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 19A
With the killing of the renegade Chango, it was finally possible for the Barkley family and those associated with it to relax very slightly. It was probably fair to say that on the night of Chango's death everyone in the Barkley mansion and indeed Jarrod Barkley's house got the best night's sleep they had managed in quite some time.
The next morning saw a whirl of activity in and around the ranch, starting with
a slightly strained breakfast meeting between Nick and Heath Barkley. Nick
looked both tired and irritable and greeted Heath with an indeterminate growl
when the younger brother bade him a quiet good morning. For an unnerving
moment, Heath wondered if Nick had seen Adrienne's visit to his room the
previous evening, but concluded that if he had, he would probably have received
a busted jaw not just a grunt!
The two men ate in near silence, the only conversation they had, concerned the
necessity to maintain the vigilance of the hands for the time being. The
brothers were in agreement that unless and until they could determine exactly
how many of Jai's men remained at large, it was wise to keep their guard up.
"Wasn't Jarrod planning to wire the Mexican army and make sure they still
have Jai chained up tight?"
Heath's question brought an even deeper frown to Nick Barkley's face,
"yeah so he said but he's too busy telling me my business to pay much
attention to his own!"
"Oh?"
Heath let his query hang in the uncomfortable silence but Nick was plainly not
about to enlighten him and Heath's discomfort grew. He had promised Adrienne
that he would tackle Nick today, but he knew from Nick's curt speech and
brusque manner that now was decidedly not the moment, so he placidly ate his
breakfast and bided his time.
Counselor Barkley rode in as the brothers were finishing their breakfast and
joined them at the table for coffee. Observing the frosty look Jarrod got from
Nick, Heath concluded that he himself had gotten off lightly. Nick didn't have
a word to say to his older brother and as soon as he had drained his cup he
stood up and announced that he for one had work to do. He glared ferociously at
Heath and added, "if you decide on joining in, you'll find me in Mac's
office."
With unruffled placidity, Jarrod watched Nick's ramrod straight figure stride
away, then he turned to Heath raising an eyebrow, "If I were you I'd grant
myself a holiday and head for cover Brother Heath."
Heath's twisted smile dawned but he didn't answer and his older brother could
sense the tension in him.
"Tell me Heath, have you and Adrienne...er...had a heart to heart with one
another at all?"
Heath fixed honest blue eyes on Jarrod's face, "well we've told each other
how we feel I guess, yeah."
Jarrod studied his coffee cup judiciously, "and have either of you talked
to Nick?"
"I think Adrienne and I both know how Nick feels about us," answered
Heath quietly.
"No Heath I don't think you do," Jarrod's voice was firm and
confident. "I managed to get the old Bear to confide in me last night, he
didn't want to and judging by my welcome this morning he's sorry he did it. But
that's our brother Nick! I've heard him out and I think I understand his
objections to your relationship with Adrienne now."
Heath stiffened instantly and Jarrod smiled at him, "now don't you start,
I don't need you on a high horse as well as Nicholas. I said I understood his
reasons not that I agreed with them."
Heath relaxed again, "sorry Jarrod."
Counselor Barkley shook his head, "forget it, I know this isn't an easy
situation for any of you. For what it's worth I've told Nick what I think and
I've suggested to him that he owes it to you and his ward to tell you plainly
what his worries are. But you know him Heath, he's going to need time to think
over his conversation with me and even longer to admit I'm right."
Heath thought for a moment, he had great faith in his eldest brother, he had
profited from the lawyer's cool reason and wisdom too often not to trust Jarrod's
judgement. At length, he looked into Jarrod's brilliant blue eyes, "you
think he's going to come around to your idea eventually?"
Jarrod didn't hesitate, "yes, I do Heath."
Heath was torn, "I kind of promised Adri I'd talk to Nick myself this morning
but his mood isn't any too amiable."
Jarrod offered some more brotherly advice, "I'd let him come to you when
he's ready Heath, if you force the issue you know he'll dig his heels in, even
if he thinks he's wrong."
Heath knew in his heart that Jarrod was right but he had promised his beloved
Adrienne and that was not a promise he could abandon lightly.
The rancher rested thoughtful, speculative eyes on his eldest brother, "Did
what Nick have to say about Adrienne and me make any sense to you Jarrod?"
The lawyer's answer was cryptic, "I can see why it made sense to
Nick."
Heath smiled wryly, "that doesn't help me much Jarrod."
"I'm sorry Heath, I'm not being deliberately devious but I really think
Nick should explain himself, he'll not take too kindly to my doing it for
him," said Jarrod apologetically.
"I understand Jarrod, I just would like to set Adri's mind at rest, you
see, she's taken it into her head that she knows why Nick objects to her and I
getting together."
Jarrod raised an enquiring eyebrow, "oh?"
Heath nodded, "I reckon she's wrong, dead wrong, in fact I think the real
reason is the exact opposite of what she imagines it is."
Jarrod frowned, "I'm not sure I follow."
Heath let out a long slow sigh, "Adri believes that Nick doesn't think
she's good enough to marry a Barkley." He looked Jarrod straight in the
eye, "I don't believe that," he paused, then in a voice that trembled
slightly he went on doggedly, "I think Nick feels that half a Barkley
isn't good enough for the ward of Nick Almighty Barkley."
Heath had spoken quietly, but there was a world of feeling in his words.
Jarrod was so stunned by what he had just heard that for a moment he couldn't
say a word, then he pulled himself together and fixed stern eyes on his younger
brother. "Now you listen to me Young Man! You are absolutely wrong and in
your heart Heath, I think you know that."
"Do I?" flashed Heath. "Adri heard him tell you that I was the
reason!"
"No she didn't," countered Jarrod, "not in that context she
didn't. Listen Heath, I can't explain fully, but you're wrong, believe me you
are!"
Heath had been staring at the floor but now he raised troubled eyes to Jarrod's
face, "are you telling me he does object to Adrienne then?"
"No of course not," said Jarrod wrathfully, "if Nick thought
that he would hardly have asked Adrienne to marry him back in Mexico!"
As soon as the words were out of his mouth Jarrod wished he had bitten his
tongue out instead of uttering them. He watched helplessly as his younger
brother's expression changed from surprise to incredulity and ultimately to
furious anger.
In a voice of cold hard rage Heath asked, "Are you telling me that Nick
proposed to Adri?"
"Jarrod hastily tried to save the situation, "well yes he did but
it's not what you may think..."
He got no further, for without a word Heath came to his feet and stalked away
from the table.
Jarrod's raised voice followed him, "Heath! Come back here, let me
explain." But the lawyer was talking to himself, his brother was gone.
For a minute Jarrod considered going after Heath but quickly rejected the idea, so far he couldn't call his intervention in the matter an unqualified success, perhaps, he thought, he should just let his brothers work out their differences without any outside interference. The reverberating slam of the front door as Heath stormed out and Jarrod calling after him was heard upstairs by Victoria and she came swiftly down to the breakfast parlour. Jarrod was still sitting at the table, his head in his hands, but as his mother entered the room he came courteously to his feet. Victoria kissed him exclaiming "Jarrod Darling, how nice to see you, tell me, which of your brothers was just trying to take the front door off its hinges?"
Jarrod sat down again after handing his mother to her chair, "I'm afraid
it was Heath," he confessed.
Victoria's eyes widened in surprise, "that's not like Heath, my money was
on its being Nick."
Jarrod smiled ruefully, "I'm sorry Mother, it's my fault, I came here to
pour oil on the troubled waters."
His mother smiled sympathetically, "but you didn't succeed?"
"Oh I poured lots of oil Mother," said Jarrod bitterly, "then I
set fire to it!"
Victoria squeezed his hand, "tell me," she said simply.
* * * * * * * *
Heath Barkley strode to the foreman's office attached to the side of the big bunkhouse and found his brother standing outside talking to ranch foreman Dave McCall. Nick turned as he saw Heath and was just in time to see the cold, hard fury in his younger brother's glacial eyes before Heath's fist slammed into his jaw and sent him crashing to the ground. He sat up, shaking his head to clear it and stared up at Heath in angry puzzlement.
McCall was poised to get a grip of Heath if it was needful but the blond rancher
made no move to continue his attack, just stood over Nick, fists clenched,
breathing hard. Nick struggled to his feet gingerly feeling his jaw and
demanding, "what in hell's gotten into you?"
"Hypocrite!" Heath fairly spat the insult at his brother and Nick's
face darkened with rage.
"You'd better explain yourself before I finish what you just started
Boy!"
