The Jewel of His Heart

by Maggie Brendan

  He felt warmth radiate out of his heart and flow through his entire body when his mind dwelled on Juliana. The thought of her made Josh smile, and he remembered her sweet kisses. The memory shooting through him was powerful.

  After the terrible mining accident, he knew without a doubt that he would never want to have anything to do with mining. That awful scene of death had cured him of any thoughts of going into business with Hoover.

  Mining and money held little attraction to him now. Josh chided himself for any time he’d doubted the future. He remembered what his mother always told him: “God won’t take away the trials of life but will walk you through them.” Now, if Josh could just remember that.

  He’d met with Hoover and his partners and sold his two claims. He’d wound up with a very tidy sum that was now tucked away at the Fergus County Bank in Lewistown. Enough to build a new house and order the prized Saxon Merino ram for breeding purposes. He’d kept the sapphires he’d first discovered, and they too were in a safe, along with the beautiful ring he planned to give to Juliana soon.

  Through the fire and then the mining accident, he’d learned firsthand some hard lessons about putting possessions and wealth above the more important things in life. Several young men, most of them single, had died in the explosion.

  Ever since he’d left Colorado, Josh had spent a lot of time trying to become wealthy and show his father he could make it without him. Maybe that was not the best of motivations. The mining venture might have yielded the kind of wealth men only dream of, but he knew if he’d gone that route, he would have had to give up Juliana and sheepherding. But Josh was focused now. Thinking about his decision, and then Juliana, made his heart sing. No amount of money was enough to lure him away from a life with Juliana.

  Andy waved his arms at him from below, indicating he needed something. Josh had best run on down and see what was going on.

  Juliana kept the article Albert had written about the mining explosion, and she read it again this morning. She forced herself to remember that it had actually happened and that moments later, she had been there. All a stroke of luck—or was this the divine intervention Miss Margaret talked about?

  Montana Powder Explosion Tolls Out Death—Seven Dead,

  Many Injured

  April 1896

  The town of Neihart, Montana, mourns the loss of seven miners, all single except one, killed in a deadly powder explosion at the Broadwater mine. It appears the accident occurred when a magazine filled with thirty sticks exploded and set off a box of dynamite.

  The seriously injured were transported by train to Great Falls for treatment. This is the third disaster within two weeks in the state.

  Juliana folded the paper in half and laid it on her desk, sighing. She felt like she’d been walking through a dream. Juliana had tried not to wear a long face, but it was hard when a few people in town would actually move to the opposite side of the street when they saw her coming. She avoided them as well. She had no excuses for what had happened. If it hadn’t been for her new friends and Josh, she didn’t know what state of mind she would be in right now. Miss Margaret, bless her heart, was so encouraging, telling her to never give up, that God had a plan for her to be happy in life. She had told her more than once that her heavenly Father would be her father now.

  Thankfully, Mac at the bank had survived the bullet to his shoulder, and the bank’s money had been returned. But forgiveness was not easy for some people, especially for her, because she felt she was the one who’d been mistreated.

  The Bible Josh had given her couldn’t have come at a better time. She could feel God softening her heart with every Scripture she read before going to bed. The fact that Josh had wanted her to have her own copy made her feel very special. She could hardly wait to see him this weekend at the art fund-raiser. She missed his arms around her and the wonderful sound of his voice that melted her heart and stayed with her throughout the day. There had always been something about its tone that spoke to her heart.

  Maybe the art event would give the town some good news to dwell on. Lewistown was flourishing, and a few new shops had opened on Main Street. Albert had even hinted that he was going to hire more help at the newspaper because he didn’t want to work her to death. He’d surprised her with a brand-new Underwood typewriter when she’d returned to work. He was protective of her, and she appreciated that. He wanted to know the details about Josh and what his intentions were. No doubt she would ask Albert to give her away at her wedding, if indeed Josh ever got around to asking her. This brought a smile to her lips, and her pulse quickened. God had returned to her the years the locusts had eaten.

