Chapter 13

Audra had been looking forward to this day for many months. The orphanage was her special project and she took it seriously. She visited at least twice a week doing anything she could to help the children. She organized auctions, dances, clothes drives, anything and everything she could think of to raise funds for the children. She often reflected on how much she had been given and wished to give back in some small way. Her brothers, while teasing her mercilessly, were all proud of her and did many things to assist her endeavors.

As she went around the house checking on things in preparation for the evening, she spied Rhianna out the window. She was once again working with a horse. She was back to her old self and certainly had a way with horses. Audra hoped maybe someday Rhianna would teach her some things about horses. She was tired of feeling useless around the ranch. She knew her brothers loved her, but they still thought of her as a child. She gasped as Rhianna fell to the ground. Rhianna rolled to the side quickly to avoid being trampled. Audra rushed down the stairs to aid her friend.

"Rhianna? Are you ok?" Audra asked anxiously.

"Yes, I'm fine." Rhianna ruefully rubbed her bad shoulder. It was aching.

"Maybe you should quit for the day. I know it's important but the ball is tonight…" Audra started to say.

Rhianna looked over at Audra. She was transparent at times. "Don't worry Audra, I'll be there. I always honor my promises."

This gave Audra an idea, if she could just get Rhianna to make her a promise.

"Why don't we get ready together? We can help each other dress. I never had a sister and I always wanted one." Audra suggested.

Rhianna heard the longing in Audra's voice and looked at her sharply. "It's not always what it's cracked up to be. I can tell you many times I wished for no sisters, and especially no brothers."

"I've seen you with Kathleen and Liam; I don't think you really mean that. I don't know what I would do without mine." Audra commented.

Rhianna sighed. "You're right. I'm just annoyed with my sister right now. I could do with one less brother of yours, though."

Audra deliberately misunderstood the last comment. "I know Jarrod can be difficult at times, but he has only the best of intentions."

"Jarrod?" Rhianna looked surprised for a moment before recovering. "Audra, I need to get back to this. I have to have the upper hand with him before stopping for the day." Rhianna looked at the sky, "It's getting late. I'll be in soon and I would love to get ready with you."

Audra lit up like sunshine.

Rhianna went back to work with the intractable horse. He was proving to be the most difficult, but Rhianna knew from experience that meant he was also the most valuable. As she worked with him she could only think about the conversation with Audra. Jarrod? Who would think Jarrod was difficult?

Audra went back into the house. She felt certain she had rankled Rhianna a little bit as was her intention. Maybe tonight she could get Rhianna to make her a promise.

At the end of the day, Rhianna was satisfied progress had been made with the yet unnamed horse. She was tired and sore. She led the horse to the barn and proceeded to rub him down. Her shoulder was aching something fierce. She reached up and rubbed it, willing it to stop hurting. Sensing she wasn't alone, she looked up and saw she was being watched.

"I thought I told you to stay away from me!" Rhianna was irritated.

"I wanted to see how you were coming with the horses. The Army will send someone here in a few months. Are you ok?" Nick had noticed Rhianna massaging her shoulder.

She immediately stopped rubbing her shoulder and said, "I'm fine. You don't need to check my progress! I'll have them ready."

As Rhianna tried to get past Nick she bumped her shoulder and suddenly stopped. It took her a moment to handle the pain.

"You sure you're ok? Your shoulder seems to be bothering you." Nick was amused.

"It's fine. Nothing I haven't dealt with before." She turned and faced him. She still didn't look at him often. "Leave me alone."

Nick had no intention of leaving her alone, not now, not ever. For now, though, he let her walk away. He was more determined than ever to win her heart.

After a light supper, Audra and Rhianna spent the next few hours indulging in girlish behavior. Rhianna hadn't spent much time in her life being totally feminine. She enjoyed dancing, but due to her duties had had little time for such matters. Audra was enjoying the time with another young woman.

"I love how you did my hair, Rhianna. It's so different!" Audra exclaimed catching sight of herself in the mirror. Audra suddenly got silent.

"What's wrong, Audra?" Rhianna asked with concern at her friend's sudden silence.

"You must think I am vain and foolish. Here I am thinking about my hair and dress and what I look like. Those children don't know where their next meal will come from. I feel selfish; I know it's what my brothers think." Audra said sadly.

Rhianna came around and tilted Audra's chin up until she looked her in the eyes. "Audra Barkley, stop it! First of all, it's all right to enjoy yourself. All women want to look pretty and desirable. There's not a thing wrong with that. As for the children, they will be less in need after tonight. I know how much you give of yourself; you have a generous heart. And as for your brothers, don't be misled. I know they tease you, but they don't think of you as vain, foolish, or even selfish. They are very proud of you and the work you do, even if they are too pig-headed to say it."

