Chapter Twenty-Five

It was late November, and Heath was doing some work inside his house. It was vacant as he was still at the Big House, but he rode over several times a week to check on the property. There was also the fact that he was happy at the house, liking his own space. The Big House was much fancier, with its décor and sit-down dinner in the dining room every night. Heath though secretly preferred the more casual ambiance of his place.

The Big House was very busy now too, with a new baby in residence. Nick had returned the day after Ducky's birth and did not leave Priscilla or the baby's side for over two days. He had found Heath later, and expressed his thanks many times over, for what he had done. Sharon had shared with Priscilla the story of the cord around Ducky's neck, and how Heath had saved the baby.

Priscilla and Nick had Sharon over for dinner with the family and presented her with a gold brooch in the shape of a duck, its feathers enameled in greens and browns. The eye was a small emerald, and Heath enjoyed watching how surprised and overwhelmed she was. Her tears touched his heart, especially when she commented that this was the nicest thing she owned. It made him wonder about her late husband, and their circumstances.

They presented Heath with a finely engraved silver flask, and four bottles of his favorite bourbon, especially well aged. The evening had been nice – almost too much for Heath, wishing he did not enjoy Sharon's company so much. He was puzzled about her relationship with Tobias, as nothing had been announced about an engagement.

At the end of the evening Heath found himself driving Elspeth and Sharon back into town, which solved the problem of not wanting to be alone with Sharon. They dropped Sharon off first, and then Heath took Elspeth to her house. She had invited him in for tea, but he had declined, wanting to get home.

Since his meeting with Jarrod things had been quiet and his brother had been able to get the judge to agree to the lawyers representing him and Sarah. Heath was relieved, as he did not know what he would say to her if he had had to meet her in court. The last several weeks he had spent a lot of time thinking about his marriage, and where it had gone so wrong. It was frustrating because he could see bits and pieces but felt that something else was missing.

There was also the matter of Simon and his relationship with his son; not that he could refer to Simon as his son. Heath made it a point to take Simon on an adventure, just the two of them, at least once a week. There were also joint activities, with Nick and his sons, who Simon was very close with. His English was improving rapidly, and Elspeth had commented that he would be ready for school by the first of the year.

Elspeth and Priscilla had already decided that Simon could finish the year at the Stockton General School, and then in the fall go to the Stockton Boys Academy – unless his grandparents turned up. Heath had been annoyed at Elspeth, along with Priscilla, making those decisions, but he could not fault the reasoning when he had asked her about them.

Jarrod had heard from his Pinkerton contacts, that they were still waiting for a report from their European counterparts. Heath hated the feeling of limbo, between his living situation and Simon; one afternoon last week had come up with an idea to get his life back on track. The idea was part of the reason why he was over at his house now, getting the room ready. His plan was to talk to Priscilla tonight, after dinner. Heath knew that Elspeth was in town, so he would not have to deal with her over the matter.

"Priscilla, there is something I want to talk to you – and Nick about." They were sitting in the dining room, eating dinner. Heath had decided to bring the matter up over dinner, in case Priscilla had to go upstairs right away to take care of Ducky. The family turned their attention to him, and away from the pork roast on their plates.

"I would like to move back to my house. I appreciate being able to stay here while things were up in the air." Heath paused and looked over at Jarrod "thank you for all you did with the court matter." He did not want to say the word divorce.

"I'm ready to get my life back to normal, and I think being in my own house will help." He looked over at his mother for confirmation, which was not forthcoming. "I was also thinking that since the nursery is rather full right now, and Simon was brought to me, per his late parent's request, that he could come with me. He'd have his own room" Heath went on to add some other benefits to the move.

"I know that Simon is still working on his English Priscilla, so I could bring him over to the Big House every morning." He had carefully thought out that idea, not wanting Priscilla to quash his plans. She was not the one though who spoke first; the person who did surprised him.

"Heath, I don't think that is a good idea." Victoria's voice was firm, and he noticed that she looked at Jarrod, who imperceptibly nodded his head. It made Heath wonder what it was about, but instead asked why his mother felt that way.

"Simon has been through a great trauma in the last three months. His parents were brutally killed, leaving him an orphan. He is living in a foreign country, with people he doesn't know, having to learn a new language." Victoria explained. "He is finally feeling comfortable here, and I think it is best to leave things as they are. What do you think?" She had turned to Priscilla, who smiled in agreement.

"The last thing he needs is another disruption in his life." Victoria added "plus he is close to Thomas Henry and Alden. It is good for him to be around other children and people." The note in her voice made it clear that the matter had already been decided.