Heath turned away from Nick, striding agitatedly over to the corral fence and
back. "All that talk, all that hokum you fed me about Adrienne," he said
accusingly.
"What?" Nick's deep frown showed his bewilderment.
Heath went on, "she's been through a lot Heath, she needs a breathing
space Heath, I want your word Heath, when all the time you just wanted her for
yourself!"
Nick's hands were curling themselves into fists, "Boy, you're about as
wrong as you can be. I did ask Adri to marry me after...after Dominica was
killed. I reckoned I could protect her some and...and it seemed like the right
thing to do, but I am not in love with her!"
"I don't believe you," flashed Heath.
Nick's initial rage was cooling, his hazel eyes glittered with contempt,
"believe what the hell you like," he said flatly, turning from Heath
to pick up his hat, which had been knocked off by the force of Heath's attack.
Heath stood irresolute, his own anger ebbing slightly. There was a ring of
truth to what Nick had said, Heath knew his brother pretty well and offering
Adrienne marriage purely from motives of chivalry was something Nick might
easily do. Then his original suspicions surfaced again and he rapped out,
"it doesn't matter anyway, I know fine well why you don't want me to marry
her."
Nick wheeled around, "oh do you now, well? Let's hear it!"
Heath looked Nick in the eye, "I guess a half-breed Barkley ain't good
enough for your Ward, " he grated.
All the anger drained from Nick Barkley's face, his hazel eyes were deeply hurt
and for a minute he said nothing. Then his expression seemed to harden and he
spoke in an ominously quiet voice, "well if that's what you really think,
I don't believe you and I have anything more to say to one another."
Turning away, Nick took up Saracen's reins and mounted up, riding away from his
brother without a backward glance.
Heath watched Nick's receding figure out of sight and then realized that the
ranch foreman was looking rather sternly at him.
"If you have something to say Mac, spit it out," challenged Heath.
"Yeah, I got something to say Heath, when you came here you and Nick
locked horns right off. I knew you would, I could see your old man's steel in
you, same as I've always seen it in Nick. Stood to reason the two of you would
square up to each other and you did! Since then, I've watched the two of you
get to know each other, work and sweat together, learn to know one
another."
Heath shuffled restlessly under the foreman's hard gaze. "If you have a
point, get to it," he snapped.
McCall did so, "my point is Heath, you know your brother and you ought to
know how deep his feelings for you are." The older man's voice softened,
"Son, I don't know what's in Nick's mind, but it sure as hell isn't what
you just accused him of and in your heart Heath, I figure you know that
too."
The foreman judged that he had said enough and walked away leaving a thoughtful
Heath standing alone. Into Heath's mind came Jarrod's earlier words, ‘in your
heart Heath you know it too'.
All of Heath's dreadful rage had ebbed away now and he felt suddenly sick and
empty inside. With sudden blinding clarity he knew that Jarrod and Mac were
both right. His brother Nick had demonstrated many times that he thought the
world of his half brother and partner running the ranch. Whatever objection
Nick harboured, it wasn't that he considered Heath unworthy to be the husband of
his Ward. Heath quickly saddled Charger and spurred off in pursuit of Nick, he
needed to see his brother urgently, he had hurt Nick with the accusation he had
made, now he couldn't wait to put matters right.
Jarrod finished telling his mother how he had put his foot in it with Heath and she shook her head when he tried to apologize.
"I blame myself Jarrod, I've known for a while now that Heath cared for
Adrienne and that the feeling was mutual, I should have told him that Nick had
offered her marriage out of a misguided desire to protect her."
Jarrod smiled ruefully, "now thanks to me he's found out in just about the
worst possible way. You know Mother, Sarah told me recently that it was high
time I stopped trying to run my brother's lives for them, maybe she's
right."
Victoria chose her words with care, "Sarah was feeling rather neglected
after your long absence and I understand how she felt, but don't take her words
too much to heart Darling. You've played the mentor in this family for a long
time and I for one am deeply grateful. I don't know how I would have coped
after your father died without your support. Both Audra and Gene have needed
your guidance as well as your love and I thank you for your efforts with them,
especially Eugene. You've always been a good influence on all your brothers,
Nick and Heath included, this situation isn't easy and you can't blame yourself
for not being able to wave a magic wand and settle it."
Her eldest son raised her hand to his lips, "thank you Mother, I'm not
sure I deserve everything you just said but thank you. I think we just have to
wait now for Nick to bring himself to discuss the matter with Heath and
Adrienne. In the meantime, the atmosphere is likely to be a little strained
around here today."
Victoria smiled, "well it won't be for the first time and certainly not
the last, I'm sure we'll cope."
* * * * * * * *
Heath found Nick out on the south section of the range, he had dismounted and was repairing a small section of fence that had come loose. Heath tethered his own horse and came to help his brother. Nick shot him a guarded look but didn't reject the help and for a minute or two the men worked together in silence. As they finished the repair, Heath spoke in a low contrite voice, "what I said, back at the bunkhouse, I didn't mean it Nick, I hope you know that."
Nick nodded, "fair enough, forget it."
Heath tried again, "sorry I hit you."
A ghost of a smile crossed Nick's face, "over the years, I guess I probably
owe you a shot or two."
An awkward silence fell, neither brother knew how to proceed on what was for
both of them very delicate ground. In the end it was Nick who broke the ice,
"you really like her don't you?"
Heath shook his head, "no," he said quietly, "I love her."
Nick nodded gloomily, "I thought so, and Adri, does she feel the same
way?"
"Yes."
Nick was immediately suspicious, "fine way to keep your word to me! You
and she have been doing some talking it seems."
Heath's eyes flashed, but he beat down the spurt of anger, "she came to me
Nick! She's too darned honest not to say what's in her heart and this
situation, your attitude, it's tearing her apart. She loves me and she wants to
be mine, but she owes you a lot and she doesn't want to betray your
trust."
Nick frowned thoughtfully, "the last thing I would ever want to do is to
cause that poor little girl a minute's pain, she's had enough of that already
for two whole lifetimes."
Heath decided to push just a mite further, "Jarrod told me you talked to
him about all this."
"Jarrod has a big mouth!"
"Nick, I don't want to push you, but couldn't we, you, me and Adrienne,
couldn't we sit down and talk about it?"
Nick sighed, "yeah I guess so, looks like you and the family lawyer have
me boxed in good!"
Heath sighed with relief, so far this was going well, He relaxed a little and
smiled, little realizing that his next words would rekindle the flame of Nick's
wrath and wreck the progress he had just so painstakingly made.
Heath smiled, "thanks Nick, I sure do appreciate it, I really want to put
Adri's mind at rest. You see, she thinks you feel she isn't good enough to
marry a Barkley."
"What?" Nick was horrified, "how could she think that! I've
always treated her like she was my own little sister or something." He
looked rather sternly at Heath, "you must have misunderstood her."
Heath shook his head, "no, she told me straight, last night, I'm not wrong
Nick, I promise you."
The hazel eyes were like granite now and Nick rose to his feet, facing Heath,
hands aggressively on his hips, "last night? You said she told you last
night, when last night exactly?"
Heath stood up too, trying to keep his own temper from rising anew, "I
told you," he said patiently, "Adrienne came to me last night and we
talked."
Nick was rapidly getting a red mist before the eyes, "yeah you told me
that, what you didn't tell me was where you talked."
Heath was just as angry as his brother now, "we talked in my room Nick, in
my room, you got a problem with that?"
"Yeah I got a problem, you're the problem! You call me a hypocrite, when
all the time you're romancing Adri behind my back..."
He got no further as for the second time that morning Heath Barkley's fist
connected with his already tender jaw.
Heath stood over the recumbent form of his brother, fists clenched ready to meet Nick's all too likely attack, but to his surprise the expected retaliation did not come. Nick took his time getting to his feet and shook his head to clear it, for Heath's punch had been a mighty one.
Suddenly Heath felt sorry, he regretted letting his fists do his talking and he
turned away to his horse and brought his water canteen back with him. He handed
it to Nick who took it with a muttered thanks and drank a little water,
splashing some on his face and neck as well.
Heath began a tentative apology, "Look Nick, I'm sorry that..."
Nick stopped him with an upraised hand, "no, not this time Little Brother,
this time it's my turn to say sorry, I know you haven't tried to take advantage
of Adri and I know she hasn't let me down either. I'm sorry that I've put you
and her through all this, I had my reasons but I never meant to cause either
one of you pain, I swear I didn't."
Heath smiled, "then we can have that talk, you and me and Adri?"
Nick returned the smile, "no time like the present, let's head home."
Before either man could mount up, the rapidly riding figure of Dave McCall came
into view. The two brothers exchanged worried glances, "now what?"
