Chapter 14
March came that year to Stockton roaring in like the proverbial lion. It was windy and cold and the weather seemed to affect almost everyone. It had been a few weeks since the ball and much to the Barkley's disappointment, there had been little change between Nick and Rhianna. If anything, they argued more. As everyone gathered for breakfast one morning, Audra realized Rhianna wasn't there.
"Where's Rhianna? It's not like her to be late." Audra looked at Nick who was suddenly extremely interested in the contents on his plate. "Nick?"
"I haven't seen her." Nick said quietly, refusing to meet her eyes.
Audra looked around in frustration. When were the two of them going to acknowledge their feelings? She quietly said, "I'll go get her."
As Rhianna slept, she had vivid dreams. She dreamt of Ireland and its beauty: the rolling green countryside, the ancient Celtic crosses that dot the landscape, but most especially of standing on the cliffs of Moher and looking out to sea. She had always had these dreams but more and more there was someone standing beside her, the one with hazel eyes who had captured her heart. Then, as always, the dreams turned to a nightmare where he disappeared and she saw the scene of her daughter's death. As it got closer and closer to the end of March, the dreams came more often and were more vivid.
"Rhianna?" Audra knocked on the door before opening it carefully. She saw Rhianna sleeping in a chair by the fire though she seemed to be having a bad dream. Audra shook her gently. "Rhianna?!"
As Rhianna woke suddenly, she saw Audra and looked into her concerned face.
"Audra?" Rhianna was confused and sat up slowly trying to erase the images from her dream that were burned into her soul.
"You were having a bad dream. I came to get you. We're eating breakfast and when you didn't come down…" Audra explained.
"What time is it?" Rhianna was suddenly fully awake.
"It's eight o'clock." Audra replied.
"Eight O'clock?! Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! I'm late!" Rhianna cried out.
Much to Audra's surprise, Rhianna sprang up and ran to get dressed.
"Audra? Could you do me a favor? Fix me a plate, whatever is down there…I don't really care but I need coffee. Please?" Rhianna begged her friend.
As Audra agreed and left, Rhianna sighed. Of all the days to oversleep!
The family was eating and talking about the day ahead when they heard Rhianna running down the stairs. As they looked up in surprise, Rhianna ran in and slid into a chair. She said a fast prayer, crossed herself, and proceeded to eat quickly.
"Morning, Rhianna." Jarrod sounded amused.
Rhianna acknowledged Jarrod without speaking.
Nick glanced over at her and took in her attire. "You're not working with the horses in that are you?"
Rhianna looked down at her dress. "I'm not working today, Barkley."
"What?! This is a working ranch and I expect you to work like the rest of us!" Nick barked.
Just then a knock was heard at the door. Rhianna looked to the ceiling and said, "Just once, couldn't she be late?"
"Rhianna!" Kathleen exclaimed. "I have been waiting for you for a quarter hour."
"I know, I know. I overslept." Rhianna admitted reluctantly.
"You what?" Kathleen was amazed.
"I overslept." Rhianna looked at her sister defiantly.
"Of all the days to…You never oversleep. The Mass is starting soon and we have a long way to walk."
Rhianna got up hurriedly from the table.
"Where are you going?" Nick demanded.
"Church, Barkley. It's St. Patrick's Day. I'll be at Mass all day." Rhianna said before she left.
"But…Rhianna!" Nick's protest died on his lips as he realized she was no longer there.
As Rhianna ran out to catch up with her sister, she left behind an object at the table. Jarrod picked it up and ran after her. "Rhianna? Rhianna! You forgot your rosary."
"What? Oh, Jarrod, thank you." Rhianna was poised to rush out the door and came back towards him shaking her head.
"Rhianna, one of us could drive you to church, and then you could finish eating." Jarrod offered.
"Thank you, Jarrod, but no. We always walk to Mass together. I appreciate the offer though."
As Rhianna ran out she didn't see Silas come into the foyer and nod at Jarrod.
In the late afternoon, Rhianna came walking slowly up the road. Nick was just leaving the barn and saw her coming. He waited for her. "Good Evening."
"Hello, Barkley. Have a good day?" Rhianna smiled at Nick.
"It was all right," mumbled Nick. He looked down to the ground, slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry about this morning. I didn't realize it was an important day for you."
Rhianna looked at Nick. "There's nothing to be sorry about. I should have mentioned it before. I was just so rushed; I never oversleep."
