Nick's Little Girl

Chapters 1-9

by Cattis

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission.  No copyright infringement is intended by the author.  The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

 

 

 

 

Chapter one

 

Silas hurried to the door as he heard the knock. He had been in the dining room preparing the table for dinner. As he opened the door he was met by the sheriff’s worried face.

 

"Howdy Silas. Nick home?"

 

"No Sir but Mr Nick should be home soon. Anything I can tell him or will you wait?" Fred scratched his head so that his hat fell forward over his forehead.

 

"I don’t know." He looked down on a child standing besides him. "This child was apparently left at the railway station this morning. Someone saw her as early as when the first train from San Francisco left for Denver. So she must have been there for about nine hours I gather. She was brought to my office because nobody knew what to do. I was going to take her to the orphanage when she showed me this." He gave Silas an envelope. Silas looked at it and saw that it was addressed to Mr Nick. "I figured Nick would know what to do as she is apparently sent to him."

 

"Well, then she better come in. Do you want to wait for him too Sir?" Silas opened the door a bit more.

 

"No Silas, I don’t have the time. Tell Nick to get in touch with me tonight or tomorrow morning." He bent down. "Now Sweetheart, this man will take care of you until Nick comes home." He more or less pushed her to Silas as he gave him her suitcase. "Howdy."

 

"Well, come in Miss." Silas took the suitcase and closed the door. He walked over to the table, placed the suitcase underneath it and turned to the scared child. He wondered what Mr Nick would say when he got home. He looked at her and heeled down. "Now Missy, come here." He reached out his hand and watched her walk towards him. She was dressed in a bluish coat and a hat that matched. She held a doll made out of cloth tight against her body. As she took his hand he pulled her towards him. Holding her close to him with one hand he undid her hat with the other and took it off her. He placed it on the table. "Now the coat." He managed to undo the buttons with one hand and with a little help from her got it off her. He put it too on the table before taking a close look at her. Her clothes were worn but they were clean and carefully mended. She had a green dress and a white apron, worn shoes that had been polished, mahogany coloured hair that was braided and tied with a blue ribbon. Her green eyes looked tired and scared. He remembered that Fred had said that she had been sitting at the station since the morning. ‘Poor girl, who could leave a child that way?’ "Hungry?"

 

When she nodded he smiled widely towards her. "When Mr Nick was as big as you are he loved my pancakes. Now would that be fine?" She nodded again. "Ok, to the kitchen." He stood up and held out his hand. She took it and walked with him out to the kitchen. When she was seated by the table he got her a glass of milk and a cookie and started on the pancakes. Soon she was having the first pancake with some syrup. She tried to manage the fork that she had been given but with no luck so Silas gave her a spoon instead which worked much better. It worried him that she hadn’t said anything since came but he wasn’t going to force her to speak. Guessed everything was too scary for her. He poured up more milk and sat with her while she hungrily ate the food. When she finished the pancakes he pushed a plate with pieces of peaches on it. "Here, some fruit. I think I can hear Mr Nick. Now you wait here." She nodded and took a fruit as he stood up.

 

 

 

Nick and Heath were examining the clothes on the table and the suitcase.

 

"Did Mother mention anything about a young guest while she was gone?"

 

"Not that I remember. Perhaps someone from the orphanage has turned up?"

 

"With a suitcase? SILAS"

 

"I’m right here Mr Nick. The sheriff left a little girl for you."

 

"For me? Why?"

 

"She had this." Silas gave Nick the envelope just as Jarrod step inside. He took one look at the table and Nick opening the envelope.

 

"Problems Brother Nick?" Jarrod and Heath watched Nick read the letter and get paler the longer he read.

 

"Where is she Silas?"

 

"I got her in the kitchen; I’ll get her for you." He hurried out to the kitchen.

 

"Nick what is it, what does the letter say." Heath watched his brother sink down on the stairs. He held out the letter to them and Jarrod took it.

 

"Dear Nick,

About four years ago you visit Sparks and we met. Shortly afterwards I understood that I was in the family way but I made the decision not to disturb you about it, knowing that you had a family. I still wouldn’t if it hadn’t been for that the doctor today said I just have a few more days to live, if I’m lucky. I have nobody who can take care of Emily and there are no good orphanages around here so I have asked Mrs Woodman to follow her to Stockton tomorrow and explain things to you. Since the accident she hasn’t talked much. She is a good girl and will do what you ask her. I have packed her things in a suitcase. It has a false bottom, underneath it I have put Em’s birth certificate, other papers and things and the money I have left after giving Mrs Woodman what she needs for the train ticket.

Please see to it that she gets a good family.

Sincerely

Catherine Adams

 

"Boy Howdy, are you in trouble! What’s Mother going to say tomorrow when she gets home?"

 

"Do you remember her?" Nick shook his head and hid his face in his hands. Jarrod read the letter once more. "Nick let me check this before we decide what to do."

 

"WHAT TO DO? She is here now. Where the hell is this Mrs Woodman who is supposed to be here? SILAS" He stood up and paced. Silas came back into the foyer with Emily hiding behind him. When he stopped she hugged onto his leg, scared of the dark haired man who roared.

 

"There you are. Didn’t you say that Fred was here?"

 

"Yes, Mr Nick. Someone left this little one at the station this morning. She had been there since then, nearly 9 hours. He came with her because of the envelope Sir. Here is the little one." He tried to push her forward but she held harder onto him. "Missy, this is Mr Nick, the one who you were to see."

 

"Nick, take it easy, she looks afraid. It’s not her fault everything is a mess." Nick looked at Heath and growled.

 

"What cold hearted monster do you take me for?" He heeled in front of her. "Hi Emily, come let us have a look at you." Nick noted the sticky fingers and traces of food around her face. "Fed her Silas? Pancakes? Any left?"

 

"No pancakes left Mr Nick and dinner will be a bit late." Nick noted the doll and since Emily still hugged tight to Silas leg he decided to try something else.

 

"Now who have we got here?" He took one arm of the doll and shook it a little. "My name is Nick Barkley. Now what lovely name can such a lovely lady have?" Emily studied the man in front of her and she let go a little of Silas leg. The men hardly breathed as they looked intensely at her.

 

"Ollie" Her green eyes judged Nick.

 

"Did Ollie have all the pancakes or did she leave some for me?" She shook her head. "No Ollie didn’t eat them or?"

 

"Ollie didn’t have pancakes. Em did. Em ate all."

 

"Now how about that! If you had them all what shall I have for dinner?"

 

"He make more." Nick burst out laughing. Emily pulled back a little.

 

"Come here Sweetheart." Nick held out his arms. Emily looked up to Silas who with a nod gently gave her back a push. Emily remembered her mother’s words that she should listen and do what Mr Nick Barkley told her to do. And be a good girl and make her mother proud. With a small hesitation she went into his arms. He gently closed his arms and gave her a hug. Her sticky fingers went round his neck. Letting her sit on one arm he stood up. "Now that’s better. Want to meet the others?" Nick went over to his brother as Emily took a firmer grip around his neck. "This is Uncle Heath and this is Uncle Jarrod. How about you and I get upstairs to see if there is a room and a warm bath waiting for you? I know I need to change because I’m all dusty and so is Uncle Heath. And you young lady are all sticky." He turned to Silas. "What do you say about the corner room next to mine? Is it perfect for a little girl? Never mind we will have a look." He turned and walked up the stairs. Heath and Jarrod looked at each other.

 

"Silas, get dinner ready for us. Heath and I will get the young lady’s room ready while her daddy gives her a bath."

 

"Her daddy? I thought it was so. Why would anyone otherwise send a child like that?" He shook his head as he returned to the kitchen wondering what Mrs Barkley would say when she came home. Heath took her things from the table and the suitcase and went after Nick. Jarrod went first to the study to leave his papers and the letter that he was still holding. Suddenly it hit him that if Nick needed a change too, no he wouldn’t would he? Jarrod rushed out and up the stairs. He found his brothers and the little girl in the corner room. Heath stood scratching the back of his head studying the bed while Nick and Emily were unpacking her clothes. Emily saw Jarrod as he stood in the door and grabbed Nick’s leg. He looked up to see what caused it.

 

"Come on in. We are just getting settled in here. Not much to unpack. Heath, something bothering you?"

 

"Yep, the size of the bed and how it’s placed. Emily, where did you sleep in your house?" He bent down to her.

 

"With Mummy."

 

"Ok, how did the bed stand, hmmm, against one wall or like it does here out from the wall?"

 

"Inside the wall." She bit her lip. Heath touched her nose tip.

 

"Ok, then let move this bed a bit so you don’t end up on the floor." He lifted her up and sat her on the bed. "Nick a hand please."

 

"Boys, don’t you think you need to move away some furniture first before." Jarrod walked over and grabbed the chairs that stood by the wall. Nick and Heath went over and took the bureau. Then they carried the bed over to the wall.

 

"At least only one way to fall and my Mama used to put a chair in the way so that I shouldn’t fall if I remember it right. Bath for the young lady and then bed?" Heath looked at Nick who looked at his brothers.

 

"Well, hmmm, let start with the bath or shall you go first?"

 

"I can have a wash in my room. Let the girl have a bath. When she is done I can play with her while you get ready."

 

"Hey, have you two forgotten me? Both of you go and wash up. Emily and I are going to the bathroom. Come Emily, let’s get your night clothes and race those two to the bath." Jarrod held out his hand and Emily picked up Ollie and went to Jarrod and took his hand. He started to run and she ran with him laughing. Nick sank down on the bed when they had left the room.

 

"Oh boy, Heath. What shall I do?" He rubbed his temples. Heath sat down with him.

 

"You can’t leave her to anyone or anywhere until you are sure she is not yours, Nick. Let Jarrod check things out and Mother come home before you decide anything."

 

"But if she is mine, Heath how on earth shall I manage to take care of her? I, we have the ranch to run and I sure don’t know what little girls need."

 

"Don’t worry; you have Uncles Heath and Jarrod to help you. We will work things out. If I was you I would worry more about handling Mother tomorrow."

 

 

 

Jarrod and Emily were having fun in the bathroom. Jarrod had used some of Audra’s bubbles, in fact he had taken a bit too much so they had bubbles every where. Emily giggled into fits and Jarrod was soaked. When he was certain that she was clean enough he picked her up and put a large towel around her.

 

"Hmmm, its looks like we forgot your nightie young lady, let go and get it. Your father can tidy up here, don’t you agree with me." He carried her back into her room. As they passed Nick’s room, Jarrod opened the door a little and with a load voice declared that he was to clean the bathroom after them and then he closed the door and ran to her room. Even so they could hear Nick’s voice.

 

"WHAT?!"

 

"I don’t think your daddy was happy with that." He tickled her as he walked her to the bed. He looked in the wardrobe and found something that looked like a nightdress but nothing that was suitable as a dressing gown. "I guess daddy has to go shopping too but perhaps he can wait until his Mother comes home." He found a cardigan and helped her put it on. "Come, are you still hungry?"

 

"No, I had pancakes."

 

"I know you did. You had syrup everywhere." Chuckling he carried her out of her room. He met his brothers outside the bathroom. Heath had given Nick a hand and he too wasn’t happy.

 

"You just wait Pappy until we have dry clothes on again." Jarrod just waved and passed them.

 

 

 

Thirty minutes later the two brothers came down to dinner. They found a dry Jarrod and Emily in the study working. Jarrod was looking closer at the letter and going through old bookkeeping books, tracing Nick’s whereabouts four years ago. Emily was drawing. The young girl looked up when the brothers walked in.

 

"Here." She held up what she had done. Nick took it and studied it closely.

 

"Thank you. What is it?"

 

"Ick"

 

"Now I must say that is a big improvement to the real thing." Heath took a look at it too just as Silas came and told them that their dinner were ready.

 

"Ok, young lady. I guess you are not hungry but would you do us the honour and sit with us?" Nick lifted her up and they led the way to the dining room. Silas had put out a glass of milk and some cookies for her but also a plate in case she wanted some dinner. "Want to have some meat and potatoes?" She looked at him and nodded.

 

"Some." She wasn’t hungry but she was so used to eat when food was placed in front of her and she didn’t want to disappoint Nick that she decided she better have some.

 

"Are you sure? If you want you can just have the cookies and milk. I know that you had plenty of pancakes earlier." He saw her eyes look at the cookies and smiled. "You know what, Sweetheart, if you don’t tell my mother I think you can have just the cookies and skip the meat." He put her on the seat next him, pushed the chair as close as he could before he sat down himself. He reached for the cookies and put everything close to her. "There. These are Mother’s special ones. The once you don’t want I’ll have." He smiled as she quickly reached for one and served himself from the food on the table. The brothers started to discuss the work they had done during the day and what needed to be done the next day. Suddenly when Nick was about to stick the fork into a piece of meat he noticed a tiny hand take it. He cut some more and put it on the side and pretended not to see what she did. Heath and Jarrod had seen it too and smiled. She took a few pieces more before she replaced them with a cookie.

 

"I think I gained on this. I not only get dessert I also get a cookie. Thank you Sweetheart."

 

 

 

After dinner Emily crept up onto Nick’s lap and sat there while they sat in the office listening to what Jarrod had found during his book search. Her eyelids kept falling down. Nick noticed this and stroked her hair.

 

"I think this Lady is ready for bed. I’ll take her upstairs and try to remember the suitcase when I come down again." He carried her up and put her into the bed. He placed Ollie in her arms and pulled the cover up, kissed her head and put the chair so that she wouldn’t fall out of bed. He picked the suitcase up, left the door a bit opened before he walked down to his brothers.

 

"She is fast asleep. She had a very well read book but I don’t think she missed it tonight. Let have a look at this. A false bottom, hmmm, shouldn’t there be some lock somewhere?"

 

"Here my penknife." Heath reached him the item and held out the suitcases edges so that Nick could press the knife in the corner and then along the sides. Just as he reached the last bit there was a click. The wooden bottom raised a little and Nick peddled it up. Giving the bottom and knife to Heath Nick turned his attention to what was laying at the bottom. Jarrod joined them as Nick pulled out a small purse that contained the money Catherine had sent with her daughter, papers, a bible and a small box. They took everything to the table by the hearth and sat down. For a while they sat and just looked at what was in front of them.

 

"It’s not much Nick. Where do you want to start?" Jarrod looked at his brother, wondering what was going on in his head at the moment. "Something bothering you?"

 

"Well, I guess it’s some of questions popping up. Why wasn’t I notified when she was born? Who is Catherine? I don’t remember her, well not yet that is. Is she still alive? Shall I go to Sparks and find out? What will I find there? Why the hell did this Mrs Woodman just leave a small child at a strange railway station where something could have happened?"

 

"Let me wire the sheriff in Sparks and have him notify us if she is already dead and most of all what happened. Now shall we …“ He pushed the purse over to Nick. ”You open it and decide what it shall be used for."

 

"That’s easy. What ever is here shall go into a bank account for Emily." He opened it. There weren’t much, just $30 mostly in bits and nickels but guessing from what he had seen of her clothes he guessed it hadn’t been easy to save the money. He reached for the box instead. He placed it in front of him. "What do you think it is?"

 

"Could be a jewellery box but somehow I don’t think she had a lot of jewellery." Heath scratched his head. Nick found the lock and pressed it. There were a few bits of jewellery in it: a gold chain with a gold heart, a small gold ring with an emerald, a little medallion with some hair inside and a signet ring with the initials NB. There were also several photos and a little china dog.

 

"I remember this ring." Jarrod held it up. "Father gave it to you at your confirmation. Well at least it confirms that you have met Catherine Adams." Nick picked up the photos. He found a photo of him sitting down and a beautiful woman standing beside him. He studied it closely and tried to remember. Suddenly he could see a giggling girl with twinkling green eyes, not as slender as his mother and sister but just perfect for a man to hold. She had been soft and cuddly. He saw the one room house she had lived in, poor but clean and tidy.

 

"I was shot in my leg." He remembered. "Not badly but bad enough for not being able to ride home directly. Cathy took me in since the hotel wasn’t clean enough according to the doctor. She worked with him somehow." Heath and Jarrod studied him as he sat there trying to remember more of what had happened. Heath put his hand on Nick’s shoulder as Jarrod stood up and got him a glass of whisky. "If I remember right she sent Mother a wire telling her what had happened, that it would take me at least a week before I would be able to leave."

