Chapter Seven

It was several days after the Sunday dinner that Victoria was able to talk to Priscilla about her concerns with Heath and Sharon. The dinner itself had gone well; Silas had put extra leaves in the table to accommodate the children. Thomas Henry and Alden ate in the nursery, with the exception of lunch and the Sunday meal, which was always a big treat for them.

Victoria noted that Sean and Tara looked around the dining room with awed eyes but were very well behaved. Heath had announced that he would sit down by the kids, and Victoria noted how Tara beamed at that announcement. When dinner was over with, they had ice cream for the kids out in the garden, and then Sharon announced that she and the children needed to be heading home.

Based on what Victoria had seen at the corral, and at the dining table, she was glad that she had set up ahead of time an appointment in town. That gave her the excuse to take the guests back into town and keep Heath from spending more time with the family.

On the drive into town Victoria had tried to learn about Sharon's late husband Paul but did not get very far. She did find out that Tara had his hair color, while Sean had his eyes, and that he had passed in a riding accident. Sharon had then changed the subject, to talk about how happy she was with the progress the children were making in school. Victoria put this down to the young woman still grieving, so want along with the change of subject.

It was Tuesday afternoon now, and Victoria coming back from the barn saw Priscilla sitting in the garden, by herself. Victoria did not want anyone to overhear the conversation she wanted to have, so this seemed like a fortuitous turn of events. Victoria walked on the crush stone path to get to the bench, where Priscilla was seating.

The bench was one of two that circled the brass sundial mounted on a marble pedestal. Small boxwood hedges set the area apart, with the rest of the garden showing fall flowers and an assortment of bushes and trees. The effect was peaceful and warm, and she knew that Priscilla was very fond of sitting in the garden, doing needlework.

"Hello Victoria." Priscilla greeted her with a smile when she walked over to the bench. There was general chit-chat for a bit, and then she moved to her main purpose.

"I am hoping you can help me with something, which involves a favor from you." Victoria smiled at her daughter-in-law and watched as the woman's blue eyes widened as her head tilted.

"Of course, I would be glad to; what do you need." Her voice was warm, and Victoria took a deep breath wanting to phrase her words carefully.

"You and Sharon are friends I've noticed." Victoria began, and nodded her head when Priscilla replied yes, and mentioned the thank you note Sharon had sent. "Yes, I did read it – very kind and gracious. I will say that Sharon is a lovely person, and clearly a good mother. She mentioned how helpful you'd been with getting the children set up at school."

"I was happy to do it Victoria. Sean and Tara are very bright. I spent time with them and Sharon when we went down for the wedding." Priscilla answered, her eyes sparkling. It reminded Victoria of how good the young woman was with children. She also privately acknowledged her two grandsons that were napping in the nursery.

"When you arrived in Stockton, I think Heath was already engaged to Sarah?" Victoria had decided to share some history, to make her request more understandable. When Priscilla nodded her head, Victoria when on to explain Heath and Sharon's past. She finished up with "Heath proposed to Sharon, but she turned him down because of her religion. It hurt him badly, and he went to Mexico for several months."

"Sharon was that girl?" Priscilla sat up very straight, a shocked look on her face. Victoria gave her an inquiring look. "Several years ago, Nick told me about an Irish girl that Heath had been in love with, but she'd broken it off. Sharon?"

"Yes, it was Sharon." Victoria answered, wondering what the circumstances were that Nick would be sharing that kind of information. She asked, being very curious.

"We were in Denver, dealing with my sister's affairs. Heath and Sarah were having a hard time, because of all the mayhem surrounding Heath." Priscilla sighed, a weary look coming over her face. Victoria had heard about the trip after the fact, and she understood what Priscilla's look meant.

"I asked how Heath and Sarah had ended up together, as they seemed to be very disconnected from each other. That was when Nick told me about Sharon, but I didn't remember her name." Priscilla shook her head, as she shifted her body, rubbing her back. Victoria was thrilled that Priscilla had brought up Heath and Sarah, even as she noted her condition.

"Is everything all right?" Victoria reached over to take Priscilla's hand, knowing how hard the last months were. Priscilla joked that her grandchild was very active, which had both ladies laughing.