Nick grated.
Mac pulled up his horse, addressing both men, "we got big trouble, there's
a whole section of fence down on the North side and if the cattle get onto Amos
Carter's land, it'll take nothing short of a range war to get ‘em back!"
With a mighty oath Nick was in the saddle and racing for the north range, his
brother beside him and Mac bringing up the rear. There would be no family heart
to heart until the precious herd was again safely in its own pasture. Mac was
wondering what the state of play was between his two bosses and he decided to
watch them through the afternoon and try to determine if they were at war with
each other or not.
As the two brothers and their men worked through that hot afternoon, retrieving
their cattle and plugging the offending gap in the line, McCall surreptitiously
kept an eye on Nick and Heath. He could tell little from the few snatches of
conversation they exchanged as they worked, these were brief and to the point,
but it was always so when they were at work.
At first, watching them work, Mac felt a distinct sense of deja vu, there was
something about the two brothers that reminded him of Heath's early days at the
ranch. Back then, the two brothers had worked with a ferocious will, each
trying to outdo the other whenever they could. Their mutual determination to
best each other had led to both men more or less working themselves into the
ground and it was just the same today.
Or was it? As Mac continued to watch the interaction of Nick and Heath Barkley
he began to relax and feel more hopeful that things were all right. True they
were both working like demons, but there was not the hostility and sense of
competition that had been the case three years ago. Today, each seemed to be
trying to give the other an unspoken message, a message that said, ‘I'm doing
my best, working as hard as I can, I'm here for you.'
When the essential work was over at last, the weary team rode in to the ranch,
all looking forward to a hearty meal and a well deserved rest. Mac dismounted
stiffly from his horse to find Jarrod Barkley at his elbow.
"Long hard day Mac?"
"Yessir! I'm getting a mite long in the tooth for this kind of work and
that's the truth."
Jarrod laughed, clapping the foreman on the back, "not you Mac, you're
immortal." The lawyer nodded in the direction of Nick and Heath, both
watering their horses. "Well I see they're both still alive, I was afraid
they might have killed each other by now! How has the atmosphere been?"
Mac scratched his head, "well first I thought they were at war, both
working like demons, outdoing each other and all."
Jarrod smiled, "that sounds familiar," he said dryly.
Mac grinned, "yeah, but I reckon it ain't like that this time, it's more
like they're both trying to make up to each other for something they did, if
that makes any sense."
Jarrod sighed with relief, "it does Mac, it does."
The Barkley ladies had spent the day fairly gently, Audra resting her bruises and recovering from the ordeal of the day before, with Adrienne in attendance on her. Victoria too spent the day quietly, although she did find time to drive into Stockton to say the family's farewells to Susannah Charles and Brooke Sanders. The young couple were due to leave that morning for San Francisco, Jarrod Barkley having found work for both of them in the Barkley shipping offices there.
Susannah was to help Brooke oversee the distribution of the goods that arrived
via the thriving Barkley shipping fleet. The job included spacious and pleasant
accommodation. The salary to be paid to both was more than generous and Sue and
Brooke had said so and expressed their deep gratitude for all the kindness
shown to them. In Brooke's case Victoria felt the gratitude was probably genuine,
she was less sure about Susannah. Victoria was a shrewd woman and she saw the
underlying resentment in the English girl's fine eyes, the latent jealousy of
Adrienne's more privileged status now that she was virtually a member of the
Barkley family.
Victoria explained that the traumatic events of the previous day had prevented
Adrienne from coming to see the pair off and both Sue and Brooke had said they
understood, although Victoria thought she saw a flash of anger in Sue's face.
The Barkley matriarch was glad when the train pulled out and she had waved for
the last time.
As the train pulled out from Stockton Brooke Sanders sat back in the
comfortable seat and looked appreciatively round the private Barkley rail car.
He smiled at the pouting Susannah, isn't this the way to travel
Sweetheart?"
The English girl's clear gaze swept the luxuriously appointed car, "indeed
it is, obviously no expense has been spared in sweeping us aside!"
The mild mannered young Southerner looked at his lover in surprise, "isn't
that a tad unfair Sue? The Barkleys have been more than generous." He
fingered the crisp cloth of his new suit, "New clothes, new jobs, new
home, a whole new life, what more could we ask from them?"
Susannah's eyes were contemptuous, "you may relish being condescended to,
I don't. They've taken Adrienne Derval into their home and family, what
difference is there between her and me?"
Brooke tried to soothe her, taking her hand, "no difference Dear, but
isn't it best that we make our own way in the world now?"
Sue jerked her hand away, "you're a weakling Brooke! You'll never
understand my feelings on this." She relented then, smiling at him,
"no matter though, our new positions are going to mean that we are very
well placed to enrich ourselves and so we shall. Then when we have, just let
anyone try to patronize me again!"
* * * * * * * *
Victoria solaced her flagging mood by buying pretty ribbons, new reticules and evening shawls for Audra and Adrienne to wear for the party. Her shopping done, Victoria let Ciego hand her into the buggy once more and was about to give the order to depart when the young farmer Howard McLaurie approached the buggy, courteously touching his hand to his hat.
"Afternoon Ma'am, just checking that it's still all right for me to squire
Miss Adrienne to Mrs Perlman's party this evening."
Victoria thought fast, it seemed unlikely that Adrienne would wish to attend
the party with the young man. Not now that she had declared her love for Heath.
"Actually Howard, I was going to send a messenger over to your place this
afternoon, we had some trouble out at the ranch yesterday and Adrienne was in
the thick of it, so was Audra. The two girls will probably come to the party
this evening but they are a little shocked and poorly. I think it would be best
if Adrienne just came with me this evening. I'm sure you understand."
Good manners dictated that the young man had to accept the edict of the Barkley
matriarch and he did so with courtesy, suppressing his real feelings until the
Barkley buggy had rolled away. He stood for a moment staring after the
carriage, a slightly vicious scowl marring his handsome face. Just who did that
French gal think she was? He had condescended to escort her, despite her sordid
past and now she thought she could treat him like this, just cast him aside!
Howard McLaurie vowed to himself that before the party ended this night he
would reckon with the uppity Derval girl!
On her return to the ranch, Victoria showed the girls the things she had bought
and told Adri she had declined Howard's escort for her as well.
"Oh thank you Victoria, I don't want to go with him tonight, not...not
now. I was worrying about it, wondering if I could back out without offending
him."
"Don't worry Darling, I used the raid yesterday as an excuse and Howard
was fine about it."
"Victoria, do...do you think that Nick will...will come around to Heath
and me?"
"I don't know Adri, I hope so, Jarrod seems to think he will but Nick is a
stubborn character and it may take some time.
Adri's soft brown eyes were shadowed with trouble, "I love Nick and I am
truly grateful for all he has done for me, if...if he forbids us, I have made
up my mind to accept his decision. I owe him my loyalty and my obedience."
Victoria stroked her protégé's cheek, "that's one way of looking at it Adri,
but what about Heath?"
Long slow tears rolled down the girl's face, "I love Heath, I will always
love Heath but I cannot be the cause of a rift between him and Nick, I
cannot!"
Victoria hugged her, "try not to worry, hopefully we can work through this
problem as a family, that's the Barkley way you know."
The Barkley family had agreed to assemble for dinner prior to attending Minnie Perlman's party and Nick and Heath were only just in time to hurriedly bathe and dress themselves in their evening suits before it was time to present themselves in the brightly lit living room for pre-dinner drinks. As they descended the stairs together, Nick glanced at his younger brother, "sorry we had no time for our talk, maybe later, when we all get home huh?"
Heath smiled, "whenever you're ready Big Brother, whenever you're
ready."
As they reached the foyer, the front door opened to admit Jarrod and Sarah, who
had been invited to share the meal. Nick paused a trifle awkwardly as the
couple handed their outer garments to the waiting servant. Heath realized Nick
wanted a private word with Jarrod, so he offered his arm to Sarah and bore her
away to join the rest of the family gathered about the great log fire.
Heath poured drinks for Sarah and himself and handed Sarah hers. He smiled at
Jarrod's wife, she looked wonderful this evening, in an emerald green gown that
set off her red-gold hair to admiration. Then his eyes sought and found his
beloved and he caught his breath.
Adrienne was wearing yet another new dress, new to her anyway, It was Audra's
gift, from her own extensive wardrobe and was clearly unworn, indeed brand new.
