you, have you
got any money?"
"Money? Well yeah Nick," Heath dug into his shirt pocket, pulling out
a wad of bills, "how much did you want?"
"All of it! Nick snatched the wad of bills from his brother and strode
toward his horse, throwing over his shoulder, "I don't have time to
explain now but don't let them get in a worry at home, I may be gone a
while."
"Gone a while?" Heath was startled, "er Nick...I hate to be a
bother but it is round-up time you know, where are you headed?"
Nick was tightening Coco's cinch, he glanced guiltily at Heath, "yeah I
know Heath and I hate to leave you in the lurch but I have to go, I just got
this wire," he patted his shirt pocket but didn't elaborate.
Heath spoke with cautious tact, "Nick if you're leavin' because of Jarrod's
deal..."
Nick shook his head incredulously and yelled, "leaving because of Jarrod?
For God's sake Heath get a grip! It had nothin' to do with that! But you
needn't tell that stiff-necked, big-headed, arrogant, overbearing lawyer I said
so!"
Heath did his best to take control of the situation, speaking with quiet
authority, gripping the departing Nick firmly by the arm, "hold it Nick!
If it isn't Jarrod and the sale of Soreback meadow tell me what's taking you
away in such an all-fired hurry?"
Nick grinned at his younger brother, "you aren't about to let me ride out
until I tell you are you Boy?"
Heath returned the grin, "nope!"
Nick patted his shirt pocket again, "I got a wire from an old friend, he
needs my help and I owe him, besides...well never mind that now but I have to
go!"
"I'll go with you Nick," offered Heath at once.
"No, I appreciate the offer Heath but I'd be happier knowing you were here
running things."
"If you're sure Nick?"
"I'm sure Heath, thanks though."
Nick had evidently decided that explanations were over, for he turned away from
his brother and swung himself into Coco's saddle.
With another grin and a wave he headed the big horse away and Heath had to call
after him, "Nick! Where exactly are you headed?"
The dark rancher slewed round in his saddle and flashed a departing grin at
Heath, "Mexico!"
Riding home to the ranch Heath chuckled to himself, Mexico, Nick's going to
Mexico. As a full explanation of his doings it leaves something to be desired,
leastways Jarrod and Mother are gonna think so! Heath was inclined to think
that Nick's temporary absence might be no bad thing, it would give both the
rancher and the lawyer a cooling off interval. It was going to mean a heck of a
lot of extra work for him personally but Heath didn't mind that a bit! Truth to
tell he quite liked demonstrating his ability to assume command of the entire
ranch and he was no stranger to hard work. So he rode home in a tranquil frame
of mind, which persisted for a long time, as the days of Nick's absence
lengthened into weeks. It was only when the weeks had become months that Heath
began to have misgivings, even then he persisted in his belief that his big
brother Nick could take care of himself and would assuredly turn up at home one
day soon.
Part 2 -- Nick's Arrival in Mexico
Nick Barkley made his way down toward Mexico at a leisurely pace, old Coco was
beginning to feel his years and Nick didn't want to put too much strain on the
old horse. These two had been together many years and Nick was deeply attached
to the animal. Lately, Heath had been gently urging Nick to try out one or two
of the fine young horses the two brothers had been raising. Nick realized that
Heath was right, old Coco was about ready for retirement, but as yet he
couldn't quite bring himself to replace his old friend.
Nick had deceived Heath to some extent, the telegram from his friend Don Miguel
Del Rio had certainly asked Nick to come to the Del Rio estancia, as Don Miguel
required his young friend's help. There had not been any great need for haste
though, Don Miguel had said he would deem it a favour if Nick could arrive by
June 1st. That was still a few weeks away. Nick was guiltily aware that he had
made the trip seem a lot more urgent than that to his younger brother. The
truth was that he was still seething after his encounter with older brother
Jarrod and relished the idea of a little time away from his onerous duties on
the ranch.
Nick had been stung by some of Jarrod's more cutting remarks during their
quarrel, though his honest nature acknowledged that he too had said some bitter
things in his turn. The truth of it was simple, Nick knew that he was in the
wrong over the sale of Soreback meadow. Jarrod had put together a complicated
business deal that would bring great advantages to the ranch in the future. It
necessitated the sale of the meadow and Nick had no valid reasons for wanting
to hold on to it...except...involuntarily, his mind went back to that golden
moment long ago.
