Author's Note: This story takes place in the late fall 1877; Heath has been in the valley since spring of 1876. He met Sharon Callahan in the summer of 1876 and continued to court her after the Irish settlers moved to Kilkenny Farms. Today the location is closest to Modesto, California.
Chapter One
The Barkley Ranch – September 1877
Victoria looked up from her plate, as Nick and Jarrod came into the dining room. Jarrod, just now downstairs, came over and kissed her cheek; Nick coming in from being out working since sunup went straight to get food.
"Good morning Lovely Lady; how are you?" Jarrod asked, as Silas came over and poured coffee. "Nick, please leave me some food." He joked, as he watched his brother at the sideboard who was filling his plate with food from the silver chafing dishes on the mahogany sideboard.
"Mmm, well this is a working ranch and some of us have been up since dawn working." Nick retorted, carefully holding his plate heaped high with eggs, potatoes, and bacon. "If you'd get out of bed before the crack of noon and put those lily-white hands to use you would understand."
"Good morning Nick and Jarrod. I am doing well, just reading Audra's latest letter from New York." Victoria replied smoothly, adding "Jarrod get some food and then I will tell you all about her adventures." In truth she did not want Nick and Jarrod sparring with each other, even if it was good-natured.
From the time that Jarrod was six and Nick was two, the majority of her waking hours had been taken up in dealing with the boys. It had reached its peak just before the war; Jarrod going off to fight had calmed things down. Yes, she'd been scared until she found out that he was in intelligence and on some high-ranking officer's staff. Nick, who never wanted to be bested by his brother, joined up frightening her no end. Her second one was always 'in for a penny in for a pound' to quote an old saying.
Victoria watched as Jarrod took a plate of food –eggs, bacon, and some of the pepper relish that was offered on the side – before she spoke. Audra was just finishing the summer season in Newport and had been invited to one of the Astor's for the New York City fall season. She finished up Audra's news, as she became aware that Heath had not shown up for breakfast yet.
"Where is Heath? He came home so late last night from San Francisco that I missed him." Victoria looked around the table, before setting her gaze on Nick. He knew everything that happened, no matter how small; he never missed a beat or a mishap in his need to be vigilant in protection of the ranch and family.
"Well Heath had a very productive time in the city; he is now tying up loose ends before he leaves for Mexico." Nick smirked, showing that he had secret knowledge of what Heath was up to; or at least he thought he did.
"Heath has been in the city for the last week" Victoria observed "Now he leaves in two days to oversee upgrading the pumps at the mines in Mexico. What loose ends does he have to tie up?" She was curious, especially because Nick was taking Heath's absence from ranch duties good heartedly.
"Well before he left for San Francisco he asked me for a recommendation for a reputable jewelry store." Jarrod dabbed his lips with the cream linen napkin, a twinkle in his aquamarine eyes. The sun coming in from the windows glowed as it touched the gold damask wallpaper and fine crystal and silver in the dining room.
"He left this morning for Kilkenny Farms, to see Sharon." Nick took a large swallow of orange juice from the crystal tumbler ringed with cranberry colored glass. "There must be something mighty important that he had to get to Kilkenny Farms so quickly." His dimples flashed as he exchanged a knowing glance with his older brother.
"Mother I think you – and us – will be attending a wedding in January." Jarrod raised his coffee cup, the morning sun from the window causing the gold band at the rim to glisten.
Victoria felt her heart constrict, as she heard what Nick and Jarrod were implying. She looked at her sons, noting how happy they were as they thought about Heath's wedding. Before she could stop it, a sigh escaped from her, which had both men looking at her.
"What is the matter Lovely Lady?" Jarrod was very close to his mother and picked up her moods and nuances before anyone else.
"Wouldn't you be happy for Heath to marry Sharon?" Nick declared in a loud tone, putting his fork down.
Even as preoccupied as Victoria was, she laughed silently at how Jarrod and Nick's reactions to her sigh echoed their personalities so well. Yes, Jarrod had always been the child who related to her so easily, while Nick was loud and demanding from the time he was born. It had been a struggle watching Tom trying to make Jarrod a rancher, while Nick worked so hard to even get his father's attention.
