Author's Note: A visual of the necklace can be seen in this chapter at the "Big Valley Writing Desk – Behind Closed Doors".

Chapter Fifty-Nine

It was Sunday evening, and Heath sat in his study enjoying a glass of his favorite bourbon. It had been six weeks since he and Sharon had returned to the Valley, and he had new appreciation for the opening passage of Charles Dickens book "A Tale of Two Cities". The six weeks had been the best of times, but also the worst – what made it hard was that he had done it to himself.

The house finally felt like a home, which Heath enjoyed and appreciated. He had not always agreed with Sharon's choices but had to admit that in the end it was warm and comfortable. They had hosted Sunday dinners twice now, to great success. Sharon was an incredible hostess, always taking care to have certain favorite dishes.

Further, Heath had seen how close Silas and Violet were, which made him happy. The couple were clearly courting, and he hoped it worked out for them. Nick had helped him purchase a pony for Sean, while Tara had decided she wanted their pony from Kilkenny Farms. It had been an easy transfer, and the small roan horse arrived in Stockton, with Liam bringing him up.

Liam had then announced that he would be staying in the Valley for several weeks – Zach Morton had a warm blood stallion coming from Germany. His plan was to cross breed with thoroughbred stock to produce a cutting horse that had sturdy hocks but was quick to respond.

Heath and Nick had shared several private chuckles that while Liam was a guest at the Morton ranch, he found plenty of time to spend in town with Elspeth. As far as Heath was concerned, he had come to terms with the nursery arrangement and Simon. Reverend Peterson had come out, three days after he and Sharon had returned, to bless the house.

The first Sunday they had hosted family dinner, Heath had been gratified to see Simon joining in the family festiveness. At the back of his mind was the knowledge that Olaf and Maud would be back by late summer to early fall. His best hope was that the couple would let Simon spend summers with Heath and his family.

He shifted in his chair at the desk and finished the bourbon in his glass. Heath sighed and wondered if he should pour himself a little more. Sunday evenings were the epitome of "the best of times and the worst of times". Sharon and he had fallen into a Sunday night routine. Once Sean and Tara were in bed, Sharon would come down to his study. They would go over household accounts, their schedules and anything regarding the family. The second time Sharon had come to his study – after their first night at the house - thank goodness she was dressed in a simple day dress.

Sharon was doing a great job of managing the house, while working on the gardens outside. Heath liked how she was careful with her resources and kept detailed records. It impressed him how profitable the skin creams and soaps were. He also enjoyed the fact that she was calm, and a hard worker.

What he was having problems with was trying not to appreciate how lovely she was. Heath was very concerned that he could fall in love with her all over again if he wasn't careful. The last thing he needed was more heartbreak in his life. As he heard knocking at the door, he steeled his mind and heart.

Sharon knocked, and then smoothed her skirt as she waited for Heath to open the door. She remembered the first Sunday meeting they had had, and how nervous she had been. Sharon was sure that Heath would be cold and demanding – based on previous encounters and what she had seen in her first marriage, as well as other marriages.

As long as the woman did what the man wanted everything would be fine. However, if you cross them the punishment could be anything from the silent treatment to the beatings she had received from Paul. Heath though, so far had been kind and polite. He listened to what she had to say and respected her thoughts and opinions.

They had the same outlook on life and knew the importance of hard work. Sharon had gone along with Heath when he had proposed chores for the children. The only issue was that the old feelings she had had for Heath had started to come back.

Heath was kind, solicitous – he always had a glass of madeira for her. She liked how smooth it was, even as the taste of the fruit was more evident. Further he was always so complimentary and pleased with her record books. Their Sunday evenings together made the rest of the week hard because their relationship was more a business partnership than anything else.

"Sharon, I wasn't sure if you had heard, but next week the Irish Consular General from San Francisco will be in Stockton." Heath smiled at her, wishing the pale peach dress did not fit so well to her bosom. "We have been invited to the party, which will take place at the mayor's residence. I am sure you have something to wear." Before he could stop himself, he smiled warmly at her.

"I will certainly be appropriately dressed, and I know how to deal with Anglo-Irish." Sharon in fact – for one moment – wondered about his smile. She dismissed it though because Heath had made his feelings about their relationship clear. She made her good night, and went up to her, to get ready for bed.

Her life was materially good, and her children were guaranteed success. Sharon though, in agreeing to Heath's offer, had not realized how lonely her personal life would be. It was brought home to her when they went out with Nick and Priscilla, Carl, and Audra, as well as other couples. The companionship, the love, and the physical passion were so apparent.

When she felt the pangs of envy Sharon reminded herself that they had not had children to take into account. She told herself that she had made an agreement that society would fully approve of. Her Ladyship's mother had always stressed a title and fortune over love and passion. Sharon wanted to laugh at how well the Duchess would have approved of her decisions.

A week later….

Sharon was standing in the formal drawing room of the mayor's house overlooking the river. Mayor Robert John and his wife Charlotte were good friends of the Barkley's. Furthermore, Sharon knew Charlotte from the Library Committee. Sharon admired how lovely the house was, and the way the arched windows displayed the riverfront view perfectly.

There was a paved terrace, and sloped grass that met the embankment. Sharon admired the torches that had been placed at the end of the terrace, as well as the path down to the river. She in fact had nothing else to do but admire the house and grounds. Heath had escorted her to the event, and they had gone through the receiving line.

Her dress of eau de nil silk, overlayed with tulle in the same shade, decorated with spangled silver stars was eye catching. If it had not been so beautiful, she would have felt guilty wearing it. The day she and Heath were leaving San Francisco a dress box from the Bayview Department Store had been delivered to Sharon.

When she opened it up, she saw the dress, with a cream-colored vellum envelope on top. The seal was blue wax with a fleur-de-lys design; Sharon opened it with a warily. It was from Sarah and Adam Cohen, sending her good wishes on her marriage. Further the note stated that they were pleased to have been of help to her and would certainly be glad to do so again.

Sharon had been wondering about what to wear the ball for the Irish Consular General. The dress was an easy choice, if only because of the color but she felt uncomfortable about how she had received it, and who it was from.

Her decision about the dress had been made after Victoria had invited her to tea, in her private quarters at the ranch. Sharon loved her mother-in-law and was still in awe of how welcoming Victoria had been to her children. Over tea, Victoria talked about the ball the mayor was giving, and how she was going to have a BBQ party for the Consular General.

Victoria had then presented Sharon with a green velvet jewel case – inside was a necklace of square cut emeralds surrounded by diamond frames. Between each emerald were diamond butterflies. In addition to the necklace there were earrings, and two bracelets. Her mother-in-law had explained that she thought Sharon would like to wear the pieces at the ball.

Of course, Sharon knew that she was expected to wear the jewelry – she was aware that both Audra and Priscilla had been gifted jewelry also. Privately it staggered her mind at what the woman was giving up. Sharon could understand if she was doing mourning a la Queen Victoria, but that was not the case.

Sharon looked around for Heath, but he was nowhere to be seen. She knew that he was off working on the cause for mining reform, and of course she had to support him. However, that did not help how lonely she felt, especially when Penny and Fred Madden passed by. Penny raised her champagne to Sharon, with a too knowing look in her eyes.

She decided that she needed to get out of the ballroom and go for a stroll along the river. The area from the house was well lit up and no one would think it odd that she wanted some fresh air. Just as she reached the French doors to go outside, her name was called.

"Sharon? Sharon Callahan?" The voice was male, English, and cultured. She was surprised to hear her maiden name and turned to look at the gentleman. Who she saw made her breathless, and speechless.