After a grueling week of back breaking effort, Nick and his father had cleared
the rock strewn pasture of stones and scrub, leaving it ready to be used for
grazing, either by horses or cattle. They had worked like demons, each as
stubborn as the other, refusing to yield until their task was done. On that
memorable afternoon, father and son had stood surveying their achievement and
Tom Barkley, tall and fair-haired had smiled down at his son, slipping an arm
around Nick and saying warmly, "well Boy, I guess we did it!"
"Yes Sir, we sure did." Nick had replied with a triumphant grin.
Tom's vivid blue eyes had smiled into his, "you know Nicholas, Amos Carter
made that bet with me for one reason only, he thought it was impossible for me
and you to do this job in a week. After all, you're half the size of Todd
Carter and seven years younger. It was what we grown-ups call a sucker bet. I
think Amos was surprised I took it."
Nick had been puzzled, "so why did you take the bet Sir?"
Nick could remember his father's next words, indeed he would never forget them,
not if he lived to be a hundred!
Tom had gripped his son's shoulder, "I took the bet because I knew that
you wouldn't let me down Son. I knew you were worth ten of Amos and Todd Carter
put together and I knew you'd work until you dropped to help me win that bet!
I'm a very happy man today Nicholas, you've shown me what you're made of and
I'm proud to be your father!"
Nick could remember how he felt in that moment, heart almost bursting with
pride and full of love for the father he hero-worshipped, it was one of the
greatest moments in his life. Later, when Tom had bestowed the magnificent
horse on him as a reward he had kept and trained his new treasure in Soreback
meadow, it was these memories that had made it so painful for Nick to consider
parting with the meadow. Nick felt foolish now, maybe he should have leveled
with Jarrod and Heath from the outset? Nick shied away from this thought, he
could no more have told the story to either of his brothers than he could fly!
Nick Barkley was not the sentimental or the confiding sort. At least, so he
thought. His mother would say differently, so might one or two other people who
knew Nick really well. Well enough to see through the overtly masculine bluster,
to the more sensitive and kindly man beneath the tough exterior.
The day was fine and bright and Nick relished the sense of freedom he felt as
he rode away from his responsibilities for a while. Dismissing the matter of
the meadow from his mind, Nick turned his thoughts instead to the telegram in
his shirt pocket. He had met Don Miguel in Sonora, how many years ago? He
thought it must be about ten years or more. It was the first time Tom Barkley
had trusted him to buy the new stock all on his own, without even the watchful
eyes of Dave McCall on him. Nick had met Don Miguel at the horse sales and the
courtly Mexican aristocrat and the young rancher had found they had a
surprising amount in common. They had dined together that evening and the Don
had introduced his new young friend to his fourteen year old daughter Dominica.
Nick remembered Dominica to this day, her deep unfathomable brown eyes and
cascading black hair, warm golden skin and just about the prettiest face Nick
had ever seen. He had been reduced to speechless shyness by her radiant
loveliness and she had laughed at him, until her father reproved her for her
rudeness. Nick had been careful not to allow himself to become entangled with
the girl, she was far too young for that! Dominica had other ideas, she did all
in her power to entice Nick, behaving with a degree of worldliness that would
have horrified her father had he noticed what she was up to.
The Del Rios had invited Nick to come to Mexico and visit their estancia the
next year and he had gladly accepted, eager to know both father and daughter
better. It was a trip he was destined not to make, for that was the summer of
Tom Barkley's murder and Nick had neither the opportunity nor the inclination
for leisure trips or dalliance. He had not kept in touch, a fact he had
occasionally regretted through the years, so the telegram, asking for his help
had been a complete surprise. The wire had told him little, just that Don
Miguel wished for him to arrive by June 1st and that he needed Nick's help. As
he rode, Nick wondered what the flirtatious Dominica was like now, she had been
a very pretty girl, not a doubt but that she would have blossomed into a
stunningly beautiful woman, well he would soon see. Nick grimaced wryly, she
would be about twenty four now, probably married too!
It took Nick a good few days to reach his destination, travelling by easy
stages, so as not to exhaust Coco but at length he rode in through the
tarnished gates of the Del Rio estancia early one mid-May evening and handed
his weary horse over to a liveried servant. Don Miguel came himself to the
front door to welcome his guest, striding forward to shake hands and exclaiming
warmly, "Nicholas, my young friend! It is good to see you again, thank you
for coming."
