We’re in Portland right now, and we’ll be heading to the Oregon coast. Our travels may take us back to California, but I can’t make any promises. The landscape here is beautiful, and I think you would make a fine painting from it.
Will is hell-bent on us becoming real entrepreneurs, and we may enter the import/export business. Who knows, Jess, I may become legitimate after all.
I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. I needed to get some of this off my chest, but mostly, I don’t want you harboring any illusions of who I am. Next time we meet, whenever that is, I will be myself, even at the risk of your disapproval, though I pray it’s not too great.
I never stop thinking about you, although I have tried. I miss your smile and your lips and our bodies close together. No one has captured my heart as you have, and I fear no one ever will. Our future together is bleak as it has always been. Maybe someday we will find happiness together, in another time and place.
Be well.
All my love,
Jacob
After placing the letter in the envelope, he included a token of his love and sealed it. He wanted his words to reach her, and at the same time, he knew if he reread what he wrote, he would tear up the pages. His future looked uncertain, but he was determined to make something of himself. With Will’s suggestion of them getting into a legitimate business, he felt a glimmer of hope. Mostly, he wanted to prove to Jessica and his family that he could be a success. At the moment, he felt little of the man he envisioned himself to be.
~
The rain subsided, and he emerged from the tent to find Will sitting under a tree, a blanket draped over his head. Jacob lit a cigarette and joined his cousin. “How would we get into this trading business anyway?” He handed Will the cigarette, and Will lit his own with the burning end.
“I think an import business may be the way to go,” Will answered. “We’ve been picking up trinkets here and there to sell and trade. We seem to be pretty good at it. We’ll take our experience to San Francisco and open up our storefront there.”
“We could offer exotic treasures from the Far East.” Jacob pondered the possibilities. “Yep, San Francisco would be the place. We’ll have to study the shipping business. Do you think we can do this?” He noticed Will’s expression harden. “What is it?”
“San Francisco.”
Taking a long drag of his cigarette, Jacob blew out the smoke. He knew what his cousin was trying to say. “We’ll both be too busy to think of anything else but the success of our company.” He caught Will’s raised eyebrow. “There are some things that are my business alone.”
Will pulled on his cigarette. “And what would we call ourselves?”
Jacob thought for a moment. “How about J&W Imports?”
Will took another drag of his cigarette and blew out the smoke, mocking his cousin. “How about W&J Imports?”
“A game of poker?”
“Now that’s the way to settle things.” Will smiled broadly.
While they played the last hand to determine their company’s name, Jacob noticed Will was distracted. “Something else on your mind?”
“You’re not going to like this.” He shuffled the deck his usual three times in a row and dealt their hands.
Jacob took up his cards and arranged them. “What now?”
“Mi.”
“What about her?”
“I told you she had no interest in me, but … the truth is, we’re in love.”
Jacob slapped down his cards and snuffed out his cigarette. “Where does she fit into our plan? And why the hell did you lie to me?”
“Sorry. I knew you would get angry. I don’t know where she fits in, but she’ll have to. I promised her I’d make something of myself, then return to get her. She’ll continue to stay with the Middlemans until then.”
A particular light came into Will’s eyes as he spoke of Mi. For the first time, Jacob saw in another man what he so desired for himself. It disturbed him, but he had no time to think about it now. Will’s revelation was a blow he hadn’t seen coming.
“She’s Chinese, Will.”
“I know what she is, Jacob. It doesn’t matter to us.”
“It sure as hell will matter to her family, our family, and society.”
Will studied his cards. “You should talk about affecting our family and society, Cousin.”
Jacob crossed his legs and arms. “Jesus, Will, let it be.”
“There’s one other thing.” Will lowered his head and scratched his messy hair. His blue eyes looked up from under his brows. A sheepish grin curled his lips.
“Don’t tell me. Please, Will, no. My God, we were there less than three months.”
“Doc Middleman confirmed before we left to come up here.”
