Author's Note: Yes, this is the final chapter for 'The Glitter & The Gold' but there are unanswered questions. A sequel – yes maybe if it comes together, as well as a short story – stay tuned.

Chapter 59 – Epilogue

The Reverend Monsignor Jarrod Barkley, S.J. straightened his purple cassock, before donning the purple cape with the red trim. He regarded himself in the mirror, wanting to make sure that everything was correct. Tonight was a very special occasion, and he wanted to look his best.

The event was the party to mark his tenure as Dean of the Law School of Georgetown University coming to an end. The five years he'd spent in the nation's capital had been exciting and fulfilling, as he'd had a front row seat on the business of government. The young men he mentored and taught would go on to great futures in the field of law and politics. Jarrod had thought he would be sad when it came to an end, but what he'd been offered, as his next posting, had him looking ahead.

When he'd been offered the Chancellorship of the University of San Francisco, Jarrod had spent two days in prayer. He came to see that it was time for him to go home, and he gratefully accepted his next assignment. The thought now, of seeing his family again had him looking over at the five framed photographs that rested on his dresser. Those pictures followed him everywhere he went, even during his posting in Africa. There were other pictures, in albums, and one special one in his Missal, but Jarrod only displayed the five.

The two outer ones, to the left and right were family photographs. The one on the left had been taken when he and Nick had first come home from the war. Their mother was so relieved to have both of her boys' home that she had insisted on them wearing their dress uniforms. Jarrod looked at the picture, and remembered how surprised he'd been, when he saw his father after four years apart; it had taken him several months to get used to the full beard the man had grown. Looking at the picture again he smiled at how serious he looked in his Major's uniform, while Nick, with his plumed hat looked like a rakish and daring cavalry Lieutenant.

The picture to the far right was taken twelve years later; his father was dead, but another brother had joined them. Jarrod looked at the picture, smiling at how Heath and Audra both had the coloring of their father. He remembered how Audra had fussed over what dress she was going to wear, and sobered as he thought of how the copy of the picture that Heath always carried with him had helped them rescue him once.

Jarrod's eyes moved to the picture second from the left, of him and Beth in Denver. It had been taken right after they'd married, and the photographer had toasted them with champagne. A feeling of happy remembrance over took him, as he thought about his late wife. Jarrod could still hear her talking about wanting a house without a roof, so the sun could shine in. She had come into his life like a flash of brilliant sunshine. He chose to remember her that way and smiled at the thought that she would be proud of his accomplishments.

Second from the right was a photograph of a young man who wasn't part of Jarrod's family by blood, but rather by choice. Noah Jones was proud in his uniform as First Captain of the West Point Class of 1890. He had graduated at the top of his class, and then married a daughter of his late tutor, Col. Cabot Kelling. Jarrod had blessed the couple, after they'd taken their vows in the chapel on the Academy grounds.

Noah's grandmother, Mrs. Marguerite St. Romaine, aka Maisy Watters had come to the graduation and wedding ceremony. Jarrod had been privately concerned about the flamboyant Madame at the events, but soon saw that he'd worried for nothing. Maisy wore elegant dark colored dresses, no makeup, and charmed the bride's Boston relatives, most of whom descended from the Mayflower colonists. She was the perfect southern gentlewoman, and a proud grandmother.

There was the final photograph, in the center of the display. Jarrod walked over to the dresser now, and let his hand lightly brush the sterling silver frame. The top of the frame was engraved with the brand of the Barkley ranch, while the lower frame was engraved with the initials of NJB & PAC, and a date. It had been taken when Nick married Priscilla, and every time Jarrod looked at it, he was taken back to that day.

Nick had one time asked him, after seeing his private quarters, why Jarrod displayed that picture so prominently. Jarrod knew that Nick was puzzled at why his older brother, who had so many other pictures, of the ever increasing family, wasn't displaying them. He had fobbed Nick off with the explanation that it represented the beginning of the present for the family. His middle brother had shrugged his shoulders, and changed the subject, much to Jarrod's relief.

The real reason Jarrod kept the picture was because of the woman he'd met that day. Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano had been a guest at the wedding, along with her husband Carlos. She was from Spain; beautiful and exotic like no other woman he'd known. Their affair had started with the match Jarrod had used to light her cigarette, and the flame had burned on.

Carlos Rocasolano was an old man, but vigorous in his mind and opinions. He'd been elected to the state legislature, to press the economic interests of the southern part of the state. Letizia befriended him, and Carlos befriended Jarrod. He had never imagined having an affair with a married woman, but it wasn't long before he was doing just that.

