by Annie Boone
When we entered the parlor with Henry, she yelped with joy and scurried past me to hug Vivian and Oliver at the same time. She grabbed them into a big bear hug and I was worried for a moment that they would smother.
She finally released them and she had tears in her eyes.
“What’s wrong, Mrs. Sawyer?” asked Vivian. “Did you hurt your arm when you hugged us?”
Ina smiled at her. “No, dear,” she said. “I’m just really glad to see you.”
Vivian blushed shyly. Oliver reached over and took Vivian’s hand in support. I could see in his eyes that he thought things were coming together. I felt even worse for getting us into this, because I still believed that I would never marry Henry. Unless I was in a desperate situation, I thought wryly. I supposed that this wasn’t out of the question. Then I turned my brain off and started focusing on our time with the Sawyers.
“Why don’t we all go out in the back yard. William has set up the croquet game. Children, have you ever played croquet?” Ina asked.
“No, ma’am. But I think it might be fun,” said Oliver.
So, we all went outside and played croquet until it was time for supper.
Dinner was served in the dining room and it consisted of several delicious courses and a decadent dessert. I had reminded the twins about table manners and such so that they wouldn’t offend the elder Sawyers at the table. I had reminded Oliver twice.
I realized that the children probably wouldn’t appreciate a home cooked meal as I did. I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed cooking and serving a healthy meal to my family. I was tired of eating in the restaurant, but that may have to continue for a while longer.
Soon after dinner was over, Ina invited me into her drawing room. I followed her down the hall and past Henry’s office on the way. From what I could see as we walked by, his office was meticulously immaculate. He was probably shrewd in his negotiations, though the state of his office was probably not the indicator of a good businessman.
“So, Emily,” Ina started as we entered her cheery yellow room. “How are things going with Henry?”
“Fine, Ina. He’s been a perfect gentleman,” I answered. At least that part was true, he had been a gentleman.
“Good. I won’t tolerate him treating you poorly. I’ve taught him better than to be a rogue.”
“I’m sure you’ve done a good job. So how’s your garden?” I asked trying to change the subject.
“The garden is fine. The weather here allows for nice flower beds. I so enjoy vases of cut flowers in the house. Don’t you?”
“Certainly, I do.” This was the kind of conversation I was hoping for. Small talk, girl talk, nothing important.
“I know it’s early yet, but do you see yourself with my Henry? As his wife?” Ina boldly asked.
“Um, Ina, it’s a little too soon to tell, I think. I can’t say yes or no quite yet,” I answered.
“I don’t mean to pry, dear. I just think you and your twins are the answer to our prayers. We’ve asked God over and over to send a nice and down to Earth woman for Henry. He can be so serious about his work. He needs some balance. We’re hoping that he will settle down and mature. He seems unconnected to the ranch and how it runs. I’m sure that family responsibilities would help ground him and make him understand the importance of family legacy,” she explained.
“It’s fine, Ina. I understand. But let’s just be patient and see how things go. Alright?”
“Yes, dear. I’ll be patient.”
Henry took us back to the hotel after my conversation with Ina was over. The children were tired and even a little cranky. I didn’t invite him for a cup of tea and used the children as an excuse. Luckily, he didn’t seem to be put out by my lack of hospitality and promised to call on me later in the week.
I breathed a sigh of relief when we were safely back in our room together. Just the three of us. It wasn’t what we needed for long term survival, but for now it was good.
***
Henry continued to court me and I grew more reluctant. I needed him until I found another way to conserve the money we had left. I felt a little guilty about it, but Henry took us out for meals often. Or we would have meals with his parents. This went a long way in helping me save money.
I was still trying to figure out what Henry saw in me. My opinion of him had not improved. He still seemed uncommitted to having a true relationship. Our conversations were superficial and stilted. He engaged the children, but they were easy. They just wanted to laugh and have fun.
After about a month into our courtship, the truth came crashing to the forefront. Henry and I were having coffee and dessert after dinner in the restaurant. The children were sitting at a table across the room with the owner’s children playing a game.
“So I’ve been thinking that maybe it would be a good idea for Oliver to come stay at the house with me and my parents. He might enjoy working on the ranch and learning from my father,” Henry said.
“He has to go to school, Henry,” I responded. “Don’t you have enough people working on the ranch now? How can a little boy help you that much, anyway?”
“School’s almost out for the summer, isn’t it?”
“Yes, but again, Henry, how can a little boy help you? He’s only nine years old.” I responded pointedly.
“Well, he can learn how a ranch works. I think he would enjoy it. It will do him good to work for the summer instead of doing nothing, won’t it? And besides, he can spend time with my father who would love having the little guy around.”
“I don’t know, Henry. We’ll see what happens in a few weeks when school is over.”
He scowled a bit, but recovered quickly. “My father could show him the ropes of the ranch. Oliver would keep him occupied,” he continued. He nervously chuckled.
I was stalling. I felt I had to keep Henry interested until I knew how I would support us when he was out of the picture. I was not going to let my nine year old son live and work on a ranch, but I couldn’t let Henry know that just yet.