It did not sit well with Heath, but he wanted to do what was best for Simon. He was bothered too at how his mother and Jarrod, along with Priscilla and Elspeth were all making decisions for Simon without consulting him. His mother's next words cut into his thoughts sharply.

"I also think you need to be around your family, and people who care about you Heath. I know you've put up a good front, but divorce is never easy, even if both parties want it." Her eyes were full of concern, and Heath felt touched about that. There was a pause of silence, as if no one knew what to say next.

"You really don't want to move out and give up this great food." Nick laughed loudly, as he took another helping of pork roast. "Now what you need to do is go to the Christmas parties and find some pretty girl to court." Priscilla agreed with Nick, much to Heath's discomfort.

"Brother Heath has announced that he is done with women." Jarrod intoned, his aquamarine blue eyes twinkling. "Of course, I told him that if I had a dollar for every time a man says that, well I would have a lot of dollars." He raised his wine glass in Heath's direction, but Heath was not amused.

"You already have a lot of dollars." Heath rejoined, not wanting his life to be the main subject of conversation. It was bad enough that he and Simon were stuck in the Big House, but now he could see his family trying to play matchmaker. Luckily, Victoria came to his rescue.

"If – and when – Heath wants to court someone, it will be his own business." She announced, before turning to Silas and asking about dessert. When dinner was done Heath excused himself, to go do some work in the barn. He had no interest in making conversation with his family, as good as their intentions were. At least in the barn the horses would provide all the companionship he needed.

Victoria had not been surprised when Heath had brought up his request at dinner. She and Jarrod had talked about the possibility as the divorce was getting closer to be finalized. Jarrod felt the same way she did, about the matter. They knew Heath liked solitude, but they did not want to see him isolate himself, and Simon.

Once Nick and Priscilla went upstairs, Victoria headed out to the barn to talk to Heath. She knew that Heath had not been happy at her decision that Simon stay at the Big House. Her plan was to explain her reasons in greater detail. There was also the matter that Jarrod had shared with her earlier in the day.

Jarrod had received some information from Rio Blanco, Mexico. Senor Delgado had sent him a letter stating that Simon's grandparents were due to arrive any day from Sweden. The letter had been dated mid-October, but it had not been delivered to Jarrod until now. Jarrod told Victoria that they could expect to hear from the couple before Christmas.

"How is Brewster's hock?" Victoria asked, after finding Heath in the horse's stall, looking at his left rear leg.

"Doing better. He should be able to be used again in a couple of days." Heath answered, briefly looking up at her. He then went back to running his fingers around the leg, leaving Victoria with a view of his back. Inwardly sighing she entered the stall and brought out a sugar cube, which the horse took, nuzzling his soft nose against her palm.

"Heath, I need to talk to you, about Simon." She knew that beating around the bush would go nowhere with him. "I want to explain why I feel he should stay at the Big House, and also pass on some news about his grandparents."

He stood up and turned to look at her; Victoria saw resignation in his pale blue eyes. It made her feel bad for him – he had had a rough couple of months. She knew though that he would not want her pity, not that she would give it to him.

"What news?" Heath asked, as he picked up a brush from the ledge of the stall. She watched as he used slow steady strokes to burnish Brewster's coat to a rich brown. He had been working with the horse for the last month, alternating between him and Charger. His main mount was getting older, and Heath knew that he would need to retire Charger before spring roundup.

"Jarrod had a letter from Senor Delgado" she went on to tell him about Simon's grandparents. It hurt her to see Heath's shoulders sag, as he heard the news.

"What if we don't have the Pinkerton report by the time the grandparents show up; do we just let them take Simon?" Heath asked quickly.

"Let us cross that bridge when we come to it. However, it would be good to ask Jarrod if he could expediate the report." She answered, understanding why he was asking the question.

"I know you care about Simon, and only want the best for him." Victoria paused, weighing her words. "I admire how you have handled everything, Heath. It has not been easy, but you have always done your best."

"Well my best is clearly not good enough for anyone." Heath turned to face her as he spoke. "Elspeth and Priscilla have already decided on Simon's education, you and Jarrod don't want Simon and I to move to my house, and Sarah could hardly wait to end our marriage."

His words were spoken dispiritedly, and Victoria realized just how good of a front he had been putting on. Heath's world had come crashing down in a very public way, she could see how much it was affecting him.

"I will talk about the house in just a moment" Victoria walked over to him, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Elspeth and Priscilla do know a great deal about education, but if you have something else in mind you should let them know." Of course, she thought to herself, it would be a moot point if Simon went to live in Sweden.

