Chapter Sixty-Seven
That afternoon the embroidery group of the Altar Guild was meeting at the rectory. They were working on an altar cloth for the Advent season and met every other week. Caroline Peterson, the reverend's wife, oversaw the group and made it a point to try to keep the conversation uplifted. So far everything had been going well; when the next person spoke, she sighed.
"My sister and I were having lunch at the Chart House earlier – you will not believe who we saw?" Gertrude Hamilton, an older woman with a penchant for gossip, asked. When she had everyone's attention she went on "that Royal Navy Lord and Sharon Barkley. They were alone!"
"I am not sure that having lunch in a public place is being alone." Caroline wished Gertrude was not the best needlewoman of the group – it was her only virtue.
"Sharon was close to his family in Ireland is what I have heard. And he is related to Elspeth Cavendish." Ruth Waters was grey haired, kind, and played the organ at church.
"She was his sister's lady's maid." Amelia Patterson announced in an almost snide voice. She was in her early thirties, married to the vice president of the bank. It was a known fact that she was a snob.
"I serve on the library committee with Sharon. She was more than a lady's maid, almost a companion to the girl. They were educated together by the governess, and Sharon has talked a great deal about the library at the castle." Helen Wilson explained, wanting to come to Sharon's defense. "Sharon is a very upright person and devoted to her children."
"I think it is unseemly for her to be out with a man who is not her husband." Gertrude did not want to let the matter go. "They are probably having an affair." In truth she liked to stir the pot.
"Yes, nothing says clandestine affair like having lunch in a public place." Caroline tried not to sound exasperated. "Helen is correct about Sharon; she is a good woman. Why should she not have lunch with the brother of someone she was close with?"
"I saw that they were drinking wine with lunch." Gertrude announced, and more than one woman in the group privately thought that Gertrude could do with more reading of the good book. She had too much time on her hands and was too fond of judging people.
"He is from England!" Beatrice Phipps, the wife of the owner of the largest local shipping company in the Valley announced. "My mother was English, and Edison and I have visited England and Europe a great deal. It is common to have wine with meals." She gave Amelia Patterson a direct look; the woman had been the daughter of a mercantile owner in Sacramento; Beatrice's mother's grandfather had been a baronet.
"Gertrude, I am sure that you and your lovely sister had a nice sherry aperitif before your lunch." Helen did not care for gossip, only wanting to think the best of everyone. Privately she and Beatrice would both agree that Gertrude was lonely, and Amelia was a word that a Christian woman should not say.
"I was not having lunch with a man who was not my husband!" Gertrude tried to sound indignant, but in truth she was annoyed that she was not getting the response she wanted. Honestly, does no one have standards anymore she asked herself!
"Lunch with a family friend is nothing to be commented on. I am sure that it is nice for Sharon to share memories of Ireland, where she was raised." Caroline delivered the comment in a firm tone, her chin raised up. "Our interest should be on the altar cloth; the upcoming Advent season is my husband's tenth anniversary as Reverend."
The rest of the ladies understood the unspoken message that the Reverend's wife was stating. Gertrude Hamilton though was not going to let it go, even as she deplored how devout the embroidery committee was. Only the fact that she was the best needlewoman kept her from quitting the group. It came to her that in her position as Grande Dame and a rich widow she had a much wider field to spread her stories.
Heath came into the kitchen from the barn, having put his horse away. He knew he had time to clean up and have a small glass of bourbon in his study before dinner. The next half hour was peaceful, as he put his feet up on the foot stool and sipped his drink. He enjoyed the atmosphere of the study, with its dark paneling, and scents of wood and tobacco. After a bit he heard sounds coming from the dining room, which made him realize that it was time for dinner.
He came into the dining room and saw Violet setting the table. It took him aback, because normally Sharon took care of that. Just as he was set to ask Violet, Sharon came into the dining room. She was dressed in a lightweight ivory eyelet dress, that was ornamented with peach-colored ribbons. Heath found himself wishing it did not fit her so well.
"Heath, I did not realize you were home." Sharon asked, privately not being surprised. He tended to keep his comings and goings private; she adjusted the family matters if needed.
"I came home a while ago but wanted some time to review the ranch records." Heath did not want to admit how much he enjoyed time by himself. "Did you get all your errands run?" Heath asked, remembering what she had told him this morning at breakfast.
