Author's Note: For a visual of the dress, see this chapter in the "Big Valley Writing Desk – Behind Closed Doors".
Chapter Eighty-Two
Eimear Keegan waited on the railroad platform while Jimmy Callahan went to purchase her ticket. She looked at the small trunk by her feet – it held her personal items and two mementos from her previous life. That is how she referred to her time at Kilkenny Farms.
She and Matt had come to America for something better. Eimear found herself with child as they arrived at the settlement. Matt settled in quickly, while Eimear, glad to have her own house struggled with nausea. Their son Conor – named in honor of Matt's father had been born just as the fever epidemic hit the settlement.
Her future came to an end within a week, and she was left with nothing. The cottage that she and Matt had was only leased, and the landlord, while being sympathetic made it clear that thirty days was all he could give. Mrs. Sharon Barkley, showing up had given her hope for a better life.
Nursing someone else's child had been hard, but she loved children and was glad to be able to help. Eimear had been concerned at how Eileen would feel about her, but it had all worked out. Eileen was glad to have her baby, and thanked Eimear profusely.
"I have your ticket" Jimmy came up to her, handing her the paper.
"But this is first class." Eimear looked at the ticket and then up at Jimmy. "There must be a mistake." She was surprised that he had done that. Further, there was the fact that she really wasn't dressed for first class. Her traveling outfit was a two-piece jacket and skirt in a dark brown. It was old, and out of style, but it was all she had, other than skirts and blouses.
"Sharon was very insistent that you travel first class. She did not want you to be bothered on the train." Jimmy gave her a reassuring smile and patted her shoulder. He had become very fond of her and was glad that Sharon had offered to help her find employment.
"Will they let me on the train?" Eimear asked, as she looked at her skirt that had fraying at the hem.
"Now that is one thing about America – if you can afford the ticket, they let you in. It is a wonderful country." He added and escorted her over to the first-class carriage and Jimmy flagged down a pullman porter. He introduced himself and found out the porter's name.
"Buford, this is Mrs. Eimear Keegan. She is going to Stockton to see my niece Mrs. Heath Barkley." Jimmy was mindful of what Sharon had told him. He also knew that the Barkley name was powerful. "I hope you will help her get settled." As he said that he passed several bills to the man, whose eyes lit up.
"Of course, Mr. Callahan. I will make sure that she is comfortable." Buford bowed, and then turned to Eimear "would you follow me?"
Eimear nodded her head tremulously. She had seen negros from a distance but had never actually met one. However, she regarded his grey uniform, with gold braid and buttons, and decided if the railroad trusted him, she would also.
Her eyes went wide as she took in the plush comfort of the seat he escorted her to. The upholstery was red velvet with gold trim, and she realized she had the seat all to herself. The two times she had been on a train it had been with Matt, and they were in the public cars.
Eimear remembered Matt saying that America was the land of opportunity, and one day they would travel first class. She felt the tears welling in her eyes, which had happened so much since the fever epidemic. Here she was in first class, but without Matt. Once again, the emotion of loss hit her hard, but she took a deep breath and stiffened her spine.
No she did not have Matt, but she had his spirit, and the memory of his love. Eimear hoped that Matt was looking down on her, and smiling with approval. As the train started moving, she forced herself to think about the opportunities that awaited her.
She must have dozed off, because the next thing she knew they were pulling into the station. Buford had come over, to escort her off the train. Eimear did not know it, but he had kept a close eye on her. In his private opinion she looked too young to be a widow, but coming from the south he knew that young widows were not uncommon.
"Mrs. Keegan, we have arrived. May I escort you off the train?" Buford asked, as he extended his arm. "I will stay with you until Mrs. Barkley arrives." He reassured her, seeing worry in her eyes. His heart hurt for her, being alone in a strange place.
"Thank you." Eimear was in fact worried and started to question if she had done the right thing. She then remembered the pain and death in the settlement, as well as they way some of the residents had treated her. No, she thought as she took Buford's arm, a fresh start was for the best.
When they stepped onto the station platform Eimear felt self-conscious again about her clothes. The women around her all seemed to be nicely dressed; when she saw Mrs. Sharon, she felt even worse.
Mrs. Sharon was wearing the prettiest dress Eimear had ever seen. The fabric was silk in a pale turquoise, with a bodice of the same color, but embroidered with flowers. The dress had ¾ lace sleeves, lace at the neck; the collar and sleeves were trimmed with black velvet. Her hat was the same color as the dress, decorated with a black velvet bow.