There was talk of course, but Carlos was an elderly man married to a young, beautiful wife. He was European and sophisticated; an honorable affair that kept his wife happy was the price that came with marrying a younger woman. He made it known to everyone that he'd asked Jarrod to escort his wife to events. In return Jarrod understood that he was to be discrete in regard to Letizia, and he did just that.

The years following Nick's wedding, saw the Barkley family expand. Audra and Carl had a boy and girl almost back to back, while Nick and Priscilla welcomed two sons. Jarrod was the boys' godfather each time, and he had relished the role, feeling so happy for the couple.

During that period Jarrod had been approached about running for the position of Attorney General of California. He understood that this was a stepping stone to either being Governor or a United States Senator. At first he had embraced the opportunity, feeling the need for some purpose in his life. However it didn't take long, before he saw that the machinations that went into making laws wasn't something he wanted a part of.

Otto Von Bismarck, the great chancellor of the German Empire, had once remarked that sausage and laws should not be watched while being made. Jarrod came to appreciate that insight, as he realized he would never be able to do the good he wanted to do, if he held elected office. He turned down the opportunity, anguishing, even as he knew it was the right thing to do.

His decision was influenced by the ending of his affair with Letizia; they'd had over five glorious years together before Carlos' health started to fail. Letizia broke off the affair, stating that her husband wanted to die on his land, and she needed to be with him. He acquiesced her decision, even as it caused him great pain.

More pain was to follow, because after her husband died Letizia had gone back to her native Spain, where her second son was attending school. A typhus epidemic had broken out on the family estate, where Letizia and her son were staying. Jarrod didn't find out about her death until almost a year later, when Don Pedro, Letizia and Carlos' oldest son came in person to deliver the news.

Jarrod knew Pedro, and was touched when the young man gave him Letizia's rosary, made up of pink topaz and rose gold. Later, when he was ordained, he carried the rosary with him, to honor what she'd brought to his life. The pink and gold represented, in his mind, the setting sun on one aspect of his life, but the rising of the sun on the next phase. Her picture was his book mark in his pray book; every night when he said his prayers he saw her and said an extra one for her.

That was in the future though; Jarrod went home to Stockton, deciding to focus on his law practice, while hoping that maybe he could finally stop feeling so empty. It had surprisingly been Elspeth Cavendish who had come to his rescue, even as he had not realized it at the time. He had always liked Elspeth, admiring her candor and wit, along with her intelligence and red hair.

Elspeth had relocated to the valley, once Priscilla had announced she was with child. She had left her rose garden in care of the Vicar of Los Angles and his wife, who were more than awed by her. Though she knew that her duty was with her granddaughter, and the people of the valley welcomed her wholeheartedly.

For her part, Elspeth, after five years of doting on her grandchildren, was itching to stretch her wings. When she received word that her eldest nephew's son was getting married in August, in Scotland, she decided she needed to be there. Further, she announced at a Sunday dinner that she wasn't going to travel alone; Jarrod would go with her.

He took her command, which he recognized it for what it was, with good grace. In truth he had nothing else to really occupy himself with. His law practice was stagnant, and he had no energy to pursue vital cases. Jarrod turned his practice over to an old family friend; he'd retired as a circuit judge but was now bored beyond words and more than happy to have something to do.

They had arrived in June, just as the brilliant London season was beginning. Jarrod, as a wealthy American lawyer would have been welcomed on his own. However, because of his connection to the mighty and powerful Cavendish family, he was granted access to the upper most echelons of English society. He stayed with the Duke of Devonshire and his family at their palatial townhome in London, as well as the great estate of Chatsworth.

During his time of attending the season's events, beautiful debutantes, all bearing titles that dated back to the middle ages, made it clear that they would be happy to forsake Merry Olde England for life in America as his wife. Their married aunts and older sisters also made it plain that they would enjoy letting him explore English ways, via their private chambers.

Once the season was over with, it was almost a relief to follow Elspeth up to Scotland, to see her family. Jarrod had been impressed with the stateliness and antiquity of the houses he'd enjoyed hospitality in England. In Edinburgh he was able to see the ornate newness of the townhomes that the great trading companies had built. Everything was up to date and new, and Jarrod wrote to Nick of it all, knowing how his brother enjoyed hearing about better ways of doing things.