Before she could answer Sean and Tara came down, and Violet served dinner. The next half hour was spent eating, and listening to the children talk about their day. Heath enjoyed the family time, but tonight he found himself wishing for time with Sharon.
Once they were finished eating, Sharon sent the children upstairs, to start getting ready for bed. She would join them, and then Heath would come upstairs to say prayers and read a bedtime story. Heath saw his opportunity with the children upstairs and asked again about her day.
"Everything was good. I accomplished all my errands, and then had lunch at the Chart House." Sharon said, with a pleased smile.
"The Chart House? It sounds very grand." Heath kept his voice calm, even as he felt a stab in his heart. "The food was French?"
"It was amazing. Eamonn took me, and the food is not to be believed. He actually spent a week in New Orleans when his ship docked there. The menu is a mixture of French and Cajun – Eamonn has been to Paris." Sharon went on to describe several dishes, but Heath could not get pass the fact that Eamonn had taken her.
If he had his way, she would have nothing to do with the royal navy lord with his pleased expression, grand uniform, and self-assured demeanor. However, by now all of Stockton knew that he and Sharon were family friends. Further, Elspeth had announced to everyone that the man was a kinsman.
"You and I should go there – maybe with Nick and Priscilla – they have spoken highly of the restaurant." Sharon smiled at him, going on "I will see you upstairs in the children's rooms."
Heath watched her walk down the hall, noting yet again how her dress clung to her figure. He felt a wave of hot emotion – he was not sure what it was – but knew that it was centered on Eamonn. The man was way too familiar with his wife, and it bothered him that Sharon was perfectly fine with it.
He had not cared for Sharon's story of Eamonn's sister. Further, Elspeth declaring him kinsman – well it was just yet again an example of the woman inserting herself in his affairs. Taking a deep breath, he realized that he needed to take the high road.
He reminded himself that Eamonn was not in the valley for long. The Irish party would be leaving soon, and Heath cheered himself with the thought that the royal navy lord had a ship waiting for him – preferably somewhere cold and remote. It was that thought that Heath went upstairs.
The next day Nick and Heath Barkley were in town, to place a supply order for the ranch. They did it once a month, and when they were done, they would go to the Cattleman's Hotel and have lunch. Nick and Heath oversaw different parts of the supply order – even as they both went to the same vendors.
"I am rather thinking that the" Heath went to describe an item, noting the increase in price.
"Well, it is iron, and the trade tariffs have been increased." Nick observed, as he added "good job for locking in the price six months ago! I disagreed, but you over rode and, luckily, I listened." Nick was willing to give Heath credit for the profit they would make.
"In that case you will buy me lunch – steak, all the trimmings!" Heath gave his brother a direct look, enjoying getting the best of him for lunch.
As they entered the Cattleman's Hotel – the lobby was done in mahogany, rich Turkish carpets, and furniture in upholstered in deep crimson. The wallpaper was a crimson velvet brocade, while the lights scones were gilt and crystal prisms. It was known for the main dining room of robust meals; in addition, the rooms were spacious, with first class amenities.
It was a businessman's hotel, even as the restaurant gave the Empire Hotel a run for the money. The Cattleman's only had the main dining room, and the bar over seen Samson who mixed a drink better than anyone else.
"Well we need to get a table, and you order both of us a beer." Nick declared, smiling happily at Heath. "It has been so long since we have spent time together."
The brothers smiled at each other, as they started to walk into the restaurant; their progress was interrupted by Mrs. Gertrude Hamilton, a wealthy widow, and a pillar of society.
"The Barkley boys – how nice to see you!" She declared with an arch tone in her voice. In truth she could not believe her good fortune in getting to spread her gossip.
"Mrs. Hamilton, how nice to see you. My mother was telling me about your grandson?" Nick left it hanging out there, figuring that with her age she had grandchildren. Privately his mother had shared what an unpleasant person the woman was.
"Yes, my family is fine. Why just yesterday my sister and I were having lunch at the Chart House." Gertrude's narrow eyes took on a gleam, as she made the statement. She turned to Heath "I saw your wife with her friend from Ireland. It looked like they were having a nice time."
Nick started to tense up, as he noticed the people within earshot were trying to pretend they were not listening. Priscilla's concerns came back to him, and he looked to see how Heath was going to react.