  Juliana glanced at her clock. She’d told Natalie and Louise that she’d help them prepare the ground for a vegetable garden before she left to help Helen set up for the fund-raiser this afternoon. She hurried down the staircase and flew out the back door into the garden, where she found the women already hard at work.

  “Hello, sleepyhead,” Natalie teased. She yanked away dead vines and corn stalks left from last year’s garden and placed them in a pile.

  “Why didn’t you wake me?” Juliana asked. “Show me what to do.”

  Louise straightened from her bent position with the hoe she was using to yank away the dead growth. “We knew you needed your rest, especially before helping Helen with the art show. Mama only plants a small garden anyway.”

  Juliana watched Natalie at her task. “But there’s plenty of time. Besides, I love to be outside, and I want to help get Miss Margaret’s ground prepared for her gardens. I know it’s hard for her to get up and down with her arthritic knees. Besides, I feel like family eating here all the time, so I may as well help out. That way I won’t feel too bad when I have second helpings.” She laughed.

  Louise turned to Juliana. “For now, if you just want to carry that dead brush to that pile over there to be burned later, that will be a big help. Here’s a pair of gloves to protect your hands,” she said, pulling them from her lightweight coat pocket. “We are frightfully behind on this project because of the early snow last year.”

  Juliana slipped the gloves on and set about dragging the vines and dried cornstalks to the designated pile. “I think the art show is going to be fun. I wonder how much money the Ladies Social Club will earn toward building another school.”

  Natalie giggled. “Is it the art show, or the fact that you’ll see Josh that’s making your cheeks rosy?”

  Juliana made a funny face at her and placed her hands on her hips. “Mmm . . . could be a little of both, but I’ll never tell.”

  Louise sighed and shot a wistful glance at Natalie. “We should be so lucky . . .”

  “We’re going to have to work on that, girls. There just have to be a few eligible men in this town.” Juliana continued clearing the little patch that would soon become a new garden.

  “That’s debatable,” Louise said, lifting a brow. “The ones who are available don’t even know we’re alive.”

  “Speak for yourself,” Natalie said, shaking the dirt off her gloves. “I’m just picky.”

  Juliana frowned. “I don’t understand it—you’re both pretty as a picture. What’s wrong with the men? Can’t they see that?” She knew Louise was extremely shy, but Juliana thought that underneath her cool exterior was a simmering fire. As to Natalie, she was so outgoing that Juliana couldn’t understand why she wasn’t snatched up.

  Louise harrumphed. “That’s a good question. When you get it figured out, please let us know.”

  “I’ll put my thinking cap on.” Juliana giggled.

  “Oh dear. It’s bad enough that we have Mama scouting for us,” Louise said, catching Natalie’s eye. Her sister joined her in laughter.

  After working in companionable chatter for about an hour, Juliana paused, straightening to rub her aching back. They’d accomplished a lot today, and later it would be time to make the rows for planting.

  “We’ve done enough for one morning.” Natalie pointed with her hoe
handle toward the pile. “I say we leave the rest for another day.”

  Louise and Juliana agreed, so they scampered up the steps to the back of the house, chattering like a bunch of schoolgirls going to their first dance.

  Juliana was about to go upstairs to change before meeting Helen at church, but Miss Margaret, who was coming out of the parlor, stopped her. “Juliana, there’s someone to see you.”

  Juliana paused, wondering who it could be, since she wasn’t expecting Josh. “It’s not Josh, is it? I thought I’d see him later at the art show.”

  “No, it’s the sheriff. He wants a word with you.” Miss Margaret took her hand and drew her into the room.

  Juliana swallowed, anxiety causing her stomach to clench. She knew this had to be about her father. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, ready to face what he had to say.

  Sheriff Wilson strode forward when she entered the room. “Miss Brady, thank you for your time. This won’t take but a moment.” The sheriff left his hat on and reached into his worn vest pocket, pulling out an envelope.

