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Chapter Text

Chapter One

Rionach had just fallen asleep an hour before; Posy and Aine’s arms were draped over her body. She was exhausted from her  first full day at the ranch. She embarrassed herself by nodding off at supper. Her head jerk drew the notice of the whole table. Nick jumped and immediately stood up with his napkin in his shirt.

 “Let’s get you to bed. Silas has the beds all made up downstairs.” 

He pulled out her chair and she could smell the bay he had hastily splashed on after his long day at the ranch. Heath and Sally had announced their engagement at dinner and the whole family was celebrating with Silas’s cake. It was the first night since the fashion gala that the whole family had been together.

“I am so sorry,” she exclaimed with red cheeks.

“Not on our account. You have been up all day and just got out of the hospital.” Nick brokered no opposition. The family shared knowing looks. 

The men stood up as Nick escorted her down the hall.

“I promised Aine and Posy they could sleep with me. I need to bathe them; they have played in the barn half the day.” she yawned as they walked slowly.

“Someone else can give them a bath. I will have the girls all cleaned up, but you, missy need your rest. I won’t take no for an answer.”

He looked at her with concern and affection. He smiled at her and mock-bowed.

“Thank you, Nick” and she made her way into the hastily created guest bedroom. 

He stood outside of her closed door for a moment. Her recoil of his touch on the train was still fresh from yesterday. She had moved away so suddenly she knocked over the bowl of fresh apples. They bounced through the rail car. He had worked a fourteen hour today on the ranch but she hadn't left his mind. He was glad his mother had taken care of her bedroom.

     The night before,Victoria had watched her slowly navigate the stairs and fall on the landing. Tears of pain and frustration had flowed from her eyes.  Victoria appeared at her       side and wordlessly helped the independent young Irish woman into bed, fully clothed.

     When morning came, a ranch hand appeared and moved two mattresses from the attic. Jarrod had helped her downstairs to breakfast slowly and deliberately. Victoria’s        small sitting parlor and sewing room was made into a bedroom. 

—--&------

Rionach blinked at the raised voices at the window. The sound disoriented her. She realized Heath and Sally were arguing. She carefully moved Posy from her side and Aine’s arm from her neck. The full moon was streaming in from outside. The window was open to the verandah. 

She was mortified; they were very close to the window sill and she could not close the window without being seen. Rionach backed up and put her pillow over her head. Their loud voices carried through the goose feathers.  She said a silent prayer as their very private conversation wafted into the room. She realized they had no idea she was there.

“Dang it Sally. Can you not let it be? Please just trust me. You said we was getting married no matter what—You changing your mind?”

“Heath! You are stubborn as a mule. Quit changin’ the subject. I am marrying you—-We just got engaged and now you are accusing me of changing my mind? It’s the timing I am questioning.”

“Just said I was ready to get hitched. Tired of waiting so long.”

She reached out for him in the dark of the verandah, “Are you sure it's just that? I know a man has his needs. That I understand.I don’t mind taking care of those—it would be my pleasure to—Arizona is on my mind too.  It’s the birth certificate and Posy that are stuck in my head. Jarrod and I agree, it could hurt her later on.”

“I am her Pa and I will sign the birth certificate. You can’t stop me doing that.”

Rionach’s head jolted up, “ I thought Sally was a widow. Why did Heath need to sign a birth certificate? And she mentions his needs? Oh my sweet Mother Mary. Those are for procreation and they aren’t married yet—----” 

“And you are her Pa. But why sign a birth certificate if you can just adopt her all legal at the wedding?”

He knew he sounded petulant but he couldn’t hide his frustration, “I am signing it and that ‘s all there is to it. Unless you don’t want me to be her Pa.”

“Damn you, Heath Barkley. Don’t be turning this around. I love you and you are Posy’s Pa. I will obey you in this. You are the only man in my life that ever kept his word. Ever. But I know you are hiding something from me.”

Rionach’s eyes flew open at Sally cursing. 

“Nope. I am signing it and leaving it in the safety deposit box. And I don’t want to talk about it again.”

She hmpfed in anger.  He tried to reach out for her and she pulled back.

“Now come on honey. We will adopt her at the wedding in front of the whole dadburn town. We’s having a church wedding. Just like I promised. That birth certificate ain’t coming out if I can shore help it.  Just want it all signed and legal just in case. Will do my will too with Jarrod.”

“What the hell? Blazes Heath!”

Rionach winced at the foul words.

“I like it when you use fiery words. Reminds me of what I am marrying.” and he pulled her to kiss.

She pushed him away, “I didn’t think of that. Heath, are you SICK? Is that what you are hiding? Having pains in your heart or gut? Headaches? Oh honey, I didn’t think you were feeling poorly. DId you see Dr. Merar? Or some fancy doctor in San Francisco? That’s when you got a wild hair.”

“Oh no, is Heath sick? He seems so strong and well.” and she said a prayer for his health.

He was glad it was dark. He felt the relief release from his body; her suspicions had been averted.

“Nah Sally, when I was in jail, I just kept thinking what if.  I am fit as a fiddle. I swear.” answering her in honesty. “ Yep, what if Sam Wills shows up and tries to take Posy.”

“You swear?” allowing him to hold her. She knew Heath would never lie to her.

“I swear. I am just protecting our future.” with another drawl to convince her.

She let out a deep sigh, “Ok but if you are pained or sick, you will promise to tell me.”

“Yep,” and he pulled her into a strong embrace and a deep kiss. She relaxed in his arms.

His body responded to her with a violent shake, “Well, Sally. I am pained right now. Like you said it’s been six months since we—----uh, sealed the deal.. I am a man of my word.”

“ Six months since?” Rionach was abashed at the implication.

She moaned as his hands roamed out of relief and all the emotions of the argument.  She moved her arms to give him better access.  He nibbled on her ear and she responded in kind.

Rionach couldn’t believe the sounds of pleasure coming from the couple and pulled the pillow down harder. She could still hear them. She squeezed her eyes tight not to watch the shadows on the wall.

“Honey after we are married, you need to toss these corsets. Can’t even get a good grip.”

“ His hands are in her corset? And she likes it?”   She shuddered thinking of the pinches and twists her bosom had taken at the hands of the Lord. Bruises inside and out.

“I can help that,” and she unlaced her bodice for him to continue his kisses and caresses.

“Heath,” she softly moaned, “I want you.”

“I want you too. It riles me up something special when you call my name—-That was a full moon in Arizona too. At least the ring is on your finger this time.”

“Yes, “ she said breathlessly, “Keep your hand right there.”

“You like that don’t ya? I liked looking at ya in the moon, bared-arsed and all.”

RIonach let out a gasp of surprise. She prayed they didn’t hear her.

Sally giggled and Heath chuckled as they shifted.

S’hhhhhhhh,” she moaned.

“That’s why I took ya last time in Arizona on the blanket. We was afraid of waking Posy. Remember?”

“How could I forget? The stars were moving with us.”

“Yep they was—--” he grunted, trying to get into a better position for himself. Still holding Sally as close as possible.

They bumped the wall and made more guttural sounds.

“ Sally seems to be enjoying this,” she couldn’t help but think. 

The memory of her painful groping and what she had to do—for food on the table for Aine had brought thoughts of becoming a nun to her mind.  The priest had dissuaded her, “Your mission is to raise Aine and maybe someday a family of your own.”

She had never given a second thought to the last of his admonitions.

Ireland was interrupted in her thoughts by a frustrated Heath, “Sally, are these bloomers tied on?’

Sally giggled and Rionach could hear the rustle of fabric.

“Oh yeah—” Heath said a bit too loudly, “I love ya, gal.”

Rionach’s cheeks flamed at the intimate event she was trapped to listen to.  

Posy sat up and immediately yelled out, “Pa? Pa?”

Sally and Heath immediately heard her voice and straightened themselves quickly. They looked around in disbelief and finally saw the open window.

Sally yelled, “Coming honey,” in a breathy response.

Heath grumbled, “Our bedroom door will have a lock in our new house.”

“Of course.” as she headed back inside.

Rionach pretended to be asleep with Aine as Sally entered the room. Posy lifted her arms up and Sally picked up her daughter.

“Let’s go. Rionach needs her sleep to get better.” and closed the door behind him.

Rionach let out a deep sigh as she heard Heath dousing himself in the horse trough and Sally’s steps in the hall.

The events outside her open window were burned in her mind and filled her sleep the rest of the night.

Chapter Text

Chapter Two

Rionach woke to the sun streaming into her room and she blinked in disorientation. It had been 3 am the last time she checked the clock on the nightstand. Victoria had brought down a beautiful porcelain clock for the room the day before. Silas had added fresh flowers in a crystal vase.  

She looked at the ornate clock to make sure she was not mistaken.  It was 12:00 pm. She had never slept this late in her whole life. Her limbs were sore and she tried to stretch out the muscle pain. Her fall on the steps on the day before had added another array of pain.

Rionach gingerly made it to the study; she had cleaned up and put on a fresh day dress. For the second night, she had fallen asleep in her clothes.  

She squeezed her eyes shut as the memory of Heath and Sally’s tryst at her window. It assaulted her senses and filled her dreams all night. She had tossed and turned, her mind replaying the unsolicited intrusion into her dear friends’ private lives. And unwanted thoughts——unhappy and foreign feelings about Nick Barkley pummeled her consciousness—---------and it terrified her. 

The door was open and Rionach peeked in, “Morning? I was checking on the children to see what I needed to do?”

Victoria stood up and offered her hand, “Please Rionach join us. The children are with Rosita in town; she had errands and was going to treat the girls to lunch. I hope that is ok.”

“Of course, Mrs. Victoria. You have been such a godsend to AIne.” and she hobbled slowly across the room. 

Audra patted the cushion next to her.

Sally pulled up a hassock and put Rionach’s foot on it without compunction.

“Oh you don’t have to milady.” trying not to stare at Sally and think of the night before.

“Yes I do. And I am plain ole Sally. No high falutin’ lady here.”

“That goes for all of us,” EJ piped up.

Audra giggled, “And we are all planning a wedding. We would love your joining us.”

Victoria smiled and touched  Rionach’s arm, “If you would like.”  

She had checked on the young girl several times during the morning and she was in a fretful sleep. Victoria’s maternal instincts were piqued, worried about her health and the extent of her painful past. 

She had even admonished Nick privately, “Son, I recognize the look of concern when you are around our guest.. She’s been through a lot with her injury and I suspect a life of maltreatment.  A wall is around that young heart and I suspect she protects herself and Aine at all costs. It is likely the only way she has survived. Healing takes time, son.”

He smiled and kissed his mother on the top of her head, “I know. The girl has been through a lot. I saw some things on the train here that stuck in my craw.  Mother—-I think that someone has put his hands on her. She’s awful skittish.”

“I have the same worries, Nicholas.”

“Don’t fret. I know about gentling horses.”

“She’s not one of your fillies but I get your point.”

“Yes ma'am, duchess. I will heed your advice.”

The ladies busily began talking about their weddings.  The conversations quickly went to their dresses. Rionach helpfully added several suggestions that stopped the ladies with awe.  

“I never thought of that.” Audra spoke up.

“I told you she was gifted,” Sally bragged with a big smile. 

EJ asked several more questions of her, “Will you design me a dress or at least, some suggestions for what I should ask for?”

Rionach blushed, unused to compliments but the admonition from Mistress LeClerc came to mind to “ never, ever reveal she designed dresses”.  

She bit her lip and the ladies noticed her hesitation.

“Please—--’ Audra begged and missed the look her mother gave her.

“Wel, since I am under your employ—--” she whispered.

Victoria startled her, “No! You are a family friend. You are not our servant. Yes, you will work with Sally but—---your wages are yours. You get your own earnings.”

“Yes ma'am”

The ladies looked around awkwardly and changed the subject.  

Rionach took a short intake of air and summoned her bravery, “You have been like family to me. I would love to sketch your dresses. Do you have a pad?’   thinking that no one would ever see her work outside of this room.

The ladies were visibly relieved and Victoria went to the desk for Nick and Heath’s drawing materials in the desk drawer.

Rionach began with Audra, who was the most anxious. Victoria rolled her eyes, knowing Audra had already contacted numerous dressmakers in San Francisco.

She asked Audra several questions and came up with a preliminary sketch. The ladies gasped.

“It’s perfect,” Audra exclaimed,

Rionach looked down and blushed. They all complimented her and were anxious for her to draw their dresses in her mind’s eye.

Sally looked at the dress with detail. She knew without a doubt why Mistress LeClerc kept the girl with her at all times and was devastated when she left. The drawings answered all the questions in her mind.

“The girl is a maestro with a pen and a needle it seems—-.”

The ladies spent the afternoon chatting and Rionach drew three exquisite dresses, perfectly matched to their individual personalities and figures. 

Dramatic and stunning for Audra. 

Elegant and sophisticated for Elisabeth Jane.

Coquettish and off-the-shoulder for Sally

She handed them their drawings, “If you will write down the suggestions I have for the patterns? It will be easier that way.”

Rionach articulated notes of possible materials, trims, threads and fabrics to the ladies. Drawing again made her happier than she even thought possible. They feverishly wrote notes on their drawings.

“Even if no one but my new friends see them—--”

—---------&---------.

Nick and Heath were in foul moods on the fence line.

“Get on it men, we will stay out here until midnight if we have to—” Heath yelled.

Nick narrowed his eyes at his younger brother and lowered his voice, “Put your stinger up. Good help is hard to find and they ain’t sloughing off.”

Heath glared back at him.

“Whoa boy, got a lot on my mind too. Will be glad when you get yourself married and you can get your huffing and puffing out like the good Lord intended–in the marriage bed. Since you ain't one for Big Annie’s since Sally came home.”

Heath’s face belied Nick’s words.

Nick roared in laughter and the men all turned around. He got control of himself and yelled at the men himself, “Get back to work. I laughed and did more work in thirty minutes than you cow pokes.  Get on it.”

He whispered to his red-faced brother, “That’s it. Ready for your stinger to taste that honey pot.”

Heath took a swing at Nick and missed. He caught himself on his heel and fell back, barely catching himself.

“Finish it yourself,” and he stalked off to Charger.

Nick chuckled and went back to work. Rionach crossed his mind and his bad humor came back to him in waves.

“Oh girl. I got it bad.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Three  A Week Later

“Heath? Are you sure you want to do this? As your lawyer and your brother, I advise against it. It could hurt Posy in the long run.”

“Jarrod, if you don’t want to do this, I will find another lawyer who will.” Heath growled at his older brother.

Sally bit her lip and looked at the man she loved.

“Jarrod, just let us sign. It will go into the Barkley safe deposit box. No one will ever know.” Sally spoke up, “Where do I sign?” looking down at the paper.

Jarrod pointed wordlessly and then had to make his case again, “I am your brother and attorney. We have told the whole town her father is dead. Before Posy was born.”

Sally spoke out impulsively , “He is.”

Heath frowned at her and grabbed the paper. He scribbled his name so hard it broke the tip of the pen.

“It says differently here.” His eyes dared Jarrod and Sally to speak again.

“We will have to have witnesses along with your will. I have Fred and Esther waiting in the sitting room to sign. Are you sure?”

Heath looked like he was going to hit Jarrod.

Sally squeezed her eyes not to cry. 

Her week had been miserable. In what should have been a happy time, wearing the beautiful opal ring on her hand and the town complimenting her right and left——she and Heath had quarreled each day. He and Nick had words and they weren’t working on the same crew. Jarrod had tried to dissuade him every day from this course of action to no avail. Heath had sworn Jarrod and Sally to secrecy. Victoria knew something was terribly wrong with Heath but neither he or Jarrod would talk about it. She hoped Sally would talk to her——“ the poor girl looks like a wounded deer” but she didn’t.

Sally had finally relented and agreed to sign the birth certificate. 

“ No one will ever see it. It is just in case.” He reminded her again.

“Fine. I love you Heath Barkley and I will do it for that reason and reason only. You are a jackass but you are mine.”

He laughed hard and squeezed her hand, “I could say the same but that might get me in more trouble.”

She widened her eyes in pretend anger but her laughter reached her eyes anyway.

“And we can get on with the wedding planning?”

“You coulda done that anyway.”

She started to argue again but stopped herself. It wasn’t worth it. His moods surely had to improve. She just couldn’t ignore the fear that Jarrod was right. This could hurt Posy but everything she knew in her heart knew he loved her daughter. If he would just tell her, “his why”.

Sally’s thoughts were jolted back with Jarrod opening the door.

“Thank you for waiting. The document is on the desk.” in a formal courtroom voice that betrayed his anger with Heath.

“No problem, Jarrod. Glad to help.”

“Please sign here that this is Heath’s signature; three places.”

Fred picked up the pen and went to sign. The tip was broken. Jarrod went to his desk to grab another one. Fred glanced over at The Last Will and Testament of Heath Thomson Barkley. He was relieved that it was as simple as a will. He worried when Jarrod asked him to witness and not let anyone know, the document was more sinister.

“This one. The Last Will and Testament of Sally Ann Barkley nee Jones.”

Fred signed and she gave him a sweet smile. He was confused about the moods in the room but respected them enough not to ask.

Jarrod hesitated but finally pulled the third paper of only one sheet out.

“Here, Fred.”

Fred’s eyes flashed surprise for a second, Mariposa Lou—Barkley? on a birth certificate. 

He signed quickly not wanting to embarrass anyone but found some disappointment welling up. “ Heath is her father and he waited this long to claim her? Shore don’t seem like the man who rode into Stockton four years before calling himself a bastard. He has a child? “

Jarrod took the pen and handed it to Esther. She already knew what was in the documents from typing them. And signed quickly and headed out the door. It wasn’t her business but she too felt disappointment in Heath. 

“ That sweet little girl is his? And he waited this long to marry her momma? I know no one is perfect but Mista Barkley should be better than this——“

Fred looked at Heath and Sally, “See ya at the wedding.”

“Yes you will,” Sally spoke up, “We are heading right now to the church to set a date. Miz Victoria and EJ are meeting us there. Nick is moving our new seamstress into the shop. Getting ready.” she spoke nervously.

“Good day,” and he tipped his hat at Sally. He didn’t make eye contact with Heath.

“I will take these to the bank.”

“Thank you, Jarrod. I know this pains you but I have my reasons.”

“I trust you do.” in a cold voice and he stopped himself before he reminded Heath once again that if the birth certificate ever came to light, Posy would be branded illegitimate just as he was. It was a moot point now.

“And you have the adoption papers for the wedding?” Heath glared.

“Yes. All they need is a date and your signatures. You sign the marriage license and then the adoption. All fair and legal that way.”

“Thank you, Jarrod,” Sally stood up wanting to get Heath out of the room before the brothers had words again.

Heath walked over hastily and Sally took his arm, “Heath, I am hungry. Do we have time to eat before we meet your mother?”

“Shore.” and he locked eyes with Jarrod once again, “Thank you.”

Jarrod simply nodded and began to shuffle the papers as they headed out.

He perused the papers again, “ What is my brother hiding? There is no way Posy is his. They would have come back married from Arizona. He wouldn’t have gone a second without giving his child his name. Not a damn minute. I know him that well. I would stake my life on it.”

Jarrod put the wills in his office safe and the birth certificate in his jacket pocket to take to the bank.

He thought back to his mother’s recounting of the trip to the horse sale. Tom Wills’s death.

Jarrod shut his door and went back to his private files.

“Yes here it is.”

He studied the deposition from the Arizona Territory, clearing Heath and declaring the shooting self-defense.

The document gave him no new answers at first but this time his eyes lit on the dates.

He took the birth certificate out of his pocket and looked at the date of Posy’s birth. 

Sally had told him she had no husband but claimed one for her ailing father when he took care of the sale of the farm and the purchase of the storefront. The old man had accepted the story of her widowhood and welcomed her back home. Sally was incredibly honest with him and he had no reason to doubt his new sister-in-law. 

The date of Tom Wills death——-the birthdate of Posy—-nine months.

“Well either Heath is the father——which I doubt with my whole being——-or?”

“But she could have been pregnant when she was run out of that town? Mother said the women were adamantly throwing her out. Said it was shameful how they treated her.”

“Or Tom Wills?”

“But he is dead. He can’t hurt them now. What in the hell does Heath know that we don’t? I am sure Sally has no idea what is going on in his head.”

He lit his cigar and looked out of his window. 

“Okay little brother. I am going to try to trust you on this. But it is hard as hell when it can backfire on ya.”

———-&———

Chapter Text

Chapter Four

“Oh Nick——it’s beautiful.” Rionach looked at the newly redecorated bedroom at the back of the shop. A large brass feather bed and a chiffonier, blanket chest and rocker filled the room. 

Nick looked at the rocker and found a loose spindle.

“I will fix that for ya. Came from the last foreman’s house and they had six kids. Pretty broke in.”

“I expect so,” she giggled with a rare youth in her voice, still looking around the room in awe.

“Mother set to it as soon as they got back from San Francisco. She and Audra made the curtains and the pillows. The kitchen is right this way.”

Rionach said another prayer of thanksgiving. Not only did she have a job with regular pay, she was sharing profits for the next two years for her naturalization. Victoria and Sally had redone the back of the shop into a bedroom for her and Aine to share. Sally was still going to stay at the rooming house until the wedding with Posy and then they would be at the big house after the wedding until Heath finished their home.

An oak ice chest box was under the counter and running water came from a shiny black pump. Sally had told her Heath had put those in first when she moved to Stockton.

Heath had surprised her; she had only been concerned with the fabric and sewing room at first. Jarrod had arranged for a water closet to be put in off the storefront for customers and her to use during the day. 

Brand new dishes from the mercantile were on the dry sink;  the stove had been sanded and repainted. There was even a geranium in the window. And table cloth on the round table with four mismatched chairs. She thought it was the loveliest home she had ever seen; it was hers.

She smiled at the bright red blooms and Nick came up behind her. He wanted to touch her so badly but his mother’s admonition wrecked his thoughts—-and “damn apples spilling all over the rail car and that look in her eyes.”

“Silas brought that over. Said you liked tending them on the sleeping porch.”

“Such a kind man. Nick, I have never had a plant of my own——that sounds so silly. But——“

“Rionach, nothing’s silly that brings that light to your eyes.” he blurted out with too much emotion.

She recoiled for a moment, looked him deeply in the eyes, and gave him a soft smile.

“Thank you. And I shall thank Silas too.”

Nick relaxed seeing that Rionach was trying to overcome what fear gutted her soul.

He changed the subject, “Mother arranged with Mrs Percy to bring eggs and milk to the house. She will stop by and make a schedule.”

“Oh Nick, your family has thought of everything.”

He gave her his signature grin, “We try ma’am. It’s important that you get a good start in Stockton. Now I am hungry. Those biscuits before dawn didn’t quite stick to my ribs. Let’s go grab a bite before we set up the account at the mercantile.”

“I am a bit hungry myself.” and she reached for his arm and patted it.

“Let me get my hat.”

He wanted to whoop with joy but he restrained himself.

“ Gentling is working. Now I just can’t mess it up.”

——-&——-

EJ came into town with Victoria to meet Reverend Stacy and plan the wedding with Sally. Heath was pushing for a quick date but the rest of the family reminded him of what that looked like.

She stopped by Jarrod’s office first and immediately recognized the look on her fiancé’s face.

Victoria did too. She smiled to herself, “ EJ is perfect for him——he isn’t going to get away with his secrets or brooding with her around.”

“Elisabeth, Jarrod, I am walking to the church. I have quite a bit on my mind. See you there——later?”

“Yes ma’am.”

She closed the door behind her and winked at Esther.

“ Yes, EJ is going to be quite the fire to my proper son, I believe. He needs it.” she smiled as she got back into the rig. She snickered  again thinking of the story on the way to town.

“How did you get the name EJ?” If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Well, when I was twelve. I wanted to be a writer and my teacher confided that women weren’t allowed to write under their own names many times ——-so if they wanted to be successful, a pen name was necessary.  George Eliot was really Mary Ann Evans. Silas Marner was written by a woman. I started writing all my essays and stories under the name EJ Washington. I submitted one to a magazine contest for——-boys. It won. As soon as my brothers found out, they never let me forget and now even my quite proper parents slip and call me EJ. Now my oldest sister, she was married at that time and tried to convince my family, I should be sent off to school for shameless behavior—-she sighs when she hears EJ. She corrects them every time, “Elisabeth Jane, please.” Now that I am an adult, we are quite close but when I was younger, I did everything I could to annoy her.”

Victoria laughed loudly, “I can’t wait for you to meet my sister Jane. Believe only half her stories of our childhood.”

EJ impulsively leaned over and hugged her future mother-in-law. Victoria teared up and returned the gesture. They chatted the rest of the way.

“Do you still write?”

EJ only looked away for a moment, “Yes. A ladies column for art in the city. I have published several national pieces on art in national magazines.”

“I would love to read them.” Assuming the hesitation was modesty.

“Of course, my mother and father bought every copy in the city. Even my sister claims that column.”

——-&——-

Reverend Stacy and Victoria sipped coffee by his cozy fireplace.

“Ephraim? Before everyone gets here——“

He sat his coffee down and looked over intently. She only used his first name when they were alone.

“Yes, Victoria.”

“Something is very wrong with Heath.”

“The wedding? Is he ill? Sally?”

“I don’t believe he is ill. And Sally is the best thing that ever happened to him. He dotes on little Posy and he will be the best father. They need each other. When she moved to Stockton, he confided the plan was to wait a year and then marry. Something happened in San Francisco with all the trouble and Rionach——I don’t think it had anything to do with that sweet child though. “

“Well, forgive my frankness. At his age——he may be, let us say, anxious to begin, uh wedded bliss.”

Victoria roared, “Oh Ephraim. You and I both were young once——-I would hope that was the case——“

He smiled, “But your no mother’s heart tells you something else is wrong.”

“You know me well,” she sighed, “He is at odds with Jarrod and Nick. He’s always been my most mumpish son—-with good cause of course. I get the feeling Jarrod knows but Nick doesn’t. He even asked me if I knew what was bothering Heath. Sally just looks hurt——-she loves him and will do anything to help——obviously he’s not listening to anyone but his gut.”

“One’s gut, as you said, might be just indigestion and not necessarily correct.”

“That’s my fear. Usually the three of the boys work through it. He’s not listening, it appears.”

“Well, this gives me something to ponder on when we visit in a few minutes.”

“I haven’t minced my words. A quick wedding causes tongues to wag. Sally has said as much herself and he won’t listen. We are here to set a date for the wedding.”

The bell rang and the housekeeper answered it.

“Reverend, your guests are here.”

“Bring my friends in. We have a wedding to plan.” and he looked knowingly at Victoria. 

He whispered, “I shall do my best.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Five

EJ pushed open the office door. Jarrod’s feet were propped on his desk. He was sipping a midday scotch and his cigar was perched in the corner of his mouth.

“Jarrod?”

He quickly put down the San Francisco newspaper that Esther had brought in.

“EJ? I thought you left with Mother.”

He sat up and put his cigar in the ash dish, “Everything ok?”

“Yes. You looked like——-uh I wanted a few minutes with you, alone.”

He smiled at her and kicked the door shut. He took her in his arms and kissed her firmly.

She pulled him by his vest lapels back to his desk. She sat upon his desk and gave him a languorous kiss. He moaned and allowed his hands to roam. She leaned into his touch. The bell on the front door jingled and promptly they pulled apart with regret.

“Mail!” the post boy announced to Esther.

“Thank you, Joey. And here is some coin for your effort.”

EJ straightened her clothing and checked her reflection in his large gold leaf mirror. He looked over her shoulder and kissed her one last time on the neck.

He took her hand to the overstuffed chair and walked behind his desk; both of them eying the door for Esther and the mail.

She wet her lips and he couldn’t help but groan, “Woman, you vex me.”

“I try,” she laughed.

He shook his head and chuckled. 

His eye caught the newspaper, “EJ? You need to see this. This political cartoon. Someone is quite perturbed with the senator. You will laugh at this. Adams is the artist. I would like to shake his hand.”

She was glad Jarrod was looking at the paper and not her face; he handed it over the desk. EJ acted like it was the first time she had seen it.

“That is so astute. It really is a good resemblance of him. Wearing a ladies dress in the new garment district?”