“Son of a bitch, Will!” Jacob sprang up and hurled a branch into the air.
“Her family lives in Portland, and she wants me to ask her father for permission for us to be married. She isn’t going to tell them about her pregnancy.”
“So that’s why you dragged us up here? No business deal, just your own selfish pursuits?” Jacob regretted his words as soon as they were out of his mouth. From the expression on Will’s face, he knew he’d hurt his cousin, who was more like a brother. “Damn it, Will.” His words were softer. He felt his defeat.
“I’m sorry, Jake, but I won’t let her go. I understand now what it’s like to love someone. I’ve never had that feeling for anyone–not even you.”
Jacob’s head began to hurt. “We’ve got some travels ahead of us before we can think of settling, and here you are strapped with a wife and kid.”
“The Middlemans will take care of her while I’m away.”
“We need to stick to our plans to make J&W Imports a success even with this latest goddamned twist of fate.”
“J&W Imports? What about, W& …,” Will began.
Jacob gave his cousin a hard look.
“J&W Imports it is.” Will looked jubilant. “I told Mi all about the plan. She’ll make a good wife and mother, Jake. Hey, I’m going to be a father. Sooner than I hoped, but that’s life, isn’t it?”
Jacob sat back down. “God help you. God help us.”
Chapter Fifty-five
In the warmth of the spring afternoon, Jessica sat on a bench on the grounds of City Hall and sketched the impressive building. Clermont City had once been on track to become a large railroad city. Instead, the railroad had been diverted to Oakland, but the city hall and post office buildings remained as a reminder of opportunities lost.
As she strolled down the street she thought of the bigger city just thirty minutes north. Although Oakland had very few galleries, she was anxious to visit the Gates Gallery.
When she arrived home, she changed into a housedress, releasing herself from her boned corset, allowing the air to dry her sweaty chest. She sat on the porch of her aunt and uncle’s home. It was her home for now. On the back of a used envelope, she began making notes to plan a trip into Oakland. She would need a chaperone and the money for the stagecoach. The whistling of the mailman took her attention. He opened the gate and came down the walk.
“Good day, miss. It sure is a lovely one.” He handed over the mail.
“Yes, it is. Thank you, Mr. Benson.”
As she leafed through the cards and letters, a bulky envelope grabbed her attention. It was from Jacob, addressed to her. She immediately opened it, and a short string of turquoise beads landed in her lap. She recognized them as the ones Jacob wore around his neck. The tender spot in her heart that held her love for him expanded. She breathed in deeply.
Caressing the smooth, bluish-green beads, she brought them to her nose. A faint smell of his neck whisked her away to his strong, tense body. She returned to earth with an effort. Untying the thin rawhide, she retied the strand around her neck. Feeling the weight on her neck she placed a hand on them and closed her eyes. Then impatiently, she unfolded his letter and began to read of his heart, his life, and his r
emorse. She was relieved that her brother had been spared his life. Their dangerous experience made her ache with worry. Mostly, she wanted to soothe Jacob’s troubled life with her love. When she came to the end of his letter, she started again from the beginning. Her faith in him renewed. His love for her was strong and wanting. It was a sign that someday, in some way, they would be together.
Placing the letter back into the envelope, she could hardly wait for her uncle to arrive home.
~
Burt entered his study with Jessica right behind him. “Sit, and let’s talk about this from a legal standpoint. According to the law, you may divorce but only under extreme duress and/or adultery. Proof must be solid and even with that, you will gain nothing from his worth. You will be as penniless as you were when you married him. You will maintain your part of the inheritance from your father once he has passed, but God forbid that for now.”
“I see.” Jessica bowed her head. Whatever it takes.
“Yes, that is the fact of the matter, my dear. I haven’t even touched on the social aspects. I’m sure you don’t need to be reminded that a divorced woman is considered less than a whole human being.”