The dress looked cool and summery – Eimear had been aware of the heat when she stepped off the train. With her brown dress of heavy fabric and long sleeves Eimear could feel the perspiration going down her back.
"Welcome to Stockton." Mrs. Sharon came over and greeted her before she introduced herself to Buford. "Thank you for taking care of Mrs. Keegan." Mrs. Sharon passed the man some bills and bowed with a smile.
"Mrs. Keegan, I hope you have a good visit." Buford told her, before he turned away. Eimear had nodded her, having been touched at how the man had taken care of her. She wondered if all negros were like him. Eimear was also taking a closer look at Mrs. Sharon's dress. She wondered if one day she would ever have something so pretty.
Sharon was looking at Eimear, and just wanted to hug her – she looked so young and scared. She was sure that Eimear was hot but admired how she wanted to look appropriate for the trip. Sharon noted how wide Eimear's eyes were, as she took everything in. It came to her that Eimear had very little exposure outside of the village she was from, and the settlement.
"How was the trip?" Sharon asked, having no doubt that Eimear would not appreciate sympathy or pity.
"Thank you for the first-class ticket. Honestly I slept most of the way. The seat was very comfortable." Eimear smiled bravely, not wanting to admit how overwhelmed she was.
"Glad to hear. I did not want you to be bothered, which can sometimes happen." Sharon announced, as she turned to a man in working clothes who had an open-air wagon at the station. "Just so you know we – the Barkley's – run transports several times during the day. I have already arranged for your trunk to be taken to the ranch."
"I thought I would show you around town, and then we will get lunch." Sharon offered, as she led Eimear to the surrey and helped her in. She hoped Eimear would like Stockton, and want to take the nanny position. It would make everything easy, and Heath liked her which was a plus.
"You are welcome to take your jacket off; it is warmer here than down at the settlement." Sharon was sure that Eimear had to be hot, and she did not want the her to faint.
Eimear had been impressed with the fancy lettering on the door of the surrey, as well as how comfortable it was. Mrs. Sharon drove her around, and pointed out various landmarks and shops. Eimear was in fact overwhelmed with all the people and activity. Further she noticed that there were different races of people, including Orientals. It came to her that she was very sheltered – her parents had taken care of her, and then Matt.
"Are you ready for something to eat?" Mrs. Sharon's voice broke into her thoughts, just in time. She felt she was going to tear up, as she thought about her old life.
"Yes, that would be nice. Thank you." Eimear smiled, wondering where they were going to eat. She hoped it wasn't somewhere fancy, as she looked down at her clothes. They pulled up in front a wood building with a deep porch. There was a rug in front of the door, and she could see curtains at the windows. The sign said 'Sunnyside Café'.
"The food is very good here – I should know I used to manage it." Sharon laughed as she made the comment. She had seen how overwhelmed Eimear was with Stockton, and everything going on. Hopefully she could reassure the young woman.
"You managed it?" Eimear asked after they were seated. She knew about Sharon's life in the settlement, and that she had moved to Stockton. Eimear had assumed that she moved and married, but clearly that wasn't the whole story.
"Yes, I came to Stockton with my children, after Jimmy married Eileen." Sharon explained. "I knew they would want privacy, and like you I wanted a fresh start. Plus, my children would get a better education here." She wanted to show Eimear the possibilities of the world.
"That was brave of you." Eimear felt a little better after hearing Mrs. Sharon's story. They went on to order food; the menu was soups, sandwiches, and some hot dishes. She had liked the café right away – it was simple and comforting.
"So tell me what is happening in the settlement?" Sharon asked, glad to see that Eimear looked calmer.
"The new priest, Father Ramone has really made a difference." Eimear replied to the question.
"He is Latin? Has that been a problem?" Sharon knew all too well how people in the settlement felt about outsiders. Father McGuire had done nothing to make it better.
"At first there was some mutterings, but it turns out that Father Ramone had spent almost two years in Ireland. He is also very musical." Eimear talked about how Father had come down to the pub one evening, with his guitar and violin. He was familiar with the Irish music, and was soon playing jigs and reels with the other musicians.
"I am sure that surprised everyone. I am glad that things are working out. What about the school?" Sharon asked, and Eimear said that when it started again the fall girls would be attending again. The Bishop had come down to the settlement one weekend, and spoke at Mass.
The food arrived, and Eimear realized how hungry she was. Mrs. Sharon told her more about Stockton, and life at the ranch. When they were done, they started out for the ranch. Mrs. Sharon pointed out different trees, and when they arrived at the entrance to the ranch Eimear was impressed.
