Damaged Hearts

by Angel Wolfe

  “Is it Frank that has you confused?” Anna asked, curious. “If it is, I totally understand your dilemma.”

  “Yes, it’s Frank and my feelings, what I’ve done and what I want to do.” Marie wailed. “I’m so lost. I know we should have waited until we got married.” She confided. “But as scared as I am and unsure about our future, I don’t think I’d take it back.”

  “I have been in your same situation before.” Anna confessed. “Adam, who is a friend of mine and I was in the same position you’re in now. I knew he had feelings for me and I for him; the problem was, my parents were all about the name. We saw each other for quite some time but once I started teaching school, it was inappropriate for me to see anyone romantically. I know I hurt him unintentionally but I don’t think he’ll ever forgive me. At least we had not been physically intimate though.”

  “I am so sorry Anna. Is there anything I can do?” Marie asked hugging the other girl. “My father used to be a prominent member of the community before but I think after all that he has done, his time is pretty limited. After striving to keep my reputation pure, none of that matters now with all of his dishonesty.”

  “I know you and Frances Andrews are friends. I’m sure if you don’t wish to be married; her parents would welcome you to their home.” Anna said. “After all, you were a prominent member of our town’s society yourself.”

  “If only it were so simple Anna.” Marie started. “Frances will be quite put out with me now. I must just resign myself to being a farmer’s wife.”

  “Listen to yourself Marie.” Anna commanded shaking her slightly. “If you are not happy about it, don’t do this. Don’t make your life and Frank’s life miserable by acting as if you have no choice.”

  “Oh I don’t know Anna; I think a party will be great fun. I should like to be in charge of organizing a wedding.” She said with a dreamy look in her eyes. “If only I could convince Frank to move to my father’s house; we could live there in grand style and I’d not have to give up any of the comforts I’m accustomed to.”

  Disgruntled with Marie’s unrealistic approach to life, Anna rolled her eyes as she attempted to make the other girl see reason. “Marie, what are you thinking? Frank would never be happy there at a house in town. How could he possibly pay for that house and afford to feed and clothe you? While he is a very nice and honorable man, nothing personal but he is also a simple man. He’s a farmer by nature and you just can’t take that away from the man.”

  “Uhhhhhhhh! I can’t believe this. I thought you understood me Anna.” Marie said with disgust. I’ve thought about it quite a bit but I just don’t think I can live on a ranch and work with my hands. I was trained to be a proper lady and that’s what I plan to do.” She added with a huff, dismissing Anna quite rudely.

  “Well Marie, you’ve made your bed I just hope it’s not too uncomfortable to lie in it.” Anna told her as she left the washhouse.

  “Well, I never!” Marie stated as she climbed into the tub and sunk into the deep hot water. Laying there allowing the heat of the water to relax her tired body, Marie thought about what Anna had said. She knew she wanted to do something with more purpose, wanted to have her own life without having to answer to anyone for once. While she loved Frank and she knew he loved her, she wasn’t sure she wanted him telling her what to do either.

  Running the cloth over her body cleansing herself where she was a little sore, reminded her that he had definitely not stopped when she wanted him to. She didn’t want to admit to herself that she had enjoyed it though. Making up her mind, she decided she would move back to town and find a small house where she could live and try to find a job of some sort to support herself. From there, she would allow Frank to call on her and possibly marry him when she decided she wanted to.

  Not thinking at all about how selfish she was being, Marie climbed out of the tub, dried off, got dressed, and headed back to the house to inform Cook and Simmons of her plans. Stepping into the kitchen from the back porch, Marie announced her appearance. “Cook, may I speak with you in private please?”

  “Of course child. What is it?” Grace asked as she followed Marie to her bedroom.

  “I’ve decided to move back to town and find a small house. I think if I can find some form of employment to support myself, I should be fine.” She told her as if she had thought everything out.

  “But what if you’re with child, Marie?” Grace asked her concerned. “No one will give you employment as an unwed mother. Have you thought anything about what this will do to Frank? He will be devastated girl. He truly loves you and would give you the moon if you would just let him.”

  “What is it with everyone asking what Frank thinks? Am I not a grown woman that can make up my mind what I want to do in my life?” She asked exasperated. “Just because I use bad judgment one time, now everyone thinks I can’t think for myself.”

  “What has gotten in to you Marie?” Cook asked confused. “Yesterday you were ecstatic about having found a man to spend the rest of your life with. Now that you’ve hooked him, you act like you want nothing more to do with him.”

  “I just decided that I want some control over my own life. I don’t want to spend eternity doing what everyone tells me. I want to do what I want to do.” She said matter-of-factly.

  Taking a deep breath, knowing she was about to make Marie extremely unhappy “Marie, Samuel and I have been talking and he has been talking to Frank; the men have agreed to be farming partners. Matt took Samuel and Frank out and showed them some land that he had purchased several years ago. It would be just right for raising milk cattle. It was meant to be a surprise but since you are going back to town, I thought it best to tell you now.”