"Sharon is a lovely, delightful girl and perfect for Heath. Truly they are two people who define the term soulmate." Victoria paused, wanting to tread carefully in what she said next. Part of her wished she had not gone to Modesto to help with the mission project; in her role as chairwoman, she could have stayed in Stockton. However, she was, to quote Audra 'too hands on' to let anything happen without her involvement.
"So what is the problem?" Nick questioned loudly and with firmness. He cared about Heath's happiness and his brother had shared how much the Irish girl meant to him; as if Nick had not seen it himself!
"When I was in Modesto last week, I ran into Jimmy Callahan who was there buying supplies; we ended up having lunch together." Victoria went on about the mission project that the church in Stockton had undertaken. "Towards the end of the meal Jimmy brought up Heath and Sharon." Part of her wondered why she was not just keeping quiet about the conversation; after all it might all be for naught.
"So Jimmy felt the need to bring up Sharon and Heath?" Jarrod queried, giving his brother a cautionary glance. Clearly there was some fissure of concern, and he did not think Nick with his directness would be able to get their mother to share what she had been told.
"The marriage does not have the support of the Irish settlers" Victoria spoke, and she noticed Nick starting to speak. She held up her hand "Jimmy has no problem with the marriage, but Sharon's grandmother is concerned about how she will be treated in our world. When they first arrived in Boston, they were met with hostility and violence." She took a sip of her coffee, before looking Nick directly in the eye.
"But Heath is well liked at Kilkenny Farms; I've seen it myself." Nick would not be silent any longer. "I bet it is just the grandmother causing problems." He added, remembering the old, withered woman who always looked at the world with scorn and hate.
"Sharon's grandmother is the matriarch of the settlement and wields much influence, as it was in the old country. Even Jimmy himself is afraid of her." She could see Nick's opinion of the woman who had not succumbed to his charm and dimples. "The woman only wants what is best for Sharon." Victoria knew that Nick was only looking at the relationship from Heath's point of view.
"Granny Callahan is concerned that Sharon will not be received by our friends? Because of her faith and background?" Jarrod's voice was deliberate and smooth; Victoria saw that he understood the situation. "What else did Jimmy say?"
"Jimmy feels bad for Heath and Sharon." Victoria sighed before going on. "He will do what he can to help, but at the end of the day it has to be Sharon's decision." She shook her head, as Silas brought the silver coffee pot over.
"Well then it is a done deal. Heath loves Sharon, and she loves him. Of course, she will choose him." Nick announced. In Nick's world love was black and white. He secretly believed in true love overcoming all obstacles, even as he had not been lucky enough to experience it yet.
"Nick, it not only takes love, but courage to turn one's back on your family, faith and upbringing." Victoria looked at her middle son with concern knowing how much he wanted to find love. "I know that Sharon loves Heath, but she is young, and already has had to deal with a new country and life. At least she had her family to help her."
"Mother, if she marries Heath will she lose all that? Will they turn their back on her?" Nick was taken aback at what he had just heard; not imagining a family would act that way.
"Yes, they might Nick. I've seen families turn daughters out for not marrying according to their wishes." Jarrod finished his coffee, as he stood up. "Unfortunately, I've been involved – on both sides in those cases – and it doesn't always work out for the young woman."
"Well I am going to bet that this time it will work out." Nick stood up too and rocked back on his boot heels. "We will do everything to make Sharon feel welcome, and I can hardly wait to stand up with Heath." He strode out of the dining room, not seeing the worried looks Jarrod and Victoria exchanged.
Kilkenny Farms – September 1877
Heath finally was able to get Sharon alone after breakfast. He had ridden down to Kilkenny Farms yesterday, arriving in time for dinner. He was always impressed with how much work the Irish settlers had done in the little over a year that they had lived on the land. There was a central square, with a mercantile that carried basic supplies, along with a social hall and a well next to a watering trough for horses. The square had been positioned where it was surrounded by trees to provide shade.
In the last couple of months, a small chapel had been added, with the arrival of a priest from Ireland. Heath and Sharon had shared a private chuckle at how a tavern keeper had arrived at the same time. The two men set quickly to building their establishments, which flanked either end of the town square. The newest building was an infirmary, to house sick people; no there was not a doctor yet but one of the settlers had worked in army hospitals during his forced service with the English army.
