Chapter Forty-Seven

It was a week after the engagement was announced, and Heath was walking over to Sharon's house, to pick up Sean. When Jarrod had announced the trip, to get clothes for Simon, Heath resigned himself – yet again – to how little his presence in Simon's life was.

He wondered if Priscilla had asked Jarrod to take Simon shopping, or if he had come up with it himself. Heath acknowledged that even if Priscilla had come to him, he would not have known where to go. When he was a boy, his mother and Hannah made his clothes, which were very few and well worn.

"Mr. Heath hello" Sean opened the door before Heath could knock, having been watching for him. "I am so excited to go to San Francisco! Sean and I were talking about the city."

"How come I have to go to school, but Sean gets a trip?" Tara came into the room and looked at her brother with annoyance.

"Tara lass, we have had this conversation. Next week you, meself, Mrs. Wheeler and Miss Priscilla are going to the city." Sharon came into the room, carrying a brown tweed jacket.

"Sean it is going to be colder in the city than here, so please take this." She handed the jacket to him, and he smiled at her.

"Grandmother Flynn made this for me from my father's coat." Sean explained to Heath with pride. It made him wonder if it was pride in his father or his grandmother. Sharon had shared that Simon had been only three when his father passed.

"No reason for good material to go to waste." Sharon gave her son a warning look. "Now, remember what we talked about." Heath was curious as to what Sharon was referencing, then decided it was probably for Sean to watch his manners.

Sean hugged his mother and sister goodbye, then they left the house and walked over to the train station. On the walk over Sean said that he had never been on a train before, but Simon had told him what it was like. Heath chuckled to himself sure that Simon had not been on a private railcar before.

Jarrod and Simon were already onboard, and Soo Lin greeted Heath, who introduced Sean. Heath saw Sean's eyes go wide as he looked around the car, taking it all in. Simon came over to greet them, while Jarrod looked up from the newspaper, he was reading to say hello.

"I know the boys will be hungry, so I have laid out some food." The oriental man offered, indicating the table set in the corner.

"This place is grand!" Simon announced to Sean. "There are two bedrooms, a washroom, and look at the food." Simon indicated the table that was set with both sweet and savory foods.

"There is a bedroom?" Sean's eyes were wide again, and Simon offered to show him around. Jarrod smiled at Heath as the boys went down the hall.

"Just so you know, Simon was as impressed as Sean is now, when he came aboard." His aquamarine eyes were twinkling as he made the comment.

"I remember the first time I saw the car; I was overwhelmed." Heath smiled ruefully, thinking back to that time.

The ride up to the city was smooth, and Heath pointed out things to the boys along the way. He knew that Simon had been on a train before, but that was coming up from Mexico. When they arrived in the city both boys stayed close to the men, as a cab was hailed.

"The first stop is my office, because I have to pick up some documents" Jarrod went on to lay out the rest of the day. Heath noted that Sean was very interested in the office, while Simon sat quietly on the sofa.

Sean walked around, gingerly touching the leather-bound books with their gilt titles. There was a small sculpture in ivory of a whale, which he paused to study.

"That was given to me by a grateful client. It was carved by a well-known artist from a walrus tusk. If you look at the red and black designs, they relate to the Northwest Indian tribes that are native to British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada." Jarrod had walked over and picked up the whale, then handed it to Sean.

"It is heavy. I saw a picture of a whale in a book once." Sean held it with both hands and looked up at Jarrod. "Thank you for letting me hold this. Your office here is even grander than the one in Stockton." He handed the sculpture back to Jarrod, giving it one last glance.

"You will see that San Francisco, like most big cities, are fancier than a small town." Jarrod put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "I like your jacket; that Irish tweed is well made."

"Thank you, Mr. Jarrod. It was my father's and Mother Flynn remade it for me." Sean preened at the man, and Heath remembered Sharon's comment that her late husband had been something of a dandy, and that Sean took after him.

"On the subject of clothes, our next stop is my tailor. He is expecting us, so we need to get going." Jarrod announced, and escorted them outside, where a hack carriage was waiting.

The tailor was on the same street as Gump's Department Store. The street was considered the center of fashionable society, with a collection of upper echelon shopping. The store front for Jarrod's tailor resembled what you would find in London; only the small Chinese good luck charm hanging over the door told you differently.