"Good to see you Don Miguel, I've often thought of you over the
years," responded Nick, admirably concealing his shock at the haggard
appearance of his host. He had expected the Don to look older, how could he
fail to after ten years? Nevertheless, the frail figure clasping his hand
seemed older than his sixty plus years, the skin was an unhealthily waxy grey
colour and the old man was so thin, he seemed little more than skin stretched
over bones.
The Mexican smiled, "I am something of a shock, yes? I should have told
you in my wire that I was ill, I apologize."
Nick shook his head, "no apology necessary Sir, but I'm sorry to see you
like this."
The Don led the way into the comfortable living room, waving a hand in
negation, "it is not important, now that you are here, all will be well.
Please my friend, be seated and take some wine, my servants will unpack your
things and prepare a hot bath for you, dinner will be served when you are
ready."
Nick sat in a comfortable armchair and sighed with pleasure, "ah that
feels good," he smiled.
Don Miguel handed him a glass, "this will feel even better!"
The two men sat companionably drinking their wine and Nick gently asked his
host about his illness. Don Miguel grimaced, "my heart is weak, I am under
the orders of my physician not to exert myself in any way, which is why I sent
for you Nicholas, I am grateful that you came. I am well aware that I have no
claim upon you, but I know so few men I can trust!" He smiled at the rancher,
"I remember you so well from Sonora, do you recall our night in the saloon
there?"
Nick leaned back in his chair and laughed, "yes Sir, I remember it very
well! As I recall it, you tangled with a very dangerous man and we both got
into quite a fight with him and his men."
"Indeed we did! You were little more than a boy then but you had the
courage of a man, I was impressed by you."
Nick raised his glass in salutation, "I was impressed by you."
Don Miguel regarded his guest through half-closed eyes, "I recall my
daughter admired your bravery very much," he murmured dulcetly.
Nick flashed the old man a guarded look, anxious not to offend him, "well
she was very young then Sir, how is Dominica?"
"Willful!"
Nick laughed, I'd very much like to meet her again Don Miguel."
"You shall my friend, she will be home tomorrow, she and her companion
have been at the Mission for a few days helping the Holy Sisters there."
The Don made no allusion to his reason for sending for Nick and the rancher did
not wish to press him at this stage. It was clear to Nick that his host was a
dying man, he didn't yet know what he could do to help Don Miguel but he was
resolved to do anything in his power if it was humanly possible. He accepted
the offer of a hot bath and changed into fresh clothes before re- joining his
host for dinner. Only when they had dined and were once more seated in the airy
Spanish-style living room did Don Miguel at last explain why he had asked Nick
to come to Mexico.
The old man handed his guest a glass of brandy and seating himself again, took
a reflective sip of his own drink before looking Nick straight in the eye and
saying flatly, "I asked you to come here Nick because I trust you, I need
a man I can trust, if I am to save my estancia, safeguard my daughter's future
and salvage my honour!"
Nick frowned, evidently his host's troubles were very serious, "I find it
impossible to believe that you have done anything detrimental to your honour
Sir," he said gently. "Tell me how I can help, I promise you that
I'll do anything I possibly can."
Don Miguel looked into the younger man's earnest hazel eyes, there was no
doubting Nick's sincerity. The Mexican smiled, "how wise I was to send
that telegram! I knew you were the man to help me, the very man! I think I had
better start at the beginning Nick, as you know, I raise horses and cattle
here, also I have extensive crop fields. There have been a number of factors
that have affected the estancia this year, poor Spring weather, so only a poor
crop yield to be expected this Fall. There have been other things too, we have
been raided several times by a renegade gang, I will tell you more about them
later, but one way and another my coffers here are empty. This would be no
great matter in the ordinary way, my people and I, we have weathered many such
times in the past and could again. There is however...a complication. I signed
a contract to supply cattle to the Mexican army and the latest disaster to
befall my estancia is an outbreak of Anthrax that has all but wiped out my
herd. The contract...I was ill, that must be my excuse...but it is ruinous
Nick! I ought never to have signed it, it contains penalty clauses severe
enough to bankrupt me."
Nick nodded sympathetically, he was both a rancher and a businessman and knew
the pitfalls of contracts. In his first favourable thought of his eldest
brother since leaving the Barkley mansion, Nick inwardly acknowledged that he
had Jarrod to thank for the vigilant supervision of Barkley contracts that
Counselor Barkley always undertook. The fate that was now threatening Don
Miguel would never befall Nick and Heath while Jarrod was doing his job!