When he arrived at Jimmy Callahan's house, which was a good-sized dwelling well-constructed with brick and timber, set at the entrance to a thriving farm, he had been disappointed that Jimmy was not there. Sharon had explained that her uncle was in Modesto, finishing up some business. Heath would have enjoyed just having dinner with Sharon, but Granny Callahan was much in residence. He had picked up on a certain coolness from the older woman, but when he'd asked Sharon she said it was just Granny's way with outsiders.
It had bothered him that he was still considered an outsider, but Heath understood that the woman was old. Prejudices, fear, and hate were ingrained in people who had seen nothing else and Heath gave the woman grace in spite of her apparent feelings against him. Dinner was a delicious shepherd's pie, accompanied by home baked bread and fresh churned butter. Dessert was a cobbler made of the last of the season's berries, accompanied by clotted cream.
Heath insisted on cleaning up, letting the women drink their tea, and rest after cooking dinner. In truth he knew that Sharon did most of the work in the house, starting at sunrise and continuing until the sun went down. Granny Callahan for all of her fierce façade was actually small and frail – at least physically.
His plan to talk to Sharon after dinner was dashed, when several of the women from the settlement came to the house. It turned out that there was a quilting bee at the social hall, to make blankets for one of the women who was with child. Sharon looked very apologetic at him, but he sighed with understanding.
Instead he walked to the tavern, where he had a well brewed, heavy stout in a pewter mug with a glass bottom. He played a couple of rounds of darts and then went over to Michael Yeates' cottage. Michael was an older man who lived in a small dwelling next to the livery stable which he ran. The livery stable was just a barn where the settlers who lived further from town could leave their horses and wagons if needed. He was a relation of the Callahan's and Heath stayed with the older man when he came to see Sharon.
The next morning, Heath went over to Jimmy's house and did the morning chores of filling the wood bins and taking care of the small dairy herd and three goats. He was almost done when Sharon came out into the farmyard, to take care of the morning duties. Heath pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately and felt gratified when she responded to his overtures.
After some cuddling and giggling she pushed a basket on him and indicated the hen house where the chickens needed to be fed and eggs gathered. Breakfast was eggs over easy, slices of ham, and Irish Soda bread. This was a favorite of Heath's, liking how the currents added richness to the buttermilk and baking soda batter. It was different in taste and texture than yeast-based bread but reminded him of the bread his mother and Hannah had made when money was tight.
Finally, he was able to escort Sharon out to the small kitchen garden, at the back of the house. This was laid out with areas for vegetables, berries, and herbs – both cooking and medicinal. Heath always smiled when he saw the small patch of 'lambs quarters' growing in the garden. It reminded him of how he had tried to help Sharon and the Irish settler's when they first arrived in town. One of the many things he loved about her is how she was fiercely independent as he was; they both wanted to make their own way.
In the center of the garden was a brass sundial, on a stone pedestal; a bench was situated next to the structure. Heath had already positioned the leather tube underneath the bench. He smiled with pleasure as he gazed at Sharon looking fresh in a crisp cotton dress of soft green with dark blue and cream-colored flowers.
Her hair – bright as a new penny – highlighted the blue of her 'Irish eyes'. These were referred by the English as eyes put in with a smutty finger. It meant dark blue eyes with a black cast to them; thick black lashes and eyebrows framed her large eyes. Sharon had the soft peaches and cream skin which complimented her spun copper hair.
"Sharon have I told you how lovely you are?" Heath stated, sweeping her into his arms. He buried his face against her hair, smelling something soft and floral.
"Ah always sweet talking are you." Sharon replied with a giggle, as she stepped back from his embrace jerkily. He was taken aback at her gesture but wondered if she was concerned about his blatant display of affection. Heath knew that she was very traditional for all of her independent ways.
"Sharon, I was in San Francisco before I came down to see you" Heath began, as he reached for a leather covered tube. "I picked up the plans from the architect, for the house we've talked about." He smiled with happiness, as he unrolled the papers that he had taken from the tube.
"The house will be in the clearing overlooking the meadow, with the trees surrounding it. I had the house situated so the morning sun will come into our bedroom." Heath's voice was full of enthusiasm, as he gave Sharon an adoring glance. He then went on to show other details of the drawing, mentioning all the details they had talked about wanting in a house and farm.
"Heath, tis so" Her voice hitched "Oh Heath you did all this for us?" Sharon's voice was barely audible, making him look closely at her. Her dark blue eyes were about to brim over, and he decided that now was as good as a time as anything. He reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet covered box.