Inside the store had an area with a three-way mirror on one side, a sitting area on the other side, and the center featured a large table. The floor was wood, the rugs were oriental, the furniture leather, and there were horse prints on the wall. The proprietor of all this, Chin Lee, looked out of place in his traditional silk embroidered garments.

Chin Lee was from Singapore, and he had apprenticed under tailors who had served the British ruling class. Singapore was cosmopolitan, and Chin understood not only English men's fashion, but continental styles too. He was the most sought-after tailor in the city but was selective about who he made clothes for. His motto was that he dressed gentlemen, not riff raff. Bad behavior by a customer would get back to Chin and the man would be dropped by the tailor.

"Mr. Jarrod. Mr. Heath." The oriental man bowed to the men. "It has been a while since you have honored my shop." Chin's black eyes were twinkling as he looked over at the two boys. "I see you have brought two fine young men; it is never too soon to learn about the importance of a good wardrobe."

"This is Simon Folsom who is staying with us until his grandparents return." Jarrod nodded in the auburn-haired boy's direction, before looking at Sean. "This is Sean Flynn, whose mother is marrying Heath. They need suits for the wedding, as do both my brothers."

"Mr. Heath, congratulations!" Chin bowed and then turned to Sean "Your mother has chosen a good man."

"My sister and I are so happy that he will be our Papa" Jarrod watched as Sean beamed and went to stand next to Heath. He knew his younger brother was not comfortable with praise or being the center of attention. It warmed his heart as Heath put his hand on the boy's shoulder.

"I have my instructions here" Jarrod said, pulling out a piece of paper. "Per Priscilla, Audra and Tara are wearing pink so she wants the men in medium grey. The boutonnieres will be pink."

"Is Priscilla not in the wedding?" Heath realized he had not heard any details about the event. He also was irked that he was having to buy a medium grey suit when he had a perfectly good light grey suit.

"She has appointed herself mother of the bride and is planning everything." Jarrod informed him. "Chin, can we see some samples of medium grey in a summer weight?" The lawyer smiled at the tailor, who snapped his fingers in reply.

Two young oriental men came out of nowhere, and Chin said a few words in Mandarin to them. They bowed, and went scurrying away, to return shortly with several bolts of fabric. The tailor laid them out on the table, and then looked over at the Barkley party.

"Would you like to come examine the fabrics?" Chin asked as he looked at the group.

Heath wanted to sigh with vexation, as he followed Jarrod and the boys to the long table. All the fabrics looked exactly the same to him, and he again thought of the perfectly good light grey suit he already had. However, Heath then looked over at Sean, whose eyes were shining with excitement. He might not need a new suit, but Sean did, so Heath let go of his annoyance.

"You will see that even though they look the same, each fabric is slightly different." Jarrod held up two different ones and pointed out the subtle differences between them. Heath thought it interesting that both boys were listening closely.

"I like this one." Sean indicated a fabric that was at the edge of the table. "It feels different than the others." He rubbed the fabric in his hands and looked at Jarrod and Chin Lee.

"The young man is discerning. This was woven with a different process, which gives it light weight." The tailor announced and turned to see what Mr. Jarrod thought. Chin knew who was footing the bill for the visit.

"Heath do you have a preference? I think Sean's choice is quite good." Jarrod turned to his brother as he spoke.

"I am happy to let you two make the choice." Heath answered and smiled at Sean. He remembered the first time Jarrod had brought him here, and how overwhelmed he had been. Nick had come along and Heath had been surprised to find out that his middle brother knew as much about tailoring as Jarrod did.

"We have a decision. In addition to the suits for the boys and Heath, Nick needs one also." Jarrod stated as he looked over at Chin Lee. "I know you have his measurements on file, and he will be up next week to try it on."

"Why are you not getting a new suit?" Heath asked Jarrod with interest.

"The mother of the bride wants me in dark grey, luckily enough I already have one." His eyes twinkled as he made the comment. Heath shook his head ruefully, wondering what Sharon thought of Priscilla's choices. He had not had much time to spend with her, between wedding planning, her work, and his work.

"Chin, once you finish measuring for the suits, the boys need some additional items." Jarrod pulled another piece of paper out of his pocket. He then listed a number of items, including pants, shirts, and various accessories.

"Mr. Jarrod, I need to talk to you." Sean put his hand on the man's arm, and Heath heard the worried note in his voice. He watched as Jarrod led Simon over to a corner of the room. Heath decided to follow along, to see what the issue was.