“I’m still who I am. He’s the adulterer.” Her insides stirred at her own adultery. She crossed her legs and continued. “I think Hannah and Kevin can back up my claim. No one in Clermont City has to know.”
Burt rubbed the back of his neck. “I suppose. Are you willing to keep up such a charade? Think of the embarrassment this might cause your aunt at her clubs if someone were to find out. She’s already bragged about her married niece and successful nephew. My standing at the land company could be tainted as well.”
Her guilt threatened to strangle her. She brought her fingers to her mouth. “I … I didn’t think about it. My marriage seems so distant to me now.” She looked at her uncle with an idea. “Perhaps another unmarried niece has emerged?”
Burt paced in front of her. “Well, let’s not think of things that haven’t happened. Your parents must be informed immediately. I’m not sure they would agree to any of this.” He scratched his head. “My wholehearted suggestion to you, Jessica, is to remain married and claim that you are a widow.”
Jessica looked up at her uncle. “A widow? I don’t know if I could do such a thing. I would be pitied.”
“Better to be pitied as a victim of fate than scorned as a failed wife.”
Jessica bent forward in her chair and cupped her face. She knew she had no choice if she were to continue her life free from Frederick. The thought of living another lie disturbed her. She stood up. “Uncle Burt, could the marriage simply be dissolved as if it never took place?”
“My dear, I will help you as much as I can, but you must face the facts. A divorce or even a hint of it, will be a terrible stain on you and your family. Perhaps the practice is more accepted here, but certainly Hartford would have a field day with the gossip, and your parents may not be as welcome in certain circles.”
The spring sun dappled across the wood planked floor. It warmed the room with its soft, amber light. It warmed Jessica, giving her a ray of hope. She felt the comfort of Jacob’s beads under her high-necked blouse, and they emboldened her. “I’ve made my decision. I will refer to myself as Miss Messing. Petition for the divorce, Uncle.”
Chapter Fifty-six
Frederick opened the large safe in his office that held all of his liquid assets. His time at the First National Bank of San Francisco had run out, and his off-the-books practices were rapidly catching up with him. He would have to move his money to a hidden location. Placing a large, brown satchel under the opening of the safe, he began to fill it with the stacks of paper bills and silver coins. The gold bricks would go into a sturdy suitcase he had recently purchased for this purpose. At a knock on the door, he pushed the remaining money back into his safe and closed the heavy, steel door.
“Who is it?” he barked.
“Mr. Moore?” Hannah chirped. “Mr. Burt Stanford is here to see you.”
Frederick’s mind reeled. What in God’s name …? He straightened his desk, then called for Hannah. “See him through.”
A minute later, Burt stood in front of Frederick, briefcase in hand.
“Why, Burt, this is an unexpected visit.” Frederick graciously stuck out his hand. He felt the weak handshake from his uncle-in-law, and it gave him a feeling of foreboding. “Coming all the way from Clermont City, or do you have business in San Francisco?”
“I’ll get right to the matter.” Burt brought his briefcase in front of him and held the handle with both hands.
Frederick didn’t like the way he was coming off. Something was up. “Please do.”
“My niece has informed me of your infidelity, and she has asked me to start divorce proceedings.”
Without flinching, Frederick made no reply.
“She has witnesses,” Burt continued, “your very employees. I will be asking for their depositions in the next few days.”
“I have nothing to hide. I’m surprised you would believe some employee and not a member of your own family.”
“I’ve also investigated your dealings with the bank.”
Frederick could feel the beads of sweat forming below his nose. He swept a finger across his lip and kept his composure.
“I discussed the matter with one of the bank’s owners, in fact.”
“I’ve done nothing wrong.” He kept his nerves under wraps.
“Frederick, the bank’s manager, Mr. Harding, has proof of your illegal transactions. How long did you think you could turn a profit for yourself using bank customers’ money?” Burt’s voice rose as he spoke.
