I Am Jessamine

Willy and Gem sat together with Jess and they ate their supper of a very interesting pigeon pie and vegetables. Gem happily filled Jess in on what he had been up to and how he had looked after the horses. He said that Jackson now comes to him when he whistles and has filled out nicely. Willy interjected and said that all the horses have filled out and are itching to be doing something other than lazing about and grazing.

“Yes, it is time to get moving again. I am recovered and ready to get going as soon as we can pack up.” Willy looked at Jess when she said this and then asked Gem to clear away their plates and take them to Nell after he washes them. Gem grumbled about washing dishes, but Willy ignored him and pushed him out the door.

Turning back to Jess he asked, “Do you want to talk about anything, Jessie?”

Shaking her head Jess said that no she did not and perhaps they can look to leave the next day. Sitting back down at the table with two glasses and what looked like whiskey, Willy pulled the stopper out and poured them each a little of the liquid. “I know you all too well Jessie and there is a pain in you that is not just about Gray or has to do with your injury. What is eating you, girl?”

Jess held the glass and swirled the liquid and then put the glass back down and sighed. “I do not know how to put into words what I am feeling, but when I do, I will tell you. I promise.”

“I understand, but it seems strange because you could always tell me anything. No matter how offensive, disgusting, heart-breaking, or personal. We have always had each other to do that and now it seems I can’t be that person for you anymore.” He tossed back the liquid, gulped, and stood up. “But I do know that you will do what is right by you. If you are ready to ride in the morning, then we best leave. I will go and tell Nell and then settle up with her.”

As Willy got to the door Jessie stopped him with a sob, “I lost our baby, Willy. Mine and Grays’ child that I didn’t even know I was carrying.” He stood dead still with his hand halfway to the door handle. He turned slowly and stared at her and then went to her and knelt down and put his arms around her shoulders and held her close. “Jesus lass, I had no idea. I am so very sorry. The thought never even crossed my mind.” And Jessie cried again. Her heart felt like it would break and Willy held her as she shed her last tears for her lost child.

Willy left her on the bed under the blanket and he went to make final preparations for their departure the following morning. Jess slept in her clothes so when she got up all she had to do was put on her jacket, bandanna, hat, and boots and she was ready. Picking up her sword, dagger, bed roll, and saddle bags Jessie stepped out of the little cottage. Beside her door was another and she heard voices. When she walked closer she could hear Willy and Gem having an early morning chat and she smiled and knocked on the door. Little Gem pulled the door open and his face lit up in a bright smile and he said, “There is my lady lad Jess.” And he came forward and hugged her around the waist and Jess hugged him back.

Willy stepped past them and squeezed her shoulder and said, “Nell offered for us to buy her wagon and I accepted as we can turn the wagon into a tented dome for sleeping in if need be. We have hitched Spark and Autumn and with a small amount of fuss, they are all set. Their saddles are in the wagon as is everything else we need. Have you got your bed roll and saddle bags ready?” Jess nodded and smiled, reached down for her things, and walked with Willy and Gem to where the wagon was standing.

Nell came out of her little house and in her arms was a muslin bag and a basket. “There are enough pork pies here to last two or three days and then there are some loaves of bread and cheese, dried fruits, various cuts of meat, and a flask of whiskey as well as a barrel of water that is next to the wagon. Gem dear, be a love and go and fetch the bag of apples, potatoes, and carrots just beside the door for me please pet?” and Gem ran off to do as she had asked with a hop and a skip.

Helping Nell place everything on the wagon Jess thanked her again for all of her help and doctoring skills. Blushing happily Nell said, “Oh, my dear, it was my pleasure and even if I sound as though I am blowing my own trumpet, that is the best stitching I have ever done. It is different when the husband falls drunkenly off his horse and you stitch him up. You want to make scars on him never mind stitch him up!” she laughed happily, “But yours I made sure would be almost invisible and I think I have succeeded. Once the redness is gone and you keep putting that aloe ointment on it, I believe it will not be easy to notice. Now remember dear, the cut was deep and hurt your muscles so you will need to exercise caution for a while to allow the muscle to knit properly.” Jess hugged her and then turned to help Gem onto the wagon where he could talk to Jackson who was tied to the back.