"My mum said that I was only to accept the suit, nothing else." Sean said in a low voice. Heath now realized what Sharon had been referring to, and he knew it stemmed from her pride. He knew that only for her children had she agreed to the marriage. Not for the first time he questioned if he was doing the right thing.

"Sean, you are going to be family. You can start calling me Uncle Jarrod." The man knelt down to the boy's level. "Families take care of each other. I am doing no more for you than what I would do for my other nephews. I will talk to your mother, and it will be fine." Jarrod stood up and smiled at Sean, who looked relived and walked over to where Simon was waiting.

"Look Jarrod, I can cover the costs of Sean's clothing. He is going to be my stepson." Heath told Jarrod, who shook his head.

"No, you cannot. Until you and Sharon are married it would be unseemly for you to pay for anything other than a small gift." Jarrod replied and slapped him on the back. "Plus, you should be saving your money. My understanding is that Nick is not happy about the cost of the work Priscilla is doing to get the garden ready for the wedding. I would not be surprised if he presents you with a bill."

"This big wedding was not my idea." Heath huffed, knowing that Nick just might do that. His brother was generous in some ways but could be tight on others. Nick would not say no to Priscilla but would be glad to have someone else pay the bill.

"Brother, you should realize that a wedding takes on a life of its own. I will say that this one sounds like it is going to be quite the party." Jarrod laughed and they went over to where the boys were waiting.

Chin Lee did the measurements, then discussed choices with the group. Heath had very little to add but enjoyed watching Sean and Simon together. Jarrod then settled everything and announced that they were going to get lunch. Both boys announced that they were hungry, which made the brothers smile.

Where to go for lunch had been a dilemma for Jarrod. He belonged to all the correct clubs, but thought the boys were too young. It was not uncommon for men to bring their teenage and college age sons to lunch at the establishments, to introduce them to the business world. When he came to see Noah, who was now fifteen, they would go to one of the clubs.

However, on his last time in the city he had heard about the Italian Market down by the wharfs. It featured a restaurant that was known for the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. The location overlooked a pier but was casual and low key. When they arrived, Jarrod saw how both boys were agog at the view of the water.

Heath found it interesting at how animated Simon suddenly became, as they sat at a table by the tall windows. When he had been showing Sean around the train, he had been very exuberant, but in the city he had seemed almost matter of fact. Heath acknowledged to himself that Simon had travelled to Europe and realized that he had never asked about his life with his parents.

"Look, there is a barque – that is a whaler. The masts are" Simon went on to explain about the ship's rigging, which Heath figured out meant the ropes and sails. The young man then pointed out several other vessels, including a US Naval Ship, that while having masts, the sails were furled, and the ship was operating with coal.

"You are as mad about ships as my sister is with horses." Sean laughed, turning to wink at Heath. He found it quite amusing that Sean, in many ways reminded him of Jarrod. There was a slightly detached quality to both – they enjoyed and participated in life, but always saw the bigger picture. He remembered Sharon commenting that he wanted to be a lawyer and was glad that he would give Sean the education to achieve his goal.

"Well I wish I could sail as well as your sister rides!" Simon declared with fervor. "Farfar has said that he will teach me to sail. He is going to give me a sailboat, but I get to take my pony with me when I move to San Francisco."

"You come from a very old naval family Simon, and I know you will do them proud." Jarrod raised his water glass in the boy's direction. "However, I do believe that Tara, with her Irish blood will always out ride you, and Sean also. She has a gift, very much like Heath, in knowing how to connect to a horse."

Heath was touched at Jarrod's indirect compliment and realized that he and Tara did share that quality. They both understood horses in an innate way that could not be taught.

"She has been asking if Moonstar is ready to be ridden." Sean said, referencing the pretty little mare they had met on their first visit to the Barkley ranch.

"My understanding is that Mr. Nick has had Miz Priscilla working with her, to train her for sidesaddle." Heath smiled at the boy, remembering that day when they had first seen the horse. "I am not quite sure that Tara is tall enough for the mount right now, but Moonstar will be waiting for her." In fact, Heath was already scouting for ponies for both children, liking how the barn at the house would be full.

He was planning on making sure that the children took care of the animals themselves, as well as the chicken coop. Heath firmly believed that children should have chores, to give them a sense of responsibility, and the feeling of contributing to the family's welfare. He had not discussed it with Sharon but was sure she would feel the same way.