  “What can I help you with?” Juliana asked cautiously.

  Sheriff Wilson always breathed like he was out of breath, and his chest was tight. His shirt was stretched tightly across his stomach, and the buttons threatened to pop, apparently from one too many biscuits at Maggie’s Café. But Juliana knew him to be a fair-minded and respected person in the community.

  “There was a reward for the bank robber’s capture and the return of the money from the robbery. Did you know that?” The sheriff cocked his head sideways.

  “Yes, I did.” Juliana’s brow quirked upward. “Josh told me that he returned the money my . . . father stole.”

  “Indeed he did. That’s what I’m getting to.” He stretched out the envelope to her. “The reward is yours.”

  Her jaw dropped, and she started to protest. “I—”

  The sheriff grinned at her. “No need to argue. That’s the way the bank and I decided it after the money was returned. Please take it. There should be five hundred dollars in there.”

  Juliana was stunned. “I don’t know what to say.”

  Miss Margaret, who was still in the room, said, “Say thank you.”

  “Yes . . . thank you.” She stared at the envelope in her hands. “I really don’t want any part of it because of my father’s involvement.”

  “It’s up to you. Do what you will, but put it to good use,” the sheriff said. He walked toward the door to leave. “By the way, I’m really sorry you had to go through all that with your dad. Just remember that you weren’t to blame, Miss Brady.” He tipped his hat to them and promised to stop by the art sale later, then left.

  Juliana turned to Miss Margaret, her eyes brimming with tears, and for once she was speechless.

  Miss Margaret beamed at her. “God works in mysterious ways, doesn’t He?”

  36

  Posing in front of the cheval mirror in her room, Juliana looked critically at her reflection. She was wearing a pale blue dress with splashes of delicate white lace trimming out the neckline and cuffs. Nellie, with her gift of the needle, had helped Juliana make the dress in the evenings after supper, and Juliana was quite pleased. During the process, she had learned a little about sewing and wanted to be taught more. Then she’d be able to make her children’s clothes when the time came. That brought a vision of Josh’s face uppermost in her mind, and she wistfully daydreamed of having his children. Perhaps a son just like him with those striking amber eyes.

  She finished dressing, pleased with the way she looked. She swept her hair up but left a few curls to drape down the back of her neck. Would Josh notice her new dress? Probably not. Most men didn’t take notice of those kinds of things.

  Juliana had offered to help with the fund-raiser because she wanted it to be a great success. But she must hurry. Helen would need another set of hands. Miss Margaret and the rest of the women would be along directly, bringing the refreshments.

  She hoped Jane would be there with Cynthia today. An outing would be good for her. She’d hate for her to miss the festivities.

  As she was leaving, Juliana picked up her reticule. She slipped some of the money inside, then placed the envelope inside her top bureau drawer.

  “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here now.” Helen hurried over to Juliana as she walked through the door of the fellowship hall. “Esther and I have hung a few paintings, but we need help with where to place the rest for the best possible exposure.”

  Esther nodded at Juliana and murmured, “Hello,” looking down her sharp, bony nose at Juliana as though she had a disease. Juliana felt slighted, but she knew Esther hadn’t liked her from the moment she’d first laid eyes on her, when Juliana had sat in on the Ladies Social Club meeting. Juliana decided if she wanted to be snobby, then that was her problem.

  “Good to see you again, Esther,” she said. Turning to Helen, she asked, “How can I help?”

  Helen guided her to a long table where framed art was laid out. “These are our donations from local Montana artists. We’ve hung about seven.” She swept her arm in the direction of the far wall.

  “I’m impressed. These are very good. Do you know all the artists?” Juliana asked.

  Helen smiled proudly. “Yes indeed. All were more than willing to donate for a good cause. It helps to be the mayor’s wife. I have a little bit of influence.” Helen’s blue eyes danced. “Fanny Cooney donated several of her watercolors of children. Then there’s a few of Charlie Russell’s, and one Howard Stockton was kind enough to contribute. Some of the best are our own Esther White’s paintings of various landscapes in oil.”