Leaving her protesting with the little coin Willy gave her they set out for the O’Cleirigh estate and as Willy put it, “We will reach the border of the estate in about two days and then spend another three days or more riding across it to reach the house. A bloody big lump of land Rourke has!”

“So we have about a week before I get to meet my mother and father as well as siblings who probably don’t even know I exist. This is going to be fun, hey Willy?” she laughed weakly and he smiled at her back to normal sarcastic jibes.

Willy drove on and silently wondered if he should tell Jess of the news he received regarding Gray, but finally decided not to say anything right now as she still had a little healing to do. He had gone to the local store and absently flipped through mail laying on the counter while he waited to be served and he was immediately curious about a letter addressed to Jessiah A. McNally, care of the trading store in Loughrea. The letter was not from Gray but from Jock. Willy had swiftly pocketed the letter and read it later that night.

Struggling to read past the bad spelling Willy finally figured it out and Jock mentioned that a week after they had left, and after Gray had finalized arrangements to repair the O’Murchadha, Gray had been arrested on some or other trumped-up charge of obstruction or some such other bull. He had been imprisoned for over a week before his lawyer had managed to get the charges withdrawn and Gray released, but the man had taken daily beatings and had been starved not only of food but water as well. When they finally got him back to his lodgings above the warehouse where Mr. Tora could tend to him he was near death. Rancliff was furious that Gray was released and at the time of writing the letter, Jock wrote, Rancliff was still looking for ways to throw Gray in jail and confiscate his businesses and ships.

Willy had written back only to give an address as to where further updates must be sent and he had decided he would give a full account only once he knew Gray was out of danger and only after they arrived at the O’Cleirigh estate and once Jess was strong enough, mentally and physically, to deal with the news, he would tell her about Gray.

The first night sleeping in the tented wagon Jess had lain awake, unable to sleep. Twitching at every little night-time sound. By morning she was so wired and edgy that Willy had said perhaps they ought to take turns at lookouts. So, for the rest of the trip they took turns keeping watch and Jess slept a little easier.

“We are now on O’Cleirigh land and you will be able to see the house within the next few hours.” Jess looked at Willy and asked, “So where was your family home, then?” and watched emotions playing across Willy’s features as he said, “We were just on it for the last day.” Staring at him Jess was astounded, “Why didn’t you say anything?”

Willy didn’t immediately respond, but finally said, “I never thought it would be so painful to speak of having my feet touch my own land after twenty-five years. It hurts like hell and all those angry emotions and demons I thought I had successfully buried all came back.” Jess reached over and hugged him across his shoulders. “Sorry Willy, it must be bloody awful for you. May I ask where your family house is then?” Jess asked gently.

Pulling the wagon to a stop Willy turned in his seat and Jess turned as well and he pointed. Very far away Jess could make out a roof structure and chimneys sticking up above trees. It appeared very large and there was smoke crawling up into the sky so clearly, it was occupied.

“Do you know who lives there?” Jess asked and Willy shrugged his shoulders.

“Colonel Daniels’ wife stays there. Father said that was his house, but the Colonel is allowed to let his wife live there.” Jessie and Willy stared at Gem and then at each other. They were absolutely dumb-struck by this news.

“How do you know this, laddie?” Willy asked Gem.

“I was there once with my mother when she went to stay with the Colonel’s wife when she was sick. Mama nursed Aunt Rebecca back to health and when she got better we left and mama got sick. Aunt Rebecca never helped mama and she died.” Gem sounded sad, but said this all in a mature matter-of-fact way that had Jess pulling him onto her lap. She hugged him to her and kissed his crazy hair.

“Gem, do you remember what your mama died of?” Jess asked the boy.

“The doctor said she was drowning in her lung fluids. He said she had got sick before and then her lungs got damaged.” He scratched his head and looked at Jess. “It’s okay. Father said mama had to die like that to pay for all the things that she had done wrong in her life.”

Looking at Willy Jess saw that he was just as affected as her by what the little boy had said. “What do you believe, Gem?”

“Oh, I don’t believe what my father said. My mama was always kind and she always helped people. Me and mama used to take baskets of food to the poor people and we were always careful because if father found out he would beat her. So we would cover ourselves in cloaks and go at night with our butler, Mr. Dingley.” He laughed and said, “Father never found out, but he did suspect what we were doing, but me and mama were always very careful.” He smiled smugly.