“I had quite the laugh. I do worry for the artist. The senator has quite a few friends in high places. I am surprised the editor allowed it.”

“If it sells papers, I assume he will.” she offered nonchalantly.

“They did endorse his rival last election. So the paper has a lead on using immigrants as labor in the new ready to wear factories. I bet Madame LeClerc’s face is in a pinch.”

“Jarrod,” EJ changed the subject, “What if I had some suspicions about Rionach?”

His head jerked up.

“Oh no, I phrased that wrong. We have surmised she was ill-used in Ireland and Madame LeClerc was going to prostitute her for the senator’s favor.”

“Yes. No doubt in my mind. Or Nick’s. He’s becoming quite besotted.”

“She’s lovely. One of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. And more so, because she has no inkling.”

“Mother said that Aine mentioned something about their mother. That Rionach was the spitting image of her. The priest had told the child. “Her beauty brought her great pain in the world.” was her exact words and “God forgave slaves for their masters.”. “Rionach needs to escape the manor before it was her pain too.” 

“Do you think the landowner was her father?”

“Very possible.”

“She wrote down no father on her naturalization papers.”

“Jarrod, I can’t show you my drawing because I am going to use it as a wedding dress. But I am sure Audra and Sally will show you——-she designed us all a dress. Has the pieces of a pattern penciled in already. Jarrod, they are the best I have ever seen. Hear me out. Do you think Rionach could be the secret behind all those beautiful dresses?”

“EJ, you are not only beautiful but brilliant. I think you are onto something. I just assumed she wanted Rionach for her beauty——but it always made me curious that she had to be in the same suite with her. The child too. Close to Madame LeClerc. Even on the way to San Francisco on the train. Like she didn’t want her out of her sight. That would make sense if the girl was her bread and butter. I assumed Aine was the hostage to keep Rionach submissive. You have lit upon something, my love.”

“It struck me how hesitant she was when Audra pressed her---------------said something awkward about not showing anyone. The girl has been beaten down by life and she still has that serf spirit of the olden days. I really didn’t know it existed until I met her——-it’s like slavery and being owned,”

“Yes. Most immigrants are chattel these days. And don’t get me started on the Chinese. We wouldn’t have the railroads without them—or the mines. “

Ideas ran through her mind, “ Maybe an article too? Try my hand at writing?”

Jarrod looked at her quizzically, “What is going through your pretty little head? “

“How much I love you and your family for what you are doing? For Rionach and the German lady and the Chinese maid. Settled them all in Stockton to new lives,” she quickly recovered.

He smiled and closed the newspaper, “We obviously have friends in the press rooms too. I hope they turn up the heat on the Senator and the whole lot of them.”

“Maybe they will.” she smiled.

“Let’s grab some lunch.”

“Will your mother miss me?”

“I will tell her I kidnapped you.”

“I put myself in your custody, Mr. Barkley.”

He winked.

———&——-

Nick and Rionach sat in a quiet booth at the Hotel Stockton.  

They had tried the cafe but there was a long line. He took her arm and allowed her to walk slowly down the boardwalk with only one crutch. 

“I am not dressed for such a fine place.”

“Honey, that yellow dress sets your hair off. You will be just fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes ma’am. Nick Barkley is proud to be your lunch date.”

He enjoyed the appreciative looks of the men at the cafe and then at the hotel. He smiled even wider with her holding tight to his arm.

“Table for two.”

Nick ordered the daily special for both of them.

“What do you want to drink?”

She pursed her lip and asked shyly, “Lemonade, if it’s not too much.”

He looked at her kindly, “Of course.”

Nick told her about growing up on the ranch and stories with his brothers. She was very relaxed and hung on every word.

“How about you, Ri?”

Her countenance changed and she looked down at her half-eaten potatoes.

“Well I know  a lot about these—-these spices would have been appreciated at the manor.” she looked at him with her large green eyes.

He looked at her seriously, “Didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s fine. Born in Ireland. As far back as anyone knows, our ancestors worked for the English. My mother died when Aine was two days old. We left two brothers in the churchyard with her.” she said matter-of-fact.

“You have done an excellent job raising her. She’s a special little girl.”

Rionach beamed, “I had help. Our parish priest and the nuns helped me while I worked. I went to the big house at thirteen. I took to sewing with the mistress’s sister. She was an artist with the needle. She sent me to school for womanly arts—-sewing. It didn’t work out for me but I sure learned a lot.The mistress died and all of the fine ladies went back to London. The master left and we heard he sold the rights to the land to his cousin. We were on our own for a few years. The new master came with his son——then his new wife, such a kind soul. We thought it would get better and then—-it didn’t. Aine and I were sent to work for Mistress LeClerc. You know the rest.”

He squeezed her hand for a second and then pulled it back as the waiter came back.

“Ri? I never heard the name before. I just get tongue-tangled saying it. No offense please.”

“It was my grandmother’s. Rionach Margaret O Sullivan. I am the same.” she laughed, “No offense taken.”

He noticed she didn’t have her father’s name. It made more sense now.

He felt like he needed to lighten the conversation, “Did you know you had four or five names before we found you?”

“Really?” 

And he told her the story of searching for her and listed the names.

She laughed, “Elowyn? She was my best friend when I was eight. Had to move away and work with a new family. We used to pick flowers in the fields and play in the stream. We would catch the master’s fish. It was stealing but we were hungry. They never caught us.”

“Elowyn and Ri? Quite a pair. I think we could have been fast friends.”

“I am glad you are my friend, Nick.  Elowyn would like you.”

“And I would like Miss Elowyn——and I really like her best friend.”

Rionach blushed but didn’t drop her eyes from his gaze.

“On the Barkley tab?” the waiter interrupted.

“Yep,” and Nick never blinked.

——-&——

“Can’t believe I have been in Wyoming almost two months. Finally heading back. First to Frisco to drop off this fool and then to Stockton. I got business to attend to for ya, Tom. I will make this right.”

——-&——-

The senator crumpled up the San Francisco newspaper; he spit on the cartoon and threw it in the trash.

“Damn you Barkleys. You started this. I will finish it.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Six

“There they are Audra—-in the alcove. Francie at the dress shop heard them talking. His wife stopped in for some new gloves—spill on the train? They are on their way to San Francisco.”

“Are you sure, Emily?’

“As sure as I can be. Look at his mustache. Perfectly waxed. His caveat? Straight from last month’s edition. And his wife—----French lace and seed pearls. Francie has to be right.”

Audra bit her lip and looked down at her large engagement ring. The folded paper was in her pocket. She patted it for reassurance.

“The magazine is printed in Philadelphia; they are on a railroad trip across the country to meet advertisers and look for new writers.”

“I bet it won’t hurt. He won’t think a thing about me. Just another reader, I am sure.”

“I will go with you for courage. Plus I want to get a better look at that hat. I think I could make one.”

“I just want his opinion on fabric.” She convinced herself.

Audra and her friend Emily went over to the private table at the Cattleman’s. It was reserved for their most prestigious guests.

The Godey’s looked up at the two beautiful young women. They looked at each other knowingly. They were quite used to women finding out who they were and such.

“Good Day, ladies? May we help you?’ Louis Godey asked.

“My name is Audra Barkley and this is my friend, Emily Wilkes. We have subscribed to your magazine for years—-before that we lived for our Mother’s copies. We are faithful readers“

Emily interrupted, “We have all the issues in our attic.”

Mrs. Godey, Martha replied, “Thank you for your patronage, dears.Your lovely choice of dresses belies your good taste and thus our magazine. ”

Louis cocked his head, “Any relation to Mr. Jarrod Barkley?’

Audra beamed, “Yes he is my eldest brother.”

“Fine man. Did me a good turn at a dinner party. Nate Springer’s home two years ago? Did he marry that lovely lady he was so enamored with? Blonde curls cascading down her back—lavender silk. Rosebud lips. Black beading—a sight to feast one’s eyes upon. “

His wife cleared her throat, “Uh hmmm.”

“Sorry, I digress. Beautiful women are my business but my heart belongs to my fair Martha. Fifteen years of wedded bliss.’

She patted his arm.

“My brother is engaged to Elisabeth Jane Washington. I don’t believe that was her. He’s always been quite mysterious about his ladies.” Audra demurred.

“Smart man,” he chuckled.

“The art critic? I read her column for ladies. I am not so sure our readers are ready for that but I wonder if she would write on let’s say——gardening? Always looking for good writers.”

Audra smiled, “I would send correspondence to my brother. Here or San Francisco. They are always together.”

“She must be a beauty.” Louis mused.

His wife shook her head at him as she would a child.

Audra stood a bit taller and swallowed, “I am to be married in the spring. I have saved pictures of dresses for years and visited some of the best dressmakers this year. But my friend, uh—-drew this for me. I have never seen such a thing and I fell in love with it. I was wondering if you would give me your opinion on fabrics and trim?’

“Of course my dear,” expecting a provincial design. Mrs. Godey frowned and handed it to her husband.

“Your friend did this?  I must meet her! Immediately!’ Louis bellowed, causing heads to turn.

Audra and Emily gasped at his voice.  His eyes were full of surprise and appreciation. He was looking over the drawing as if trying to memorize it.

“A virtuoso! Such finesse, a maestro! I must meet this gift from the gods.”

His wife smiled at them, “He is an artist himself and gets excited—-but I must admit, I have not seen such talent outside of Paris.”

“How old is she?”

“I would say 20?”

“Where did she study? Worth? Doucet? Redfern, Pingat? Paquin?’

“She didn’t go to school?” Audra whispered.

“I must meet her.”

Audra was mortified and the admonitions of Rionach to keep the drawing to herself stung her cheeks.  She went bright red and was feeling faint at her mistake.

She grabbed the drawing back, “I am sorry to have intruded. I won’t take any more of your time.”

She and her friend immediately ran out of the Cattleman’s.

The Godey’s exchanged looks of confusion, “We must find that artist. A small-town seamstress rivals Worth? I can see the spread.”

“Perfect, Louis. We can put a nail in that new magazine of Harper's. Harper’s Bazaar. Bah, still name too. Sounds like a shopkeep.” 

“At least we know she is connected to the Barkleys. Jarrod will help us, I am sure.”

—---&-----

Martha Godey took the maid aside, “Here is a tip for the fine job you have done in our rooms. I have one further question. Is there a new seamstress in town—-aside from the established one we have visited on Main Street? I have a personal need.”

“Yes ma'am. Miz Sally’s. She just got engaged to Heath Barkley. Has a new girl there too. Came back with them from San Francisco.”

“Thank you my dear. Could I ask you to take me there—-I will let the manager know of your helpfulness.”

The young maid couldn’t keep the pleasure off of her face, “Yes ma'am. In thirty minutes? I have two more rooms to do.”

“Take your time, child. I will be here. My husband is on an errand to see an old friend.”

The young maid backed out of the room.

Martha smiled coyly to herself, “He could never do this without me.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Seven

“Mr. Barkley, please? Louis Godey.” He handed Esther his card. Godey’s Ladies Book, Louis Godey, owner and editor

“Give me a moment please.”

Esther tapped on Jarrod’s door and he bid her to enter. She shut the door just in case her employer didn’t want to meet with the man without an appointment.

“You have a visitor.”

He took the card, “Send him in.” and he stacked the papers he was working on into a neat stack.

“Mr. Godey, Mr. Barkley will see you.”

Jarrod came around his desk and shook the man’s hand, “Louis? Good to see you. It’s been a couple of years. How’s Philadelphia?”

“Cold in the winter as usual. Headed to San Francisco for some meetings. Martha and I stayed over in Stockton last night. We will leave in the morning. Tiresome being on the train and always good to see friends.”

“Drink? Cigar?”

“Cigar sounds good.”

Jarrod led him to the humidor.

“I knew you would have the best.”

“A man who appreciates the finer things.’

“I understand congratulations are in order. Must be a beaut for you to settle down.”

The comment annoyed Jarrod but his guest didn’t notice. He found himself extolling her virtues.

“Elisabeth Jane is quite the catch, I agree. She is a gifted writer, an excellent conversationalist, keen intellect, and a kind lady. Thank you, Louis”

The thought crossed Jarrod’s mind that her independent suffragette colloquies rubbed off on him. 

Louis took a deep drag on his cigar, “Those are good too. Beauty fades.”

Jarrod changed the subject, “How did you hear of my engagement?”

“Your beauteous sister, Audra made my acquaintance at lunch. I did not realize how close your office was to the hotel. Kind of rustic compared to the fine city by the bay.”

“My family settled this valley. It is the center of our enterprises.”

“Ah yes, cattle and wine. I took a case home last time. I must remember to do that again.”

Jarrod’s nettle was raised and he did not offer a complementary case as he assumed the editor wanted.

“You mentioned Audra?”

“Yes. She showed my wife a drawing of her wedding gown and asked for our opinion.  Fabrics and such.”

Jarrod joked, “How much is this visit going to cost me? My dear sister has been planning her wedding since she could toddle.”

Louis laughed, “Great fashion does have its cost. I am interested in the drawing she brought.”

“Which one? Mother says she has a book of them. I have written checks to several such in San Francisco myself for her visits this year.”

Louis continued, “This one is in pencil and a family friend did it quite recently. I want to inquire of the patternmaker:”

Jarrod remembered what EJ had said about Rionach drawing them all dresses the first days back from the hospital.  She had said she was very humble and self-deprecating about her talents. She had made them promise to keep them to themselves as a lark. She planned on using the dress but with Sally cutting the pattern and her regular dressmaker to put it together. Rionach wanted no credit at all and to be kept in the dark.  EJ respected that.

He had a bad feeling about this line of questions, “Yes. A family friend. Why are you inquiring?”

“She has a gift. A rare one. I would like to sponsor her—a layout—promote her to the fashion houses. She is very continental in her designs and that is very popular among the Knickerbockers on the coast.”

“I will let her know. She is convalescing and does not take visitors yet. “

“Are you her attorney? I can make her a lot of money.”

“Thank you Louis. I will be in touch if she decides to look at the opportunity. As I said, she is not well.”

“ Can you give me her name and address? Where can I send her well wishes for her health?”

“I will pass them on.”

“Jarrod, at least her name? For an old friend.”

His mind went back to the days of the search, and he impulsively said, “Elowyn Bannister” as the back stairwell caught his eye.

Lying made Jarrod uncomfortable but this felt like a threat to Rionach. 

“Sounds foreign?”

“No, she is as American as you or I.”

—------&--------

Jarrod finished up some paperwork that was due at the courthouse and left it for Esther. He was doing his best to keep calm with Audra but the cigar and the scotch weren’t working. 

He blamed himself for Audra. He along with his brothers had spoiled her since she was born. Even Gene fell into his brother’s footsteps allowing his sister to rule the proverbial roost. Tom had been delighted to have a ‘little girl' and her uncommon beauty made it hard to say no to her. Their mother had been the only one to try to wrangle her impulsivity and honestly, selfishness.  Audra was an enigma to him, selfish and selfless were a heady mix. to the family. What she had inadvertently done to Rionach lay at his feet too.

He saddled up Jingo and headed to the ranch—-not quite set on what to say to Audra—and Rionach.

—---&------

Martha met Louis at the door with a drink and a smile.  

“I got a name but no more help from Jarrod Barkley.”  

“I don’t have a name but the maid found out that the Barkleys brought three immigrants here to naturalize. They also have a family member with a dressmaking shop. I went there but it was closed. One of them works there. She’s not sure who is what.”

“Thank you my love. You have been busy. Let me send a note with my interest and willingness to meet to the post office. Her name is Elowyn Bannister, though. Jarrod said she is American.”

“Hmmm, the maid said German, Irish and Chinese. That’s confusing.”

“It makes no sense to me at all! I am offering the world of fashion. Surely the child would want to listen.’

“You would think. You would think so.”

“I wonder what Jarrod seeks to gain by hiding the girl from the world.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Eight

Jarrod rode home; EJ greeted him at the door.

“My love, I am so glad you are home. Rionach collapsed at the shop. It seems she was trying to put something on a higher shelf.  Aine went for help. Sally and Heath brought her here. Dr. Merar and Nick are with her—-your Mother too.”

“Where is Aine?”

“Outside with Audra and Posy.I came in to meet you. I saw you across the field.”

Jarrod frowned and realized his ‘talk’ with Audra would have to wait.

“Let’s go see if we can be of help to my sister.” he said with worry.

“Outside sounds wonderful. Heath went out to take care of payroll and some of the tack that was delivered. Nick was going to do that when they brought her home.”

“Do you know any more, my love?” and he kissed her on the forehead.

“Sally and Heath yelled for help at the front door. Heath carried her in, unconscious and said the doc was on the way. Silas got Nick and he immediately ran inside. She was in the cutting room on the floor. Her head was bleeding. That’s all I heard. I took Aine and Posy outside to distract them. Audra took my place when I saw you.”

He stopped her at the French doors, “EJ, I promise I will explain later. You have my word. Can you tell me about the day last week when Rionach drew the dresses? Everything, you remember?”

She looked at him quizzically. He repeated his promise.

“It was her second day home from the hospital. She slept until after lunch. We were wedding planning in the study. The conversation turned to dresses. One thing led to another and she agreed to draw one for Audra. It was amazing.  Perfect for her. Then she did two more; one for me and one for Sally. Jarrod, they were what dreams were made of. I never saw someone with such a gift. She was really nervous doing it and yet it was magical—her face was full of joy in a way I had not seen before. Made us promise to keep them to ourselves. Show no one.  Sally told us to find the fabric——Rionach even estimated the yards and trim. We wrote down all the ideas on our drawings. Sally said she would cut the patterns. Rionach volunteered to stitch the dresses as her gift. But no one was to see them or know she did it.  Your mother was really concerned——mentioned Rionach’s pain in her eyes when she realized we were choosing her dresses. She really cares about the girl. Well, we all do.”

“EJ, one more question, do you think she was the one to design for Madame LeClerc?”

“Yes, ——yes, yes. The tucks and folds, the neckline—-I would think it’s quite possible. And that’s why she was so mad to find her?”

“It may be the case. And it seems my sister—-,” he frowned, " may have let the cat out of the bag. One of the most powerful men in the country saw the drawing and is looking for Rionach. He came to my office today—-“

Their conversation was interrupted by a running Posy yelling, “Home” and making Jarrod base.

“Safe!” and he picked up the giggling girl. 

Audra and Aine came running up to them.

“Jarrod?” Audra looked at him with concern.

“Little sister, it seems we need to take a walk.”

She simply nodded knowing the look on Jarrod’s face. The guilt had eaten away at her all afternoon.

Somehow he knows.

——-&——-

Nick sat by Rionach’s bed. He would touch her brow and push away errant curls as Dr. Merar straightened her crooked foot.

“Just another moment, Miss O’Sullivan. I wish I could give you laudanum but with the bump on your head—-it would be dangerous.”

Nick had given her quite a bit of whiskey to try to help; Rionach lost consciousness several times from the pain.

“There, there we do. Get some sleep young lady. You were hands down the bravest patient I ever had. Much better than these Barkley boys I patch up, “ he winked.

Rionach barely opened her eyes, “Lose foot?” she said in confusion.

“No, dear. I believe the carbolic acid treatments that saved your life may have weakened that bone. It broke. I have it in place as best I can. When the swelling goes down, I can cast it.”

Nick soothed her, “Go to sleep, Ri. You will feel better when you wake.”

She softly moaned and leaned into his touch. He noticed the gesture and left his hand there.

The click of the medical bag brought back his attention.

He stood up confident that Rionach was asleep.

“Nick, I need to cast it so she won’t walk on it again. A good long while. She’s stubborn like someone else I know. “

He ran his fingers through his hair, “I can see that. Is she going to be ok?”

“Yes. I am glad you brought her here. There is no way for her to rest at the shop with a child to take care of. I am worried about the bump on the head. It looks like the corner of a table but she took a hard knock. Rest rest rest.”

“Will make sure of it.” Victoria spoke up.

“I assume there is someone to watch her daughter?’

“Daughter? That’s her little sister.” Nick piped up still staring at the pale Rionach.

“Ok my mistake. I knew she was awful young. Iva heard it in town. I will tell her differently.”

Jarrod’s voice surprised them from the door, “Tell Iva of course. But don’t correct any rumors just yet. It might do well that some folks with their nose in her business think erroneously.  At least for a week or two. Keeping her underwraps for a bit longer.”

Nick’s head spun around, “She in danger ?”

“Not that I know of but I think it prudent that Rionach be a homebody until she gets well.”

Victoria and Nick both looked at Jarrod; they knew there was more to the story.

Howard nodded, “You are a prudent man, Jarrod. The town will hear no different from us.”

“Thank you, friend.”

“Keep an eye on her. Any changes, just send a hand. Sweet little lady. She has had a rough go of it. Those doctors in San Francisco performed a miracle saving her foot. In my day, they would have just amputated. But know, that part of the foot is damaged. It will always be a problem for her.”

“Yes sir.”

Chapter Text

Chapter NINE  Two Weeks Later

“Hey boss, I know you are good friends with Jarrod Barkley. His brother’s name came up in a Request for Information report. Both from the San Francisco office. Well, it seems twice this month.”

Phil Davis looked at the Pinkerton report with a frown, “Which brother?’

“Heath.”

“Is this a classified report?”

“Nah—-just a general request for information.”

Phil Davis reached out for it.

Louis Godey…magazine owner ... .Stockton dressmaker…Elowyn Bannister…Received note from her declining an interview with Godey… No courthouse or property records or church rolls… probably a pseudonym of Sally’s Sharp Needle store …maybe a new brand name…engaged to Heath Barkley…has a child…no criminal history…widow from Arizona…Mariposa Lou…no fabric store accounts under Elowyn Bannister… no exceptional information found on inquiry…CLOSED unless new information surfaces.

“Hmmmmmmmm—-did you say two requests this month?”

“Yep. Other one came up before this one. Deputized bounty hunter, prisoner transport guy for the marshals office. Sent in one on Heath. Paid for it in gold. Didn’t add it to marshals tab. That stuck out.Sam Wills.”

He handed it to Phil.

Heath Thomson Barkley…Strawberry…Civil War New Mexico? Thirteen?...prisoner of war…Leah Thomson…Tom Barkley…Jarrod Barkley filed full heir papers….witnessed by Victoria Barkley…stocks, bonds, ownership, banking accounts…horses, cattle, crops, mines, rentals…Frank Sawyer…Tom Wills…Mexico…Liberty Keane trial…Kyles…engaged to Sally Ann Jones…widow from Arizona…Mariposa Lou

Phil put the reports side-by-side, “I wonder what is going on? A ladies magazine editor and a marshal’s employee? Do you mind if I keep these?”

“I will get you a copy, sir.”

“Thank you,” and he waited until the door closed, “What the hell.”

He yelled for a clerk, “Get me a runner. I have a message to send.”

——-&——-

Rionach walked from the rose garden to her bedroom with her cane. It was a beautiful walking stick that Nick had carved her out and put a cord on it for her wrist. She looked at the smooth wood and smiled. Her cast had ribbons on it courtesy of Posy and Aine.  The cast had provided a sturdy support for her mottled foot. A deep sigh of gratitude escaped her. She could not believe how blessed she was——

She had been up and around for a week and a half. The doctor had cast the foot and stitched up the gash on her head. He diagnosed her with a concussion. 

Dr. Merar had told the Barkleys that she needed to rest and recuperate from the head injury and the foot break, “I think you got too ahead of yore self. That foot has to be cast and your head has to clear up—-a month or so this time.”

“But I just got to work at the shop. My own place. Sally has work for me to do.”

“The store will be there in a month and it’s fine if you do lap sewing for Sally.”

Victoria answered for her, “We will keep an eye on our guest, Howard. With three weddings this year, we have plenty to work on.”

Rionach smiled; Victoria seemed to know what to say to make her feel welcome and useful. 

“Let’s work on that beading.” Rionach said aloud.

She sat down on the couch and began some intricate stitches to affix small seed pearls to Sally’s dress bodice. She was lining the off the shoulder neckline with the tiny white gems. Victoria had found them at the Chinese market. 

“Here is some tea, ma’am” Silas brought in a small pot and cup for her, “This is fresh yarrow from the Chinese tea shop. Miz Young-Si Hua sent it for you.”

“Oh Silas. I can’t wait to thank her. She is doing so well in the tea and herb shop. Watching Mistress Gerta and running a shop for Mister Jarrod—— Thank you, Silas—-I will say it again. I can wait on myself.”

“No ma'am. You’s a guest in this house. I will be taking to yore help—-next month. “ he winked. 

She smiled knowing Silas understood her feelings. Raised in service on a manor——to sitting in a Barkley paneled room sipping tea.

“Anything else, Miss?”

“No but thank you again. I think you understand how hard this is for me—-“

“I do. But Miss Ri, the good Lord put you in some of the best hands I know for a reason. Trust. I wouldn’t be alive without Mista Tom and Miz Victoria.” He thought of Nick but didn’t dare mention him. He already suspected the Lord’s will for this couple.

She smiled at him, “I do thank the Lord for my life and Aine’s. But Silas, I suspect the Barkleys would not have such a beautiful life without you. You make this house a home and I see how they depend on you——from a servant to a servant, Silas you are gold.”

He stammered and swallowed—-he mouthed “thank you”. And closed the door behind him.

Rionach looked back down at Sally’s dress. The wedding was in a month. The Reverend, as they called him, had tried to convince Heath to wait three months. He halved it for six weeks.  The family seemed to relax and delve into the plans.

The only conflict she had witnessed  was that very day she had fallen—- Heath had insisted Sally and Posy move back to the ranch.” A hand would take her into the shop two days a week to check on Rionach” he had said. He said he wanted her to work on their house plans and rest before the wedding. Sally and Heath argued again but she packed a bag from the rooming house and did what he asked. Rionach thought that was kind but the rest of the family questioned his motives. Then she fell in the store—-and everyone was back on the ranch. Sally took some special orders and alterations to do at the ranch. 

Aine was a godsend with Posy——and now here they all were living in the mansion. Audra was waiting on her hand and foot; checking on her, bringing treats, complimenting her---it was almost too much for her to handle.

She tied off a thread and thought of the embraces she had glimpsed of Heath and Sally this week. They made her smile—-“They are going to be just fine.” she said aloud. 

And then the memory of the open window assaulted her senses again. It gave her that uncomfortable feeling in her stomach——-and to think she dreamed about it after the fall.

“Nick” she whispered his name again.

“This is like the girls in the quarters. Hammering on and on about a cute boy. Except I am here with a handsome man——and I am thinking of a uh, Mo mhuirnín dílis.   Faithful man——and I am ruined and beneath him. That doesn’t keep us from being friends. He cares for me, and he has proved himself honorable these past few months. I think as a cousin he sees me. That shall be enough and I shall hold him in my heart——and not embarrass myself. If he only knew what has been done to me——and for food. He would never understand.”

Rionach shivered and wiped a tear, “Lord Jesus, help me know my place.”

———&———

Chapter Text

Chapter Ten

Jarrod reluctantly knocked on EJ’s suite at The Palace. He had slept little, thinking about Heath and an upcoming case he couldn’t settle his reasoning on.

He had resolved to not put themselves into compromising situations before the wedding again—-three times at the ranch and once since they had been back to San Francisco, they had almost become lovers. Interruptions had been their only saving grace as their willpower faded and their strong passion tempted fate.

“ EJ, I don’t want to tell my child why the days didn’t add up with our anniversary.”

“I know Jarrod——but I have read a lot about such. There are ways.”

“Yes there is my love but sometimes those ways become fully-named heirs.”

She sighed and accepted his reasons—-they didn’t convince her as a ‘modern’ woman that they couldn’t indulge before the wedding. “They were engaged after all.”

He knocked again and no answer. He looked down at his pocket watch and he was five minutes early. He had sent a message earlier to set the time for 10:00 and she agreed. 

“I hope she didn’t go back to sleep.She knew I was coming.” He hmpfed thinking of the time he was wasting and all the work he left on his desk—just to keep his promise that he would keep her apprised of Rionach’s plight.

“The matter between Heath and Sally, “That was between brothers and I will go to Stockton and sort that one out—-at least I think I know what his mood is about.”

One more knock and he stormed down the hall to the elevator. 

The bus boy on his stool looked over at him, “Miss Washington?”

“Yes?’