 

"Now that you mention that, hmmm, didn’t it take a month before you were back and you were still limping." Jarrod took the photo from Nick. "She was beautiful." He gave the photo to Heath.

 

"I can understand why she never told you Nick, about Emily. It was probably the same reason as my Mama had. Be happy that she at least trusted you enough that she now sent you and us Emily. I do think it is important for you and for Emily to know what happened, why she is here. Why don’t you and I go there if not tomorrow night so the day after. I’ll check the trains tomorrow."

 

"Thanks Heath. I’d appreciate that." He reached for the papers: Emily’s birth certificate indicated that she was born on May 29th 1876 and that her name was Emily Catherine, father unknown. Nick inhaled.

 

"But why, she could have put my name there." He felt like she had stabbed him.

 

"Could she Nick? She hadn’t told you." Jarrod saw the pain in his eyes. "Give me those. I’ll have that corrected." He took the paper and put it among the other things he was going to check. "What else is there?"

 

"Cathy’s papers that she had when she came to this country from England, papers from Castle Garden, New Jersey, hmmm, this was interesting, she has drawn a family tree and here she has started to write about her life, hmmm, it’s dated 30th May 1876 and addressed to Emily." He turned the pages to see where it ended. Catherine’s last note was done just over two weeks.

 

"Hope Emily doesn’t mind that I read these before her." He put them down and looked at the photos again. On the back tiny letters said who the people were on the front. Heath put the false bottom back and stood up.

 

"I don’t know what you are going to do but I’m turning in. See you tomorrow." He gave Nick’s shoulder a squeeze as he left.

 

"I think I’ll do the same Little Brother. Nick don’t sit up too long."

 

"Good night, no I won’t." After they had left him he sat looking at the photos. There was one of mother and daughter too. He needed to get two frames in the morning so that Emily could have them in her room. He put the lid on the box, gathered all the papers together and went upstairs. He stopped by his room where he left the papers and photos before going to check on his daughter. She was sitting up crying as he peeked inside her room so he walked over to her and sat down, putting the box on the chair.

 

"What’s the matter Sweetheart?" He lifted her up and put her on his lap, leaning her head against his chest. His arms surrounded her and his heart ached when he heard her sobs.

 

"I want Mummy."

 

"I know you do and I’m sorry Love that I can’t get her for you." He rocked her and started to hum a tune he remembered his mother had sung to Audra and Eugene. Emily sat in the warmth of his body until she had fallen back into sleep. Reluctantly Nick put her back in her bed and went to his room, leaving his door open so that he could hear her. He worried about leaving her alone in the room, alone in a new place. After tossing and turning for over an hour he got up, took his pillow and blanket and went to her room and made himself a bed on the floor next to her bed.

 

 

 

Chapter two

 

Nick woke up when someone shook his shoulder. As he opened his eyes he wondered for a second where he was. With the help of Heath Nick managed to sit up.

 

"Are you two training for the next trail?" Heath whispered and pointed beside where Nick had been laying. Some time during the night Emily had moved down to the floor too and was now sharing his blanket. "In that case I might want to join you since it seems comfy to camp indoors." He gave Nick a smile and winked.

 

"I was just worried that she would wake up crying again. Gee, I don’t even remember when she moved down here. What time is it?"

 

"Just five. I walked pass your room and noticed the open door and missing blanket. I guessed you were here. I’ll start in the barns, you take it easy this morning and I’ll see you at breakfast. We can make plans then." He stood up and left the confused Nick. After another look at his daughter he stood up and lifted her back to her bed. He was going to pull the blanket up when she woke up and two green eyes search for his hazel ones.

 

"Morning Ick." She smiled.

 

"Hello Sunshine. It’s still early so go back to sleep."

 

"You too?" She moved to the wall. "See room here. Please." She looked at him with sad eyes when he hesitated. He wasn’t sure how appropriate it was but his daughter needed him and that was more important so he lay down next to her and pulled the blanket up. Emily crept up to him and put her head on his chest. He stroked her hair and smiled to himself. It didn’t take long before both were back in dream land.

 

 

 

At eight Nick and Emily came down the stairs for breakfast meeting Heath as he just walked in. Nick had managed to get them both dressed in time and had combed Emily’s hair into a pony tail.

 

"Now if it isn’t the Barkley Sleeping Beauties. At least the sleep did well on one of you. Morning Honey, did you fall out of bed last night?" he bent down and touched her nose tip getting a giggle as response.

 

"Ick slept on floor. I keep him company. Can you do my hair?" Heath looked at it.

 

"Looks fine with me, Emily. What’s wrong with it?"

 

"Not like mummy does. I want it twisted." Her eyes started to be tear filled again. Heath looked desperately at Nick.

 

"I think she wants it braided. That was what it was yesterday. I have been trying for thirty minutes but I just can’t get it right. When I think its good enough she just pulls it out again. Honest, I gave up and so did she. This was our compromise."

 

"Sorry, Emily. I’m no good at it. Perhaps Jarrod can? I’ll see you both in a few minutes at the table." He headed up the stairs to wash while the other two continued into the dining room. Nick showed her what there was to eat and she told him what she wanted and soon both father and daughter were enjoying their food. It didn’t take long before they were joined by the two uncles. Jarrod was amused when Heath told him about Nick sleeping on the floor but before he could start to tease him about it Silas brought in a wire from Victoria. She had to delay her departure from her friends for a few more days but would be home by the latest, next Saturday. Nick frowned.

 

"Next Saturday will be too late. Oh well, we will just have to hope the sheriff can provide us with enough information."

 

"Too late Nick?" Jarrod looked at him.

 

"Well, I was hoping Mother wouldn’t mind taking care of Emily, don’t think she should have to do the trip again and watch her mummy pass away."

 

"Silas, Brother Nick seems to think that you and I can’t look after a certain young lady. Shall we accept that?"

 

"No, Mr Jarrod. I’m sure we can. It’s just for a few days."

 

"I don’t know."

 

"Nick, I can work from the ranch, if I need to go into Stockton, I’m sure Silas can handle it or she can join me. It’s important that you and Heath are on that train tonight."

 

"He is right Nick. I’ll talk to McCall about next week and you can be with Emily today. Show her around and so on."

 

"She needs clothes Nick and shoes. It can’t wait until Mother comes home. The poor girl hasn’t got a proper nightdress, no dressing gown and if I remember things correctly she is now wearing her best dress. If you need to order it do so and I’ll pick it up."

 

"You know what that means." His face twisted.

 

"Yes, little Brother, you have to go into the Ladies confection shop and talk about girl clothes. Just be happy she is just three and not thirteen." Both Nick and Heath blushed slightly both thinking that it was one thing taking those items off a woman but shopping! Nick looked at Emily enjoying her food, humming and scratched his head.

 

"I guess this is a parent thing. At least I know it won’t take all day as it would do if it was Audra or Mother. Think I should wire Mother and let her know about Emily?"

 

"NO." Both Heath and Jarrod looked at him in panic.

 

"Why not, then she might have calmed down by the time she gets back home?

 

"Or she will be here tomorrow when you are out of town and I have to deal with her. Nick, don’t. Its better she gets to meet this sweet young child first." During the rest of the breakfast they talked over what needed to be done while Nick and Heath were away.

 

 

 

A few hours later Nick and Emily drove into Stockton. Emily had insisted on wearing her worn coat and Nick didn’t have the heart to argue with her. As they passed the sheriff’s office Fred called out.

 

"NICK." He pulled the reins, stamped on the break and stopped. He greeted the sheriff.

 

"What can we do for you Fred? It has to be quick because I’m taking this lovely lady out shopping." Fred looked at the child and smiled.

 

"Ok that I left her at the ranch? Didn’t want to take her to the orphanage since she had the note,"

 

"Ok, it’s my daughter Emily. Emily this is Sheriff Fred. Fred meet Emily."

 

"Daughter? Does your mother know?" When he saw the look in Nick’s eyes he chuckled. "Boy, are you in trouble. Well, Miss Emily you better keep an eye on your Father."

Nick got the buggy going and in no time they reached the dressmaker. He secured the horses and got down. After lifting down Emily he took her hand and they walked inside Miss Jocelyn’s. The women in the shop looked up and stopped what they were doing watching Nick enter the shop. He went to the counter and waited for some help. It didn’t take long until Miss Jocelyn herself came to his rescue.

 

"What can I help you with?"

 

"This young lady needs a whole new wardrobe from inside and out and I mean everything. Mother is out of town so I’d appreciate the help." Jocelyn leaned over the counter and saw the young lady. She walked around the counter and heeled down.

 

"Welcome, Miss. Now what would such a lady like when it comes to colour?" Jocelyn studied the girl as she instinctively hugged firmly onto Nick’s leg. When no answer came from Emily she stood up again. "She is a sweet child; let me see what I’ve got at home. If I haven’t got it I’ll write it down and you can ask in the store. Come in here so we get some privacy." Jocelyn had noticed the women looking and whispering together in the shop.

 

 

 

After an hour they left the shop with several boxes and a list of things that needed to be added. They drove to each shop on the list and got what was needed. As they were about to leave for the ranch they heard a whistle. Jarrod came towards them. He smiled as he saw Emily, who sat proudly next to Nick in a new dress, shoes and with braids in her hair.

 

"Finished?"

 

"Yes." Nick sighed. "I don’t ever want to go in a shop again. God, the women in them. If Mother manages to get home without hearing anything we will need to get her to doctor Merar." Jarrod chuckled.

 

"Well, that’s parenting for you. How about some toys? Now that would be a shop you both would like." He laughed as he saw Nick’s eyes brighten up.

 

"You're right. Emily needs something to play with beside Ollie. Coming with us?"

 

"I’m just going to check if I have got any answers from Sparks, then I’ll catch up with you in the toy store, OK?"

 

"Sure." He got the horse going and a few blocks later he stopped the buggy, lifted out his girl and took her in to a shop he felt more comfortable in. Joined by both Jarrod and Heath a little later they spent nearly an hour picking out toys and books for the girl. Emily herself had found a book and sat the whole time looking in it. When she noticed that Nick was to pay she tugged at his trousers.

 

"Em want this." Nick bent down, surprised since she hadn’t asked for anything during the whole day.

 

"What have you got there?" He took the book and read the title: The Ugly Duckling by H.C.Andersen. He turned the pages and saw the resemblance to the book she had by her bed already. "Ok, Mr Wood. Wait we want this one too." He gave it to Wood to wrap but when he did Emily cried out.

 

"No, me want."

 

"Sweetheart, Mr Wood will just put some cover on for the trip home. He’ll make you a parcel of it."

 

"No." Her lip was trembling. Nick quickly stood up and Wood gave him the book back. When Emily had the book securely in her arms he lifted her up. His brothers took the parcels and carried it out to the rest. After placing Emily on the seat he turned to Jarrod.

 

"Found out anything?"

 

"Got an answer that he will wire later today when he has full information but that Miss

Adams was still alive but very weak and probably would not survive many more days or even hours”.

 

“Go home Nick, unpack everything and get ready to leave tonight. I’ll meet you at home Nick. I’ll get tickets and time for the train. Tell Silas to include me for lunch." Heath started towards the railway station.

 

"Ok, see you later. Counting on you being home in time Jarrod."

 

 

 

Silas helped Nick and Emily to unpack everything. He filled her drawers with underpants, petticoats, socks and linen, hung up the dresses, cardigans and the coats, put the hats on the shelf, shoes at the bottom.

 

"Mr Nick, I think you are worse than Miss Audra but the little one did need it. Shall I get rid of her old clothes?" Nick looked at Emily as she was seated on the floor with the book.

 

"No, Silas. Let’s just put them in the suitcase. One day when she is old enough she might want to know about her mother and her life before coming here. Let save everything until then." He walked over to her and sat down on the bed.

 

"Shall you or I read while Silas fixes lunch for us?"

 

"Em read." She started to point at the pictures and told Nick the story about the ugly duckling. Nick sat beside her listening to her version and quickly reading it at the same time. The girl knew the story by heart.

 

 

 

After a lunch that was eaten in the kitchen Emily rode on Nick’s shoulders down to the barn. The hands who were in there came to say hallo and play with her while Nick checked that everything was ok for the days they were going to be gone.

 

"Are you leaving the lassie here Nick?" Duke nodded his head towards the hands that were playing horse with her.

 

"Yes, Jarrod and Silas have promised to take care of her. She did the trip a yesterday and I don’t want her to see her mother dying if I can avoid it."

 

"And then what? Have you thought of what you are going to do? You can hardly …"

 

"She is staying here that is the only thing I’m sure of right now. I have to deal with Mother first when she gets home. "

 

"Remind me to be far away when Mrs B comes home." He chuckled. "The wooden spoon might show again."

 

"Thanks for reminding me to burn them all before I leave. Emily, come on, let us go and see the animals." She came running to him and he bent down and lifted her up on his arm and they walked to the bull. The hands stood smiling at their boss.

 

"That lass will get what she wants Heath." Duke turned to the man standing next to him.

 

"Yup, if her father doesn’t get it for her, one of her uncles will. According to Nick she only asked for one thing today when they shopped and that was a book. Better catch up with them, who knows what Nick will tell her otherwise."

 

 

 

The afternoon went by fast and Jarrod got home just as Nick had given his daughter a bath. They were sitting on her bed getting her dressed for bed. Jarrod stood watching amazed at his brother’s ways with the young girl. He smiled as Nick struggled with the small button in the dressing gown.

 

"Know Em, we should have gotten the other one with just a belt but then it wasn’t as pretty as this was."

 

"No, I like this."

 

"Tomorrow Em, when you wake Daddy won’t be here but Uncle Jarrod and Mr Silas will. Now you will listen to them and be a good girl won’t you?" He put his arms around her and held her close.

 

"I want to be with you." Her lip started to tremble.

 

"I have to go and see Mummy and she is very ill and little girls can’t come. I’ll be back as soon as I can Sweetheart."

 

"Promise?"

 

"Promise."

 

"Nick, you better get going or you’ll miss the train." Jarrod hated himself for disturbing the father/daughter moment. Nick looked up and sighed. He stood up and carried her over to Jarrod.

 

"Ok Uncle Jarrod. You better be good to this lady." Jarrod took her from Nick.

 

"I’m sure we will have some fun. Don’t you think so Emily?"

 

"Yes." She looked longingly at Nick. He kissed her gently and left them. Jarrod followed after them. Heath stood downstairs with their suitcases and an envelope. He went to the door as Nick walked down the stairs. Just as Nick was going to walk out of the door he looked back and his heart nearly died. Emily was looking at him with her big green eyes, filled with tears. Heath took a firm grip on his brother’s arm and pulled him out and shut the door. Duke was waiting with the wagon and they climbed up.

 

30 minutes later they climbed the train heading for Sparks. Heath gave Nick the envelope.

 

"From Jarrod. That’s why he was so late." Nick opened it and looked at the papers. A few news paper notes telling about an accident in Sparks where a young mother and her child were run down by the postal coach and didn’t get any help until several hours later even if there were witnesses. There was the wire from the sheriff and a wire from the doctor too.

 

"He must have been told that someone asked about Cathy. I hope we make it Heath. I so regret not going back and to think I was so angry with Father for not going back to Strawberry for you and then I go and do the same thing."

 

"Know what Nick it can happen to any of us. I have never gone back either, just kept going. Just think of what to do next."

 

"First Sparks around lunch time tomorrow and then Mother on Saturday. Let’s get some sleep."

 

 

 

Chapter three

 

A week later Victoria walked through the front door and into the house. After putting down her suitcase she noticed the little girl in her dressing gown sitting on the stairs with a ragdoll and a book. The girl had a look of disappointment on her face as she watched Victoria.

 

"Hello, and who are you?"

 

"You are not Ick. I want Ick to come."

 

"Ick" Victoria thought for a second ‘Ick could it be Nick’? "I’m Nick’s mother. I must say my son has some bad manners for leaving such a lovely lady all by herself, waiting on the stairs." Both Silas and Jarrod had by now reached the foyer.

 

"Uncle Arrad said Ick come home today. I wait for Ick. You said Ick come" Emily saw Jarrod and looked accusingly towards him.