  Juliana was taken aback and looked over at Esther in surprise. “My goodness, Esther. I wasn’t aware you were an artist. How delightful!” Juliana realized she knew very little about Esther or her life.

  Esther had the decency to appear modest. “I’ve been painting since I was twelve.”

  Juliana exclaimed, “Well, they are quite beautiful. I’m sure these will sell.”

  Helen clapped her hands. “Ladies, we must get busy. At least we don’t have to set up refreshments. But I think there’s going to be a large crowd today.”

  They worked for two hours, lining the walls of the room with landscapes of flowers in oil and watercolors of children. Juliana suggested they not hang them in order of size. Instead, Helen took her suggestion of varying the placement of size to draw the eye of the guests to the different works of art.

  “I must say, Juliana, for one so young you have quite an eye for this sort of thing. Esther will place a card at the corner of each piece with a suggested value, since this is her field. I’ve never held an art show, so I’m worried about its success. Of course, this will be just one of our fund-raisers. We’ll have to come up with several ideas throughout the year to continue to raise money.”

  Esther glanced at Juliana. “Perhaps we should invite Juliana to be a part of our ladies club. It seems as though she has a lot to offer.”

  Juliana couldn’t believe her ears. Maybe Esther had a heart after all.

  “Excellent idea. I’m sure the rest would agree, and I’ll tell them. We need fresh ideas.”

  Amusement touched Juliana’s lips, and she forced back a giggle. New, fresh blood? she couldn’t help but think. It was hard to think of herself in that light.

  “Thank you, ladies. I’d be honored to be involved in the community work. Just think—I could continue to write the column but wouldn’t need an invitation.”

  A small smile crossed Esther’s lips. “Then it’s settled. We’ll vote on it.”

  Juliana felt her heart begin to warm toward Esther, and she was flattered that the women thought she would be an asset to their group.

  Right before the guests would arrive, Juliana walked around and stood admiring all the artists’ work. Upon closer inspection, she found the sketch that had hung in the Stockton Hotel. She walked closer, looking at Josh’s eyes. The artist had captured the light of Josh’s
soul through his amber eyes, and Josh’s love for his dog through the way he laid his hand on Shebe’s head.

  She loved the picture. She must have it! She looked at the suggested price and gulped. She could never afford fifty dollars, but oh, did she ever want it. Her mind was thrashing around with the idea of owning that sketch. Why not use some of the reward money? At first she hadn’t wanted any part of the money, but now she realized this was the perfect thing to do, and it’d be for a good cause. She felt like hugging herself to think she would finally own the sketch, but she needed to tell Helen before someone else made an offer.

  A flurry of activity at the door signaled that Natalie, Louise, Miss Margaret, and Cynthia had arrived, laden with baskets of finger sandwiches and desserts. Marion came right behind them, carrying large tablecloths and a punch bowl. Juliana watched them all congregated in the corner, feeling left out while she stood deciding about the sketch. Natalie left the group and walked over to her, urging her toward the other ladies.

  Louise drew her toward the group. “It gives me great pleasure to tell you that you’re now a member of the Lewistown Ladies Social Club!” The ladies clapped and cheered, congratulating her as though it was the most enviable club to belong to, and Miss Margaret banged her cane on the floor.

  Juliana stepped forward, expressing her thanks. It felt good to be a part of a group for the first time in her life. “I’m honored, and I will work hard to do what I can to further the good of our community.” There was another round of applause.

  Natalie tapped a punch cup to get their attention. “I want to further add that Marion has accepted the position to be the teacher once the new school is built.”

  Marion beamed and accepted the ladies’ congratulations. “I hope I can call on each of you from time to time to help out with some of the specifics I’ll be teaching.”

  Juliana was so tickled that her friend would now have something to center her life on. “I’ll be more than happy to help with reading and literature, Marion.”