Don Miguel went on, "I have thought of a plan to extricate myself from
this problem, but the Doctor forbids me to make the trip to San Francisco
myself and the man I was to send is badly injured and cannot go alone. I have a
horse here, a mare, the finest animal I have ever bred. I can sell her for a
considerable sum and buy new stock to bring here by train and fulfill my
contract. I have already arranged a viewing of stock at the San Francisco stockyards
but since Carlos was hurt, I have been in a quandary, then I thought of you
Nick. I have no right to ask anything of you and I know you must be busy
running your own rancho, I remember reading of the murder of your father, so
now you run the rancho alone yes?"
Nick shook his head, "no, not alone," he smiled. "Since you and
I knew each other I've gained a new brother, Heath and I run the Barkley ranch
together."
"Ah! So your responsibilities have been halved my friend?"
"Yes and since Heath is also a very good friend as well as a brother, I'm
a fortunate man!"
Don Miguel leaned forward gasping slightly in his eagerness, "then,
perhaps you will consent to help me Nicholas?" His eyes were fixed on his
guest, their expression painfully intense. He was white with strain and Nick
hastened to re- assure the older man.
"I promise to do all in my power to help you settle your affairs
satisfactorily Sir, you can count on me."
The old man leaned back against his cushions, "Gracias Nick, forgive me, I
need to rest."
"Of course Sir, let me help you." Nick helped his host to his feet
and the major-domo Luis appeared as if from nowhere. Nick accompanied Don
Miguel upstairs and saw him safely into his room, then leaving him to the care
of his servants, Nick went into his own room. Presently Luis knocked on his
door and entered, carrying a silver tray. "I have brought you a decanter
of brandy Senor, may I get anything else for you?"
" No, thanks for the brandy though."
The servant lingered, "pardon me Senor, you may think me impolite, but,
will you be able to help my master?"
Nick could see the genuine anxiety in the dapper Mexican's eyes. "Your
master can count on me Luis, try not to worry."
"Gracias Senor, sleep well."
Before he fell asleep, Nick lay for some time in thought. Having given his word
to Don Miguel, he would not fail him, but he wondered what the immediate future
held for them both. Nick was a man of considerable personal courage and more
than his fair share of confidence, so he didn't imagine that there might be
anything to be faced that he couldn't deal with. Before he at last dozed off he
inwardly rebuked himself for failing to elicit two important pieces of
information from Don Miguel. Firstly, he wanted to know who "Carlos"
was, secondly and more importantly, he wanted to know if Dominica was married.
Mentally resolving to clarify these matters in the morning, Nick fell deeply
and dreamlessly asleep.
He was destined to see Dominica the instant he descended the stairs next
morning. She was in the act of coming in through the front door, he stopped
half way down the stairs and watched her, mixed emotions fighting for supremacy
within him. She had been a lovely child at fourteen, now ten years on she was
radiantly, luminously beautiful. He caught his breath at the sight of her,
already losing his soft heart to her all over again. He was conscious of huge
disappointment at the same time, for in her arms she carried a tiny girl,
perhaps two years old. So, she was married then! Just my luck thought Nick,
what a wife for a man to have, lucky fellow, whoever he is!
She had seen him now and hastily handing the child over to Luis, she ran to the
foot of the stairs, crying and smiling through her tears at the same time.
"Senor Nicholas! Oh, you came, but I knew that you would!"
He came to her, clasping the hands she was holding out to him and at once she
kissed his cheek. He could feel himself blushing like a schoolboy, she still
had that effect on him! He was not noted for his eloquence but he could usually
charm women and he did so now, flashing a grin at her and courteously bowing
over her hand, "you're even lovelier than I remember you," he said
simply.
She swept him a regal curtsey, "Gracias Senor, and you are still as
handsome as I remembered!"
He laughed but said reprovingly, "now, now, what would your husband think,
if he heard you paying compliments to another man?"
She laughed at him, "but...I am not married...oh you saw me with the
little one? She isn't mine Senor Nick!"
"Then...you're not married Dominica?"
"But no, I assure you I am not!"
He smiled and said nothing, but within him his heart sang joyously.
Dominica was the chatterbox that Nick remembered, she led the way into the
dining room talking nineteen to the dozen. Don Miguel was not joining them for
breakfast, she told Nick, he was tired and needed a day or two to rest in bed.
Nick must meet Carlos and Dominica could tell him anything that Carlos could
not! Her beseeching hands clasped his arm, "you will help my Papa won't
you Senor Nick?"