"It isn't what they decided, but how they decided it – on their own. Simon's parents wanted me to be Simon's guardian, and I should be consulted on decisions about him." The statement was said without much conviction. Victoria understood his comment, but also knew Elspeth and Priscilla.

"It wasn't anything personal against you Heath, they are used to making decisions about children. I have to say their plan is a good one, if it comes to anything." She had seen the way the nursery would be run when Thomas Henry was born and knew she would have very little say. What she did have was a good relationship with her daughter-in-law and grandsons who loved her. Heath was in a different place, his relationship with Simon was still new, and the future unclear.

"Of course, it probably doesn't matter, as you said Mother." Heath drew a deep breath and decided to change the subject. Simon's future was out of his hands for now, until the issue of the grandparents was resolved. Since Victoria had made the time to come out to talk to him, maybe she could help him.

"I've been thinking about my marriage Mother, and where it went wrong." He said softly as he walked over to a hay bale and sat down. Victoria came over and sat across from him, on another hay bale. "I loved her, and still think about how beautiful she looked on our wedding day."

"Oh Heath, I wish I had spoken up, back in the beginning." Victoria sighed, and Heath was taken by surprise at her comment.

"What do you mean you wish you'd spoken up? You had doubts?" This was news to Heath, who had assumed his mother was fine with the marriage.

"When your father passed away it turned my world upside down. There were days that I couldn't remember how I made it from morning until night." She admitted, shaking her head. "Reverend Adams – the pastor before Reverend Peterson – gave me some good advice. He said that I should make no life changing decisions for at least half a year, if not a full year. At the time I did not really understand, but two years later I understood what he had been trying to tell me."

"I don't understand what that has to do with Sarah." He was puzzled by her change of subject.

"If you had met Sarah in her natural element, at her parent's mansion in St. Louis, I think you would have found her pretty; probably would have danced with her but that would have been it. I rather think you would have seen how little in common you two had," Victoria stopped and gave him a direct look.

"Are you saying that the Sarah I married wasn't the real Sarah?" Heath was taken aback at her observation, but as he thought further, he saw the wisdom of it. He also understood why his mother had brought up how she was after her husband's death.

"No, you married a girl who'd lost her father, her home, and everything she'd ever known. I am sure you looked like a knight in shining armor to her; you definitely did to her mother. You liked the feeling of rescuing her from her troubles." Her observation was said softly, as she went on. "Sarah wasn't in a good state of mind to make the decision that she did, and you didn't know that."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Heath tilted his head as he asked the question. The woman was not one to hold back her opinions.

"Several reasons" she replied, shifting position on the hay bale. "At first I didn't think your interest in Sarah was going to come to anything. By the time you were ready to propose I could see that you were in love. And having raised two sons I know that men in love don't and won't listen to their mother." The comment was delivered with a rueful shake of her head. Heath, thinking about Nick's past loves, understood what she was saying.

"Heath, I was glad to hear what you said at the dinner table tonight; that you don't want to court anyone." She stated, going on "While not death, divorce is an upending of your world. Along with finding out about a son you did not know about; you need time to heal. That is why I want you to stay at the Big House, with your family who loves you." He started to say something, but she stopped him as he opened his mouth.

"I know you enjoy your own space Heath, and there is no reason why you can't have solitude when you want it. However, I know you very well" she gave him a direct look. "If you and Simon moved to your house, I know what your life would be like and it wouldn't be good for either of you."

"What do you mean? I am quite capable of taking care of Simon." Heath, in his heart knew she was only looking out for him but was stung by the criticism he heard in her voice.

"How often are you back at the house by five-thirty? Simon is used to eating at six o'clock. So, let us say you make it back in time, and take Simon home. You will then fix supper for both of you, unless you have Juanita make dinner. After that you would get Simon ready for bed, and then say good night. For the rest of the evening he would be upstairs alone, while you sit down in your study and brood about your life." Victoria detailed it out, and Heath had to admit that it did sound very solitary and remote.

"Thank you for explaining it all mother, and the insight about Sarah too." Heath shifted his weight and looked over at her. "I just want my life back, or some semblance of it." He admitted reluctantly. Based on what she was telling him, it would be quite a while before that happened.

"Let's go inside and get to bed." Victoria stood up and waited for Heath to do the same. "Don't borrow trouble Heath, by worrying about what could happen tomorrow. Your father told me that on more than one occasion, and the Barkley luck always came through." They walked out of the barn, and Heath decided he would hope his father was right.