I was about to take the last bite of my chocolate cake when it all fell into place for me. Henry was interested in the three of us as a decoy. He was setting the stage to install us in his parent’s life so that he would be off the hook. Oliver was the first step in the process. Then he could go do what he wanted – away from the ranch.
A marriage to me wouldn’t work for him. He would want to save marriage for someone he met later who lived where he wanted to live. Even if I could have tolerated being in a marriage for appearances, this isn’t a situation that would help me meet my goal of having a complete family. I had to get out of this, but I had to do it in a way that wouldn’t turn me and the kids out on the streets of Sacramento. I had to get a job first.
I wasn’t sure how to break the news to the children. They still seemed so enraptured by him. So I decided to keep up the charade for a while longer. I knew Henry wouldn’t be proposing marriage any time soon, so that wasn’t a danger. I didn’t want to deal with him longer than I had to, though, so I needed to find a job quickly.
***
Since Pastor Brown had offered me such good advice on the children’s schooling I sought him out to help with my new dilemma, but he wasn’t home. His daughter, Maggie, was there, though. Like her father, she had a solution to my problem.
“There’s a contracting company in town, it’s owned by my cousin. They need an administrator. It’s mostly paperwork, obtaining signatures, overseeing the deliveries, and bookkeeping.”
“I think I could do that. I’ve never had a job before, but I’m dependable and I’m determined,” I said.
“It’s not that hard. I do a lot of that sort of stuff for my father. Besides you seem like a fast learner. I can talk to him about you if you want me to.”
“Oh would you? That would help me out so much, Maggie. You and your father have been so kind to us. I wish there was some way I could repay you.”
“Nonsense. It would be my pleasure. I’m going ov
er there later, I’ll talk to him. Why don’t you come back tomorrow and I can take you over there to meet him when he’s expecting you?”
“Sure! What time?”
“Um, he’s usually back at work by two o’clock.”
“I shall be here! See you tomorrow.”
***
At a quarter until two the next afternoon I was outside the pastor’s home. I wanted to be right on time when we went to the construction company office.
I brought some blueberry muffins that I got from the bakery next to the restaurant as a gift to Maggie and her father.
“Oh! My favorite!” She gushed over the muffins. “That bakery makes the best breads in town! I love that place.”
“I’m so glad you like them,” I replied. “You have gone out on a limb for me and I just wanted to do something nice for you.”
“Well, I did talk to my cousin and he hasn’t found anyone for the administration job yet. He’s anxious to meet you and he said that this afternoon is the perfect time for you to come over. So, if you’re ready to go, I’ll go there with you to show you where it is.”
We took a brisk walk through town until we came to the office where I would hopefully be working soon.
When I entered the building and met my new boss, my heart sank. There behind the desk my gaze was met with piercing blue eyes. The same eyes from the restaurant just a few weeks ago. Mr. Vance Gifford.
He cocked his head to the side looking at me. I could see the wheels turning. He was trying to remember where he had seen me. I knew the moment he recognized me.
“I guess we did have a position after all. Maggie tells me you’re a fast worker, and good with math.”
He was straight to the point. No greeting, no smile. He was the same gruff man as he was the day I met him.
I realized then that Maggie had probably made up whatever she didn’t know for sure to ensure that I would get this job. I decided to go with it. I did need this job, after all.
“Yes, I’m good with numbers,” I answered.
“Good.” He nodded. “Well, that’s your desk. I left you a list of things to do today. After a while you’ll get the hang of things and won’t need the list. You get half an hour for lunch. Seeing as it’s after two already, I assume you already had lunch so you can just work until closing.”
“Wait, wait.” I put my hands up and shook my head. “You want me to start today? Right now?”
“Yes. Is that a problem?”
“It’s just that my children will be expecting me when they get home from school. Today at least.”
“I can pick them up, Emily. I’ll feed them supper too,” Maggie chimed in, clearly not wanting her cousin to fire me before I even started.
“Um, well, if that’s not a problem, Maggie. Oh my. You know the children, I suppose. You’ve met them in church before.”
“No problem at all. If I leave now, I can catch up with them. Good luck, Emily!” Maggie smiled and scurried out the door.
“Good. You can hang your shawl on that hook and get started. You’ll work each day until five. Is that suitable?”
“Yes. Thank you for this opportunity.” I smiled, but my smile wasn’t really sincere. I hope he couldn’t see through it. He was so austere and I was almost afraid of him. At the very least, he intimidated me.
***
My first work week went by rather quickly probably because I was busy. Very busy, indeed. The more time I spent with Mr. Gifford, the more I realized he was an excellent business man. Although stern, he treated his staff very fair. His fairness included me.
I quickly began to not only respect the man, but be grateful for this opportunity. With my salary, I was able to afford to move to a small place with a kitchenette. I even had enough money to buy some new clothes for the children. They were growing fast and needed clothes that fit.