 

"I know Sweetheart but the train must be late. I’m sure they are on their way. Hello Mother, welcome home."

 

"Thank you Jarrod. Here Silas would you mind taking these upstairs while Jarrod tells me about Ick’s young girlfriend here. I mean she is a bit too young even for him I should think."

 

"Come Mother and I’ll explain everything. Are you staying there Emily?" She nodded and pulled Ollie into a firmer grip.

 

"Mother sit down. Have a glass of sherry and I’ll tell you what has happened during the last week." Jarrod described in detail how Emily had turned up last Friday, about the letter and what he and his brothers had found out during the past week. Victoria had had a long trip on the train and three hard weeks at her sister’s and for once she lost her control.

 

"Damn it, what is it with the Barkley men? Can’t you keep your pants on? He was too ill to travel home but he could be with a woman. And now this person has sent the child here asking him to take care of it. I think not. That child is not staying in my house. She should have been taken care at once. " Emily heard every word Victoria shouted at Jarrod as he tried to calm her but with no success. "And then Nick has the nerve to leave her here while he rushes of to the so-called mother. You just wait until he comes home, that spoon of mine will be ready as grown he is." She paced around, clutching her fists breathing hard. Emily rushed up the stairs with tears running down her cheeks, thinking Victoria an evil woman and didn’t like her or Ick. She found her suitcase and packed it with what she could. Over her dressing gown she put her worn coat before she grabbed the handles and Ollie. Not being able to carry the suitcase she pulled it along the hall and down the first few steps. She had made it halfway down when the oak door opened again and Nick and Heath entered, both tired and worn after the events during the past few days.

 

"DADDY." Emily dropped the case and threw herself at Nick, grabbing him around the waist before he got a chance to do anything. He noticed the suitcase and stroked her hair gently as he tried to get out of her grip.

 

"Hello Sweetheart, where do you think you are going?" His heart felt soft having heard her say daddy for the first time and not just Ick. He managed to heel down, picked her up on his arm and nuzzled into her hair. As he stood up he suddenly noticed Victoria, still having her coat on and smiled.

 

"Hello Mother. Have you just arrived too?"

 

"She hate me." Emily hid her face in Nick’s neck.

 

"She does? I don’t believe you."

 

"She does. She say she use spoon." Heath exchanged looks with Jarrod and got worried.

 

"Spoon, huh, well we better hurry upstairs before she catches us then because that one is painful." He grabbed his suitcase and Emily’s on the way up and started to walk up the staircase.

 

"NICHOLAS JONATHAN BARKLEY you come down here at once." Victoria fixed her eyes on him. Normally Nick would have listened and obeyed that voice and tone but not tonight. Not with his little girl so scared. He had so longed to be with her again and he was not going to let that be ruined. He turned slightly and looked at her.

 

"Mother, I have had a tough week, a horrible train ride home and it looks like it has been the same for you. Before we start yelling and saying things we will regret tomorrow I suggest we get some sleep. I’ll talk to you after you have been to church tomorrow. Good night." He turned back and continued to Emily’s room. Stunned his brothers stood looking at him and then turned to Victoria.

 

"He is right, Mother. Come I’ll help you up to your room." Heath took Victoria by her elbow but she shook his hand off.

 

NO, why didn’t you bring the so called mother of THAT child."

 

"Because she died two days ago with Nick and a priest by her side. Nick asked her to marry him but she said no, not wanting to leave him as a widower. Told him to find Emily a good home instead. She was an honest and decent girl Mother. You would have liked her. Perhaps if she hadn’t thought you were his wife when she wired to tell you he was hurt, who knows what might have been them. Well, I’ll tuck in too. I agree with Nick." He took his suitcase and left Jarrod, Silas and Victoria standing in the foyer.

 

 

 

Chapter four

 

His mind registered that something was touching his eyelids. It was annoying and irritating. Slowly surfacing to a more woken state his arm started to push away the annoying object. His hand grabbed something small and soft. A whining sound made him open one eye. There in front of him stood Emily.

 

"Sweetheart, what are you doing here? Can’t you sleep?" He moved in a bit to let her creep up beside him. She moved close to him, resting her head on his chest, holding Ollie tight to her body. He tucked the blanket around her and kissed her cheek. He could taste the salt from tears on her cheek. "Em, what’s wrong? Everything is going to be fine." He held her close to him.

 

"Will she send me away?"

 

"In that case I’m going too. Mother was just very tired tonight and she was angry with me, not you."

 

"Why, you didn’t do wrong, Em wait for you."

 

"It was something that happened before you were born, Love, not tonight. Now get back to sleep. Tomorrow we will sort things out with your grandmother."

 

 

 

Hours later Nick was woken up again. This time he just pulled the blanket over his head, trying to get away from the one pulling at his blanket. He felt a weight sit down on the bed and sighing he looked over to see who it was.

 

"Morning Big Brother. Got company again I see. Now isn’t she a bit young even for you?" Nick growled and tried to sit up without waking Emily.

 

"Time?"

 

"Five. Church?"

 

"I guess so. Coming?"

 

"I guess so. Sunrise?"

 

"Ok." Heath walked out of Nick’s bedroom, heading for the kitchen and a quick cup of coffee before heading out to get the horses ready.

 

"Em, do you want to come with Daddy and Uncle Heath?"

 

"Yes." Two tired but shining eyes looked at him.

 

"Then go to your room and start getting dressed and I’ll be there when I’m dressed to help you OK?" Emily nodded, slipped out of bed and ran off to her room. Smiling Nick got dressed and ready to go out. As he entered his daughter’s room he smiled even wider, Emily was sitting on the floor trying to put on her shoes on the wrong foot, she was wearing her coat over her night dress but her socks were on. "Take it easy, child. Let us start all over again. Heath will wait for us." He stood her up, pulled her nightie and coat off as one, got a dress, pulled it down, put her shoes on and got her coat. As he carried her towards the stairs he grabbed a blanket to wrap her in.

 

"Hi, Uncle Heath. Me too."

 

"I see that, Sweetie. Shall I hold her while you get on Coco?"

 

"Nope, but you can hold this." He reached Heath the blanket before placing Emily in the saddle. As he sat up he held a tight grip of her dress, reins and the saddle. When he was seated he got the blanket back and put it around the little girl. With a look at Heath the brothers pressed their horses to a trot and left.

 

 

 

Letting go of the curtain Victoria went back to bed. She had hardly slept at all during the night and therefore heard when Emily first had gone to Nick and then when she had run back into her room. Knowing her sons she had guessed they would head out to watch the sunrise and she had gone up to watch them from her window. As she laid down she looked at the photo of her husband and tears run down her cheeks.

 

"Tom, why did he have to follow your footsteps in everything?" Feeling very sorry for herself she started to think of what had happened last night when she had gotten home. She tried to remember what Jarrod had told her about the child, Nick and what Heath had said about the woman. "If she hadn’t thought you were his wife when she wired to tell you he was hurt." She said the words out loud a couple of times. Suddenly she remembered something and got up to her desk. She had saved every letter, every piece of paper anything that concerned her children. Each one of them had their own box, so finding what she was looking for was easy. Nick had one of the larger boxes. She took it with her back to bed and started to look for the wire. There it was. She remembered the horror and relief she had felt when she first received it. Horror because he was hurt and relief because they found out what had happened.

 

"Dear Mrs Barkley,

I have to inform you that Mr Nick Barkley has been shot in his left leg. Doctor says he can’t travel to Stockton for another week.

Catherine Adams"

 

Jarrod and she had decided to not go up and get him, but had wired to the doctor for more information. Victoria looked around in the box for another piece of paper.

 

Mr Nicholas Barkley was shot outside the saloon in Sparks as he passed by on his way to the hotel. He had just left his horse in the livery that lies next door to the saloon. He was brought to me and I operated to remove two bullets. I recommended that he stay with my nurse as the hotel isn’t the best place to heal a bullet wound and the beds at the clinic were all occupied. I estimate that it will take a few more weeks before he can ride home.

Dr Joseph Brown

 

It had taken a month before Nick had wired that he was on the way home. She put the papers back into the box and concentrated on what had happened when he was back at home again: the railroad and Heath. She sat in the bed looking out of the window, seeing the sunrise so far way in the horizon.

 

 

 

The brothers arrived at the hill where they would go every Sunday they could or any other day too to watch the sun greet the day. Placing Emily in between them they sat down leaning against a large oak. Nick put a finger over his lips to show her that she had to be quiet and then he pointed towards the sun. The little girl sat there wrapped in the blanket watching the yellow boll get larger and larger. Her tiny arms were holding her Ollie. As the sun was nearly up she looked up at her father and smiled, her eyes glittering with happiness. Nick lifted her up and placed her on his lap, resting her head against his chest. Heath took out his tobacco and started to roll a cigarette. He looked over to Emily and when he saw that she had fallen asleep he smiled.

 

"You are going to have to deal with Mother today."

 

"I know."

 

"What are you going to do?"

 

"I know what I’m not going to do. I’m not sending her away. If she goes so do I. After Mother’s outburst last night and Emily’s tears and fear I thought that perhaps she and I, if Mother is the same today, I think that either we leave the ranch or perhaps we should just move to the house we have by the lake. I don’t know what will be best for Emily."

 

"You are staying where you are now. She needs her uncles too. Just get Mother to understand. Besides I think you were right last night, she was tired too. After Church perhaps Emily, Jarrod and I can go over to the Sunday school and see if they have room for one more. It will do her good to meet other kids too. Guess she only had her old uncle Jarrod and Silas to play with the whole week."

 

"I guess that means I should talk to Mother then. Perhaps I can get our dear priest to be there so she doesn’t kill me." His lips twisted. "It’s strange Heath, a little more than a week ago I didn’t know about this sweetheart and today I can’t think of a life without her." He leaned her against his chest as he put his arms around her. Heath leaned forward and stroked away some hair from her face and adjusted the blanket.

 

"I know Nick." They sat there for a little while longer before realizing that they had to be going home. Heath helped Nick with Emily and they slowly rode back to the ranch.

 

 

 

"Emily, I’m sorry I still don’t know how to braid a young lady's hair. Perhaps if I just brush it out and tie a nice ribbon that matches your dress. Please." Nick looked pleadingly at the girl standing in front of him. Over and over again she had pulled out the ribbon not being happy with what he had done. Tears were filling her eyes as she continued to ask for "twisted hair". He held up a nice green ribbon hoping that it would smooth her feelings a little. From the door Victoria watched them. She had been standing for a while watching Emily getting dressed with Nick’s help and noticing his helplessness when it came to her hair. She hesitated to come forward, remembering the child’s reaction last night.

 

"Perhaps I can be of some help or we might miss church." She saw how the girl quickly crept into Nick’s arms for protection and her heart cringed. She really must have hurt the child.

 

"Em, it’s a good idea. She knows how to do braids. If you sit on my lap is it Ok?" Nick stroked away a tear from the soft cheek. He looked up at his mother and handed her the ribbon and brush.

 

"Does the young lady want one or two?" Victoria got a chair and sat down beside the bed. She gently pulled the brush through the thick mahogany coloured hair.

 

"Two please." A very tiny voice answered her.

 

"Ok, then two it will be. Do you want them placed on top of your head or hanging loose?" Emily turned slightly and looked at the woman sitting behind her. Her green eyes were judging Victoria and she was about to bite her lip when Nick cut in.

 

"What do you say Sweetheart? On top sounds interesting, can’t remember if I have seen that before." Emily narrowed her eyes a little against Victoria before she nodded. Victoria realised that she had been granted a big favour being allowed to help her, that the child would rather have preferred her father’s clumsy try.

 

"Did your mother put the braids on the top?" She nodded. "Ok, want something else?" She shook her head. Victoria went ahead and did the hair. Nick sat watching hoping to understand the moves, understanding why Emily called it twisting.

 

 

 

A few hours later Emily was sitting between Victoria and Jarrod in the buggy while Heath and Nick rode beside it. Nick kept his eyes mostly on his daughter and Coco more than once managed to correct his moves by choosing his own path. When they all arrived at the church Victoria quietly talked to Jarrod, who nodded. He helped his Mother down from the buggy before turning to Emily.

 

"Jarrod, that lady is mine." He smiled as he heard his brother growl low behind him.

 

"Your daddy is going to be one cranky mean old man when the boys want to take you out for dates, Emily. I think your uncles will have to tell you some good stories about him so you have something to fire back with." Smiling he stepped aside. Emily held her arms out to Nick, who gently lifted up and put her down beside him. He straightened her dress.

 

"Don’t you believe a word he has to say about me." He stood up and held out his hand. Emily took a firm hold of it and they started to walk towards the Church. Suddenly she stopped and pulled at his arm. Nick bent down.

 

"Something wrong? Do you need to go .., well you know?"

 

"No, not pee. Can’t go. Got no book or shiny thing."

 

"Book, shiny thing?

 

"Mummy open book and sing, then man came and I put shiny thing in his thing." Emily’s eyes looked at her father.

 

"Emily, we keep those books at the Church all the time, that’s why we haven’t got any with us. And here …" He got out a handful of coins and let her chose which one she wanted. She picked a bit and smiled back.

 

"You got many."

 

"I know, have one more." She took one more and held hard on to them. Nick put the rest back and stood up. He saw his Mother and brothers talk to the priest, all looking at them both. He didn’t like that. "Come on Sweetheart, we mustn’t be late." They walked up to the stairs. "Emily, this is Father Peter. He is our priest." Emily curtsied as her mother had taught her to do for the priest as her grip on Nick’s hand tightened.

 

"Welcome Emily. You do look pretty in that green dress." The priest bent down and talked to her. Emily tried to hide behind Nick’s legs. "Don’t be shy Child. You are always welcome to the Church. Perhaps you would like to join the other children at our Sunday school?" Emily still stood behind Nick, carefully peeping at the priest, judging if he was a kind person or not. When she didn’t move Nick bent down and lifted her up. Sitting on her father’s strong arm she entered the Church. Nick walked to the bench the Barkley family had been sitting in since the Church was built. The women watched him take his place, placing Emily beside him. Victoria followed and sat next to Emily.

 

 

 

Emily sat quietly listening to the words the priest said, perhaps not understanding everything but she felt that he was very different to the priest at home. He wouldn’t even let her mother and she sit in the front, only at the back and he would never talk to them if it wasn’t for hurting her mother. Her arm and hand was resting on her father’s leg. Nick put an arm around her and held her close to him. When it was time to sing Victoria helped her to find the right page in the psalm book. Emily was enjoying the service and the calm and beautiful Church. Now and then she looked up at Nick and smiled. Nick smiled back. Father Peter watched the child from where he stood. The family had quickly informed him about her and asked a favour from him. He had hesitated but watching Nick with the girl made him realise that it was the right thing to do. Seriously he started to tell the congregation about who had been born, married and died in the parish.

 

"We also wish our Lord to take care of Catherine Adams from Sparks, beloved mother of Emily Adams Barkley, who passed away three days ago after an accident. And we welcome Emily to our parish." Nick squeezed his daughter’s shoulder as the priest read out her name.

 

"Mummy" Emily felt tears come when she heard her Mothers name read out. Victoria quickly took out a hankie as Nick lifted her up in his lap. The rest of the service she sat resting her head against his chest. Nick felt pride pound in his chest.

 

 

 

Afterwards Nick talked to Heath and Jarrod outside the Church while they were waiting for their Mother. Emily was sitting on his arm leaning her head against his. Victoria had been stopped by friends on the way out of Church.

 

"Nick, you need to talk to Mother alone. It seems she might have changed her mind but you still need to sort things out. We can take Emily to the Sunday school, so she at least can get a look at it. If she doesn’t want to stay, we’ll leave." Heath tried to reason with his brother. "Emily, would you like to meet some other children? Uncle Jarrod and Heath will come with you."

 

"Daddy?" Emily put her arms around Nick’s neck.

 

"He has to talk to his Mother."

 

"You and Arrod come?"

 

"Yes, Sweetheart, we will and we will stay as long as you want." Emily looked at Nick and kissed him before she leaned over and reached her arms to Heath.

