The Jewel of His Heart

by Maggie Brendan

  Wes stood in the rain, water dripping off his hat brim. “You’re welcome. Are you ladies off to that funeral?”

  “Yes, we are. I guess our black dresses give us away,” Natalie said. “Did you know the man?”

  “I did, briefly.” Wes offered nothing else.

  “Are you attending then?” Louise asked.

  “Nope.” Wes seemed not to mind the rain. “I’m not much on funerals and weddings.”

  “Well, he was Juliana’s father,” Miss Margaret said, touching Juliana on the hand. “It’s a sad day for her. We must be going.”

  Wes directed his gaze over at Juliana, who was now sitting next to Miss Margaret and trying to pat her hair back into place. He nodded. “My condolences, ma’am. I didn’t know Davin had a daughter.”

  “And I didn’t know I still had a father, so we’re even. Can we please go on now?” Juliana pleaded with Louise. Wes stood back as the carriage rolled on down Main Street.

  Juliana watched as he sprinted through the rain to where his horse stood tethered. What did he know about her father?

  Natalie looked at Juliana. “Wes is really not all that bad, Juliana. He just pretends to be.”

  “I don’t care for him,” Juliana retorted. Natalie’s face mirrored surprise at her outburst, and she glanced at her mother. Juliana continued, “I don’t see too many redeemable qualities, except for the way he handled your horses.”

  “I know very little about him, except he raises horses and has a small scrap of land his father left him. I’ve heard he can be a bit temperamental.” Miss Margaret looked at Juliana. “But everyone can be redeemed.”

  Juliana felt reprimanded. Mortified, she pursed her lips into a tight line and didn’t say another word.

  34

  The small group stood in the afternoon drizzle protected with umbrellas, forming a semicircle near the grave. Juliana insisted that Miss Margaret sit in the carriage out of the rain because of her rheumatism.

  Reverend Carlson met them at the cemetery. Holding Juliana’s hand, he offered his sympathy again. “I know you’re grieving, Juliana. Give yourself time to do that. This is so soon after your mother’s passing. We don’t understand the reasons why, but God promises to walk us through the valleys of our lives, if we allow Him.” He walked with her to where the fresh grave was dug next to her mother’s.

  Just like that, the one she’d longed to see for years was snatched out of her life as quickly as he’d entered. Like the flicker of a candle snuffed out.

  The gaping hole in the ground made her shudder. Only darkness there. A pine box placed on ropes sat on the ground, and rain splashed off its top in a steady beat, while the smell of fresh, wet dirt assailed her nostrils. When Juliana glanced at her mother’s grave next to it, her throat closed, and she was unable to speak. Tears sprang once again to her eyes.

  Josh walked up with Andy and Nellie and leaned in to hold her arm protectively. Juliana could only stare at the wide expanse of his tanned hand. She felt weary. There were few who had braved the rain for the funeral. Albert and Sally were there, but neither Marion nor her father showed up. Looking around, Juliana decided it didn’t matter. The ones who were important to her were here. They were her new family now.

  The reverend talked of life after death and the confirmation of God’s Word that believers would be reunited someday. After reading select Scriptures to that effect, he ended with a brief prayer. It was nice but short, in view of the weather. When he closed his Bible, he nodded at Josh, Albert, and Andy, and they moved forward. The four of them picked up the ropes, lifted the casket, and lowered it into the grave.

  Deep, gripping pain slammed into Juliana’s chest while she watched Andy and Josh shovel the dirt to cover the hole. At least they’re next to each other now, and together in heaven, Juliana thought, but she felt little comfort in her grief. Her eyes burned, and while she shed no more tears, there was a knot in the back of her throat. Nellie held her hand as they watched the men finish.

  When they started back to the carriage, Josh strode over and pulled Juliana to him, mindless of the others, and she clung to him under the shelter of her umbrella. No words were necessary. Juliana felt protected with his strong arms around her, and her heart slowed to a steady beat that gave way to a bit of peace.

  Josh gently pulled her away from him. “You need to get out of this rain. I’ll stop by the boardinghouse before I leave,” he said in a husky voice.