“She left out earlier. I saw Mista Harv pick her up. I think she left a note at the desk.”

Jarrod should have been relieved at the news but it seemed to annoy him more. 

She should be where she is supposed to be when I call.  He recognized he was being churlish but it fed his irrationality, worried about Heath.

He scowled and walked to desk; the desk clerk handed him his note.

Had to run an errand. I will be back by 10, I promise, my love.  EJ

He crumpled up the note and threw it in the trash. A server walked by as he sat down in the lobby, “Coffee please.”

The seating area was bustling with travelers and guests busying themselves for the day. Jarrod wished he could take out his flask and add a drop or two to his coffee. He was worried about Heath and the Pinkerton report. “Why was a part time marshal bondsman investigating his brother?”

He checked his pocket watch—-again. It was 10:15. He sighed out loud.  The server refilled his coffee. Jarrod patted his vest wishing for a quiet moment to take the flask out. It didn’t happen.

His mind went to the new packet of exculpatory evidence that the judge had sent over yesterday afternoon for a trial he was working on——he had barely skimmed the contents for what it would mean for his client.

“If she isn't’ here in fifteen more minutes, I am leaving. I have a desk full of work and I don’t plan on spending the whole day in this lobby while EJ window shops or whatever the hell she is doing.”

“10:30!’ and he stood up, placing the coffee cup on the tray. He walked toward the door but stopped for a moment. His bladder was full of all of the three cups of coffee he downed while he was waiting. 

“I better find the water closet.”

One last look at the door and there she was.

EJ was getting out of the carriage, flushed and straightening her hair. Harvey was lecturing her it seemed and she shook her head vehemently.

Jarrod tried to read her lips but he was too far. They were definitely arguing by their posture. He backed up to the door frame and watched. Jarrod thought she looked like a scolded, yet defiant little girl. His curiosity was getting the best of him.

He walked from the side and caught her arm, “EJ, I was just heading out. Is something wrong?”

Guilt washed all over her face for the briefest moment and then she recovered.

“Oh my love. I apologize. Traffic and such. Let’s hurry up so you can catch me up.”

He deliberately walked slowly to annoy her.

“Everything alright with Harv?”

“Of course.” as she wondered what Jarrod had seen. 

Her beloved protector had been angry at her for taking a chance being seen at the House of LeClerc investigating.

“Are you sure?” Jarrod asked again knowing she was lying to him. He wanted to give her one more chance to come clean.

“Yes. You know he’s a stickler for time. Just the hour.”

“Where were you that Harv had to remind you of the time?”

She immediately realized her mistake. His tone was not that of her gentle, indulging fiancé. He was Jarrod Barkley attorney-at-law.

“Let’s talk upstairs.”

“Downstairs. I will get a private booth.”

He knew better than to go upstairs. Even as annoyed as he was with his fiancée, he knew they could easily end up in each other’s arms within minutes.

She nodded as he stopped a bellboy.

“Yes sir.” and he escorted them to one of the alcoves.

“This will do.” and he handed the boy a tip.

EJ was quiet as she scootched into the tufted, velvet cushion. Jarrod let her go in first and sat beside her.

“You haven’t said where you were.” he looked at her directly. She seemed to melt with his barely concealed angry eyes. He hated the look on her face and relented.

“It doesn’t matter, EJ. I have a little time and I want to keep my promise to let you know when something comes up it has.———“ and he paused, waiting with hope she would just tell him where she was. She didn’t .

He let an uncomfortable silence continue as he looked in her eyes thinking he was sincere. She felt like a child witness on the stand and her prideful anger rose. 

“Well?” she finally spoke up with curtness.

“I received a copy of a non-confidential report from Pinkerton. It was an informational inquiry into my family and not considered criminal or such. It was about Rionach.”

Her eyes widened, “Do tell.”

He told her all the details from memory.

“You remember I made up the name, Elowyn Bannister? Godey did a search into her——Pinkerton’s educated guess was that I was protecting Sally. Makes sense since she is a seamstress. The only thing that didn’t is that Godey got a note from ‘Elowyn’ declining the interview and she would see him on the east coast one day.”

As soon as he said it, he knew.

“You wrote the note?”

“Yes.” she said with defiance.

His posture stiffened.

“And you did not think to tell me? And I came all the way here this morning to update you? And you kept me waiting and argued with Harv on the street?”

“Spying on me?”

“Hardly! You were in plain sight.”

EJ fumed and he returned her stare.

“And why did you not tell me that you forged a note?”

“The way you lied to Louis Godey about Rionach’s name?”

He took a deep intake of breath and glared.

She didn’t back down, “I just as you did, believed it was the right thing to do to protect Rionach. It was the day she fell and broke the foot. I would have told you but everything happened. I just replied to a note that arrived at the ranch. It was addressed to Elowyn Bannister, the name you gave her.” she spat back.

“The name I told you about.”

“Well, I am telling you now. I don’t like your tone. It simply said she was busy. Thanked him for his offer of an interview. Audra’s dress was a private commission and not for public viewing until after the wedding. And she would see him someday on the east coast.”

He knew EJ had a spark of genius cunning but he wasn’t ready to admit it.

“Anything else in the report?” she asked.

He thought about the second report concerning Heath but did not disclose it. That is between brothers. 

“I think I told you everything. We just have to hope Godey leaves it be and doesn’t try to contact Sally. I am heading home in the next day or so. I will warn her.”

“Heading home? Is this new?”

“Some business has come up. Will be back in a day or so.” He said petulantly.

“Oh, fine.”

“I have to head back to work. I will have to work tonight the way my day is going. Where did you say you were earlier?’

“Some business came up.” She narrowed her eyes at him.

He recognized his own words thrown back at him and it infuriated him.

EJ stood up, “I need to head back upstairs unless you have any more questions, Mr. Barkley.”

“None, none at all.” He gritted his teeth.

She flounced away in a fury and he headed out the door. 

EJ held her tears until she made it upstairs; Jarrod lit up a cigar and briskly walked to the hack stand, cursing in his head.

“I can’t believe she is keeping secrets from me.”

“I think Jarrod is keeping something from me.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Eleven

Heath walked Sally into the Cattleman’s. She was wearing a new green dress and her hair was up in a half chignon. Her scent of rosewater was fresh and her cheeks were pink with flush. Heath had kissed her several times in the rig and he couldn’t help but pat her bottom in the shadows outside the door. 

“Fair play.” she whispered and pressed herself into him. He inadvertently moaned at the touch. The doorman noticed them outside and opened the door. They played off their little game and acted quite respectful.

The waiter looked at them expectantly, “Mr. Barkley? Table for two?’

He had to repeat himself twice before they composed an answer together, “Yes please,” they said in unison.

“One week little lady and —-----” he hissed into her ear.

She gave him an innocent smile and shrugged her shoulders, “Whatever do you mean, Heath?”

“I will show you, Miz Barkley—next week.”

Heath ordered wine for them and a plate of river oysters. 

“What’s the special, tonight?” he asked.

“Barkley beef, field peas and potatoes. Irma’s homemade rolls and New Orleaaaaans bread pudding.”

He looked at Sally and she nodded.

“Two of them, Johnny.”

“You got it Mista Barkley.Congrats on the big day next week. My mother is helping decorate the church.”

Sally smiled at him, “Miz Patty has been a big help to Miz Barkley. She was scrubbing windows on Saturday when I saw her. Said men didn’t notice that kinda thing that a church needs good light—-she was going inside to trim wicks after that.”

“Ma loves a good wedding.”

“Me too—--” Heath grinned, “To this lady. Thank your Mother from me too.  Didn’t ever go to a wedding in Strawberry. Went to a few with Audra since I moved to Stockton.  Seems like a lot of work. I will stick to showing up in my new suit.”

The couple leaned in and continued their private conversation about their new life: their house was close to completion, if Posy’s chipped tooth should be pulled or wait until it fell out on its own, Heath’s addition of two more breeding mares, and of course, the wedding plans.

Heath couldn’t help but look at her in adoration. She was so proud to be a respected seamstress with the church wedding she dreamed about. He knew quite well the feeling of being looked down upon for his past. 

“Heath? Heath? Did you hear a word I said? Reverend Stacy bought a new suit, just for our wedding!”

“Well, when the prettiest lady in town wants a church wedding, even the preacher cleans up for it,” he chuckled.

“Oh Heath——thank you for the wedding and waiting——and for adopting Posy. It’s everything I could ever want—-and bringing me into the best family I ever knew.”

“Yep, they are. And you shore are welcome. I am the lucky one. Sally, I can’t see myself settling down with any other gal but you. I swear. I think we are, as Audra says, star-crossed. I was meant to meet you on that stage. Durn it was hot and you warmed up this ole heart. Sorry it took my stubborn self three years to come back for ya. Convinced myself you had moved on.”

“You came back just when I needed you most,” as she lowered her voice, “And the way you took to Posy. Ya didn’t even flinch. I swear you took to being her Pa the moment you saw her.”

Heath’s face exploded in a tender smile, “Yep. I didn’t know what I was going to find. She’s da spitting image of you, my gal. Just had a powerful need to see you again. I had always wondered what woulda happened———and uh, here we are now bout to tie the knot.”

They held hands across the table and continued to whisper.

The man in the back corner watched them with eagle eyes. He had traded his black suit and hat for a blue plaid suit and caveat. He wore spectacles and beige kidskin gloves. He had let his whiskers grow and had the barber trim it up into the latest style; he cut several inches off his hair and used pomade. His time in the army intelligence during the war had given him valuable tips on making himself get lost in a crowd. It was especially useful in delivering prisoners on the run from bondsmen. He had chosen a traveling salesman persona tonight. 

“Barkley looked straight at me and never blinked an eye. Looked right through me.” he chucked to himself.

He pulled out the worn locket picture out of his jacket pocket and deeply sighed.

“Tom, I am going to figure out what they did to you. Ain’t no way you hurt a kid in the street or drew on Barkley. That ain’t the brother that raised me up to respect the law. They musta made ya lose your senses. A whore will do that to ya. But Barkley? You liked the boy. I will get answers and clear yore name. You weren’t a damn fool. This wedding may not be happening if I have my way—-if they don’t answer the questions with the answers I want. I can make a man talk and I know what to do with a woman. Gunned down in the street like a dog—-you deserved better than that.”

His thoughts were drawn back to Heath and Sally’s dinner. He was pulling out her chair and she was smiling brightly at him.  Heath laid money on the table and he took her arm out the door.

“Strutting like a peacock, ain't he? He could use to lose a few of those feathers. Gonna find out tomorrow what I can in town. Selling sewing notions I think. People tend to talk, ya know.”

——-&——-

Chapter Text

Chapter Twelve

Heath and Sally arrived at the ranch after several stops along the way home to “gaze at the moon,” as he would say. 

“ Next week can’t come soon enough.” he grumbled as they finally pulled apart to head to the mansion. Sally was a heady mix to his brain—--she longed for respectability and took in all her surroundings to become such. He understood her. Leah’s heart. And she would fight to the death for Posy to get a chance at life that she didn’t have—once again Leah.  And she seemed to long for the marriage bed as much as he did. The taste of passion they took in Arizona had whetted their appetites for their future. And to find a woman that accepted him as he was and if he admitted it, was right about most things—--and she didn’t take to nagging—she didn’t have to; her face told it straight to his heart. Leah once again. His mother would have approved of Sally. It comforted him that Victoria took to her from the start. He trusted her judgment above his own, he admitted to himself. 

He frowned as he saw Jarrod in the parlor. His oldest brother was sipping scotch with his arm upon the mantle. He was staring at the deer head across the room as if he had never seen it before—-

Heath kissed Sally, “Head on up and check on Posy. Better see why Jarrod is here. He’s not supposed to come home until the weekend. Something is up.”

He turned around; Sally realized Heath was right. He could read his brother well, she believed.

Jarrod walked over and kissed her cheek, “Good evening, lovely lady. Sally, you look quite fetching. You shall make a beautiful bride.”

Sally blushed and thanked him, “Did EJ come with you?”

A brief frown crossed his face that he quickly covered, “She will come with me next week. I have some business to attend to——“

Sally and Heath both noticed. They exchanged a  knowing look and Sally took a step toward the stairs.

She squeezed her soon-to-be brother-in-law’s hand and kissed his cheek, “I hope to see you at breakfast. I need to get upstairs and check on Posy. Good night.”

“Good night.” he smiled at her gently. 

Heath winked at her, “Go check on our girl. I am going to have whiskey with my brother.”

They watched her walk up the stairs and Heath started to walk to the study. He instinctively knew this conversation needed a quiet place.

Jarrod followed him to the office and closed the door behind him.

Heath poured a scotch and a whiskey, “Jarrod, I hope this isn’t about the birth certificate again. It’s all settled.”

“Is it Heath? You tell me. Why would Pinkerton get a request to investigate you? A Steven Samuel  Wills?”

Heath downed the drink and stared at the wall. Jarrod sipped on his drink, boring a hole in Heath’s back.

“What did he want to know about me?” still not turning around.

“General information, as far as I can tell.”

Heath quietly walked over and refilled his glass, “I have it under control.”

“You need to tell your face that.  Tom Wills, the man——“

“Yep. His brother. He heard I was in jail in San Francisco. We had a talk. Got interrupted. End of story.”

“Obviously not.”

Heath finished the second whiskey and stared into the fire. He did a sharp intake of air and lowered his head.

Jarrod deflated his anger and finished his drink. He softly walked over to the chair across from Heath. His younger brother’s head was in his hands, rubbing his brow. Jarrod allowed him time to compose his thoughts.

Ten minutes passed and no words were spoken. Heath looked up at Jarrod, “Wills——Tom. He wanted Sally bad. Tried to force his way into her hotel room. I was there to stop him. But after I went to my room for the night—----.I shoulda never left her.”

Jarrod looked at him expectantly to continue.

Heath swallowed loudly and Jarrod saw a glimmer of tears in his eyes. He looked away out of respect. Heath sniffed up hard and wiped his nose with his bandana.

“Tom threatened to kill me. Sally went to his house in exchange for my life. I found her there. Took her out. You know the rest from deposition.’

“Heath——as your brother and your attorney—-“

“We got interrupted at the jail; I don’t know ‘xactly what he wants. He left——went to Wyoming for prisoner bond——-“ he barely whispered.

“Heath? You know what I am asking.”

Heath threw his whiskey glass into the fireplace. It shattered into a heap of pieces.

“I said it once and I signed the birth certificate—-Posy is mine.”

“Understood Brother Heath.”

“Pinkerton report say anything about Posy?”

“Yes three-year-old child”

Heath swallowed again.

“Heath——we need to bring Nick in on this.”

He nodded slightly.

Jarrod put his hand on his shoulder, “Posy is my niece and Nick’s. Family. Period. We got this.”

“Thank you” in barely a whisper.

Chapter Text

Chapter Fourteen

“Adelia, now that bore and his priggish wife have gone back East, do tell—----what you have been up to? I saw your face when he talked about the dress design from the Barkley fiancee in Stockton. Surely you aren’t jealous of a backwater seamstress in a small town?”

She sipped on her brandy trying to avoid his eyes, “First of all the Godey’s are an asset. The advertising and publicity with their magazine will add to our coffers.  The ready-to-wear brand and the House of LeClerc are on a firm footing across the country now.”

“Adela, I signed the contract. I know that.  What are you up to?”

She sighed, “Do you remember that Irish girl and the waif I befriended in Britain?’

“Yes—-the one who caused the melee at the Gala? The Senator’s folly, as I like to say. When we had drinks the other night, he was still stewing over her. He wants his time with her in the worst way. I remember a droll servant girl—dressed in black and severe bun in England. Never saw her up close. I guess you fixed her up.”

“Yes. Country charm I guess. Men seem to want to breed her.  I made the scruffy duckling into a swan and the ungrateful wench left me in a dither. She did at least leave the green dress before she ran away. Stole my necklace, remember. That’s how disrespectful she was. I made her—--”

Her brother sipped on his drink,tired of his sister’s dramatics, “I read the police report. She was cleared of that and another of your ungrateful wenches stole it. You have the necklace back. She lost part of her foot from a ghastly rat bite in our, let’s say California’s holding pen. Now tell, what you are not telling me.”

She couldn’t bring herself to tell him that Rionach was the designer of her most successful line but she could add enough of the story for him to help her.

“Well, Louis Godey recognized my, MY design elements in Audra Barkley’s wedding dress. I have it on good authority from Pinkerton. Rionach gave my designs to “some Sally”, the fiancee of Heath Barkley. She may be selling them as we speak in Stockton or a competitor in San Francisco.Godey confirmed it was a shop in Stockton.”

Her brother sat up straighter, “Are you sure?’

“Yes. Pinkerton said the Barkleys sponsored her naturalization. She must have paid them back by pilfering my designs, yes that is what happened in my mind.”

“Well Sister Adelia, you may be right. My sources say the Barkleys are behind the editorial attacks on the garment district. I set a man in the newspaper copy room. Elisabeth Jane Washington’s man, Harvey was seen delivering the political cartoons. She is engaged to the oldest brother. It’s my assumption that Jarrod Barkley is using his fiancee’s driver as a go-between.”

Adelia looked stunned, “Those cartoons stir up the rabble and have caused a great deal of ill will for me. Intelligent people understand that immigrants should be grateful for any job they get. They are uneducated and dirty and speak foreign unintelligible tongues. Illiterate. The Senator says he is doing society a favor by clearing out the holding pens.”

“We know that and we agree. The question is, what do we do to stop this Sally Barkley and Jarrod Barkley? Wasn’t it Nick who acted uncouth and punched the Senator? Western hooligans? They may have money but they are definitely ill bred as most Americans. The only thing I like about this god-forsaken country is the gold. We seem to be short that in England.”

The brother and sister stared into the fireplace, both lost in their thoughts of revenge.

—----&-----

Jarrod stared into the upholstered seat ahead of him. The train whistle barely registered in his brain. His mind was racing with thoughts of EJ and Heath.  He thought back to the conversation after breakfast as he headed back to San Francisco.

Nick leaned on the corral fence as Heath fiddled with a bridle. 

“We will keep Sally and Posy close until the wedding next week.” Nick held out a carrot to the new mare.

“I will be back on Tuesday; hopefully, Pinkerton will have a location for Wills.”

Heath stared straight ahead. He pulled the leather cord so tight it broke. Jarrod wasn’t sure he had ever seen someone do that.

“Nick? How’s Rionach? She was getting around pretty well on the cast and cane.”

“She’s good——just can’t navigate the stairs real well.”

Jarrod chuckled, “You didn’t seem to mind helping——being the gentleman you are.”

Nick flashed his smile, “Mother raised me well.”

“I think there is no way Adelia and the Senator will get to her in Stockton. Has she said anything about why that woman wouldn’t let her go?”

Nick’s posture stiffened, “Hell no——-they better not show up here. I still owe the senator a few more licks.”

“EJ has a theory. I think she is right. The way Godey acted when Audra showed him the wedding gown drawing. EJ thinks Rionach is the real brains behind the fashion house.”

“Hmmmmm I know she can sew real good. And yep, she can draw. Ri would never brag or nothing. Them Brits beat the hell out of her spirit. EJ may be right. I have seen Sally’s wedding dress. It’s mighty fine.”

Heath’s head jerked up at the mention of Sally’s name. It was so violent it caught his brothers by surprise.

“Whoa there little brother——-didn’t mean nothing about the dress. She wasn’t in it or anything.”

Heath nodded back, “Naw that’s fine. We just need this wedding over and get back to work. And——-if Wills shows up, I will take care of him, once and for all.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Fourteen

“Adelia, now that bore and his priggish wife have gone back East, do tell—----what you have been up to? I saw your face when he talked about the dress design from the Barkley fiancee in Stockton. Surely you aren’t jealous of a backwater seamstress in a small town?”

She sipped on her brandy trying to avoid his eyes, “First of all the Godey’s are an asset. The advertising and publicity with their magazine will add to our coffers.  The ready-to-wear brand and the House of LeClerc are on a firm footing across the country now.”

“Adela, I signed the contract. I know that.  What are you up to?”

She sighed, “Do you remember that Irish girl and the waif I befriended in Britain?’

“Yes—-the one who caused the melee at the Gala? The Senator’s folly, as I like to say. When we had drinks the other night, he was still stewing over her. He wants his time with her in the worst way. I remember a droll servant girl—dressed in black and severe bun in England. Never saw her up close. I guess you fixed her up.”

“Yes. Country charm I guess. Men seem to want to breed her.  I made the scruffy duckling into a swan and the ungrateful wench left me in a dither. She did at least leave the green dress before she ran away. Stole my necklace, remember. That’s how disrespectful she was. I made her—--”

Her brother sipped on his drink,tired of his sister’s dramatics, “I read the police report. She was cleared of that and another of your ungrateful wenches stole it. You have the necklace back. She lost part of her foot from a ghastly rat bite in our, let’s say California’s holding pen. Now tell, what you are not telling me.”

She couldn’t bring herself to tell him that Rionach was the designer of her most successful line but she could add enough of the story for him to help her.

“Well, Louis Godey recognized my, MY design elements in Audra Barkley’s wedding dress. I have it on good authority from Pinkerton. Rionach gave my designs to “some Sally”, the fiancee of Heath Barkley. She may be selling them as we speak in Stockton or a competitor in San Francisco.Godey confirmed it was a shop in Stockton.”

Her brother sat up straighter, “Are you sure?’

“Yes. Pinkerton said the Barkleys sponsored her naturalization. She must have paid them back by pilfering my designs, yes that is what happened in my mind.”

“Well Sister Adelia, you may be right. My sources say the Barkleys are behind the editorial attacks on the garment district. I set a man in the newspaper copy room. Elisabeth Jane Washington’s man, Harvey was seen delivering the political cartoons. She is engaged to the oldest brother. It’s my assumption that Jarrod Barkley is using his fiancee’s driver as a go-between.”

Adelia looked stunned, “Those cartoons stir up the rabble and have caused a great deal of ill will for me. Intelligent people understand that immigrants should be grateful for any job they get. They are uneducated and dirty and speak foreign unintelligible tongues. Illiterate. The Senator says he is doing society a favor by clearing out the holding pens.”

“We know that and we agree. The question is, what do we do to stop this Sally Barkley and Jarrod Barkley? Wasn’t it Nick who acted uncouth and punched the Senator? Western hooligans? They may have money but they are definitely ill bred as most Americans. The only thing I like about this god-forsaken country is the gold. We seem to be short that in England.”

The brother and sister stared into the fireplace, both lost in their thoughts of revenge.

—----&-----

Jarrod stared into the upholstered seat ahead of him. The train whistle barely registered in his brain. His mind was racing with thoughts of EJ and Heath.  He thought back to the conversation after breakfast as he headed back to San Francisco.

Nick leaned on the corral fence as Heath fiddled with a bridle. 

“We will keep Sally and Posy close until the wedding next week.” Nick held out a carrot to the new mare.

“I will be back on Tuesday; hopefully, Pinkerton will have a location for Wills.”

Heath stared straight ahead. He pulled the leather cord so tight it broke. Jarrod wasn’t sure he had ever seen someone do that.

“Nick? How’s Rionach? She was getting around pretty well on the cast and cane.”

“She’s good——just can’t navigate the stairs real well.”

Jarrod chuckled, “You didn’t seem to mind helping——being the gentleman you are.”

Nick flashed his smile, “Mother raised me well.”

“I think there is no way Adelia and the Senator will get to her in Stockton. Has she said anything about why that woman wouldn’t let her go?”

Nick’s posture stiffened, “Hell no——-they better not show up here. I still owe the senator a few more licks.”

“EJ has a theory. I think she is right. The way Godey acted when Audra showed him the wedding gown drawing. EJ thinks Rionach is the real brains behind the fashion house.”

“Hmmmmm I know she can sew real good. And yep, she can draw. Ri would never brag or nothing. Them Brits beat the hell out of her spirit. EJ may be right. I have seen Sally’s wedding dress. It’s mighty fine.”

Heath’s head jerked up at the mention of Sally’s name. It was so violent it caught his brothers by surprise.

“Whoa there little brother——-didn’t mean nothing about the dress. She wasn’t in it or anything.”

Heath nodded back, “Naw that’s fine. We just need this wedding over and get back to work. And——-if Wills shows up, I will take care of him, once and for all.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Fifteen

“Mother, don’t think me daft. I ran into a dear friend of Sally’s——he wants to surprise her at the wedding. He is a notions salesman. I looked through his button case at the mercantile.”

“That’s fine dear. Any friend of Sally’s is a friend of ours. Wait—-why would I think you daft?”

“I forgot to get his name.”

Victoria laughed, “If that is the worst thing that happens, Audra, this wedding is one for the ages.”

Audra smiled dreamily, “I can’t wait until my turn. I am next, you know. I already have some new ideas.”

Victoria rolled her eyes thinking of Sally. Flowers from local gardens, Rionach’s wedding creation, Silas’s cake and her veils and pearls——Heath got a new suit and bought Posy a Modoc basket to carry her flowers——barbecue at the ranch with all the ranchands——a simple church wedding.

Audra had pages of notes ranging from the cathedral in San Francisco to the ballroom of the Palace to an outdoor garden wedding for 500. Leaving in a regal carriage or the back of the train——a full course meal with pheasant and steak with silver and china—-engraved ink invitations with a monogram and calligraphy—-doves to be set free——

She chuckled at the last idea; Nick had liked the idea.” We can have a shooting contest. Place wagers on the kill count.” Audra had punched him in the arm. Heath added, “Nick, good idea. I have a five dollar gold piece on myself. Last time we went duck hunting—-I beat you by six. Eugene jumped in. “I will take you both on. Skeet shooting has become my hobby at school.” Audra hmpfed at them all and stormed out. Victoria just shook her head.

She sighed, “Audra, we will get that notebook of yours and make some definite plans—-and send the invitations to the printer the week after next. After Sally and Heath’s wedding.”

“I can’t wait Mother. I have dreamed of this my whole life. One thing is decided for sure——Rionach’s dress for me. There isn’t anything like it.I am still so sorry I broke my word and showed it to the Godey’s. I felt real bad. I am glad nothing came of it and she didn’t have to find out I ran my silly ole mouth; I don’t think Jarrod has ever scolded me so hard. I deserved it. But Nick? He didn’t speak for three days..”

Victoria sighed deeply, not wanting to talk about it further, “Good. I like the dress too, now back to Sally and Heath.”

“Yes ma'am”

——-&——-

“Don’t worry boss. I got it covered. Da Senator don’t need to know nuthin but I will get Barkley skeered off.”

“We don’t want a whiff of scandal; reelection is next year and the editor already is supporting the opposition.Keep the Senator out of it! ” his campaign manager made it clear.

“Yes sir.”

“Barkley needs to quit funding the editorial cartoons. Got somebody doing them for him and using that fiancée’s driver to deliver them. Our man inside said Adams was the last name. Once the paper stops harassing the garment district for them damn immigrants, they will get the factory going. Durn do-gooders picketing and asking questions. All over a dame. Then some Archbishop sticking his nose into the Irish. At least nobody sticking up for them yellow dog Chinese. Mines and railroads and laundry is all they are good for. Our good citizens know that.  They keep breeding like rabbits so at least we stopped the immigration of them.”

“I will take care of the Barkley problem.  My cousin knew that guy in San Quentin who killed his first wife—-was aiming for him.I got an idea. Just to scare the hell out of him and send him running back to Stockton.”

“You think he wouldn’t put his new lady in danger—-as a go-between.”

“You would think so but men like Barkley. They keep their head up their arse and think money will take care of all their problems. I will show him.”

They hushed as the door opened and a stenographer came in.

“I am relieving Joan. Out with influenza.”

“Work is on her desk,” and he dismissed EJ’s suffragette friend, Myra.

“Take care of the Senator’s problem.” He lowered his voice slightly.

“Will do, boss. I got Barkley.”

She didn’t even look up from her desk; she would take an early lunch and send a note to EJ. Myra knew when to keep her head down in a man’s world—-it was her secret weapon.

——-&——-

Jarrod knocked on EJ’s hotel room; he had his hat in his hand, a box of Ghirardelli chocolates and a mussy-tussie of cornflowers, red carnations and a single wild rose. He spent more time than he planned looking at the list at the counter of the flower shop.