 

"Alright, I know when I’m beat. Just don’t get too distracted by Miss Jones"

 

 

 

Chapter five

 

Nick escorted his mother to the buggy but as soon as they reached it she changed her mind and walked towards the park where Tom Barkley’s statue stood. Nick walked beside her adjusting his steps to hers. As they entered the park he led her to the bench by his father and motioned her to sit down.

 

"I guess there is a reason for you wanting us to talk here instead of at home. Think I’ll behave more?"

 

"No Nick, I hope I’ll behave better." She looked at her son and touched his cheek. "What do you plan to do?"

 

"I’m keeping her if that is what you are wondering. She is not going to lose me too. Had I known she was out there I would have done something about it long ago. Now all I can do is give her the best upbringing I can."

 

He rested his elbows against his knees. Slowly he turned towards his mother. "I guess your next question is how I’m going to handle a toddler and the ranch?" She nodded. "Heath and I discussed it on the train. Mrs Evanson has a couple of kids around that age. I’m going to ask her if she will look after Emily during the day and if I need to go away. That way Silas and Jarrod can go back to their duties and Em will be around friends. Also …"

 

"What about me?"

 

"You?" Nick looked at his mother with surprise. After her outburst yesterday he didn’t think she wanted anything more than necessary to do with his daughter.

 

"Yes me. It seems to me that while I was away I turned into a grandmother. I admit I had hoped for a daughter-in-law before that happened but as it is it didn’t turn out that way. I think I can handle a toddler, God knows I had the practice and she can’t be worse than you were."

 

"But after last night …"

 

"I was tired and the last thing I needed was a reminder of the past. This morning after the three of you left I searched my memory. What happened has happened but it’s not the child’s fault. I spent the night wondering why on earth you had to make the same mistakes as your father until I realised that perhaps she is a blessing instead, just like Heath. What worries me Nick and this concerns all three of you, is how many women are there, that might have given birth to one of your children and that we don’t know about?" Nick looked puzzled at his mother before he understood what she was hinting at and he felt the red colour rise on his cheeks.

 

"Huh, can’t answer for the others but none that I know of."

 

"That’s the point Nick. How many Leah’s and Catherine’s are there?"

 

"Do you want me to write to every woman I have been with? It might be a bit hard."

 

"No Nick. I just want you and your brothers to be more careful. And yes, I’ll tell them myself. But we do have a problem and that is your daughter."

 

"I told you I would take care of her."

 

"You are not taking her to some other woman, not as long as I’m at home and still can do it. The problem is will she let me?"

 

"I’m sure she will Mother, when she understands that you are not angry with her. I think that just like Heath she has seen the bad side of life."

 

"Did you get a chance to talk to her? Catherine?"

 

"Yes, she was still alive when we came, just barely that is. I wanted to marry her but she said no. Didn’t want to leave a widower, only wanted me to take care of our daughter. I promised her I would and that I’d take Em to England one day. We saw to it that she got a decent burial and then we sorted her belongings. The doc’s wife helped us. She packed things she knew Em would want after her Mother, told us about some of the things that didn’t look much but apparently meant a lot. I hope it will be long before I ever have to pack someone’s belongings together again." Victoria stroked her son’s back.

 

"I hope so too Nick. I don’t recall you having anything with you last night."

 

"Nope, didn’t have anything." Nick looked at his hands before running them through his hair. "We sold what we couldn’t take. There are a few pieces of furniture and a chest to be picked up from the railroad. We stored it there last night instead of renting a wagon, decided it would be better to go and pick it up tomorrow. Don’t know if Em should be with us or not."

 

"Perhaps not but then perhaps it would be a good thing for her to have the things she knows about around her. Can they be used?"

 

"What?"

 

"The furniture."

 

"Of course. You don’t think I would drag broken things around the country, do you?

 

"When it comes to you I don’t know. Sometimes you and your brother are the most sentimental boys I know. Come, I think Sunday school is over." She stood up and when he followed her she took his elbow.

 

 

 

When they came up to the buggy Emily came running towards him with tears running down her cheeks. He took a few steps towards her and crouched so that he was on a level with her. Within seconds she put her arms around him, buried her head against his neck.

 

"Huh, what happened? Where are your uncles?" Victoria put her hand on Nick’s shoulder as she saw Heath come running towards them.

 

"Be calm Nick. I’m sure they have a perfectly good explanation. Let’s hear it first and remember you have a child by your side." Before Heath had reached them Emily sobbed from her father’s chest.

 

"He said Mommy’s dead. That she was …" she inhaled, "box." Nick let his large hand gently caress her back as he stood up. Victoria reached out and touched his shoulder as he turned and walked back to the bench. When Heath got to Victoria she stopped him and while he caught his breath Jarrod turned up too.

 

"I talked to Miss Jones. She is going to explain to the other children that Emily is too little to know what dead means and while she’s at it she’s going to talk about the word bastard."

 

"I could have strangled that kid myself." Heath’s voice was low.

 

"Hmm, how come Emily was so much ahead of you? I would think …."

 

"I had two little girls in my lap as I had started to read a book about the three wise men; Jarrod was at another table talking with a group that was making something. Before we could do anything Emily stormed out of the door, in true Nick fashion, after she knocked down the kid with the book she had been looking in. She …" He smiled. "I think that kid wanted to make her cry, to start something, probably not really knowing what he said, it’s just he picked the fight with the wrong child."

 

"I checked the Person kid was alright. He was, just a little shocked that a girl hit him, even if it was with a book. I doubt very much he will ever try it again. I guess this was a Sunday school day everybody will be talking about. Shall we go after them?"

 

"No, pity it’s Sunday or we could have gone to the Cattlemen’s or Aunt Agda’s Café. Now we will just have to make do with some coffee at your office Jarrod. Let us take the buggy and horses there so Nick sees where we are."

 

"Mother, perhaps we should just go home? Emily can ride with Nick."

 

"Not on a Sunday and not in that dress. As far as I know that is the young lady’s best one. When she and I have had a look at what she has in clothes perhaps, but …" She stopped seeing Heath’s grin and Jarrod’s wide smile. "What?"

 

"If you knew what Nick had to go through so that Emily could get a decent wardrobe. She hardly had anything when she turned up. Come, coffee it is."

 

 

 

Nick sat with Emily in front of the statue that he just had left with his mother a few minutes before. Her tears still ran down her cheeks but her sobs had stopped. He found his hankie, gently wiped her tears before helping her to blow her nose.

 

"In a way the boy is right Emily. Your Mommy is dead and in a box but she is also an angel guarding you from above. And as long as you remember her and she is in your heart she will be alive in a way. When somebody dies we put them in a box, a coffin, and bury it in a churchyard or somewhere else that is a special place. See this man." Nick pointed at the statue. "That is your grandfather, my father. When he died we buried him where he had died. I’ll show you the place. Uncle Jarrod promised me that he would arrange so that we can bring your Mommy to the same spot."

 

"Mommy." Emily’s voice was hardly heard. Nick took a deep breath and continued.

 

"Remember last week when you had to stay at home with Uncle Jarrod and Mr Silas? Well, Uncle Heath and I travelled up to Sparks to see your Mommy. She was very badly hurt from an accident. After a few days she died and we took care of things. At the railway station we have got your things and tomorrow we will get them as its Sunday today and we have to rest or Mother might decide that we need to be punished for working on the Lord’s Day."

 

"Why he stone?" Emily pointed towards Tom Barkley.

 

"He was an important man in this valley. When you are old enough you will understand. Feel any better? What ever happens, Sweetheart, remember that Mommy is in here …" he pointed at her heart "and that she will always be with you and guard over you."

 

"And you?"

 

"I’ll most definititely keep an eye on you and be by your side."

 

"No, Mommy, guard you too."

 

"Perhaps she will, if not I have my Father guarding me." For a moment they both sat watching the statue and Nick almost felt as if his father was watching them too.

 

 

 

Later that afternoon Victoria gently asked Emily if she would show her, her room. Emily looked up from the drawing she was doing and carefully nodded. She had decided that perhaps this lady wasn’t that bad now that she wasn’t angry and Daddy seemed to like her. She put down her crayon and glided down from the chair. Nick slowly lowered the newspaper and watched her take Victoria’s hand and walk with her to the stairs. Turning towards his brothers he only needed to lift a brow before Heath spoke.

 

"She is a Barkley alright, knocked the boy down with the book and I would think that he was at least a couple of years older than she is." He looked over to Jarrod.

 

"She sure did."

 

"She is a girl, she shouldn’t fight. What happened and why weren’t you there taking care of her? She shouldn’t need to defend herself when she has her uncles around her."

 

"Nick, calm down. Everything went smoothly and to give her some space and a chance to get to know some of the others we did what Miss Jones said, walked around and talked to the other children. Emily found a book that she liked and then Person kid walked up to her. The next thing that happened was that Emily burst up and hit him with the book and run off. According to Jonas Smith, he had said something about a bastard and that her mother was dead and buried or something like that."

 

"Well, even so she can’t learn that she can go around and hit people." His brothers exchanged looks. "Alright, what now?"

 

"She sort of reminded us of someone." Heath burst out laughing while Jarrod walked over and poured them each a drink. Nick turned a page roughly and tried to be sour for a moment. Inside he felt proud of his daughter, standing up for herself.

 

 

 

Victoria let the young girl lead her to the child’s bedroom. She could understand why Nick had chosen this room for his daughter, since it was his old room with a view over the ranch and valley from two sides. She sat down and realized that they needed to redecorate it so that it was more suitable. Noticing the photo on the bedside table she picked it up and studied it.

 

"Mommy and Daddy." Emily leaned against Victoria’s knees. The older woman let her eyes go from the couple in the photo to the result of their love. She could see the resemblance between mother and daughter, and even Nick in the girl. Gently she let her hand stroke the girl’s hair before putting back the photo. "Why you cry?" Emily looked up into the older woman’s face.

 

"I’m sad that I’ll never get to meet your Mommy. Now what toys have you got? I can see the book and this doll." She picked up a rag doll.

 

"That’s Ollie. Mommy made her. She is not allowed in Church."

 

"Why not?"

 

"The man always say so and Mommy had to put her away. So she stay home but she need to go, especially if she been bad."

 

"And has she been bad this week?"

 

"No, this week we help Mr Silas pick egg. Careful in a basket." Victoria smiled as she bent over and looked at the old worn book. HC Andersen. "I like book. I read to Mr Silas and Uncle Arrod. You too?"

 

"Of course, you may read it to me later. Your Uncles told me your Daddy had been shopping for you. What did he buy?" Victoria wanted to open the closet and the drawers to see if Nick had got everything the child needed.

 

"He got me this." Emily held the hem of the dress. "And other things." She ran over to the wardrobe and reached up to the doorknob and turned it, almost falling over as the door opened. Victoria walked over and together they looked over the clothes. From what she could see Nick had gotten everything that was needed for now but still surely she could get the child some more.

 

"Mother, I think you will find that Em has got what she needs for the moment since I did get help from the dressmaker and others too but I would appreciate if you would take her the next time. It was a bit" he felt a warmth come over his cheeks "a bit hard to talk about what she needed for suitable clothing." Victoria smiled at her son.

 

"Don’t worry Nick. Next time the young lady need new underwear I’ll take her. You just wait until she needs chemises, camisoles and petticoats." She watched him flee down the hall.

 

"What’s with Daddy?"

 

"He isn’t used to having a pretty young lady to take care of." Victoria smiled as Emily sneaked her hand into hers and longed for the moment later that evening when she would sit down and write to her own daughter. She was sure that Nick hadn’t told his sister about the latest addition to the Barkley household.

 

 

 

Chapter six

 

Just as Jarrod was passing through the foyer on his way for a game of pool with his brothers there was a firm knock on the door. As he opened he saw a man and a boy, whom he recognized. The man held his hat in his hand and look at Jarrod with some discomfort.

 

“My boy have come to say sorry. He behaved bad at Sunday school.” Johan Persson was a man of honour and after he had found out by his neighbour what had happened after church he had made his son accompany him to the large ranch. He couldn’t get rid of the old feeling he had always had when he stood in front of his employer, his master. He had left Sweden to make his fortune and hoped he never would experience it again but here it was again.

 

“Well, you’d better come in then, even if I think there is a young lady who has been told to do the same thing next time she met your son.” Jarrod showed them into the parlour and went to get Nick and Emily. “Nick, you got a guest waiting. Persson is here with his son.” Nick looked up as he was just about to hit a ball.

 

“Alright, Emily come with me. Now you can say you are sorry for hitting the boy with the book.” He put the stick down and held out his hand. They’d had a little talk about what had happen and Emily knew what she had to do and quietly moved to him since she didn’t want her daddy to be disappointed with her. She took his hand and walked out of the room with him, dragging her feet a little. Seeing Persson Nick extended his hand.

 

“Nick Barkley and this is …” He gave Emily a gentle push forward. “is my daughter Emily.”

 

“Johan Persson and …” He pointed to the boy “Anders.” Nick motioned the man over to an armchair noticing that he wasn’t comfortable in the present situation.

 

“Can I offer you a drink?” He saw the man’s brow rise in surprise and without getting any answer he poured two glasses of whisky. “You are a better father than I am Mr Persson. I was going to have Emily apologise to your son but next time when we saw you.” He handed the man the glass.

 

“I found out by neighbour after food what Anders do. He say bump came from fall. His mother has decided the punish but we also agree he need to say sorry. You do not call other people bad names.”  Nick felt an admiration for the man.

 

“Well, if I understood things right from my brothers who were there Emily did the fighting.”

 

“She defend her. No man young or old shall treat girl bad. I asked boy how he feel if someone said so to his sisters. He said he hoped they hit back too. Anders, what you say?” The young boy walked up to Emily.

 

“Sorry I said bad things.”

 

“Me sorry I hit you with book.”

 

“Emily why don’t you show Anders your room while I talk to Mr Persson.”  Emily looked at her father and then turned to the boy.

 

“Want to play?” He nodded but looked at his father.

 

“If Mr Barkley say alright then you play.” They watched Emily take the boy’s hand and for the second time that day she led someone up the stairs to her room.

 

“Mr Persson, may I be straightforward and ask you a few questions?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“I understand from your accent and your name that you are not from this country. How long have you been here?”

 

“We came to town a month ago from Hunnamåla. It’s in Sweden. Many people from boat went to Minnesota but we were given word to come here instead.”

 

“You have your family with you? Besides Anders, how many more children?”  The man blushed slightly before pulling his back straight.

 

“My wife and I have six children, the little one born on boat. Anders is number two and is five.

Anna is six; Selma is 4, Mats and Emil 2 and then Sara.” Nick looked astonished at Johan. He didn’t look a day older than him and had already 6 children.

 

“One large family. Have you managed to find work?” He was judging the person in front of him.

 

“Not find any longer. Just for day or two. Have built house. I worked with wood in Hunnamåla. Not much here of that.”

 

“You mean cutting trees down and preparing them into timber, planks or as a carpenter?”

 

“Both mostly with cutting down.”

 

“I have a saw will that have been standing still and I have been looking for someone suitable so that it can start going again. What if you had a look at it and after that we had a discussion about salary? It’s not far from here so you don’t need to move.” Now it was Johan’s turn to be surprised. He wasn’t used to being treated this way by the wealthy, like he mattered.

 

“I can do that. I’ll go at once.”

 

“No, no need for that. Tomorrow morning will be fine. Perhaps you even know some more good timber men?”

 

“We are a few Swedish who have worked in forest.”

 

“Good, I’ll join you and we have a look at the mill. If you think you can handle it we will talk about the rest.”  He saw Victoria coming through the foyer. “Mr Persson, my Mother.” Johan quickly stood up and was greeted by a smiling Victoria.

 

“I was just wondering what happened. Where are the children?” Just then the two of them were coming down the stairs. Anders carefully saw to it that Emily didn’t miss any steps. “I gather he has younger siblings.”

 

“He has Mother.” Nick smiled at the children as Emily ran to him.

 

“Daddy, play more with Ande?”

 

“Yes, Emily you can but not tonight. If Anders wants to and his parents say it’s alright he can come some other day.” Nick looked at Johan. “I can have a hand pick him up at home and see to that he comes home alright. Perhaps Anna and Selma too would want to come?”

 

“I’ll talk to wife. Can not see any problem. Anders have to finish punish first.”