"Audra said you were having a bad dream?" Nick was concerned.
"It's nothing." Rhianna hedged.
Nick didn't believe her, but was gratefu they were having a pleasant conversation, for once, so he decided to drop it. "Tell me about Ireland."
"What?" Rhianna was surprised at the request.
"Tell me about your home. You see what ours is like, I was just wondering what yours is like." Nick was curious; he'd never heard her talk about her home.
Rhianna thought for a moment before saying, "My family is from a small town called Newmarket-on-Fergus. It's just a small village, really. I was raised all over county Clare but my brothers and sisters were raised in Dromoland Castle, our ancestral home.
"When I took over the army, we moved to the interior of Ireland out of necessity, but I go to Burren as often as I can. It's a wild and beautiful area overlooking the ocean. Tall cliffs and rocks with lots of standing stones from ancient times, stone rings, and druid forts; where the wind whistles off the sea and ghosts are in the air. When I'm there I can feel them watching over me. I always feel stronger there than anywhere else in Ireland." Rhianna hesitated a moment remembering and then said ruefully, "That probably seems foolish to you." Rhianna's voice faded expecting to be laughed at or ridiculed.
Nick thought for a moment, "No, not at all. Sometimes I feel as if my father is watching over the ranch, guiding my hand, I guess. I can understand it."
Rhianna continued remembering, "Ireland has lush hills of heather and gorse sliding into deep valleys. Green pastures with sheep and cows. Acres of rusty brown bogs hiding unknown treasures left behind by ancient peoples long gone. Barren limestone islands crisscrossed with stone walls that are at the edge of and at the mercy of the great seas. Tumultuous history and clashes of beliefs and powers that have left castles, monasteries, and fortresses long abandoned. It's so beautiful and mystical at the same time. It is an ancient land.
My favorite place in the whole world is the Cliffs of Moher. There you stand seven hundred feet over the ocean near O'Brien's watchtower. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and the hills of Connemara."
As he listened to Rhianna speak, Nick could almost picture it himself. He detected a trace of wistfulness in her voice, almost sadness, really.
"Do you miss it?" Nick wondered, realizing her description was very different from California and the ranch.
"Sometimes. I miss my brothers. I miss the land. If I close my eyes I can almost smell the combination of burning turf, damp wool, saltwater, and wet grass. I thought I would miss the fighting but the war has changed in recent times. The rules have changed, somehow. I don't know." Rhianna suddenly looked very sad.
Nick looked to the sky, "It's getting late, we should go in for dinner. Silas was planning something special, I believe."
They walked to the house together and Nick opened the door and led her inside. Once inside they were greeted with tempting aromas coming from the dining room. Rhianna stopped in her tracks. Nick turned and looked at her questioningly.
Rhianna went into the dining room where the family and the Ryans were assembled. She looked at the table in wonder before going to the kitchen.
"Silas? How did you know?" Rhianna asked in wonder.
"Oh, Miss Rhianna, it was nothing. Mr. Jack told me about your holiday and Mrs. Kathleen helped me with what to prepare. We just wanted to give you a little taste of home. I know what it's like to miss your home and special traditions."
"Silas, I could never tell you how much this means to me. Thank you." Rhianna was appreciative for his thoughtfulness.
"You're welcome, Miss Rhianna. You just go in and have a good time with Mr. Nick and your family." Silas said fondly.
Rhianna gave the dear man a hug and said, "I will never forget this, Silas. You are a special man."
Rhianna returned to the dining room where the Ryans were explaining about St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and his importance to the Irish.
"Cead mile failte romhat. Beannachtai na feile Padraig." Rhianna declared.
Jack smiled, it had been so long since he had heard the language of his home and Rhianna always had a musical quality to her speech. "Siochan leat."
"What was that?" Heath asked with interest.
Rhianna laughed, "I'm sorry, Heath. We were speaking Irish Gaelic. I said a hundred thousand welcomes and Happy St. Patrick's Day. Jack replied peace be with you."
As they sat down for dinner the Barkleys looked at their table; many of the dishes were unfamiliar, but they were willing to try them.
Jack spoke up, "Mrs. Barkley, If you don't mind, I'd like the General to say the blessing."
Victoria looked at him and smiled, "That would be lovely. Rhianna, dear, if you would like to speak your own language, we would be honored. It's beautiful."