At first, Adri had demurred at accepting such a costly gown but Victoria had
whispered to her that she would be doing her a personal favour by doing so. The
deceptively simple dress was a delicate yellow colour and it didn't suit
Audra's bright golden hair or her pale skin at all. So Adri had eagerly
accepted the new dress and there was no denying that its shade complemented her
ivory skin and dark brown hair perfectly.
Victoria had brushed Adri's silky hair until it shone, and she was wearing it
down, the sides swept back and fastened with a beautiful ivory slide, another
sisterly gift from Audra. Who delighted her new friend when she confided to her
that it had been chosen and purchased by Heath Barkley as a present to his
sister two years earlier.
Adrienne became aware of Heath's eyes upon her and as she looked at him shyly,
he smiled at her with such warmth and tenderness that she blushed rosily under
his gaze. A delighted Audra, looking lovely in a white lace gown that fastened
down the bodice with little pearl buttons, looked on as the pair gravitated
toward one another and she listened as Heath spoke softly to Adrienne,
"you look beautiful, that dress is lovely."
"Thank you," said Adri in a shy little voice, "you look very
handsome yourself." Her soft eyes searched Heath's face, "is...is
everything all right? I mean with Nick."
His hand squeezed hers, "it will be, try not to worry Sweetheart."
He had never used an endearment to her before and she blushed rosier still.
Heath smiled over to Audra, "how are you Sis?"
Audra grimaced, "sore! My stomach is very tender and I'll be dancing very
gently this evening."
"Well at least your bruises don't show, you're as pretty as a picture,
same as ever," said her brother gallantly.
In the foyer Jarrod smiled at Nick, "I wasn't sure whether I needed to
throw my hat in first, he joked.
The mild jest drew an answering grin from Nick, "sorry Big Brother, I've
never been known for changing my mind easy now have I?"
Jarrod said lightly, "well I guess we're all pretty stubborn we Barkley
boys, God knows we get it from both sides, Mother is as stubborn as they come
and as for Father!"
Nick laughed and extended his hand, "sorry if I gave you a hard time this
morning, I guess I was still making up my mind what I was going to do."
Jarrod inspected the slight swelling on the side of Nick's jaw, "er...looks
as though I'm not the only person given a hard time this morning."
"Nick grinned, "nothing I couldn't handle, I'll tell you what though,
that boy punches damn near as hard as I do myself!"
"I didn't see any marks on Heath," said Jarrod mildly.
"I didn't hit him back, he was...well he was just getting my attention is
all."
Inwardly, Jarrod registered surprise, time was when Nick would have punched
first and asked questions later. Mother was right it seemed, the new Nick, the
bereaved husband and adoptive father, was just a taste less impulsive than he
used to be.
"Does that mean you've decided to talk to them about your concerns
Nick?"
"Yeah, we were going to do it earlier but we had a busy day with the herd,
so it'll be later, after the party, can you be here too Jarrod?"
"If you want me here Nick, I'll be here," smiled Jarrod, "as a
matter of fact, Mother invited us to stay so we don't wake the baby by going
home late, I swear that boy of mine sleeps with one eye open!"
There was a knock at the front door and a smiling servant admitted Will Marvin
to the house. He greeted Jarrod and Nick perfunctorily but clearly couldn't
wait to get into the living room to see Audra. Following in Will's wake, Nick
grinned at Jarrod, "you know I don't think it was us Will came here to see
do you?"
"I think you may be right there Nick."
Will managed a civil greeting to Both Victoria and Adrienne and even gave Heath
a quick smile, then he was on one knee beside Audra's chair, her hand pressed
to his lips in a fervently admiring kiss. He raised his head at last to say
tenderly, "are you all right Princess?"
Audra assured him that she was not badly hurt, but he didn't move from her
side, or take his eyes from her lovely countenance once during the meal.
Marric had been absent from the dinner table this evening, though unlike the younger children, he usually did eat with the adults, when he could be tempted to eat at all. Heath noticed his absence and quietly asked Nick if the boy was all right.
Nick frowned worriedly, "darned if I know to tell you the truth, he seems
upset about something but he won't say what and he wouldn't leave his room and
come down to dinner either.
After the meal, the carriages were called for and the party-goers drifted into
the foyer to don evening cloaks and coats. Glancing up the stairs, Jarrod
spotted Marric crouched in the shadows watching the departure. He smiled at his
nephew, "hello Young Man, aren't you coming down to say goodnight
properly?"
"No! I don't want to say goodnight to you!"
The angrily uttered and vehement reply made Jarrod raise an eyebrow, what the
deuce had gotten into the boy? He glanced at Nick to see if he had heard the
unmannerly refusal and from his stern frown he plainly had done so. Nick came
to the bottom of the stairs saying crisply, "downstairs Marric, right
now!"
Marric descended as slowly as he dared and stood defiantly before his father,
his green eyes stormy and sparkling with temper.
Nick folded his arms. Frowning heavily, "all right, what's going on?"
Marric shot an angry look at Jarrod, "ask him!"
"I'm asking you and if you don't want a spanking you'd better answer and
fast!"
Marric glared at Nick, then to the surprise of everyone his defiance seemed to
melt away and his eyes were suddenly full of tears. He pointed to Jarrod,
"he sent them away," he said sadly, "they're gone and I never
even got to say goodbye."
For a second Nick was fogbound, as were Heath and Jarrod, but Victoria began to
realize what Marric meant. She came to him, caressing his fair head,
"Darling, are you talking about Susannah Charles and Brooke Sanders?"
Marric nodded, tear drops rolling down his face, "Brooke was m...my
t...teacher and Sue taught me music, what am I going to do now?"
Nick's anger had melted away and he scooped up his little son, soothing and
quieting him until the boy's tears subsided. He carried Marric up to bed and
after a moment's hesitation Jarrod followed them. In Marric's room, Nick sat in
the chair beside the bed, with Marric in his lap and Jarrod sat on the side of
the bed facing them.
Jarrod spoke first, "Marric, how did you know that Sue and Brooke were
leaving today?"
Marric scowled at the lawyer, "Grandmother said to Silas that she was
putting them on the train this morning, they are going to San Francisco to take
up the jobs you gave them." He looked accusingly at his uncle.
Jarrod smiled, "well don't you think that will be a good thing for Sue and
Brooke? To have decent jobs and a nice home, a little security and independence,
isn't that for the best?"
Marric shook his head, "Brooke is my teacher, I need him, there's such a
lot I still have to learn and I love my music, I need Sue too."
Nick ruffled the boy's short spiky hair, "well sure you need teaching, but
you're going to go to school for that and we'll get you a music tutor
too."
"School? I'm going to school?" Marric seemed horrified and Nick
hastened to reassure him, "not away to school Soldier, you're going to
school right here in Stockton, you're staying here at home with us."
Marric looked from Jarrod's face to Nick's, "do...do the school...know
about me?" There was no mistaking the anxiety in the apprehensive little
voice and Nick spoke with kind firmness, "yes don't you worry, they know
about you and the teachers there are going to help you, I told them what a
clever boy you are and they want to let you learn to your heart's
content."
Marric was looking very doubtful and Jarrod knew just what to say to reassure
him, "actually Marric, this is the same school that your father went to,
did you know that."
Marric was almost absurdly pleased, "it is?" He smiled up at Nick,
I'd like to go to your school Papa and...and I'll try very hard to be good
and...not bite anyone."
Nick grinned, "well the Principal says he'll be glad to have you there, he
seems to think you'll be a very well behaved student compared to me."
Jarrod looked earnestly at Marric, "listen Soldier, I'm sorry if the
arrangements we made for Brooke and Sue have upset you, we should have told you
what was happening and then it wouldn't have been such a shock."
Marric looked so sad that it touched the hearts of both men, the boy said
quietly, "it's just that they were my friends and...and I never had many
friends, I just would have liked to say goodbye."
Nick kissed the top of the boy's head, "next time I have to go to San
Francisco you can come along and see them both, how's that?"
Marric hugged his father hard, "gracias Patrone, I'd like that a
lot."
He reached out his arms to Jarrod and the lawyer took him from Nick's arms and
held him close.
"I'm sorry I was rude Uncle Jarrod."
"Never mind, it's all right, are you quite happy about school and music
lessons and everything now?"
"Yes Sir."
The two brothers tucked Marric up and left him to sleep. As they went
downstairs again Nick shook his head, "I'm only just beginning to realize
what a thirst for knowledge that kid has."
Jarrod nodded agreement, "he has a very clever mind, we owe it to him to
let him reach his full potential."
Nick said, "I never realized how attached to Brooke and Sue he had gotten
though."
Jarrod smiled, "don't blame yourself for that Nick, I don't think any of
us had."