“Your mama sounds like she was an amazingly brave and kind woman and you are a lot like her, Gem darling.” They stayed sitting together on the wagon until they crested a rather steep hill and Willy reigned the horses in again.

“We can take a break and let the horses roam a little just down there where there is a stream and shelter, but before that,” and he pointed ahead of them, “take a look out there.” Jess followed where he was pointing and gasped at what she saw way out in the distance.

“That’s not a bloody house! That is a mansion! Good god! How opulent is that place?” Gem laughed at her and said, “I bet it has at least fifty bedrooms!”

“Well, if that blows your mind then Broch de Clisson is going to knock you on your backside!” Willy laughed and Gem nearly fell off the wagon laughing.

“Our house at the ranch must have seemed so small and inconsequential to you,” Jess said to Willy as she helped unhitch the horses. Looking at Gem she continued, “My house has six bedrooms, each room has its own bathroom and we have one dining room, which we hardly ever use, a large kitchen where everyone usually eats, a large living room for guests, and a television room where one can sit and relax for a while. At the back of the house is the office and down in the wine cellar all we have is wine.” Jess looked up as Willy cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows and Jess realized she had gaffed again.

“We have a cattle ranch. We farm with cattle and we have lots of them. We have a big barn and we have lots of horses. We have our own chickens who lay eggs for us and we also have a really big vegetable garden.” Jess continued as though what she had said was totally normal and she hoped Gem wouldn’t pick on certain aspects she knew were confusing for the child.

She should have known better. “What is a bathroom?” he asked curiously.

“Well Gem, where I come from, we have a special room where there is a bath and a special seat where you do your morning ablutions without worrying about anyone walking in on you.” She said simply and he seemed happy with that answer.

“And what is a tevision room?” Jess giggled at his attempt at saying television.

“Have you ever seen one of those circular lamps that have cut-outs on it? You put a lit lamp inside it? When you turn it the cut-outs reflect on the wall and it looks like it is moving?” Jess recalled seeing one of those many years ago in a museum and she prayed that it was from this era or hereabouts.

“Oh yes, I know that thing.” He said happily.

“Well in our room we have a rather large one that lights up the room for us and we watch it.” Nodding Gem seemed completely happy with this and went about doing his chores.

Taking a deep breath Jessie looked at Willy who was silently laughing and said, “Dodged a bullet right there, you did.” And Jess rolled her eyes but grinned happily anyway.

Speaking softly Jess said to Willy, “You know, Will, if his father travels then it stands to reason he can.” Willy looked at her and frowned. “And your point is what, Jess?” he asked curiously.

“Just an errant thought that I had.” And she left it at that because kidnapping a child and taking him to the twenty-first century was not on her agenda and nor did she want to have Rancliff after her because of Gem. It could end very badly for all of them. Just the thought of Rancliff sending his goons to get the kid back, ugh! No, Jess thought, that would most assuredly be horrible for the child.

Setting up their little camp behind trees and shrubs had gone smoothly. Jess sat with Gem and explained about certain plants in the area then Gem asked a very valid question, “How come the grass is so green and healthy here?”

Looking up at Willy with a question on her face he came and sat beside them as the fire began to take nicely and said to Gem, “When I was a lad my father once told me that the angels had danced on the grass in Ireland and they left their happiness here. The grass stays happy all the time so that everyone knows this land is blessed.”

“Did you believe your father?” Gem asked seriously.

“Yes, I did.” Said Willy seriously and the little guy nodded his head and went off to pick some wild flowers for Jess.

“He’s a good kid, Willy.” Jess said almost sadly, “but I know he belongs here. As soon as we can we need to get him to his aunt in Barbados.” With a sigh, she pulled out pans and sliced up some mushrooms and the last of the left-over meat. Willy put on a pot of water and popped in three potatoes and Gem topped and tailed the carrots and popped them in the pot as well. For dessert, they each had an apple.

