Chapter Five
Heath felt the heat of the August sun, high in the sky, beat down on him; he lifted his hat and mopped his brow with a bandana he kept in his pocket. He was standing on the sidewalk on Main Street, in downtown Stockton, just outside of the bank. The streets were dirt and being baked dry by the summer sun kicked up dust as the horses and wagons went by.
The cattle drive had finished day before yesterday, after three long weeks on the trail, and then another ten days back. The Barkley, and Wheeler stock had all fetched top prices at the stockyards. It had been a joint cattle drive, and the men had enjoyed each other's company and support. Now Heath was in town, having deposited the Barkley share of the profits, and being at loose ends.
He had offered to take care of this, since Nick was gearing up for the grape harvest. Heath had little to do with that area of the family business, other than to enjoy the fruits of the vine. Rocking back on his heels, the wooden board creaking as he did so, Heath decided he needed to eat lunch. There was no reason to go to his house, as Sarah was still in San Francisco. The big house would be sandwiches with Silas, as Victoria was over at the Wheeler Ranch; Nick and Priscilla would be out at the blending house.
Harry's Saloon beckoned, with beer, a sandwich board of fresh baked bread, ham, cheese, and tart pickles. One of Harry's girls was French and made this amazing mustard with some special seeds from Dijon, her native region. As he turned in that direction, someone called his name, causing him to stop.
"Heath. Heath Barkley." A voice hailed him from across the street and he turned to see Tobias Anderson. Tobias was the Manager of the Wells Fargo office in Stockton, and he was a good friend of Heath's. He took in Tobias' suit, and hat, thinking how hot it must be under the blazing sun. Heath suddenly felt cooler in his pants and shirt, not having to wear a jacket and suspenders.
"Tobias, long time no see. What are you up to? I've been gone for almost a month." Heath asked, shaking Tobias hand after crossing the street.
"Well the railroad is" Tobias gestured his head in the direction of the train station and went on to tell about a change in shipping rates. "Listen, it's too hot to stand out here, and I only have so long for lunch. "Let's head over to the Sunnyside Café."
"I was thinking of Harry's; the Sunnyside Café?" Heath queried, surprise in his voice. The Sunnyside was an establishment that catered more to the breakfast crowd, women, and families. Yes, the food was good, but the atmosphere, with its starched table clothes, ruffled curtains, and flowers was on the feminine side.
"Ah! You have been out of town for a while; and get that tone out of your voice." Tobias snickered and gave Heath a knowing look. "The Café has a new manager, and she is the prettiest thing you've ever seen. All of us single guys have started eating breakfast or lunch there."
Giving up his plan for a sandwich and beer, Heath followed Tobias in the direction of the café. Heath knew that young, single women were in short supply in Stockton, and a comely one would be very popular with the men in town. He listened as Tobias told Heath what he knew about the manager, which was only that she was a widow, with blue eyes, and curves in all the right places.
The Sunnyside Café had a deep porch, which was shady and cool from the overhanging roof. He and Tobias stopped to wipe their feet on the mat outside of the door, whose gleaming window was framed by ruffled curtains. The men removed their hats as they stepped inside, and when Heath's eyes adjusted to the indoor light, what he saw took his breath away.
Sharon Callahan Flynn looked around the dining room of the Sunnyside Café and smiled with pleasure. Almost all the tables were occupied, and the three waitresses were doing their jobs perfectly. The café was clean, fresh, and welcoming, while the food was delicious and savory. Her transition as Manager had been easy; both because the Harry and Julie Morgan had given her their full support, as well as Sharon knew how to get along with people.
She had grown up in service at a grand castle overseen by an English noble family, being lady's maid to one of the daughters, even as she came from an Irish tenant farm family. Dealing with the restaurant staff of a Negro cook, the Chinese dishwashers, and the shifting pool of waitresses from various backgrounds did not bother her. Sharon had seen a great deal since she had been in America and knew that everyone only wanted something more than they had had before. It was why they were in America, instead of the old country.
Her move to Stockton had gone easier than Sharon had anticipated, helped by Mother Flynn. Sharon had been worried that at the last minute her mother-in-law would try to prevent her from taking the job in Stockton. However, Mother Flynn had taken an instant dislike to Bridey Murphy, Eileen's mother. The woman made it clear that her daughter was the mistress of the household, and in charge of everything.