"Yes, she has been enjoying visiting with Eamonn, and catching up on family news." Heath gave her a disarming smile. "She told me about some of the dishes; did you enjoy your lunch?" He took pleasure in seeing the woman taken aback at his reply.
Gertrude managed a weak reply, before she said her goodbyes, and walked away without another word. More than one person within earshot had enjoyed Heath dealing with the woman. Her unpleasantness had caused trouble for many people.
"Let's go get a table." Nick nudged Heath, wanting to get away from the crowded lobby. Privately he was relieved that his brother had known about the lunch and did not have a problem with Sharon spending time with Eamonn. They went into lunch and had a good meal – the beer was cold, and the steaks perfectly cooked.
Or rather Nick had a good meal; Heath did not taste anything he was eating. The ire that he had felt yesterday, after finding out that Sharon had had lunch with Eamonn came back. It also bothered him that people were talking about the couple, and he had to put a good face on about the situation. Heath could admit that he had enjoyed taking care of Gertrude though.
That evening Victoria, Jarrod, Nick, and Priscilla all gathered in the front parlor for before dinner drinks. They exchanged the latest news about the ranch, and town happenings. Victoria especially enjoyed this time and said a silent prayer of thanks for her family.
"Mother, just so you know Heath and I ran into Gertrude Hamilton at the Cattleman's today." Nick gave her a knowing look. "Heath took care of her soundly – honestly she folded like an old tent." He laughed at the memory, even as he noted the curious looks on their faces. It gave him pleasure to retell the story; as he finished, he took a sip of his whiskey.
"I try to believe the best in everyone, but Gertrude has no redeeming qualities." Victoria declared, having been the target of her vicious tongue on more than one occasion. It bothered her that Heath and Sharon were now the target of her spiteful, nasty comments. She was reassured at how well Heath had handled the situation and said as much.
"She is way too fond of making mischief." Priscilla declared, as she went on "I am glad that Heath dealt with her." Privately she hoped that Eamonn was as upright as he seemed to be.
Just then Silas announced dinner, and Priscilla was happy to hear that. In truth she was concerned about Sharon and wanted to protect her. Priscilla had discerned that her sister-in-law was lonely, even as everyone proclaimed her a great success. She had dazzled the vice president, was a charming hostess, and always well dressed.
Priscilla did not know it, but she and Eamonn would have agreed that Sharon really deserved a husband who adored her. However, Priscilla had understood the position Sharon had been in – a widow, with two small children, and no family support. Sharon had become a sister to her, and Priscilla would do anything for her.
The next day, Jarrod Barkley was in the backroom of Ching Lee's main establishment, a Chinese restaurant with a top-notch chef. Ching was a very well-off merchant with properties all over the waterfront. Ching was a cousin of Soo Lin, who had given him Jarrod's name when he was negotiating his first purchase.
Very few white lawyers wanted to handle Chinese transaction, but there were only three Chinese lawyers licensed to practice in California. They were all under retainer and not available for hire. Jarrod had happily taken Ching on as a client and had made a great deal of money from their transactions.
Ching did not know it, but Jarrod discounted his rate to the man. In truth Jarrod honored the hard-working ethic of the Chinese. They had been badly done by the railroad, but at the end of the day the Chinese had preserved and been successful.
One of the things he liked about Ching as a client was that the man always insisted on him coming to the restaurant. He would produce a meal that was amazing. Jarrod liked the spiciness and flavors of the food; Ching always explained the background of China. It always reminded him of the world outside of Stockton.
Jarrod was finishing up the legal documents, as well as the tax filings. He was looking forward to an amazing lunch, making a note to tell Letizia about it. They had found an oriental restaurant in Sacramento that they really liked. Just as Ching came into the backroom, and greeted Jarrod the front bell rang for the dining room. Ching bowed and excused himself, promising to come back.
He heard a voice with an English accent talking in a dialect similar to Ching's. His position in the back room gave him a clear view of the dining room, even as the red silk curtain hid his presence. He carefully peered around the curtain and saw Eamonn Burke, in his Saville Row summer suit. Jarrod admired the tailoring, and Eamonn's command of the language. It was his companion that had Jarrod losing interest in the documents in front of him.