“Well—-I will pick three red carnations for my heart aches for you——-then cornflowers “Be gentle with me” and then one of those, a wild rose. Pleasure and pain—-that will make her laugh.”

He knocked several times and she did not answer. He sighed and said a curse word.

“That’s just about right for our timing these days.”

He decided to leave the flowers and chocolate at her door. He checked his jacket pocket for a pencil to leave her a note—-quickly he scribbled, All my love, JTB

As he was leaving a maid passed him in the hall. She recognized him.

“I will put those in her room, Mr Barkley. I would hate for someone to take those purty gifts.”

“Thank you very much. Genie, isn’t it?”

She beamed that such a fine gentleman would recognize her.

Jarrod stepped into the door and put them on the entry table. 

“Here, here. There’s a letter slipped under the door.” Genie picked it up and laid it on the table.

It caught his eye. It was addressed to him.

“Let me see that please.”

Barkley——don’t hide behind a woman’s skirts. We know where she hangs them up each day. Walk away from the garment district and keep your nose back up the arse of your cows. Hate for you to lose another wife because of your high falutin’ ways.

He dropped the note as if it burned him. His eyes became steely and he stared into the dark hall.

“Bad news Mista Barkley. I can’t read but you shore look shaken.” as she picked up the note and folded

He stood silent for a few moments, still staring straight ahead.

Jarrod cleared his throat and finally spoke up, “Genie, go down to the concierge and find out where Miss Washington is. I am changing my plans; I will stay here until you return.”

“Yes sir”

Genie went for the door and bumped into EJ coming in.

“Thank God,” and he grabbed her firmly.

“Jarrod——what’s wrong? When did you get home?” Scared by the intensity of his emotions.

“Just let me hold you for a moment,” still running his hands through her hand and keeping her firmly in his arms.

Genie backed out and shut the door.

“Some folks have all the luck.” 

Chapter Text

Chapter Sixteen

Nick had the whole ranch on guard watching out for Wills. He was short-tempered and exhausted—several times he went out in the middle of the night and checked the fence lines; he threatened a young poke with firing for not noticing him coming up from behind.

It was two days before the wedding and the ladies were full of plans for the big day. Victoria was the only one who noticed the added security and men posted around the verandah. 

“So Nick? Your men have taken to cleaning their guns on the porch? Polishing boots? Braiding harness? Cleaning tack? Don’t we have space for that somewhere less conspicuous? Or is there something you and Heath need to tell me?”

He sheepishly looked at the ground; he could feel his mother’s eyes bore into him.

“Well—---” he hemmed and hawed.

“Well? Benjamin Franklin once said, “We won’t appreciate water until the well runs dry. Is there a problem with the water, Nick?”

He sighed; he had never been able to lie to his Mother. His Father and brothers, yes—but not Victoria.

“Let’s go out back where no one can hear.” and he offered her his arm. She took it and they walked out to the middle of her rose garden.

“I don’t ‘spect that Jarrod will mind me telling you but you are going to have to tread lightly with Heath. He’s mighty testy and—--me and Jarrod is worried about the boy.”

“I won’t cause any unnecessary hubbub but I would like to know why you three are at each other’s throats.”

“Mother, remember where Heath and Sally met up—the stage and Arizona?’

“Yes, quite well.”

“While we were in the San Francisco jail—-a man named Sam Wills showed up and had some words with Heath about his brother’s death.”

"Oh my—-that would make sense about his foul mood at the hotel.”

“Yep,” and he swallowed.

Victoria allowed him a moment to gather his thoughts; she knew him well.

“I have talked to Fred and gave him a description. He let the hotels know.  Should be easy to spot with long curls and he always wears black according to what Jarrod found out.And what we saw at the jail.”

“Good. think he will show up at the wedding?”

“Hope not.”

“What else are you not telling me?’

Nick pursed his lips and let out a deep whistling breath, “Posy”

“I see.”

“Heath signed a document. It’s in the safety deposit box at the bank. Sally signed it too. Jarrod and him tied up for a while but at  least we know why he did it.”

Victoria looked at him with her piercing eyes. 

“He signed that he is Posy’s father. He still plans on adopting her at the wedding but he wants it in writing just in case.”

“Nick, I was in Arizona. I know what happened.unless he is a magician. I testified for Heath at the inquisition. It was justifiable.” and she kept her opinions on Posy’s father to herself.

“Yes—--his brother wants answers and it seems that he blames Sally. He did a Pinkerton search about her and Heath—he knows about Posy.”

“Tom Wills was a lost soul. You know what he did to that poor boy, Lou—--and then shot his father down like a dog in the street. He never had a chance. Lou did recover—but he’s not the same and tries to run that small farm.I know Heath set up some money for him at the bank anonymously.”

Nick sighed, “Sam thinks Sally seduced his brother.”

“She did no such a thing. Did he read the depositions?”

“Yep. Has his memories of the old Tom Wills, his older brother who raised him up—-the one Heath knew years ago—- Anyhow, he let Heath know he wasn’t done with this—--we are all worried what he will think about Posy—and what he will do to Sally—--Heath is stirred up in a way that I have never seen before. That little girl is his—no matter who sired her. She’s Heath’s kid and Sally—-they’s was meant for each other.Can’t get them hitched soon enough.”

“Thank you Nick for telling me. I understand how hard that was.”

They walked back to the house silently and stopped at the door. Victoria kissed her middle son on the cheek, “Take care of them Nick. I am not sure our Heath can think clearly when the ones he loves are threatened—I guess none of us really can. But I trust you and Jarrod to get him through this.”

He squeezed his mother’s hand and looked past her through the open door.Rionach was on the settee sewing Posy’s dress. She smiled graciously at Nick.  He swallowed and blinked; he had barely seen her in three days since Jarrod had come home with the news about Pinkertons and Heath. He had spent every waking moment and most of his sleep fretting over his brother and his wedding.

Victoria recognized his look and urged him to talk to Rionach, “Go sit a spell. The men have it under control. Heath is upstairs, Posy is napping and Sally is too.”

He grinned, “Well, just for a minute.” and he took his hat off and walked in. Victoria excused herself and headed into the study.

He looked around and she was alone in the room—-he couldn’t decide where to sit in the middle of the day when anyone could walk in. He guarded her reputation seriously.

“Ri? Like the way you did your hair up.” and he decided to sit by her on the settee. She scooted over to make room and she didn’t seem to mind.

“Thank you. How are you doing? I know you have been so busy.”.

“Plum worn out but that’s no excuse for not visiting the sweetest girl I know.”

Heath and Sally stopped at the door; he rolled his eyes at Nick’s sentiment and made a nauseous face..

“Shhhhhh, let them be. Let’s go for our walk before Posy wakes up.” and they slipped out the other direction.

Nick smiled at her and winked. She beamed back at him shyly.  They were thinking of the last time they were alone three days ago and of holding hands in his room.  

Quietly, they looked at each other and Nick reached out for her small hand again. She took the thimble off and tied off a thread and gave her hand to him.  His thumb rubbed the top of her hand and he closed his eyes.His long legs stretched out in complete relaxation. She took the opportunity to stare at him closely. She tried to memorize each line, each crease of his tanned face.  His breathing evened and she realized he had fallen asleep—still holding her hand tightly. She smiled at him and softly put his hand down. She stood up and walked over and shut the door. 

Rionach folded her sewing carefully and replaced her thimble on the cushion.  She quietly reached over and took his hand again. She was proud of her bravery. She pushed the nagging fears away about Nick, Does he just want a mistress? Landowners don’t marry servants .

He opened one eye as she slipped her small hand back into his.

“That’s better.” he winked and closed his eyes with a smile, “Wake me up at about thirty after the hour— please ma’am. And don’t you be moving/”

“Yes sir,” she giggled as his breathing quickly went back to sleep.

“ How do men do that?”

Chapter Text

Chapter Seventeen

The guests filled in the brightly lit church with its clean windows and overflow of local flowers. Two polished candelabras were on each side of the altar. Miz Minnie had kept her promise to clean the church from bottom to top. A new coat of paint, a coat of wax and a new altar cloth from the mission aid society bedecked the sanctuary. Victoria did a last moment walk through with Reverend Stacy before the guests arrived.  

“Ephraim? I don’t believe I have ever seen the church so lovely.”

“Me either, Victoria. The town has taken a shine to Sally and so many people pitched in.”

“I laughed when the mission aid ladies began that embroidery circle. They said the clean windows and the new paint made the old cloth look worn.  I even added a few stitches myself.”

The Reverend grinned at his old friend, “Seems this wedding is good for all of us.’

Heath and his brothers stood outside greeting guests and joking to calm the groom’s nerves. He had been dressed since before dawn, checked twice on the rig for their honeymoon trip to Sacramento and made sure he made it to the church two hours early. He had himself walked the perimeters of the property checking on all the entrances and exits. He even walked over to the dance hall to see all the entrances and exits to the reception. Checked with Harry about any strangers to town— Nick walked quietly by his side, not saying a word. He made mental notes about the safety of the venue.

Nick made sure the ranch hands knew to look for Wills, “ Tall, dresses all in black, shiny silver six shooter with brass casing, long wavy curls, at least shoulder length.:

“Got it Mista Nick. We won’t let you down.”

—---&-----

EJ checked herself in the long cheval mirror brought into the vestry. She pinched each cheek and bit her lip for color. She hadn’t slept well since the night in San Francisco. The event was etched in her mind.

The note—Jarrod’s fury and tears all mixed in a way she would never forget—He scared her and endeared her at the same time with the depth of his emotions—-Packing up her clothes and going to another suite of rooms—-Jarrod staying on the divan all night with a gun on the bureau—going downtown with him to settle his office for the month–”I am not letting you out of my sight.”-----He purchased Harv a smaller sidearm and made EJ carry the derringer her father gave her in her beaded bag, “At all times”----and the strained train ride to Stockton for the wedding.

“EJ, no secrets.”

“No secrets, Jarrod”

Her stomach hurt at the words she spoke to calm him ; she didn't want to add to his grief over Beth and what that brought out in him. She would just stop the garment district cartoons and he would be none the wiser she decided. Myra’s note had said the Senator’s henchman, his man who would get his hands dirty for him—-had said he was taking care of Barkley–that they mentioned the missing Irish girl.

“It’s about Rionach–my drawings would only distress him more——none the wiser——Harv was relieved it was done once and for all. “No more editorial trips I promise.”

Audra’s voice brought her back from the torrent of thoughts keeping her uneasy. Even the wedding events couldn’t distract her from her conflicted emotions.

“ No matter what I decide It will be after the wedding.”

“EJ? EJ? Is something wrong? Are you ill? You seem a bit peaked?”

“Oh Audra, I am sorry. I am a bit under the weather,” and a thought came to her mind sure to quell Audra’s curiosity, “a malaise, you know,” and she lowered her voice, “monthlies,”

“I understand completely. Let me fix that button in the back—-it’s off a hook or two.”

“Thank you.” EJ closed her eyes and willed herself to get her mind back to Sally and Heath. They deserved her full attention——along with Jarrod.

———&——-

Nick had his hands full keeping Heath settled.  

“Only an hour to go and that little lady is all yours.” he handed Heath his flask.

Heath cut his blue eyes at him but took the flask. He only took a small sip. Eugene and Jarrod watched him carefully.

“Saw Posy a few minutes ago. Aine had her hands full keeping her outta the dirt.”

Heath let out a little smile, “She doesn’t abide church clothes much either.”

Jarrod chuckled, “Like her Pa.”

Heath relaxed for a moment and laughed, “I do appreciate you three, keeping me out of trouble. Once we get hitched and those adoption papers signed, Wills can’t do a thing. We got all our men looking for the varmint. He should be easy enough to spot.”

Jarrod pulled out his cigar and lit it. He hadn’t told his brothers about the threat from the Senator’s office and he didn’t plan to. Getting Heath married and Posy safe was his first aim today.  The added security for Wills had made him feel more secure for EJ and Rionach’s plight.  It struck him that all three women were in danger at the same time and all for different reasons.

Nick finally broke the uncomfortable silence, “I think I am going in to check on the ladies. Make sure Sally don’t come to her senses and run off.”

Heath gave him his sideways smirk, “Good Idea.”

——-&——-

Nick finally convinced Minnie to let him into the vestry.

“It ain’t proper Mista Nick.”

“I am not the groom.” and he snuck by giving the elderly lady a kiss on the cheek.

“Oh Mista Fix. You is a wily one. Two minutes and then you are out again.”

“Yes ma'am”

Aine and Posy grabbed him around the legs. Victoria came out with them and shook her head.

“Just checking on everyone. Heath is like a caged bear. Told him I would check on everyone.”

“Tell him, I am fine, Nick.” Sally called out from the back, “Come on in. We are all dressed.”

Nick walked slowly with each little girl hanging onto his legs. They giggled as they held on for dear life. 

“Feels like I got two fat ticks stuck on my legs. Better pull them off and pop them in a minute.”

They squealed and held on. Victoria looked on with a smile.

“I pray he becomes a father one day—-he was meant too.”

She followed him and the girls into the back bedroom. Her eyes drifted to Rionach. She was beaming at Nick. Nick returned her gaze with a wink and a smirk.

Audra let out a giggle at the obvious affection.

“Sally, you look plumb pretty. I came in to make sure you was still here to marry that oaf of a brother.”

“Yes. I am. Purely mercenary of course. Charity.”

“I figured.” and Nick kissed her on the cheek.

EJ fixed Sally’s veil and smoothed her lace.

“Ok Miz Minnie only gave me two minutes back here before she comes dragging me out. Aine, Posy. You mind your manners and I will personally see you get two pieces of cake.”

“Yes sir,” Aine giggled and crossed her arms; Posy parroted her, “Yessr, cake.”

The ladies all shook their heads at Nick with indulging smiles.

“Ri? Can I escort you inside?” and he proffered his arm.

“Yes please,” she whispered and blushed. She tried her best not to limp and leaned heavily on his arm. She picked up her cane and walked with him.

He walked her out of the dressing room and turned at the long hall to the church.

“Ri—-you look uh beautiful.”

She turned red and swallowed. No one had ever said such a thing to her.

“Thank you.”

He looked both ways down the hall and tipped up her chin.

“Ri? May I kiss you?”

She couldn’t answer but nodded yes.

He licked his lips for the briefest moment and kissed her lightly on the lips. She closed her eyes and shivered. He couldn’t help but grin at her response.

“Well Ri, thank you for a mighty fine kiss this fine day—-and don’t forget to save me a dance.”

She looked terrified.

He realized his mistake and held her hands,

“I got this. We will have a first dance for the ages. Trust me.”

“I do but——“ with a quiver in her voice.

“No buts little lady. Nick Barkley keeps his promises.”

Their conversation was interrupted by voices in the hall.

He cleared his throat and took her arm, “As I remember from last night, you are front pew with room for Posy after she walks down the aisle. Aine too.”

“Yes that’s the plan.”

“I got lots of plans.”Nick whispered as he led her to the pew.

“See you after they get hitched.”

She shook her head and weakly smiled. A dance? I have never danced——-and plans? Does he mean———?” 

She said a quick prayer and crossed herself.

“Please Father. Please.He doesn’t mean that—---------------------”

Chapter Text

Chapter Eighteen

“Do you Sally Ann, take thee Heath to be your lawful husband? To have and to hold in the name of God from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, to cherish and obey until death do you part.”

“I do,” as she locked eyes with Heath. He squeezed her hand and gave her a slight wink.

Heath spoke his vows softly——Sally whispered back several words unintelligible to the audience. He responded with a smile.

Several sighs from the ladies in the packed church were softly uttered. A couple of the ranch hands rolled their eyes and muttered to each other..

“Boy’s whooped.”

“Yep. Jelly legged with dat girl. But she’s shore pretty.”

“Heath got all the luck.” 

Several frowns from Miz Minnie silenced the whispers and she took her attention back to Reverend Stacy in the front.

“And now by the power vested in me as a minister of the gospel and the state of California, I now pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Heath, you may now kiss your bride.”

Heath swooped her back and kissed her soundly. The crowd broke into applause and laughter.

All except for the notions salesman in the back corner. His body tensed up as the minister spoke those final words, “Let no man put asunder.”

“Asunder——“ The word flew back at him and he flinched at the word..

“ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.” His father’s sermon terrified him.

His mind went back to a pew in Kansas. 

Tom reached down and clasped his trembling hands. The makeshift pews in the tent seemed to move under their father’s booming voice. He was bellowing to the overflow crowd about fire and brimstone and justice——-He squeezed his eyes and saw a yellow-eyed demon from a painting in one of the churches they preached at—-looking right at him. His bowels clenched at the thought, “Would they gush out if God was displeased?”. He felt he would soil himself and die. His eyes flew open and went back to the service. Tom gave him another reassuring pat, “Sam, it’s almost over. Then we get potluck. Stay strong little brother.” He simply nodded. He could face anyone, even their father and the demons, with his big brother by his side.

People standing up around him as the happy couple greeted people down the aisle as they exited the room. Sam barely stood in time and averted looking at the newly married Barkley’s.

He whispered under his breath, “Justice, justice for Tom.”

Little Posy got away from Aine and scampered out of the church after her parents. Heath felt her tug at his coat; he let out a big laugh.

“Couldn’t leave you out of our big day, could we?”

He picked up the child and took Sally by the arm, “Let’s get our family started right. Cake and signing papers.”

“Cake!” Posy yelled out and the crowd broke out in laughter again.

Nick came up behind them with Aine, “Yep two pieces if I remember right.”

“Yep, two!” Posy giggled and jumped into his arms.

They all walked outside to the town dance hall for the reception.

Sam Wills watched the couple leave and stared at the small child on Nick’s hip. He wanted to follow but the stomach cramps continued. He needed to find an outhouse.

He pushed through the throng of people exiting to the reception.

Audra came up beside him, “Sir, I hope you enjoyed the wedding.”

“I did.”

“The reception is right across the street. You are invited. Sally will be glad to see you.”

His stomach rumbled in his head, “I will head there in a few minutes, Miss Barkley.”

“Oh and forgive me, I didn’t get your name.”

His whole intestines were about to abrupt on him and he sputtered, “Sam, uh Wilson.”

He caught himself at the last moment, “I am sorry Miss Barkley but I must make my way out. Find a uh privy.”

“Oh of course. Behind the church to the left.”

“Thank you,” and he almost sprinted out the door.

———&———

Jarrod took EJ’s arm and they went out the door to the vestry.

“You look beautiful, my love.” as he rubbed his thumb across her cheek.

“And you counselor, look quite fetching. Yes, fetching, I might even be convinced to kiss you. Or let you kiss me.” EJ whispered provocatively. The dark circles under his eyes were noticeable  up close.

She reached out and brought his jacket lapels to her. His eyes darkened and he pushed her against the wall. They became lost in their kisses. He tried to pull away for propriety but she wouldn’t allow it. This was the first moment they had experienced passion since that terrible night at the hotel. He had barely kissed her since and only in a brotherly way.

“Jarrod, I love you——please let me help you. Don’t close me out.” in between kisses.

“EJ, I will protect you with my life——-“ kissing her ear lobes.

“Jarrod, I will heal you with my life.”  as she moved her neck for him to kiss.

“Motion, granted, my cherie.” he murmured.

She pulled him closer into another long kiss. They regretfully pulled back when they heard a door open. Quickly, they stood apart.

They pretended to be talking as Miz Minnie swept through the hall with a broom.

“Jarrod, Miss Washington,” she smiled as she passed them, “Some leaves fell off the ivy. Gotta get them cleaned up and over to the ‘ception.”

“May I help you, Miz Minnie?” EJ asked.

“Yep. Always need extra hands. Makes for light work.”

EJ took the older woman’s arm and they walked back into the church together. Jarrod smiled with pride. EJ’s ability to embrace all strata of people and make them feel comfortable and appreciated was one of the many things he loved about her. .

He turned and looked out the back window. He saw a man with a bright blue windowpane suit running to the outhouse. He chuckled for the moment then felt regret.

“Been in your shoes, sir. I hope you make it. When the gripe comes——“ and he did a mock bow to him.

“Poor man” 

And he walked back into the church to help the ladies.

Chapter Text

Chapter Nineteen

“Lord have mercy! You seen that little Irish tart up at the big house. Sews for Miz Sally. Prettiest little thing that I ever did see even with that hobbled-up leg. “

“I only seen her from afar. Saw a crutch once. Another time I seen a cane with that kid of hers. Don’t seem old enough to have one that big.”

“You know how them Irish breed.”

“Breed, ha ha ha. I could take on that task.” and the men added more crude comments as they loitered outside the reception waiting for it to begin.

“I wouldn’t mind getting to know her better——if you know what I mean.”

“I shore do.”

Bill, the assistant foreman came up behind them and spat into the dust.

“Iffn’ I was you, pokes, I would leave that young lady alone. First, it’s her little sister she is raisin’. Second, that foot is half gone from acid. Rat bites poisoned her blood. And they had to kill off part of the foot with acid.”

The seasoned ranch workers looked a bit green.

“And—----” he lowered his voice. HIs next comment was silenced by Nick’s booming voice coming across the street.

“Ready to dance them boots bare? Heath and Sally have planned up lots of food and dancing and all the pretty ladies in town are here. Don’t get stinking drunk and embarrass the ranch. I might have to fire your sorry asses.” Nick spoke to the men

“Yes sir, Mista Barkley. We hear ya loud and square.”

“Good deal. Have fun boys. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

The men watched Nick enter the hall and then spoke in low tones.

“I am going to find that little lady.”

“Not if I don’t beat ya to it,”

—----&------

Nick, Eugene and Jarrod witnessed the adoption papers in the judge’s office. They walked with Heath and Sally from the church two doors down.

“It’s the beginning of our new life, Heath,” Sally whispered.

“Yep. Making it all official.” as the judge pointed where to sign. He signed three copies. Sally took the pen with a soft smile and signed her name.

Jarrod and Nick added their witness to the document and the judge looked over the pages with his astute eye. Eugene watched the proceedings with concern.

“Jarrod? You know I have to ask. There are no familial barriers to this adoption? I know you are too sharp not to check for skeletons in the proverbial closet,” he commented as he checked all the initials.

The four of them exchanged a blanched look, glad that the judge was engrossed in the paperwork.

Jarrod cleared his throat in an attempt to clear his conscience.

“Yes sir. No assets. The farm was left to Sally by her father and sold free and clear with title in Arizona.”

“Good Good. Miz Sally?”

She jerked her head up in surprise. Heath put his hand on her arm.

“Sir?” She sputtered.

The judge looked up and frowned, “I am sorry, you missed a spot.”

She sighed in relief a bit too loudly and scribbled her initials.

The judge looked at her intently, “Is there something I should know?”

All three brothers seemed to hold their breath.

She wiped the tears out of her eyes, “Judge? What I say stays in this chamber?”

He looked surprised but nodded. Heath put his hand on hers and squeezed to dissuade her. He shook his head slightly in a no.

“I need to say something——-“

“You don’t have to say anything, you are my wife now.”

“I do. I want the judge to know the truth.”

Nick took a step toward his brother and Jarrod looked ready to pounce.

“Judge, Posy’s father is dead. I saw him die myself. He was going to kill an innocent man. I am shamed; I shall not pass that to my daughter. Heath Barkley is the only father I claim for my child. The only one she knows.”

The judge relaxed and smiled at her kindly and touched her cheek, “I understand ma’am and thank you for sharing. I understand fer sure. I do hereby proclaim,” and he picked up the document, “Mariposa Lou Barkley, daughter of Heath and Sally Barkley, with all the rights of a natural child.”

“Thank you, Judge.” She leaned over and kissed the gray-haired man on the cheek.

He reached up and touched his cheek, “Save me a dance young lady.”

“I will.”

The brothers collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

“I had to.” she whispered.

“I understand.” he whispered back

Jarrod was pleased with her honest words. In fact he surmised she had gained an ally with the powerful judge just in case there was trouble down the road. There was no mistaking her words came from the heart. And he chuckled knowing her time in the theatre. 

“ They were carefully chosen. I tip my hat to you, my new sister. You are discerning to say the least.”

Rosa and Jorge were waiting in the back alley in a ranch wagon. Sally and Heath kissed Posy on the cheek and reminded her to mind her elders and her manners. She was sticky from her piece of cake from Nick and the one hastily wrapped in a napkin.

“I will see you in three sleeps. Obey Aine and Rionach and your grandmother Victoria and Rosa and Silas—-“

Posy interrupted her, “I obey ever’body. Is Aine gonna sleep wif me?”

“Yes she is. I love you, baby girl.”

“I wuv you, Momma. Me love Pa Heef too.”

“I love you, girl. Now go on with Jorge and Rosy. Be a good girl.”

“Yes sir.”

Rosa distracted the child with a sack on the seat, “Look what I got you, chiquilla.” 

“Bye bye.” as she took a plum from the sack, “Yum——“

And they headed back to the ranch to keep the precocious little one during the reception.

———&———

Victoria, and Rionach rode over to the dance hall in the small rig. Silas drove them as they moved two flower arrangements to the buffet table. Rionach arranged a few stray flowers leaning on her cane as Victoria walked to the front entrance to begin  welcoming guests to the room

People from the town and the local farms and ranches were happily visiting with each other, filling the large room.  Food lined the buffet tables and several dessert tables were interspersed in between. The cake and champagne flutes were at the front of the room and the room was set up for a dance. 

“Silas everything is perfect.”

“That’s cause Miz Victoria, you planned it.”

She smiled at her longtime majordomo with love. She knew he had gone far beyond her requests down to every little detail. Her sons’ voices called her attention to the receiving line.

Jarrod and Nick entered from the boardwalk and began greeting guests. EJ nodded to him across the room as she visited with her parents. Fred had escorted them from the church.He winked back at her, smiling thinking of their earlier kisses. His own wedding couldn’t come soon enough for him.

Audra and Carl joined her family at the door welcoming the guests.

Sally and Heath had stopped for a moment at Jarrod’s office. She took off her long veil and re-pinned it. Heath watched her reflection in the mirror.  He was filled with love and lust——and relief at the adoption papers.

She pressed down the folds in her dress and took one last look.

“You look beautiful Mrs. Barkley.” as he took her hand.

“Heath, I just had to make the judge understand.”

“Sally, it was the truth and perfect. It settled his mind and really all of ours.”

“I am glad you understand.”

He kissed her firmly, “Let’s go. We got a marriage to start.”

“Yes sir,” she blushed.

———&———

The reception was lively. Heath and Sally cut their wedding cake and toasted each other with champagne. They had their first dance to the delight of the crowd. Sally danced with Jarrod next. Audra and Carl took their place next to Nick and Victoria, EJ danced with the youngest brother, Eugene.

“Nick? Is everything ok?”

“Oh yes, Mother. Just looking for someone.”

She smiled knowingly, “The roast beef table was my last vantage point.”

He scanned the corner and couldn’t spot her. The music ended and couples began to change partners.

Nick spied Aine and asked her to dance. The little girl grinned and took him up on his offer. Their smiles were identical, filling their whole countenance. He still kept looking around the room for Rionach to no avail.

The music ended and he kissed Aine’s hand, “Have you seen Ri?”

“In the kitchen.”

He frowned for a second, “Thank you Miss Aine.” and he headed back through the throng of people.

———-&———

Several songs passed as the bride and groom danced with family and well wishers. Champagne and wine flowed as well as the keg in the back of the dancehall.

Heath and Sally would make eye contact across the room and wink. The seemingly endless line of people wanting to dance crowded the room. Heath and Audra were dancing across the room; he saw Dr. Merar take Sally from McColl to the floor. He laughed.

“Heath? Can we get some more champagne? It’s really warm in here.”

“Of course, little sister.”  They made their way back to that line. Well wishers crowded his path and he spoke to each and every one of them. Audra spied the fashion editor of the San Francisco Chronicle and left Heath waiting in line.

“May I?” Sally spun to the tap on the shoulder.

A curly- headed man in a blue windowpane suit asked her to dance. He looked vaguely familiar.

“Steven Wilson. I am the new notions salesman from Singer. I sent you some samples last month? But I am not here to sell you something. Audra Barkley invited me.”

“Of course.” And she took his hand and let him move her across the room. She searched the room for Heath to no avail.

