I do NOT own The Big Valley nor any of the original Big Valley characters. Thanks to my Beat Reader, though all mistakes are my own.
I've taking liberty with the church's surroundings and putting a few things in that, as far as I know, were not in the show. If they were? I'll start laughing.
End of the Rainbow
Chapter Nineteen
Jarrod and Victoria were sitting at one of the church picnic tables when Fred walked up. They'd taken a break from socializing, leaving it to Heath, Eugene and Audra to worry about that end of things. "Hello." He held out his hand and shook hands with Jarrod and Victoria. "How is he?" he asked when he spied Patrick and Cat enjoying a slow dance.
Both Victoria and Jarrod sighed and shook their heads. "Doesn't seem to be any closer to remembering who he is as he was the first day he got here," Jarrod answered as he watched his brother, obviously very much in love as his eyes never left Cat's face. "I've actually been holding my breath, thought for sure someone would have slipped up by now and said something to him."
Fred nodded and replied, "I was afraid of that myself, but…" He paused and then continued speaking, "I've actually had a number of people say they've gone around making sure everyone keeps their mouth shut. It seems like word has gotten around that Cat there is dying and folks want her to enjoy her days with Nick, or Patrick as he is going by. Even the ones who don't like him have agreed to keep their mouths shut for that very reason." He shook his head. "Still, I'm amazed no one has slipped up."
Smiles spread across Jarrod and Victoria's face. They were relieved to hear no one would say anything to push Nick away, even if they were doing it for his wife's sake. "Guess we best pray he remembers something before she passes away." Jarrod kept his eye on Nick and Cat; he wondered just how realistic it was to think people would continue to be quiet once Cat had died.
Jarrod may have been keeping his eye on his brother, but Patrick never once noticed it. After the dance was over, Patrick and Cat walked arm in arm over to the small arch-shaped bridge that had been put up simply to decorate the church yard. "We could head home," Patrick said as he Cat leaned on the bridge, "you look tired." She did too; it worried him.
"Why?" Cat grinned at him, her eyebrows raised. "So I can lie down and you be out searchin' for clues to who be makin' trouble for the Barkleys? Or are you goin' to be denyin' what you been doin' be'ind me back?"
Patrick would have tried to come up with a defense, but he knew it would be useless. "I can't help it." Patrick's shoulders slumped slightly as he leaned on the bridge. "There's something that telling me to protect them. I don't know why. Maybe, I know them. But does it matter right now?" he asked as he smiled upon his wife. "I've found a pot of gold already." Out of the corner of his eyes he saw two young men looking his way, and then hurrying away. He couldn't help but notice it was the young men Heath referred as 'those McQueen boys'. He'd noticed them nearby on other occasions Cat and he had been talking; now, he couldn't help but wonder about them.
Cat looked over to where the music as still playing and could see the Barkleys mingling with the other citizens of Stockton, and then turned her attention back to her husband. She smiled. "Patrick Barnes, as 'appy as I be to 'ear you consider me a pot of gold, don't be goin' and changin' subjects! 'ow long we be here now? Three months? The Barkleys are good people. I've told you again and again, if you feel you be knowin' 'em, talk to 'em." She started to move away from the bridge and had to grab back on, as she found herself a bit dizzy.
"Cat?" Patrick hurried and wrapped his arm around her waist to give her some support.
Cat held onto him and nodded towards the buggy. "I think we best be goin' 'ome, but please," she begged him, "let's see what we can be doin' 'bout makin' this look as natural as possible. Last thing we be needin' be folks' night out bein' ruined because of me spells."
Patrick didn't argue as he helped her walk to the buggy. From a distance all anyone saw was a couple very much in love leaving the party. "They're not staying for supper or desert; I baked an apple pie just for them," Audra complained to her family as they watched Patrick and Cat drive away in the buggy.
"Maybe, that's why they left." Heath gave his sister a crooked smiled and chuckled. It only served to get him a soft glare. He didn't care, at least Jarrod and Eugene were grinning at the thought. Victoria didn't give him any reaction, she was too busy watching the buggy leave and feeling very uncomfortable at the early departure.