Perpetual Love (Albert and Anne)

by Jamie Salisbury

  Albert had gone into the dining room to get coffee. As he was gazing out the window, the man he was concerned about walked out of the barn. He saw Young start toward the house until he saw Albert’s horse. Albert watched as the man mounted and rode away.

  “I’m ready,” Anne announced as she entered the room.

  Smiling at her, Albert sat his cup down and took her arm as they left the house. She waited as Albert saddled her horse. Neither knew they were being watched. Shortly they were on their way down the road away from the ranch.

  When they arrived at the bluff overlooking the lake, where they always went when they needed to talk, Albert wasted no time telling her he would have to go out of town. “I hate to leave right now, but I’m the only one who can close this particular deal. I don’t feel right leaving you with everything that has been going on.”

  “Albert, I’ll be fine. I have had to be alone and deal with people like Young before. I’ll be all right until you get back. I will just stay very close to the house or ride over to visit your family. He just makes me nervous the way he’s always staring at me,” she explained.

  “I just don’t understand your father hiring him,”

  Albert began. “He had to know his criminal history and to just ignore all of that. . .”

  “I don’t know and I don’t want to talk about either of them. When do you have to leave, and when will you return?” Anne questioned.

  “Day after tomorrow and I’ll be back as soon as the bill of sale is signed. I still don’t feel right leaving you,” Albert explained.

  “Nonsense, you must go. Your father is depending on you. I will stay busy and it will be fine. You cannot be with me every minute of every day Albert. I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself,” she declared.

  Pulling her to him, he told her, “That’s my point, I want to be with you every minute of every day, and I don’t want you having to take care of yourself anymore. I want that job, to see to your every need and want. When I get back, I want to announce our engagement. Than I won’t worry about you as much once we’re married.”

  Anne had not told Albert of the heated exchange she had with her father that morning. “I don’t know what has happened to you, Father. You were always against hiring people with a criminal record and now you have gone and hired a man with a very questionable past,” she told her father.

  “It’s not your decision Anne, it’s mine. Albert Stuart might influence your thinking, but not mine. I resent the fact he seems to assume his word is law where you are concerned. If he continues, I will be forced to speak to Thomas,” John replied.

  “Albert is not a child and neither am I. You have no need to run to Mr. Stuart. He holds the same opinion of Young as Albert,” she told him.

  Two days later, she and Thomas saw Albert off on the stage. “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Albert told her. “Henry and Ben have promised they’ll check on you until I get back.”

  “Please, Albert, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Just hurry back and be safe,” she told him, kissing his cheek.

  Albert reluctantly climbed into the stage after their goodbyes. A feeling of dread washed over him as he watched her disappear into the dust from the stage.

  “He won’t be gone long Anne. I’m sorry he had to go right now. I know he’s upset with me, but it couldn’t be helped,” Thomas told her.

  “I know Mr. Stuart, he worries about me far too much. I’m always afraid he will wake up one day and decide I’m too much trouble to bother with,” she explained.

  “That my dear, will never happen,” Thomas said, smiling.

  The first day Albert was gone was a long one for her. She had declined Thomas’ invitation to dinner, telling him she had things that needed her attention. A lie, but she had not wanted to burden the elder Stuart with the job of watching over her, knowing Albert had made his entire family promise to do so.

  Joe Young had been making himself scarce lately. So after returning home, Anne busied herself in the house. She decided to straighten her father’s office. Never one to pry before, Anne felt there was something in her father’s office that might lead her to understand the drastic change in him over the last six months.

  As usual, nothing was on his desk, except a small notation on a pad of paper about her birthday. She had almost forgotten about it, more engrossed with Albert’s and her relationship, and now the problem of Young. She tried opening his desk drawers and found them locked. That’s odd, she thought. He never used to lock his desk. Perhaps he doesn’t trust Joe Young either.

  “I don’t believe the judge would appreciate you going through his things, missy,” Young’s voice came from behind her.