He looked into her pleading brown eyes and was a lost man, even if he had not
already decided to help her father he could not have resisted her for a second.
He re-assured her at once, adding wickedly, "there is a condition though
Dominica...you have to stop calling me Senor Nick! Nick will do just
fine."
She cast him a naughty look through her lashes, "bueno...Nick it is."
After breakfast Dominica went to visit her father and Nick was alone in the big
living room when Luis entered. In his wake came a tall moustached Mexican man
of about forty, handsome and dressed in the Mexican style. His left arm was in
a sling. Luis bowed politely, "Senor Nick, this is Carlos Castillo, he is
the foreman of the Del Rio estancia."
Castillo came forward to shake hands with Nick and Luis bowed again and effaced
himself.
Nick smiled, "well now I know who Carlos is, Don Miguel mentioned you last
night and Dominica did too at breakfast."
"I am pleased to meet you Senor, I have heard a lot about you from
Patrone."
Nick had already noticed that all of his people called Don Miguel Patrone.
Nick was his usual direct self, "I've told Don Miguel I'll do everything I
can to help him Senor Castillo."
"Por favor Senor Barkley, call me Carlos."
"Gladly Carlos and my name is Nick."
The two men liked each other immediately, Carlos took Nick on a tour of the
estancia and it was apparent to Nick that the foreman knew his job. The place
was well run and the men were all working hard. Carlos told Nick about the
series of problems facing the estancia and amplified the details given by his
master the night before. Nick's experienced eye could see that there was a
serious lack of cash, all around him was the evidence of things that had been
patched up rather than replaced, and the whole estate had an air of faded
former glory. Nick thought that Don Miguel had probably wrecked his health
struggling to keep the estate afloat. He could understand why, many people
depended on the Del Rio estate. Nick was honest enough to admit to himself that
if it was the Barkley ranch facing these trials, he too would fight with his
last breath to save the ranch he loved.
Castillo rode well for a man with his arm in a sling and Nick asked him how he
had come by his injury.
"The older man grimaced, "alas my pride was my undoing. I decided
that none of my gauchos could break Patrone's prize mare and I would do it
myself. As you can see, she broke me!"
Nick was sympathetic, "I've done the same in my time Carlos, how bad is
it?"
"The arm is broken in two places and I dislocated the shoulder as well. It
will be some time before I can dispense with this thing!" Carlos indicated
the sling he wore.
Nick was curious to see the horse, remembering the spark of life in his host's
eye when he spoke of her the night before. Carlos took him to the corral behind
the barn where Coco was resting, and Nick caught his breath as he looked
appreciatively at Don Miguel's pride and joy.
The mare was jet black save for a few white spots on her rump, delicately made,
clearly a suitable horse for a woman to ride. At least she would be when
broken, right now, Nick would have thought twice about putting a saddle on her!
She was obviously a nervy, temperamental animal and cantered restlessly around
her enclosure, snorting and pawing the ground with her hooves. Her thoroughbred
body was quivering with hostility.
Carlos regarded her without enthusiasm. "Patrone calls her Royale, I would
have named her Diabolo myself!"
Nick leaned on the fence-rail, "God she's a beauty though Carlos, I've
never bred a better animal myself." He spoke without vanity, for Nick was
renowned for the fine horses he bred. A passion he and Heath shared, it was one
of the factors that had helped Nick and Heath to bond as brothers.
Carlos ran a hand through his hair, "Patrone intends to sell her to pay
for the new cattle."
Nick nodded, "Yes he told me so last night."
The foreman looked Nick in the eye, "did he also tell you how much his
daughter loves this little she-devil?"
Nick shook his head.
Carlos pulled a face, "two spitfires together! To be frank Nick, There is
little to choose between them!"
"I can believe that!"
It was to be several days before Nick could see or talk to Don Miguel again,
the old man's health was giving cause for concern and complete rest was ordered
for him. Nick didn't mind, he spent his time very pleasantly, either riding
around the estancia with his new friend Carlos, or riding around it with the
entrancing Dominica! Nick made a determined effort to get to know Dominica
better, he wanted to know what lay beneath the lovely surface, what kind of
person she was. His heart had turned over at the sight of her, she was so
beautiful that she took his breath away. Nick had made mistakes before though
and if he was to seriously consider offering marriage to this girl, he wanted
to know her character. Over the next several days, he walked, talked and rode
with her. They played chess and checkers together, they quarreled, they laughed
and the more Nick saw and heard of her the more sure he felt that he was
destined to spend the rest of his life with her.