One night, Maggie agreed to keep the children so I could meet Henry at the restaurant for dinner. She would be treating them to supper, so I didn’t have to worry about that tonight. My feelings for him hadn’t changed, and I had started trying to see him less.
Although I really liked and admired his parents, he just didn’t have the same warmth that they did. His work ethic was lacking and I didn’t admire that at all. I had a feeling he would sell their ranch when it came to him at their deaths if it meant he didn’t have to run it.
“Oh, you’re still here, Emily?” Mr. Gifford had come back into the office to get his hat. “It’s after five on a Friday. You should be home with your family by now.”
“Yes, but Mr. Sawyer is taking me out to supper. I asked him to meet me here, if that’s all right.”
Mr. Gifford nodded. “Yes, it’s fine.” He was quiet and I noticed he turned his hat over and over in his hands, like he wanted to ask me something. Finally he did. “I assumed you were married.”
“I was.” I felt the lump form in my throat as I thought about my real ex-husband, the one who was very much alive. The one who had left me. I could have told him the truth right then and there, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. “My husband passed away two years ago. It was an accident. He was thrown from a horse.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. That’s a terrible loss for you—and your children.”
I felt like I was about to cry, so I changed the subject. “What about you? Do you have a wife?” I blurted the words out forgetting that he had placed that advertisement in the newspaper. Of course he didn’t have a wife.
“I did. A daughter, too. They passed away. It was an accident as well.”
“I’m so sorry. Maggie didn't tell me.”
“It happened on one of my construction sites. They came to bring me lunch. The room wasn’t secure. It collapsed and—“
He didn’t have to say another word. His expression spoke volumes. It explained so much. Why he was so meticulous about his work and employees. Why he ate lunch at the restaurant every day. I had been so afraid of this man. So insulted by him. But I realized now that gruff disposition wasn’t the real him. It was just a wall of protection to hide him from the pain of his reality. Again I wanted to tell him the truth. But how could I? Everything I had done to get here was based on a lie. For good reasons, but a lie just the same.
“Mrs. Graves, I don’t know much about you, but I do know a great deal about Mr. Sawyer. You and your children deserve better than him. I know my words probably don’t hold much weight, and it’s none of my business, but please think about, um, ending things with him.” He pulled on his hat and walked to the door. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
“Bright and early,” I said with far more joy than I was feeling at the moment.
Chapter Nine
That moment with Mr. Gifford had made an impact on me. All through supper as Henry complained about work at the ranch I wanted to flee. He again brought up how wonderful it would be if I allowed Oliver to come and work at the ranch.
He didn’t want a wife. He wanted to use me and the children to distance himself from his wonderful parents. That he was using us and disrespecting them made me sick.
“What will you be having for dessert tonight, Emily?” Henry asked in his snobbish, fake aristocratic voice.
“You know Henry,” I said impatiently, “I’ve had enough of just about everything. Including you.”
“Whatever do you mean by that?” he responded in surprise.
I looked him straight in his bland brown eyes and didn’t back down. “I mean that you and I are through.”
“Why would you break off with the best thing that’s ever happened to you or your kids? What will you and those fatherless brats do without my money? I’ll see to it that your job dries up and then you’ll come running back to me.” His nasty tone made my skin crawl and I wanted to run away but I needed to stand up to him.
“I doubt you can have my job terminated and I don’t think you’ll even try. You’re all talk. You don’t want to be in a relationship with me, anyway. All you want from me and my fatherless br
ats is to divert your parent’s attention away from you. Well I’m not going to play that game with you any longer. Find someone else, if you can.”
I stood up and turned to leave. But he wasn’t finished being rude to me.
“You’ll never find a man as wealthy as I am who will be willing to take on another man’s children,” he spat.
I turned back to face him and laughed out loud. Right there in his face.
“Mr. Sawyer, all the wealth in the world cannot buy happiness. I would never be happy with you and neither would my children.”
The look on his face was all the satisfaction I needed. I was able to walk away with a clear conscious.
When I got to our new place, the children were already back with Maggie. I was fresh from a fight and needed to let off some steam. I told Maggie about the incident while the twins finished the game they were playing.
Maggie was rolling with laughter. “Oh I wish I could have seen his face! I went to school with Henry. He was a prig then, and he’s a bigger prig now!” She held her stomach as she laughed. “I do feel bad for his parents though. They don’t deserve him.”
Maggie left to go home and I prepared to tell Oliver and Vivian that Henry was no longer part of our lives.
“Vivian. Oliver. Hurry up and put the game up. You can play later in the weekend. I need to talk to you for just a minute,” I said. I wanted to get this conversation over quickly. I didn’t know how they would react, but I hope it wouldn’t be too disappointing for them.
“What is it, Mama,” Vivian asked as she came to me and wrapped her arms around my waist. I hugged her back and then nudged her toward the well-worn sofa where we could all three sit down.
“Henry and I are no longer courting. It turns out that we aren’t a good match,” I said. I thought it best to deliver the information basics and let them ask questions if they wanted to.