"I did this all for you, Sharon. You are my life, my light, my world. Everything will always be all for you." Heath bent down on one knee, as he opened the box to reveal a ring set with five round emeralds in a row, with small rose cut diamonds at either end, in gold. "Sharon will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He noticed that she had gone pale and wondered if she was going to faint.
"The emerald is for Ireland – your homeland. I will always honor your customs, and one day I want you to take me there." Heath rushed his words, as he stood up and embraced her. His heart tightened, as he started to worry. She was not reacting like he had thought she would; Sharon had never struck him as the fainting type.
"Heath this is..tis..oh the ring!" Sharon stammered, taking the ring from the box. She held it up to admire it, and he noted how the sun shone on the emerald sending green sparks dancing around them. Heath then noted how her eyes were filled with sadness as she looked at the ring, causing him to wonder if maybe the ring had been too much. However, he had reveled in the fact he had the financial ability to give Sharon a gift of that magnitude.
"Oh Heath, I..I can't accept this." Sharon attempted to hand the ring back to him, making a knot start to form in his stomach. "It isn't as simple as us loving each other. It would never work – our worlds are too different." The words were delivered in her soft lilting accent as she removed himself from his embrace and turned her back on him.
"What are you talking about? I love you and you love me! What else is there?" He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. Heath was gentle with his touch, but still brought her around to face him.
"Heath I am Catholic – Irish Catholic! I was a servant in Ireland and despised here in America." Sharon declared vehemently, wrenching herself away from his hand. "I would never be welcome in your world – which is protestant."
"Sharon, I love you, and my family loves you! You will be welcomed and loved." Heath's voice was filled with anguish, scared to death at the thought of losing her.
"Oh your mother is kind enough to me now, but the last thing she wants is a daughter-in-law going to Mass with the housemaids." Sharon tossed her head and stiffened her shoulders. "I know how hard you've worked to take your place as Tom Barkley's son; the last thing you want is to throw it all away by marrying me." Sharon's lips made a hard-straight line as she made her announcement.
"Sharon I have already pledged to honor your customs and family traditions. I am willing to convert if that is what you want!" Heath reached to take her in his arms, wanting her to understand how important she was to him. He admired her more than any woman he had ever met and could not imagine his life without her.
"Heath, when we first arrived in the valley" Sharon spoke, as she stepped back from his embrace. "The first Sunday in Stockton, we – the Irish settlers – wanted to go to Mass. We had been glad to see a Catholic Church in town, so we all head into town early on Sunday." She paused and sighed deeply.
"Everyone in that church was Mexican, Spanish but not of our skin color. Further, they treated us worse than the English in Ireland had acted toward us." Sharon shook her head and crossed herself. "It was hard to believe that we were all of the same faith even though we all said our prayers the same way."
"Sharon, I know all about the so-called grand Spanish grandees; they cold and unyielding." Heath recalled his short-lived relationship with Maria as he stepped toward her. "Fine, we don't have to go to services on Sunday. We can stay home, read the Bible, and pray. It is what my Mother and I did."
"Oh, tis that what you want for our children, to be outcasts? Like you were?" Her eyes blazed blue fire, as she moved to be next to him. "That is just what I am trying to tell you! You marry me and you will be throwing everything you have worked so hard for away. I love you too much to do that to you, or our children."
What she did next caused his heart to break; she took his hand holding it in hers. Heath sighed as he felt lightning go up his arm, which is what her touch had always done. However, the good feeling did not last as she put the ring into his hand. Sharon curled his fingers around it, and for one moment let her fingers intertwine with his.
"Heath I will always love you, which is why I have to say no. I love you too much to ruin your life!" She reached over and kissed him, letting their tongues touch for one sweet sublime moment. He went to push further, but she stepped back, tears in her eyes. "Go back to Stockton and marry some nice protestant girl who will be a proper Mrs. Heath Barkley."
"Sharon, no! I will never find another you! I love you!" His words were filled with anguish, as he realized she was leaving him. "I want you by my side; I need you." Heath went to take her back in his arms, but she was too quick.
"I will never forget you Heath, but we have different destinies in front of us." The words were delivered among tears, and then she turned and was gone before he could even respond.
As he stood in the middle of the garden, he did not see any future, just bleakness.