Chapter Eighty-Three

When Mrs. Sharon came down and knocked on the door Eimear felt much better. It was amazing to take a bath, where you just turned the faucet, and the water came. There had been a basket with bath salts and lotion, which had intrigued her. The floral scents were lovely, and she could not believe how soft the towels were.

Eimear had also been able to wash her hair, and now it was braided back and pinned up. She was wearing her best skirt – a navy blue poplin – and a cream-colored linen blouse with puff sleeves that ended above the elbow. It was light weight and had a square cut neckline. Her mother had made it for her before she left Ireland. Eimear felt ready to ready to face whatever the future held.

"What a beautiful blouse – Irish linen?" Mrs. Sharon asked after she had greeted Eimear. She had nodded her head, and Mrs. Sharon replied "I wish I had some Irish linen. I do have an Aryan shawl, but it is not as pretty as your blouse." Eimear appreciated the compliment, since up until now she had felt very deficient in the dress department.

The next bit of time was spent with Mrs. Sharon showing her the house. Eimear was in awe of the spaciousness and how lovely the house was. The house was not grand, but clearly it was a rich man's establishment. There was also a warmth to the house – it felt welcoming.

"I thought we could have tea in my room, as it is private." Mrs. Sharon offered, as they walked to the end of the hallway. The double doors were heavy wood, with brass door plates and handles. Eimear was taken aback when they entered the room. She took in the furnishings and admired how beautiful, but well done it was.

The sleeping area was defined by a sleigh type bed, with a sitting room opposite. There was a desk, and an upholstered chair, while catty corner was a small love seat with a table. On the long wall there was a set of arched windows; the windows and bedding were all a soft gold fabric, while the rug was a soft medley of cream, blue, pink, and beige.

Mrs. Sharon indicated the small love seat, which Eimear walked over too. In fact, she wanted to touch everything in the room, but knew that this was Mrs. Sharon's personal space. Just then she looked over at the desk and noticed a pastel sketch in a frame. Eimear discerned trees, water, and a couple sitting close together. The woman had copper hair, while the man was fair haired. There was an illusion of a sailboat in the background.

"What a lovely picture." Eimear offered, as she studied sketch closer. It came to her that this was a very intimate picture, and Eimear wished she had not said anything.

"Yes, thank you. A good friend of mine from Ireland did it, as a reminder." Sharon reached over and stroked the frame which Eimear noted. Clearly it was special, and Eimear felt like she was intruding on a private memory.

"This looks like a proper Irish Tea." Eimear had seen the tea service set out on the table, and really wanted to change the conversation.

"Well of course. Just so you know in addition to Irish soda bread, cucumber sandwiches we have this amazing cinnamon cake." Sharon was glad that Eimear had changed the subject. Eamonn was dear to her heart, and no one would take that away again.

"I would like to talk to you about your future. Just so you know, I have a position here in Stockton which is available." Sharon said, as she passed Eimear some tea. By now, being around the young woman she was sure what the answer would be. However, she wanted to give Eimear other options.

"I will also understand if you want to go to San Franscico, to see what life is like there." Sharon stated going, to talk about the grand city. She said that it would not be a problem for Eimear to find a housemaid or nanny position, as all the wealthy people liked servants from the British Isles.

"What is the position here in Stockton?" Eimear asked, hoping it was decent. The thought of going to San Franscisco, sounded overwhelming to her. The thought of being alone in such a large city scared her. At least in Stockton she would have Mrs. Sharon.

"The position is actually working for me, as a nanny" Sharon stated. "My children are seven and six; my housekeeper Mrs. Cross – excuse me Mrs. Morgan – has helped me out, along with my sister-in-law's nanny." She went on to comment on the housekeeper's name change due to her marriage.

Eimear could not believe her good luck, in being offered such a position. It would be easy, and she would not have to be worried. Suddenly Matt's voice came into her head, urging caution. There had been a business deal that he had been presented with, which she did not understand why he did not say yes right. He had explained to her that it was never good to look too eager.

"What would my responsibilities be?" She asked, and then had another thought. Eimear felt embarrassed bringing it up, but if she was to be a nanny, it was a valid question. "You said that your children are older, but what if there are future children? I was the oldest of eight but want to know what the scope of my duties would be.

"As of now, it will involve overseeing my children's schedule. I try to be as hands on as possible, but I do have obligations in town." Sharon was impressed at the questions Eimear was asking. It had touched her that the young woman had been awkward about asking about future children, but as a nanny it was a valid question.

"In September Mr. Heath and I are going up to San Francisco for several days. You would be here at the house, in charge of the children. Of course, Mrs. Morgan will be here also. Further my sister-in-law and mother-in-law will be at the Big House – so you won't be alone." Sharon did not want to scare Eimear; she then had another thought.

"In October Mr. Heath, the children and I are going back east to Washington D.C. Mr. Heath is very active in labor reform and will be spending time working on legislation. There will be times when I must accompany my husband to events, so I will expect you to take care of the children." Sharon explained and saw Eimear's eyes widen.

"You will want me to come with you?" Eimear was taken aback but excited at the same time at the idea of seeing America. Up until now she had not thought about having to travel.

"Yes, we – Mr. Heath and I would want you to come along. Just so you know we have a private railcar, which will accommodate all of us." Mrs. Sharon explained, and Eimear could not believe what she was hearing. Jimmy and Eileen had told her about the Barkley's, but she had not realized how rich they really were. In Britain only certain dukes had private rail cars. The royal family had their own train.

"Tis so much to take in." Eimear already knew she was going to say yes, but Matt's voice was in her brain. "Does my role change if there are future children? Taking care of an infant is different than older children."

"Yes, your role would change, and we would discuss it at the time. My older children would not need as much supervision as an infant. I would of course increase your salary. I think you know that I am a fair and generous employer."