  Juliana mumbled, “Okay,” then dazedly climbed back into the carriage.

  Josh was glad the rain was starting to diminish when he got back in the saddle. It had been a soggy and dreary day. Watching Juliana made his heart ache. She was so young to have lost both parents already. He counted himself lucky that his parents were still healthy and alive, though it had been awhile since he’d seen them. Suddenly he really missed them, especially his mother. She had been a guiding force in his life.

  He looked over at Andy and Nellie nestled close in the buckboard, sharing an umbrella as they bounced along the wet streets. They were so happy, young, and seemingly without a care, looking forward to life together. He fiercely wanted that. He didn’t want to wait much longer to have a family and someone to come home to, to share his dreams. Time was quickly going by. He hoped he could share his life with Juliana. He felt an urgency like never before to tell her of his intentions. But he couldn’t rush her now.

  At the boardinghouse, Louise opened the door and ushered Josh, Nellie, and Andy to the parlor, where Juliana sat straight as a broom handle on the settee, staring at her clasped hands in her lap. She looked up when they walked in. “Thank you all for coming today,” Juliana said. “It meant a lot to me to have you there. Albert and Sally are in the dining room having a bite to eat. You’re all welcome to join them.”

  Miss Margaret hurried in from the kitchen and urged them to have some of the refreshments laid out in the dining room. “There’s some sliced ham, rolls, green beans, and a lemon pound cake. Please make yourself at home.”

  “Please follow me,” Natalie said, gesturing to the dining room.

  Andy and Nellie followed her to enjoy the spread that Miss Margaret and her daughters had prepared. Sally took Albert’s hand and walked behind them to the dining room.

  “Are you coming, Josh?” Louise asked.

  “Maybe in a moment,” he answered, then took a seat next to Juliana.

  The doorbell rang, and Louise hurried out of the room. Juliana heard Marion and her father, Howard, talking with Louise. “Please come in,” Louise said. “Juliana’s in the parlor.”

  “Thank you,” Marion said. “I’m not sure if she’ll want to see me.”

  “I’m sure she will. Come this way.”

  Juliana looked up and stood with Josh to greet them. Marion flashed a look at Josh, then turned back to Juliana.

  Marion’s father was the first to speak. “We’re very sorry for your loss.” Juliana could only nod, noticing that Marion hung back uneasily. She took a step toward Marion, and her gesture seemed to break the awkwardness that they both seemed to feel.

  Marion pulled Juliana to her and whispered, “I’m very sorry.”

  Juliana took a small step back and studied her friend’s eyes. “Me too,” she said.

  Marion gave her a knowing look that said she knew all Juliana was thinking. She acknowledged Josh with a nod and tugged at her father’s elbow. “Father, I’d like you to meet Josh McBride. You’ve heard me and Juliana talk about him.”

  Mr. Stockton stuck his hand out to Josh. “Good to meet you, regardless of the circumstances.”

  “I’ve heard nothing but good things about you, Mr. Stockton, and I’ve enjoyed a meal or two at your hotel. Let’s go have some coffee, shall we? Miss Margaret here would be offended if we didn’t try her pound cake.”

  Miss Margaret tapped her cane on the hardwood floor. “I most certainly would, so why don’t you just follow me.”

  The two men strolled to the dining room, talking about sheep-he
rding with Miss Margaret and leaving Juliana and Marion alone to talk.

  Juliana led Marion over to the window. “Look, the sky is finally starting to clear.”

  “Yes, it is. I’m sorry I didn’t make it to the burial. But I’m here now.”

  “You are, and I appreciate that, Marion. I—”

  “No,” Marion interrupted. “Let me go first. I’m sorry, I wasn’t being a very good friend when I was trying to get Josh’s attention.” Her face was etched with regret. “I admit that I tried. It’s perfectly clear that it’s you he cares about.” Marion touched Juliana’s shoulder.

  “Okay, Marion. Let’s not talk about it anymore right now.”

  “You’re right. I just wanted to clear the air. I’ve missed you. I’d like to remain friends.”