 

“Hear that Em. When Anders can come he is welcome.”

 

“Alright, Ande ready soon?” Johan smiled at the young girl so eager to be with her new friend.

 

“I’ll tell wife not to be to hard, tell her Anders has young girl waiting.” Nick chuckled and picked his daughter up.

 

“Well, I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning at eight and as I said before, when Anders wants to come just let me know.” He followed Johan and Anders to the door and they bid their good byes.

 

 

 

A few days later…

 

“MOTHER” Nick’s voice was heard in every corner of the house making his mother hurry out of her room. He was about to call out once more when she appeared on the landing.

 

“Nick!” She hushed at him. “I have finally got one young lady to take a nap and I will not forgive you if you wake her up.” She started to walk down the stairs to meet him. “What on earth is so important that you come roaring in at this time.”

 

“Christmas” Nick looked at his mother with his head a little tilted hoping his puppy dog look would make her forgive him. As she reached him Victoria giggled a little and let her fingers stroke his face.

 

“Christmas comes every year Nick, no reason to come bursting in like this.”

 

“It’s Em’s first Christmas here and heaven knows if she has had a proper Christmas …”

 

“If you mean a Christmas with presents I doubt it Nick but I’m sure Cathy saw to that her daughter got a feel of the time of the year, just as Leah did for Heath.”

 

“And you know what how he’s like when it comes …”

 

“He is just like another young boy I know and I know he has at least got a lot of presents during his upbringing.” She took his arm and walked with him into the parlour. “I guess there was something special you wanted to talk about.”

 

“Yes, I wondered if you could look after Em for a day or so. If I leave late tonight I can be back tomorrow night.”

 

“And where are you going?”

 

“San Francisco.”

 

“It so happens that I had planed to go there myself too. I guess I could delay it for a day or so …”

 

“Or Uncle Heath can get a chance to be with his little princess and the both of you go. And when Nick comes back I can take a trip myself there. I should think we all want to spoil the little one.” Heath came and threw himself down on the sofa. “She can help me paint her new furniture tomorrow.” Heath had been working on some children’s furniture that he had found in the attic while Nick had been working on her room. According to Nick the furniture had belonged to Audra but Heath was sure his sister wouldn’t mind if her niece would inherit them.

 

“Good, her room should be ready in a few days.”

 

“Yes Nick, and to finish it you need to get some new curtains and bed covers.”

 

“What? Mother.” Victoria laughed at his desperate look.

 

“You know what darling, if we leave tonight we will arrive in the City just in time for Jarrod to buy us breakfast and then I’ll help you with the curtains and what else you need, including a dress for the young lady for Christmas.” She waved a finger to him. “You children always got something new for Christmas and I don’t care if she has a wardrobe filled with new outfits. She shall have something new to wear on Christmas day.”

 

“You know best Mother. I’ll follow you around like a faithful animal absorbing all the parenting knowledge you have.” He grinned at her before bursting out in laughter, soon to be joined by Heath. They continued to banter for a short moment but it came to a halt when Nick heard a small voice call for her daddy. Within seconds he was up the stairs and into his room where Emily was sleeping while her own room was emptied.

 

“Daddy.” Her tear filled face met him as he kneeled by the bed.

 

“What is it Sweetheart?”

 

“Don’t leave me.” Nick’s eyes search his daughter’s to find out what was causing her distress.

 

“I’m not going to leave you Honey. I do need to go to a big city for a day but Uncle Heath will be with you and then when I came home we can finish your room.” He stroked away the hair that had fallen in front of her face. “I will always come back to you if I have to go away for some business and I would never leave you alone. Trust me on that, Em.”

 

“Don’t go.” His heart ached when he saw the pain in her eyes and he wondered once again what had caused this. He picked her up and carried her downstairs to the others. He guessed his mother knew what to do. This parenting thing was hard and yet his mother made it seem so easy. Victoria hurried towards them when she saw the way Emily was clinging to Nick.

 

“Had a bad dream, Love?” Victoria looked at Nick. “Nick sit down with her and I’ll get some milk and cookies, Heath, get a warm blanket for her. Bad dreams have to be cuddled away.” Her skirt swept out of the door towards the kitchen. Silas was already getting a tray ready. “Sometimes I think you can predict my actions Silas.”

 

“No Madam. I just heard the young sweetheart’s cry and guessed it was time for some milk. Got tea ready too.” The old man smiled at his mistress. He had been around this house since Nick was just about Emily’s age and enjoyed the fact that there once more was a child to spoil.

When Victoria returned to the parlour with the tray her sons were whispering and she noticed that Emily had fallen asleep again.

 

“Heath and I made a change of plans. We will all go to San Francisco and take turns with Em, leaving the parcels with Jarrod or have them sent home from the store. That way she won’t see anything but still doesn’t have to be left behind.”

 

“Good, then she can get to choose her own curtains. And if we can pursued Jarrod we can have a family outing. Now while she is sleeping, let’s plan.”  For the next hour plans for the city trip and for Christmas were drawn up.

 

 

 

Very early the next morning, three adults and a child arrive at the railway station. Emily was dressed in a pretty dress with a matching coat and Victoria had looked through her wardrobe to find something to match the youngster. The men were both dressed in suits even if only one of them had bothered to tie his tie. As they stepped up on the platform Emily started to cry silently and grabbed Nick’s leg. Not being able to walk he gave the suitcases to his brother and picked her up. She put her arms around his neck and held on for all she was worth. Looks were exchanged among the adults and Victoria moved quickly to the coach they were going to travel in and got in before she turned and helped Heath with the cases. Nick climbed on board, found his seat and sat down with his daughter. He tried to get her to loosen her grip by pulling a little on Ollie that was pressed against his body. He hoped that if she felt that the doll was falling she might look for it. When it didn’t help he asked Heath to find her book hoping that if she was offered to read it she might let go as he knew she loved her book. He felt his neck getting damper as he got more desperate to ease her distress. Her small body was trembling with, he guessed, fear of being left behind on the platform while he went on the train. Not until she felt the train move and heard the whistle did she let go a little, just enough for Nick to manage to turn her a little and lean her head against his chest and place his arms around her. Victoria found a blanket and wrapped her in it. They were all shocked over her reaction. None of them had guessed that her earlier experience would cause her such distress and Nick felt his anger rise over that woman who had left his little girl on the platform alone. Heath seeing his brother’s eyes narrow guessed where his thoughts were quickly squeezed his shoulder to support him.

 

 

 

San Francisco

 

Jarrod stood on the platform waiting, looking forward to having his family with him for a short time. When he had gotten the wire telling him that they were all coming for some Christmas shopping and hoped he would come along he had felt such joy. He had a hard week catching up with what he had missed while being in Stockton and he had missed Emily even more. He wondered what Nick would say about the news that he had gotten from the sheriff in Sparks earlier that day that it was alright to fetch Cathy’s coffin and have it buried in Stockton. The only problem was that Nick had to go up there again and sign for it. As the train stopped he looked for the familiar faces among the people getting off and soon recognized his brothers. Nick put down Emily and told her to stay while he lifted down the suitcases but as soon as she saw her uncle Jarrod she ran off. In horror Nick saw her disappear in the crowd before he noticed Jarrod hold out his arms for her. Victoria and Heath both sighed in relief when Jarrod picked her up and Nick got his hankie out and wiped the sweat from his face.

 

“Gee, I think my heart just stopped.”

 

“Never Nick, never let go of her like that. Something could happen. I know, you were going to help me.” Victoria tried to sound stern but the relief she felt gave her away.

 

“How would I know that she would run of like that?”

 

“Because she is just like you. Hello dear.” Victoria received a kiss from her eldest son. “You two just scared the rest of us. Don’t do that again young lady.”  Victoria touched her cheek. Emily’s eyes were fixed on her father and she saw his stern look and bit her lip.

 

“Sorry, Granny.”

 

“It’s my fault. I whistled when I saw Em and she heard me.” He put her down and took the suitcase from his mother instead. “Come. I have a carriage waiting for us. Did the trip go well?” He took his mother’s elbow and led her towards the entrance. Emily quickly got hold of Nick’s hand leaving Heath to have to take two suitcases. During the drive to Jarrod’s city home Victoria informed her son about the plans they had made and he suggested that he and Emily could spend time together at home so that they all could get their shopping done. Nick was all for that but not today, today he and his daughter were going to the shops.

 

 

 

Within a few hours all five of them were heading for the shops. Emily’s eyes went for side to side and she had a hard time walking beside her father until he decided it was much easier if she sat on his arm, then at least she wouldn’t trip all the time. She had never seen such big houses, so strange things that went up and down the road and the shops … She looked at all the people hurrying past them as they walked into a shop that was filled with things. Her eyes were wide and Nick smiled at her excitement.

 

“Darling, if you promise to be good I’ll take to one of the best shops in this town but first we have to do the boring stuff.” Emily nodded. She would do anything boring or not, as long as her daddy was there and he was taking her to a special place. Victoria led the way to the cloth department knowing that it was best to get that out of the way first before her shopping company gave up.

 

 

 

Hours later Nick took his boots off, lit the cigar, took the brandy glass in his hand, leaned back in the armchair and put his feet up on Jarrod’s exclusive oriental table. For the first time since he lost Emily earlier that afternoon he could relax. He thought of the horror he had felt when he couldn’t find her. The hour it had taken before he could hug her again was something he didn’t want to relive. He sucked deep on the cigar. And Em …

 

“Well, well Little Brother leave you alone and you make yourself at home. Judging by the aroma it’s one of my more expensive cigars and the deep colour of the brandy tells me it’s one of my best.”

 

“So …”

 

“Nick, you just missed out on a marvellous play.” Victoria walked in and kissed her son on the head. “Is our princess asleep?”

 

“She is but it took time. I read The Ugly Duckling five times and the new one about Thumbelina about six. And then I had to sing for her. When I though she had fallen asleep she started all over again so we read about the pewter soldier and then the one about The Emperor’s new clothes.”

After that we sang a little more. I think I need to get a new book. And a new voice.”

 

“New voice? Why? I like the one you have now.” Heath sank down in an armchair with a glass of whisky, handing his mother a glass of sherry. “It’s so low and husky.”

 

“Poor dear, she must have been frightened today when she got lost. I still can’t understand what happened and why it took you an hour to find her?” Victoria had missed Heath’s teasing words.

 

“Yes, it’s a surprise she still wants to be with you.” Heath threw a pillow at his brother. “Imagine loosing your own daughter in a department store.” He shook his head.

 

“Alright, she disappeared and I spent some time looking for her.”

 

“Some time? You are kidding right?”

 

“You know Nick you were wild but I don’t think I lost you like that.”

 

“You never let us in to a department store either.” Victoria giggled.

 

“You are right, Nick. I had the sense to keep you out of them. God know what would have happened if I hadn’t.”

 

“He would have got lost.” Jarrod sounded very serious. “But as she did find her daddy I guess everything is alright. It’s going to be interesting to see if she accepts being alone with me tomorrow or if Nick has to cancel his plans concerning his Christmas shopping too.”

 

“Actually I didn’t mind staying at home with her. After today I don’t think I would have left her in the hands of a stranger.”

 

“I don’t consider Miss Smith a stranger; she has worked for me for four years.”

 

“Well, I’m going to bed after checking on MY daughter.” Nick rose up from the chair. “And to me and Em Miss Smith is a stranger.”

 

 

 

Twenty four hours later they were back on the train. Most of the shopping had been sent ahead to Stockton so it didn’t show how much they had really bought. Emily was tired and leaned against Nick but she had decided that she was not going to sleep. She had spent the day with her uncle Jarrod, who had taken her to a park close to his flat. There she had played with a few other children and for the first time she had tried a swing and a round about. Jarrod had learned that a child was a perfect women attracter and he’d had a wonderful day too. In fact he had met two ladies that were interested in meeting him again. They had ended the day in a café and Emily had been allowed to choose what she wanted from the counter.

 

Emily had recognised the bag from the toyshop her father had and she was curious as to what was in it. After the train had left the station Nick reached for the bag and pulled out a box with wooden farm animals. He had noticed that she had played with them in the store the day before and figured they would keep her busy for a while. Using a book as a table he and Heath played with her for a while. Emily insisted on naming every animal making her father wonder why girls had to do so and not just accept that an animal was an animal. As the train pulled in to Stockton she had finally fallen asleep and with the help from the rest of the family he got her home and in bed.

 

 

 

Back in Stockton

 

“Stay daddy.” Emily clung to her father. They had only been home for a few days and now he was leaving again.

 

“I have to go Darling. I want to bring you mummy here and if we don’t do it now they won’t let us. I want you to be able to go to her when you want. And if she is resting in Sparks it can’t happen.” Nick crouched next to Emily and managed to loosen her grip around him. Heath was standing outside with the horses ready for another trip to Sparks. “Granny promised you would be baking. You are going to love it and I’m looking forward to being invited to a tea party in your room when I come home. Promise I’ll use my best manners.” Emily put her arms around his neck again making Victoria walked up to the young girl and help Nick.

 

“Come, dear. Let us go up in your room and play with your animals before it’s time for you to go to bed. Then tomorrow you can help me bake and Silas wash. We have a lot of things to do before Christmas.” She motioned Nick to leave and so he did, hearing her cry. Heath gave him the reins to Big Duke and he mounted up. Quickly they left the ranch.

 

 

 

Sparks

 

Nick was tired after the long trip and finding out that the law was going to put a stop to the plans that had been accepted of both the California Council and the church was just what it took for him to loose it. He started to argue with the Sheriff and his deputy and was about to use his fists when Heath went in between. It took all Heath’s diplomatic manners to keep Nick from getting put in jail. Gently Heath managed to coax his brother out of the Sheriff’s office and towards the old hotel instead telling him that they would wire Jarrod for help. As they were going to enter the hotel the towns undertaker came towards them in a hurry.

 

“The sheriff changed his mind if we can do it right away and not wait until the Denver train is about to come.”

 

“Alright, but we need somewhere to store the coffin until tonight then. It can’t wait at the platform all day, it’s not proper and not the way I want it.”

 

“Don’t worry, I have got the place but don’t let him know that. I think he thinks he has stopped you by letting you do it now and not in time for the transport. I cared for that girl. She was always kind to everybody and I think you are right. She should rest where her family is. Hurry before he chances his mind again. I have a couple of men waiting in the graveyard.”  Nick and Heath almost run to the graveyard where the undertaker’s men already had started to dig and soon Nick and Heath had got a shovel each digging in for all mighty. They were just about to lift the coffin up when someone called out and dropped a box behind them. Nick who was standing beside the hole turned around and saw a motionless figure laying on the ground. As Heath and the others gently lifted the coffin out of the hole and on to a wagon he walked over to see if the woman had hurt herself. Cautious he moved the box from the path only to find that it contained two plants that looked like roses. He crouched beside her, noticing her plain clothing. Softly he stroked away the hair that had fallen in front of her face, cursing to himself over the fact that they hadn’t had a look out. As her hair unveiled her face he inhaled in horror. As the feel of cold water running down his spine went through his body he stared down at her like he had seen a ghost and his hand froze. Heath noticed that his brother wasn’t moving or saying anything, just fixing his eyes on the woman on the ground. Worried he walked over until he could see her face, then he stopped at once and turned towards the coffin. How could it be?

 

 

 

Chapter seven

 

At the ranch

 

Silas and Emily carried the last of the dirty laundry he had found in the house down to the washing room. All morning the water had been heating up getting ready to use for this month’s washing. As Silas put his pile down on the floor Emily did the same with what she had been carrying and looked up at him.

 

"Oh, lots."

 

"Yes and most of it is Mr Nick and Mr Heath." He started to sort the clothes, picking out a few items for Emily to help him with. If he was surprised that she wanted to help him he didn’t show it, none of the other Barkley children had but then they grew up having him around. "See, this pile is those two’s clothes and this pile is Mr Jarrod, Mrs Barkley and your clothes." The younger brothers pile was larger then the others. Emily’s hand went to her behind and she rubbed it as if it was hurting.

 

"Daddy must hurt." If he messed up his clothes this way his Mother must be angry, no wonder she had a wooden spoon. Silas saw what she did and smiled.

