Author's Note: This story is a spin-off from 'The Land Grant' and is about Heath and his new wife Lily. You don't necessarily have to read the previous story to know Lily's character, since I have details in this story. If you are a person who likes background though, I would suggest reading it. I will say upfront that Nick is my Barkley man of choice, but I have always been intrigued with Heath's character. Having 'fought' his way for his heritage, I personally feel he would have lots of issues about dealing with the money, position, and responsibility that came with it. Add in his independent, self sufficient personality, and a new bride, well that was a plot bunny (several actually) that I could not, as writer resist!
FYI, the time frame for this story starts around February 1878, since she and Heath married in mid-January in 'The Land Grant'; that story originally started in March of 1877. Most of the story will be from Lily's POV, but will feature others too.
The End Of The Honeymoon
It was around 10:00am of Lily Clark Barkley's first morning back from her honeymoon, and she was at loose ends. She and Heath had arrived back yesterday afternoon after a magical week at the cabin by the lake. They had spent the entire time talking, and making love, oftentimes on the sheepskin rug in front of the fireplace in the main room. It was nice to have the place all to themselves, and Lily enjoyed taking care of the cabin while Heath would go do some hunting or fishing.
When they had arrived back yesterday afternoon, Silas and Victoria had been there to welcome them home. Heath took her up to his room, reminding her that it was just temporary until they had their house built. His room was good sized, with lovely paneling and beautiful furniture, but decidedly masculine looking. He apologized for the fact they didn't have their own bathroom, but did say that since Audra was out of the house, unless they had guests the bathroom down the hall was all theirs.
Lily didn't mind, because she was awed at how big and beautiful the house was. Her family in St. Louis were successful merchants, and lived in a lovely brick house, but nothing like the Barkley's. Her aunt and uncle's house here in Stockton was a pretty, wood framed home of medium size. Lily had never imagined living in a mansion, nor did she really want to long term.
Dinner last night had been more formal than what she had been expecting, with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law very dressed up, the latter in spite of being very obviously with child. Lily decided that she would need to get some more dresses, and fancier than what she currently had. The table, with the damask cloth, and silver epergne, all set with china and crystal had been lovely, while Silas serving the food made it feel like something out of a book.
The conversation over dinner had been lively, and afterwards everyone went to the study, where Nick and Heath played billiards, while Catherine had done some needlework. Victoria talked about Audra's efforts to get her and Owen's house, in San Francisco, all decorated. Lily had realized that the young couple only lived two streets over from where Jarrod and Samantha lived. Heath had said that he would take her to the city in several weeks, and she was looking forward to seeing the place.
She had been surprised at how soon Nick and Catherine retired, and his parting comment to Heath about not staying up too late, had made her slightly blush. Lily had suddenly wished they were back at the cabin, or in their own house. After the couple had left, Heath came over and sat with them, mostly talking to his mother. He did make it a point to bring her into the conversation, but a lot of it was stuff Lily really wasn't familiar with. She was really tired, and finally had decided to go upstairs herself. When she had made her announcement she saw Heath look sheepish, and say that he would go with her.
They had made love after they were in bed, and Lily had commented on how soft the sheets were, and the comfort of the bed. Heath had laughed and said that she would have to get the same sheets for their house, which had made her smile. However, she wasn't smiling when Heath woke up a little before 5:00am, and rolled out of bed. Lily knew he was trying to be quiet as he was getting ready, but he had not set his clothes out the night before, so the opening and shutting of drawers kept her awake.
Heath kissed her on the forehead before he left, apologizing for making so much noise, and she had put her arms around him, to pull him back into bed. At the cabin they had made love when first waking up, and she had enjoyed the experience. Now though Heath said that he had work to do, and he would take her up on her offer tonight. He kissed her again, and told her what time breakfast was, and then he was gone.
Victoria was already at the table when she came into the dining room, and indicated where Lily should sit. Silas showed her the food that was in the chafing dishes on the sideboard, and asked if she wanted orange juice and coffee. The man added proudly that the juice came from oranges grown on the ranch. Lily was starting to feel like she was staying at a hotel, with a high level of service. Her mother had always had a housecleaner, but had done the cooking herself, with Lily helping as she got older.
Just as she had helped herself to some food, she heard voices as the front door opened and then closed. Nick's voice was easy to recognize, because it was so loud, while Heath's was softer but still firm. Lily thought it sounded like they were having, not quite an argument, but a rather heated discussion about something. The men came into the dining room, and broke off the discussion to say good morning to the ladies.
Heath came over and kissed her, before he went to get some food, sitting down next to her after filling his plate. She had two brothers, so she wasn't surprised at how much food he had taken. The men went back to their discussion, which was about a ranch hand that Nick had let go while Heath was gone. Lily picked up, from the back and forth talk, that Heath wasn't happy with what Nick had done. It was a little off putting to start the day with that kind of conversation, but she noticed that Victoria took it in stride.
During a break in the discussion she asked where Catherine was, hoping that maybe if her sister-in-law was here the men would talk about something else. Lily was disappointed to find out that the woman never came to breakfast, but by the end of the meal she was rather envious of her not having to listen to the brothers go at it. Thankfully Nick excused himself after he was done, with the parting comment to Heath 'this is a working ranch'. She wondered if he was telling Heath to get back to work, but then Lily found out that he was going upstairs to have coffee with his wife, something he always did after eating with the family.
Once Nick was gone, Heath inquired how the ladies were doing, and told Lily about what he had been working on, which involved stray cows. She could tell though that he was rather preoccupied, and she guessed it was because of the conversation with Nick. When he finished eating he kissed her goodbye, and said that he would see her at lunch. Lily was disappointed, because she was hoping to go riding, but had not had the chance to bring it up.
Victoria, after inquiring if Lily needed anything, excused herself saying she had a church meeting in town to attend. She told the older woman that she was fine, and decided to go upstairs to put away her clothes. Heath had told her that he had made room in the armoire, as well as emptied out several drawers for her, so she spent the time putting stuff away.
Looking around the room she thought the furniture was setup badly in the little sitting area, so she rearranged the main table, and the two small chairs to make it cozier. Lily wondered if she could talk to Silas about where to get some flowers to put up here. She had noticed the beautiful arrangement in the front hall, so she figured there must be a garden somewhere. A vase with fresh flowers would brighten up the room, and the low table was the perfect place for it.
Lily was also trying to stop her mind from wondering why Nick had time to spend with Catherine, while Heath had gone back to work. She finally consoled herself with the thought that Heath had been away the past week, and before that had been busy with wedding preparations. Running out of things to do in the room, she went back downstairs, where she found herself at 10:00am with nothing to do. Then she heard her sister-in-law's voice.