"She's right, honey." Jarrod had overheard the conversation and knew Audra needed to hear from her Pappy. He would have to remember to speak to Nick and Heath and make sure they told her the same. He couldn't believe Audra was so grown up.

"You look lovely, Audra. You will be the belle of the ball." Jarrod winked at Audra and then turned and looked at Rhianna appraisingly.

"I know, I know. I need to get changed. Audra, can you help me with my dress?" Rhianna said with laughter in her voice.

Jarrod left to find his brothers and get a drink. He had a feeling this would be a momentous evening.

As Audra helped Rhianna dress, she marveled at how perfect the dress was for Rhianna. It was blue sapphire silk and showed off Rhianna's figure perfectly. It was modest, but slightly revealing at the same time. Rhianna had put her hair up in an unusual way, but very becoming. With her thick red hair, green eyes, and fair coloring she was beautiful.

"Rhianna, would you do something for me?" Audra hesitantly asked.

"What?" Rhianna was curious.

"Dance with my brothers tonight." Audra held her breath as Rhianna considered her request.

"What?" Rhianna was confused. "I will dance tonight."

"Promise me you will dance with each of them." Audra tried to get the promise out of Rhianna.

Rhianna looked at Audra. It seemed so important to her, but it was one promise she just couldn't make. She smiled and merely said, "I think it's time we join the party."

The guests had started arriving, though there were many more to come. Audra and Rhianna descended the staircase where there were three very awestruck gentlemen waiting for them. They were used to Audra being dressed up, but she had outdone herself this night. She was a vision of loveliness. As Nick looked up the stairs he had eyes only for Rhianna. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Jarrod and Heath glanced at each other. They each offered Audra an arm and the three left to greet arriving guests. After they left, Nick finally spoke.

"You're beautiful, Rhianna." Nick could hardly take his eyes off of Rhianna.

They locked eyes and all Rhianna could think of to say was, "Thank you."

Before she turned to get away from those piercing eyes, she put her hand on his arm. "Christmas night…what I told you…"

"Was between us." Nick stated clearly. "Rhianna, I was honored you chose to tell me, but unless you ask me to...it was between us."

Rhianna nodded and went to find her sister.

Victoria went up to Nick and gave him a quick hug. With a knowing look she commented, "She's lovely isn't she?"

"Yes, she is." Nick watched as Rhianna joined Kathleen.

Victoria looked sharply at her son. "You love her a great deal don't you?"

Nick turned to his mother. "Yes, I do."

Victoria smiled, "Then go after her, son."

Nick smiled broadly, "I intend to do just that."

As the evening wore on, it was an unqualified success. The guests seemed to be having a wonderful time. Sally Jenkins was an old friend of Audra's and had always been more than a little interested in Nick. Every time he turned around she seemed to be right there. He was getting frustrated. He wanted to ask Rhianna to dance but Sally was trying to monopolize his attention. He had been brought up to be courteous to women, especially in his own home, but he was losing his patience. Heath saw his dilemma and came to the rescue.

"Miss Jenkins, may I have this dance?" Heath asked.

Sally was almost as frustrated as Nick. Why wouldn't he ask her to dance? She had been in love with Nick for years, if only he would see her. She knew she couldn't afford to snub his brother, even if he was the family shame.

"Of course, Heath, I would love to." Sally gave Heath a small smile.

Heath was aware of how some of the townspeople felt about him. He was usually careful to avoid those who felt that way. He didn't care for Sally or her folks, but he knew Nick was getting increasingly annoyed and it would only get worse.

Nick spied Rhianna talking to Audra. He took a deep breath. It was now or never. He walked up to the pair and held out his hand. "Miss O'Brien, may I have the honor of the next dance?"

Rhianna had been dreading this all evening. She had danced with Jarrod and Heath and a few others. She longed to be in his arms, but was determined she would not dance with him. Then Rhianna made a mistake. She looked into those piercing hazel eyes and knew she could not turn him down. Slowly she reached out and took his hand.

In a moment she was in his strong, steady arms. They moved with grace and elegance around the dance floor. They made a handsome couple. As they danced, they didn't speak, but instead, looked into each other's eyes. It seemed to Rhianna they looked into each other's souls on this night and she was suddenly more afraid than she had ever been in battle.

Various members of the Barkley and O'Brien families looked on with wonder. Nick and Rhianna looked so perfect together, so right. There was an electricity between them palpable to everyone in the room. Jarrod, Audra, and Victoria were overjoyed. They thought Nick had finally found his soul mate and hoped the couple would soon be together.