"You said you had a favor you wanted from me Victoria? Can we talk about it over tea? I am getting hungry." She asked, causing Victoria to hesitate; she did not want to keep Priscilla out here, but the conversation had to be private.

"Let me ask, and then we can go inside. The matter is very delicate, and I want to keep it between us." Victoria explained. Priscilla smiled in acquiesce.

"I would appreciate it if you would not invite Sharon and the children out to the ranch unless Heath is out of town. You see" Victoria didn't get to finish before Priscilla jumped up, indignation blazing in her eyes.

"Victoria I can't believe you would think that Heath or Sharon would do anything improper!" Priscilla's voice was raised, and Victoria reached out to take her hand. It struck her that she would need to explain in detail, to soothe Priscilla's feelings.

"Please sit down my dear." Victoria helped her sit down, before she went on "No, Heath and Sharon are very upright, honorable people. That is not the problem I am concerned about."

"Just what is the problem?" Priscilla's voice was tinged with condescension. It came to Victoria that Priscilla would see this as an infringement on her personal life, which only added more angst to the whole issue. Really, Victoria sighed, not wanting to deal with hurt feelings, and misplaced feelings, as well as bad marriages. However, she squared her shoulders having already determined that she would have to interfere in her grown children's lives, which she hated to do.

"Heath and Sarah's marriage is in trouble; as I am sure you are aware?" Victoria became very blunt, not caring that she could seem to be gossiping. Priscilla gave her a knowing look, and Victoria noticed that the young woman did not seem so upset.

"Having Sharon and her children around is only going to remind Heath of what he doesn't have. Further, Sarah will come off badly, as Heath will not be able to stop himself from comparing the two women. It will do nothing to help heal their marriage." Victoria finished, and saw that Priscilla was listening to her.

"I am going to San Francisco day after tomorrow to spend time with Sarah." Victoria offered. "I am hoping to make her realize how much Heath loves her. Further I am going to talk to her about my upcoming birthday party." The reference was to the party that was being given to celebrate her 65th birthday. What had started out as a ranch party had developed into a grand celebration, organized by Audra and Priscilla.

"Could you find something for Sarah to do, to make her feel involved with our family?" Victoria asked but was dismayed when she saw the expression on Priscilla's face.

"Of course, Audra and I will reach out to her if that is what you want." Priscilla's response was delivered with a formal tone, which caused Victoria's heart to sink. Her daughter-in-law's next words did nothing to relieve Victoria's concern.

"You do understand that Audra and I have reached out to Sarah many times before, and when she declines Heath announces that she is busy, and we need to understand her personal priorities." The disdain in her voice was very apparent to Victoria.

"I am hoping that by my spending time with her, something that I really have not done I can make her see how important she is to us and Heath." Victoria replied earnestly "Maybe then she will be glad to have a role in the party."

"Victoria, I admire you for what you are trying to do" Priscilla reached over and hugged her. "I think it might do better for Heath to go to San Francisco and tell Sarah how much she means to him."

"The first part of my plan is Sarah; when I come back, I am going to talk to Heath. I have been too hands off about this whole situation." Victoria sighed and Priscilla tightened the hug. "Let us go inside and get tea my dear. Or maybe even sherry." The whole conversation had been harder than she thought it would be. She was also worried now if her plan would work at all; from Priscilla's comments it appeared that she did not think it would be successful.

Author's Note: For a visual reference to Adam, google 'Jeremy Piven Mr. Selfridge' and subtract 7-10 years from his age.

Sarah Barkley stretched slowly, enjoying the feel of the man next to her who was still asleep. It was early Sunday morning, which was their day to sleep in and relax. She and Adam had been intimate for over two years now; the first time had occurred six months after he had arrived in San Francisco. Adam had followed through on the plans he had shared with her, in the fall of 1879 in Denver, to come to California. Sarah received the best New Year's present she had ever had, when his note arrived in January of 1880.

She and Heath were both there to greet Adam when he had docked in San Francisco. Sarah had made the decision to bring Heath along, not wanting any gossip to arise; further Heath liked Adam. Jarrod was in town, so they had introduced him to Adam, who initially hired Jarrod to handle his legal matters, before turning to a lawyer from the Jewish community. Since Adam now had the backing of the Barkley family, it was easy for Sarah to assist him with opening the department store.