Nick soon found out what Don Miguel had meant when he called his daughter
willful, Dominica was an intrepid horsewoman and frequently put both herself
and her horse at risk, with her fearless exploits in the saddle. Nick would
have lectured the life out of his little sister Audra if ever she got up to
some of the tricks that Dominica regularly did. The little lady had a temper
too it seemed, several times Dominica and Nick fell out and she screamed her
rage and defiance at him, more than justifying Carlos's choice of soubriquet
for her, she was indeed a spitfire of the first water! Yet the more he saw of
her, the more Nick loved her, for beneath the recklessness and the temper there
was a warm- hearted, fun-loving and lively girl, full of zest and energy. Nick
was always full of energy himself and he too relished life, this was a girl
after his own heart and he knew himself to be falling very deeply in love with
Dominica Del Rio. From the warm and tender glow in the girl's brown eyes
whenever they looked in his direction, Nick was as sure as a man could be that
she reciprocated his feelings.
From Carlos, Nick learned a great deal about the state of affairs existing on
the estancia. There had, it seemed, been troubles other than the poor crops and
the diseased cattle. One afternoon, Carlos and Nick sat together on the shady
terrace beside the sparkling fountain, in the courtyard before the big house
and the estancia foreman told Nick of the real reason Don Miguel was so anxious
for the safety of his daughter.
"Nick you haven't yet met Mademoiselle Derval have you?"
"Dominica's companion? No, I gather she's still helping out at the
Mission, apparently she's quite a nurse."
Carlos smiled, "indeed she is, she is a very fine young woman and has many
good qualities. You have made the acquaintance of little Melissa?"
"Little Missy?" Nick grinned, he was a man who loved children,
"yeah, she's friendly with me now, she sure is a shy one though, I'm
usually pretty good with kids but it took me a while to win her around!"
"Has anyone told you how it comes about that Mademoiselle Derval is a
mother at the age of only seventeen and without a husband?"
"No," said Nick quietly, "I assumed she had made a silly
mistake, these things happen after all."
Carlos shook his head, "Adrienne's misfortune was not of her own choosing.
I think I had better tell you about the renegade gang which has plagued this
place for the past year and a half.
Carlos told Nick about the small but ruthless group of bandits which had been
making regular incursions on farms and ranches in this region for more than a
year. "Their leader is a young Yaqui, called Jai. His tribe expelled him
long ago and he is without doubt evil. He became enamoured of Adrienne, even
wanted to court her properly, but Patrone would not hear of it and drove him
off. He returned like the thief he is and stole the poor girl, by the time we
effected a rescue, she was already with child."
Nick had been doing rapid arithmetic in his head, Missy was aged two now and
her mother was seventeen, "are you telling me that Miss Adrienne was
fifteen when that monster abducted her?"
Carlos shook his head gravely, "but no, the unfortunate girl was still
only fourteen then."
"God Almighty," breathed Nick appalled.
Carlos explained that Jai had by no means abandoned his attempts to snatch
Adrienne and his child back, hence the need for vigilance and the presence of
so many heavily armed men around the house and out-buildings.
Nick frowned, "is the girl safe at the Mission Carlos?"
The foreman smiled grimly, "Mother Mary, the head of the Mission is the
one person Jai respects. While Adrienne is there she is safe and just now she
is needed for her nursing skill, there are many sick orphans in the Mission.
Jai probably orphaned a good few of them!"
Nick declared his willingness to help defend the vulnerable girl Adrienne, of
whom he knew little, only that she was an un-married mother, through no fault
of her own and that she was the much-loved companion of Dominica. Carlos
thanked Nick and prophesied that before too long, Nick's help might be vitally
necessary!
When Don Miguel was at last permitted to leave his sick bed, Nick lost no time
in having a heart to heart with him. He told him, with his customary honest
candour, of his feelings for Dominica and formally asked the Don for leave to
pay his addresses to her. Don Miguel's consent was freely even gratefully given
and the older man explained her situation to his guest. "She was betrothed
to the son of a wealthy merchant in Mexico City, but the young man jilted her
on his father's orders, when my straitened financial position became known. It
has been a worry to me, how to provide for her future, your proposal is more
than welcome my young friend, if I can be sure I have not lured you into it, by
asking you to come here!"
