My God, it's almost as big as an egg! her mother had shrieked when she saw the ring, and Camille had danced about the room looking pleased as her father laughed. Aren't you a wicked girl, her mother laughed too, and you're going to be so rich, Camille! She cast a reproachful glance at Orville, who chose not to respond to her this time. He was too pleased about Camille.
I know I am. And Jeremiah is going to build me a beautiful house, with everything most modern in it, and everything? want! She sounded nine years old and her mother knit her brows.
What a spoiled girl you're going to be, Camille.
I know. And the only shadow that crossed her face was the prospect of having a child, but maybe that would be a small price to pay. She was going to talk to her mother about that, and ask if there was anything she could do to put it off for a while, she had heard women talk about that, but she didn't want to mention it now. There was still time before her wedding night.
Do you know how lucky you are?
Yes. And then she scampered off as the maid came to tell her that Jeremiah was downstairs.
His two weeks in Atlanta felt almost like a dream, parties and picnics and presents and announcements, and stolen kisses with his hands around her tiny waist. He could hardly wait to bring her home, and it tore at his heart to kiss her good-bye this time. He could hardly wait to bring her back with him. But he had a lot to do first, land to buy, a house to build for his bride. He spent the entire trip back on the train making sketches of exactly what he had in mind, and before he ever returned to Napa this time, he spent three days in San Francisco looking at parcels of land and enormous lots, and then he went to several architects to have them start drawing up plans. And the morning he went home, he found exactly what he wanted for her. The lot itself was enormous, almost an entire square block on the southern edge of Nob Hill with a view all the way across the city, and as he squinted his eyes, he could imagine just what he wanted. It would be even grander than the Huntington or Crocker residences, that of Mark Hopkins, or even the Tobins. And when he went to the architect's office later that morning and described it, he laughed when the man said that within two years he would have just exactly what he wanted.
Not quite, my friend. The architect looked puzzled as Jeremiah smiled at him. I had a little less than two years in mind.
One? The man blanched and Jeremiah's grin widened. He didn't know Jeremiah Thurston ' or Camille Beauchamp for that matter. Jeremiah could easily imagine her being just as exacting as he was, when she grew up a little, and got used to being Mrs. Thurston, and he wasn't far wrong.
I was thinking more like four months, maybe five.
The man almost gagged and Jeremiah laughed. You're not serious?
I am. And with that he sat down at the man's desk and wrote a check for a staggering sum, but they were the best architects in the city and had been highly recommended to Jeremiah by his bankers. He handed the check to the architect, and explained that another like it would be delivered upon completion of the job, in four months, five at the most. It was a sum that no one would have argued with, and even helped to ease the time problem a little. With that amount of money behind them, they could hire an army to put up the house on the lot on Nob Hill, which later that day Jeremiah purchased with a single check. He was an easy man to deal with. And when he got on the boat for Napa at twilight, he was pleased with the day's business behind him. The architect himself would be coming to Napa in a week's time to show Jeremiah his drawings, and with any luck at all, they would be starting construction only days after that. Jeremiah didn't want to waste a moment, and he wanted the house finished when he brought his bride out from the East. He had already decided to honeymoon in New York after their December wedding, and then he would bring Camille home, to Napa, and their beautiful new house in San Francisco. They would live in the city during the winter months, and at the first hint of spring they would move to Napa until the end of the summer. It sounded like a perfect existence to Jeremiah, and when the architect appeared at the mines the following week, he thought that the drawings he presented were equally perfect. The man had correctly understood the importance of Jeremiah's project. He was a man in his mid forties, marrying for the first time, and his bride-to-be was a seventeen-year-old girl who fired his heart and his dreams and his soul. It was a house to which one would have brought a princess, a home in which to raise one's children, and which would withstand a dozen generations. It was a veritable palace, with a stained-glass dome gracing the central part of the house, over the main hall, and four beautiful little turrets at each corner. There were columns in front and a stern-looking