Chapter Nine

The Barkleys made it to Modesto in time and bedded down with the Darbys. The ladies all pitched in and helped with the funeral and meal. Most of Stanislaus County seemed to attend the standing-room-only church service, graveside burial at the wheat farm, or stop by and paid their condolences.

Jack brought their great aunt, Elisabeth Finn to sit with the family as they relaxed from the busy last two days.

"Let someone know if you need help getting back, sweet Auntie Elisabeth. We are headed out to do a little bird hunting. Matthias needs to get out of the house, and the housekeepers want to clean it up."

"I could do that."

"No, sweet lady, you have done enough, and you should enjoy your time with your great nieces and our boys. Do it for your sister,Ingrid."

"You are a charmer, Mr Darby but I will take you up on it."

Zella and Tessa sat on a quilt watching their boys on unsteady feet. Chip almost would run while JT took deliberate steps being careful and cautious. They both would end up on their bottoms occasionally. It was hard to tell them apart from behind.

"I like to think my sister is looking down on you both—-through my eyes."

The sisters looked at her with love, "She is."

"I am sure of it."

"Look," Zella pointed as JT tried to help Chip up. His cousin pulled him down to the ground in the effort. They were laughing loudly at their predicament.

"I hope they always stay this close. It's like they can read each other's minds."

"Like us."

"Yes, that's us."

"I still can't get over the church service of the funeral. When Lissie cried and begged for Rosie to sit with her. Matthias said yes but I was terrified. She's never been that quiet her whole life and there she sat—-holding her cousin's hand."

"You both remind me of my granddaughter—my namesake. Well aside from you, Contessa. Her father thought he knew best and forbade her to see the boy she thought she loved. From the county over; she met him at the fair. She ran away with him and we have never seen her again—-except for a handwritten note that she passed away. I don't even know where she is buried."

Zella and Tessa exchanged a look of fear as the older woman turned her attention to her great-great nephews.

The promise never to tell of Rosemary's start in life always loomed between them and yet bonded the twins forever. It was a night they would never forget.

When their sons were born, it flashed through their minds over and over again. Holding their promises became harder and harder.

—-&—

Mary, Lissie, and Rosie were picking wildflowers, smiling and relaxing after the funeral and graveside.

Zella whispered, "Listen,"

"I never really talked to my mother. You are lucky to talk to your mamas. Mine had a stroke when I was born. My Gramma Elisabeth has raised me."

Rosemary put her hand on her cousin, "You can talk to Mam and Aunt Zella anytime."

"My momma too. Her name is Nellie. She is so smart."

The girls impulsively hugged and Zella wiped a tear away

Elisabeth choked up and squeezed her great nieces' hands, "This is as it should be finally. Family taking care of family. I and my granddaughter—left home to marry the men we loved. Our families did not approve and for good reason. We lost much by chasing love or what we thought was love. Learn from our stories. I can't regret mine since I had my daughter then Matthias, my grandson, and now his three children to love me until the end."

Mary pointed over to the quilt with Victoria, Audra, and Nellie on it, "That's my mother and grandmother and Aunt."

"And 'dears Aunt Sally and baby Posy. I get to watch her some. And baby little Heaf—-he eats all the time."

Tessa laughed when she heard Rosemary's description, "Yes he does."

—-&—

The men loaded up their guns and set out with Matthias to hurt birds in his wheat fields.

James was sitting excited by Nick on the wagon.

"Thanks, Pa for letting me come. I haven't ever shot anything but a can on the fence."

"Best practice you can get."

"Pa? Are you the best shot in the family?"

Nick puffed up, "Well I am pretty modest if I do say so myself. But all Barkley men can shoot."

Matthias laughed, "Well I know one Barkley lady that can give you a run for the money."

All the men laughed and Nick answered, "You are right about that. Never saw anyone do what she did."

"Who, Pa?"

"Your Aunt Tessa shot a pack of wild dogs—-saved Rosemary and little Lissie Finn and Aunt Zella."

James' eyes grew big, "Really?"

Jarrod answered, "Yes James, and she saved my life in Knight's Ferry. Shot a man that was getting ready to kill me."

"Wow," was all James could say.

Matthias ruffled James's blonde curls, "You got a lot to learn about your family, buddy. My two boys are pretty good shots too. I wanna see what you three bring us for supper. Cook knows how to serve them up."

The men headed out into the threshed fields and lay in wait for the covey of birds to appear.

Matthias held back in the clearing and watched the three young boys set up. Heath and Nick shadowed them, keeping a watchful eye.

Jarrod joined Matthias back at the base of the tree.

"My shoulder is still giving me fits. As the Irish say, want to share a pint or a nip?"

"Not a big drinker, Jarrod but I won't be inhospitable." he chuckled.

Jarrod handed him his flask and he took a long drink of the scotch. He sighed.

"I recognize the burn."

"You have had a long couple of days, Matthias."

He reached for the flask and took another sip, "This was the bane of my father and grandfather. I will not taste of it again for a few years—but today, I succumb."

Jarrod took a deep drink and rubbed his shoulder. They leaned back on the tree.

"You know we were married for ten years—but she was only my wife five, yes five years. Dammit To Hell! All the five years of Lissie's life, Elisabeth Grace. She never knew her daughter. She would look at her sometimes like she was familiar—-but most times she didn't know of her. My own grandmother who raised me is raising Lissie and my boys."

"I am sorry, Matthias," Jarrod spoke softly, sensing the man needed to talk.

"You lost your first wife Barkley? How'd you do it? Get up every morning? It's so strange because some parts of my life don't change. They were lost five years ago. It's the hope that died. The woman hasn't been with me since she gave me my Lissie,"

"I don't have any answers, friend. A wise person told me to keep going—-it's all you can do and it lessens I promise. But it changes you inside. You are always missing a part."

"But you married my cousin and ya seem so content?"

"We are. I never thought I would marry again. But Tessa gave me hope again. She's not Beth. Nothing like her but in a way, that's best. Rosemary too. The child is a changeling of sorts. Bewitched me," he laughed.

Matthias relaxed and laughed, "That's a good word for the babe. The Knight blood is strong. She looks like her mother and her aunt and —my little sister. All in one. Strange how families are marked with such things."

"I have noticed. My son has a twin." He chuckled.

"And so do you Barkley."

"Matthias, what happened to your sister?"

"Ran off with a man—My parents wouldn't accept his reputation and forbade her. He was a rogue. His aunt was the wife of Grant, the president, and the general. But he weren't no honorable man like him. They said he had a silver-tongue and a handsome devil."

Jarrod sobered quickly, "Dent? Billy Dent?"

"Never knew his first name. Just the last."

Jarrod's mind started racing, "How long ago?"

"Five or so years. Same time as Lissie was born."

"And she passed away?" Jarrod wanted to confirm.

"Got a note that she did. In a lady's handwriting. Postmarked Modesto. Send her cross necklace home to Grandmother."

Matthias took his third long swig and closed his eyes. One lone tear ran down his cheek. Jarrod turned his head in respect.

Jack rode up and Matthias sat up straighter, "Let's go check on our boys."