 

"It’s because of the work on the ranch. And little girls are allowed on this ranch to mess their dresses too. Come, let us get to work." He rolled up her dress sleeves before rolling up his shirt sleeves. As he started to pour up the hot water in two basins Victoria walked in.

 

"Emily, are you staying here with Silas or do you want to come with me to the shops?" Emily looked at Silas and took a step closer to him. Victoria smiled softly but wondered what she had to do to gain the trust from Emily.

 

"It’s alright Mrs Barkley. She can help me. She is not in the way at all."

 

"I’ll be home for lunch. I’m having a few friends over this afternoon." With another smile she left them.

 

"Ollie been bad, need to be washed too."

 

"Well, then Miss, you better start washing her, just wait until I got the water just right for your little hands." When Silas was satisfied that it was warm enough he picked out a few more items for her to wash. For the next few hours they worked side by side. Silas was at first taken back that she at her young age knew all the different elements in clothes washing but gathered that she probably helped her mother with it before. No wonder she was so careful with her clothes. Perhaps he should have Mr Nick and Mr Heath do the laundry one month some time? When they were done several rows of clothing were hanging outside getting dry in the light breeze.

 

While Emily was having a light snack and Silas a cup of coffee he looked at the cake recipes for something to do for the ladies that were coming. He found what he was looking for and as soon as they were ready he took the egg basket in one hand and Emily’s hand in the other and they walked down to the hens. He put the basket in the middle of the hen house and while he saw to it that the birds got some barley Emily gently picked egg by egg and put them in the basket.

 

Duke came in for an early lunch and saw the little girl helping Silas. Emily had captured his and the other hands hearts and with their bosses out of town they kept an extra eye on her, wanting to keep her happy. He didn’t look forward to the task they had to do tomorrow, to dig a grave was not at the top of his or any other’s list but for Emily and Nick they would do it. Duke had been surprised over how many actually had volunteered to do it, and that were prepared to meet up with the wagon as carriers. Smiling he walked over to Emily.

 

"Hi there, little egg girl. Have the hens done their job?"

 

"They been good. Mr Silas make cake for granny."

 

"Not any for Emily?"

 

"Not now. Maybe pancakes." Duke burst out laughing. Silas had made pancakes every day the first week she had been living with them.

 

"I think Silas knows other things to do than just pancakes. What about a steak and potatoes?"

 

"No, pancakes." Silas came up to them.

 

"Up to do more pancakes Silas?" Duke grinned at the old man.

 

"Not today, Mrs Barkley is home for lunch. Need any eggs for the wife?"

 

"I guess I could have a few just in case." Silas gave him half a dozen before taking the basket and starting towards the house. Victoria arrived at the same time and carried some of her shopping into the kitchen. After Emily finally had fallen asleep the night before she had looked over the recipes she had from when her own children were small and she had picked out a few of their favourites. She wanted, as much as Nick, that this first Christmas with Emily would be special and had decided that she should start now since it was only three weeks away.

 

The hours before Victoria’s two old friends came went quickly by and with a small fight between grandmother and granddaughter. Emily did not want to dress up or take a nap, all she wanted was to be with Silas. After a bribe with pancakes for dinner Emily did agree on the nap as long as she was allowed to have it in her father’s bed. Victoria was exhausted when she finally walked down the staircase to greet her afternoon company. Emily joined them and enjoyed her piece of cake quietly. She listened to their talk and heard one of the women say the word bastard. Emily knew it was a bad word.

 

"You must say sorry." She looked straight at Martha Reeves, who looked down at the girl with a look of disgust. "You must say sorry. Otherwise Daddy tell you bad."

 

"Now Martha you better do as the young lady says. I wouldn’t want to be told off by Nick."

Rose White smiled at the child. "She apparently has some very good manners."

 

"Oh, Mrs Jones told me about her manners."

 

"There is nothing wrong with Emily’s manners. She is raised well." Victoria, who understood why Emily had reacted, defended her. "She is taught that the B word is a bad word and if you’ve done something bad you have to apologize. It’s as simple as that."

 

"Really Victoria, do you think I’m going to apologize to a child." Martha snorted and picked up her coffee cup instead. Rose felt sorry for the girl and called her over.

 

"Here dear. Want some more chocolate?" She held down a plate with Giradelli chocolate bits.

"Yes, please." Emily took a small piece after a look at Victoria. When she had finished it Rose helped her to clean her fingers and wipe her around her mouth.

 

"Oh my, I had forgotten that chocolate goes everywhere." Rose found the young girl delightful and said so to Victoria. "I think I’m jealous of you, dear. The boys my daughter has are a terror. Nick was a saint compared to them." Victoria smiled again.

 

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Silas was there within seconds. Outside stood three young children who had walked out to the ranch all by themselves. Anders quickly took off his cap and his sisters curtseyed.

 

"Is Miss Emily home? May she play with us?" Emily who recognized the voice ran to the door.

 

"Ande!" Her voice was filled with joy. When she saw his sisters she hesitated a little and Victoria caught up with her.

 

"Come in children. Of course you may play with Emily but don’t you want some milk and cookies first? Silas, will you?" He let them in and guided them to the kitchen.

 

"Victoria, those children come from …"

 

"Yes, Martha I know where they come from. I also know that their father works for Nick and that they must have walked from Stockton and out here." She stopped and walked towards the door. "Just one moment, I’ll be back." She quickly moved to the barn where she found one of the hands. "Thad, can you please ride over to the Persson’s and let them know that their children are here. Tell them that I’ll see to that they get home safely."

 

"Yes, ma’am."

 

 

 

Hours later, Victoria and Emily drove Anders and his sisters home. They had played and been fed before leaving the ranch. Victoria had a long talk with Alma Persson and it was decided that twice a week somebody from the ranch would pick the children up for lunch and to spend the afternoon with Emily. On the way home Emily crept close to her grandmother and voluntarily held her arm for the first time and Victoria felt such relief that the girl at last seemed to accept her.

 

 

 

In Sparks

 

The mist was thick over the railway station. It was damp and cold. Nick and Heath stood on the platform with their collars up, hats pressed down and hands in their pockets. They had been waiting for the transcontinental train since last night when word came that it was finally approaching the station. Everything had been carefully planned after they had learned from a deputy that the sheriff was going to do what he could to stop them from bringing the coffin on board. Nick was as surprised over how many wanted to help them as he was over the sheriff’s behaviour. The coffin was right now kept under the platform guarded by two of the railway’s men. Several others were walking around the area, changing places now and then to avoid being asked questions. Nick suspected that the Sheriff too had planned, sent out men and would be out of his warm office just when the train came in. Heath nodded towards some light coming towards them, Nick looked into the waiting room and tipped his hat. Several things happened at the same time. Suddenly there was a lot of action on the platform. Out of nowhere two men brought a trunk that they put on the platform followed by a hooded woman. After they had been paid for their help she was left alone with her luggage. Two navvies were ready to damage the track a little ahead with the intention of delaying the departure of the train if it was needed. The sheriff turned up with his deputy. Nick lit a cigar after giving Heath one. Under the platform the undertaker and his men were in hiding and waited for the signal to carry the coffin up and onto the storage coach. As Nick had guessed that it would be that coach the sheriff was going to guard, so he was pleased that they had planned for a diversion. The mist, though it had been horrible waiting in it, was now going to be the perfect background. The engine rumbled in, whistle blowing. The few passengers that were getting off were surprised that there were so many on the platform and more than one lifted a brow when they saw the sheriff. The waiting woman grabbed the arm of one of the deputies asking for assistance with her trunk but when he ignored her, she pushed her hood down and asked again. With one look at her he turned and run from the platform, followed by his fellows. The sheriff stood paralysed and stared. Nick walked up to her, offered his and his brother’s help and together they quickly got the trunk up in coach she was travelling in. Back on the platform they looked towards the station-master and when he flagged the train off they both jumped on the last passenger coach. Just as the train pulled out of the station Nick waved to the sheriff and threw a bag to the undertaker.

 

 

 

At the ranch

 

"EMILY. MOTHER. WE ARE HOME." Nick walked into the foyer. Within seconds Emily came running.

 

"DADDY." She was covered in flour, had dough on her hands and face and her eyes were glittering. On her tail came Victoria taking off her apron.

 

"Emily!" Nick picked her up and swirled around with her.

 

"Daddy, I help Granny make cookie."

 

"I can see that." He felt pieces of the dough fall inside his collar.

 

"Nick where is you brother?" She walked up to him and kissed him.

 

"He took the horses to the barn. Mother is the blue guest room ready to be used? We got a guest with us." Nick walked towards the door.

 

"Yes it is but I wished you had wired."

 

"Couldn’t." They walked outside just as the covered wagon drew up at the front and Heath came from the barn after leaving the horses to Ciego.

 

"Uncle Heath, look me make cookies." Emily held her hands up in the air. Laughing Heath took her from Nick before kissing his mother on her cheek. Nick walked up to the wagon and held out a hand to the woman sitting next to Duke, supporting her on the way down. Out of nowhere two of the hands came and helped with the trunk and carried it inside. After she had viewed the lady for a moment Emily struggled to get down on the ground and walked up to her.

 

"You look like Mummy." Nick lifted her up, enjoying being back home with her again.

 

"Mother, Emily met Megan Adams."

 

"Good morning Ma’am." Megan curtseyed for Victoria.

 

"You talk like Mummy." Emily’s eyes were wide and tear filled and she put her arms around Nick’s neck.

 

"It’s not so strange Emily because she is your aunt from London. She is your Mummy’s little sister."

 

"Like Elma?"

 

"Elma?" Nick was confused.

 

"Yes, darling. Like Selma is to Anders. Welcome Miss Adams. You must excuse us. I wasn’t expecting the boys home until tomorrow since they didn’t turn up this morning."

 

"We ran into some trouble. Just put it there boys. Thad, can you ride into Stockton and ask Father Michael to come tomorrow by ten. He knows what it’s about. Thanks."

 

"Problems? According to Jarrod everything was arranged and alright."

 

"It wasn’t. Em, sweetheart, what if you finish baking the cookies while we freshen up? Mother, finish what you were doing. I think the three of us want to rest, wash and change and then we’ll tell you all about our visit to Sparks." He put down Emily.

 

"Yes, sounds like a good idea. Come along dear." Victoria took Emily’s hand. "I’ll race you to the kitchen. First one gets to use the gingerbread man cutter." Emily ran out. Nick stood watching.

 

"Gee, I miss that girl when I’m not around her. Heath, come on boy let’s get this up stairs. Megan, this way."

 

That evening, Silas served dinner late, letting the travellers get their rest first. Nick managed to play and read with Emily before putting her to bed. Victoria had plenty of questions but knew that she would get them answered in due time. While she was waiting, Jarrod came home and the two of them spent the time making more plans for Christmas. Jarrod was all for a party on New Years Eve and had just managed to talk Victoria into it when Nick and Megan came down the stairs, with Heath at their heels.

 

"There you all are. Ready for some dinner? Mother and I are about to starve waiting for you. Welcome to Stockton Miss Adams. Jarrod Barkley."

 

"Behave Jarrod." Victoria smiled. "Was the room to your satisfaction?"

 

"Oh, yes Ma’am. It was beautiful." Megan Adams felt very out of place but tried not to let it show.

 

"Mother, Jarrod isn’t the only one starving. Heath and I can do with a decent meal too and I’m sure Megan is hungry too."

 

Laughing Victoria took hold of Jarrod’s arm and walked to the dinning room. Nick placed a gentle hand on Megan’s hand and led her to the chair next to him. Victoria and Jarrod let them finish both the first and second courses before starting asking questions.

 

"Boy Howdy, I don’t think any Barkley can go to Sparks in the future. I’m sure there will be a poster up for us with a large ransom on it." Heath cut the apple in smaller pieces. "One thing for sure, Jarrod. What ever is decided in San Francisco doesn’t apply in that town. There was a moment I though we’d have to send for you to bail us out."

 

"But I don’t understand. All the papers were in order, why?"

 

"What we figured out is he didn’t like two cowboys coming in deciding to dig his mistress up."

 

"WHAT?"

 

"It turned out that Cathy was involved in one way or another with the sheriff. Also according to the doctor it has also turned out the accident was a fake. It was the sheriff that had assaulted her. She sent Em here not only because I’m her father but also because she was afraid that he would hurt her. When you know what to ask and use the right means it’s surprising how easily people talk."

 

"But how did you meet …?"

 

"We met Megan at the graveyard."

 

"Why didn’t you take care of Emily before?"

 

"I just arrived in Sparks." Nick touched her back softly.

 

"Want us to tell or …"

 

"I’ll do it, if you don’t have any problem understanding me, that is?"

 

"If we do we’ll ask. Want some more coffee?"

 

"No thank you. I’m not too fond of coffee, not so used to it." Megan moved nervously on her chair. Heath smiled at her.

 

"Know what. We are almost done here. Why don’t we take our cups to the parlour and I’ll see if Silas can get a pot of tea done for Megan? And some of the newly baked cookies even if I don’t know if they go well with the whisky that I want."

 

"Good idea. And I’ll go to the kitchen since I didn’t think of it. Boys see to it that Megan is escorted to the parlour and bring the fruit too."

 

Seated on the sofa and with a tea cup Megan inhaled and started her story.

 

"About six years ago Cathy and I decided that we were going to leave London and start fresh somewhere else. We were both tired of the area and people around us. When we were about to order the tickets Mum died and one of us had to stay at home and take care of Dad. Since I’m the youngest it fell to me and Cathy left. Six months ago, Dad passed away too and I finished my work as a companion to an elderly lady. The boat left Liverpool three months ago. Unfortunately I got ill with a bad flu and it turned into pneumonia. This meant that when we arrived, I wasn’t allowed straight into the country but was sent to a hospital since they gathered that I was strong enough to be useful once recovered and since I had my sister here already. If not I would probably be on the way back to England. A little more than two weeks ago I wired Cathy telling her that I was finally getting on the train to Sparks. There were many delays on the way and when I arrived the good doctor met me. He took me home to his place and he and his wife told me what had happened. I was going to plant the roses I had brought with me from England when I walked in seeing them lift the coffin out of the grave. In London, at least in the parts I come from, it often happens that dead bodies are stolen so that medical students can practice on them, even if they are stolen during night and not daytime"

 

"So you thought they were stealing her body for …" Jarrod stared at the woman. Victoria moved to her side deciding that she needed support.

 

"So she fainted, dropping the box which alerted us. Megan was at first sight so very like Cathy, well you heard Emily, that we all thought we had buried someone else. And yet I was the one who put Cathy in the box and nailed it together."

 

"Now …?"

 

There are similarities, but after awhile you do see the difference. Hair and eyes are the same I should think."

 

"Yes, and the bone structure too. Remember I just saw Cathy those few days we were up there two weeks ago."

 

"What happened then? You said you couldn’t wire?"

 

"The sheriff did what he could to stop us but we got help from several different people and earlier today we managed to get on the train with the coffin. As we couldn’t leave Megan there I persuaded her to come along with us." Megan tried to hide a yawn. "You know what, Megan, why don’t you get some sleep. It has been a rough time for you and tomorrow we have a funeral to attend to. Not to mention a certain young lady who has lots of questions too. I told her that she could spend time with you alone if she wanted, she and Ollie did."

 

"She still has Ollie?"

 

"Of course, she doesn’t go anywhere with out her." Victoria smiled. "She even washed her yesterday and could hardly go to bed since the doll wasn’t dry, why?"

 

"I made that doll for her."

 

"You did?"

 

"Yes, when Cathy wrote and told me she was pregnant. Ever since Em started to talk it has been Ollie since she couldn’t say dolly." Nick started to chuckle and the others joined in.

 

"I have wondered how she got that name and even asked her, she just said because it’s Ollie. I never imagined that it was because she can’t say dolly." Feeling exhausted Megan bade everybody good night and walked up to the guest room. Nick and Heath followed shortly after leaving Jarrod and Victoria alone by the fire.