  “Frank agreed to some property without talking to me first?” Marie asked incredulously. “I was going to be his wife and he didn’t even think about letting me add my opinion!”

  “Marie, I think Frank wanted to have a home for you before he made all his plans known. I don’t for one minute think he planned to leave you out of the decision. In fact, he already told Samuel that he was going to wait on building the house until he knew how you wanted it.” Cook goaded her crossly. “Well, what are you waiting for? You had best get packed if you want to make it back to town before dark.”

  With that, Grace walked off leaving a very angry, dejected, and confused Marie in her wake. Not knowing what else to do, Marie went to her bedroom and proceeded to pack what little she had brought into the small bags that she had filled at her home in town. Completing that task, she went to the barn and requested James to saddle Flower and tie the bags behind the saddle for her.

  Going in search of Kat and Angel, she found that both of them were sleeping. “That figures.” She muttered to herself. “I’m leaving and they aren’t even awake so I can tell them goodbye.”

  Back in the kitchen, Cook would not even meet her glance. “I guess this is so long for now. Good luck to you and Simmons.” She told her old servant dabbing her eyes as she walked out the back door. Without saying another word to anyone, she scrambled up on her horse and proceeded to head out the front gate towards town.

  Unbeknownst to anyone, Anna had overheard most all the conversation. Seeing Marie leave, she had an idea of her own. Although the other girl could be quite annoying to be around, they might possibly be of mutual help to one another. Anna wanted to live closer to town and away from her parents; Marie whether she knew it or not, needed assistance. Without stopping to think about her actions, Anna left a note on the hay bale just inside the barn door, tied her bag behind the saddle, and mounted up. Hoping her future sister-in-law would forgive her, she rode out on Nugget, following not far behind Marie.

  James, thinking that something was not quite right about the situation went in search of Consuela hoping to have his questions answered before finding either of the Mr. Jamison’s. Finally finding her outside hanging up wash, James approached her warily.

  “Well, out with it James. I can tell something is on
your mind.” She said, accurately reading the situation. “We can’t get it solved until you tell me the problem.”

  “Miss Marie left headed for town; problem is, Miss Anna took Nugget and followed behind her without telling anyone she was leaving. I came as quick as I figured it out.” He told her, acting quite distraught as he gave her the note that Anna had left. “I’m not sure what we should do. They are after all grown women but with the sheriff still unaccounted for, I’d hate to see either of them get hurt.”

  “Let’s get Grace and see what she has to say about all of this. I’d get Angel and Kat but they are both resting and I’d hate to wake them.” Consuela said. “We should probably let Sarah know what’s going on too but I just hate the drama that will come from it.”

  “I tell you what, why don’t you go get Grace and let her know what’s going on, and I’ll find Edward. If anyone can keep his wife under control, it would be him.” James almost laughed.

  Going their separate ways, Consuela found Grace first. “Grace, I’m not at all sure how to tell you this but Marie took off on her horse and headed for town. Unfortunately, Anna followed behind her.”

  “I knew she was leaving Consuela, she and I had a discussion and an argument earlier about her selfishness. I’m afraid I kind of hurried her on her way.” Grace confessed. “I was unaware that Anna had gone with her though. Why would they leave together?”

  “They didn’t. Anna followed Marie off the ranch.” Consuela told her. “That’s what we are confused about. No one knows why she would have left without telling anyone.”

  “Well, I guess we had best go inform the Jamisons. May as well get the unpleasantness out of the way.” Grace sighed.

  ~XXIV~

  About half way to town, Anna caught up with Marie and they rode side by side for quite some time before either of them spoke. Finally, Marie could not stand the silence any more “Ok, out with it, why are you following me? I know it’s not my wonderful company you crave.”

  “I actually want to propose a deal for you. I am tired of living with my parents and have an income. You want to be independent and have no means to support yourself. I will help you find a job and help you pay rent on a place if you agree to let me share it with you. This way we can both be respectable yet independent.” Anna stated

  Thinking on this a while Marie decided this just might work. “If I agreed to this, where would we begin looking for a house to rent?”

  “I happen to know of a couple that I’ve walked by for several weeks.” Anna told her. “After school when I walk home every day, I have noticed one that really quite pretty. It may even be in our price range.”

  “Well, that’s a start.” Marie agreed cautiously. “I wonder if we could look at it tomorrow. Do you have any ideas as to where I might find gainful employment?”

  “There is a lady I know at the bakery that really needs some help. She is very nice and probably about Kat’s age I figure.” Anna replied. “Right now she is trying to run the bakery on her own but I think it has been so busy that she can really use the help.”

  “Well, if you don’t have any qualms about it, we can check with Frances and possibly stay with her parents for a day or two until we find a house for rent and a job for me.” Marie offered tentatively.