The salesman complimented the wedding and her unique wedding dress. She thanked him for the kind words and looked for Heath again. She couldn’t find him in the crowd. Another song began and he kept her in his grasp.

“If you don’t find me impertinent, can I ask how you and the fine Mr. Barkley met? I am a bit of a fop with love stories.”

She immediately felt uncomfortable but couldn’t discern any malice on his face.

“We have been friends for several years. My father passed away and I moved to Stockton and opened a dress shop.”

“And it is a lovely one. Where did you say you were from? Arizona? A Widow? Beautiful little girl.”

She immediately pulled away, “I didn’t say. Excuse me. I need to find my husband.”

“Of course, Mrs.Barkley. Best wishes on your new life.”

He pulled away and watched her walk away. 

She grabbed another flute of champagne and convinced herself she had overreacted. “Someone in town probably told him I was from Arizona. Quit chasing ghosts, Sally Ann.”

“She's definitely hiding something,” he muttered. Then the familiar growl of his stomach began and he quickly left the premises.

Nick passed him on the way out, still looking for Rionach. He couldn’t find her anywhere.

“Where the hell is she? She promised me a dance.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty

Nick went out the back alley and finally spotted Rionach. 

She was sitting on a barrel wearing an apron. Emilia was washing champagne glasses as they were brought out from the reception. A large tub was filled with vinegar and water. He could smell it from the door. 

Rionach was inspecting the glasses and carefully packing them in his mother’s wooden crate. It was lined with velvet. Two of his youngest ranch hands were drying the glasses and talking animatedly to the young women.

Nick stared at the scene. The beautiful aquamarine dress she had made over from one of Audra’s was a stark contrast to the bartender’s apron she now wore. Even he had heard the ladies making a fuss over Rionach’s dress. Audra’s pearl pins glimmered in her auburn curls piled on her head. One was askew on her forehead. He wanted to touch it and move it back into place as he had done sitting vigil by her bed so many nights.

The two young ropers were flirting away with the ladies.

Nick felt a rage of jealousy as one of them men put his hand on her knee as he handed her a glass.

“Boy! Get yore hand off the lady.” he bellowed.

His voice startled them all and Rionach dropped the glass.  Emilia quickly picked up the pieces as the men stood up quickly, their linen towels dropping to the ground.

They made their apologies to Nick but he glared at them.

“The ladies need the apology, now!”

“Yes sir.” and they quickly spoke up.

“Now you boys head back to the ranch.”

“Yes sir, Mr Barkley. We didn’t mean no harm.”

Nick didn’t acknowledge them. He was staring straight at Rionach. She had her eyes cast down and wouldn’t look at him.

The men helped Emilia put the crate in the buckboard and they all left.

Nick waited until they left and walked over to Rionach. He could see her teardrops on the apron.  

“Ri?”

She looked up at him with the tear brimmed eyes.

“I am sorry I yelled. Didn’t like them boys with their hand on you.”

She simply nodded and lowered her head.

He reached out for her and took her hand; he helped her off the barrel. She demured and didn’t say a word.

“Ri? Help me understand?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. You are our uh, squire.”

“Squire? What the hell? We fought a war to end that tripe.”

“I am sorry Nick. My old words just come out sometimes.  I just meant employer.”

“I am not your employer, Ri.”

“Nick, I am sorry I am angering you.”

“Ri———“ and he ran his fingers through his hair in complete frustration and confusion.

She nodded and they walked a few feet to a newell bench.

“Ri, I think we need to talk.”

She swallowed and looked down. A mistress. Plans? crossed her mind.

“Ri?”

“Yes sir?”

“Sir? What? My name is Nick Barkley. Nick just plain Nick.”

She nodded, still overwhelmed about becoming his mistress.

“What in the blazes, Ri? What happened? An hour or so ago we were enjoying our first kiss and planning our first dance. Then you disappear on me. I been looking everywhere for ya. Got to give me a little idea, missy.”

“Nick, there is much you do not know about me. We are very different but I do understand some things.”

He looked even more confused. He took her hand and it was trembling.

“I don’t understand Ri. I really don’t.”

“I am very thankful for the opportunity you have given me and Aine.  A home, a family to serve, school for Aine, clothes, food——everything I could want.I am completely beholden.”

“It’s our family’s pleasure.  But Ri, we don’t want your service. It’s a business deal for all of us. Run Sally’s shop and get naturalized then a partnership——Jarrod drew it all up. You signed it.”

“I know but——-“ mortified to explain her fear.

Nick sensed it and tipped her chin.

“Ri, tell me about yourself. Your life in Ireland. I want to understand.”

“There isn’t much to tell.  They say my mother was the most beautiful woman in the county.” she sighed, “I was thirteen when she died—-when Aine was born. I thought she was an angel. Long red curls and big green eyes. I once saw a painting in Paris that looked like her—ahhhh, I miss her very much”

He wanted to tell her she looked just like her description but he held back, worrying about her reception to a compliment. He knew her well enough that she did not take them well..

“Nick, have you ever been hungry? Like for uh months—--?  You find yourself eating moldy potatoes and spoilt fruit just to have it sit and rot in your gut.-------- I have and if it was just me, I could make it. But not Aine. I understand why my mother allowed the master——not that she had a choice but——he said he loved her----"

The picture of her early life became clearer.

“Your father?”

“We are fatherless. The priest said God is our father. Nick, my mother had no choices, if we were to eat. Aine, my two baby brothers in the cemetery——“ and she let out a little sob.

He put his arm around her.

“The owner of the manor, the Lord, considered us all his chattel. Any of the gentry could ill use us. It was their right.”

He cursed under his breath.

“Ri, it is not here in America. You are free to choose.”

She simply nodded

“Ri, did someone hurt you?”

He already knew the answer in his head but he knew she needed to say it.

“Yes” she barely whispered.

He pulled her close and let her cry. He could feel the wet on his cheek.

After a few minutes, she pulled away,

“Nick?” She closed her eyes and willed herself.

“Yes honey.”

“What did you mean about plans?” she barely whispered.

He put it all together what she thought——

“Oh Honey, plans. Plans for the future. To court you—-to squire you around—-that’s the only squire I am. Protect you. I care for you. I am hoping you feel the same?”

She started to look at him with hope, “Court?”

“Yep. I want to spend time with you. And——-“ he felt like he had to say it after all she had told him.

“I will be a perfect gentleman.  You can trust me.”

Her eyes lit up, “You expect nothing?”

“Only a second kiss, if you feel up to it?” He tried to lighten the moment.

Her eyes glistened brightly, “I may.”

He helped her stand up and untied the apron. He allowed his hands to graze on the nap of her neck. She shivered and he was glad she couldn’t see his smile.

He pulled her tight and just held her.

She pulled back finally and smoothed her dress down. Nick pulled out his handkerchief and handed it to her. She dabbed her eyes.

They joined arms but Nick didn’t take her inside. He led her to the empty lot by the dance hall. The windows were open and the music spilled out.

“May I?” he offered his hand.

“Nick? I have only danced a jig as a child——never a real dance.”

“Good for me. You won’t know if I am a bad dancer and all——“

He gently put his hands at his waist. She lifted up her arms around his neck. He began to move slowly allowing her to lean on him and the weight of her lame foot.  He turned in a circle slowly and she kept up with him, laying her head up on his chest. The music stopped but he continued to sway her. She kept her eyes closed and wished this moment would not end.

Victoria passed the window and saw them in the empty lot.

“I think my son found what he was looking for.” she spoke to no one in particular. 

She watched them for a few moments more and couldn’t keep the smile off her face. She joined the wedding guests again and milled through the room.

Iva Merar remarked, “You look positively joyous, Victoria.”

“I am. Thank you, friend. A mother’s heart seldom has all its chambers full. I do,today.”

Nick finally separated from Rionach, sensing some change in her gait. He didn’t want to tire her.

She looked up at him with love in her eyes.

“Thank you, Nick. You have made my first dance very speisialta. ”

He smiled knowing by her face her Irish was a compliment.

“And Nick, you were my first kiss. And now my second——“

And she pulled his face down and kissed him softly. He let out a soft moan and willed himself not to deepen the kiss. This was more than he dared dream of---

“Let’s go get some cake. I have a powerful hunger.”

“Me too.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty One

Heath and Sally thanked their guests early and slipped out to make an early train. 

She had another champagne and convinced herself that the notions salesman had heard she was from Arizona. “ Just making small talk. There is no way he could know, ”

Posy was safely at the ranch with Aine, Rosa and Jorge. The Barkley car was hooked up earlier and it was ready for them.  

Sam Wills watched the train leave from his hotel window. He took the knife from his boot; he had already removed the derringer from his pocket and the shoulder strap with his gun.

“Damn. I need to get back to Denver soon. My new position at the marshals office begins at the end of the month.  But I need answers about my brother. This stomach malady has shown up at the worst time. It's been almost six months since it last  happened. I sent that porter boy for some Old Doctor J Townsend’s Sarsaparilla.”

(Old Dr. J. Townsend’s Sarsaparilla was marketed as “The Most Extraordinary Medicine in the World”, and claimed to purify the blood and, in turn, cure a list of other things including rheumatism, pimples, spinal issues, eye sores, ring worm, and dyspepsia. Symptoms of dyspepsia included poor digestion and malady of the stomach caused by a poor diet that included a lot of fat and starch. It was one of the most common diseases of the 19th century, and many patent medicines claimed they could ease its symptoms.

Other than sarsaparilla, ingredients in Old Dr. J. Townsend’s included various herbs, molasses, senna (a laxative) and 18 to 25 proof alcohol, depending on the variation. Alcohol was likely the most “effective” ingredient in several patent medicines, Townsend’s Sarsaparilla being one of these. https://hersheystory.org/the-cure-to-all-of-your-troubles-patent-medicines-at-the-turn-of-the-century/

The boy knocked on the door and Wells answered it quickly. He gave the boy a big tip and took a big swig.  He laid back down on the bed and willed the cramps to end.  He had answers to find and a job to get to. He drifted off in an alcohol-induced sleep.

———&———

Heath and Sally toasted each other on the train.  They had quite a bit of champagne at the reception and again at Jarrod’s office where they changed clothes. It was a four hour trip to Sacramento. 

Sally was wearing a loose-fit traveling dress without a corset. She had made the decision by impulse and “honestly too much champagne” she giggled to herself as she shoved it in her traveling bag. 

The train lurched and gained speed as they settled into their ride. Heath nodded toward the bottle of champagne that he brought onto the train.

“Want some more? I am not much akin to it but today, well today it’s settling right with me. Just like you and me. It settles right.”

She giggled, “I don’t plan on being too settled down on this ride.”

His eyes widened at her implication.

She sauntered over to him from the settee where he was relaxed.

“I waited all my life for you, Heath Barkley. I don’t want to wait any longer. You are my husssband,” she hiccuped and swallowed it.

He laughed and pulled her into his arms. Sally began running her fingers through his hair and undoing his tie. He leaned back and sighed, enjoying her ministrations. He could taste the champagne on her breath. Sally wasn’t a drinker and rarely took more than a half glass of wine.  He had been surprised to see her take several flutes of champagne at the reception and then another at Jarrod’s office. She deftly unbuttoned his shirt and allowed her hands to roam.  He squirmed with her on his lap in pleasure.

The whistle of the train startled them and the car lurched.  They both tumbled to the floor.  Heath caught Sally as best he could and they broke into laughter.

“Well, that sobered us up.” Heath laughed and kissed her again. 

Sally sat up and smoothed her hair, “Oh yes it did. On second thought, I better eat some of those sandwiches Silas packed. That champagne is sloshing around.”

He put his hand on her stomach and pretended to listen.

“Yes, that’s high tide in the bay.”  He got up and brought her a sandwich; he took one himself.

They ate their sandwiches on the floor of the car; the train started to move slowly again.

He dabbed a crumb off her chin and she reciprocated. He smiled at her softly and kissed her on the cheek.

“Feeling better?”

“Yes. I did need some food. I think I was so nervous that I only had that piece of cake when we cut it at the reception. I had even started imagining things about our guests at the wedding.”

“Want another? There is plenty. Silas thinks he is feeding an army.

“I am good. I don’t want to tempt fate. I remember why I don’t drink.”

“Well, you did surprise me but it don’t bother me none.”

“You know I don’t take to alcohol. But today, all the nerves and people and such–and I think, nevermind, that’s silly.”

“Nah, tell me.”

“I think uh—--for the first time, I could trust myself with someone. It’s like I knew you would take care of me and I didn’t have any worries. I know that sounds silly.”

“Not silly at all. Remember I come from a long line of taking care of myself. Now we got each other—forever.”

“I love you husband.”

“I love you, wife.”

He pulled to himself and they began their married life on the floor of the Barkley rail car.

Chapter Text

Two Weeks Later chapter TWENTY TWO 

Senator Adam Scheffler, Esquire was the gold plaque on the door.

“I have an appointment with the Senator, Jarrod Barkley,”

“Yes sir. He is expecting you.”

Jarrod clenched his fist several times over and over. He knew he must control his anger and emotions to end this feud with the Senator. He had the threat note in his pocket and he patted it several times for courage. He had left the original at the Carrington Bank Vault.

H e had decided upon this course of action after Joshua Hawkes and Peter Doolin came to his memory——he had been walking through town trying to sort out all the details—-the threat, EJ’s safety, the senator, Rionach—-and Sam Wills. He found himself several blocks from where he was heading. The new Stockton Town Hall. He stopped and admired a new addition going up for the land clerk. The old building flashed through his mind.  The libel case, the governor’s race, the newspaper articles based on rumor——and the attempt on his mother’s life and the panel with the explosion—-and the briefcase with blank sheets of paper. No evidence but innuendo won the day. Use the press—-

Ten minutes later, the clerk called his name.  Jarrod expected it.  He had let opponents stew and wait for himself. He recognized the technique.

Myra walked through and did not make eye contact; she checked the name on the ledger and verified that this was indeed her dear friend’s fiancé. He was the same man in the photograph by EJ’s bed. 

She went to her desk and cracked the door to the private office.  She had learned this trick in the month that she was here; the paneled door and gold trim around it could be left open two inches and no one in the office could tell.  

“Jarrod Barkley, well well well. When I saw you on the calendar today, I was surprised. Very. I can’t imagine what we have to talk about.”

“This isn’t a social call.”

“I didn’t assume it was. Want a drink?” 

“Yes, scotch.”

Scheffler walked over to the ornate crystal decanter on the cart. He poured his best scotch trying to discern Jarrod’s mission.

He handed the drink to Jarrod.

“Thank you.”

Jarrod slowly sipped, “How old?”

“Fifty year old scotch.”

“My compliments.” Jarrod stared straight at his scotch and swirled the brown liquid around the crystal.

They sipped their drinks in silence for a few minutes like hunters circling their prey.

“Your brother enjoying the Irish girl?. I am going to let bygones be bygones. Saw you got her naturalized. Conveniently.”

Jarrod didn’t respond and Adam shrugged his shoulders, “Then what?”

“Scheffler. I am here about this.”

He took the photographed note out of his pocket and slid it across the desk. The senator picked up the note and read it several times.

Barkley——don’t hide behind a woman’s skirts. We know where she hangs them up each day. Walk away from the garment district and keep your nose back up the arse of your cows. Hate for you to lose another wife because of your high falutin’ ways.

Jarrod watched him carefully; he was surprised about the reaction. For a moment Jarrod would have sworn that the Senator was shocked by the contents.

“Jarrod? Would you believe me if I told you this is a surprise to me?”

“No.”

“I admit I am heavily invested in the immigrant community and providing employment for them. I don’t hide my industrial aspirations for our great state.”

“Hmpf, heavily invested?”

“Yes. I am.”

“And you say you had nothing to do with the threat against my fiancée?”

“None. Since I am answering your questions, will you answer mine?”

Myra leaned over closer to listen.

“Yes.” Jarrod’s eyes pierced the senator’s.

“Why are you behind the political cartoons at the Chronicle?”

Jarrod couldn’t mask his surprise at the question.

Scheffler noticed immediately before he in turn masked his features.

“I am not involved. I would orate against you in court or on the capitol steps or at a campaign rally. I would write an editorial in the newspaper or endorse your opponent. No man has to wonder where my political leanings land. But cartoons? You have my word, I have no knowledge of such.”

The Senator and Jarrod locked eyes.

The silence was deafening to Myra. She couldn’t help herself but to take a peek. They were staring at each other intently. It reminded her of two stags facing off in the woods.

The Senator broke the silence first, “Here take your note. I have nothing to do with this. I would never endanger  a woman in man’s business. Weaker vessel and all.”

Jarrod sneered at him, “Keep it. I have made photographs of it. Just in case something happens to Miss Washington. The editor of the Chronicle will get the first one. The US marshals another.”

Adam reddened, “I thought you had nothing to do with it!”

“I don’t have anything to do with the cartoons—— but I will fight you tooth and nail in the courts on immigration and in the public square.”

“Fair enough. But I did not threaten your fiancée.”

“If you did———“

“I didn’t.”

Jarrod turned his back and walked out. Adam slammed his hand on the desk and poured another drink. He walked to the paneled door and opened it.

“Get me Smith, right now.”

Myra quivered at the implication and responded, “Yes sir. I will get a message boy.” as she thought of how to get EJ a message at the same time. She would have to wait until she did the senator’s bidding.

“Do it quickly. That man has created a big mess.”

“And Frederick LeClerc. Not his simpering sister, whatever the hell her name is.”

“Yes sir.” and she scooted out of the room.

“ Nick Barkley won’t have the last laugh if my name is Adam Scheffler, uh Senator Adam Scheffler!  But I really do believe Barkley that he didn’t have anything to do with those cartoons. But  I will put his brother on the spit and roast his bollocks to a crisp.”

———&———

“Cartoons,” as Jarrod remembered about the folio of EJ’s. He picked them up from the floor of the carriage as they headed to bail out his brothers. That night became clear in his mind.

“EJ? I will be damned. I know what she is keeping from me. It has to be  The senator was close to the target. I will take the blame before I allow her to be hurt. Why couldn’t she tell me? We can’t have a marriage based on lies and secrets. It could get her killed.”

He spoke up and had the driver head to The Palace Hotel. Jarrod’s mind tumbled with rage and frustration.

“Is everything I have known with EJ a lie? Can I marry a woman who keeps secrets—-like this? I could lose her—----.”

He jumped out of the rig and tossed coins to the driver. The doorman was waving at him.

“Mr Barkley? Mr Barkley? I have a note. Miss Washington.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Three

Jarrod, I will send this to your office, brownstone and the hotel lobby; I am not sure where you will see this first—---I am heading with Harv home. Mother fell and broke her arm. She asked me to come and help her for the rest of this week. Isidora is away this week with a grandchild and Mother does not want anyone else helping her with her private needs—Please do not come as I do not want you to be away from work for such a time. I will see you next Monday. If you are so inclined, I would love one of those long romantic letters you are so gifted at—I shall read it over and over.  Holding you in my heart and soul as always. Yours, Elizabeth Jane

He read the note twice and the clerk asked him, “Would you like to reply? Miss Washington left an address.”

He snarled, “No. It’s a good thing she made this trip.”

The clerk was shocked by the normally genial man he knew. He didn’t dare tell him a message had been delivered an hour before for Miss Washington in a feminine hand. He would just hold onto that, too.

He stormed out of the lobby angry.  He had the doorman hail a rig and the traffic was heavy so he had to wait.

“Damn you EJ.” and he went back inside. He scribbled a note hastily and sealed the envelope. 

He tossed a coin to the clerk, “Thank you.” in a voice that did not match his face.

Got your note. Going to Stockton. See you Monday. Best wishes to your Mother for health and healing. JTB

He fidgeted with the diamond tie stick that EJ had given him after Heath’s wedding. It belonged to her grandfather. He pulled on it and the back came off in his hand.

“Damn. I will get Issacson to repair it—before I return it.” he spat out the words knowing he really wasn't sure what he was going to do. All he could think was that she had lied to him. And she was flirting with danger.

“What else is she hiding?’ like a petulant child.

He barged past his houseman Charles and announced he was going to Stockton. He grabbed a few things and headed out in a snit.

Charles shook his head at the door, “What bee has gotten in his bonnet?”

—--&----

He barely made the evening train and had to sit in coach section. He had to share a seat. The elderly lady talked his ear off about the weather and her family——-and host of other things. He was trying to remember his manners but the longer she went on, the more frustrated he got

“Excuse me ma’am. I need to go to the smoking car.”

He made it out of the car and let a string of expletives under his breath. He stood outside for a few minutes and let the wind hit his face. The steam and coal smell made him nauseous—-he decided he would have a drink with that cigar.

“Wish I had filled my flask before I left. Cheap scotch it is. I swear the coach car buys it by the washtub from a moonshiner.”

He opened the bronze door and walked into the smoky car.

“Scotch please “

——-/&———

Jarrod stayed in the smoking car drinking alone until they arrived in Stockton. He grabbed a horse at the livery and rode to the big house in the dusky moonlight,

The anger and frustration about EJ clouded his mind. He talked aloud to himself the whole way home trying to make sense of his feelings. He found himself galloping then doddling. The horse was definitely confused by her rider.

As they pulled up to the barn, the horse neighed loudly. Jarrod patted the horse on the head as he handed her off to a ranch hand.

“Sorry old girl. Even I got tired of hearing myself drone on and on—-and I wrote it in my head.”

The hand took her by the rein.

“Thanks. Give her some extra feed. She had to put up with me on the ride home and it wasn’t pleasant. She goes back to livery in the morning,”

Victoria met him at the door,”Jarrod, why didn’t you let us know you were coming.”

“It just came up today.”

She took an appraiser’s eye at him—-from his rumpled hair, evening stubble, the sweat stain on his jacket, the faint smell of cigars, scotch and horse down to his creased pants.

“Let me heat up some dinner. I will not take no for an answer. I think you need something on your stomach.”

He followed his mother into the kitchen like a little child. He was glad not to see anyone but Silas. He nodded and put some coffee on the stove. Victoria heated up a plate. Silas looked from Jarrod to Victoria——he recognized that look and excused himself.

“Thank you, lovely lady.” and he stuck the fork into his potatoes.

Victoria watched him until he took a bite. He looked like a guilty little boy. 

“I am more hungry than I thought.” and he cleaned his plate as Victoria caught him up on the antics of Posy and Aine. She told several humorous stories.

He chuckled, “This house needed those two young ladies.”

“I agree. Grandmother has ended up as Gams. I better like it because that young lady has a mind of her own.I seem to have no choice in the matter.”

“Heath and Sally have their hands full with her. Gams.” he chuckled, “How’s Aine?”

“Very well. That child. I caught her on all fours scrubbing the floor when Posy spilt some water. I ended up sitting on the floor with her, side-by-side. We had a good talk. She’s a very smart little girl. Rionach has done a good job with her.”

“How is our sweet girl?——and my brother?” with a more relaxed smile.

“Quite besotted. He’s putting in longer hours since Heath is working on the house. Every night about seven after supper, they spend time together. I admit I have never seen Nick courting except that ghastly camping trip——but I have a front row seat to it with Rionach living here. Jarrod, I really have come to love that girl. She’s special. And she seems to settle him. I admit I would love to see you all happy and married one day.”

Jarrod’s countenance fell and Victoria knew she hit a nerve.

He folded up his napkin and started to stand up, “Thank you Mother. I do feel better. I will head up to retire and see you at breakfast.”

“Jarrod? Would it help to talk about it?”

He acted innocent but she did not buy it.

“Sit down, son.”

He reluctantly sat back down.

“Why don’t you light that cigar you were fidgeting with?”

Jarrod gave her a half smile.

“EJ and I may be ending our engagement.”

It was her turn to look surprised,

Her eyebrows shot up waiting for an explanation.

He took a deep sigh and closed his eyes, “She has been keeping a secret from me. Now I wonder how many other things I don’t know about her.”

“Surely not another man?” Victoria looked poised to strike.

“No. Not that I know of——she’s an artist of sort. Political cartoonist for the Chronicle.”

Victoria looked relieved, “And ? You didn’t like them?”

“No———-her politics align very well with mine. She didn’t tell me. All these months. Kept it from me. Put herself in danger.”

“Have you asked her about it?”

“Well, no. I left town. “

“Without a chance to explain?”

He looked sheepish.

“Jarrod? Have you told EJ everything about yourself? Kept any secrets of your own?”

“Mother, that is not the point. I am to be her husband. I have a right.”

She arched her eyebrow and looked at him with a knowing look.

He put his hands up in mock surrender, “I see your point. But this is different. She could get hurt. Some very dangerous people have an interest in the garment district.”

“Jarrod——you have to trust. I think————“ and she took a deep breath.

He closed his eyes and rubbed his temple.

“Jarrod, is this about EJ or Beth?”

He didn’t say a word for almost ten minutes. His eyes stayed shut and he measured each breath. Victoria reached out and held his hand.

“Thank you Mother. You as always have given me a great deal to think upon. Good Night.” and he kissed her on the cheek. She squeezed his hand.

“Good night son. I love you. You will work this out. Trust what you can’t see.”

He smiled, “I love you, too Mother.”

————&————

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Four  

“Dinner is almost ready, Nick. Heath and Sally will eat later. They are over at the new house. Aine and Posy ate an hour ago and Rosita is taking them to her house to see the new calf. They will be back in a few hours.”

“Thank you Mother, I saw Jarrod out on Jingo earlier. He was far off on the ridge. I didn’t know he was coming home so soon. Did EJ come?’

“No she didn’t. I was very surprised, myself. I haven’t seen him all day. I assumed he was still in his room. He was very tired when he got in. You had all gone to bed.”

Nick looked at her sideways but she held a poker face.

“Where is Rionach?”

“ I think in her bedroom. I will volunteer to get her for dinner.”

“How gentlemanly.” she smirked, relieved that he didn’t press her about Jarrod. She had not slept well herself worrying about her oldest.

Nick walked out of the parlor to her room and knocked.

She came to the door and opened it; he stuck his head inside and kissed her.

She blushed and he gave her his arm. They walked arm in arm into the dining room. Victoria was at the end and Nick pulled the chair out for her next to him.  He took the other head of the table.

He said grace and Rionach passed the bread first to his mother. Victoria hid her smile behind her napkin at the “doe eyes” they were giving each other.

Jarrod came in the room in a hurry in his work clothes, “Sorry Mother. I lost track of time.” He kissed her on the cheek and automatically went to sit down in his normal spot. Nick was there.

Nick looked up from his roast beef with his knife and fork in hand. He lifted his eyebrow and Jarrod laughed.

“Stay there, brother Nick. I acquiesce.”

Nick went back to his food  and Rionach smiled. She was finally getting used to the family dynamic.

“Well, Jarrod didn’t expect to see you. Ranch business or lawyering business?”

“Neither,” as Jarrod sipped from his soup spoon, “needed to clear my head. Rionach, you look lovely as usual. New lace collar?”

“Yes sir. I made it this week.”

“It’s lovely my dear. Nick, can you pass me the pepper?’

Nick handed down the shaker, “EJ not come with you?”

“No, her mother had an unfortunate accident and broke her arm. She went for the week to help her. “

“Oh no,” Rionach and Victoria said at the same time.

“I believe she will heal up well. I sent EJ a telegram when I went to town earlier.” staring at his mother.

She nodded in approval.

“Please send our families well wishes for her recovery.” 

“Mine too,” Rionach added.

“Will you be seeing her at the vineyard?” VIctoria looked hopeful.

Jarrod was non-committal, “I am not sure yet.”

Victoria’s face fell for a second and Nick caught the look. He looked over at Jarrod who had his “Lawyer face” on as he called it.

“Anybody going to tell me what is going on?”

Jarrod continued to stare at his plate intently and Victoria finally answered, “I think dessert is in order.”

“So that’s a no.” Nick laughed loudly; Rionach looked aghast.

Nick put his hand across the table and squeezed hers. He chuckled

“Don’t worry, your pretty little head. When I was a kid and I asked something I should not have, Mother would offer dessert. Gained a lot of my weight that way.”

Even Jarrod chuckled at the memory.

“Chocolate cake?”

“My favorite,” Nick answered, “I will take a piece of Silas’s cake any time. Wait? It’s not Audra’s is it?’

