Author's Note: Several years ago, a certain Valley Member dubbed me "the wedding queen of the valley". It is a title I still carry with pride, and I am so happy to have another wedding to host. Pictures of the dress and necklace can be seen at "The Big Valley Writing Desk" – Behind Closed Doors.

Chapter Forty-Nine

Sharon regarded herself in the mirror, as she sat at the dressing table in Priscilla's bedroom. She and the children had been at the Big House for the last several days, along with Violet. The children were happily ensconced in the nursery, while she had been given a comfortable guest room. Heath had, a week ago, moved into his house, by himself, for propriety's sake.

Priscilla, Audra, and Tara were watching her now, excitement and happiness shining in their eyes. They were very complimentary about her dress and jewelry. Last night, at the rehearsal supper Heath had presented her with a stunning pearl necklace.

It was a strand composed of lustrous pearls the size of hazelnuts. The necklace stopped just above her bodice; a pearl tear drop pendant hung from the strand. The set had also included a pair of pearl tear drop earrings – when Sharon had seen them, she burst into tears.

Everyone thought she was crying about the generous gift, but in truth she was remembering the pearl earrings Lady Emily and her family had given her. The same earrings that Paul had sold after beating her to find out where they were. No one understood what these earrings meant to her – a new beginning for her and the children. It was a private thought, one that could not be shared, and one she did not want to dwell on.

Instead, she turned her eyes to her wedding day. She had woken up in the guest room, having slept later than usual. In truth it was nice not to have to get up early to go to the café. It was also a luxury that she did not have to worry about Sean and Tara. Rosalie, the head nanny, had taken charge with a loving touch.

Sharon knew Rosalie, as did Sean and Tara, from their visits to the Big House. It had eased her mind to see how happy her children were to spend time with their soon-to-be cousins. She was still in awe at how easy and wonderful everything was with Heath's family. They treated her – and her children as one of their own.

She enjoyed breakfast in bed, a luxury that only her lady's mother had enjoyed. The tray, brought in by Elise, Priscilla's French maid, had eggs, toast, fruit, orange juice and tea. Elise had told her that Mrs. Nick had left specific instructions about the tea. Breakfast in bed was followed by a bath with scented soap and lotion.

Sharon had been aware of activity both outside and inside the house, but Priscilla, who had shown up as she was sitting in her wrapper after her bath, explained that she was to stay upstairs. There was a part of her who wanted to go down and oversee the arrangements. However, she curbed that impulse, knowing that as the bride the fete was for her.

As she thought that she looked at her reflection in the mirror now. Her dress was ivory satin, with the lower skirt embellished with seed pearl embroidery and champagne colored lace. The square cut necklace, bodice and sleeves had the same seed pearl embroidery and champagne colored lace. The bustle back was ivory silk pleated, ornamented with the same details as the front.

When Sharon had first seen the dress, she had gasped – it was as elaborate as the dresses at grand parties at the castle. She and Lady Emily would watch from the Minstrel's Gallery, and Sharon had always wondered what it would be like to wear such fine clothing and jewels.

Her hair was formally put up and decorated with pins that featured fresh orange blossoms. It was Elise who had designed the hairpins. Earlier a wreath of orange blossoms had been sent up, for Sharon to wear. Once the French woman had finished her hair, she looked at the wreath and declared it ill-suited for Sharon's status as widow.

It took barely ten minutes for Elise to take apart the wreath, and then carefully attach each flower to a hair pin. Elise had then carefully put each decorated hairpin into the elaborate updo she had crafted. Everyone in the room admired the affect, and Priscilla lavished praise on the French woman.

"I have to say that Heath's choice of pearls is perfect for your dress!" Priscilla exclaimed with admiration.

"The pearls are a family tradition Sharon. I know that it started with my father, and Carl was kind to follow along with the tradition." Audra offered with a smile. "Your necklace is lovely. Heath has such good taste."

Sharon had to agree about the necklace but was surprised to at Audra's comment about Heath's good taste. It came to her that she was again hearing about a different side of her soon to be husband than she knew. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Elise went over and opened the door.

Victoria came into the room, elegant in sapphire blue silk ornamented with cream colored lace and pink satin trim. Sharon stood up right away, as a sign of respect and honor. The older woman had always been welcoming to her, but Sharon knew her manners.

