by MAllard

If this had been a scene from one of those romance novels that Hallie was so addicted to, she would cry prettily, and Barnabas would come along and comfort her, wiping her tears away and swearing his undying love. But this was not a novel. Julia's experience had taught her that life was seldom as kind as the authors of those books were. Real life had taught her that if she allowed herself to cry, she would look dreadful for hours, and that no one would give her comfort. So she would not cry.

Julia didn't know that she was being observed.

When Barnabas had called for Julia at Collinwood, Liz had shown him the letter Julia had received and had caused her to take her coat and flee to Widow's Hill.

"She didn't say much, only that she needed some time alone. I hope she won't mind my...our reading it. But she did leave it laying here out of the envelope. I hope I'm doing the right thing."

Barnabas scanned the letter. "Her uncle...her father's brother has passed away."

Liz was concerned. "You didn't see her on your way here? Where could she be?"

"Don't worry Liz. Julia won't do anything silly. I think I may know where she is."

Barnabas left.

Barnabas knew where to look for Julia when she wanted to be all alone. Widow's Hill. It was not a happy place for any of the Collin's family, and him in particular. It was the one place Julia could go to and not have to deal with interruption.

He stood a ways off looking at her. It was like looking at a piece out of time, a memory of his childhood come to life. Women had stood on cliffs like these for generations, looking out to sea as they waited for the ships their husbands sailed upon. For a moment he saw Julia in a long dress and cape, her hair blowing loose in the wind. She would have been a captain's wife, waiting for her Captain to bring his ship into safe harbor. No matter how long he took, she would never give up the faith that he would return to her.

Barnabas thought of the women in his life. His mother, poor fragile Naomi would have waited for him in the parlor, alone but for the bottle hidden behind her skirts, warming her fears with sips of courage. Gentle Josette, the wind would have been too much for her here. She would have waited for him among the comfort of her friends, crying gentle tears into her lace handkerchief. Tempestuous Angelique would have waited for no man, cajoling, pouting, seducing, until her man no longer desired his mistress, the sea. Trusting Vicki would have braved the wind and would have waited on this hill, but not for him.

Julia stood facing the wind. Barnabas could imagine her face when her Captain would come. It was so real he could almost see the Captain climbing up the hill. Barnabas turned away, breaking the spell. He didn't want to see the Captain's face. What if it was his? Somewhere deep inside he hoped it was, but he wasn't ready to know.

He waited silent until Julia turned from the sea, her calm restored, ready to return to Collinwood. Her face lost much of its sadness when she saw Barnabas. He opened his arms and enveloped her in a hug.

"I read the letter. Julia, I'm sorry."

Julia fought tears. "It wasn't that we were close. It was just that he was the last tie I had to my father."

Barnabas handed her his handkerchief, and offering her his arm, walked her home.

The End

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