As Jack looked on, he knew better. Rhianna was many wonderful things. She was a consummate commander, a wonderful sister, the best horseman he had ever seen, a gifted musician, but she was also without a doubt the most stubborn, duty laden creature he had ever had the misfortune of dealing with. He sighed; this wasn't going to be easy. Kathleen came up to him, wrapped her arms around him, and whispered, "Don't worry, love. It will work out in its own time. Trust me."

Another looked on, not with love, but instead with jealousy. Sally was determined to stop the budding romance. Nick was hers. She was determined to do everything in her power to get rid of that…that…Irish tramp.

After the music stopped, the couples separated and dispersed. Nick reluctantly let Rhianna go. Unnoticed by anyone, she took refuge in the billiard room to catch her breath. She walked over to the fireplace and sat in a chair near the warmth of the fire. She could still feel Nick's arms around her and she wanted to savor the memory before returning to the ball.

Nick and Jarrod followed a few minutes later to get a quiet drink. Before they had taken more than a few steps into the room, they turned at the sound of voices coming from the hallway just outside the room.

"Can you believe those Barkleys, Cora? I mean, really!" A voice dripping with malice was speaking.

"What are you talking about, Sally? This has been such a lovely party." Cora objected.

"Yes, I suppose so. I was talking about their taking in just any old stray that comes along! I mean first they took in that bastard. Who knows if he really is their father's bastard, anyway? He actually asked me to dance tonight! I could hardly bear to let him touch me." Sally's true colors were starting to come forward.

"You're being ridiculous. Heath Barkley is a true gentleman." Cora always liked the soft spoken young man.

Sally continued with her hateful thoughts, "Well, all the money must be incentive for him to act decent, for a change. And that Irish woman? She's a Catholic for God's sake! I had Nick Barkley in the palm of my hand until SHE came along. I hear she works with the horses. That's all she's good for anyway, mucking out stables and the like, Irish slu…"

As the women walked into the room Sally saw Nick standing there looking like a dark thundercloud. He was furious. Jarrod didn't know which had angered Nick more the slurs against Heath or Rhianna. The combination was proving to be more than Sally Jenkins had expected. She knew without a doubt Nick would never be hers.

"Get out of my house! Now!" Nick was furious.

"Nick!" Sally smiled weakly, attempting to smooth over her blunder. "I didn't know you were in here. You misunderstood!"

"Misunderstood?! It's not possible to misunderstand anything you just said. I want you out of my house and away from my family!" Nick ordered.

Jarrod broke in, "I think you two better go. Audra went to a lot of trouble for this evening and I won't have it spoiled. She doesn't deserve that. Now, are you going to leave peacefully or should Brother Nick escort you out?"

Sally took one look at Nick and decided to leave under her own power. "No, I can find the door myself."

"Find it now!" Nick shot back.

With all the dignity she could muster, Sally Jenkins left with her friend Cora trailing in her wake.

As Nick, turned back to the drink cart, he saw Rhianna. He hadn't realized she was there.

"Rhianna? I'm sorry…" Nick began.

Rhianna rose from her chair with dignity, saying, "It's not your fault, Barkley. Small minded people are everywhere. You don't think I haven't heard those things before? I am Catholic and Irish. Don't tell Audra or Heath, they don't deserve that." With her head held high, Rhianna left to return to the ball.

Nick and Jarrod looked at each other. They knew they wouldn't tell Heath, but they had to tell Audra, later.

As the evening wound down, it was a great success. Audra had raised more than the amount she had been hoping for and there was talk of making it an annual event since everyone had had so much fun. As the last guest left, Rhianna went upstairs. She wanted some time alone to think about the dance she shared with Nick.

Nick watched her go up the stairs; he too, wanted to think about the evening, their dance together. First, he had some things to say to Audra.

Audra and Victoria were in the parlor talking about the evening. They had had a wonderful time. Victoria was a little sad. It was evenings like this when she missed Tom the most. He would have been so proud of Audra tonight. She was about to tell her when Nick walked into the room.

"Audra, I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. How proud we all are of you. You are something else." Nick said, smiling broadly at his little sister.

Audra beamed at Nick's approval. It meant so much to her. Jarrod and Heath had each told her the same thing and she was aglow with pride.

Victoria put her arm around Audra's waist. "Your father would have been very proud of you tonight, as am I."

Nick continued though he didn't want to. "Something happened at the end of the party I think you should know about. It involves Sally Jenkins…"

As Nick told her what had happened, Audra was incredulous and then angry. She was glad it had been handled without a scene. Victoria was equally furious. The slurs against Heath were bad enough, but to condemn a woman she didn't really know? Victoria was determined the incident would not do any more harm.