Will Marvin had brought his own buggy of course and he carefully helped the
bruised and sore Audra into it wrapping a light rug around her before jumping
in and taking up the reins. Victoria watched them leave, a tender smile on her
face, she was very close to her only daughter and knew what was in Audra's
heart. Audra was deeply in love with her childhood playfellow and it was plain
for all to see that Will felt the same.
The Barkley matriarch had seen her precious Audra off on her European tour with
Victoria's sister a year ago and had wondered if she was saying farewell for
ever. It would not have surprised her at all if Audra had succumbed to one of
the flattering offers of marriage she had received, for she had known that
Audra would be a glittering success and so it had proved. Audra had not done
so, she had enjoyed herself greatly and when her tour was over she had come
home to the valley she loved so much and now it was clear that she meant never
to leave. The knowledge that even when Audra was married, she would be in daily
visiting distance, gladdened Victoria Barkley's heart, she felt that she was a
very fortunate mother indeed.
Nick was ready now to hand his mother into the largest of the Barkley
carriages, with its double row of seating. Jarrod had already handed Sarah into
the front seat and was now seated beside her, the reins in his hand. Nick
helped Victoria into the vacant seat beside Sarah and turned to give his hand
to Adrienne. He handed her into the second row of seats and was about to climb
in beside her when he realized that she was looking past him to the silent
Heath standing ready to climb into the carriage in his turn.
A flicker of a smile twitched Nick Barkley's lips and he stood aside bowing
Heath into the carriage ahead of him with exaggerated courtesy. "After you
Brother Heath, don't mind me."
Heath was in the carriage before Nick had finished speaking, happily seating
himself beside Adrienne.
With swift reflexes, Nick cuffed Heath over the back of the head as his brother
passed him and Heath grinned at him as he sat contentedly beside his beloved.
Nick climbed aboard and sat next to Heath as Jarrod let the horses go. In the
darkness, Adrienne Derval's small hand sought and found Heath Barkley's hand
and the couple sat blissfully handlocked all the way to the Perlman house.
When the big Barkley carriage pulled up outside the brilliantly lit porch of Minnie Perlman's huge house, Will was gently lifting Audra down from his own buggy and the young couple waited as the larger party disembarked too. They were all ushered inside the big front door and in the palatial hall the servants divested everyone of their outer wear. As they prepared to enter the big ballroom, with its huge crystal chandeliers, a short, stout, middle-aged man came forward and smilingly took the surprised Adrienne's hand, turning slightly, he gently disengaged Audra's hand from Will's and led both the surprised girls in through the entrance of the ballroom.
"Everyone?" called the man, " folks, your attention please,
they're here!"
The man stepped aside, leaving Audra and Adrienne standing bemused as the rest
of the Barkleys and Will crowded into the room behind them. To the surprise of
both girls, the whole room erupted in applause. The clapping lasted for a good
two minutes and as it subsided at last the middle-aged man came forward again,
this time holding the arm of a pleasant woman, clearly his wife.
He took a hand of each girl and smiled reassuringly at them, "Miss Audra,
I know you of course but I don't think this little lady and I have met
before."
"No," smiled Audra, "let me introduce you Mr. Potter. this is my
friend and my brother Nick's Ward, Mademoiselle Adrienne Derval, Adri, this is
Mr. Abe Potter, our apothecary here in Stockton and this is his wife
Millie."
Adrienne understood now, "oh the poor little twins, I do hope they are
recovering from their ordeal Monsieur?"
Millie Potter cupped a hand to Adri's cheek, "thanks to you Dear, Cissie
and Amy are going to be just fine."
Her husband nodded vigorously, smiling at Audra, "you too Miss Audra Honey,
our girls told us what you young ladies both did, me and Millie owe our twins
lives to you both, God bless the pair of you."
Adri shook her head, "no, you don't understand, that awful man came here
to find me, if it were not for me, he would never have disturbed this peaceful
place."
Abe Potter laughed, "well, it ain't exactly a peaceful valley, ‘specially
not when your Guardian Nick is around!" There was general laughter at this
and Millie Potter spoke above the noise. "The truth is that evil comes to
folks without it being any of their doing," she looked earnestly at
Adrienne, "you didn't have to stand up to that monster, you or Audra, but
you both did and because of you I have my precious children alive and well. I
thank you both for that, God bless you both."
There was renewed clapping and cheering and at last the Barkley party were able
to move forward and greet their hostess. Minnie Perlman's ample form, clad in a
vivid shade of purple, came to greet them. For such a generously built woman,
she moved with surprising grace and she reached her arms to the two girls,
"ah, the heroines of the hour! Welcome Dears, you are without doubt the
guests of honour this evening." She kissed both of them and turned to Abe
Potter, hovering at her elbow, "Abe if you are about to apologize for
taking the floor, please don't, I entirely approve."
The apothecary bowed politely, "much obliged Mrs. Perlman Ma'am."
As she was ushered to a seat and her darling Heath went to fetch her a cool
drink, Adri felt her spirits rise with hope and expectation, surely a party
begun in such an auspicious way was going to be unalloyed with any
unpleasantness. Fortunately for her peace of mind, she wasn't know that fresh
trouble was very near at hand indeed.
The party went by pleasantly enough for the Barkley clan, each member of the
family deriving their own particular enjoyment from the evening. Audra
contentedly danced every dance with Will Marvin, well aware that she was giving
the gossips plenty to tattle about and not caring a bit. She was under no
illusions, the more poisonous of her critics would no doubt say that she had
either disgraced herself in Europe and had therefore had to scuttle back to the
ranch. Or they might say that she had failed to make a hit on her travels and
was settling for a second best husband. Audra didn't give this a thought,
secure in the knowledge that she had made a gloriously successful hit
everywhere she went on her trip, she could be unconcerned about the views of a
few jealous home town women. She had come home because she had realized that no
future life away from here, no matter how glittering, could satisfy her. She
wanted to live right here, in the valley she loved, surrounded by her family.
She had seen Will soon after returning home and had found her childhood
companion altered from a gangling boy into a strong, powerfully built, handsome
young man. Will had matured, taking over his father's ranch when the old man
died and making a good job of it too. Backed as he was by his good friends and
neighbours the Barkleys. His feelings for Audra were strong, a fact that she
recognized. She had no doubt that before her next birthday in the Spring, she
would be marrying her best friend and she was a very contented young lady
tonight.
Will Marvin, circling the dance floor with the girl he considered the loveliest
in the room was equally blissful, he was already formulating in his head the
words he would use to ask Audra to be his wife and was wondering, with a thrill
of inward pleasure whether to ask her on the way home this very night!
Jarrod was rather caught up in meeting and greeting his many friends,
acquaintances and business associates, as usually happened to him at such
functions, but he was looking forward to dancing with his wife a little later.
Relations between them had thankfully become tranquil once more and it was a
pleasure to be out at such a function with Sarah. They had not had many
evenings at leisure since Jack's birth. Jarrod had known how keenly Sarah was
looking forward to the affair, she had spent more time than usual getting ready
and was looking more beautiful than ever this evening.
Sarah was at Jarrod's side, moving gracefully through the room, smiling and
relaxed, it was wonderful to be with her husband and she was pleasantly aware
that her gown was the most becoming she had worn since before the birth of her
son. She was feeling healthy too, less tired and tense than she had been in the
baby's early months. She was intending to enjoy herself this evening and not
even the possibility of a family conflict later on at the Barkley mansion could
dim her enjoyment of the party.
Victoria wandered around the big ballroom, her arm linked with that of her
hostess and best friend Minnie Perlman and brought Minnie up to date with the
situation regarding Heath and Adrienne. Minnie's shrewd grey eyes dwelt
thoughtfully on Adrienne, who was in the act of accepting a drink from Heath.
The girl's soft brown eyes held a blatantly adoring expression and Heath was
smiling down at her with proprietorial tenderness.
Minnie shook her head, "well Dear, if you ask me, Nicholas has about as
much chance of keeping those two lovebirds apart as I have of dancing with the
man in the moon."
Victoria sighed, "I'm sure you're right Minnie and personally I think it
would be needlessly unkind to do so but Nick seems to have some concerns about
it."
Minnie nodded, she had a soft spot for Nick Barkley, "Oh, don't worry too
much, I expect he's just being his usual over-protective self. After all the
girl is very young and Nick is her Guardian."
Victoria shook off her anxiety, "well one way or another it should all be
settled later tonight so I propose to put it out of my mind and enjoy
myself."
"Quite right Victoria and tell me Dear, am I reading young Mr. Marvin's
intentions correctly?"