fa+cade, extensive grounds and beautifully manicured gardens, an exquisite gate through which their carriages would pass and a high fence all around. It looked more like a country property than a city dwelling, which pleased Jeremiah immensely, and he was especially excited about the stained-glass dome. It would bring in shafts of brightly colored light and give the appearance of sunlight even on a dreary day. It was a gift he especially wanted to give Camille, to whom he wanted to give a lifetime of sunlight. In every way, the designs were perfect. The house managed to combine the rococo and the Victorian in a way that pleased the eye and satisfied Jeremiah's soul, and when the architect left to take the boat back to the city, Jeremiah sat back at his desk with a huge smile. He could hardly wait until Camille saw it. He could already imagine her strolling in the elegant gardens, or lounging in the lavish suite they had just discussed, with a huge master bedroom, a boudoir, and both a dressing and sitting room for her, and a handsome wood-paneled study for Jeremiah. There was to be a nursery on the same floor, with a sitting room, and a bedroom for the baby's nurse, and upstairs, six more large, airy bedrooms for the same purpose. Who knew how many children they might have? The drawing room downstairs was the largest the architect had ever designed, and there would be another smaller one, an enormous paneled library, a dining room, and a ballroom. The kitchens would be the most modern ever built in San Francisco, the servants' quarters enviable and extensive, the stables would even have filled Hubert with envy. The house had absolutely everything they could have wanted, and would boast wood-paneled rooms and handsome chandeliers, sweeping staircases and magnificent carpets. The architect assured Jeremiah that his staff would begin searching out these treasures now, and cabinetmakers and carpenters would be put to work at once, even before the house was complete. And from now on, Jeremiah would come into the city once a week, to observe the work on the site, and to look over their progress. It was a mammoth project for all concerned, and Jeremiah wondered constantly if it would be ready in time, as letters rained in from Camille, talking of all her preparations for the wedding. The fabric for the dress had been bought in New Orleans and had been woven in Paris, and she wouldn't tell him more than that, but she could hardly wait, and she was as excited about her trousseau as he about their house, about which he said very little to her. He had told her only that he thought they should have a house in San Francisco, he didn't tell her that he was building the largest and finest home the city had ever seen, and that each day crowds stood gaping as the work went forward with vast crews of men attempting to meet his deadline. He had even sent some of the men from the mines to assist them, and on weekends he was offering huge bonuses to those who would work in the city on the construction site.
And at the same time he was doing everything he could to refurbish the house in St. Helena. He had never noticed before how shabby his bedroom had gotten in nineteen years, and suddenly he realized how barren and empty the house was. He went on massive buying sprees, both in Napa and San Francisco, and had Hannah making curtains for every room. If he was going to bring Camille to Napa, it was going to be pretty. She was a young girl and needed light, airy, cheerful surroundings. He had fresh gardens planted outside the house, had some of his men paint the house, and by the end of October, it looked like a new home, and he was surprised himself at how pretty it was. Only Hannah seemed annoyed by the changes and she snarled at hi
m each time she saw him, until at last she fell silent and said nothing at all until Jeremiah could stand it no longer. He finally sat her down at the end of a long day, poured a cup of coffee for them both, and lit a cigar despite the inevitable protests.
All right now, old woman, now we're going to talk. I know you don't like the changes I've made, and I've been whipping everybody's ass for the last two months, but it looks lovely, and Camille is going to love it. What's more, you're going to love her, she's an enchanting child, he smiled, thinking of the letter he had received from her only that morning, and it seems to me that you've been nagging at me for I don't know how long to get married. And I am. So why are you so mad at me? She had refused several times now to come and see the beginnings of the house in the city. You can't be jealous of a seventeen-year-old girl. There's room for both of you in my life. She already knows about you, and she's excited to meet you, Hannah. He looked troubled, the old woman had really been giving him a bad time, especially in the last few weeks. What's wrong? Aren't you feeling well, or are you just angry at me for building a house outside Napa?