Mother Flynn had been surprised at how young Jimmy Callahan's bride was, and further how unprepared she was to be a wife. She had told Sharon that Eileen knew nothing about keeping a house. Sharon at the time only nodded her head, thinking that Uncle Jimmy would only see Eileen's bright eyes, clear skin, and trim figure.
In the end Mother Flynn had seen to it that they all relocated to Stockton, with ease. Sharon had been taken aback at the townhouse the Morgan's had rented for her. The property included four bedrooms, a front parlor, sitting room, dining room and full kitchen, all looking over the river. There was a small garden where she could grow her favorite herbs.
After she had moved in, Victoria, Audra, and Priscilla had all come to welcome the family, bringing housewarming gifts. Audra had brought a selection of fruit spreads; from the various berries she grew in her garden. Priscilla had brought some of her honey, along with bread and salt, being the traditional welcome gift in Europe. Victoria had brought a fine linen set of tea towels, decorated with shamrocks.
Further, Priscilla had made it a point to accompany her and her children, to meet with Eugenia Lennox at the placement testing for the upcoming school year. Eugenia was at first very formal, but once the women all started talking together it became so easy. Sharon liked how the older woman was careful to talk to Sean and Tara at their level, even dealing with how impertinent Tara could be.
In truth she did not want her daughter's mind or spirit squashed; it was why she was in Stockton and not in Kilkenny Farms. Further, her daughter would not have to settle by marrying her third cousin to keep the family happy. Hearing the door opening she brought her mind back to the present and turned to greet the newcomers.
The two men who came in she recognized right away; one of them made her stiffen spine. Sharon had known that sooner or later she would run into Heath and had been preparing herself for when it would occur. She had heard from Priscilla, who was becoming a friend that the men had been out on the cattle drive for several weeks. Clearly, the cattle drive was over, she thought to herself.
"Tobias, Heath." Sharon smiled at them, glad that she did not have to talk to Heath alone. Tobias was one of the regular professional men, who came to the café for breakfast or lunch. The Morgan's had told her that the clientele were women and families; or at least it was until an available woman was in charge of the establishment.
"Heath, you didn't tell me you knew Sharon." Tobias gave Heath a surprised look, which caused Sharon to smile. She knew that Tobias was very taken with her, even as she had been careful to give him – or any other man – encouragement in their attentions to her.
"The Barkley's are old family friends." Sharon was proud of her composure. "They are a big part of why my family came to California. As a matter of fact, Heath and his family were guests at my uncle's wedding back in June." The last thing she wanted was any gossip to surround her, which could reflect badly on the café and her children.
"Yes, my family was very involved. Nick is especially close to Sharon's uncle." Heath gave Tobias a reassuring smile, wishing he could share a knowing look with Sharon. Her story was true, but everything that had happened was the stuff of novels.
Heath was careful to keep his voice and facial expressions controlled, not wanting to admit how taken aback he was to see Sharon. Somehow, she seemed brighter, prettier, and more vivid than two months ago. His stomach was clutched tight, and suddenly he was not hungry anymore.
"Mrs. Barkley, Audra, and Priscilla have all been welcoming, and Priscilla has been a big help in getting my children ready for school." Sharon enthused, which caused Heath to mentally recoil at her words. His family had known that Sharon was here, but they hadn't said anything to him about the fact?
"Gentlemen, let me show you to a table." Sharon was suddenly brisk and efficient, as she guided them to a table by a window. "Juanita will take your order, and I hope you enjoy your lunch."
Heath watched as a young woman of Latin heritage came over to the table and started to talk about the specials of the day. He had no taste for anything, but indicated he would have the chicken pot pie, which was what Tobias was having.
The rest of the lunch passed too slowly, as Heath picked at what he knew was a delicious rendition of the dish. As he ate, he was forced to listen to Tobias try to pump him for information about Sharon. He carefully shared very little, not wanting to go into his past relationship with Sharon. Heath was sure that she would not want their past known around town. It had been over seven years ago, and the relationship had occurred mostly down at Kilkenny Farms. Heath did offer that Nick and Jarrod were closer to Sharon's family than he was, to make up for his lack of knowledge.
It was clear that Tobias was very attracted to Sharon, and Heath could understand why. Further Tobias was a very eligible bachelor, being an up and comer in the Wells Fargo Stage and Banking Company. Heath acknowledged to himself that Sharon could do a great deal worse than a man who would undoubtedly end up as a senior official in the state's largest bank. The thought depressed him but was not sure why that was.