The family laughed and Rionach looked confused.

Jarrod gave her wide grin, “Trust me, Rionach. Don’t take her up on it.”

Nick heehawed, “We didn’t have indoor facilities then. Line for the privy.”

VIctoria shook her head in mock disgust. Rionach let out a little gasp.

She finally uttered, “Thank you for the suggestion, Jarrod.”

“You are welcome.”

Silas served the cake and a knock on the front door surprised them.

“I will get it.” he said.

Everyone listened to the muffled voices of three men. They recognized Fred’s and the brothers stood up.

“Miz Barkley, Jarrod, Nick, please forgive the intrusion but these men didn’t want to wait until morning.”

“Got a train to catch. Our boss wanted it done soon.”

The two men were wearing federal marshal badges and they introduced themselves.

Nick and Jarrod were immediately on guard.

“Gentlemen?” Victoria said evenly.

“Ri—uh nerACH, Margaret O”Sullivan?’

She looked like she would faint, “Yes” barely above a whisper.

“You are to report to the Federal Courthouse in two weeks with the minor child, Aine for deportation. Your naturalization has been revoked for industrial espionage and moral turpitude. We have a subpoena ad testificandum.”

Rionach was frozen in place, “What does that mean?”

The marshal sneered, “You is going back to the mother country.”

“What the hell?” Nick moved towards the marshal. Victoria stopped him.

“Let me see that. I am her naturalization sponsor and her attorney. I should be notified.” Jarrod reached for the papers.

The marshal looked down at his notes while the second one kept his hand on his gun not letting Nick get the upper hand.

“Yep, you was served this morning in Frisco. At your office it says.”

Jarrod read the order. He was livid. He knew immediately this was the Senator’s doing after their meeting yesterday morning.

“Thank you, that will be all. You may leave,” Jarrod spoke evenly.

Silas firmly showed them to the door with a glare.

“Rionach, sit down.” Jarrod said calmly.

“I would rather stand.” she said oddly.

Nick moved to her side.

“You have been accused of violating a contract with the House of LeClerc not to share designs with anyone outside the organization. They have two pieces of evidence that you have done that?”

“Contract? I haven’t signed anything but my passage papers in France. And designs? I haven’t done anything at all outside this house.”

Victoria spoke up, “I assume Audra and the Godeys. Then Sally’s wedding dress in the newspaper. Probably got picked up by the San Francisco paper. Would be my guess”

“Oh Dear, I should have never. It’s my fault. She told me I would be sorry if I ever let anyone know I could draw.” she looked deathly pale, “What about Aine?’

“She is to go with you. We won’t let that happen.” Jarrod comforted her, “We will beat this and the people behind this. I swear to you, Rionach.”

She closed her eyes and swayed, “the other charge?’

“Nevermind that. I will take it back myself with a pound of flesh.”

“Please Monsieur Barkley?’ reverting back to her servant’s posture.

“Moral turpitude means immorality.”

“I have never!” she gagged out the words.

“Living here with Nick.” he blew out his words.

Nick lost his cool and began cursing, “Scheffler will pay. I will kill the son of a bitch.”

Rionach looked at Jarrod then Nick; she hit the floor in a dead faint.

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Five

TWO WEEKS Later

Jarrod, Rionach, Nick and Victoria sat in a defendant's holding room at the Federal Building in San Francisco. Jarrod’s connections had at least procured them a private room and a private hearing. The deportment official had requested a public hearing. Jarrod got the request denied when even the immigrant-hating judge they drew realized the political implications of the Scheffler and Barkley names.

Tens of families were huddled, most without representation in the halls and doorways. Tattered clothing, tapestry, scared children, chained prisoners and foreign dialects assaulted their senses as they passed by.  Tears filled Rionach’s eyes once more and Victoria put her arm around her. Nick seethed and Jarrod tried to shepherd them all through.

“I bet EJ will be sketching this all for posterity.”

—--&-----

Jarrod spoke calmly and guided Rionach through the process. 

“Rionach, first they will ask if you—--if this is your signature on the custody of Aine? They will ask if you read it and signed it of your own free will.  That you have given the custody of you sister as her only living relative to Heath and Sally—---and you know that this is just in case—-”

“Will you read it again so I can remember all of the words?’

Jarrod frowned at her request but complied.  He gently read the document to her; she sat quietly with her eyes closed.

“Yes I signed that. Thank you Jarrod. I am addled today.”

“Of course, my dear. It is to be expected when you have been unjustly accused.” Victoria patted her hand.

“There will be two more questions that you will be called to answer. First did you draw the dresses and the circumstances? Were you paid or did you get any compensation for such?”

Rionach opened her eyes, “And I shall answer truthfully. I did and I was not paid in any way”

“Good. The judge will see that,”

“Then, did you sign any contracts with the House of LeClerc not to design dresses except for their House?”

“Another no. I signed passage papers in France. That is all I swear”

“We believe you, honey” Nick spoke up.

She smiled at him with a mixture of grief and love.

“Everything else, Mother and I will testify to, as your sponsors.”

“But Jarrod——the moral——“

“I have that taken care of. Don’t think of it again.”

He had not told Rionach but his Mother and Nick knew. 

He had subpoenaed Senator Adam Scheffler and Adelia LeClerc to testify on that charge.  He assumed the moral turpitude charge would go away if they were behind it. He hedged his bet that they would not want Nick’s testimony to go public. 

In fact, Jarrod put Sheffler’s wife on the tentative witness list. Scheffler’s lawyer contacted him immediately, “A wife cannot testify against her husband. She has nothing to do with your deportation case.”

“I simply want her in court to confirm the green dress was purchased for her and to the quality of Rionach’s workmanship.”

The lawyer took that answer back to his client.  Jarrod had not heard an answer if the beleaguered lady would show up. Hopefully Scheffler got his veiled message. 

A bailiff knocked on the door, “Thirty minutes. The judge doesn’t like to wait.”

Nick nodded to Jarrod and his mother,” Can you give us a minute?”

“Of course.”

They both kissed Rionach, “See you upstairs.”

“Thank you both——your whole family for what you have done for me and Aine.”

“It is and will be our honor.”  Victoria answered.

They slowly walked out and shut the door.

“Ri——“

“Oh Nick——-“

And they embraced. Nick tipped up her head and kissed her soundly on the lips.

She whimpered and leaned into him. His emotion ran high and he pulled her tighter.

He intensified the kiss and she responded with hands to his neck. It was all he needed. He parted her lips with fervor and kissed her deeply. She tried to pull away for a second then she responded with passion. He wanted to run his fingers through her hair but he kept his senses enough to control himself. They continued to kiss for a while and a noise in the hall finally caused them to stop.

He pulled her into his chest and just held her. He could feel her wet tears on his chest.

“Honey I swear this is going to be alright.”

“You don’t know that Nick.”

“Yes I do. I promise.” Nick still held her tight.

“Ri, I love you.” He whispered in her ear.

She quivered and whispered back in his, “a chuisle mo chroi”.

“Lady, don’t keep me waiting. You gotta tell me what that means.”

A knock on the door startled them and she pulled from him embrace.

“Later Ri.”

She took her fingers and left a kiss on his lips, “lonmhainn”.

He repeated it slowly after her, “lonmhainn”.

“Let’s go, Ri.”

———&———

Jarrod looked around as they walked to the oak podium. None of his witnesses were in the court but deportation employees. EJ and Harv were in the gallery. She wore a press pass on her lapel. A ruffled cockade.

“All rise, the seventh district honorable judge William Mills presiding.”

“Be seated.”

“Next case——-Rionachef—-eh. Whatever. O’Sullivan. These names keep getting more weird. Right Bailiff?”

He nervously chuckled back at the judge. The judge looked out and no one else was laughing.

“Hmphf”

“The state immigration officer may begin. Remember both of you—-brevity.”

“Case number 438. My office rules that Rionachero Margaret O’Sullivan violated her naturalization stipulations. The state recommends deportation.”

“I have read the state’s case. I have two questions for Miss O’Sullivan.”

Jarrod had prepared her well, “Yes sir.”

“Did you draw dresses for Miss Audra Barkley and Mrs. Heath Barkley?”

“Yes sir.”

“You are sure about that?”

“Yes sir.”

He made a note on his forms.

“Second question. Did you sign a contract in LeHavre, France to work exclusively for the House of LeClerc?”

“No sir.”

He frowned and handed the bailiff the contract, “Is this your signature? Remember young lady, there are witnesses to this contract. And it’s notarized in France and the US of A.”

“Yes sir.” as she looked at the writing at the end of the contract, “But that is my passage on the ship.”

“Did Madame LeClerc explain to you that you could only design for her company?”

“Yes sir. She threatened to put us in the poor house for what we owed her.” she spoke up bravely,

“What did you owe her?”

“Passage on the ship, clothes, food., books for my sister.”

The judge looked incredulous and disgusted, “She was in her rights. You violated this contract.”

“May I see this contract?” Jarrod stood up.

He read this document, “Rionach? Are you sure this is your signature?”

“Yes Mr Barkley. Look at that ink drop. I was so nervous”

“Miss O’Sullivan? Read that circled paragraph to the court,” the judge demanded.

Rionach looked terrified.

Jarrod spoke gently, “Go on Rionach as the judge asks.”

“I Rionach Margaret O’Sullivan, uuuu——mmms, ohhhh to uh ah aga——-uh ah tttttttt and uhhhhh,” and she broke out in tears.

“Your honor? May I have a moment?”

“No! I have a full docket. Read it girl and quit sniveling.”

She took out the handkerchief from her sleeve and dried her eyes.

“I can’t” she blurted out.

“What do you mean, you can’t?” He spoke with disdain.

Nick looked poised to jump out of his chair. Only Victoria’s hand stopped him.

“I can’t read. I am simple-minded.” She looked down into her lap and the tears dropped.

The judge was impatient, “So another illiterate immigrant. No use to our great land. Pah. But you admit that your employer told you not to draw your dresses?”

“Yes sir.” she barely whispered not lifting her head.

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Six

EJ’s eyes filled with tears; Harv squeezed her hand. His calloused rough hands were a comfort to her; she had known them her whole life.

“This isn’t good,”. she mouthed with a little sound.

“Trust the good Lord and Jarrod.” he whispered back.

She listened carefully as Victoria took the stand. The matriarch described  how they met the young lady, the multiple job offers she had——-her countenance, her raising of Aine impeccably—-her sewing skills and work ethic ———her recovery of a life-threatening rat bite the fault of a broken immigration policy.

EJ looked at Jarrod immediately. He bit his lip for a second. She recognized his mother had made a mistake in her passion for justice. This judge was one of the broken cogs in the problem. 

The judge looked down during most of her testimony. 

“Anything else, Mrs Barkley.”

“Yes. Rionach has been completely chaperoned in my home. The majority of the time there have been ten or so family members there along with five staff members and over twenty ranch hands. My home is one of complete integrity and moral standards. We are a church-going family and I take great pride in my family’s character.”

“I am sure you do. And I detest grandstanding—-on both sides of a case. Only the facts and the law concern me. This is why I squashed subpoenas on both sides and the vague charge of moral turpitude. This is a case of industrial espionage and a contract. Nothing more.”

“Thank you, your honor.”

“And now Mrs Barkley since you are her sponsor and the closest person to the immigrant——did she ever tell you that she was not allowed to design dresses?”

“Yes but this was not a commercial venture. It was a family afternoon tea. I was there. It was a lark.”

“Was it a lark when the dress was presented to the editors of Godey’s magazine? I am told they hold great power in the woman’s market. And was it a lark when the second dress was published in the Stockton Daily News and then in the San Francisco Chronicle ?”

“Neither of those were her fault?”

“I can see where Madame LeClerc’s House of Design feels the girl is setting up a rival company. Maybe under your own daughter-in-law, a seamstress herself.”

“No! That is not the case.”

Jarrod objected, “Judge? Are you testifying?”

Jarrod’s outburst infuriated the judge, “Mr Barkley, I am only quoting the statements in the case.”

He sat down frustrated. Rionach closed her eyes and clutched her rosary in her lap.

“Any more witnesses? You are excused Mrs. Barkley.”

Jarrod decided against testifying himself as her sponsor. The judge was already incensed at him.

“No your honor.”

“Does the enticement officer have anything else?”

“No sir.”

“I am ready to rule. Miss O’Sullivan, please rise. I am sorry for the partial loss of your foot. These things unfortunately happen and I am glad the San Francisco doctors were able to save your leg. But I must rule with the enforcement office. You violated your contract with your original patron, Madame LeClerc and then the naturalization process by breaking a civil law. I know you claim illiteracy but by your own admission, you were explained the contract.  Deportation is in 48 hours.  Be at the 6 am train to St Louis for transfer to the port of New York. I will not remand you to custody as I assume you have goodbyes to your sister. You have wisely signed the child’s guardianship and future to a better family than your own. I commend you for that.  The Barkleys must sign a bond of $10,000 that you will appear at the appointed time.”

“Adjourned. Twenty minutes, next case bailiff.”

And he stormed out of the room.

——-&——-

“This isn’t over. I will file a stay immediately.Prejudicative testimony by the judge. I am heading immediately to file. Don’t lose heart, Rionach. Mother, Nick, get her back to the brownstone.”

EJ and Harv passed Jarrod on the marble stairs coming down from the gallery.  

“Jarrod?”

“EJ please let Harv take you to the brownstone. I have to file this appeal before 5.”

“Yes, my love.” she agreed easily.

Jarrod looked at her gratefully that he didn’t have to convince her. He didn’t have a moment to spare.

—-----&-------

The ride to the brownstone was deathly quiet.  Nick had his arm around Rionach and her head was on his chest. He normally would not be so presumptive in front of his mother but this was an unprecedented day in his mind. 

Rionach didn’t open her eyes once on the way to Jarrod’s city home and her only words had been, “Can I see Aine one more time?”

“Jarrod will get a stay. I am sure.  What happened was wrong. But of course Rionach.”

The carriage finally stopped in front of the home.  Charles met them at the door.

“Excuse me.” Rionach headed for the water closet.

Nick walked straight to Jarrod’s bar and downed a shot of whiskey.

“Son, I will take one.”

Nick looked through the bottles, “Let me ask Charles. I don’t see sherry.”

“Whiskey, Nick. Whiskey.”

His eyebrow went up and he poured his diminutive mother a shot. He watched her down the shot without a blink.

“Impressive, Mother.”

“I have done it before, Nicholas.”

Nick poured another one; Victoria went to check on Rionach.

She found herself washing a stain from her skirt

“I got sick. I am so sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I have done it myself.”

She gave her a little smile.

“Rionach, let me get you to a guest room. Just rest for a few minutes before Jarrod gets here.”

She nodded and let Victoria lead her down the hall.

———&——-

Nick looked up when she came back.

“Ri? Ok?”

“Yes. She is unwell.  I convinced her to rest.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

They sat there silently until Nick got abruptly up. 

“I got something to do. I will be back.”

“Nick?”

“Shoulda done this all along.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Seven

Harv and EJ passed Nick in the lane. He was in Jarrod’s small two seat rig.

“I wonder where he is going.”

“EJ, I assume he is a pretty angry man.”

“You are right.”

Victoria met EJ and Harv at the door.

“Come on in. I was just helping Charles plan a meal for all of us. We didn’t think about it this morning. Jarrod made reservations to celebrate. “

“I will go see if Charles needs some peeling or cutting. I am pretty good at that.” Harv spoke up.

Victoria kissed EJ on the cheek. She looked at the press cockade on her jackets and then down to the white gloves on her hand. She could not see the outline of the ruby and diamond engagement ring.

All Jarrod had told his mother was they came to an agreement and all was well. She had to admit the curiosity was getting to her and she hoped EJ would give her an inkling. They had not been alone since they arrived in San Francisco with Rionach and Nick,

“Let’s sit down. How is your mother?”

“Healing. She’s frustrated and doesn’t like to take help. I stayed a week with her while her faithful Isiadora was with her new grandchild. I love my mother but I admit, I was ready to get back to the city.”

Victoria laughed, “That is understandable with mothers and daughters. Not being able to do things myself would be very frustrating. I believe God made us to be self-sufficient. Someone has to take care of the men. I am glad you are here.”

“I can’t believe all of this is over those dresses. I am sure that Rionach is the true talent behind the House of LeClerc. She won’t admit it but there is no doubt in my mind.”

“Mine either. That afternoon over tea when she drew the three dresses——her whole countenance changed. Her face glowed.”

“Come to think of it, you are right. But Mrs. Barkley, Mother Victoria——I don’t know anymore about my wedding. Jarrod and I are both uncomfortable moving forward.  I am stopping all the plans. It just can’t go forth with all that has happened. I talked to Jarrod and he is quite fine with whatever I decide. I am sure he has told you. Thank you for raising a son that gives me the freedom of an opinion and not hating me for my indecision.”

“You are welcome.” Hoping EJ would give her more information without prying.

A knock on the door and Charles came to answer it. A note was delivered.

I got an appeal filed and I am still scouring the halls for someone to hear it. I should be home for a late supper. I have sent a telegraph to Heath and Sally to bring Aine to San Francisco, just in case.  Tell Rionach——and Nick to keep their heads up. It isn’t over.  Don’t do anything until you talk to me. JTB

Victoria read it aloud to EJ. 

“I am worried about Nick too. He left here so quickly. I have no idea where he went.”

“He passed us and didn’t even look. He was headed on the road to downtown.”

EJ didn’t bring up anything else about the wedding to Victoria’s frustration. 

“I am going to check on Rionach.”

“Good idea, can I come with you.?”

They quietly walked down the hall and pushed the door open.

Rionach was on the bed awake; she was clutching her rosary and her eyes were swollen and almost shut.

“Oh bless your heart, child.”

“O sweetheart, can we come in?”

“Yes—-I am going to miss you all so much. I am just praying for a place to stay when I get off the boat again. I cannot go back to the manor.”

“Jarrod sent a note not to lose faith. And we are not going to.  Heath and Sally are coming too. We will all be with you.”

Rionach sniffled and blew her nose, “But my prayer has been answered for a better life for Aine. She will never have to be hungry and she will have an education.  Thank you so much for this. I shall never forget.”

“Aine will be given the best life we can muster and I believe you will be here to see her grow up.”

“I pray so.”

They sat quietly by her side for a few minutes.

EJ gathered her courage, “Rionach? How did you come to meet Madame LeClerc?”

“She came to the manor to design for my lady—-the Lord’s new wife. She had become my patron until I lost her favor. It was my fault. I should have been more careful around my surroundings; I knew better. My mother always warned me.”

They were quiet and she continued.

“At the manor, the gentry believe that the servant girls are theirs for the taking. My mother was oft ill-used. They say she was the most beautiful woman in the parish. It was a blessing and a curse according to the cook. The priest said she was forgiven——none of us was by her will. No man ever claimed us as a father but Jesus.”

EJ looked mortified and Victoria looked at Rionach with compassion.

Rionach’s eyes seemed to glaze over and she stifled a little moan.

“I was looking for apples that fell from the tree.  I could take the ones on the ground. Aine loves apples. I just wanted an apple for her. Just one perfect apple. She smiles when I give her an apple. They give them to their horses but not the servants——-“

EJ and Victoria held her quivering hands.

“The new lord came up and grabbed my bosom from behind. He pressed himself on me. He made me——spill his seed. Said he heard I might be his kin, by-blow he called me. He laughed and laughed and laughed. Said he heard things about me——wouldn’t leave a child on me but I would earn my keep. Tossed me an apple for Aine. Here is your apple, girl. See you soon.”

She let out another sigh, “Somehow his great lady knew—-she said it was my fault. Gave me to Madame LeClerc and she took us to Paris, then New York and then Chicago and then here. We weren’t hungry anymore.”

“I am so sorry,my  beautiful Rionach. It should have never happened.” Victoria undid her braid. Her hair was askew from her distress.

EJ took a vial of rose oil from the pouch at the belt.

She took her hands in hers and put some oil on each palm——-she slowly rubbed it in.

Rionach began to relax with Victoria brushing her hair and EJ’s gentle hand massage.

“Thank you both———I never told anyone. Please don’t tell anyone. Please——Nick will think me immoral.”

“I won’t tell him, Rionach but he could only love you more—-he has the heart of Arthur, Galahad, Tristan of old. He would avenge you and protect you forever if you would let him. It is a good thing there is an ocean and a continent separating him from the man that hurt you.”

She did not voice her concern where Nick had gone. She prayed he had not gone after Scheffler. It was her overarching thought that he had gone after a pound of flesh.

Rionach looked surprised.

Victoria stood up, “Rionach, I am bringing some brandy. I think we all need some. I know where Jarrod keeps the good stuff.”

EJ laughed for a second, “I do too.”

“Then I shall too.” Rionach gave a little weak smile.

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Eight  28/34

“Oh how I wish I had Esther. I can’t type as fast as her and she is a lifesaver. Handwriting these appeals is slow. I should be out there drumming up support, not in this closet with ink on my white shirt “

Jarrod had only one judge consider his appeal. A longtime friend. “I will take it under advisement for a stay, Jarrod. Just as a courtesy. But for an immigrant? That’s not a popular crusade right now. You know a Slav killed a banker the other day on Eighteenth Street. Robbery. Then the shadows talk——a Scottish soiled dove gave several of our uh colleagues the pox. They could have got it in any whore house but they blame the immigrant.”

“I know I know Fred. But Judge William Mills was way out of his prerogative.”

“He’s a tough nut to crack. But he’s doing a job none of us want assigned—-immigration. I will look at it tonight and see if I can legitimately give you a stay.”

“Thank you, that’s all I ask.”

He hurried down the marble hall hopeful to find another ally in his cause. The lateness of the day was a hindrance. 

“Let me check the third floor.”

———&——-

The criminal courts were a bit more late in the day. He went to the clerk’s office to see who was on the late dockets.

Two people were in line ahead of him and his mind raced with possible ways to get the order stayed for Rionach.

“Sam? Sam Wills?”

“How ya doing?”

“Good good.”

Jarrod’s head jerked up at the name. He could see the back of the man at the head of the line. He was dressed exactly as Heath described. All in black. His long curls were tied back with a leather thong.

There was another person between him and Wills. He was signing a ledger and receiving some kind of paperwork.

He had a quick decision to make. He decided to confront the man in the hall.

Wills finally finished his paperwork and slid it into a narrow leather folio. One paper crumbled and he pulled them out. A small picture fell out.

The picture Heath and Sally took a year ago in Arizona with baby Posy.  Jarrod went for the picture to pick it up. Wills boot went down on his hand.

Jarrod immediately recognized him from the wedding. The notions salesman.

He pulled his hand away and stood face to face with the man.

“Barkley?”

“Wills?”

Their tones silenced everyone in the busy room.

The clerk looked from man to man, “Is there something I can help you with?”

“No.” Wills said not taking his eyes off Jarrod.

“Let’s take this to the hall.”

The men clutched their leather folios and walked to the marble hall.

“Down there.” Jarrod pointed to two empty benches at the end of the long hall, “No one will bother us there “

Wills grunted and they walked adversarially down the hall—-matching step for step, each sound echoing in the hall.

“So what do you want with my brother?”

“He killed my brother. I want to know why.”

“He drew first. Read the inquisition.” 

“I did. I want to know why.”

“Is that why you came to his wedding?”

Wills let his guard down for a moment, “How? Yes. I want answers and that woman has them.”

“That woman is my sister-in-law.”

“I was there,” 

“What was her part in this?”

Jarrod hesitated feeling the instability of Wills, “She was on the stage into town with my Mother, my sister and Heath. That’s how they met.”

“How did my brother know her?”

“There was a young boy on the street, Lou. He was harmlessly flirting with Sally. Your brother intervened.”

“That sounds like him. He always protected women.”

Jarrod held his tongue. “One thing led to another and the boy was injured. Not supposed to make it.”

He could tell this was a new part of the story.

“The doctor told the family he wouldn’t likely make it through the night. His father, an old man, was distraught and confronted your brother on the street.”

“He killed him. The man was armed and pointed his gun at him.”

“Yes. But the old man had a decrepit gun and could have never outdrawn him.”

Wills was silent for a moment, “I read the report. Fair fight.”

Jarrod organized his thoughts. Whatever he said next could get Heath killed or Posy taken.

“Go on, you was telling me about the girl.”

“Your brother came to Sally’s hotel room.”

“Only way he would do that is if she enticed him. He turned that whole town away from vice.”

“Yes. I have heard he did a good job in the beginning. I think the stress was wearing on him.”

Wills was surprised by Jarrod’s observation.

“Sometimes who we are gets lost. I know. I went after the criminal who killed my wife.”

“That’s the right thing to do, Barkley.”

“In the process, I almost killed my brothers.”

Wills did a sharp intake of air at Jarrod’s confession.

“Go on. So your brother and Sally went to his house in town.”

“  No one knows what happened that night but them. I respect her and him enough not to ask. I have no desire to sully anyone’s reputation these days. If you asked any witness in Rimfire about me, they would put me in asylum and throw away the key—- We would only get half the story as I see it as an attorney—-we would have to decide if we believed her story or his.”

Jarrod bluffed and he didn’t dare look at Wills to see if it worked.

“I would believe him.”

“Just as I believe Heath.”

He thought about what Jarrod said.

“Then we have witnesses after that. Heath went to get her for the stage. Your brother objected. Offered her a new life with him. Words passed in the street.”

“I saw that. My brother said he could  always outdraw your brother according to his admission in the documents. Your brother said he let him win. I don’t believe that.”

“That’s your choice.”

“What about the kid? The one she had when she went back home.”

“Heath’s. I have seen the birth certificate.” he said without a hitch.

“Figured. Knew it wasn’t Tom’s. He was a religious man. And he even told me how it was a sin to touch a whore.”

“Yes I have heard that.”

“I still blame them.”

“Sam, what good will it do Tom’s memory dragging this up. Heath has done right by her.”

“I need to think on this. I do thank you, Mista Barkley. You are a man of the law and I know you put that scoundrel Joshua Cunningham behind bars.  The whole state thanks you for that.”

Jarrod nodded. He picked up his folio and realized his hands were sweating.

“Can I ask where you got that picture?”

“No you can’t.  But here. Take it back. “

“I will.”

Wills got about ten feet and he collapsed. Blood pooled from his mouth.

“Guard? Guard? I need help here.”

“There is a clinic across the street.” as they rushed to the unconscious man.

Chapter Text

Chapter Twenty Nine

“Who brought this man in?”

Jarrod stood up, “I did” and he introduced him to the doctor.

“Are you family?”

“No. An attorney.”

“Well as his attorney,”

Jarrod went to correct him but the doctor continued.

“He has a belly full of blood. I give him five hours or less. Does he have family here?”

“I don’t think so but I asked the marshal’s office to check when he was brought here.”

“He has a haemoptysis, bleeding in the belly. I assume a tumor or an abcess is the cause.”

“Can we call a preacher in? He’s a man of faith.”

“Of course. Priest or preacher.”

Jarrod assumed “Preacher”.

“Want to see him? Hate for a man to die alone. If not, I will get a nurse up here.”

“I will go back for a few minutes.”

“He is in and out of consciousness. Gave him morphine.”

Jarrod sat down by Wills’s bed. The man groaned.

“Sam? Is there anyone I can send for? Anything I can do? I sent for a preacher.”

“Preacher good——-uh. Money in my account. To orphanage——-“

“Which one?”

“You pick it, Barkley. I trust you. You were honest and I respect that.” and he coughed up some more blood.  The nurse wiped it away.

Jarrod looked away——he hadn’t been completely honest with the man but a death bed was not the moment to confess.

“Genesis, Leviticus, Exodus’s, Numbers, Deuteronomy….Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts of the Apostles…..made it to Revelation, Barkley. I am here.”

He quoted several verses as there was a soft knock on the door. Sam kept going with his recitation from his memory.

The preacher came in  and immediately prayed with the dying man.  Jarrod bowed his head in respect.  

“Son, I am here. Let’s us pray as you cross the river——- Do you need to confess your sins?”

“Yes, preacher.”

Tears poured down Sam’s face. He repented of sins——greed, anger, pride, lots of pride————hate——taking the Lord’s name in vain,” he sputtered, gasping for breath.

“Take hope son——paradise awaits you.” the preacher comforted him.