“How dare you come to my home and disrespect me!” Frederick went around to his desk. He planted both hands on the polished wood top and leaned forward. Burt’s face was a reflection of his rage. He slowly sat and relaxed his shoulders. He could not allow himself to lose control. “Forgive my outburst. Talk of divorce is a serious matter, and I’m unprepared to deal with it. My wife tells me nothing. I haven’t heard from her in months. I’ve tried to reach out to her, but she will have nothing to do with me. Now you tell me she wants a divorce.”
Burt cleared his throat. “I am here at her request. Now, even if the bank’s efforts are a pointless pursuit, there will be questions you’ll have to answer. I’m willing to bet they’ll find more than you want them to.”
Frederick knew Burt was trying to unnerve him, but he was determined not to fall for this lawyer’s tactics. He said nothing, letting the man continue.
“I am willing to talk to the bank on your behalf as a champion for your integrity. There will be a price, however.”
“And what price is that?” Frederick demanded. “I suppose you want a cut of the. …” He bit back the rest of his words, regretting immediately his panicked indiscretion.
“Just as I thought.” Burt laid his briefcase on the desk and opened it. He handed the papers to Frederick. “I don’t need your dirty money, Frederick, but my niece requests a divorce. Sign these and the matter will be taken care of at the bank, and Jessica and her family will begin the proceedings to be free of you. I might add that you are to offer the bank your immediate resignation.”
Frederick snatched the papers from Burt’s hand. After reading the agreement for divorce, he laughed bitterly. “She has no proof.” He handed the document to Burt.
“The judge will decide that. There is also a matter of giving my niece a monetary settlement. Two thousand dollars should cover her time as your wife.”
“Two thousand dollars? Are you mad?” Frederick knew Burt was in uncharted waters. The law would provide nothing to her.
“Your unscrupulous work has certainly increased your wealth, but unless you wish to be shamefully run through the legal system because of it, I suggest you accept my offer. Then you may consort with whatever devils you wish.”
“This is bloody blackmail, and I won’t stand for any part of it. I ask you to leave now.” He stood and t
urned to his office window. Outside was a view of Jessica’s abandoned art studio. His thoughts went to the first time he had entered it after she left. He had found only her paint-stained apron draped over the pink chaise he had made love to her on. He recalled how he had lifted the apron gingerly, as if it might hurt him and, in fact, it had. His ego was pained—her arrow had hit its mark. Turning back to Burt, he spoke as if in a dream. “I suppose you wouldn’t believe me if I told you I loved her and still do.”
“Don’t be a fool.” Burt spoke with a softened tone. “Some of your clients have already talked to the bank’s investigators. They’re getting ready to raid your office and your home. Take my offer and I promise you, I will do what I can to prevent you from going to jail. I beg you, Frederick, my niece deserves none of this scandal.”
With his pride only slightly giving way to his greed, Frederick complied. “Very well. I agree to your terms and concede to a divorce, but only on the grounds that we were both unfaithful.” He waited for Burt’s fury.
“What are you saying?” Burt lashed out. “I’ve heard of revenge, but to concoct such a lie just to help yourself. My God, have you truly come to this?”
“Oh yes. I forgot how clever they were in keeping it from you and the rest of the family and how stupid you all were for not suspecting. My how families keep secrets, some of which they are not even aware of.” He made sure Burt was as uncomfortable as he could make him.
“Talk sense, man.”
“I will leave it at this. Your niece has long had an affair of the heart, and I have a document from one Doctor Grant that proves they consummated their relationship during our marriage. Why should I take the full burden of a scandal while she also betrayed me?” His anger rose from the thought of his wife with Burt’s son, and he mentally ripped her apron apart.
“I don’t believe you. Doctor Grant assisted her after the miscarriage. I thought she might have informed you of this. Are you saying the child was not yours?”
Deciding to spare himself the complication this would bring to his own affairs, Frederick changed his tactic. He’d get his revenge some other time. “Being the gentleman that I am, I will not discuss the matter with you further. I will say this, however. My secret is worth more than two thousand.”
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