  “I’ve missed you too, and I’d like nothing better than to stay friends as well.” Juliana meant what she said, but suddenly she was weary and swayed slightly.

  Marion took her arm. “Are you okay?”

  “I think so. Maybe if I just sit down . . .”

  Marion led her to the nearest chair. “Have you eaten today? I’ll bet not.”

  Juliana thought Marion was back to her natural way of taking charge. “I had a piece of toast and bacon this morning.”

  “That isn’t sufficient. Sit there, and I’ll bring you a plate.” But as she said it, Josh came in carrying a plate in either hand.

  “I’m not sure I can eat anything,” Juliana protested with a shrug of her shoulders.

  “We’ll just see about that.” Josh gave her a tender look that went straight to Juliana’s heart. She looked at his hands that were so strong, yet remembered how tender his touch was on her face yesterday, and felt her insides flutter.

  “I think I’ll go have some refreshment.” Marion regarded them with a forced smile and left them alone.

  Setting down the plates and taking her hand, Josh turned to Juliana. “I think I’d like another cup of coffee. Want to come with me?” he asked.

  “I’ll think I’d like to just sit here, if you don’t mind.”

  He stood and said, “Okay, I’ll be right back.”

  When Josh entered the dining room, he watched as Louise poured coffee. Natalie cut generous slices of pound cake and placed them on delicate china plates. “Marion, here, take this plate while I get you a fork,” Natalie said, handing her a plate.

  “It’s delicious, Marion. Just like your mother used to make,” her father commented, wiping his upper lip with a napkin as he polished off the slice of cake.

  Andy walked back to the table for another piece. “It’s really good, and I fancy myself a dang good cook. I’ll have to ask Miss Margaret for her recipe.”

  Nellie touched him on the arm. “Mind your manners and leave some for the rest,” she teased.

  “There’s plenty,” Louise said, glancing at Marion. “Would you care for coffee to go along with that? There’s also ham for sandwiches. I fear Mother thought there’d be more people dropping by.” She indicated the table laden with food with a sweep of her hand.

  Andy and Nellie exchanged looks. “I hope people won’t harbor bad feelings against Juliana for what’s happened. She’s having a hard enough time without the town turning against her,” Nellie said.

  “We’ll do everything we can to prevent that from happening,” Albert said, piling ham on his plate. The others expressed their agreement with a simple nod of their heads.

  Josh cleared his throat. “I think things will turn around once the townsfolk find out Davin Brady never spent the money from the bank. He kept it buried because his conscience got the better of him, but he couldn’t figure a way out after the fact. He told me and Juliana that there was a piece of paper in his pocket explaining where he’d hid the money. I located the spot this morning and have already turned the money back over to Sheriff Wilson.” Josh left out the fact that Davin tried to steal his sapphires and accidentally started the fire. What would be the point of that now? The damage was already done, and nothing could change that.

  “Thank God,” Albert said. “I didn’t know about that. For some reason, I got the idea Wes had something do with the robbery. I’m not even sure why. Maybe because he’s always down on his luck financially and shooting off his mouth. I’m glad I haven’t finished writing the story yet. I don’t want anything I say to reflect badly on Juliana. She is like a daughter to Sally and me, right, dear?” Sally nodded enthusiastically, her mouth full of cake, and he continued. “Maybe I can make part of the story a human interest one somehow.”

  “I hope you can,” Louise said, filling her brother’s coffee cup. “People are always harsh judges when it comes to things like this.”

  “I think we’d better get back to the hotel, Marion.” Mr. Stockton set his cup and plate down. “Thank you, ladies, for doing this for Juliana.”

  “Yes, I’m sure Juliana is grateful.” Marion set her plate down to follow her father, but as she passed Josh, she nudged him out of earshot of the others. “I’ll try to just be your friend and nothing more, Josh. I can see how you feel about Juliana. She is quite young. But the loan of money is still being offered, regardless,” she whispered.

  Josh regarded her with curiosity. What did she just tell him? That she would try to be just friends? Somewhere along the way, he must have given her the wrong impression. A friend was all she would ever be. “I’ll not be needing it, Marion. I’ve got another plan I’m working on right now, but your willingness to do that is not taken lightly, and I want you to know that.” Josh shifted on his feet.