Rhianna stood, thinking quickly of what to say.
"I would first like to say I am very appreciative for all you have done for us. You took us in and offered us peace and comfort when we needed it. You asked for nothing in return except our friendship. We are honored to give you both our friendship and our loyalty. This is a special feast day for us and one which is all the more meaningful because we are able to share it will all of you. Instead of a formal prayer, I would like to give you an Irish blessing.
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.
My wish for all of you is: Gra, Dilseacht, and Cairdeas. Slainte!" Rhianna said with a radiant smile.
Jack translated for all, "She wished you love, loyalty, and friendship and then said Good health!"
As plates were passed Heath asked, "What are these dishes, Rhianna? They look delicious."
"They are traditional Irish dishes. Boiled bacon and cabbage, a potato and garlic dish called colcannon, and Irish Soda Bread. I believe I also saw a Caramel Apple Cake for dessert." Rhianna said happily.
It was a wonderful meal and afterwards everyone was retiring to the billiard room for the evening when a knock came at the door. Silas showed in two men.
"Can we help you?" Jarrod, ever the gentleman, asked the men.
"We wish to see the Col…that is, Mr. Ryan." One of the men requested in an Irish brogue.
Jack came forward quickly not sure of the visitors identity. He was too late, however. The two men saw Rhianna and stared at her in disbelief.
"General?" They spoke with admiration and surprise.
"It's good to see you again Murphy and Larkin. I hope your families are well." Rhianna was surprised to see them.
"You remember us?" The men's faces lit up. The two men looked at each other and one spoke up slightly flustered. "We didn't know the General was here. We, well, that is, our families would be honored if the General would come and share a drink with us to toast good St. Patrick." As an afterthought they added, "And the Colonel, too, of course."
Jack quickly declined far preferring to remain where he was. Rhianna looked around and at Victoria's nod, she said, "It would be my honor."
Several hours later, Rhianna returned. She was searching for something and went into the billiard room where Jack, Jarrod, Heath, and Nick were having a drink and talking. She had been celebrating with other Irishmen. There had been singing, dancing, and, of course, lots of drinking. Being with her countrymen had awakened the dark, painful memories she didn't want and had been avoiding at all costs. She was troubled and edgy.
"Well if it isn't the Barkleys and the Colonel! Good evening to all of you!" Rhianna spoke brightly.
"Rhianna?" Jack looked at her warily.
"Ca bhfuil an uisce beathe?" Rhianna demanded looking at Jack.
"You know where your whiskey is." Jack spoke with resignation.
"Indeed I do. Would you all join me in a dram?" Rhianna asked.
Jack sighed; he had known this was coming. He was surprised it had taken her this long; then he remembered what the date was. God, help her. "Rhi…uh, General, how much have you had to drink?"
"Not nearly enough." Rhianna replied darkly.
"HOW MUCH?" Jack demanded harshly.
"A bottle; maybe two." Rhianna admitted.
"Are you drunk?" Jack asked.
"Not yet." Rhianna spoke with determination.
The Barkleys looked at each other amazed; did she say a BOTTLE…or TWO? She walked and talked as steady as if she were stone cold sober. They were impressed.
Jack looked at Nick; they both realized her drinking was not about 'celebrating.' Jack was worried about her. Audra had told him about the bad dreams. He spoke roughly, "Rhianna, you know drinking won't take away the pain."
Rhianna looked at him, stunned, before saying tersely, "I know that, Colonel. There isn't enough alcohol in the world for that." She grabbed one of the bottles of Irish whiskey and left.
The next morning, the brothers expected Rhianna would show up pale and suffering from a hangover. They were prepared to help smooth things over with their mother who probably wouldn't understand such behavior from a woman. They were surprised to see Rhianna at the table eating a hearty breakfast, dressed for working with the horses.
The men seated themselves and greeted her quietly.
"Why are you whispering?" Rhianna leaned forward and spoke earnestly.
Jarrod looked at her in amazement. "Don't you have a hangover?"
"Of course not. I need to get to work." Rhianna answered briskly. She wouldn't meet Nick's eyes. He knew more about her pain than anyone there and she couldn't bear to see sympathy or worse, pity in his eyes. She would not be pitied, not by anyone.
Nick was worried. She was having bad dreams and was becoming withdrawn and testy. Something had changed with her. He watched her leave; he suddenly knew without a doubt something bad was about to happen.