"I am so happy!" The older woman declared as she regarded the occupants of the room. "Sharon you are breathtaking! My son is a lucky man, and I am so glad that you two found each other again. Both of you deserve happiness." Victoria went over to stand next to Sharon.

"A great friend once told me that life was a spiral and I asked what that meant. He explained that a spiral was a continuous curve. It never stops, only expands, and contracts as life happens." Victoria said in a serious voice. A knock at the door gave pause, and the older woman went to answer it.

"I thought a champagne toast was in order, to welcome my new daughter and grandchildren to the family!" Victoria announced as Pedro, the head houseman who worked under Silas brought a cart into the room which featured champagne in a silver bucket on ice. He popped the cork and filled the glasses so everyone could toast the bride.

"My dear I have something for you, as a welcome to the family gift." Victoria had set down her glass and turned to the console table against the wall. Sharon had noticed that when the older woman had come into the room, she was carrying a large square box, covered in grey leather, which she had laid on the table.

"My late husband, once we were very successful, took pleasure in buying me jewelry. He said it was a thank you for the years of struggle." Victoria was glad that she had such strong self-control as she made the comment. It had been a few years after his death that Victoria had figured out that Tom bought her jewelry after whatever liaison he had been involved in ended.

"I have already gifted Audra and Priscilla quite a few pieces of my collection, and I would like to start the custom with you, with this gift." Victoria presented the case to Sharon who, after putting down her glass, took it gingerly.

"It is so heavy!" She exclaimed as she regarded the box. Sharon flashed back to her days in Ireland. Lady Emily had been a favorite of her mother's, and she loved watching her get ready for great events. Sharon was usually there to supervise the young girl. Her Grace's maid would bring out a leather covered box that contained whatever jewels the Duchess would wear. This box looked exactly like those boxes had, just different colored leather or velvet.

Inside was a dazzling diamond parure that took Sharon's breath away. The necklace featured two rows of diamonds – one collet style – the other pave style – separated by tiny diamonds. The same tiny diamonds were below the pave style diamonds. Hanging from them were various sizes of diamond floral pendants. In addition to the necklace, there were earrings, a pair of matching bracelets, and a large brooch in the shape of a flower.

"Victoria, tis tis oh" Sharon was so taken aback that she almost dropped the box. The thought of someone like her, owning, let alone wearing such jewelry was more than she could fathom.

"You have made Heath so happy! The changes in him since you have been courting have been great to see. The love you two have has been a blessing." Victoria exclaimed seriously as she regarded the young woman.

"You have to wear this one night in San Francisco." Priscilla came over and took the box. "Elise, please put this in the valise that stays with the bride." She summoned the woman, who took the box with a nod of her head.

"I am so blessed that you are joining our family. Heath has had a rough time lately, but with you it will come to an end. When you stand in front of God and say your vows today, I am going to cry." Victoria hugged Sharon, who reciprocated as best as she could.

In fact, she was overwhelmed with guilt and shame. The mention of standing in front of God made her feel like she was engulfed in sin. Heath did not love her; she did not love him. It was a farce that they were even doing this and lying to both his family and God.

The urge to confess everything was on her lips when she looked over at Tara. The girl was dressed in a pink silk frock decorated with ribbons and lace. There was a wreath of pink rosebuds in her gold hair, and around her neck was a miniature version of the pearl necklace. Heath had gifted it to her last night, after he had given Sharon her pearls. It had touched her deeply that Heath had thought of that gift.

Tara looked like a rich man's daughter, Sharon thought to herself. The type of girl who would not have to go into service at fourteen years of age. She would never have to marry her cousin to keep the family happy – and she would never worry about her children having enough to eat. Heath had promised an education, and a dowry which would take care of Tara.

"I am so blessed, at how you all have welcomed me children and I into your family." Sharon gathered her composure and pushed the guilt feelings away. A mother's duty was to look after her children, and she was certainly doing that. She vowed that she would be the wife that Heath wanted and hold up her end of the agreement.

"May I propose a toast you all of you?" Sharon raised her glass, and everyone followed suit. After the toast they hugged and laughed, and Sharon felt such comfort and security.

Meanwhile in the study…..

"I have to say that you two are in much better shape than the last wedding I attended with you." Nick's voice boomed around the study, as he poured small glasses of bourbon – tribute to Heath as it was his favorite drink.

"What are you referring to?" Heath asked, as he took the glass of the amber liquid. Jarrod also gave Nick a quizzical look, which caused their middle brother to roll his eyes.