When the clam chowder arrived, both boys were intrigued at the bread bowl it was served in. Heath told them the story about sourdough, and the history of California. The boys had two helpings of the chowder, and then ate the entire bread bowl. For dessert there was cannoli, which Jarrod explained was a traditional Italian dessert.

"Boys, I think you all deserve a mento of our day in the city. In addition, it would be nice to bring something to Tara." Jarrod sipped his expresso, after making his announcement. "Mr. Heath has an errand to run, and while he is doing that, we can explore some of the shops along the wharves." He looked over at his brother, who smiled gratefully.

In truth his errand was one more of duty and keeping up appearances, but it needed to be done. It bothered him to think about the last time he had done this task. Heath recalled how hopeful and excited he had been, to make the purchase. In looking back now, as he thought about how it had been received – that should have made him think twice about going through with the event. As he walked down the street, he admitted to himself that he had had no qualms the last time, but now, with it all being of his instigation, he was questioning what he was doing.

Jarrod took the boys to one of the piers where a number of shops were, that featured small trinkets and items that showcased the city and marine life. It was the third shop that they came to, that featured hard stone carvings of animals and other items.

"We should get this for Tara." Simon had been looking at the display at the far wall. He indicated a small carving of a horse, done in red onyx. "She told me the pony at Kilkenny Farms is a roan, so this would be perfect."

Jarrod admired how well the carving was done; it was almost as if the mane was blowing in the wind. He beamed at the boy and complimented him on his choice. Privately he thought it interesting that Simon's first thought had been about Tara. Jarrod knew that both children were very artistic, and he recalled Simon's comment about her horsemanship skills.

"Mr – Uncle Jarrod" Sean stumbled over the words. "This looks like the sculpture you have in your office." The boy indicated a miniature whale, whose tail had a small intricate design in red and black of the Northwest Indian tribes.

"It definitely does. I think that is a good choice." Jarrod declared, being impressed at how Sean had such a good eye for detail. He thought back to the tailor shop, and how carefully the boy had studied the fabrics.

"Simon, you need to pick something out for you, and Sean is there something your mother would like?" Jarrod looked at both boys as he asked the question. It did not surprise him that Simon picked out a small carving of a clipper ship, done in ivory and amber.

Sean took his time, looking around the shop, before he found something. It was a medium size box, carved from redwood. The lid and sides were inlaid with colored woods that formed flowers. When you opened the box the inside was lined in an emerald green velvet.

"I think you have chosen well. Let us finish up here and get back to the rail car. We do not want to miss the train back." Jarrod was jovial as he made the announcement. The whole day had been wonderful, not just spending time with Heath, but also the boys. He felt so very blessed to be in their lives.

Heath and Jarrod were sitting at the table in the corner of the railcar. Sean and Simon were sleeping in one of the two bedrooms, quite worn out from their day. Soo Lin had had hot chocolate waiting for the boys when they boarded the train. He had had a special rum toddy with cinnamon for the men.

"I think this was quite good day!" Jarrod declared, taking a cigarillo from a silver engraved case. Heath noticed it and saw on the front the initials JTB engraved in block letters. The initials were surrounded by an oval frame of curling vine work. Other than that decoration, the front of the case was plain. The back was completely engraved with curling vine work. He also the light blue stone clasp holding it together.

Heath was very intrigued by the case, because he could not imagine his brother ordering something like that for himself. He did a private chuckle because he knew that Jarrod would love that kind of gift from a close female friend. As curious as he was about the item, he put his thoughts aside. Instead, he pulled out his tobacco pouch and papers.

"Here have one of mine." Jarrod offered his case, which was filled with what looked like slim cigars. He noticed his brother's curiosity and proceeded to explain.

"These are called cigarillos – it is rather like a cross between a cigar and a cigarette. The tobacco is rolled in a tobacco leaf, as opposed to paper – it gives you more flavor than a cigarette but is not as heavy as a cigar."

"The best of both worlds?" Heath asked, as he took one of the slim brown cigarillos and let Jarrod light it. He was careful about inhaling, having made that mistake with cigars. However, he saw that Jarrod was right about the cigarillo, and on his second puff he inhaled, enjoying how rich and full the flavor was.

"A friend of mine introduced them to me – they are quite the rage in Europe!" Jarrod declared with a happy smile. Heath was willing to bet that the same friend was the female who had gifted him the case.