The two old friends continued their gentle stroll around the ballroom, chatting
as they went.
Nick Barkley too had seen the intimate looks between his younger brother and
his ward and was inwardly becoming resigned to the inevitable. His concerns had
only been for them, but it was becoming ever clearer that to stand in their way
was going to do just what Jarrod had warned him about. It was going to alienate
Nick from both Heath and Adrienne, and to drive a wedge between himself and
Heath was unthinkable to Nick. He was still suffering silently from the anguish
of his bereavement and he didn't wish to add to that the pain of estrangement
from his brother.
Young Adri too, if ever a little lady deserved a slice of happiness then that
little lady was Adrienne Derval. Nick was shrewd enough to realize that if he
forbade an engagement, then Adri would obey him. Nick was a man accustomed to
command, but he was beginning to accept that this was an order he would not
have the heart to give.
He thrust the matter aside and headed purposefully for the drinks table, what
he needed was a long cold drink, maybe more than one.
Minnie Perlman's parties were always noted for the excellence of the entertainment and the refreshments were invariably dispensed generously. Most of the guests this evening were partaking liberally of the food and wine and amongst these was the disgruntled Howard McLaurie. He was here with his parents and his mother had already annoyed him by commenting that he was drinking too much. The young farmer dismissed her remark with a scowl and continued to drink heavily, all the time nursing his grievance against the girl who had stood him up.
He had noticed the worshipping looks she was bestowing on Heath Barkley and his
mood was darkening rapidly into an ugly desire for revenge. He had resolved to
humiliate Miss High and Mighty Derval but so far had found no opportunity to do
so. Right now, she was sitting beside her hostess and Howard was somewhat in
awe of the redoubtable Minnie Perlman.
Minnie smiled at Adri, "are you enjoying yourself Child?"
"Yes Madame..."
"Adri!"
"Sorry, I mean Aunt Minnie, yes indeed I am having a very nice time,"
answered Adrienne.
"Well I'd like to know how, you haven't danced once so far. Does Heath
have a sprained ankle?"
Adri giggled, "no, but I think he wonders if he should perhaps ask Nick's
permission first, only he doesn't want to start anything."
Minnie was about to deal with this difficulty in her own inimitable manner when
she was hailed imperiously by a strident voice. "Minnie? Minnie Dear,
where are you?"
Mrs. Perlman cast her eyes heavenward, "excuse me Adri, that's old Mrs.
Updike calling, she'll keep bawling for me until I attend to her!"
Mrs. Updike was an elderly and very deaf lady, the widow of a prominent
Stockton banker and known to be a high stickler in all social matters. Any
young lady desirous of moving in polite Stockton circles needed the approval of
this straight-laced old woman and she had blighted more than one social
climbers aspirations.
As her hostess came in answer to her imperious summons, Mrs. Updike called out
to Minnie in the truly loud voice of the very deaf, "Minnie , I want to
meet the gal, the gal young Nicholas Barkley is guardian to. Is she here?"
Minnie came and sat beside the old lady, "yes indeed she is here Mrs.
Updike, but she had a most distressing experience yesterday and..."
"Heard about that! I want to meet the gal, wasn't it the brigand who
ravished her came back for her?"
Minnie closed her eyes in anguish as the penetrating old voice washed over many
of the guests nearby. "Er...not exactly...I'll fetch Adrienne to you right
away."
Minnie signaled to the waiting Adri and she came gracefully up to Mrs. Updike's
chair and curtseyed prettily as Minnie introduced her to Stockton's sternest
moralist.
The shrewd old eyes looked her over, "you're a lovely little thing, I can
see why that renegade was mad for you, sit down and talk to me Gal."
The first part of this speech made Adri blush hotly, but she obeyed and sat
next to the beak-nosed old woman.
The shrill voice went on, "they tell me you kept the child, after you were
raped."
Adri, a skilled nurse knew how to converse with deaf people, she looked
straight at the old lady and spoke slowly and clearly, "Yes Madame I did,
my little daughter is not responsible for what happened to me, I saw no reason
to make an innocent child suffer."
Mrs. Updike looked searchingly into the younger woman's honest eyes, "twas
you did the suffering Gal," she commented.
"Adri nodded, "yes, but would rejecting my daughter have lessened my
suffering?"
The old woman cackled, "bravely said and you're right too! Few women would
have had the courage to do as you have done, I honour you for it Gal and for
your gallantry yesterday, you and young Audra." She patted Adri's hand,
"tell Victoria to bring you to see me soon, I can be of service to you and
I will be I promise you."
"Merci Madame, you are most kind."
"Tis a pleasure Dear and by the way you speak beautifully! I can hear
every blessed word you say!"
Escaping from Mrs. Updike's embarrassing presence, Adri's eyes swept the room
seeking for safe haven. She spotted him on the other side of the room across
the big dance floor and becoming aware of her eyes upon him, Heath turned his
head and smiled at her. Adri felt her heart turn right over and a wave of love
coursed through her, so powerful that she felt herself tremble under its
intensity. Heath gestured to Adri to join him and feeling happier than ever
before in the whole of her life, Adri stepped onto the dance floor and into an appallingly
humiliating situation.
The dance floor was almost deserted, only one or two couples had taken the floor ready for the next dance, as Adri began to cross to where Heath awaited her. As she reached the centre of the floor, a lurching figure suddenly confronted her, seizing her left wrist in an ungentle grip. Adri's eyes widened in shock and she gasped in pain as Howard McLaurie's hand tightened cruelly on her arm. She could smell the drink on him and shrank back, trying to free herself as she did so.
"Well here she is, the Belle of the ball herself! Reckon you think you're
too good for the likes of me now don't you Girl. Lord knows why, you're tainted
fruit at the best, you little tramp." McLaurie had spoken loudly and it
seemed to Adri, that the whole room was watching her. She was red with shame
and devoutly wished the floor would open and swallow her up.
Nick and Jarrod Barkley were standing together chatting, near the ballroom door
and as the drunken young farmer accosted Adri, both men immediately strode
forward to her rescue but Heath Barkley was nearer than either of his brothers
and in three swift strides he reached McLaurie and Adri.
The swaying farmer saw him coming and the murderous rage in Heath's face
prompted him to release his hold on Adri and she moved slightly aside, relief
flooding her as she saw her hero move to her aid. McLaurie didn't get a chance
to say a word, as Heath drew back his arm and launched a powerful uppercut to
the farmer's jaw that lifted him two feet in the air, before he crashed
bonelessly to the floor. He gasped with pain as all the air was driven from his
body by the impact and he lay winded staring up at the powerfully built and
decidedly wrathful young rancher standing over him like Nemesis itself.
Heath didn't raise his voice and yet his words carried to every corner of the
room, "Howard McLaurie you're a miserable excuse for a man! Now get your
ugly carcass out of here before I forget that I'm a gentleman and there are
ladies present."
McLaurie came shakily to his knees and managed to say, "gentleman, you? We
all know what you are, you're a..."
"Howard! You've said enough, get out of here right now." the speaker
was James McLaurie, Howard's father and a respectable and respected man in this
community. He came to Adrienne as his son got to his feet and lurched away
toward the ballroom door.
"Please accept my apologies Miss Derval, my son's behaviour has shamed his
mother and I this evening."
Adri stammered a shy thank you and the grey-haired farmer turned to his hostess
and repeated his apologies to her as well. Heath quietly added his own, but
Minnie would have none of it.
"Thank you for dealing with the matter so promptly Heath, it saved me the
bother of sending for the servants," she said calmly.
As Howard left the ballroom, Nick Barkley's powerful hands gripped his
shirtfront. "You mess with me or mine again Boy and I'll tear you
apart," grated Nick.
"That goes for me too Howard," said Jarrod Barkley sternly "now
get out of our sight!"
Still scarlet with mortification, Adri, tried to move off the dance floor but
Heath's arm came smoothly around her waist, preventing her, "no," he
said gently but firmly.
"Heath please," she whispered miserably, "everyone is looking at
me, let me go."
"Let them look, I've waited all evening to dance with you and I aim to do
it right now."
Minnie had already given the signal to her musicians and the music began at
once, Heath swept Adri off into the dance, smiling down at her with tender
understanding, "be brave Sweetheart, hold your lovely head high and don't
let anyone think you care what that drunken fool said."
Her spirit rallied under his gentle treatment and truth to tell she was too
aware of his strong arm about her and the sweet feel of her hand held in his to
be other than content. As they danced, Heath felt her tense body begin to relax
and when the dance finished, he continued to hold her until the next one struck
up, swirling her off again to circle the ballroom in his arms.