Later that night Jessie sat first watch, even though she still felt uncomfortably weak, and looked out towards where her parents were and wondered if they ever spoke of her or if her mother ever regretted leaving her and was not able to watch her grow into adulthood. She doubted it because she knew how she felt about Gem and how hard parting with the boy is going to be and she was not even related to the child. She yearned to have Gray with her so she could talk to him about it and hear his opinion. To feel his strength and give her courage even though he would simply be standing beside her. Closing her eyes she thought of his face and his hair, his eyes, and his mouth, his shoulders, his hands, his fingers, his chest, his legs, and all the other glorious bits that she so loved and she sent out all the love she possibly could to him and her heart called out to his and she begged him to find her at the place they had promised to meet. Jessie realized she would give up eternity if it meant staying with Grayson, but her loyalty and integrity battled with her over it.

“I love you, Grayson Iain Murphy. I have waited many lives for you. You are my life, my love and I will love you across all eternity. Even when we part in death, my soul will find your soul in the next life. Our love is eternal, my darling.” Jessie felt the hot tears running down her cheeks and when she opened her eyes she saw a shooting star and knew her message was being carried to him.

She sat for a long while simply looking up to the heavens and marveling at the stars and moon, knowing that they will be the ones Gray sees too.

The silence was broken by the gentle creaking of the wagon and Jess looked around to see a bundled-up Willy climbing out. “I swear to god, my arse is fading away from sitting either on the wagon bench or the saddle. It is so tender.” Jessie laughed softly at his griping and threw extra logs on the fire and watched Willy as he stood to warm himself.

“The sky is the most magical of all creations, don’t you think?” he asked Jess and she agreed.

“If we leave early enough I would say that we could make it by nightfall and sleep in decent beds tomorrow.” He sat down beside Jess and she poured him a cup of coffee from the pot she had brewed earlier. A nervous twitching of her stomach muscles made her realize just how concerned she was about meeting the parents she never knew. Now she knew what it felt like for kids who were adopted and as adults found their biological parents.

“I hope to god they realize that I am not from this time so I don’t play by their rules. I understand that I have stepped into their zone, but I’ve stepped in with twenty-first century attitude.” Jess said with an edge to her voice.

“Are you already preparing for a war, Jessie?” he asked quietly.

“You know me, Willy. I like to prepare for every eventuality.” Jess admitted.

“Prepare for peace.” He said with a raised eyebrow. “Go and get some rest and I will wake you before sunrise and we can be on our way as soon as possible. Leave the pot here with the water and I will make oats for breakfast and we can eat on the go.” He said thoughtfully.

“Great idea, thanks.” And Jess climbed in the wagon and snuggled down beside Gem and fell instantly asleep.

“Jessie! Jess, wake up time.” Little Gem was touching her face and looking in her eyes as she opened them and she smiled at the sweet boy. Running his hand over her cheek he said, “You are so beautiful and one day I am going to marry a girl that looks just like you!” He was so serious Jess was taken aback for a moment then she grabbed him and hugged him to break the moment. He giggled and blushed, but enjoyed the attention too.

True to his word, Willy had made a pot of oats and everyone ate on the road. They dipped behind a rather high hill and did not see much for most of the day and they forfeited lunch so when the sun was at least two hours away from fading behind the horizon they crested the hill and Jess was surprised to see the O’Cleirigh home in a narrow valley just in front of them.

In no time at all, they were on a tree-lined road heading towards the front of the house. Jess was feeling just a little anxious and then she saw someone walking down the front steps of the mansion and to stand waiting for their wagon. As Willy brought the wagon around the center feature the man stepped forward and took the head reigns for the horses. Willy jumped down and Jess sat where she was simply staring at the huge home with all its windows glittering in the setting sun.

She had put her bandanna on with the black tricorne and she tied her hair back with the leather strap. She also put her sword back on and wrapped a scarf around her neck and knotted it under her chin and tucked the loose ends down the front of her vest, very much as Willy had done with his clothing.

Finally, she stood and turned to jump down from the wagon when she heard a scream and a young girl came tearing out the front doors and ran down the stairs. The young girl skidded to a halt as Jessie stood looking down at her from the wagon, with a frown on her face. The young girl stopped and stared up at Jessie and then looked towards the front doors of the house. Jess looked up to see a man, a woman, and a young boy walking out and down the stairs.