He barely whispered, “fornication and I did repent——“

Jarrod closed his eyes, “When it is my time, what will I say?”

“Rimfire, Ruthie, his Father——-EJ. His anger, his pride——lying to a dying man“

Jarrod said some prayers of his own until the preacher finished.

“Do you want me to stay with you, son?” the preacher asked.

“Yes.”

Jarrod stood up, “Sam, I will leave you now.”

“No. Stay just a little while. I have some uh law matters—-“

“Of course.”

“My folio.”

Jarrod got the worn folio and took the papers out.

“Give those warrants back to clerk——“

“I will do it.”

Sam coughed and sputtered; his eyes rolled back and he lost consciousness.

Jarrod and the preacher shared a look. The man put his hand on his chest.

“Still beating.” he whispered.

Jarrod nodded and went through Sam’s papers. He pulled out the three new warrants to return to the clerk.

He came upon a copy of the inquisition from Arizona; he read it again. He visualized Sally and Heath and Tom Wills. Posy’s chubby cheeks come to mind on Heath’s hip; Sally leaning over to kiss his brother. She lightened his moods and he eased her heart.

He read some more correspondence; he found the receipt for the Cattleman’s hotel. Along with a bank book and his military papers.

A worn picture of Tom and Sam——he put it in his pocket.

“How far would I go to avenge Nick or Heath or Gene—-even if they were wrong——too far I admit.”

A nurse came in and took his pulse, “It won’t be long.”

Jarrod and the preacher nodded.

He went back to the folio and the preacher to read his Bible.

Sam woke up with a start two hours later, “Mother? Mother? I see you.”

The preacher nodded off and jumped. Jarrod had been deep in his own thoughts and sat up.

“Where’s Tom?” He asked the blank wall; he was speaking to someone on the other side. “I can’t see him.”

The preacher spoke in low tones to Jarrod, “It’s common. Your family beckons you from the other side. Have heard this many times.”

Jarrod watched Sam’s face. It had changed from the contortions of pain to a blank sleep to the peace and joy he saw right now.

He recognized he was seeing something from the other world. It made no sense to his logical mind but his soul recognized it without a doubt.

“Mother? A baby girl? You have been watching her,”

Jarrod jumped. The preacher looked at him strangely.

“Curls? Like Sarah? Our little sister———“

“A baby like Sarah? I don’t understand.” he whispered.

Jarrod watched his face; Sam was questioning someone very real to him.

His eyes flew open——-he turned to Jarrod, “The little girl looks like Sarah. You didn’t tell me. I didn’t get a good look at her. She was running to ya—-”  he gasped, “ya brother.”

Jarrod swallowed, unsure what to say. 

“Momma says we have a baby girl. Tom’s”

Jarrod felt the urge to run out of the room and vomit.

Sam turns to Jarrod, “Momma says it’s ok. She will be fine.” with an eerie calm look on his face, “You make sure she is raised right in church.”

Jarrod could only nod and whisper, “I will.”

He wished for a scotch, “I have never been unmasked from the great beyond.”

Sam went back into his restless sleep and passed away after midnight.

—--&_____

Jarrod and the preacher called for the nurse and they covered him with a sheet.

“I will take care of the burial.” Jarrod muttered 

The preacher put his hand on Jarrod, “A good friend?”

“No. I just met him today.”

The preacher looked confused and then he said, “Then the good Lord had a divine appointment with you, sir.”

“Yes he did.”

——/-&———

Jarrod returned to his brownstone before dawn. His mind was full trying to discern what happened this evening. 

“Damn, I forgot to send a word.” as he unlocks his door.

He padded down the hall; he passed the first guest room.  He figured Charles had put the ladies in it.

The door was slightly open. He pushed it and looked in. The light from the street light belied a surprise sight for him. 

An empty brandy bottle with three snifters. Victoria was sleeping in the chair with her feet on an ottoman. Rionach was curled up holding onto EJ’s back.  He pulled the blanket up and covered them.  He went to the linen closet and got another for his mother. He kissed her on the forehead. He smiled as he smelled the alcohol on her sleeping breath.

He closed the door and walked past the next room. Nick’s familiar snore made him chuckle.

He walked upstairs to his master suite. The bed was turned down and a scotch was poured on the nightstand.

“Thank you, Charles” 

He went to the dusty Bible on his chest. His father had placed it in his duffle as he went to war.  

Jarrod turned to the book of Jeremiah.It was a verse he knew by heart when he was searching for answers.

“ 6:16— Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”

“There has to be a way.” and he laid down for a few hours of sleep.

Chapter Text

Chapter Thirty 

EJ reached out and pulled closer to Rionach. The wool blanket was warm and comfortable. She was in that hazed sleep before waking up. She smelled some coffee from somewhere in the house and squinched at the taste of alcohol in her mouth.

She had been dreaming of Jarrod; she sniffed with her eyes closed for the bay and cigars. She reached out again and held onto Rionach’s curls.

“Jarrod———“ she whispered and drifted back to sleep thinking of the week before.

—--&-----

She had spent a week and a half with her Mother—-Isidora had come back and she shooed her daughter back to San Francisco. 

The lack of messages from Stockton had confounded her——she thought they were on better ground after the wedding and then only two notes.

He had left a message for her to let him know when she returned to The Palace. A telegram from Stockton—-She waited two days and then relented. Harv took a note to the brownstone.

Jarrod was there by supper. She had dressed carefully in a form-fitting dress and her hair tossed on her head as he liked.

“I want him to know what he is missing, I thought he had put the threat behind us.”

He kissed her distractedly on the cheek.

“Have you had supper, EJ?”

“No, I was waiting on you.”

“I will go have something sent up.”

He turned back around and went downstairs.

She couldn’t read his mood——something was wrong but he didn’t seem angry. She couldn’t put her finger on it.

He came back upstairs, “Thirty minutes.”

“How was Stockton?”

“Sally and Heath have almost completed the house. Posy is ruling our mother and the roost. Heath and Carl purchased a pair of new breeding mares. You will love them. Two of the most beautiful Isabella’s you have ever seen.”

He told her the story of the beautiful golden horses brought to the Americas by Queen Isabella of Spain. 

“Heath and Carl paid a pretty penny for them but it was worth every cent. “

“I can’t wait to see them.” she looked at him expectantly.

“Rionach? That’s another story. She has been served a deportation warrant——industrial espionage from Audra’s dress debacle with Godey’s and then the drawing of Sally’s dress that made it to the papers—-and they have accused her of immorality with Nick——the Senator and that LeClerc woman are behind it.”

“Damn.”

Jarrod looked tired as he continued, “I went to see him before he pulled this ace from the bottom of the deck——I accused him of sending me that threat. I really don’t think he had any idea——either his henchman did it or LeClerc. But something else happened——-“

“What Jarrod?” and she put her hand on his arm.

“I told him I left copies of the notes with the newspaper and the federal judge if something happens to you.”

“Oh Jarrod——-“ and she ran her fingers through his hair.

He allowed her the intimate gesture for a moment and leaned into it. He closed his eyes and brought her hand down on his cheek. He kept it there and kissed it.

Abruptly he regained his mission and took her hand away.

“EJ, he blames me for the political cartoons. It hit me. Your folio in the carriage? All the times it didn’t add up. You?”

She lowered her head, “Yes. I never meant for you to get hurt.  I wanted to tell you so many times.  I was a coward.”

“Why couldn’t you tell me?”

“I was afraid you would have made me stop.  Jarrod, I was making a difference. I really was. I will quit if you ask me to—-“

“I would have. EJ, I can’t lose you. I have ——-“ and his voice choked up.

“I was going to tell you so many times but—-“

She pulled him close and held him tight.  She felt him jerk and shiver with the pent-up feelings.

“I will quit, Jarrod. You have my word.”

“No——it’s part of who you are. Let’s look at this together. I won’t fight you over something you love.”

“Yes husband, I would like that.”

They were interrupted by the knock on the door. The maid pushed in the cart, lit the candles, set the places and filled the water glasses.

“Anything else?”

“No. Thank you.” And he handed her a tip.

They went back to small talk and discussion over the food and her animals and her mother.

He poured them both their second glass of wine and opened the dome of dessert cakes.

He offered her first choice, “Miss sweet tooth? Your wish is my command.”

“Oooooh, let’s share this one. I want to try it but I want one of the chocolate ones too——“

She grazed his lips to offer a bite of the fig cake. He accepted it but grabbed her hand. He nipped her wrist and she dropped the cake with the deep intake of her breath.

She took a bite of the cake and held it in her lips. Jarrod kissed his finger and placed it on the cake. He licked the icing off his fingers. Her eyes clouded and her breathing increased. 

They looked at each other for a moment and EJ continued the game. She dipped her finger in chocolate and lined his lips. He tasted the icing and reciprocated with a strawberry to her mouth. She took a deep bite and handed it back to him. 

“Jarrod——“ she whispered.

“EJ, I love you.”

Her finger dipped down and she put a dollop of icing on the indention in her neck. It moved when she swallowed. It was more than he could take.

He adeptly pulled her into his arms and kissed the icing off her neck and down into her bodice.  She moved to give him access to her bodice.

“EJ——-we need to wait.”

“No we don’t. I want you——-“

She pulled his face down into her bosom and began nibbling on his ear.  He moaned and picked her up. He took her to her bedroom and kicked the door open.

“Elisabeth, I will be your husband and you my wife. I will not take you tonight. But I will teach you ways between a woman and a man. It’s time. But you will still be a maiden.”

She could do nothing but moan and pull him close.

“I trust you——“

“I don’t trust myself EJ but I promise you, I will never leave you.”

“I believe you.”

EJ smiled in her sleep as she thought of their first night together last week. 

“ I can’t wait to be your wife.”

—--&-----

She woke up fully and gathered her surroundings in her head. She was holding Rionach tightly and Victoria was stretching in the chair. 

Rionach opened her swollen eyes and seemed confused. EJ sat up and patted her hair.

“Oh my.”

The three ladies looked sheepishly at each other and Victoria burst out in laughter.

“Well, we made good use of Jarrod’s fine, old brandy. Double-distilled apple brandy from County Cork——Ireland. Rionach, I think we put those apples to good use. They shouldn’t haunt any of us again.” holding up the empty bottle.

Rionach gave a weak smile with EJ’s arm around her, “Yes we did.”

——-&——-

Nick was on his third cup of Charles’ strong coffee.  It was doing nothing for his nerves but he couldn’t stop.

“Damn, I have worked half a day by the time these people get up. We got things to do. I need to talk to Ri. She was asleep when I got home. All the ladies were in one room. Guess I am glad she wasn’t by herself. Woulda woke her up if’fn Mother wasn't in there too—---what time did you say Jarrod came home?”

Charles acknowledged Nick, “Yessa sir Mista Nick. I know you got some big plans today. MIsta Jarrod came home right before dawn. Before you were in the water closet. Those pipes go right past my room.”

“Damn. I wish I heard him. I gotta talk to him. It’s almost ten o’clock.”

“Good Morning, Nicholas.”

Victoria came in wearing her long quilted robe and hastily-brushed gray curls. She didn’t look well.

He stood up and kissed her, “Let me get you some coffee.”

Charles was faster and handed it already to Nick.

“Thank you.” as she took a sip of the steaming cup.

“You feeling ok?’

“We made friends with that old bottle of Jarrod’s fine Irish brandy.’

“All of you?” he asked with a look of  incredulity. The memory of his mother downing the shot of whiskey before he left came to mind, “That may be a humdinger of a headache.”

Victoria just smiled and sipped on the coffee, “My lips are sealed.”

“Is Ri ok?”

“As well as can be. EJ and I convinced her to take a hot bath to get ready for the day.”

He was a little disappointed with the delay in seeing her; he felt like his heart was going to burst and the roasted coffee had not helped his mood.

Nick took another sip of his coffee; The doorbell rang and Charles went to answer it. Nick was on his feet immediately. Victoria looked even concerned.

Charles came back in with a telegram, “For you.”

Nick read it quickly and the tension fled, “Heath and Sally are bringing Aine by lunch.’

“I can’t imagine Rionach saying goodbye to her sister. I am sending a letter to a friend in London to pick Rionach up from the steamer. I also want to telegram a broker to upgrade her fare; I don’t want the child in steerage.” Victoria’s voice slightly quivered.

“No worries Mother. It ain’t going to happen. If Jarrod didn’t find him a judge, I am taking this into my own hands. “

She cut her eyes at him and went back to her coffee, “I assumed.”

“Breakfast?” Charles asked.

“Just bread please.”

And Nick began his fourth cup of coffee as Victoria began her second cup while she nibbled on toast.

Both of them eyed the door looking for Jarrod or Rionach.

“I need some answers.” Nick remarked.

“Me, too.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Thirty One

Heath stood up when the train stopped. Sally helped Aine gather her book and shawl. She shoved them into their traveling valise. Aine looked as if she was going to cry and Heath put his hand on her shoulder. Her red eyes looked up at him in a mix of fear and trepidation. .

“Bout what happened earlier, it was a mistake.”

She bit her lip and readily agreed. Sally cut her eyes in anger at Heath, “Come on Aine,we will talk about this privately.”

“Yes milady,” she quivered.

“Ma’am. she snipped at Aine.

Heath walked behind them and took a deep intake of air.

He had never seen Sally so angry at him and the fear in Aine’s eyes devastated him. He blew out the air in a low whistle.

“ It was a mistake, mine. They don’t understand.”

He called for a porter to get their bag and for a rig. Heath caught the eye of the US Marshal from the train coming toward him. He nodded.

“Sally, Aine. Stay right here on the platform.  The porter will be back in a moment. Here is his tip if he beats me back.”

Sally simply nodded, biting her lip and holding Aine’s hand tightly.  She watched Heath walk over to the US Marshal and have a heated exchange.

“Damn you Heath. What are you hiding?” 

Aine’s eyes grew big and Sally apologized “I didn’t realize I said that out loud. Aine, I am sorry about what happened on the train.  My husband is the finest man I know. But there is something wrong and he hasn’t told me.”

“Is that why he hurt that man?”

“I believe so.  There we go, Aine. The rig is here.”

“Yes ma’am”

Sally helped Aine up and they sat waiting on Heath. She closed her eyes and sighed. She said another prayer of thanksgiving: they had decided to leave Posy with Audra and Rosita. The child would have not done well with Heath’s actions.

They had left Stockton at four am.  They roused the sleeping child and took her out in the dark night to meet their train.  The telegram had told them to come soon, not to alarm Aine yet as there was an appeal waiting but to bring any of Rionach’s clothes and an empty trunk.  Once Sally got her tears out, she and Heath pulled a trunk from the attic. She gathered two dresses cut down from Audra’s, extra undergarments of her own along with another cloak. She gave her the new gloves she bought on her honeymoon. Her mind raced with anything that Rionach might need on the long voyage home.

Surely not———

“A muffler? I should have gotten one from Mother Victoria’s room——

They rode silently and boarded the first class car. The family had taken the private car with Rionach earlier.  Heath and Sally sat with the little sleeping girl, holding hands.  

Light filled the car and Heath ordered them breakfast.  The train stopped in San Jose and more passengers got on the car.

A group of marshals boarded the train; their silver stars glimmered in the dawn light.

Heath’s countenance seemed to change; he sat up straighter and his eyes darted as the men crowded in looking for their seats.  

“Is something wrong, Heath?”

“No. Stay here with Aine. I will be back. Need to take a little walk.”

Sally tried to calm herself but she had a bad feeling—--

And it came to pass——

A few minutes later, a tussle ensued at the back of the car. Sally craned to see. The black-jacketed men surrounded Heath as well as the passengers nearest the incident.  

She closed her eyes and prayed——the aisle was jammed and she heard the metal doors to the next cars close and shut.

Thirty minutes passed and the train finally started.

Sally got her courage up, “Aine? I need to go check on Heath. Please stay here.”

An elderly lady across the aisle smiled, “Your daughter is safe with me.”

Sally swallowed and nodded, “Stay here “

Just as Sally stood up, a marshal came down the aisle.

“Ma’am? Are you Miz Barkley?”

“Yes,” she could barely sputter.

“Just wanted to talk with ya. Yore husband mistook a man for someone that threatened you in the past. Mistaken identity. He has a fierce right hook, if I say so myself. He’s pretty protective of ya and yore child. Can’t blame him.  I am sending a telegram at Goose Neck the next stop. Iffn he checks out with Fred Madden in Stockton or Frank Sawyer, I will give him his gun back when we get to San Francisco.”

“Thank you, very much.”

The marshal looked down at Aine and pulled some hard candy out of his pocket, “Here ya go Missy. Can’t blame a man for protecting a pretty little girl like you.”

“Did he hurt your deputy?”

The man smiled kindly, “Nope. A man from the seminary. Wore all black and had long curls like the man who wanted to hurt you.  His white tabby had fallen off in the scuffle. In yore husband’s defense, he didn’t see it. He was visiting with my deputies. They got in some licks themselves until I broke it up. Hot heads. I know Jarrod Barkley. The preacher isn’t pressing charges.”

“Oh Mother Mary, Heath what have you done? And what have you not told me?”

Aine crossed herself and the marshal tipped his hat, “Well I ‘spect that’s between a husband and a wife. I will leave you to that. Good day.”

Heath came back to their seat right before it arrived in San Francisco. No one said a word

“You hit a preacher?” was all she could whisper.

—--&-----

Charles was keeping busy in the kitchen, chopping and starting a roux for lunch. He had the buffet ready with biscuits and fruit and meat for the late sleepers.

Victoria’s head was throbbing from the brandy and she was close to losing her cool with Nick.  He would get up every few minutes and check the hall. He went outside for only a couple of minutes and circled the small garden.

The backdoor slammed as he came back in.

“Nicholas, must you?” Victoria stammered.

“Sorry. I am sick and tired of waiting around. Jarrod staying out all night with no word and Ri, worried to death about leaving—--”

“I am sure they will be in here soon.” she said with disgust.

“Well, I don’t like it one bit.” and his knees hit the table. A saucer clambered to the floor.

“I got it, Mista Barkley.”

“No Charles, It’s my mess.. Just give me a pan.”

He took the dustpan and broom. He swept hastily and a large piece scattered across the floor.  He dumped the pieces in the bin loudly.

Victoria bit her lip not to say anything with her pounding headache.

He noticed the piece across the floor and went to pick it up. He cut himself and swore. He undid his bandana and dabbed the cut.

“Nicholas! Please—-----”

Charles brought him a wet cloth and he nodded. He sucked on the cut to keep it from throbbing.

Victoria closed her eyes and shook her head.

Chapter Text

Chapter Thirty Two

Rionach and EJ came into the kitchen; Nick jumped up immediately knocking the coffee cup array. Victoria let out a deep sigh.

Charles immediately grabbed a towel and began to clean up the puddle. Nick was cleaning it up awkwardly with a napkin.

“I got this Mista Nick.”

“Sorry Charles.”

Victoria looked at her son, as if to tell him to take it slow.

Nick and Rionach looked at each other with soft smiles. 

EJ had braided half of her hair in a crown and the rest of her long auburn locks were cascading down her back. Her blue dress was simple and classic; it made her pale complexion glow and her green eyes even greener. She was wearing powder for the first time to cover the dark circles under her eyes. Nick thought she looked beautiful as always.

“How’d ya sleep?” was all he could get out.

The ladies all laughed thinking of the brandy; she simply tiredly giggled, “Well enough. Thank you Nick.”

He pulled out the chairs for EJ and Rionach. 

EJ spoke up, “I will be back. I want to see if Jarrod has any news. I know we are about to burst.”

Victoria put aside the impropriety thought of EJ going into her son’s bedroom before they were married.

“ They are adults too—-I want to know what happened for him to be out all night by himself.”

“Thank you EJ. I admit we are all on pins and needles.”

Nick and Rionach were still quietly staring at each other.  She had yet to say a word.

“Breakfast?”

“Yes she will,” Nick answered too quickly.

Victoria cut her eyes at him.

“Sorry Ri. Shoulda let you answer.”

She reached out and patted his hand, “No I appreciate it.  My thoughts are pretty muddled.”

“Then eggs and toast and—-“ he ordered for her.

Victoria cut her eyes again.

“Fruit?” Nick said in a quieter voice like a little boy chastised.

“That will be wonderful. I am sorry I have forgotten your name.”

“Charles ma’am.”

“Charles, thank you.”

“You are welcome Miz Ri——-“ and he stumbled over her name.

Rionach laughed for the first time, “Ri is perfect. I am getting very used to it.”

Nick smiled.

She ate breakfast while Nick and Victoria carried the conversation.

They didn’t bring up the appeal or anything about the deportation.

“Heath and Sally are bringing Aine by lunchtime today. They should be on a train eating their breakfast too.”

Rionach smiled then her face dropped, “Oh my the last time I see my angeale,”

“It won’t be! I promise!”

Victoria looked at him for the third time and shook her head.

EJ came back into the room, “No news on appeal. He wants to talk to everyone together.”

Nick stood up, “I am tired of talking. No mother, don't shake your head at me again. I love Rionach and I will be deciding from here on out! I am not a boy.” 

He raised his voice at Victoria.

Everyone looked shocked and speechless.

“I think Rionach will make her own decisions, Nicholas.” Victoria glared at him.

Rionach looked down at her place and pushed away at the last of her food, “Thank you Charles. Nick, we do need to talk.”

EJ looked apprehensive, “Jarrod wanted to talk to all of us. He asked for us to wait on him.”

Rionach bit her lip, “I understand but strangely enough, the brandy cleared my mind. I need to talk to Nick privately.”

“Let’s go out the back.”

EJ and Victoria shared a look of frustration.

“He is a bull in a china closet.” Victoria just shook her head in frustration.

“He’s a man in love,” EJ whispered.

“Yes he is.A bull in a china closet in love. ”

——-&——

“Nick, please don’t say anything. Please let me get this out.”

“Ok but I want you to hear me out.”

“You are a gift from heaven. You taught me to trust again. Share my feelings—-“ and she whispered, “and to receive touch and find pleasure in it. Thank you. I do love you with all my heart and soul and Croía——my chuid, my portion, my soul. As we part, I want you to find another worthy of thy great heart,my  Leannán . I can never thank you and your family enough for giving me my life back. Your mathair has friends in London for me to find employ. I shall find someone to help me write Aine. And to think she shall be safe in America at the ranch——it shall be enough.”

The longer she spoke, the thick Irish brogue appeared. Nick found it very endearing and very sensual to him. 

“Rionach, will you be my wife?” he blurted out.

The shock on her face was immediate.

“Nick? I don’t know what to say? I am beneath you, your friends, your life ——-I can’t read or write and I can’t cook——I am dishonored.”

“Ri? Do you love me?”

“Yah I cannot lie, my love.”

“Ri——-if I were poor or injured or unable to read, would you still love me?” he crooned, drawing her closer. He ran his fingers through her hair.

“Of course I would love you.” and she closed her eyes.

“Rio-on—ak,” he pronounced it perfectly in his husky voice, “Will you marry me?”

“But———“

“Ri? I don’t want you to leave. I checked on the law yesterday and ran some more errands. You may stay in America as my wife.”

“Oh Nick, are you sure? I don’t want you to wake one day and realize how I am not worthy of you—-because I am not.”

“Ri——marry me. In front of my whole family—-I love you. I won’t change my mind if you promise not to change yours. Marriage is for life.”

“I know. A holy sacrament of the church. A vow before God. “

“I would never lie to you or God.”

He pulled her close and kissed her deeply, “Ri? Marry me?”

“Yah, yah I will.” and she began to cry.  He pulled her tight to him.

“I want to get you to a judge soon before that Senator can interfere again——Ri, we don’t have to be husband and wife until you—-are ready.”

She looked at him incredulously, “ Go raibh maith agat”

He knew instinctively that it was ‘thank you’.

“And Aine? She can be with me?”

“Of course. I get two beautiful ladies with this.”

And he pulled out a beautiful emerald ring from his vest pocket.

“Emeralds for your eyes. Gold for purity. The band will be made from Barkley gold soon. I had to get what Abraham had ready made. He said he can remake it into anything you like. But I want a ring on your finger for the whole world to see—the judge, the Senator, Madame what the hell, my family. I love you, Ri. You are who I have been looking for my whole life.”

“Oh Nick, I do love you.”

“You better. Ya going to put up with a whole lot of me for the next fifty years or so.”

She let him hold her tight as he told her his plans.

EJ and Victoria watched the couple from the window with tears in their eyes.

“Well, I think my son just showed us.”

“He did.”

—---&-----

EJ knocked on Jarrod’s door again.

“Come in.”

Jarrod was running his comb through his hair. He was in his burgundy quilted smoking jacket, a white shirt and black pants. He was still in his sock feet.

Earlier EJ had woken him up; he was disoriented when she tiptoed in. He had slept in his clothes, his hair was rumpled and the Bible was still open next to him. He had looked up the verses that Wells quoted way past dawn.

EJ left the door open for propriety with his family in the house.

“My love, I hate to wake you but everyone is anxious to hear about the appeal?”

He weakly smiled, “I am sorry. It was a rough night. Just tell them I didn’t have luck with the appeal but I hope to hear from someone today.”

“I will tell them my love.” and she kissed him on the top of his head.

“Thank you. EJ, you are a godsend.”

“Well you are very welcome, Mr Barkley.”

“And EJ, please tell them I need to talk to everyone. Please don’t let Nick go off half-cocked. The Senator and Madame aren’t worth him at the end of a noose.”

“I will.”

“I will get dressed and be out in a few minutes.”

—--&-----

“Jarrod?”

“EJ, is something wrong?”

“I don’t think so,” as she bit her lip, “I think Nick just proposed to Rionach. That’s good right?”

“Well, I figured he was thinking about it; I assumed he would after trying to strong arm the senator. This conversation won’t be pleasant.”

He put his comb down and went to his chair to put his slippers on.

“Why Jarrod? I think they are perfect for each other.”

“I agree. She really is a dear and she’s good for him. It’s not that I disapprove of them marrying.  There are some complications I want to make sure they are aware of——-some things that I doubt my brother has considered.”

EJ looked mortified, “Oh no——can you tell me?”

“I will——after I talk to Nick.”

“Will they still be able to marry?”

“I don’t know. I have to talk to him as a brother and her attorney.”

———-&——-

Chapter Text

Chapter Thirty Three

Jarrod was dreading the conversation but knew it had to be had quickly.  They were down to 36 hours before Rionach was remanded to be on the train east with the other deportees. 

Jarrod sat down at the table with the ladies and took his coffee. He kept an eye peeled out his kitchen window for the couple. He knew if they left through the gate to go on with Nick’s plan he would have to stop them as an officer of the court and most importantly Nick’s brother. He winched thinking of the punch he could likely get when Nick got the news from him.

The couple seemed quite happy in the back garden. Rionach and Nick were sharing the iron bench by the fountain.  They kept kissing and admiring her ring.

Victoria and EJ kept watching Jarrod and reading his expressions,

“Jarrod? Is something wrong? I feel that marrying would be a good thing, don’t you?”

Jarrod sighed and blew out a long breath. He sipped on the coffee and sat it down gingerly on the saucer.

“Mother, I believe Rionach is exactly what Nick needs. She is lovely, young but she is wise beyond her years. I have never sensed an ounce of guile”

“Then what, Jarrod? Can they not marry legally?” Victoria pushed.

“Yes they can. But it’s complicated. I need to let them know some nuances of the law and ——“ he picked up his coffee and stood up. 

He looked out the window and saw Rionach smile brighter than he had even seen. Nick tipped her chin and kissed her.  Jarrod put his head down in respect.

“Jarrod, do you have to?” Victoria put her hand on his shoulder.

“Yes Mother, I do.”

———-&———

Heath and Sally rode silently to the brownstone.  Aine looked at them one to the other.  They both stared straight ahead only speaking through their charge.

“Aine, did you see that tall building? It’s the tallest in the city.” Heath pointed out.

She looked out the window dutifully and said, “Yes sir.” 

She was more worried about Sally’s anger at her husband. Heath was just looking out the window brooding.

“Aine, I am glad we packed the new bonnet from Aunt Audra. The scarf tie will come in handy with this wind.”

“I wrote her a thank you note——Gams took it over.”