There were many curious eyes looking at them and not a little talk, but most of
it was reasonably friendly and in general, people were fairly careful what they
said when any of the Barkley family were in earshot. Several of his fellow
guests complimented Nick on his beautiful young ward and one or two ventured to
comment that she and Heath made a real nice couple. Nick responded civilly to
these remarks but his hazel eyes were grave as they rested on the figures of
his brother and ward, both lost in their own world of happiness.
At the end of that memorable evening, Will Marvin and Audra contrived to slip
away a few minutes ahead of the rest of the Barkley party and Will whipped up
his horse to a swift pace, eager to get his buggy a good distance in the lead
from the Barkley carriage. Audra was a little surprised he was going so fast in
the darkness and said so.
Will grinned at her, "I want to get to the fork in the road well ahead of
the rest of the family, then if we take the fork for the lake instead of the
ranch they won't know."
Audra smiled, "Nice idea Will but we daren't, if we aren't at home when
the rest of them arrive they'll think we ran into some of Jai's men and come
looking. I can't make them all worry like that."
Will's face dropped, "I understand, I guess," he said reluctantly,
"but...well...I wanted to have a chance to talk to you alone, I...have something
to ask you."
Audra's stomach lurched with excitement, he was going to ask her to marry him,
she was sure of it! She struggled to keep her voice calm as she spoke, "do
you think Mother's rose garden would do?"
Will grinned, "any place we can be alone for a while is fine with me
Princess!"
The big Barkley carriage was brought around to the front door and Jarrod helped
Sarah to climb into the front seat again. He jumped up beside her and slipped
an arm around her, for it was growing colder and there was a keen wind blowing.
Heath assisted Adrienne into the back seat and turned to help his mother but
she smiled at him, eyes teasing, "after you Darling," she said
dulcetly.
He slid in beside Adri and Nick helped Victoria in after him. Heath put one arm
about his mother and the other around Adrienne and sighed contentedly. He stole
a swift glance at Nick as the dark haired rancher climbed into the front seat
and took up the reins. Nick's expression was stern and unsmiling and Heath
wondered what was going on in the mind of his volatile elder brother.
It had seemed earlier that Nick was becoming reconciled to the idea of a
relationship between his brother and his ward, but that incident with the
McLaurie boy had brought the frown back to his face and now Heath was finding
it hard to read Nick's mood. He hoped they were going to be able to reach some
sort of an understanding because the alternatives were too heart-wrenching to
contemplate.
Heath was a young man of deep and sincere feelings, he didn't like young women
who were too sure of themselves, pushy females had always made him back off.
The attachments he had formed in his life had been few and very devoted, a
woman offered Heath's love was offered all that he had and all that he was. He
had been hurt in the past and was not a man to take such pain lightly. He had
thought long and hard about his feelings for Adrienne Derval, not allowing his
initial attraction to her to blind him to such considerations as the difference
in their ages, the fact that she had a child and the dreadful experiences she
had undergone.
The result of his deliberations was that he concluded he was deeply and
permanently in love. He wanted to devote the rest of his life to cherishing
this quiet, gentle but remarkably brave girl. If Heath Barkley had anything to
say in the matter, the rest of Adrienne's life would be bright and happy,
protected by a husband who adored her. He believed he could be a good father to
little Missy and was willing to adopt her as his own. He was unconcerned about
the renegade Jai or his men, confident in his own ability to defend what was
his, if Jai came after Adrienne again he would find Heath Barkley ready and
able to protect his own.
Heath Barkley was no coward but as he contemplated the possibility that Nick
might decide to withhold his consent, he felt the serpent of fear twist in his
guts. Adrienne owed Nick a great deal and had already said to Victoria Barkley
that she would obey her guardian if he forbade her marriage. Even if she could
be persuaded to defy him, Heath was realistic enough to know that his days at
the Barkley ranch would be at an end. He couldn't marry Adrienne in the teeth
of Nick's opposition and then continue working with him, it was quite
impossible.
Heath was young, strong, intelligent and now comparatively wealthy, he didn't
doubt his ability to carve out a new life for himself and his new family but
that didn't mean he wanted to do it. He had put down roots these last three
years, permanent roots, as he worked his way into the acceptance of the people
of this valley, so it had crept into his heart. He loved his life here, he
loved every aspect of it. He was a respected citizen, a successful rancher and
a member of a close-knit, warm and loving family.
It was this family that he most feared losing, to a boy growing up in isolated
poverty and under the stigma of illegitimacy, life had been lonely and bleak.
The exuberant family life of the Barkleys had taken some adjusting to, but now
Heath relished his part in it.
A huge part of that life was his partnership with Nick running the Barkley
ranch, that partnership, begun in conflict three years ago, had been successful
beyond measure. The two men had learned to know each other and their shared
work and interests had drawn them together. Now, Nick was Heath's best friend
and he was Nick's, Heath could only hope with every fibre of his being that
this friendship was not about to be destroyed forever.
When the big carriage arrived at the corral, Victoria smiled when she saw that Will's horse and buggy were being tended. He and Audra had evidently arrived here, but if Victoria was any judge the young couple would not be found indoors. More likely they would be in the gazebo of her rose garden, seizing a little privacy and good luck to them, she thought.
The family moved indoors and steaming pots of coffee and trays of cups and
saucers were promptly brought to the living room by the well trained servants
as the family removed their coats and wraps and gathered around the bright log
fire. Victoria had wondered if her sons might wish to talk in privacy and had
considered removing Sarah, Adrienne and herself to allow this to happen.
Catching Jarrod's eye, she read his unmistakeable signal, the ladies were to
stay. This was to be a family conference, in traditional Barkley fashion.
Victoria could not help but remember a previous such family conclave three
years ago, then the subject under discussion had been Heath's claim to kinship
and a share in the Barkley heritage. Now Heath was again the reason for a
family gathering, the woman who loved him as dearly as the children to whom she
had given birth, hoped the outcome would not divide her family forever.
Victoria sat on the settee with Adrienne beside her, holding the girl's icy
hand comfortingly in her own. Sarah sat on Adrienne's other side, silently
lending the younger woman her own support.
Heath stood at one end of the fireplace, hands dug into the pockets of his
evening trousers and Nick stood at the other end, arms folded, head down,
seemingly lost in thought.
Jarrod was sitting in his father's chair and he glanced from Nick to Heath, a
wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, talk about the irresistible
force and the immovable object! He glanced over to his mother and responded to
her pleading look with a reassuring smile, clearly she wanted him to get the
ball rolling, so he drew breath and prepared to do his best to reconcile this
impasse.
Counselor Barkley caught Nick's eye, "if I may Nick?"
Nick nodded, moving restlessly to the edge of the marble fireplace and laying a
hand along it.
Jarrod addressed the rest of the family, "A couple of nights ago I had a
long talk with Nick and he shared with me the concerns that he has about Heath
and Adrienne becoming a couple. I advised Nick to speak to the two of them, to
discuss it with them both and he was thinking it over. I gather that since
then, Nick and Heath have been meaning to do just that, but it's been a busy
day and an eventful evening so until now, there hasn't been an opportunity to
talk."
The lawyer paused, looking at Nick, who didn't respond, although his sombre
hazel eyes were fixed on his elder brother. Jarrod spoke directly to him,
"Nick I know you hate being forced into talking about your deepest
feelings, you like to keep them to yourself but you have to understand that in
this case that is the worst thing you can do."
"Why?" demanded Nick.
"Because it leads, indeed has led to misunderstandings and conflict. Heath
actually believed for a while that you didn't consider him a worthy match for
Adri," said Jarrod firmly.
"Heath and I cleared that up," muttered Nick.
Jarrod nodded, "I know, but poor little Adri was also convinced you
thought she was the unsuitable one. Now there's been enough unhappiness caused
Nick, I think you owe these two the truth, just tell them what you've been
thinking, please."
Nick hunched his shoulders, then prowled to the centre of the fireplace,
uncomfortable at being obliged to bare his soul, but resigned to the need to do
so. He sighed and looked across at Adrienne, she was very pale and her big eyes
were fixed on him with almost painful intensity. Nick smiled at her a little
sadly, "I've made you unhappy since you came here Honey, I'm sorry, it's
the last thing I ever wanted to do." He gestured toward his younger
brother, still standing rather rigidly at the other end of the fireplace.
"Three years ago, when Heath first came here, he wanted what was
rightfully his, a name and a share in the Barkley heritage." Nick smiled
at Heath ruefully, "he didn't get it, not right off anyway." He
looked at Adri again, "would you believe he and I had our first fight the
night he arrived here Adri?"