  “Do you think they will be ok with it?” Anna asked. “That would be good if we had a place so we can take a little time and not take the first place we look at.”

  “Only one way to find out.” Marie said, turning her horse and leading the way towards her old friend’s home. “Just let me talk to the mayor and his wife.”

  They rode the short distance in silence, each lost in their own hopeful thoughts. To Anna, it was a grand adventure and the chance to be on her own. To Marie, this was turning into shear survival. She told herself not to even think about the possibility of getting married yet.

  Dismounting in front of the mayor’s mansion, Marie cautiously brushed her riding skirt and checked to make sure her clothing was all in order. She tied Flower’s reins to the post and waited while Anna loosened the cinch strap on Nugget’s saddle. Sighing deeply “Anna, could you show me how to do that? Flower might be hot too and should probably have a chance to cool down.” She admitted.

  Laughing to herself, but careful not to let Marie see her smile, Anna patiently showed her new friend how to loosen the cinch to allow the horse to breathe more easily. Once her instruction was done in this area, she also untied the reins and showed Marie an easier, quicker and more secure way to tie them to the post. Fascinated, Marie almost forgot why they were there.

  “I suppose we should go in, I think we’ve almost driven Thurston to distraction.” Marie giggled behind her glove as she led the way up the walk. Knocking lightly, the two young women stepped politely back from the door waiting for it to be opened.

  “Well, if it isn’t the rude Miss Fairchild.” Thurston said snidely as he opened the door slightly. “What do you want?”

  “Thurston, I’d like to speak with the mayor or Mrs. Andrews please. If they are not home, I must speak with Frances.” She said nose in the air; knowing that above all else, appearances must be kept up.

  “Let me check and see if someone is in for you to speak with ma’am.” Thurston said as he firmly closed the door.

  “What in the world was all that about?” Anna asked aghast at the way Marie had acted. “I thought we were trying to find a place to stay, not make a butler angry.”

  “It’s all part of the game Anna.” Marie informed her. “Just watch and learn how the rich act and thank god you don’t have to be this way.”

  “Well, I am not sure I could act like that even if I was well off.” Anna huffed. “Wait, what are you doing with our horses?” Anna yelled as a familiar looking young man diverted her attention. He was untying both of the horse reins from the post before he led them towards the back of the house.

  “That’s Willie, Anna. He used to work for my father and was my driver before my world fell apart. Don’t worry, he’s just doing his job. Thurston will be back to admit us in a matter of minutes.” Marie said confidently.

  “I’m not so sure I want to be part of this world Marie.” Anna confided. “Everything is so superficial and nothing seems to matter.”

  “Like I told you Anna, it’s all about appearances.” Marie said. “Just play along and once we are given a room and can talk to Frances, you’ll see that she is just like us. Hopefully her parents are home or will be tonight so that we can talk to them also.”

  Like Marie had said, within just a few minutes Thurston held the door open and graciously admitted them into the front room. “Wait here and Miss Frances will be down shortly.” Thurston commanded before leaving the room.

  Shaking her head, Anna wandered absently through the room looking at all the little trinkets on display. Gasping in wonder, she gingerly picked up a small figurine of a palomino colt and an Australian shepherd puppy playing. “This is one of the most delicately beautiful pieces that I’ve ever seen.” She told Marie in wonder.

  “And it’s been sold.” Frances said as she sailed down the stairs. “To your brother, I believe.” She added giving Marie a hug as she spoke to Anna.

  “To my brother?” Anna asked confused. “Which brother and when did you see him?”

  “Matt came here several days ago with Marie and after seeing that small figurine, asked if he might make a deal or purchase it. Said something to the effect that it matched a description of something someone once cherished.” Frances said shrugging her shoulders. “I’m not sure but after talking to my father, they made some sort of agreement and it now belongs to Matt.”

  “I think it’s for Kaitlyn.” Marie whispered, thinking back to the day of the conversation. “Matt is supposed to talk to Rick about some stock that your father wanted to purchase.”

  “Well, I suppose that makes sense.” Frances replied before changing the subject. “Now where in the world have you been and what are you doing here now of all ti
mes?”

  “We need somewhere to stay temporarily Frances.” Marie explained. “Anna is tired of living with her parents and you know the situation with my father. We need somewhere to sleep for two or three days, a week at the most; until we can find a house for rent and until I can find employment.”

  “You want to be employed?” Frances asked completely baffled. “You have never worked a single day in your life. What do you plan to do?”

  “I think the lady that runs the bakery may be interested in hiring Marie to help her.” Anna spoke up coming back into the conversation. “I know she doesn’t have a sign but she is so terribly busy in the mornings when I walk by that I know she must need some help.”

  “Well, mother is at a ladies luncheon but I’m sure she won’t mind. Father...oh dear.” Frances looked worriedly at Marie. “Father is in the study with your father. I am not sure what is going on but they have been terribly quiet and I haven’t been able to overhear so much as a word.”