I do NOT own The Big Valley nor any of the original Big Valley characters.

End of the Rainbow

Chapter Four

Patrick stood next to the corral and looked at the horses Cat had. "I thought this was a farm; why are you buying and selling horses?" He turned away from what he could tell were some very fine animals.

"For the most part 'tis a farm." Cat smiled. "The 'orses are a side business, me 'obby. Anythin' else?"

"Yes, there is." Patrick grinned and replied, "But it may be none of my business."

Cat chuckled. "You're an 'onest one. What be your question?"

"Your name is Irish, but your speech isn't. Where are you from?" Patrick knew it wasn't important information, but he was curious.

Cat chuckled. "I was born down by the docks in London, but me dad is Irish. 'alf me family sounds Irish, 'alf of us picked up the Cockney way of speakin'. Does that be satisfying your curiosity?" Her head tilted slightly to one sid and her eyes laughed.

Patrick nodded. "Almost. That Matthews fellow, I get the funniest feeling he's been bothering you for some time, and I don't like the feelings I get off him. You said he was the black sheep of the family, just how much of a black sheep is he?"

Cat grew solemn and tudied, really studied, the man before her. She didn't know why, but she knew she could trust him and that was something she needed, someone she could trust. "Bad, 'e's bad down to 'is last bone. 'e's even threatened me life." Due to the shocked look that came upon her new friend's face, she hurried to add, "I don't mean 'e's come right out and said 'e'll kill me, but 'e's implied it more than once."

"Have you told the sheriff?" Patrick didn't like the idea that anyone was threatening the young lady. Though, he was confused as she acted like it was no big deal.

Again Cat hesitated, but, once again, having the strong feeling she could trust him, she sighed. "I know what you're thinkin', if I be tellin' you somethin', you promise you'll keep your mouth shut? I mean, shut tight?"

The question surprised him, and it showed in his raised eyebrows and startled look in his eyes. He owed the woman his life, Patrick knew that, so, he leaned against the corral fence and answered, "My lips are sealed. What is it?"

"That sorry excuse for a man could come try to frighten me by sayin' 'e'll kill me, wouldn't make no difference. If a body wants to scare someone who's dyin', they need to be doin' somethin' besides threatenin' to kill 'em, killin' is only doin' a favor."

Now shock waves replaced the surprise. Patrick had to literally grab the fence to steady himself. "You're dying? And you stay out here all by yourself?" He hated the idea of anyone dying all alone, with no one around to bury them.

Cat shrugged her shoulders. "Nothin'll stop the grim reaper when 'e comes callin', doesn't mean I 'ave to be livin' someplace I 'ate does it? Me worry is for the 'orses. I 'ave mates, 'enry and Marie 'anks; they be the only ones besides you and the doctor that be knowin' I'm dyin'. They be lookin' for someone that can be trusted to treat the animals well. I 'ope they be findin' someone soon."

Patrick looked at the horses again. He couldn't help but feel he should know where the horses could find a new home; it frustrated him not being able to remember who he was or where he was from. "What about the farm?" he finally asked. "What are you doing to do with it?" Not that he wanted it, he didn't. Again, he was only asking out of curiosity.

Cat shrugged her shoulders. "Aye, the farm'll be needin' takin' care of, but," she shrugged her shoulders, "I'll not be worryin' about it; there be plenty of folks lookin' for a place to settle down, it won't be goin' empty long. Like I said, it be the 'orses I be worryin' about."

Patrick made two vows right then and there; he was going to help her find a new home for the horses and stay with her until she passed away. After all, the least he could do was make sure the woman who saved his life was not alone in the end. "Would you mind a cousin who drops in and stays longer than expected? I'll carry my share of the load; I have nowhere else to go." It was the truth and a way to stick around without injuring her pride.

Cat smiled; she sensed what he was really doing and appreciated it greatly. "There always be work to be doin' 'round 'ere. You be more than welcome to stay."

"I don't like to admit it." Patrick turned and slowly headed back to the house. "But I reckon I should go sit down someplace; I'm still feeling weak. If I'm to do you any good, I'd best get healed up all the way."

Cat quickly hurried over to his side and walked with him. She didn't try to hide how happy she was to have some good company; it was the one thing she'd been convinced she'd be robbed of in her last days.