Jess finally jumped down off the wagon and the young girl looked at her with narrowed eyes and said, “You’re not Deaglan.”

“You’re observant,” Jess replied dryly and walked past the girl who was still staring.

Looking up at the people coming down the front stairs Jessie watched the woman, who was most definitely Genevieve, and her reaction at seeing Willy. She paled considerably and her mouth dropped open and she stood still with her hand on her throat. Then her eyes traveled to Jess and the look of confusion replaced the shock and she quickly glanced at the man beside her. Jess took her eyes off her mother and looked at her father and was not surprised at how much she resembled him. He was not exactly short, but then again Genevieve was a tall woman and she appeared to be the same height. The man was staring at Jessie with a frown on his face and Jess stood with her hands at her sides with her game face on.

It was the young boy who broke the silence, “You look just like my brother, Deaglan. When you were on the wagon we thought it was him come back home from France.”

Jessie looked up at her mother and said with a sardonic twist to her mouth, “Sorry to disappoint you, Benjamin.”

“Mama, Papa why are you just standing there staring?” asked the young girl with a confused look on her face staring from her parents to Jessie and Willy.

“I think your mama and papa will explain everything to you later, Marie-Louise.” Jess said to the girl and she responded with big round eyes,”How is it you know our names and we don’t know yours?”

“I do beg your pardon, my name is Jess Kellie.” Jessie said emphasizing her surname staring at her mother and bowing her head, “And this is my godfather, Willy MacLeod, and this handsome young rascal is Gem, my godson.” Gem giggled nervously and Jess helped him down off the wagon.

“We are all pleased to meet you Jess, Willy, and Gem. Won’t you please come on inside?” this invitation came from Rourke himself.

Muttering under her breath Jess said, “Well, at least someone’s balls dropped and found their voice.” And Willy loudly cleared his throat, but he couldn’t hide the grin threatening to erupt across his face.

As the groomsman was leading the horses away Gem grabbed Jessie’s hand and she bent down to the boy, “What is it, Gem?” she asked quietly.

“They don’t know to give the horses their oat cakes.” He sounded incredibly worried so Jess called out to the groom, “Excuse me, sir.” The groom turned and stared at Jess with a shocked expression for being called ‘sir’. “Yes, m’lord?”

“In the one saddle bag are oat cakes. Please make sure my horses get one each morning, thank you.” And then looking at Gem Jess said, “Feel better now?” and the little guy nodded his head happily and took Jessie’s hand as they walked up the stairs with Willy and in through the very large wooden front doors.

Walking through the doors Jess was flabbergasted at the opulence of the place. Bright crystal chandeliers and what she could only assume were Persian rugs. Beautiful wooden tables, fancy upholstered chairs, paintings, tapestries and so much more.

“Please come through into the sitting room where there is a fire going. It is warmer in there and we can talk” Rourke said holding out his hand in a gentlemanly fashion and Jess inclined her head and kept a hold of Gem.

“Would it be impertinent to ask if Gem would like to come to the kitchen with myself and Marie-Louise? Cook will have our dinner ready and we can eat there because it is warm and we won’t be in your way.” Young Benjamin asked and Marie-Louise nodded happily.

Looking down at Gem Jessie asked him if he was comfortable with that idea and that whatever he chose to do would be fine with her. Jessie did not notice the glances shared between Rourke and Genevieve as she spoke to Gem, but Willy did and he narrowed his eyes as he watched their exchange.

“I don’t mind, but,” and Jess knelt down to his level to hear what the child wanted to say quietly, “if they ask me about you do I still stick to our story?” Jessie hugged him close and ruffled his head and whispered, “Absolutely. Never reveal your true identity or mine.” And she kissed his crazy hair as she stood up and watched him head off to the kitchen with the two older children.

“You have a very unusual way with your godson.” Commented Rourke with a smile.

“I am not sure what you mean.” Jessie frowned at him and he clarified, “I simply mean that the two of you share a bond whereby the boy is permitted leniency.”

“I grew up in America and there we allow everyone, including children, to choose whatever it is that they feel comfortable with. Including with whom they want to or do not want to socialize. It is that simple.” Jess stared at Genevieve.

“Sounds like a very democratic society.” Rourke said and then looked at Willy, “I do believe we have met before, have we not?”