Heath made it a point to arrive at the big house by six o'clock, so he could spend time with Thomas Henry and Alden. After saying hello to Silas, he bounded up the stairs to the nursery, where the boys were about to eat their dinner. He thought it odd that the boys could not come to the family table for the meal. Priscilla had explained that the family ate too late for the boys to be up, which he partially understood. He almost retorted why not eat earlier, but then realized that it was not his business. However, if he ever had kids, the whole family would eat their meals together, he decided.
The nursery felt warm and calm as he entered, and Heath paused to take in the surroundings. The walls were painted a soft yellow, with wainscoting and crown molding being a glowing crimson shade. The fixtures were brass, and the murals on the walls showcased carousel animals. One corner was given over mural that depicted a fairy garden.
In the midst of all this whimsy, Nick was sitting at the table that was set up in an alcove with windows that overlooked the back of the house. His brother looked even larger than usual, compared to the size of the tables and chairs. Heath saw Rosalie, the Nanny, hovering in the background, but not Priscilla. She was probably still getting ready, he thought to himself, and giving Nick time with the boys.
"Heath, good to see you. Come sit with us." Nick's voice boomed around the nursery, as the boys turned toward the door. The boys jumped up and rushed to greet him, and he bent down to hug them, sweeping them both into his arms. The next several minutes were spent roughhousing, which caused shrieks of joy.
"Boys, I think you should sit down and eat your dinner before your dad does." Heath winked at them. "Why I once left my plate alone, and he ate all my food." He swept Alden up in his arms, and then put him back in his chair, while Thomas Henry went to sit in his place.
"Huh; just wait boys until you are old enough to go on the trail with us" Nick retorted "Your Uncle Heath makes the worst beans you will ever eat. So, enjoy this good food now." Everyone burst into laughter; Thomas Henry asked for stories about being on the trail. While they ate, Heath and Nick took turns telling some very embellished tales of cattle drives.
Once dinner was done, they helped Rosalie get the boys cleaned up and ready for bed. Just as they were tucking them in, Priscilla came into the room. She had on a mulberry-colored silk dress, with pale blue satin trim, and ribbons, all festooned with cream colored lace. Her hair was up, with hair pins that had sparkling pink stones on them. The pink stones were in her necklace and earrings, along with one of her bracelets. The other bracelet was a heavy gold chain that had two small diamond framed miniatures hanging from it.
Heath knew that Nick had gifted it to her when Thomas Henry was born, with the idea that miniature portraits could be added for each child. He pondered what it would be like to know not only the joys of fatherhood, but the fact that you would experience it several times over.
"I see there was a visitor for dinner." Priscilla's voice gave a welcome interruption to his thoughts; she reached over to hug him. "Heath, how good to see you. Do you want to help read to the boys with us?" She asked, turning to hug her sons, her perfume leaving a soft floral fragrance in the air.
He watched with sadness as his brother looked at his family with beaming pride and love. Heath started to wish that he had not come early, but then Thomas Henry walked over and took his hand. The boy led Heath to a chair by his bed, and passed a book to him, asking to be read to. The title caused Heath to smile "Black Beauty" – this was Thomas Henry's favorite book. As Heath started to read, Alden came over and climbed into his lap.
Alden was soon asleep, and Nick took him from Heath's arms and tucked him into his own bed. When the chapter came to an end, the adults said prayers with Thomas Henry, and then kissed him good night. Rosalie settled into a chair by the fireplace, while the adults left the room, to head downstairs. Heath felt better, as he thought how lucky he was to share in his nephews' lives.
Victoria was already in the parlor, and over drinks they chatted about the day's activities. Heath was careful to wait, until after they were sitting in the dining room, with dinner served to bring up the subject of Sharon. He was very puzzled as to why no one had mentioned her being in Stockton. Further, she had not said anything to him when he was at Kilkenny Farms in June.
Heath did remind himself that after their talk in the moonlight, he had been very circumspect in his interactions with Sharon. Maybe she had not had the chance to tell him? What bothered him the most was the fact that she was now living in Stockton, perfectly happy.
Part of the reason why she had turned down his proposal, Heath remembered vividly, was that Sharon was sure she would never be accepted in his world. However, she was now a well-regarded member of the community, managing a successful business. Heath was struggling to understand what had happened, and what had changed.
"I had lunch at the Sunnyside Café today" Heath offered, after the roast duck had been passed around. "I was surprised to see Sharon running everything, but it was apparent that she is doing a wonderful job. I didn't know that she was here in Stockton?" He hoped that phrasing his comment as such would elicit more information.