 

 

 

Chapter eight

 

It was very early when Megan woke for the first time. Her eyes wondered around in the darkness of the room, hardly making out anything. She remembered the beauty of the room and understood why Nick had called it the blue room. Who ever, and she guessed it was Mrs Barkley, had decorated it must have had a feast in combining different blue colours. Her hand wandered over the sheet and then over the blanket. Never had she felt such wonderful quality, well, that was not entirely true. Mrs Capenwick had had several nice things too but she had hardly used them. The warmth and softness of the bed made Megan doze off again so she rolled over to her sleeping side again, enjoying that the bed was not only standing still, there was plenty of room in it. As she nuzzled down into the pillow again she pulled the blanket up even higher covering the whole of her body and slowly she went back into sleep not noticing that the door slowly opened.

 

 

 

Emily had woken up remembering the strange lady that her father had brought home with him, the lady that looked and talked like Mummy. He had said she was her Mummy’s sister. Sleeping in her father’s bedroom since he still hadn’t had time to finish her room entirely she stayed in her bed wondering if he would want to read to her. She listened to his breath and now and then it sounded like he was snoring. Taking Ollie and a book with her she walked over, feeling the cold floor against her bare feet. For some time she stood watching him before she pushed the hair that had fallen in front of his face away. Muttering in his sleep he turned around. Realising that he was not going to wake up to read to her she thought over her options before leaving the bedroom. Perhaps this aunt could read?

 

Emily stood for some time and looked at the figure in bed before she crept up. At least there was some room in this bed. She sat with her book in her lap, legs under the cover, reading to the doll that was placed on her lap and leaning against her body. Megan started to wake as she heard somebody talk nearby and after she had remembered where she was she lay still listening to the young voice reading about someone called Thumbelina. Carefully she turned around so that she wouldn’t disturb the story but Emily noticed the movement and reached forward and touched the face that now faced her.

 

"Wakie. Em want story. You read?" She bent down to her aunt’s face, studying it closely to see if she was still sleeping or not.

 

"Hallo Emily. I don’t think I know that story. Why don’t you continue to read it to me? Or come under the blanket and I’ll tell you another story about a little girl in London selling flowers in Covert Garden." Megan held up the blanket and Emily slid down under it.

 

"Me tell first, then you." Emily told her aunt about the very little girl who lived in a flower. Megan wasn’t familiar with this particular story by HC Andersen but she did remember that her sister had told her about Emily’s love for books and how she picked up the stories that were told to her. When Emily was done she nuzzled against the woman beside her and Megan started telling her the story about the young flower sellers. Listing to the familiar accent Emily fell asleep again and shortly after Megan drifted off too.

 

 

 

Nick woke up as the sun started to fight its way up. He was too tired even to think of following Heath to the sunrise. Stretching out he thought of the last days events and all the new knowledge he had gotten about Emily’s mother. He was surprised that he wasn’t upset over the way his daughter must have had her first years but he guessed it was because he knew that Cathy had done what she could to give their little girl a decent home, what still upset him was that she hadn’t told him about the child. He suddenly felt a need to check on the girl and sat up. As his body started to realise it was very chilly in the room he quickly managed to find his dressing grown and moved over to the hearth. With a few moves he had skilfully started a fire and he turned to his daughter’s bed. Startled he wondered where she was since she apparently hadn’t come to his bed. He walked out of the room and quietly peeked into Heath’s. Realising that his brother too must have been tired last night he gently shut the door and checked in Jarrod’s instead. When she wasn’t there he hesitated. He didn’t want to glance into his mother’s so he walked down the stairs to the kitchen. Silas was already baking the breakfast bread.

 

"Morning Silas. Seen Emily?"

 

"No Mr Nick. Not today. Isn’t the little one in bed?" He went over to the door and checked if her coat was there on its hanger. "She hasn’t gone outside."

 

"I’ll have a look in her room. Perhaps she is in there. Thanks Silas."

 

"I’m sure she is, Mr Nick. She plays in there a lot, should get it ready."

 

"Huh." Nick walked slowly up the stairs towards Emily’s room thinking about how right Silas was. It had taken too long for him to get her room ready but he had so enjoyed having her near him that he had been finding excuses for not working on it. He walked into the room and sat on the chair. She wasn’t there and everything was neatly put away. Well he had to peek into his mother’s then. Perhaps she had started to go there when he hadn’t been home for her. He felt the sting of jealousy as he warily opened the door. From where he stood he could only see one body in the bed. He didn’t want to be caught so he quickly closed it and started his way back to his room, scratching his head. As he passed the guest room he noticed something he had missed before, that the door wasn’t entirely closed. Wanting his guest to have some privacy he got hold of the handle but before he closed it he couldn’t resist a peek. There was his daughter. He walked up to the bed, tucked the two in before he went over to the hearth and started the second fire that morning. Smilingly he left the room and went to get dressed.

 

 

 

Megan woke up feeling somebody touch her face with a finger, a very small finger. She pretended to sleep but Emily had yet again noticed the small change in her aunt and with her hands tried to open the eyelids.

 

"You wakie now." Megan tried to continue to pretend that she wanted to sleep not knowing that Emily had learned how her father did in the morning when she didn’t want to get up. The young girl took her finger and tried to tickle her aunt which turned out to be easy since Megan was rather ticklish.

 

"I give up Sweetie. You win. I’m awake. Now shall we get up?"

 

"You tell more story." Emily looked at her aunt. "Please?" Megan pulled the girl towards her.

 

"Nope. Let us save it for later today. I will have time to tell you plenty of stories but if I tell them all at once then what shall I tell you?" She saw the fire in the hearth. "Sweetie, do you know who made the fire or were you sleeping like I was."

 

"Daddy." Megan felt the blood run up her cheeks not knowing that even if it was true Emily didn’t know.

 

 

 

"I don’t think she should Nick. She is too young." Victoria stood with her hands on her hips in front of the desk in the study. Nick had been doing the bookkeeping when she had come in to discuss the funeral they were to hold later that morning.

 

"Why not? I’ll be there to explain everything. I want her to know that she can go there all the time and what does happen to the body when you die. You know what she did to the Persson kid just because she wasn’t familiar with it. Emily is coming Mother." Victoria flung out her arms just as Jarrod walked in.

 

"Jarrod tell your brother that your niece is much too young to attend her mother’s funeral."

 

"Sorry Mother. Can’t do that." He saw the gleam from her. "I can’t do it because Emily knows that Nick was fetching Cathy to put her in a hole. I met Duke outside and he said that Emily had been with him yesterday digging the hole. I’m sure that with the support from us she will be able to handle it. Eh, and Silas said that Em had been asking him questions about death. She is a bright girl Mother."

 

 

 

The rain was pouring down as the small company stood around the coffin waiting for the service to end. Nobody had any umbrellas since the rain had come as a surprise. Megan felt the cold wet water run along her body as her clothes got soaked. She was trying to hide the shivers from Nick who stood next to her with Emily on his arm. The young girl didn’t say anything during the half hour everything took, just sat there and watched. When the priest was done and the hands started to pour back the wet earth over the coffin, Nick gently moved Megan towards the carriage that was waiting for them. She hesitated as her eyes stayed fixed on the grave.

 

"Come Megan, you need to get indoors or you might be ill again."

 

"But the roses."

 

"Later today but more preferably tomorrow. Let the earth set. You can borrow a buggy or horse."

 

"Why? I don’t know how to use either. Please just drive the way I can walk and it will be fine."

 

"Walk? No, if I can’t drive you somebody else will. Just come now. Let us go home and get dry."

 

"Auntie Eggan. Come. Em tell story. Make happy again." Megan tried to smile but the loss of her sister had become so clear to her there by the grave. She let herself be led by Nick, being followed by the rest of the Barkley family. When the women and Jarrod were seated in the carriage Nick and Heath quickly mounted their horses and the company started the short trip back home where Silas had prepared a small snack. Megan stared out of the window thinking of what the future now had in store for her now that her and Cathy’s plans had so tragically changed. Where should she go from here, back home or to a Boston which she had visited on the way to Cathy or to San Francisco that Cathy had so warmly talked about? Emily sat next to her trying to get some contact wondering what was wrong. Nick had explained everything that was going to happen and so had Duke so she was sure that her Mummy now was an angel looking down on her. Perhaps her Aunt Eggan didn’t know that? She pulled one more time on her aunt’s sleeve making her aunt finally turn to her.

 

"Auntie Eggan Mummy here." She pointed to her heart. Megan couldn’t but smile a little.

 

"I know Sweetie. And she always will be." Victoria sat wondering what was on the woman’s mind. She understood that the loss must be hard but what were her plans now? Surely she would spend Christmas with them getting to know her niece a little more, Emily had certainly taken to her, probably the similarities with her own mother made that easier. But what would happen then?

 

 

 

A few days had passed since the funeral when Nick walked along the hall towards Emily’s room. He stopped outside Megan’s room as he heard her cough again. He had been lying awake listening to her, hearing how exhausted she had sounded towards the early morning. As he wondered if doctor Merar had been there he knocked on the door and entered. Emily sat beside her resting aunt reading one of her books but when she saw her father she stopped.

 

"Daddy, read please. Auntie Eggan too tired." Megan tried to smile but her body shook with another cough instead. Nick walked up his daughter.

 

"I think we should let Aunt Megan rest Sweetheart. Come Em."

 

"It’s alright with me if she stays but she might catch what I’ve got." Megan’s hoarse voice pained Nick so he walked over to her bed and sat down. Gently he stroked some stray locks from her face. Emily followed his movements.

 

"Doctor say Auntie rest, she hot."

 

"She is Emily. Megan, do you want something to drink? There is some water here on the table but I could get you something else. Some warm broth might make you heal better." Megan turned slowly towards Nick.

 

"Victoria was up with some before, after Doctor Merar was here. Emily was reading me a story so that I would fall to sleep, or at least that was what she said." Megan tried to smile at her niece. Emily patted her on her head.

 

"You still. Need sleep." Nick smiled.

 

"I think someone did hear what the doctor or Mother said to you Megan."

 

"I know." Nick stroked her cheek before he stood up.

 

"Emily, come with me and we’ll check the horses. After aunt Megan has gotten some sleep you can read to her again." He reached over Megan and picked up his daughter. "Megan, try to rest while I keep this young lady busy". Megan tried again to smile but the cough racked through her body again. Nick put Emily down and helped Megan to sit up. He pattered her back. "Emily go and get some new handkerchiefs for Megan. Silas will know where they are." Emily ran off while Nick watched her. "There, lean against me and I’ll help you get the phlegm out of your chest." Megan held on to her blanket not really sure what to do when Nick more or less forced her against him. It took some time but after a while Nick could hear that more air came down to her lungs. He leaned her back again and looked into her tired pained eyes. "I’ll get Mother and her laudanum. It might help against the pain. Then you need a nightdress because this one is wet. I guess it’s a good sign that you are sweating the fever out."

 

"I’m already here. And I have both some more broth, lemon juice and the laudanum." Victoria put the tray she was carrying down on the table. "And I have got a dry nightdress so if my son could leave to play with his daughter Megan can get a chance to change." Victoria winked at Nick who quickly got on his feet, blushing and fled from the room.

 

 

 

"Mother what did Doctor Merar say when he was here?" Nick cut his beef before putting the knife down. He was concerned over Megan’s cough as she hadn’t got any better during the day, in fact it sounded worse and he was tired after arguing with Emily that her aunt needed to rest and be left alone. Victoria studied her son for a moment before she answered. Both Jarrod and Heath had their eyes on her.

 

"It isn’t tuberculosis, if that is what worries you Nick. Megan just has very fragile lungs since her trip over the ocean. Howard thinks that even though she got the all clear a few weeks ago from the hospital she still had it in her body and then the trauma about her sister and the rain did the rest. He has wired the hospital she stayed at for her medical records. What we have to keep an eye on is that she doesn’t get pneumonia. He isn’t sure she could handle one of those right now. If you want to talk to him he said he would come around tomorrow morning."

 

"I wasn’t worried about that disease Mother. I just don’t think I can stand her coughing one more night. It goes right through my bones. And she was pretty warm and sweaty."

 

"I know Nick. I think she has had to change nightdresses about four times already. Good thing that she is about Audra’s size." Victoria concentrated on her food. Jarrod looked over to his brother in surprise.

 

"When did you have time to play nurse? When you left this morning the both of you where heading for the orchard and then wasn’t it the new land in the east range?"

 

"We got in early and while Heath went to train the new bronco I went to fetch Em for a ride. I found her reading to Megan." He speared a piece of beef with his fork and pushed it around. "She did sound horrible then and when I put Em to bed half an hour ago she sounded even worse."

 

"So can I detect an interest in Miss Adams, Mr Barkley?" Nick looked up at his brother.

 

"Megan is family, Jarrod. Excuse me Mother. I just don’t have an appetite." He stood up and put his serviette down by the plate and went to the study instead.

 

"Family? I think I touched a soft spot?"

 

"He is right. She is family to Nick, through Emily. Just leave him alone Jarrod." Victoria continued on with her food.

 

"If you are right Jarrod, he has definitely changed his approached to women. Nah, I think you are wrong. They have just become very good friends, and they did so already on the train. You see they have something in common, Emily." Heath pushed his plate aside and reached for the fruit. "You know how he is when he is in love. Firstly, useless at work since all he is thinking of is the gal, secondly he wouldn’t be here, thirdly …."

 

"I get your point Heath but once in a while he has been different with the ladies too, you know. Remember Melanie?"

 

"Yep, but since then it has been …."

 

"Stop it you two and leave Nick alone. So what if he is in love or perhaps would fall in love. I think and know he could do much worse than Megan. Now no more talk about this, boys. I don’t want any fights in the house." Victoria stood up. "Let us join him in the study instead. I’m sure he went there. Perhaps a pool game will relax him."

 

"You are right. I think I need some more money and Nick will be the perfect benefactor to me." Heath took Victoria’s hand and led her towards the study. As they passed the foyer they heard Megan cough again.

 

"Go on Heath. I’ll go up and give her some more laudanum and warm milk and top it with my honey and lemon juice mix. Then I’ll join you boys and perhaps you could teach me how to play." Victoria turned back to the kitchen as her sons continued to the study.

 

 

 

Later that night Victoria woke up by hearing Megan cough. She laid wondering if she should get up or not when the coughing continued. Putting on her thick dressing gown she walked into the hall. When she passed Emily’s door she peeked in and saw that the girl was still lying in her bed but that both the blanket and Ollie had fallen on the floor so she walked in and picked both up. Gently she put Ollie under Emily’s arm, tucked the blanket around her and stroked a lock from the girl’s face. She had her thumb in her mouth and Victoria smiled thinking of Nick at that aged. His daughter was so like him that she ever wondered that she had hesitated about it. Another cough brought her back and she left the child’s room and walked towards her aunt’s. After a quick glance into the room she almost shut the door and went down to the kitchen. She put a tray together with what she wanted before making a detour into the parlour and liquid trolley. Once again at the door she backed into the room before walking over to a table with the tray. The cups jingling made the man in the armchair sit up.

 

"Mother"

 

"Hi Sweetheart. What are you doing here?"

 

"I couldn’t sleep hearing Megan cough so I came here. I was reading Cathy’s notes but must have dozed off." He accepted the cup of coffee spiced with the brandy. "How is she doing?" He watched Victoria lean over and touch the woman’s forehead as she brushed away some sweat soaked locks from her face.

 

"She is still very hot. I think we should let her rest for a little longer before trying to get some fluid into her. Why don’t you too go and get some rest Nick and I’ll stay?"

 

"No, I’ll stay Mother. I feel responsible for her even if I know that she can handle herself. Mother both Megan and Cathy weren’t more than four five years old when they had to start to work. They were even younger than Heath, just about what Emily is now."

 

"What did they do?"

 

"Cathy mentioned that she and her sister sold flowers at a place called Covent Garden. I haven’t come that far in the notes and I’m already upset at how their parents treated them." The move under the blanket alerted them that Megan was waking. With another deep cough she creased up and Nick moved over to sit on the bedside. He patted her back trying to soothe the pain. When the attack was over two very tired eyes looked at him.

 

"They did what they could. It was normal and we didn’t know anything else. Besides we sold better than Mum." Her voice was husky and the sore throat made it hard for her to talk. She was about to cough again when Nick helped her to sit up and gave her the cup. Gently he helped to guide it to her mouth. Victoria put another blanket around her covering her back.

 

"You will have to tell us about it Megan. Here most children play and go to school."