She smiled at that, there was some truth in that. I told you, you don't need another house. You're going to spoil that girl before she even gets here.
You're right. She's going to be an old man's darling.
She's a lucky girl. They were the first kind words Hannah had said to him in a month, and Jeremiah felt relief sweep over him. He had been genuinely worried about her, and worried too that she was going to be as disagreeable to Camille as she was being to him, and his fragile little bride from the South wouldn't have known what to make of the chilly reception.
I'm a lucky man, Hannah. His eyes met the old woman's, and she could see that he was happy. It was funny how his life had changed in the last six months ' funny ' but there was more to it than that. I've got a lot to be grateful for. His eyes were innocent as they bored into hers, and he saw something sad there. What's wrong?
She had to tell him the truth. No matter what she had promised. There were suddenly tears in her eyes as she looked at him. I don't know how to tell you this, Jeremiah.
What's wrong? A genuine rush of fear ran through him and he suddenly remembered the terror he had felt when they came to tell him that Jennie was dying of influenza. He had the same sinking feeling now as Hannah watched him.
It's Mary Ellen.
His heart stopped as a sudden portent of doom ran through him. Is she sick?
Hannah slowly shook her head. She's having a baby ' your baby. ' He felt as though someone had punched him, chasing every breath of air out of his body.
Oh no ' but she couldn't ' she wasn't '
I told her myself she was crazy when I saw her in Calistoga. She almost died with the last two young 'uns, and she's no young girl now. She made me swear not to tell you, Jeremiah.
He nodded, feeling sick for a moment and calculating backward. It must have happened in April, perhaps the last time he saw her. And he had the strange feeling that she had wanted it to happen. She had told him then that if he wanted children, she would have his baby. But she was crazy. The doctor had told her years before that she would die if she ever had another child. And why was she doing this now? ' Now? Without saying a word to Hannah, he suddenly pounded the kitchen table, as the old woman watched his eyes. And then suddenly he got to his feet and strode to the kitchen door.
What are you going to do?
I'm going to talk to her, if nothing else. She's a damn fool, and you're a bigger one if you thought I wouldn't do anything about it. He'd had enough of her stubborn stupid pride. She had been his woman for seven years, and the least he could do was help her now. But that was all he could do for her. There was no changing the fact that he was getting married. He wasn't willing to change that.
He walked outside and saddled up Big Joe, and he rode to Calistoga with a vengeance, arriving outside with a cloud of dust that startled her children, who stared at him wide-eyed as he marched inside. But the oldest called out to him, Ma's not home.
He returned to the familiar doorway, scowling. He could see that no one was home. Where is she?
She's working at the spa. She won't be home for a while yet.
He would have waited, but he wasn't in the mood, instead he grabbed Big Joe and rode toward the main street where the spa was. Damn woman. Everyone in town probably knew she was having his baby. He berated himself every step of the way for going to bed with her that night. He had never meant to, but she had been so heartbroken, and he had wanted her as he always did. But it was stupid ' stupid ' and he couldn't help wondering if one day Camille would find out about this illegitimate child. That worried him as he tied up Big Joe outside the spa, but in truth he was far more worried about Mary Ellen.
He found her behind a counter, carefully marking names down for appointments, her body hidden behind a desk. At least it wasn't overly hard work for a woman who was expecting a baby. She started when she saw him, and made as though to back away, but he reached out and grabbed her arm.
I want you to come outside with me right now. His eyes were blazing with worry and anger, and it irked him to realize how happy he was to see her. She looked prettier than ever, even more so now that she was a little frightened.
Jeremiah ' stop ' I' please ' She was afraid of making a scene, and she didn't want him to see her figure. She didn't realize yet that Hannah had told him, and she looked so distressed that a male attendant approached, ready to assault Jeremiah.
Want some help, Mary Ellen? He prepared his fists and she quickly declined the offer, imploring Jeremiah with her eyes to leave them.