"Why were you eating at the Sunnyside Café?" Nick's gaze rose from his plate, as he looked at his brother with narrowed eyes. The café was far removed from his brother's normal social circle.
"Actually, I had planned on having lunch at Harry's, but then I ran into my friend Tobias." Heath went on to explain how it was his friend's desire to have lunch at the café. "Tobias told me that the manager was a pretty widow, and all the men were eating breakfast and lunch there." He made it a point to look slightly put out as he replied to Nick's comments.
"Nick, I have been informed that most of the single professional men are now eating at the Sunnyside Café." Victoria offered in a knowing, amused voice. Heath saw her look over at Priscilla, who nodded in reply. "Sharon said that she took the job because she wanted Jimmy and his bride to have the chance to make their own home." Heath noted how Victoria looked over at him, as she made her comment.
"Priscilla, she mentioned how helpful you'd been, in helping to get her children into the school." Heath was careful to sound casual as he made the statement. In truth he felt betrayed – but not sure why – on how his mother and sister-in-law had not shared the information about Sharon coming to Stockton.
"I think the school system was a big factor in Sharon's decision to come to Stockton. I met her the first morning down at Kilkenny Farms, and when she heard I'd taught in the school she was very inquisitive." Priscilla smiled, tilting her head. "Her kids are ever so smart, but Tara – her daughter – wasn't allowed to go to school because of the Parish Priest. He thinks girls don't need schooling!" The disdainful huff his sister-in-law accompanied her answer with made it clear to Heath her opinion of the school at Kilkenny Farms.
"Quite frankly I think the man is rather deranged. That sermon he delivered at the wedding? All Hell and Damnation?" Nick stated in a firm tone, as he took several slices of duck. "Silas is this from the northern edge?" He referenced the duck blinds that they maintained on the ranch.
"No, these birds were shot back last fall, but hung up and preserved in the icehouse." Silas answered, going on "We have used up the birds now, but we are coming into the next hunting season." He had been the head house slave in a very grand plantation in South Carolina. He knew that any food that could be obtained on the property was valuable.
"How long has Sharon been in Stockton" Heath paused, not caring about the status of the birds they were eating. "I barely spoke to her but am glad that the school is working out." In truth Heath felt like he was being suckered punched by his brother, mother, and sister-in-law. He could forgive Priscilla, because his history with Sharon was way before her time in the Valley. But his mother and brother? Not telling him about Sharon.
"Silas the duck is wonderful! I love how you have taken the honey and added those spicy peppers I grew into the glaze." Priscilla raised her voice just enough to take control of the table; Heath could admit that she was a great hostess. However, he wondered if she was trying to change the subject?
"Heath you can ask her on Sunday." Priscilla turned to look at him; the lights from the chandelier overhead, highlighting her jewels which caused a dazzling rainbow of sparkles in the room. "Victoria, I invited Sharon and her children out to Sunday dinner this week. She and I have become good friends, and her children miss riding." She changed her gaze to Victoria, as she made the last comment.
"Priscilla, I am glad that you are looking out for Sharon, and it will be delightful to have the family for Sunday dinner." Victoria sat up very straight and smiled – but only with her mouth – which Heath noted. He was confused as to why his mother was being so stiff. In addition, he was curious as to why Priscilla knew so much about Sharon.
"The kids are very close to GranDa Liam; well that is what they called him. He is the older man who works with Jimmy and the horses." Priscilla's brows puckered. "Sharon told me that her husband passed not quite two years ago, and she has relied heavily on her uncle and mother-in-law for support." She took a small sip of her wine as she shared a nugget of information.
"Well didn't her husband have a stake hold? I thought he was a relation?" Nick went for a third helping of duck as he asked his question. "There is something odd about the whole thing, and her husband's death. We didn't even hear that he'd passed until we were down there." He took a sip of his wine, a nice cabernet that had been put up three years ago.
"I wondered that too Nick;" Victoria looked at her middle son "possibility that the circumstances of the death were less than ideal?" She offered, privately puzzled that Jimmy had not told her anything about the event.
"Sharon has said nothing to be about her late husband." Priscilla declared, swirling a piece of duck around in the honeyed sauce. "I suspect that her marriage wasn't happy. Further, I don't think she is interested in being courted." The sentence was delivered in a careful tone, as if she were weighing her words.