"Can you get these here?" Heath inquired, hoping to maybe learn more about Jarrod's friend. He was glad that his brother had someone who cared for him; his brother did so much for everyone else. Jarrod deserved kindness and appreciation. Heath had seen that the Barkley's would not be as successful as they were without Pappy.

"As of right now no, but I spoke to our tobacconist in the city, about importing them." Jarrod gave Heath a knowing look, before going on "I actually have some extras I will share." He was so happy at how the day had gone, and how relaxed his younger brother had looked.

"Can I just say how much this day has meant to me Heath?" Jarrod had gone over and poured out two snifters of brandy for them. "Simon and Sean are the kind of sons any man would be proud of." He raised his glass and toasted Heath.

"Heath, I would also like to share, privately, how happy I am to see where you are going with your life." Jarrod made the statement and took a draw on his cigarillo. "When the whole situation with Sarah happened, and the fall out with Simon I was so concerned. I put on a good face for mother, but honestly I felt just like she did."

"I guess I didn't realize mother was so upset." Heath said slowly, as he thought back to that time. All he could remember was his anger – hurt – shock that he had a son, and his wife wanted every penny of his bank account.

"Do not worry about it" Jarrod gave Heath a reassuring smile. "I explained to her about how divorce cases can spiral out of control."

"Now though it is all behind you Heath!" His older brother declared happily. "You are marrying your true love and I am so glad that you and Sharon have found each other again." Jarrod raised his snifter in salute to Heath.

For Heath, the conversation had made the cigarillo taste like sawdust and the brandy only burned his insides. When he had put this whole farce into place he had not thought about the impact on his family. Heath prided himself on being upright and he hated to lie. Now he found himself in the position of lying to the people closest to him.

"There is still the matter of you explaining to Sharon about the clothes you bought for Sean." Heath wanted to change the subject as quickly as possible.

"I already have it all figured out! We will take Sean home, and while Sean and Simon are giving Tara their gifts I will talk to Sharon." Jarrod declared with authority, taking a draw on his cigarillo.

Heath was impressed at how confident his brother sounded. On the other hand, he knew his future wife very well. He then thought about the wedding plans and had to admit that he would never have thought Sharon would want such a big celebration.

Arriving back in Stockton, Heath saw that Jarrod had arranged for a hired hack to be waiting for them. He gave the address of Sharon's house, and they loaded into the carriage.

"Well now tis good to see you all!" Sharon greeted them happily, with Violet in the background. "I have tea, soda bread and scones for you." She looked over at her housekeeper who nodded in reply. Tara had followed her mother, and hugged Sean happily. The next couple of minutes were spent with the boys presenting their gifts.

"Sharon, can we talk somewhere private?" Jarrod took advantage of the excitement to go stand next to the woman. She nodded her head, and they walked into the front parlor, where she looked warily at him.

"I want you to know that I took care of ordering clothes for Sean, as I was doing it for Simon." Jarrod used his courtroom voice, even as he saw how perturbed the woman became. "Sean told me what you had said, but I explained to him that he was family, and families take care of each other. He is every bit my nephew, as are the other children of my siblings. I doubt I will have children of my own, so please let me do this."

"Oh Jarrod, tis tis" Sharon teared up, and Jarrod gave her his handkerchief in response. "Your family has been so kind and welcoming, and I have no doubt Sean was happy. He admires you very much."

"We are so pleased that Heath has found happiness and love. He is very special, and we are so glad that he will have a wife who appreciates him." Jarrod hugged her, which she returned, even while feeling guilty inside. Heath did not love her; in fact, she was not even sure if he liked her at this point. If not for her children, she would have turned her back on Heath. However, she had no other options; she would be out of money by July.

The café only paid so much, not enough to keep Violet full-time. Her only other recourse was to go back to Kilkenny Farms, with the mad priest and the nineteen-year-old wife of her cousin, whose mother was in charge of the household.

"Thank you." Sharon could not manage any other words, and luckily shrieks from the sitting room distracted her. The next fifteen minutes were spent admiring the gifts. She was very touched at what Sean had chosen for her and liked how Heath had complimented him on the selection.

Paul had never once had anything good to say about her, or the children. It just reinforced her decision, that this marriage was for the best. Her children were getting a proper father, Heath's family adored her, and he was doing exactly what society would approve of. Only at the back of her mind was the thought – what about Heath's happiness.