  She flashed him a dull look. “As you wish. Despite what others may think, I really care about what happens to Juliana, and I was friends with her before you or Nellie and the others came along. But if things don’t work out, I’ll always be here to lend a hand for you,” Marion said. She pulled her shoulders back and started toward the door, her skirts brushing against him.

  Josh reached out and touched her elbow, and Marion turned around to gaze at him questioningly. “Just in case you had the wrong idea about you and me, put that out of your mind. I’ll be your friend because of Juliana, but nothing more.” Josh’s tone was low but firm. “Things will work out for Juliana and me, I’m sure of it.”

  She yanked her arm free from him, blinking her eyes, then tossed her head and strutted out the door.

  Josh stood unmoving for a moment, staring at her back, then just shook his head and turned back to his chattering friends for another piece of Miss Margaret’s famous pound cake. He’d never understand women.

  Mark was with Juliana in the parlor when Marion walked in. “Mark, I didn’t even know you were here,” she said.

  He half turned from his chair beside Juliana, his dark eyes shining. “Oh, hi. I was running a little behind. I had to look in on a patient of mine. As always, it’s nice to see you again.”

  Marion gave Mark a weak smile and walked over to Juliana. “I just wanted to tell you I’m leaving now, Juliana.”

  Juliana thought Marion’s face was flushed, and she was curious. “Is everything all right?” she asked, watching her friend closely.

  Marion bristled. “Of course it is. Just thought we’d better get out of your hair and let you rest.”

  “I’ll be fine, Marion. Your father said to tell you he’ll be waiting for you outside. Thank you again for coming.” Juliana rose.

  “Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.” Marion waved her hand in the air. “Just drop in anytime.”

  “I will.”

  “Let me see you out,” Miss Margaret said.

  “Miss Margaret, you don’t need to. I can find my way. Thanks for taking such good care of Juliana.”

  Mark rose. “I must be going myself. I’ll walk out with you.” He bowed slightly. “Excuse me, ladies.”

  Juliana was relieved when the house was quiet once again. Her head throbbed. Natalie and Louise wouldn’t let her help with the cleanup, so she wearily climbed the stairs to her room. Albert told h
er before he’d left to come to work late on Monday, if she felt like coming at all. Juliana knew the best thing for her was to work, though right now her feet felt like they were lifting heavy railroad ties with each step she took up the staircase.

  35

  May in Montana couldn’t have been any nicer, with cool mornings that grew steadily warmer throughout the day, and the sun’s dazzling rays causing a variety of wildflowers to pop in abundant color. Josh enjoyed the faint bleating of his lambs, pausing with Pete along the small rise that overlooked the meadow where the sheep and Andy were. He enjoyed the morning call of the sparrows and a passing cloud or two that floated across the wide expanse of creamy blue sky.

  It amazed him how the burned grass had been covered with short green blades in a just a few weeks. It was also a constant reminder of all that had happened. But God was faithful—from the rising of the sun, to the moon hanging in delicate balance in the night sky, to new life springing up and animals foraging where there had been nothing. Life had settled back into the constant routine business of sheepherding, and there was a rhythm to his life once again. Continuity. He liked it.

  Josh and Andy would move the flock as needed for greener pasture. Shebe had mended quickly, with a slight limp that didn’t seem to slow her down. Evenings were spent planning and sketching out Josh’s new home. He wanted it to be larger than the one that had burned. He hoped to fill it with a large family and make it big enough to include Andy, regardless of when he married Nellie. He would build a separate wing for Andy, who was like a brother to him and was a hard worker. They worked so well together that they could almost read each other’s minds.

  Josh couldn’t wait to show his plans to Juliana. He wanted her input on the layout. He wanted her advice on everything— from the style to the furnishing to what color shirt he should wear. That’s how involved he wanted her in his life. By golly, if she wanted the kitchen painted yellow, she could have it! Everything about her intrigued him, and he couldn’t wait to hold her close again.