Scotland in August was pleasant beyond words, and the wedding had been an occasion for the family to come together. Jarrod had partaken fully of everything, especially the fall shooting season that had followed. He knew that he was enjoying the pinnacle of society, and many men would give everything they owned, to be where he was. However, even as Jarrod flirted with beautiful, accomplished women, and talked to men of influence in business and politics, it all felt slightly removed from reality.

It was with relief when Elspeth announced that they needed to go to France. He didn't question why, just assuming that Elspeth wanted to shop in Paris, because that is what women did. They crossed the channel on a private boat bearing the coat of arms of the Dukedom of Devonshire, and then took the train to the Gare Du Lyons station in Paris. Jarrod at that point had his world turned upside down, because Elspeth didn't stay in the city.

Instead they took a local train to Normandy; the destination being the town of Alencon. Jarrod was puzzled as to why they were going there, because the only attraction was, according to Baedeker – the publisher of European tour guides – the Chapel and College of Cambrai. The structure had been founded in the 16th century, but had no great architectural elements in its favor.

He was surprised to find out that they were going to spend time with Elspeth's youngest brother, who'd become a Catholic priest. Further, he wasn't just any priest, but in fact the Superior General of the Society of Jesus – The Black Pope. Jarrod was shocked that this Presbyterian Scot's woman, who'd married an Anglican Priest, had a brother who was a rival to the Pope of the Catholic Church.

California had been under control the Vice-Royalty of New Spain until the Americans took it away from a decaying empire. The old Spanish settlers though had held firm to their culture, forcing the Yanqui conquers to deal with their customs. Jarrod knew all about the Catholic faith, because his family had supported many of the struggling priests, trying to help the native peoples. He also knew of the tension between the White Pope – head of the Church – and the Black Pope.

Jarrod though didn't have too long to ponder about it, because within two days of arriving at the Chapter House in Alencon he had fallen ill. A fever over took his body, and he was confined to bed for over three weeks. Afterwards he was too weak to travel, so he stayed at the chapter house of the Jesuit Order, while Elspeth went on to see the continent.

Once he recovered, he spent time with the men of the order, doing chores and tending the large gardens. Jarrod found that the Jesuits were men of letters, medicine, and law; it was stimulating to talk to them, and hear about their purpose in life. For the first time, in a long while, he saw a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Jarrod ended up spending another six months there, as he contemplated his life, such as it was.

At the end he returned home to California to put his affairs in order, and to tell his family of his decision. He had been worried about how it would be received, but his family, seeing peace and happiness in his eyes had been very accepting. Priscilla especially had been happy for him, and Jarrod enjoyed the talks they had together, about religion.

The whole family came for his ordination, which touched him greatly. His postings had been all over the world, including the colony of French West Africa. Jarrod was finally able to do good works, and help people, like he'd wanted to for his whole life. He had thought the position at Georgetown Law was the crown of his career, until the University of San Francisco. The idea of being close to his family was a bonus, and he was looking forward to spending time with his siblings and their families.

Victoria had passed away several years ago, still sharp as tack at the age of eighty-three, and was laid to rest next to her late husband. She would have been pleasantly surprised to learn that more people had attended her memorial than his. As a great lady of the community, she hadn't realized her true worth, nor had she ever given it a thought.

Audra and Carl had six children, and while Carl worked the family ranch, Audra was heavily involved in community works. Heath and his second wife Sharon – she the pretty Irish immigrant whose family had squatted on Barkley land – also had a large family. This included twin girls Leah and Hannah, their brothers Jarrod and James, along with Heath's son Simon, and two children from Sharon's previous marriage, Sean and Tara. Heath ran most of the family's business interests, and worked hard to promote mine safety in the country.

Nick and Priscilla had eight children – five boys and three girls – and the big house was always loud and busy. As the boys had grown up, three had joined their father and uncle in working the family holdings, while the other two had gone into the army and the ministry respectively. The girls were all beautiful, and married well; two stayed in California, while the third married an English nobleman.

With the older boys taking over more of the ranching duties, Nick had turned his eye to a long sought after goal of his – President of the Cattleman's Association. It didn't take him long to achieve it, and during his time in the position, he was a boon to the California beef industry, and wasn't given nearly the credit he deserved for the growth that occurred in the industry under his watch. The connections Nick made during that time could never be overlooked though. He had always been a great admirer of Theodore Roosevelt, and had even gone hunting on several occasions with the man.