Nick hastened to re-assure his host on this point, adding simply, "I love
Dominica Don Miguel and I promise you with all my heart that I will take good
care of her."
The lady herself proved just as willing, when Nick took the first opportunity
of their being alone together to pop the question. Raising adoring brown eyes
to his earnest hazel ones she accepted him in a shy voice, adding with a
twinkle, "though I shall be a bad wife Nicholas! I am too disobedient as
you very well know!"
He laughed, catching her in his arms and kissing her tenderly, "then I
shall have to tame you Love, shan't I?"
Eliciting from Carlos the fact that Don Miguel had not yet sold the fine mare
Royale, Nick had at once offered to buy the lovely creature himself and again
the Don had assented, though once more he expressed the hope that his guest did
not feel obliged to do so. When he learned that it was Nick's intention to give
the horse to his bride for a wedding gift, he was delighted, only urging Nick
to ensure that the nervous horse was properly trained first. Nick assured him
that he would not even think of permitting Dominica to ride Royale until the
horse was fit for her to do so.
About three weeks after Nick's arrival in Santa Alva, he sat with Carlos and
Don Miguel arguing about the details of the trip to be made to San Francisco
for the cattle inspection and purchase. Carlos, despite the severity of his
injury, was insistent that he should go with Nick on the Don's behalf. It was
Nick who answered him, saying vehemently, "no Carlos! I'll be a whole lot
happier about leaving here if I know you're here in charge of Santa Alva's
defences, you know as well as I do, better, that Jai and his renegades could
strike again at any time. There's the village and the estancia to protect,
maybe even the mission as well."
Reluctantly, Carlos consented to remain behind and the next day, Nick set out
alone to ride into the train depot about three villages North of the tiny and
isolated Santa Alva. He had reached the depot and was almost about to board the
waiting train when he heard his fiancée's imperious little voice calling his
name with desperate urgency. Alarmed by her unexpected appearance Nick hurried
to her and helped her dismount from her sweating horse. "Dominica, what
the devil are you doing here? You surely didn't come alone?"
She shook her head impatiently, "no, no of course not! I have an escort
but I out-rode them! Listen to me Nick, my father is in great distress, the
contract for the cattle, he has mistaken the settlement date on it!"
"What? Well when is it?"
Her eyes swam with tears, "oh Nick, you have only two weeks to inspect and
buy suitable cattle, get them back here and deliver them to the Army depot at
San Cristobel."
He held her close, speaking into her silky hair, "now you leave it to me
Princess! I admit it's a tight schedule now but I am not about to let your
father's life be ruined or yours either Darling."
She clung to him but released him at last to let him board the train, standing
and waving until she could no longer see the slightest mark on the horizon to
mark where the train had gone. Then sighing, she re-mounted and rode decorously
back to the estancia, this time staying with the men sent as protection and
reaching home safely, much to her almost distraught father's relief. Dominica
relayed Nick's heartening message to her sire and was pleased to see the
trouble lift from him a little. Don Miguel smiled at her, "if any man can
do it, Nicholas Barkley is that man! You do love him Querida Mia do you
not?"
She smiled and there was a warm glow in her face as she softly answered,
"oh yes Papa, I love Nick with all my heart! She peeped naughtily at him
through her lashes, "do...do you think I shall be a good wife?"
Her father laughed and patted her cheek, "no my Angel, you will be a bad
wife, disobedient and difficult and badly-behaved. I hope he beats you, as I
should have done many years ago!"
As Nick made the journey to San Francisco, he had leisure enough to think over
all that had happened to him in the weeks since he had ridden away from his
home. He smiled to think of the reactions to be expected from the various
members of his family when he announced to them his intention to marry a girl
they had none of them even set eyes on! He did think, a little guiltily, that
it was high time he communicated with the ranch, if only to stop them worrying
about him, but he reasoned that once the contract was fulfilled, he would be
bringing home his bride anyway and why not surprise them all at home huh? In
his heart, Nick knew that this was an excuse, he was rather enjoying his
impromptu vacation from the grueling schedule he and Heath had imposed on
themselves. He did at least have the grace to feel for Heath, no doubt manfully
coping with round-up at this very minute, well he would make it up to his
brother and that was for sure! Dismissing the Barkley ranch entirely from his
mind, for the first time in a lot of years, Nick turned his full attention to
the difficult task immediately before him, that of saving his future
father-in-law's estate and making the girl he loved proud and happy.