Willy was still standing next to Jessie and he looked at her and then at Genevieve, who still sat silently on a settee.

“I knew William from twenty-five years ago and I never thought I would see him again.” Genevieve finally said.

Rourke looked at each of them and closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and asked, “Is someone going to fill me in on what is going on?”

Jess looked at Genevieve, who still appeared very pale and then at Willy who raised his eyebrows and inclined his head slightly so Jess took the floor.

“My name is Jessamine Aine Kellie. I grew up believing Benjamin Kellie was my father, until a couple of months ago.” Jessie watched Rourke frown and then he looked at Jess with a frown and said, “You are a woman? Why do you dress like a male then?”

But before Jess could answer Genevieve stood up and spoke. “Jess is the child I birthed after Nicholas.” And she looked almost relieved to say this. “I never spoke of her because I asked Ben to raise her when I came back to you.” Genevieve clasped her hands in front of her and her eyes flashed when she looked at Jess. The only thing Jess seemed to have inherited from her mother was her eyes and that was about it. Every other feature seemed to come from Rourke.

Jess went and stood in front of the fire and looked at the flames and thought about what she was hearing and it finally dawned on her, “You never told him about me, did you? He doesn’t know I am his daughter because your first child with him was a girl. Is that it?” Jess turned around and looked at her mother. “Let us get something clear right here and right now, I do not want your money. I do not want your land. I want nothing from you other than a little common courtesy. If you cannot offer that then please speak up now and my godfather and godson will leave your home tonight with me.” And she stood with her hands behind her back looking from Rourke to Genevieve. Both appeared to be in a state of shock, but Jess didn’t care. She had risked so much and lost so much to get here and she would not bow down to this woman or her husband.

“Clearly, my wife and I have much to discuss, but I would prefer it if you stayed Jessie.” Walking and pulling a rope beside the door a gentleman wearing a white powdered wig walked in and Rourke said, “Please ask Mrs. Smith to prepare rooms for my guests and make sure they are all given a tub and hot water to bathe. They have come far to be here, so please offer them the courtesy they deserve.” And the man left the room with a bow and a softly spoken “Yes sir.”

“Jess, would you kindly come with me into the library where we can chat more freely?” Rourke held the door open and Jess inclined her head and looked at Willy. “Please join us, Willy.” And they went through to the library.

Genevieve was left standing in the middle of the sitting room wringing her hands and looking quite sick.

“May I offer you something to drink?” and Rourke gestured to the drinks cabinet.

“Whiskey please.” Jess and Willy said at the same time and Rourke did not even flinch at the idea of a woman drinking whiskey.

Handing them their drinks they all sat down and after gulping down his whiskey Rourke stood up and fetched the decanter. “Pardon me, but I think I am going to need this.” Jess and Willy simply watched him.

“Willy, I remember you as a young man with Benjamin. You helped him escape Rancliff after he managed to evade capture after escaping from prison. I had married Genevieve by then as we thought the poor man dead. Rancliff created many problems for all of us and he caused Genevieve’s parents to lose almost half of their land in penalties for being Jacobite sympathizers.” He looked at Willy and raised his glass to him. “Welcome home.”

Willy raised his glass and gulped down the amber liquid.

“If you don’t mind my asking, how on earth did you get that scar, which looks very fresh, on your face Jess?” he asked not unkindly.

“My godson and I were attacked a few weeks ago when Willy went to secure our lodgings.” Jess didn’t want to go into any more details than that.

“Whoever repaired the damage did a fine job of it.” And he slugged down another mouthful of whiskey. At this rate the poor bastard is going to be plastered within an hour, Jess thought and raised her eyebrow and glanced at Willy.

“I need to ask you something?” said Jess, but she didn’t wait for Rourke to respond, “Has Nicholas been to see his mother within this last year?” Jess referred to Genevieve as Nick’s mother on purpose.

“Yes, I believe he has. I was away on business and when I returned Nicholas was here, but he left shortly after I returned.” Rourke looked puzzled and was just about to say something when there was a knock at the door. “Yes?” he called out and the same gentleman walked into the library. “Apologies for the interruption, sir, but dinner is served and the three guest rooms have been prepared, sir.”