"My wedding! Heath you were so distracted about something with Sarah that had happened the night before." Nick paused dramatically, before he turned to look at Jarrod. "And you – you were either still drunk or badly hung over. I honestly did not know if you would be able to escort mother down the aisle."

"Oh god, Cousin Andy and the Hawaiian prince." Jarrod sighed sadly, remembering the time. "I will tell you that after your wedding I did not have anything to drink for almost a month." That caused laughter among the brothers, as they recalled the lead up to Nick's wedding.

"Ok, enough about my wedding, we are here because this is Heath and Sharon's day!" Nick declared, as he raised his glass in his younger brothers' direction. "I would like to toast you and your beautiful bride to be. I have seen how much happiness she has brought you. It is a great honor to stand up next to you, as you two exchange your vows."

Nick in fact was hoping that the happiness was genuine. He remembered the conversation he and Priscilla had had when the engagement was announced. In truth he had not seen anything to change his mind about why the couple were getting married. However, he trusted his wife, liked Sharon, and knew that she would be a better wife for his brother than Sarah had been.

"I would like to second what Nick just said." Jarrod raised his glass, and Heath saw happiness in his brothers' eyes. "Having watched you with Sharon it is clear that you two belong together. It has been a joy to watch you with Sean and Tara – you will be an amazing father."

He knew that his brothers loved him and only wanted the best for him. It made him squirm as he pushed away the thought that his marriage was not what his brothers' thought it was. Heath forced himself to think about Tara and Sean – how excited Sean had been that day in San Francisco. The look on Tara's face when he had put the pearl necklace around her neck. She had reached up and hugged him, saying thank you papa.

Heath also thought about Simon – his son but not his son. He reassured himself that Maud and Olaf would be glad to have Simon spend time with his family. His family: Heath's eyes widened as he realized the implication of what the ceremony would mean. A wife, children, and everything that went along with that responsibility.

"Papa, Uncle Jarrod, Uncle Nick." Sean came into the room with Simon right behind him. "Why is your suit a different color Uncle Jarrod?" The boy's arrival broke Heath's train of thought.

"May I say that you young gentleman look very handsome – pink flower and all." Jarrod smiled as he looked at the boys. "I am not officially in the wedding party, as I am escorting my mother down the aisle. The rest of you are in the wedding party, so you all have to match."

"But why pink flowers?" Simon asked, his brows puckering. "I know that Tara and I are walking down together – she is carrying flowers and I am escorting her." He shrugged his shoulders in puzzlement.

"Simon, it is because every wedding has a color theme – it is what women like." Nick put his arm around the boy's shoulder. "I will tell you that social events are always organized by women, and a smart man – which is what you are – goes along with good grace."

Heath watched his brother talking to Simon as he would to one of his sons and he felt slightly jealous; Nick did have a different relationship with Simon and Heath knew that he should be glad what his son had so many positive male role models in his life.

"I have seen Tara's dress and it is pink on pink on pink." Sean announced with a knowing tone in his voice. "Honestly, I thought she could only get excited about a pony! She wanted to sleep in the dress, but mum told her no." He shook his head ruefully as he made the statement.

"Never underestimate the power of a wedding!" Nick declared as he looked at the assembled group. He would have loved to have had his sons here, but they were just a little too young. He indicated Jamie, the houseboy who was standing in the corner.

"We need to do a pre-wedding toast. I have ginger beer for Sean and Simon." Nick announced in his loud voice. Heath watched as Jamie poured the ginger beer into the same glasses that he and his brothers had the bourbon in. He had to give his brother credit for the grand – and correct – gesture. It came to him that he was a participant in the event, as his family took care of everything.

"Let us raise our glasses in our of Heath and Sharon, and their wedding day!" Jarrod took charge and raised his glass. He then looked over at Jamie and indicated for him to come forward. The young man came over and Jarrod poured him a glass of bourbon.

"Jamie, you are a very important part of our family, and my brothers and I want you to join the toast!" The young man, a son of Pedro came forward reverently as he took the glass. Everyone on the ranch knew about the Barkley's loyalty and support of their workers. He was taken aback at how he was being invited to participate in a family event. The Spanish grandees would only have treated him as a servant.

"Senor Heath, blessings to you and the Senora on your wedding." Jamie took the glass and raised it up. He felt so honored to be included and hoped he had said the right thing.