Please ' it's better if you ' I don't want '
I don't care what you want. I will carry you out of here if I have to. Get up and walk out to the street with me, or I'll pick you up and do it for you.
She blushed purple, and looked despairingly around her, grabbing desperately at a shawl on the back of her chair, which she wove loosely about her, and followed him outside. The man who had been willing to protect her had promised to take over the desk in her absence, but she had promised not to be away long.
Jeremiah ' please ' He was pulling her across the street to a small clump of trees and a bench. I don't want to ' He almost shoved her onto the bench and turned to face her.
Never mind what you want. Why didn't you tell me?
Tell you what? She looked blank and then her face went pale.
I don't know what you mean. But her pallor and her obvious terror made her a liar.
You know perfectly well what I mean. He stared pointedly at her midsection and gently peeled away the shawl. There was no denying what he saw. She was six months pregnant. How could you not tell me, Mary Ellen?
She began to cry softly and dabbed at her eyes with a lace handkerchief he had given her long before, which made him feel even worse. Hannah told you ' she promised not to' . She began to sob, and he sat down and put his arms around her, for all the world to see. He had never been ashamed of Mary Ellen. He just hadn't wanted her as his wife, and that hadn't changed. None of it had, except that things were a good deal more complicated now, if she was having a baby.
Mary Ellen, what did you do, you foolish girl?
I wanted your baby if I couldn't have you ' I wanted ' But she couldn't go on as the sobs overwhelmed her.
It's so dangerous for you. And you knew that. He wondered if she thought he would marry her when he found out, but she was quick to deny that. She explained that she had just wanted his child, and she wanted nothing else from him. But that brought him to a quick boil too. I don't want to hear that nonsense anymore, Mary Ellen. I've heard too much of that from you, and I should have stopped listening years ago. You're going to stop working right now. Pride be damned. I'm taking care of you and this child, financially, since I can't in any other way. At least I can do that much for you, and if you don't like it, it's too bad. It's something I want to do for my child. Is that clear? She almost trembled at the ferocity of his words.
I have three other children to support, Jeremiah. She said it with quiet pride. And I've never failed them.
I don't want to hear anything more about it. He sat down again, with a worried look. It was a matter that wasn't resolved just with a little money. Have you seen the doctor, Mary Ellen? She nodded and her eyes sought his. It was obvious that she still loved him, and he tried not to feel all that he did as he looked at her. He had to think of Camille now. In two months they would be married ' before this baby was even born. Life really wasn't fair at times. Things might have been different if Mary Ellen had conceived his child before this. What did the doctor say?
That everything will be fine. Her voice was soft and gentle, and Jeremiah felt a shaft of guilt so acute that it was almost a physical pain in his chest as he looked at her.
I wish I believed that.
It's true. I survived the other three, didn't I?
Yes, but you were younger. This was a foolish thing to do.
No, it wasn't. There was a look of defiance on her face and it was obvious that she regretted nothing. It angered him again to see it.
What in hell made you do it? It was something he would never understand. It was a foolish thing to do, for a thousand different reasons.
It's all I have left, Jeremiah. ' Her voice was soft and sad and it tore at his heart to listen to her. You're gone now, and you'll never be back and I know it. You're marrying that girl, aren't you? He nodded, with a frown between his eyes, and she looked even more determined. Then I was right to do it.
You risked your life.
It's my life to do as I want with. She stood up and he thought that she had never been more beautiful. She had pride and guts and she had done just as she wanted ' not unlike what Camille would do ' but Camille had even more spunk and style than this woman, and he knew it. He didn't regret his choice now, seeing Mary Ellen again, but he regretted what she had chosen to do. It was going to make life difficult for them all, including the child, and he knew it. Sooner or later word would get out, and Camille would find out, and eventually his children would know. Napa was too small a county to allow for that kind of indiscretion without being discovered, and more than anything he didn't want to hurt his bride. Imagine if she heard about the birth of his bastard, a month after their wedding? He cringed at the pain it would inflict on her.
Thurston House (1983) Page 11