She smiled tremulously, "mais oui, I can easily believe that Nick."
Nick grinned reminiscently at Heath, "as I recall it was quite a
scrap!"
He turned to Adri again, "It was the first of many, I didn't come round as
easily or as quickly as some other members of the family did, I gave Heath a
pretty hard time what ever way you look at it."
Heath's quiet voice intervened, "that's all history now Nick, you and I
have come a fair way since then."
Nick nodded, "I know, but it's still the truth, you had to fight for my
approval and you've had to fight many battles in other places too, you've
worked hard for three solid years to win the respect and trust that you
deserve, from every last person in this valley and beyond and you've done
it!"
Nick looked his younger brother in the eye, "when you came back from that
first cattle drive, you remember Heath? Not only had you met a near impossible
deadline and saved the fortunes of this place and most of our neighbours, you'd
dealt with General Wallent's shenanigans as well. I recall how impressed I was
with you then," he laughed ruefully, "it kinda got me wondering if I
would have managed half as well myself. I'll be honest Little Brother, it shook
me up a bit, but I realized back then just what you were made of and it was the
real start for us wasn't it?"
Heath nodded and his familiar twisted smile touched his mouth, "I'm not
sure where you're headed with this Nick, but if it helps, I've always been
proud to be your brother and I owe you a lot, you could have gone on fighting
me, but you didn't. You shared your power with me."
Nick shook his head, "you don't owe me Heath, I owe you, I can't even
remember what it was like trying to run this place alone and I don't want
to." His hazel eyes burned into Heath's face, "that's the last thing
I want Heath," he said flatly.
Heath's reply was quietly sincere, "that goes double for me Nick."
Nick turned to Adri again, "In the early days here, Heath took a lot of
insults, even after he'd won the respect of our own men here, he still had it
all to prove elsewhere. He's met with a lot of rejection and cruelty and
overcome it all, sometimes it's been unbearably hard, but he's Heath Barkley so
he did it anyway."
Heath intervened again, "I don't recall having to do it alone Nick, seems
to me anytime I got into a fight, you were at my shoulder."
Nick grinned, but shook his head, "maybe, but I probably got you into a
few you didn't need to fight in the first place!"
Heath didn't deny it, "be that as it may, I had a lot of fights before I
ever came here, the difference was, I had no big brothers to stand with me
then, it means a lot, that's what I'm saying."
Nick's voice was low, "it means a lot to me too."
Adri's big eyes had been fixed on Nick's face as he talked about Heath's
struggle for acceptance and she had drunk in all the good things he had said
about her beloved. Now, as the two brothers affirmed their faith in one
another, she assimilated the facts and her intelligence began to grasp what
Nick was trying to say. She slipped her hand from Victoria's clasp and rose
from her seat coming gracefully to her guardian and looking up into his kindly
face. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears, "I think I understand what
has been worrying you," she said in her soft musical voice. "If Heath
marries me it will all begin again won't it?"
Nick stroked her shining hair, " it isn't your fault Honey," he said
gently.
"I know, it is just the reality of life," she answered sadly.
Heath was frowning, "what are you two talking about?"
Adri came to him, laying a pacific hand on his arm, "if you marry me,
people will say that it is only to be expected that a man like you would choose
a woman like me. You will be confronted again with all the prejudice, distrust
and hate that you have worked so hard to overcome these last three years."
Heath's eyes were gentle as he listened to the girl he loved, but as he raised
his head and looked at Nick his expression changed to one of icy rage, "do
you think I give a damn about any of that?" His voice was edged with
contempt, "I know what will be thought and said, do you think I
care?"
Nick looked at Jarrod, clearly signalling for help and his brother responded at
once. Fixing compelling eyes on Heath's angry face, "Nick cares
Heath," he said gently.
Heath stopped glaring at Nick and listened to what Jarrod was saying. "Nick
isn't just thinking of you, you know, Adri will have to face a lot of
unpleasantness too, he sincerely believes that you would both of you be wise to
choose to marry elsewhere."
Heath's angry expression gave way to one of hurt, "do you agree with
him?"
Jarrod didn't hesitate, "no I don't but I understand what he's
feeling." The lawyer smiled affectionately at Heath, "you already
know that your brother thinks the world of you and he's come to love his ward too,"
Jarrod smiled, "as we all have. Nick would do anything to shield you both
from every wicked or unkind thing that might ever happen to you, every insult
you might hear, every unfavourable wind that might blow, right Nick?"
"Yes! Yes I would and what's wrong with that?" demanded Nick in the
familiar growl that Jarrod's goading usually produced from him.
"There's just one thing wrong with it Nick, "answered Jarrod,
"it's not your decision to make, it's Heath and Adrienne's."
Heath stretched out a hand to Adri and after a short hesitation, she took it,
standing beside him, her hand warm in his comforting hold.
Nick turned to Jarrod, an arrested expression on his face, and listened
intently to his eldest brother, one of the two men in the world who could
influence him.
Jarrod gestured to the young couple, standing hand-locked, "Heath and
Adrienne aren't stupid Nick, they both know what the world is capable of doing
to them or saying about them, but they have the right to choose for themselves
whether to face it or not. It isn't a decision you can make for them, no matter
how much you love them and want to protect them."
Nick sighed, "I guess you're right, " he admitted. He looked at his
younger brother, "sorry Heath."
Heath's anger had vanished, he looked affectionately at the tiresome, volatile
man who was his big brother, he smiled and releasing Adri's hand he walked up
to Nick and laid a hand on his shoulder,
"I hear what you're saying Nick and I know you're right, but I've thought
about all that, I thought through every aspect of this before I ever told Adri
how I felt. I thought about how young she is, what she's been through, the fact
that she has a child, what kind of reaction our marriage might get, I've
considered it all. I came to just one conclusion, I love Adrienne and I know
she loves me too."
"I do," her soft voice affirmed.
Heath smiled at her and spoke earnestly to Nick, gripping his brother's
shoulder harder, "I guess I may have a few more battles to fight, are you
with me Nick?"
Nick's eyes met Heath's and the older man grinned, his hand coming up to cover
Heath's "I guess you and I have a few good fights left in us at
that!"
Jarrod came to stand with his brothers, his voice light and humorous, "do
I take it then Mr. Barkley, that my clients Mr. Heath Barkley and Mademoiselle
Adrienne Derval have your permission to become betrothed to one another?"
Nick's eyes sought out his mother, she nodded and he looked to Sarah who did
the same. Nick took Adri's hand in his, raising it to his lips, "you're
sure Sweetheart?"
Her glowing look gave him his answer but there was a sparkle of mischief in
Adrienne's eyes too.
"How can I say Nick? He has not actually asked me to marry him yet,"
she answered demurely.
Nick turned to his younger brother in mock-outrage, "Heath Barkley I'm
shocked! I hope you haven't been trifling with this young lady's
affections?"
"No Nick I..."
Nick ignored him, turning to Jarrod, "Counselor, does my Ward have grounds
for breach of promise action here?"
Jarrod considered judiciously, "not as such Nick but as his oldest brother
I feel it's my duty to horsewhip Heath personally! Unless of course he proposes
at once."
Heath looked round at the circle of grinning faces and then rather helplessly
at his beloved, "here...in front of everyone?"
Adri's eyes were stars of happiness, "yes," she said firmly.
Heath breathed in sharply, "all right...if I have to... mind it's only to
dodge the horsewhipping from Jarrod because I'm a coward." He dropped
gracefully to one knee in front of the suddenly disconcerted Adrienne and he
smiled up lovingly at her, "Mademoiselle Derval, would you do me the
honour of becoming my wife?"
Her answering curtsey was faultlessly performed, "oui Monsieur, sil vous
plait," she replied.
"What does that mean?"
Adri laughed at his anxious tone, "it means Yes Sir, if you please."
Heath came lithely to his feet and drew her into his arms, he looked at Nick,
"permission to kiss my fiancée Big Brother?"
"Well I guess you'd better Boy, you are marrying her," grinned Nick.
He turned to Jarrod, "Counselor? let's have a wedding in the family!"
Even as Nick spoke the words, a stab of grief pierced him to the heart as he
remembered his own strange union and the lovely fiery girl now cold in her
grave in Mexico.
As the family clustered before the great fire, congratulating Heath and
Adrienne, the front door opened and Audra danced in, dragging Will Marvin with
her, seeing them Victoria Barkley didn't need to ask if matters were settled
between the young couple. He daughter's happiness was written all over her
face, and Victoria's heart thrilled with added joy, so, two weddings in the
family, she thought gladly.