Standing up Rourke said, “Thank you, Gibbs. Best I get food in my belly before I fall down drunk within the hour.” Jess and Willy grinned at each other behind Rourke as they followed him out of the library and into the dining room.

“Madame will not be joining you, sir. She has taken sup in her boudoir.” Gibbs said as he pulled chairs out and then before he could leave the room Jess asked after Gem and Mr. Gibbs said he would find out where the lad was and he opened the door just as maids entered and placed an assortment of foods in between the three of them on the table. Jess caught a whiff of the delicacies and her mouth watered and her stomach grumbled loudly.

“What say you we feast on this fine food and then all get a good night’s sleep and take up our conversation on the morrow?’ He was clearly already in his cups so Jess and Willy nodded their agreement and began tucking into the feast in front of them. Jess felt a little frustrated at Genevieve’s obvious rebuff and vowed to catch her on her own tomorrow and get the truth out of her. She was a sly one, thought Jess. I will have to be wary of her.

“So, Jess, tell me about America. Where did you grow up and what do you do there?” And Jess proceeded to tell him about their ranch and the cattle they breed. Rourke was a good listener, but an even better drinker. The man threw back the alcohol like water and Jess worried for his kidneys and liver.

At some point, Gibbs entered the dining room with Gem, who had been bathed and dressed in a sleep shirt. “The lad refused to get into bed without seeing you first, sir,” Gibbs said to Jess and the three of them, Gem, Willy and Jess burst out laughing while Gibbs and Rourke looked perplexed.

“Come here, my precious Gem.” And Jess moved her chair back and opened her arms and the little guy went to her and hugged her close. “You smell so nice and clean, Gem!” Jessie exclaimed and kissed him on his wet hair that someone had tried unsuccessfully to comb into submission. The boy preened under her compliment and then walked around the table to Willy and got a hug and a playful smack on the backside. Gem turned to Rourke and held out his little hand, “Good night, sir.” He said politely.

Taking his little hand in a firm grip Rourke shook it and said, “Good night, precious Gem.” And watched the little boy smile at Jess and walk behind Gibbs back to his bedroom.

“What a wonderful lad he is, your Gem,” Rourke said shaking his head. “I think I have been far too indulgent with my children. Or maybe not, I don’t know.” He muttered and took a big swig of the wine in front of him. “Maybe I don’t spend enough time with my children.” And he looked at Jess. “You are my child aren’t you, Jessie?”

Jess looked at him sadly and said, “Honestly? Yes, we are biologically related. I look just like you and my mother lied to you about me, for her own reasons, which I don’t care to know because that’s not why I am here. The man I call my father is Benjamin Kellie. He and my godfather here,” she gestured with her head to Willy, “raised me and taught me everything I know.”

Rourke raised his glass and indicated that she and Willy do so as well, “Here is to Benjamin Kellie and your godfather over here. Finer men I never did meet.” He toasted Ben and Willy and they all drank and Jess had tears in her eyes.

Jess remembered Rourke showing her and Willy to their bedchambers and watching him as he weaved his way back the way he’d come, probably on his way to his bed. She worried that he may fall down the stairs, but she noticed Gibbs was not too far away so she closed her door and saw the bath tub near the fireplace and the buckets of water standing close to the fire as well, clearly to keep everything warm. Jess stripped off everything and poured the buckets of still warm water into the tub, and got in.

There was lovely smelling soap and bath salts and oils of some sort, but Jess just wanted to scrub herself clean and then wash her hair and crash in a soft fluffy bed with pillows and a duvet or comforter. After a thorough scrub, Jess dried herself and pulled on the sleep shirt and crawled into bed and felt herself become one with the marshmallow mattress. Just as she was settling she heard a faint knock on her door so she threw off the covers and got up and pulled the door open not at all surprised to see Gem.

“Come on, kid,” Jess said and closed the door. “Hop in and let’s get some shut eye, shall we?” and little Gem got in the bed and snuggled into Jess.

“I just felt strange sleeping all by myself in that big bed in that big room.” He said in a small voice.

“That’s alright Gem, sweetheart. I understand. Let us cuddle and go to sleep, it’s late.” And they fell asleep together in the fluffy marshmallow bed.