"It is an incredible offer. Can I inquire about the schedule, and compensation?" She wanted to know the terms ahead of time; based on how Mrs. Sharon had paid her for taking care of Gavin Eimear knew it would be adequate.

The next few minutes were spent with Mrs. Sharon explaining the general duties, but she did mention that they might change. She also told Eimear about her time off, and added if she needed to adjust it, they could do that. When Mrs. Sharon quoted her the weekly salary, she was quite pleased.

"I do understand it is a great deal to take in, and I certainly do not expect an answer right now." Mrs. Sharon added, as she refilled Eimear's teacup. "Please feel free to walk around and explore the garden. We can talk about this again tomorrow morning, and if you do want the position, I will introduce you to Mrs. Morgan."

After Eimear left Mrs. Sharon she went down to her room, and after shutting the door she fell to her knees to pray. She was sure that Matt was not only looking out for her, but also wanted her to be happy. Eimear knew that their son Conor was with his father, and the Holy Ghost was with them.

Eimear decided she wanted some fresh air, and walked into the kitchen, to go out back. She remembered the cook and kitchen maid's names and greeted. The aroma of what was cooking on the stove smelled wonderful, and she told them that. They were friendly and greeted her with smiles.

Once she was outside Eimear explored the back garden, noting the formal arrangement on one side, and a kitchen garden on the other. At the back of the property, she noticed a shed, which piqued her curiosity. However, she had been brought up to be respectful of people's personal property, so she turned away.

Eimear found herself at the barn and entered the cool dim interior. She went over to the palomino's stall and stuck his head over the door. She stroked his velvet-like nose and thought about what her life would be like. Just then Cajun came into the barn, and she turned to look at him.

"I think you have a friend there." Cajun came over and smiled at her. "It is actually good for him that you are doing that. I am sure that he was abused and has to learn to trust again." He really wondered what her story was and decided to ask.

"May I know who you lost?" Cajun said softly, looking at the black armband. When she told him it was her husband and baby, he felt so bad for her. "I know words do not help, but I am sorry for your loss. How did they pass?"

"There was a river fever epidemic down at Kilkenny Farms – that is where I am from." Eimear replied sadly, reaching into her pocket for her handkerchief. She did not want to cry in front of the young man.

"Fever epidemics are harsh. In Louisiana we would get them several times a year, because of the swamps. I have lost family members the same way." Cajun wanted to take her hand but thought it would be too familiar. Instead, he gave her a warm smile, and patted her gently on the shoulder.

"How long are you in Stockton for?" He decided to change the subject, as he could see the pain of her loss was still fresh.

"It might be permanent. Mrs. Sharon has offered me a position, and I am thinking about taking it." Sharon answered, knowing that she had already made her decision.

The Barkley's are good people – you could not find a better family to work for." Cajun enthused, going on "Nick and Heath, they don't ask a man to do anything they would not do. They treat everyone, no matter the color of their skin, with respect."

"I can believe that. Mrs. Sharon came down to the settlement to help with her family and the fever epidemic. That is how I met her." She noted his reference to Nick and Heath – that would be Mr. Heath, and Nick must be his brother. Sharon found it interesting that Cajun referred to them by their first names, but decided he must hold a senior position.

"What kind of work would you be doing?" Cajun asked with interest, hoping she would take the job.

"It would be nanny to the children and helping Mrs. Sharon out on certain occasions." Eimear explained, talking about how she was the oldest of eight.

"I hope you decide to take the position. I can see that you are well suited to it, and as I said the Barkley's are good people." Cajun tilted his head with a smile. "I have to get back to the main barn, but hopefully I will see you around Eimear."

"Have a good afternoon." She smiled and added "Thank you." He had been kind, which she appreciated. Eimear walked out of the barn feeling at peace with everything.

That evening, after everyone had turned in for the night Sharon and Heath were sitting in the garden, having a nightcap. They had started doing this several weeks ago, since the upstairs did not cool down until after midnight. Sharon had started keeping a bottle of Heath's favorite bourbon in her shed, along with some glasses.

They would go out to the garden, wearing their nightclothes. In Sharon's case it was a lawn nightgown, inset with lace that had short sleeves. It came to just above her knees, and the first time she had been worried about anyone else seeing her. Heath had reassured her, and the next time she noted that there was a lightweight cotton throw draped over the wicker loveseat. When she commented on it, he explained that it was just in case they were interrupted. Sharon was so touched by his thoughtfulness.

"I wanted to wait to ask you until the children were not present – how did it go with Eimear?" Heath took a sip of his drink, as he pulled Sharon closer to him. He understood her decision and hoped that it would be Eimear.

"Really well. I am pretty sure she will say yes. She was overwhelmed by Stockton, and when I offered to take her to San Francisco she looked scared." Sharon nestled against Heath, enjoying how wonderful it felt. She looked up at the sky and saw the stars and moon glowing silver; a thought came to her. "What would it be like to have relations under the stars?" Sharon moved against him, reaching up to kiss his lips.

Heath groaned with desire and returned the kiss; it was deep and arousing and he wanted to give in to her request. An idea came to him, and he pulled back from the kiss.

"It is way too public here, but if we go down to the stream, it would be private." Heath's voice was husky, as he looked at her softly parted lips. "We do have a blanket we can use."

"Mr. Barkley, you do come up with good ideas." Sharon replied in a sultry voice. "I love you." It did not take them long to get to the stream, and they found an open area under a tree. Heath spread the blanket, and then wasted no time in pulling her to the ground.

Her nightgown gave him easy access to all of her, and he took full advantage of it. When he stroked her femaleness she gasped and pulled him hard against her. Their coupling was intense, and afterwards they held each other close, as they looked up at the night sky.