Emily felt Heath's arms come around her and pull her close to himself. They were in the bedroom she'd grown up in from the time she was 13 and everything was the same as when she'd left it a few years before.
She'd come to bed late, encouraging Heath go to bed without her which he did so reluctantly. Emily explained quietly she wanted some time with Bella, and they were going to take care of a few things before the funeral the next day.
Bella had sat with her father's body in the parlor the entire day and a few of his former clerks came by to do so overnight. Emily and Bella had gone around to cover all the mirrors and to stop the clocks throughout the home. All pictures of the judge were removed, covered, or turned down as was the custom.
Emily admitted she was worried about her cousin. Bella seemed to still be in shock, and Emily knew things would not be any easier for her over the next few days. The endless line of people coming to pay their condolences would make for a long day and Emily had wanted to make sure Bella got some rest.
As she felt Heath's arms tightening around her, Emily sighed. She wished Bella had someone to comfort her as well. There had been men in the past who had tried to catch her eye, but she was more interested in helping her father and spending time with him, knowing his days were fewer on this Earth. Although Bella confided in Emily she would have loved to have her father give her away in marriage and to see her happy with her own family, it would have meant she wouldn't have been able to spend this precious time with him.
"Darlin'," she heard Heath's voice, gravelly from sleep. "It's goin' ta be a long day. You should try to get some more sleep."
The tears started again although Emily tried not to sob. She knew Heath was aware she was crying though when he rolled her over, placing a kiss on her forehead then wiping away each tear with a work roughened hand.
"I'm just so sad. Not only because of Uncle Roth's passing, but because Bella doesn't have someone to hold her like I do," Emily cried softly. Heath let her cry, holding her close, sending up a prayer for his wife and for Bella as well.
****
"How long do you think we'll stay?"
Jarrod looked over at his wife, trying not to feel annoyed at her question. He knew she was eager to spend time with her friend Meg but that wasn't why they were in Denver. He took a deep breath, willing his tone to be even.
"Probably most of the day. There will be a lot of people coming to the house to pay their respects, then a graveside service. After, I'm sure more will want to come by the house. I think it's important that we be there to help support Emily and Bella," Jarrod replied.
Sylvia narrowed her eyes as she looked out over the landscape as they rode in the carriage her husband had rented. Emily has Heath. Why does she need the support of us? She couldn't help but wonder. And Bella can find her own support, I'm sure.
Instead of voicing her thoughts, Sylvia turned back to Jarrod.
"I'll help however, I can," she said. She was rewarded with a smile and a pat of her hand. The rest of the ride to the Avery estate was made in silence, Jarrod thankful Sylvia was trying and Sylvia wondering how much longer she could keep up the pretense of being the good wife.
By the time Jarrod and Sylvia arrived, there was already a crowd gathered. Heath happened to be outside and spotted the couple as they drove up.
"Kent can take your carriage. I know there's a line, but Emily will want you both inside already with her and Bella," Heath said. He helped Sylvia down while Jarrod handed Kent, one of the stableboys, the reins.
Heath kept hold of Sylvia's elbow as he escorted his sister in law and brother around to a side entrance.
"I'm sorry, Heath. I thought we would be early," Jarrod apologized.
"People started lining up over an hour ago. Bella was just as surprised. Let me introduce you," Heath said as he led the way to the parlor.
Sylvia looked around, remembering why she hated funerals. Not that she'd been to many. But the custom of sitting with the body and covering up the mirrors was one she never liked. In fact, it gave her chills.
"Darling?" Jarrod asked, noticing her shiver. "Are you cold?"
Sylvia shook her head. She knew Jarrod was being kind, but she was starting to be in a bad mood and his kindness grated on her nerves. She took a deep breath, knowing if she expressed any of this to Jarrod, he'd be angry, and she didn't need that right then.
"Emily? Jarrod and Sylvia are here," Heath called to his wife.
"Oh Jarrod, Sylvia…glad you made it in. We knew there'd be a lot of people but not this early," Emily said as she accepted a warm hug from her brother in law and drew Sylvia in for a kiss on her cheek. She felt Sylvia stiffen and wondered if her sister in law was feeling uncomfortable. When they broke apart, Sylvia smiled slightly. Emily decided she didn't have time to worry about Sylvia and her feelings although she'd keep an eye on her.
"Emily, could you talk to Olga? She won't listen to me, and she needs to sit down. She's been on her feet since early this morning."
Jarrod looked at the young woman who had walked up to Emily, recognizing her as the Judge's daughter. He wondered how an artist could have gotten a painting so wrong. The painting in the judge's office that he'd seen several years before paled in comparison to the woman standing before him, even if her eyes were sad and red rimmed.
"Of course. But first, this is Jarrod, Heath's brother," Emily replied.
"Excuse me. I didn't realize Emily was with someone," Bella apologized, lowering her eyes briefly.
"And this is his wife, Sylvia," Emily continued.
Bella gave each of them a small smile and nod.
"Let's go talk to Olga," Emily said as she put her arm around her cousin, the two walking toward the kitchen. Heath excused himself to give instructions to one of the waiters since they would be letting people in soon.
Jarrod kept his eyes on the kitchen door which swung in both directions. It had just stopped moving when Sylvia spoke.
"Do you need to go speak to Olga too?" she couldn't help but ask. Jarrod swung his eyes to his wife, realizing he'd been staring where Emily and Bella had disappeared.
"I'm sorry, honey. I was distracted. Let's go see if Heath needs any help," Jarrod said, pushing aside how uncomfortable he felt at being caught.
It was silly, he knew. In a way he'd felt like he knew Bella Avery already although they hadn't yet met in person. Roth Avery had been very forthcoming about his daughter and her help as they discussed his cases. Plus, over the last few years, Emily had regaled them all with stories of her and her cousin. He thought of the letter he'd received from the judge and how the elegant handwriting was from the woman he'd just met.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts, meeting up with Heath to ask if he needed help.
****
The long day was finally over, and Sylvia was glad. All the mourners had made her feel uncomfortable, coming up to her and wanting to talk about a man she'd never met. Sylvia had tried to explain she was just a relative of Emily's husband, but no one wanted to listen. She decided to put her acting skills to work and played the part she believed she'd been given.
She helped by greeting people, pointing out the table laden with food brought by neighbors, showing others who were bringing food where it should be taken.
Sylvia knew Jarrod was watching her, no doubt proud that his wife had stepped up. When it was time to leave for the graveside, Sylvia convinced Jarrod she should stay behind to help. He drew her into the study and gave her a passionate kiss.
"Thank you, my dear," he said when they broke apart.
"It's what family does," she replied, the words sounding hollow in her ears, but she could see they meant a lot to her husband. Family was everything.
Sylvia was in no way being altruistic, hoping that by putting herself to work it would garner some favor with Jarrod. Perhaps by allowing her more time with Meg before they left for back home.
She smiled up at him sweetly as he said goodbye and Sylvia sat in one of the comfortable chairs in the study for a long while. She'd help later. For now, she was tired.