"Priscilla, why do you think that?" Victoria asked eagerly – almost too eagerly in Heath's opinion. He was very taken aback about his mother's attitude towards Sharon. She seemed to be concerned about Sharon's well-being, even as it seemed that she did not want Sharon and the children at the ranch.
"Just that she never references her late husband, which is unusual for a widow with children. There are no references to the children's father, even as his mother is helping with the household." Priscilla put her hand on her stomach, as she shifted in her chair. Turning to Nick with a giggle she added "I think the babe likes duck."
"Nothing wrong with that!" Nick roared with laughter and reached over to put his arm around Priscila's shoulders and kiss her nose. He then moved to whisper something in her ear which caused, Heath noted, Priscilla to blush even as she glowed with happiness. He suddenly felt very lonely and sad; Heath did not even realize he had drunk the wine in his glass until Silas came with the decanter. It shocked him that he was about to have a third glass of wine, so he indicated to Silas that he did not want a refill.
"Well since you two haven't thought about names at least Ducky is a good nickname. It works whether you have a son or daughter." Victoria laughed in reply, as she looked over at Silas. Heath noted how carefully she had been watching him and Silas. Heath wondered why even as she replied to Nick's comment. He felt like there were so many undercurrents at the table, and they seemed to surround Victoria.
In Heath's opinion she was on edge, but he was not sure why. Was it Sharon? Was it Priscilla and Sharon? Or Nick and Priscilla not having names for the baby yet? Heath knew that his mother had not been consulted when Priscilla and her grandmother had worked out the nursery arrangements. From Heath's point of view his sister-in-law had been nothing but a good mother, and Nick only looking out for his wife's best interest. He felt a headache coming on, as he thought about all the crosscurrents he was feeling. His plan to go home was dashed by Priscilla, but he realized she only had good intentions.
"Heath, I hope you can stay for a while and play pool with Nicholas. Jarrod is busy between San Francisco and Sacramento, so Nick has had no one to play with." Priscilla looked at him with hope in her eyes.
"Yes, please Heath, stay and play some pool; Nick would like the company." Victoria looked over at him. Heath rather thought the subject was being changed away from Sharon but was not sure why; further he knew he would not get an answer.
"Well provided he doesn't mind losing." Heath retorted, going along with the change in topic. He did not want to seem too interested anyway, since at the end of the Sharon was not any of his concern.
"As if!" Nick took him up on his challenge, as Heath had known he would. "If the ladies are done, we can move to the study." His dark-haired brother looked over at his wife and mother, who nodded their heads in acquiescence.
Heath stayed for three games of pool, where he beat Nick each time. Over the course of the games, he had enjoyed a fine glass of French cognac, and a cigar. It had been nice to be with the family and feel the warmth and closeness. He was sorry to end it and would have liked to have stayed to sound Victoria out about Sharon. However, she indicated her desire to retire even before Nick and Priscilla, who were usually the first ones to turn in for the night.
When he arrived at his place, he took his mount into the barn and quickly unsaddled the roan gelding. Heath gave him a good rubdown, and some fresh hay; he knew the horse had already eaten at the main barn. Lupe, the housekeeper, had left a low light on in the kitchen for him.
Once he was ready for bed, he tried to read for a bit, but his mind would not focus on the book. Heath was thinking about Sharon, her presence in the valley, and how Victoria reacted to Sharon. Heath had seen that she was not happy with Priscilla's comment about having Sharon and the children out to the ranch. Was it because Victoria did not think Priscilla should be friends with Sharon? Or did his mother not want Sharon at the ranch.
Victoria had always been welcoming to Sharon, Jimmy, and all the Irish Settlers; Heath also knew that his mother was the most open-minded generous person there could ever be. Further he did not think that she would really care who Priscilla was friends with, especially Jimmy's niece.
That opened another avenue in his mind, as he thought about his sister-in-law's comment that she did not think Sharon's marriage had been happy. Heath hoped it was not true; a big part of why he had been willing to ride away from Kilkenny Farms all those years ago was because he wanted Sharon to be happy. Had he made a mistake in not pressing her harder? And in running away to Mexico?
Heath turned on his side, and fluffed his pillow, trying to get comfortable. When that did not work, he rose and went to the windows and opened them wide, hoping the cool air would help him fall asleep. After opening the windows, he allowed himself a small shot of his favorite Kentucky bourbon that he kept on a drinks table in the corner of the room. Going back to bed he decided that his queries could wait until Sunday. Heath was hopeful that over a casual Sunday afternoon he could get answers to the questions that he was curious about.