"Thank you, Jamie, and the Senora and I appreciate your blessing." Heath understood what the young man was trying to express, and he appreciated Jarrod's gesture at including him. The next several minutes were spent with a few more toasts. Then they heard music coming from the garden, through the French doors.

"Gentlemen, I think it is time!" Reverend Peterson came into the room.

Outside in the garden….

"All the guests are here, so I assume the ceremony will start soon?" Liam O'Keefe turned to ask Elspeth. They had been assigned the role of greeting the few friends who had been invited to the vow ceremony. Over the last several days they had become close as they talked about their lives in the United Kingdom.

Liam had been racing manager at a number of aristocratic stables in both Ireland and England. He knew some of the same families that Elspeth knew. His opinion, that her late husband's kinsman – the Duke of Devonshire – was going to be disappointed at this year's Royal Ascot had made her laugh.

"I have been told that when Jarrod and Victoria show up, we are to proceed down the aisle. Priscilla and the Lt. Governor will come after us, with Jarrod and Victoria the last down the aisle. At that point Reverend Peterson with Heath and Nick will enter from the side." Elspeth offered, looking up at the tall man with graying hair and piercing blue eyes.

"This is quite the wedding; it reminds me of an English garden party." Liam looked over the garden, as they were standing at the back. There were chairs around the gazebo; the walkway from the entrance to the garden to the gazebo was covered by a length of white canvas cloth. On either side of the walkway, every few feet, white planters were filled with pink flowers. Pink ribbon was looped to connect the planters – each planter had a bow of the pink ribbon. The gazebo was bright white with fresh paint; pink roses and ribbons decorated the columns holding up the roof.

"My understanding is that Sharon remembered some outdoor dinner party in Ireland and wanted to recreate it. Priscilla was happy to oblige." Elspeth explained, before going on. "I know it means a great deal to her that you came for the event. Especially since Jimmy and Eileen could not make the trip." Eileen was due to give birth soon and was not up for the trip. Sharon had insisted that Jimmy needed to stay with his wife.

"I am happy to be here. Sean and Tara are like grandchildren to me, and I am happy to see Sharon finding happiness." Liam beamed as he made the comment. "Heath is a good man, and I know he will be a good father to Sean and Tara. I wish the people at Kilkenny Farms were happier for her." He sighed and shook his head.

"My family is very familiar with religious conflicts, and I feel for Sharon. I do think you did the right thing by not sharing the Father Maguire's letter with her." Elspeth commented, being glad to hear Liam's praise of Heath. She privately thought it too bad that Henry had never been able to meet Heath; her late husband would have been glad to have him as a friend.

The second night Liam was in the valley, after a party at the Morton's ranch, she and Liam had ended up taking a buggy together back to the Big House. It was then that Liam had shared with her that the priest from the Irish settlement was very unhappy about the marriage. Liam had also shared that the fellow was slightly insane and wrapped up in sin and repentance.

Father Maguire had decided that since Sharon was being married by a Protestant minister her wedding was a sin. In the letter he wrote, the priest explained in copious detail the nature of the sin. He had then added that while he did not have the power to excommunicate Sharon, he would be writing to the Bishop to have him excommunicate her. Liam had told Elspeth that he had not read the letter – Father Maguire had told him what was in it.

"The man" he stopped and made the sign of the cross "he is mad and needs to be put away." Liam's face took on a grim look as he made the observation. "His rules about not letting girls go to school? He is still in the seventeenth century. His attitude is why so many of our young couples are moving away. Only the old folks, and those who feel like he does about women are staying. I applaud Sharon for rescuing Tara from that."

"Yes, I have heard about Father Maguire. My understanding is that he said the prayer of St. Michael the Archangel at the end of Jimmy's wedding?" Elspeth arched her brow as she made the comment. "I will say I have been at a few weddings where that might have been appropriate, but I do not imagine it was the case with Jimmy and Eileen."

Liam laughed at her comment, knowing what she was referencing. From both their respective places in society they had seen all kinds of arranged marriages. Just then they heard the music change from sedate baroque chamber music to a trumpet voluntary. Elspeth knew that Priscilla had engaged a Chamber Music Ensemble from San Francisco for the ceremony.

"I think it is time." Elspeth announced as she turned to greet Victoria and Jarrod, as Liam bowed to the woman. "We have a wedding to get on with!"