Heath and Sally chuckled at Aine’s using the term of endearment Posy created for Victoria.  

“I didn’t even remind you, Aine.  You did it on your own? You are such a fine child.”

“Rionach always said that thank yous are another way to say I love you.”

Sally ran her fingers through Aine’s braids, “She is a fine sister.”

“The best. I can’t wait to see her. Maybe we can fly kites again.”

Heath smiled, “That was a fine black and white kitty cat you picked out with Posy.”

“The best day ever.” Aine grinned, “but I love living at the ranch. My own kitty— Gams is teaching me to crochet. I have my chores but they only take an hour or two. Silas and I gather the eggs. Rosita and I churn the butter. And I read to Posy, but that’s just for fun. And I like watching her. She’s like my little sister.”

Heath and Sally shared a look; Heath reached out for her hand and she allowed him to hold. Their mind filled with the document they signed last week taking guardianship from Rionach with the promise to adopt her if the worst happened.

And the worst had come to pass; the telegram told them to bring Aine. The hearing had ended in deportation.

“ And now we are taking the child to say goodbye to the only family she ever knew.”

—--&----

Nick and Rionach stayed outside for an hour; Jarrod paced the kitchen, the hall and even his study—-listening for the door.  EJ and Victoria stayed close listening and straightening the house, trying to soothe their nerves.

Finally, Nick and Rionach came in the back door. Their voices were heard all over the house.  Jarrod, EJ and Victoria met them in the hall, almost running into each other.

“Well, I am glad you are all here. Ri and I got some news. Wish the others were here but this is such good news, I will be glad to tell it over and over. We are getting married!” with a giant grin.  

Rionach smiled at him back. EJ reached for her hand and she proudly showed off the emerald ring.

“Oh Rionach, it’s so beautiful.”

The Irish girl beamed.

“Jarrod, I went to Abraham and upped the ante.” he boasted in fun.

“I see.” Jarrod admired her hand, trying not to make eye contact with Nick. 

He leaned over and kissed Rionach on the cheek, “The ring is beautiful but not as lovely as you my dear.”

She blushed, “Thank you, Jarrod.”

Nick was too busy looking at his fiancée to notice Jarrod’s furrowed brow.

Victoria stepped up next, “Rionach, you are a blessing to this family. I do love you so.”

“Thank you so much. I do love thee too.” and she kissed Victoria back for the first time.

EJ hugged her and they clasped hands with their engagement rings. 

Nick piped up, “Brother Jarrod, where do you keep the liquor? I think my getting hitched warrants a little champagne.”

“Charles? Will you bring some champagne from the cellar?”  Jarrod asked with a sigh, “Nick can we talk? It’s serious.”

“It can’t wait.” He said under his breath.

“It can’t.”

“For heaven's sake, Jarrod. What in the world is more important than me and Ri tying the knot?”

“It’s about that——there are some things to consider, “ he whispered.

Nick grumbled a few expletives, “Let’s go into your office. And hurry it up.”

Charles met them in the hall, “These are the two best I found.”

“Good, good. Let me have them. I will bring them out when we finish talking.”

“Something tells me you ain’t wanting to toast my marriage?” Nick snarled.

“Please——let’s shut the door and talk. I haven’t slept all night it seems.”

“And I have?”

“Fair enough.” and he closed the door behind them.

Chapter Text

Chapter Thirty Four

“Want a drink, Nick?”

“News that bad?”

Jarrod didn’t answer. He pulled the expensive crystal decanter across the desk and poured them both a drink.

Nick took the drink and eyed him with suspicion, “Go on.”

“First, I want you to know I am glad for you and Rionach. She will make a good wife to you, brother.”

“But? I know the but is coming.”

“I wish you had talked to me beforehand. There are some issues.”

“I don’t need your permission.” Nick was getting defensive.

“I didn’t say that you did. I said there are some legal and religious issues you needed to be aware of before you proposed.”

“I checked with the clerk. She can marry me and stay in the country as my wife. If you had told me that she wouldn’t have been in that courtroom.”

“That’s partially true but with a high profile case like this and an order in place—--”

“I will put that senator and the dress lady out of commission before I lose her.”

Jarrod sighed. Nick was getting angrier by the minute.

“Spit it out Jarrod”

Jarrod’s exhaustion set in and he raised his voice, “I will if you shut up.”

Nick’s eyes went wide, “I am listening.” lowering his voice.

“Look NIck, I am exhausted. I know you are too. I have been up all night with a dying man.”

Nick was caught off guard, “Who? And what does it have to do with Ri? Unless it is the senator and I will pay for the wake.”

“Wills. He’s dead.”

Nick couldn’t keep the surprise off his face,“When were you going to tell us that? Another secret? What are you doing with him? Another damn secret—- Does Heath know?”

“Nick, it just happened. I ran into him at the courthouse—-he collapsed. Heath isn’t here to tell.” Jarrod gritted his teeth.

“What about Ri?’

“If you paid more attention to the world Nick, you would know she’s Catholic.”

“So. I knew that. We will figure it out which church to go to—-”

“Nick, not everyone is like our friend, the Padre. The archbishops would deny her communion for marrying a Protestant.”

He looked startled.

“And your children will not be baptized into the church and recognized as illegitimate by some bishops.”

“Ah hell no. I will convert.”

“You don’t have time for the process before the deportation.”

“And I am just finding this out now?” sounding a bit petulant.

Jarrod shook his head at him and took another sip from his drink, “Don’t even.”

“I will talk to Ri and figure it out.”

“You will need a dispensation from the Bishop and you only have thirty-odd hours. It’s not possible. He has a council and others to answer too. Bare minimum you have to promise to raise children in the church. Dispensation from disparity of cult. Marriage will be invalid without it.”

Nick shook with Rage, “I will agree to anything.”

“You don’t have the time.”

“Well, we will see the judge and figure it out anyhows.”

“Ri deserves to know Nick beforehand. She is very devout.”

“I will decide with my wife,” he yelled.

“I will tell her if you don’t. I am her attorney.”

“You are my brother first.”

Jarrod braced for the punch. It was close but it didn't come. His fist was tight but he held it at his side.

“And the second thing is—-”

“Another?” Nick shouted.

“Yes, you need to let me talk.”

“I am done with talking.  Why didn’t you tell me this before?  You knew I cared about the girl.”

“I thought she needed time to mend.”

“I knew that. I was taking it slow until you lost the case—-”

He immediately regretted his words but was too proud to apologize.Jarrod glared at him.

“If she agrees to marry you outside the church, the marriage needs to be consummated.”

“What the hell? That’s not any of your business, brother.”

“Yes it is. The judge can require her to sign a statement that it was and not just a marriage of convenience to get past his deportation order. The Senator is low enough to push for it.  It could mean jail time for her—--and you.”

Nick flew into a fit of rage thinking of Rionach having to answer to that judge. He slammed his fist on the desk and the India ink bottle flew into the air. Jarrod’s white shirt was its target and it absorbed most of it. An identical dot the size of a mole ended up on Jarrod’s face and Nick’s in the exact same spot. Neither noticed.

The champagne bottles rolled off the desk and hit the floor.  Corks flew off and hit one of Jarrod’s most expensive paintings.

“NIck, look what you've done. All my papers—--ruined. The painting! The appeals, all of it.” He was furious.

“Want to see something else? How about your fancy scotch?” He took the crystal decanter and slammed it down in the ink.  It broke into a hundred pieces and soaked the desk. Jarrod was covered in scotch.

Jarrod picked up the glass of scotch left and threw it onto Nick, “Have some yourself. You missed this.” he yelled.

Nick took the scotch directly to the face and the glass shattered on the floor.

Both brothers were stunned at their rage and slumped down into the overstuffed chairs. 

Nick began to chuckle first. They were exhausted.

“Remember that chuck wagon when we were kids.”

Jarrod laughed, “Yep. It was beans then. That cook dragged us by the ear to Father. He tanned our hides for sure. It’s been awhile.”

“I am sorry. I mean it. I love her.”

“ I know you do. And we are going to find a way for her to be your wife. I promise. I am sorry too, brother Nick.”

“You think the family heard us?.”

“Not a doubt in my mind they did. I would bet my whole neighborhood did.”

Heath pushed open the door. He couldn’t wait any more in the hall. 

 “What the hell?” and he surveyed the room, “I am going to need a drink for this.”

“Yep,” was all Nick said.

“Help yourself. The scotch and the champagne are gone. Whiskey is on the cart.”

——-&——-

Chapter Text

Chapter 35/40

Thirty minutes later, Heath, Nick and Jarrod left his paneled study. Rionach and Aine were eating in the kitchen. Victoria and EJ had taken up their pacing, worried about the loud melee and voices they heard.

Sally sat alone on the parlor settee, waiting for Heath to come out. She had an awful headache after the train and the arguments they came home to.

Victoria had comforted her, “Since he went in,nothing has been broken and I can’t hear their voices. That’s a good sign.”

Their heads all turned at the opening of the door.  The smell of alcohol permeated the room.

“I will explain it all later ladies. I need to get a change of clothes.” Nick spoke up quickly on his way past them.

Victoria narrowed her eyes at her middle son, “I would think so.”

“Where’s Rionach?” Nick asked.

Victoria raised her eyebrow at him, “Kitchen with Aine. She wasn’t going to tell her anything until she talked to you,”

“Good to know.”

“Your clothes?”

“They will have to do after all, I guess. I am going to send Aine back in here iff’n you don’t mind Mother.”

She simply shook her head, “yes.”

Jarrod looked at EJ, “Let’s go watch me clean up this mess. I don’t want Charles to know what a jackass I am. You already know.”

EJ roared back and laughed, “I do.”

“Let me go get some towels and a bin.”

———&——-

“Sally, can we talk, up in our room?”

“Yes.”

Victoria watched them walk upstairs; she was frustrated that all three of her sons disappeared with no explanation of what was going on. And she was standing in the hall alone. She didn’t have time to stew as she heard little footsteps down the hall.

Aine ran in and gave her a hug, “I missed you Gams.”

“I missed you too. Let’s take a walk to the park. I can’t wait to hear what that kitten is up to. It’s only a block. Let me get our cloaks. You and I shall enjoy this fine day.”

“Thank you.”

—--&------

“Jarrod, what happened here?” EJ asked when they entered his office.

“It all started a long time ago at a chuck wagon.” he laughed, “I will tell you all about it later.”

Jarrod walked to his desk and cursed under his breath, “These are the copies of Rionach’s appeal. I will need all afternoon to recopy them.” 

He took the soaked papers and placed them in the bin.  He threw away his leather desk pad.

“May I help? Recopy them? I would be honored to help.”

“I would appreciate that my love,” and he walked over to kiss her.

“Jarrod, it looks like you have a black mole on your chin.”

He went to smudge it and it didn’t come off.

“Let me look in the mirror. Oh yes, India ink, indelible. It may come off with alcohol.”

“Well, there is plenty in the rug.”

Jarrod cut his eye at her and grinned, “I deserved that.”

They cleaned up the office and rolled up the rug to take outside.Charles volunteered to help several times.

“No this is my undoing not yours. I do need you to order me a half-a-dozen new white shirts from my tailor. This is one more to the rag bin this month.”

“Will do, sir.”

They went upstairs after they took the rug outside and the painting off the wall for restoration. 

“Let me change shirts and I will be just a second. We can talk privately in my study now that it is clean.”

“See you there.” and she winked.

He was back in five minutes with a fresh shirt and a red mark on his chin, “I tried soap to no avail. You must still love me black mole and all.”

“I shall.”

“Are you going to tell me what started this brotherly fray?”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Hmmmm I thought no secrets.” she winked.

He laughed, “This was twelve-year old Jarrod and eight-year old Nick. Blood brother vow.”

She smiled, “Fair enough. I have my share with my brothers. Not my sister. She was born old.”

The room was heavy in the lull of conversation. EJ and Jarrod sensed it.

HIs mood grew more solemn at what he had to share; he took her hand to the chairs by the fireplace. 

He escorted her to one and pulled the second one close to her, “We need to talk. No secrets I promised.”

EJ looked alarmed.

“Nothing that harms us as a couple—It’s about my family.”

“Our family.”

He smiled and told her about Sam Wills, his deathbed and about Rionach and Nick’s choices.

She pulled a handkerchief out and cried, “How will she make such a choice?”

“I don’t know, EJ. I don’t know.”

He motioned for her to come to him and sit in his lap. He held her tightly as she cried. He was glad that her head was in his chest as he shed a few himself.

“Jarrod,” her head popped up, “I have an idea. From the Bible.”

—--&-----

“Sally, sorry I been wrong. Real wrong.”

She looked at her husband with expectation.

“Let me tell ya the whole story. I ain’t good letting people help.You know that.”

“I am not people. I am yore wife.”

“Ok I will tell ya the ending first——he’s dead.”

“Who?”

“The man I been fretting about, Sam Wills. Tom’s brother..”

“Go on.” Sally’s face grew stoic. She swallowed and took a deep breath.

“Nick and Jarrod kinda butted their way in; Jarrod found out from Pinkerton and called me on it.”

“So your brothers knew? I figured out the way they watched me and Posy like hawks. Did your ranch hands know?”

“Only partly. Let me start from the beginning.”

He told her about meeting Sam Wills at the jail.

“We got interrupted and he never got to finish telling me what he wanted. Said a lot of horse sh——manure about you and me and his brother. He had even read the inquest and it didn’t settle him.  Paid Pinkerton for a report.”

Her eyes grew wide.

“He got called to Wyoming for a job. Two months away. He was a marshal and transported prisoners on outstanding warrants.”

Sally didn’t say a word.

“I was scared, real scared he would show up and hurt ya and take Posy.”

Her shoulders sagged, “That’s why you signed the birth certificate?”

“Yep. Figured I could handle it legal and iff’n that didn’t work, my gun would.”

“Oh Heath, I wish you woulda told me.”

“I didn’t want to worry ya. It’s a husband’s place to protect his wife. I shore weren’t going to fail on that.”

She gave him a weak smile.

“Anyhows back to the question about the ranch hands. They knew to look for a man dressed in all black and long curls.”

“Only Nick and Jarrod knew about the Pinkerton report—-it mentioned Posy.”

“Oh my. But you said he’s dead.”

“Sally, I just found out he did go to Stockton. He danced with you at the wedding—-the notions salesman.”

Sally looked as if she was going to swoon. 

“Yep, come to our wedding.”

“How did he die?”

“Jarrod was in line at the courthouse trying to find a judge that might hear an appeal.  He heard Wills name and confronted him in the hall.  They had words.  He collapsed on the marble floor.  Eat up with some stomach malady.  Jarrod got him to the doctor across the street.  He stayed with him until he died at dawn. They called a preacher in too. Tore up Jarrod real bad. Watching him die alone.”

Heath didn’t share the information about Posy; they all agreed it was too much for the ladies to bear.

“And the man on the train?”

Heath put his head down ashamed, “I saw a man dressed all in black, long curls down his back——right height. I was stupid. I drew my gun. Wasn’t thinking clear. It was a ———“

“A?”

“Preacher. His collar had gotten stuck in his shirt. I feel like a fool. Marshals knew Jarrod and Frank Sawyer.”

“Oh Heath, you were protecting us?”  She stood up and kissed him, “I wish you had told me but I understand.”

He pulled her close and they held each other tight.

“No more secrets, please.”

“No more secrets.” 

They finally pulled apart.

“Now tell me about Rionach.”

He sighed, “You betta sit down again.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Thirty Six

“Sorry ‘bout the smell. I know I smell like a brewery. Jarrod and I had a brotherly tussle from a chuck wagon when I was eight. I won this time.”

“Oh,” was all Rionach could say in confusion.

He looked at her long and hard—---------with love in his eyes and dread of the conversation they must have.

“Nick, is that a mole? I have never noticed it before.”

He wiped where she touched, “Nope flat. I bet it is some India ink from the desk. That stuff traveled through the air. I will get it off when I get changed.  But Ri,” and he expelled a deep breath, “Let’s go somewhere private with no interruptions.”

She looked down at the large emerald on her hand and ran her index finger over it. She squeezed her eyes shut and said a quick prayer to calm her nerves. She assumed he was ending their engagement and she was to give the ring back.

Nick took Rionach’s arm and placed it in his. He patted her small hand and covered it with his own.  They walked out into Jarrod’s garden and the gazebo.

“Let’s sit down sweetie. We got a lot to talk about.”

She looked terrified.

“The look on your face is what my heart is feeling.  A few years back, I asked Mother how she came west with only a wagon and a few supplies——how she ended up on several cattle drives—-she answered, “I could only do it with Tom Barkley by my side”. When I was weak, he was strong—-when he wanted to quit, I gave him courage. Ri, this is how I want our marriage to be. I watched my parents build a life. I want to build a family with you.”

She silently nodded.

“Jarrod brought some news to the table. Some decisions have to be made. I still want to marry you, no matter which path we take. It seems the Catholic Church won’t recognize our marriage tomorrow at city hall. Since I am an Episcopalian, the bishops and their bosses don’t see me as a believer. The church will not allow you to take communion or recognize our marriage  until I convert or we get a dispensation of sorts.  That would say you would raise the kids Catholic and I wouldn’t object.”

Her eyes were wide with the new information, “Everyone I knew at home was married by the priest. They were all servants. I guess, I didn’t think about us being different churches. They were the Church of England up at the big house. We all were baptized by our priest and we were born on the wrong side of the sheets. But Mother couldn’t be buried in consecrated ground but he blessed it anyway when no one was around.”

“Ri, it will take weeks or months to get a dispensation from the Archdiocese of San Francisco. We don’t have that kind of time with the deportation. I will convert for you and take catechism or confirmation if you want or we can fight for a dispensation.”

“Oh Nick. You would do that for me? You have a church already.”

“I do but I know some good Catholic fellers too. Mother works with the Padre at the mission. He’s a fine man. I will do it for you.”

“But Nick, not for yourself?”

“Honey, I am starting to love you more than myself. I think that’s the good Lord breaking me into marriage.  What’s best for you is best for me.”

“Oh Nick. Can we think about it after the wedding? It’s too much right now.”

He was relieved she said after.  That meant in his mind she wasn’t backing out.

“Yes of course but Ri, there’s another thing that might happen and I would have to break my word to you from earlier.”

She trembled again, “What?”

“I told you this morning, we could wait—-on the marriage bed. If it were just myself, I would wait until it’s right. But Jarrod says it’s possible that the judge might see our wedding as a sham——just to get you off that deportation train.”

“He can do that?”

“Yep. He or the Senator. I think Scheffler pulls the puppet strings.  Anyway, he might file a writ against us. Make us come back to court and “ he closed his eyes and sighed, “Sign a paper that we consummated the wedding so it’s real in the eyes of the law.  Make us swear to it on a Bible in court. He could do that.”

“Nick? What is conssssummate?” She stretched out the syllables.

“Honey, it’s procreating, becoming man and wife.”

“Oh——I would have to tell a court that I, we did—-“

“It’s natural and holy for a man and a wife. Not a thing wrong with it.  It’s supposed to be that way but we would have to tell the truth.”

“Will you be there in court?”

“By your side, proud to be your husband. Every man in that court will be jealous of me. My wife and no one else’s.” and he kissed her on the forehead.

“But am I really your wife if the church says I am not?”

“Yes in my mind and the state of California.. When I take my wedding vow, I take it before God. Me and God. Don’t matter the preacher or a judge or a justice of the peace. I am promising God that I will take care of you the rest of our life.”

She smiled weakly, “This is a lot to take in. I need to pray about this.  Will you just hold me?”

“I will be glad to.”

“I am glad we didn’t tell Aine anything yet. About the wedding or deportation or ———anything. I just need some time to know what’s best.”

“I ain’t going nowhere.”

—--&----

The Church considered marriages between Catholics and non-Christians invalid unless a dispensation was granted, viewing such unions as a "disparity of cult”.

Those who shall attempt to contract marriage otherwise than in the presence of the parish priest, or of some other priest by permission of the said parish priest, or of the ordinary, and in the presence of two or three witnesses; them doth the holy synod render utterly incapable of thus contracting, and declares such contracts void and null, as by the present decree it declares them void and annuls them. Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent/Session XXIV/Reformation of Marriage 

Chapter Text

Chapter Thirty Seven

“Do you, Nicholas Jonathan Barkley take thee Rionach Margaret O’Sullivan to be thy lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to honor, until death we do part.”

Nick and Rionach saw their vows solemnly in perfect cadence, looking at no one else in the room.  They both said their vows low and to each other directly. Victoria wiped a tear from her eye.

Judge Merton Howard’s library was the site for the ceremony.  Jarrod’s good friend was glad to do him a good turn and even more so, his own very Irish bride. The judge was incensed with the way the girl was treated and told Jarrod he would help him censure the “bigoted fool.”He marked off his only opening that day, 10:00 am for the fifteen-minute ceremony.  

Jarrod had sent the immigration court judge the pre-signed wedding license before they entered his room. He assumed he would have a page waiting with an answer when he walked to the hall. He feared the worst.  Rionach was remanded to appear on the 7pm train platform. Time was of the essence for her.

The family watched around the paneled room.  Rionach held a beautiful bouquet of ivy and lilies. Victoria had another small one made for Aine. Charles had driven her to the florist and she was the first one in line that morning.  Rionach had unpacked Audra’s aquamarine dress that she had cut down for Sally’s and Heath’s wedding   EJ loaned her a dark blue sapphire pin for her bodice; Sally and Aine embroidered her a handkerchief with the date and their initials the night before.

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in your shoe. “ the ladies had told her. She had just let them take care of all the details—she only asked to braid Aine’s hair. The familiar act seemed to calm her nerves.

Jarrod had added the silver half-dollar to her shoe.  He kissed her on the cheek, “Rionach welcome to the family. I am proud, very proud to welcome you to our family. I know how much you have given up to marry my brother. We will never take that for granted.”

“I now pronounce you, man and wife. Nick, you may kiss your bride.”

He tipped up her chin gently and kissed her lightly. She smiled with love at him.  He turned to his family, still holding her hand.

Aine beamed and hugged them both. The rest of the family lined up for their congratulations.  Rionach took their hugs and kisses with enthusiasm.

Nick didn’t move his arm from her back and Heath teased him about his “rooster in a henhouse smile.”

“You better believe it Brother Heath.’

“We will be heading over to The Occidental for lunch and a honeymoon.” Nick spoke to his brothers, “The Palace had too many bad memories for all of us.  Want to join us for lunch?”

Jarrod opened the door and a young page was waiting. He clenched his jaw. He dreaded the worst.

It was.

“Rionach Margaret O’Sullivan and Nicholas Barkley are ordered to appear in my court at precisely 2:00 pm to answer charges of naturalization connivance.  Failure to appear will be considered a guilty plea. A guilty plea will remand O’Sullivan to the ladies penitentiary for thirty days and immediate deportation to Ireland after that. A warrant will be issued for Nicholas Barkley, last known address of Stockton, California——Hereby sworn this day….”

Jarrod read the paper and shook his head in unmasked fury.  Victoria could read her son’s face.  She reached for his arm to steady herself.  Sally and EJ ran into the frozen Victoria and bumped her.  They immediately recognized that the worst had happened.

Heath was talking to Aine with his hands on his knees and Nick was whispering, sharing endearments with Rionach.

The logjam of people at the door finally caught their attention. They knew it was the worst.

Nick was furious  and Rionach was about to cry. 

Jarrod passed the note to Nick. 

“What does it say?”

“We have to sign the paper and swear on the Bible, Ri.”

“When?”

Nick checked his pocket watch, “It’s eleven. Three hours until 2:00”

“Will pass on that lunch——Ri let’s head out for some quiet talk.  See you all at 2:00.” Nick eerily spoke with a monotone.

Jarrod recognized the tone. It was an ominous one for his brother.

“Can I go with you?” Aine piped up.

Victoria intervened, “No honey, Gams would like to eat lunch with you.”

“Ok,” she looked confused.

“See you at two.” Nick waved them off and took Rionach’s arm.

The family watched them walk down the hall frozen in place. 

———-&——-

They walked silently to the restaurant down the block. No one could say a word.

Jarrod asked for a table in the back and they waited awkwardly for the table to be cleared. No one wanted to talk in front of Aine.   

The waiter finally came and took them back to the table. Jarrod put his hand in his Mother’s arm; Aine was holding on tight to Victoria sensing something was wrong.

“Gams? Did somebody do something wrong? I am sorry if it was me?”

“Oh honey, you didn’t do anything wrong. I think we are just tired after all the wedding plans. We have all been up before dawn.”

Aine looked at her warily but didn’t respond.

Sally asked if she wanted some lemonade.

“Yes ma’am please.”

“Sally? Would you mind taking Aine to the water closet to wash up?”

“Of course.”

EJ jumped in, “I need to go too.”

The family watched them walk off.

Heath spoke up first, “Any idea what Nick’s plans are?”

Jarrod shook his head, “No I don’t. I couldn’t read his face.”

Victoria looked worried, “Do you think the judge set that time knowing they could not be at hearing?”

“I do, lovely lady.”

“Three hours time? And can Rionach hold up under the pressure of testimony? And Nick? A pound of flesh or worse?”

“I simply don’t know what my brother has up his sleeve.”

“That order seemed very punitive, Jarrod.”

“It was. Like Nick and Rionach are tried and convicted. I smell the senator’s hand.”

“Me too.”

“Well, at least he wants all of us back at the courthouse. If he was planning to kill somebody, he wouldn’t have asked us back.”

“Heath, you are right.  Nick knew this was a possibility. He told Rionach.”

“Do you know what she said?” Victoria asked with concern.

“No you know what I do. Yesterday, they came inside and planned a wedding. I barely got the message to the judge for a time to come to his office. It was after you put Aine to bed.”

Aine’s voice startled them; they stopped talking and began to order food.

No one ate much at all.

Chapter Text

 Chapter Thirty Eight

Nick opened the suite door of The Occidental. Champagne was chilling and a fruit-cheese-bread tray was on the sideboard covered with a dome on an ice tray.

Rionach and Nick had walked very quietly to the hotel to check in. Her limp was more evident with her nerves.

He checked his pocket watch and it was 11:45.

“How did you do this Nick?” in surprise.

“Charles. After he brought mother home from the flower shop, he headed straight over here. I was hoping for tonight but it don’t matter none now.  We are married and no jackass judge is going to ruin our day.”

“You are a knight in shining armor, my gra.”

“I am honored by your favor, my wife.  “ and he mock bowed.

She giggled.

He was bound and determined to make their afternoon, the best possible it could be. 

She had not made her decision to marry outside the church and face the judge until before supper; he waited on pins and needles——-he regretted all the coffee he had earlier.  They had talked for several hours then she talked to the ladies.  Poor Aine was confused with all of the closed doors.  Once she made up her mind, she was calm and determined.  He liked the grit he saw.

She took her hat off and replaced the pin in the sash.

“Nick——-you are such a kind man. I am so thankful you saved me.”

“I am the lucky man. The luckiest in the whole wide world.”

“I just want to sign that paper and get away from the judge. And begin our life together.”

“Jarrod said he will have to believe us. We will swear and sign the papers. I have the receipt for this hotel in my pocket. Time stamped. If you noticed, I had the manager and the clerk sign us in. We will sign the ledger with witnesses when we leave. Not leaving anything to chance. Nobody is in this room but us. It’s a ploy to break us——rattle us.” 

He took his jacket off and hung it on the chair.

“Well I am rattled I admit but for so many reasons.” She bit her lip.

“Come here honey.” He pulled her close. 

She burrowed into his chest and allowed him to run his fingers through her hair.

“Can I take your hair down?”

“Yes,”

“I been looking forward to this since the hospital. Seeing you in that bed with your hair flayed out. I thought you was the most beautiful girl I ever met.  I knew I loved you for sure.”

“Nick, I never knew a man like you existed. Families like yours. I keep thinking it’s a dream and I will wake up.”

“Well, you are going to wake up next to me for the next fifty years or so. Hope you are ready.”

“I am Nicholas. “ and her voice became husky.

It was all he needed to kiss her deeply. She responded in kind as he parted her lips.  They crushed each other in their frantic kisses.  All the emotion of the day came tumbling out in their embraces.

“Ri——we don’t have to do anything until you are ready.” as he reluctantly pulled away.