When Roosevelt was elected governor of New York, it had spurred Nick on to run for governor of California. In his mind, if he could increase the beef industry, he could do even more for the state's other industries. Jarrod wasn't the least surprised when Nick achieved his goal, and he had been proud to be there when his brother was sworn in. Priscilla was still beautiful, and Jarrod admired how she worked hard to increase educational opportunities in the state. He was looking forward to seeing what she had accomplished, and had already promised to help her.

Realizing that he needed to get downstairs, he took one last look at the pictures, before heading out of the room. Much later that evening, he was saying goodbye to some of the guests, all of whom were wishing him well. Just as Jarrod had thought he'd talked to everyone who wanted to talk to him, his aide came up with an older couple.

"Monsignor, I would like to present Senator and Mrs. Charles Tradd, of South Carolina." The young man announced, and Jarrod was all set to reply when his voice caught in his throat. Senator Tradd was a tall man with fading blonde hair and the look of patrician over breeding. His wife was tall, with reddish-gold hair streaked with silver, even as the skin was still smooth and the olive green eyes clear. It was the necklace though that was causing the constriction in his throat.

Jarrod remembered all those years ago, picking it out with Priscilla's help, for Rosemary. He looked at the woman more closely and was sure that she was his beauteous Rosemary. Gathering his wits about him, Jarrod greeted the couple, and for several minutes made small talk with them.

"Your Excellency, if you will excuse me I'm going to go smoke a cigar." The senator's southern accent was very pronounced, but what he said next took Jarrod my surprise. "I understand that you and my wife are old friends, so I'm sure you all have a great deal of catching up to do." He then excused himself, leaving Jarrod and Rosemary alone.

"Hello Jarrod; May I call you that?" Rosemary asked in a breathless voice, and he noticed that her southern accent had increased.

"Your husband is aware of our – ah – previous acquaintance?" Jarrod wasn't sure how to word the question, not sure what Rosemary had told the man, and the fact that he was now a Catholic priest. Her laughter bubbled up, and Jarrod was reminded of their long ago time together.

"Yes, he is; I wasn't going to lie to him." She went on to explain that she had, after leaving California, gone to her family in Charleston. Rosemary had trained to be a doctor, and worked in the hospital there in the city. Two years later she had met Charles Tradd, and they had fallen in love; she had wanted him to know what her past was.

"Charles was wonderful, and said that all that mattered was our future together." The happiness was apparent in her eyes, and Jarrod was pleased that she had found love. What she said next though answered a question he had wondered about, since they day he'd received her note.

"I actually have your sister-in-law, Priscilla to thank for everything that happened. The day she rescued Noah and brought him home I met her." Rosemary tilted her head. "We talked, and she sensed how much I missed my family. She encouraged me to return to Charleston, which I did. Jarrod, I felt bad about leaving you, but there really was no future for us." She added, and Jarrod bowed his head in acknowledgement.

When he'd received her note at his office, stating that she was leaving town, but giving no other details, Jarrod had raced over to the House of Flowers. He was still hurting from the argument that he'd had with Nick and his position on Priscilla. The thought of losing Rosemary was just too much, and he had hoped to stop her. Instead, he found that she'd left the day before, and Maisy either really didn't know where Rosemary had gone, or wasn't going to tell him. That night he'd gone back to his office, and drunk way too much.

Hearing that Priscilla had been behind Rosemary leaving, Jarrod remembered that Priscilla had known about the relationship. The pieces all came together for Jarrod and he saw that she had not only done him a favor, but Rosemary too. Taking a deep breath, he understood that Priscilla had only been looking out for his best interests. Rosemary was right; there was never any kind of a future for them. Jarrod looked at the woman in front of him and knew that she had found happiness and love, along with her family.

When he had first started studying to be a priest he'd been forced to deal with the anger and hurt he carried deep inside him. It had taken him many hours of prayer to come to terms with his life, and understand that God was always looking out for him. Jarrod wasn't surprised that the Lord would use Priscilla, because He did work in strange ways. Bringing his mind back to the present, he asked Rosemary about her family. She had four children and seven grandchildren, along with a great deal of extended family. Charles and she divided their time between Columbia, the capital of the state when the government was in session, and Charleston.

That night, as Jarrod knelt down with his Missal, to say his prayers, he reflected on the past thirty years, since he'd taken his final vows. He also thought about the years before, when so much had happened; it was those events that had led him to the priesthood. Jarrod, as he lay down to sleep, found himself looking ahead to what the Lord had in mind for him.