 

"I didn’t know how to read until I was fifteen and got Mrs Smittens as an employer. She was really nice. I worked for her until five years ago." Nick stroked her cheek.

 

"Shush, just be quiet. You can tell us when you are better. Then I hope you will have time to answer all my questions. Cathy’s writing isn’t very good but that is not the problem. She is mentioning things I didn’t think existed or happened to children. And I’m only in her fifteenth year."

 

"I wouldn’t read on after that if she is telling the truth. She made some very bad choices then."

"I feel I have too Megan. One day Em will start to ask about her mother and I want to know what to say. And if I’m going to give her the notes I want to know what’s in them. Perhaps you should read them too and fill in where it is needed, if not to Em so at least tell me." He could feel her nod against his chest. Victoria handed him the glass with the honey and lemon mixture and with some help he managed to coax most of into her.

 

"Phew, I never liked honey."

 

"Believe me there are worse things. Now shut your eyes and go back to sleep."

 

"You too. You got a farm to run."

 

"Ranch, not farm."

 

"What’s the difference?" Nick sat thinking for a while.

 

"Huh, besides the size I’m not sure. Anyway it’s a ranch and not a farm." He sat with her leaning against his chest, gently patting her back and soothing her breathing until he noticed she had fallen back into sleep. With Victoria’s help he tucked her in. "Mother, go back to bed. I’ll stay here."

 

"Nick?"

 

"I’ll be alright. Go and get some of that beauty sleep you women want. I can handle things here as long as I don’t need to change her nightie. I don’t think any of us would want that. If she gets that wet I’ll wake you up." Victoria kissed him on the head before moving towards the door. There she stopped and stood for a while watching Nick get back to the notes.

 

 

 

Chapter nine

 

Slowly Megan begun to grow stronger again and her coughing started to ease. Nick returned to sleep in his room and bed but not after seeing that she was tucked in for the night. They didn’t speak about Cathy’s notes or what Megan wanted to do when she got well but that didn’t mean that Megan didn’t think or plan for the future. Victoria kept her busy with the new textiles in Emily’s room and the two of them often sat sewing together. The older woman was amazed over the skill the younger woman showed and Megan had to explain about the hours with Mrs Capenwick and her watchful eyes. Mrs Capenwick had in her younger days taught the future wives of the aristocrats in London how to act as ladies and that included, in her eyes, the skill of mastering needle and thread. During the last five years she had forced Megan to learn how by having her monogram handkerchiefs and linen.

 

After nearly a week in bed Megan was allowed to leave her room. Dr Merar was very strict with telling her and Victoria what she was allowed to do and not. It was according to him completely out of the question that she was to walk any longer than to a buggy and if and that was a big if she was to go into Stockton she had to be escorted by somebody. He wanted her to at least wait another two or three days before she even thought about it. Nick who had stayed home that day promised the good doctor that he would personally see to it that she stayed indoors for at least two more days no matter how she begged. With a sigh she had accepted her fate and helped Victoria with Emily and the preparations for Christmas in the parlour. Emily, who had been pleased when her aunt got out of bed, was even more pleased now since that meant that somebody could play with her in her room.

 

 

 

Sitting around the dining room table the first evening she was downstairs was tiresome. She had a hard time keeping up with the discussions flying over the table and soon she gave up. She knew that the training Mrs Capenwick had given her prepared her well enough to dine with the Barkley family but the strain of keeping up an appearance was hard. She didn’t know what they were talking about or whom and keeping the family friends sorted out was just too much. Enjoying the food she let her own thoughts wonder to what she was going to do when she was let out of the house and where she was to go as soon the doctor considered her well enough. Suddenly it was quiet around her and Nick touched her arm to get her attention.

 

“Sorry?”

 

“Just wondering what planet you were on?” Megan glanced at him as he smiled towards her.

“Jarrod just asked you if you had any wish for Christmas but your gaze told us that you weren’t with us.”

 

“Sorry Jarrod. I was just thinking of getting out of the house.” The blush rose over her checks when Nick’s laughter roared over the table. He winked at her.

 

“Feel like you are in a prison?”

 

“Nicholas!” Victoria understood that Megan was longing to get outside in the sun. “I’m sure Megan doesn’t feel like that but I think I too would have that feeling and I know two young men who never would stay indoors more than needed and that sometimes under threat. Correct me if I’m wrong but you haven’t let Megan take a step outside the doorway.” Nick tilted his head.

 

“Now you know I promised the doctor that Megan would stay inside two more days.”

 

“Yes I do. And I think you are wrong. I’m sure she could accompany me to the Tanners tomorrow.”

 

“No Victoria. I’ll stay here. I have been taking up your time for too long and really want to get well and be able to handle myself again. I’ll do what Dr Merar said and stay indoors, then perhaps I could get a ride into town. I have some errands to do.”

 

“Anything I can do for you when I’m at my office tomorrow?” Jarrod leaned back wiping the corners of his mouth. “If you have some shopping that need to be done just give me a list and I’ll drop it off at the General store.”

 

“No, I need to do this myself.”

 

“Boys!” Victoria stood up. “Why don’t you take Megan into the study while I get my notebook? I have a few things we need to talk about if we are going to have a New Year’s Ball. For instance the invitations must go out no later than a day or two.” Nick pushed his chair back and stood before helping Megan up. She was still a little weak and he gave her a gentle hand as help. Slowly they walked through the foyer towards the study having Heath and Jarrod go ahead. When they arrived there Heath held a blanket for her as Jarrod checked on the fire. She was amazed over their concern about her well-being. After Nick had placed her in an armchair he walked back to the parlour where he had seen her embroidery earlier and brought it to her. The boys started to get a game of pool ready, telling Victoria that they could think much better with a cue in their hands. Slowly the list of guests where coming together, each name weigh carefully so that no harm would be done.

 

Victoria worried about Emily and where she would be during the party as she was much too young to attend. Just as Nick inhaled and was about to growl Megan said that she and Emily could either be in Emily’s room or rent a room at the hotel she had seen from the railway station.

 

“I’m sure Emily won’t mind. I can read her favourite stories and perhaps the hotel restaurant or Silas can make pancakes for her. And then when it’s New Year’s Mass we will meet you at church and she can come back here with you.”

 

“Now why should you be in a hotel room and not …?” Nick put down the cue and turned towards her. Jarrod placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him.

 

“I’m sure Emily will enjoy it and she won’t be in the way for any guests.” Megan met his gaze and before Nick could say anything Victoria closed her book.

 

“I think that is a wonderful idea Megan. Now I have seen your writing and I hope that you will help me write out the invitations tomorrow.” She put the book down and picked up her sewing instead. “Nick, darling will you get me a sherry please and perhaps something for Megan too? Without another word Nick left the room.

 

 

 

Whistling Nick came walking into the study. He stopped slightly in the doorway before walking over to the chairs and brought one of them to the desk. Putting it down in front of the desk he straddled it and leaned on the back watching Megan who was crouching down over the invitations. He still didn’t like the idea of having her and Emily in a hotel room in Stockton while the rest of the family enjoyed themselves. He kept quiet until she lifted the pen from the paper.

 

“How’s it going? You know you don’t need to do them all, I’m sure Jarrod’s secretary can do some also. She has helped Mother with this before when Audra hasn’t been home.”

 

“I’m nearly done. I’m not sure you thought about it yesterday but the number isn’t even.”

 

“What?”

 

“You are missing three women.”

 

“What?”

 

“I assumed you were going to sit down and eat? Or is it a buffet?”

 

“Don’t know.” Nick scratched his head. “Is it important?”

 

“Not if four men are going to sit together. Anyway I’m sure your Mother already knows about it and has a plan.” She put the last invitation in its envelope and put it on the pile. She had done about 40 cards, to both couples and singles. It was going to be a very large party if everybody said yes and she wondered slightly if there was time to arrange it.

 

“I’m sure you are right but that also means you have to be there otherwise I might end up with Jarrod, or worse, Heath.” He rolled his eyes. Victoria walked into the room, dressed for her visit to her friends.

 

“It’s already decided that Megan and Emily will stay at the Cattlemen’s Hotel. Jarrod is going to book a room there today. Megan I just wanted you to know that Emily is coming with me. Henrietta Tanner has her grandchildren visiting from Virginia. Oh good, you got them done. I’ll have them posted when we go past Stockton. I left a list with Silas of what needs to be done, perhaps there is something on it you can help him with.” Before they even got a chance to answer she took the pile and left the room. Nick sat staring after her, only stopped by the fact that it was his mother who spoke, a woman he admired and respected. When she had closed the front door he stood up and walked to the French windows and watched the buggy leave through the gates. When he turned around again Megan was about to leave the room.

 

“Megan, wait. Why don’t you and I take a walk in the garden?”

 

“No Nick. I need to rest a short while and don’t forget if I stay indoors today I can go to Stockton tomorrow.” She smiled towards him as she held on to the door. “Besides I have kept you from your work far too much the past week and I know you came in to do something, not just watch me write out invitations.” She got hold of her skirt and slowly walked towards the foyer and the staircase. Nick stood by his desk not knowing what to do and why he actually had come in. With a sigh he went to the kitchen instead, got a piece of bread and then headed to the barn and his horse.

 

 

 

Megan sat in her room for a short while, going over the notes that she had done over the last few days, her plan for the future. Tomorrow she was going to the bank and then she was going to buy herself a home, her first own home. Her gaze went out through the window and she saw Nick leave the ranch. With a sigh she stood up and went down to find Silas. She found the list of things to do in the kitchen, lying on a bench. As she stood reading it Silas came into the kitchen carrying the table linen.

 

“I can do that Silas since I don’t know where to find things around here.”

 

“Now Miss Megan, you are a guest here, you shouldn’t need to do anything here.”

 

“Mrs Barkley said I should help you with the list and to be honest, I have never been very good at polishing silver but I was good at getting the linen done. Or dusting? I think I can handle that.”

 

“Miss Megan, sit down and let us start with a cup of tea and then decide what you can do.” Silas went over to the sink and got the kettle ready before getting out a cake. “Why don’t you get Miss Emily’s room ready? Mr Nick has finally got it finished and even if she is sleeping in her room there still aren’t any curtains or the other things you have been working on together with Mrs Barkley. Mr Nick wouldn’t be pleased if you worked as a servant here and I don’t want you to take my job. I can fix that list and I have already got help for some of the things. It’s not the first party I have arranged but I have to admit it was a very long time since we had a big one like this one.” He poured the water for her and watched her take a long sip of the tea. “Tell me, what are your plans? I know you must have some, a dream that kept you alive.”

 

“That obvious?” Megan smiled. “Cathy and I wrote about having a candy shop like the one I worked in when she left, before I started to work for Mrs Capenwick. She, Cathy wanted to live in a big city again and thought that San Francisco would be fine. Now I don’t know. I was thinking of getting my own place in Stockton so that I could be near Emily but then at the same time perhaps it’s not a good thing.”

 

“Why not? I know Mr Nick might be sad if you leave the house. He sees you as family. You remind Emily and him about …”

 

“I know I heard him say that he feels responsible for me and I think that’s wrong. Just because my sister used him for her own purposes shouldn’t mean that he has to take care of me and I’m not sure it’s a good thing for Em to be reminded about Cathy. She has got a good home here and should leave everything behind her. I’ll get the linen ready then I’ll start on her room. Might as well do it. Mrs Barkley did take care of me while I was ill.” She took the cups and walked over to the sink and washed the dishes. Silas silently shook his head and wondered for how long she would stay in the house and what would happen then.

 

 

 

The table linen were ironed and laid out, serviettes folded into hats and servant’s aprons and hats pressed and put aside when Megan went up the stairs and into Victoria’s sewing room. In there she knew that curtains, chair covers, bed cover and pillows for Emily’s room were. For a moment she stood stroking the material before picking it up and leaving for the child’s room. For a few hours she worked on getting things ready, making sure the windows were cleaned before hanging up the curtains. She finished by making a canopy over the bed. When she was done she went to her room and got something out of her trunk that she had made a few years ago when she found out that Emily was born. Standing on the ladder once more, she hang up an angle in the middle of the canopy letting it fly over the bed and guard who ever was sleeping in it. As she was about to step down she missed a step and fell down, twisting her ankle. Cursing she stood up with the help of the ladder.

 

“Well, well Miss Adams, such language.” Nick walked into the room and steadied her. “Now I should think that is not something a lady should utter.”

 

“I’m not a lady, just a working girl from Southwark.”

 

“Huh.” He helped her over to a chair and looked around the room. “You sure made this room look lovely. Em is going to love it.” She smiled back at him as she stood up and halted towards the door. “Hey, young lady, just where are you going?”

 

“Just to my room and lay down.” She sighed. Nick’s eyes went over her and he realized that she was tired so he moved quickly to her side and lifted her up.

 

“Please put my down. Somebody might come.”

 

“And?”

 

“Please”

 

“I will Megan but you should rest that foot. I promise I’ll settle you on your bed and leave you alone.”

 

 

 

As the sun was settling down for the night Victoria and Emily returned to the ranch. Nick was working on his book keeping while Heath was trying to figure out the coming months trails. Emily ran to her father and crept up in his knee, talking about the things she had done, hardly taking time to breathe. Victoria walked in taking her hat and gloves off.

 

“Good evening boys. I have met three beautiful women today and I invited them to the party since I knew we were short of women. They are friends of Henrietta’s daughter Heloise. Nick I think your daughter is ready for bed. The children had dinner before we left. I’ll get ready myself and then we will have dinner.”

 

“Yes Mother.” Nick shut the books and carried Emily up. He played with her all the way to her room, tickling her, throwing her up in the air to end things by carrying her under his arm. Emily’s laughter was heard all the way up. Heath smiled as Victoria shook her head.

 

“Now she will never settle.”

 

“She will once she has seen the angel hanging over her bed. Megan got her room ready this afternoon.”

 

“She did? I told her to help Silas.”

 

“She has done that too Mother.” Heath mumbled and went back to the board he had in front of him. Victoria realised that he had snapped shortly and left to get ready. As she passed the child’s room she looked in and was amazed.

 

“Look Granny, Aunt Eggan done this.” Emily stood on the bed looking up to the angel. Nick reached up and pushed it a little and it looked as the angel floated in the air. Victoria looked at it for a while before looking around the room.

 

“I must say the colours are just right in here Nick. And the curtains perfect but I don’t remember the lace.” She walked over and touched the lace that was hanging beside the thick yellow velvet cloth.

 

“It’s Megan’s.”

 

“Oh, well it is lovely.”

 

“It is.”

 

“Must have cost her a quite a bit.”

 

“I didn’t ask. Excuse us Mother but I’m putting this young lady to bed.” He started to help Emily with the buttons before pulling the dress off her. When Em was in her nightdress Nick moved her over to the basin and helped her get washed and teeth brushed. As he reached for her brush Emily glanced up to her father.

 

“Daddy, say good night to Aunt Eggan?”

 

“When we are done here we can go to her room and see if she is still awake. She was tired before. There Sweetie, how does that look?”

 

“Goodie. Now go?” Nick took her hand and lifted her up on his shoulders and galloped down the hall. When he let her down she reached for the door knob and opened. Megan was sleeping on the couch by the fire. “Oh, she sleep.” The girl ran forward before Nick could stop her and kissed Megan gently on the cheek before she returned to Nick and with a finger over her lips she closed the door. Nick smiled, took her hand and together they sneaked back to Emily’s room.

 

 

 

Later that evening Nick gently opened the door to Megan’s room again to check that she had moved to her bed. When he saw that she was still on the couch he walked in and went to carry her to the bed. Gently he put her down and pulled the covers over her. He strode back to the couch and picked up her papers from the floor, afraid a stray spark from the fire might reach them. He glanced at them and froze. He sat down on the couch and skimmed through her writing, realizing that she was planning to leave them. After staring into the fire he read her list of reasons for staying close to the ranch or leaving Stockton completely, her list of jobs she had had and could do and the last piece of paper showed her economy situation right now. He didn’t want her to leave, how should or could he explain to Emily that her aunt didn’t want to live here with them? Putting the papers down, he walked out of the room and down to his own. As soon as he got inside he went to his private locker and got his whisky bottle out. For the next hours he sat thinking over reasons that would make her want to leave them, trying to find a way to keep her there.

 

 

 

Continued…