"We go by the citrus groves, so I will show you those. It will be time to pick the oranges very soon. There is also vineyard, as well as other crops too." Sharon watched how Eimear was taking it all in. "My sister-in-law, Mrs. Nick keeps bees. The honey is very good." Sharon went on to tell Eimear about the family, and the Big House. To Eimear it sounded very grand.
"This is the way to my house" Sharon said as she turned down a road. "The Big House is up over there. Our house is actually only a mile away, but because of an old Indian spring it seems further." She went to talk about the spring, and pointed it out as they went around it.
When they came to the house Eimear's eyes went wide. She had seen houses like this in Ireland. The thought of living in something so large was hard to fathom, as she thought of the little shanty she had grown up in. The cottage she and Matt had shared seemed like a mansion in comparison.
They went around to the back, where there was a barn. As the surrey pulled up, a Latin man in a shirt and denim pants came up to take the horse. Eimear learned his name was Pedro, and he did outside chores and helped in the barn.
"I will show you the barn." Mrs. Sharon announced, after she said thank you to Pedro. Eimear followed her into the structure, liking how dim and cool it was after the bright sun. "Cajun, hello. Do we have a visitor?"
Eimear noticed the young man that Mrs. Sharon had spoken to. He was tall, dressed similar to Pedro, but he had a western type hat, with boots, and a gun belt around his waist. It made her wonder how dangerous the ranch was.
"Cajun, this is Mrs. Eimear Keegan. Eimear, this is Cajun St. Clare." Mrs. Sharon did the introductions, and as Eimear looked up at the young man, she noticed how good looking he was. His shoulders were broad, he had dark blonde hair and soft brown eyes.
"What kind of name is Cajun?" Eimear thought how dumb it sounded, even as she asked. Looking at him made her thoughts jumble, and it surprised her at the reaction she was having.
"Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Keegan – may I call you Eimear?" The young man smiled at her, and she nodded her head. "I am from Louisiana, which was settled by French Canadians. They were referred to as Cajuns by the local Indians and the name stuck." He laughed as the told her the story.
Cajun felt drawn to the young woman. She was the prettiest thing he had seen in a long time. He had noticed her black arm band, and assumed she was a widow. It struck him that she looked very young, and felt bad for her having to suffer loss at a young age.
"What a beautiful horse." Eimear was aware that Cajun was studying her, and she felt uncomfortable. The horse in question was gold, with a cream-colored mane and tail. "I have never seen a horse like this." She added as she went over to pet the horse. He seemed twitchy, but let Eimear pet him, and stroke his ears.
"You Irish girls all have a gift with horses. Miss Tara has the same effect on him. Otherwise, he is skittish." Cajun walked over to the stall. "He is a palomino; his name is Sunrise."
"He is beautiful. I remember Heath talking about a new horse. Why is he here, and not at the main barn." Sharon had come and greeted the horse.
"Heath thought he would do better here, where it is quieter, until he gets used to everything." Cajun laughed "the ponies won't upset him." He indicated the two small animals in the adjoining stalls.
"Cajun is a horse trainer." Sharon told Eimear, as she smiled at the man. "He works with Brahmin, who purchases our horses, and my husband and his brother." They chatted for a few more minutes, then Sharon excused herself and Eimear.
"Let me show you to your room, and you can settled." They went into the back of house, and through the kitchen. She paused to introduce Eimear to the cook and kitchen main. Sharon had decided to give Eimear Violet's old room. It was spacious, and had a water closet across the hall.
"Tis so grand." Eimear took in the room, noticing the pretty curtains, and the quilt on the bed. There was an armoire, a chest of drawers, and a small area with an upholstered chair and table.
"This was my housekeeper's, but since she married Silas – the butler at the big house – it is vacant. They have their own house." Sharon indicated that Eimear's trunk had been brought in, and then showed her the water closet. She explained how everything worked, being sure that Eimear was not that familiar with modern fixtures.
"I will leave you to unpack, and rest for a bit. I know that you have had a long morning." Sharon wanted Eimear to feel comfortable, and she probably needed some time alone. "I will come down in about an hour. We can do a tour of the house, and then talk."
Eimear smiled gratefully, feeling a wave of exhaustion come over her. The train ride, going around town with all the people, and now the house was too much. She was glad that Mrs. Sharon had explained about the water closet and could hardly wait to take a bath. Eimear hoped everything would work out.