At first, she had not been able to spend a great deal of time in San Francisco, but then two things had happened. Her mother became engaged to Sheriff Fred Madden and decided to sell the dressmaking shop. Sarah had not been happy about selling the shop, until she realized it gave her the perfect excuse for being in San Francisco. She had then persuaded Heath to buy a townhome in San Francisco, telling him it was a good investment, and the family would not have to stay in a hotel when they came to town.

Working with Adam was wonderful, and it was clear he felt the same about her. Sarah had expected to feel at least slightly guilty about sleeping with Adam, but the experience was so incredible that it washed away the guilt. The trip to Denver, and Heath's actions had forever changed their relationship and her feelings toward her husband. Oh, she had gone along with his desire to reconnect with her, and his promises that he had made after they were kidnapped, about putting her first. Sarah had been sure that Heath would revert to his old ways, which he had by that summer.

She and Adam were very careful; Sarah only invited Adam to her house if she was entertaining and a family member was present. Adam lived in an apartment above the store, but Sarah had never set foot in the place. They met at the Metropolitan Hotel, whose top two floors were apartments that catered to people who needed long term accommodation but did not want to buy a house. He had let her decorate the place and approved of everything she had chosen; Sarah smiled as she looked around the bedroom.

"Mmm, I thought we were going to sleep in." Adam's voice, a deep timbre, interrupted her thoughts. His beard tickled as he laid gentle kisses on her neck. She turned to look at him, and saw love and passion in his luminous, large pale green eyes.

"I am thinking that since we are both awake, we can take advantage of our time together." Sarah replied in a sultry tone, as she let her hand explore under the sheet. His action in pulling her against him let her know that once again they had the same thought.

"We aren't going to be able to meet up this week." The comment was made sometime later, as they were snuggling together. It was their practice to rendezvous at the apartment at least once or twice during the week, and most weekends.

"Now that is not good news" Adam frowned "why not?" He took a lock of her hair and twirled it around his finger.

"Victoria is coming to town, tomorrow, for most of the week." Sarah answered, a grimace appearing on her face.

"What is the purpose of her visit? And is it why you are making a hateful face? You are too pretty and shouldn't frown." He reached over and kissed, first her forehead, then her nose, and finally her lips.

"Her note said that she was looking forward to spending time with me. She feels like we have never really had the chance to get to know each other." Sarah, once the kiss ended shook her head ruefully. "It's not like I have not been married to her son for almost five years."

"Do you think that maybe she has heard something about us? I know there is talk, but I think we have been very careful." Adam offered puzzlement in his voice.

"I don't think so; rather I think she is going to want to talk to me about making more of an effort to spend time in Stockton with Heath." She sat up, and Adam was quick to adjust the pillows to support her back. "My mother has mentioned that, and it wouldn't surprise me if she'd roped Victoria into saying something." The comment was delivered with a sigh.

"We have talked about this before Sarah; you know my religion permits divorce." Adam was Jewish and had shared the beliefs with her. "My period of mourning for Rachel will be up next month." He referenced his late wife, who had died in the sanitarium where she had resided since she had killed their baby seven years ago.

"Your religion might, but our society disapproves mightily. I don't want to hurt your business." Sarah sat up straight. "I know all about how quickly people can turn on you if they don't like your actions." She was referencing the debacle of her father's financial mess, from years ago.

"Getting a divorce is not the same thing as what your father did." Adam put his arms around her, before saying "Yes, there will be talk for a little bit, but it will die down. I love you and want to marry you!"

Sarah saw the emotions in his eyes and wished she could acquiesce to what he wanted. Adam made it sound so easy, but she knew better, and how vengeful society could be to people who broke the unwritten rules.

"We don't have to make any decisions right now" Adam rose from the bed and reached for his dressing gown. "Let us have breakfast and just enjoy our time together. After Victoria's visit we can discuss the situation."

One of the many things Sarah loved about Adam was in optimism – he was confident that he could solve any problem. He was always upbeat, and never brooded in silence about things he would not share with her. In this case though, Sarah did not think Adam's optimism was enough to overcome the strictures of society.