  Startled, she railed, “What do you think you are doing, coming into this house without being invited?”

  “Settle down. I’m the foreman here and I’ve got a few questions for the judge. Guess he ain’t here,” Young replied.

  “You know he left early this morning, now get out of this house!” The man did frighten her, but she was not about to let him know this.

  When he did not attempt to leave, she added, “Do not make me tell you again, Mr. Young. You are not allowed in here. Now go about your duties or I shall tell my father about this.”

  “You do that missy and see how far it gets you. Don’t threaten me, you won’t like my reaction,” he told her.

  This response infuriated Anne. “I am not easily intimidated. Now I am not going to tell you again to get out. If it were up to me I’d fire you on the spot for your insubordination.”

  In two long strides he was beside her, grabbing her arm in a vice-like grip. “You can say what you will but you’re scared. Good, remember that feeling, and don’t ever order me around again. You have no say over me.”

  Anne jerked her arm away, glaring at the man. “How dare you touch me. I warned you before to stay away from me,” she said with more conviction that she felt.

  Turning, Young gave her a once over look, smiled and left the house.

  When he left, Anne sat in her father’s chair shaking. Trying to quiet her nerves she wished Albert was there. I have to talk to father, he just threatened me, and I believe he can be violent. Surely, he will do something about Young now once I tell him about this, she reasoned.

  Anne made the decision to go for a ride over to Sky Valley after all. She hated having to leave her own home, but with him lurking around, she felt like a prisoner. Changing into riding clothes, she waited until she saw Young ride away and went to saddle her horse. When finished she led the horse into the courtyard, mounted and began her ride to Sky Valley.

  I hate feeling this way. I have never had to depend on anyone but me before and now I feel as though I am not capable of dealing with this thug. Albert will be gone for another four days so I best figure out a way to handle Young. At least now I am away from him, she thought. Little did she know Young was following her as he did every time she left the ranch.

  Arriving at Sky Valley, Thomas greeted her, “Anne, good to see you. I was just thinking about you. I am glad you changed your mind and joined us. Henry and Ben should be back soon. Get down, and sit a while with me.”

  Dismounting, she tied her horse to the hitching post and walked to the porch taking a seat with Thomas. Knowing by her face that something was wrong, Thomas looked into her eyes asking, “What’s wrong Anne, did something happen?”

  Shaking her head, she began, “It’s nothing Mr. Stuart. Joe Young just makes me nervous. Every time I turn around, he is watching me. I had to get away from the house. I don’t like to be there alone when he is the only one around.”

  “Anne, I think the time has come that I speak with John about this. I know he got angry with Albert the other day when he tried to talk to him about Young. But he just may listen to me,” Thomas said.

  “I don’t think so Mr. Stuart. Father is not listening to anyone right now. It seems he is determined to keep Young on no matter what. I have told him how the man makes me feel and
he just laughs it off. After I tell him what happened today, perhaps he’ll change his mind,” she explained.

  Alarmed, Thomas asked, “What happened today, Anne?”

  Knowing she had made a grievous mistake in letting that slip, she tried to cover it up. “Nothing, really he just makes me nervous.”

  “Anne, tell me,” Thomas instructed.

  “He came into the house. I was in Father’s office and he snuck up behind me. When I told him to get out, he grabbed me,” she explained.

  Thomas’ anger soared. “I’ll talk to John today,” he told her.

  “Please don’t. I believe it will only make matters worse. Let me try to handle it and do not tell Albert. I’m convinced Young wants nothing more than a confrontation between him and Albert.” she pled.

  “Anne, I can’t promise that. I need to speak to John anyway. I will just bring up the subject of Young and see what his response is. I won’t tell Albert, for now,” Thomas said.

  “Young is just trying to intimidate me because I’m a woman and there alone. If Father were home he wouldn’t behave in such a manner,” she told him.

  Thomas, not so sure of John anymore, was concerned for her well-being. John was not the man he had known, nor was he the least bit concerned about his daughter. More information had come in from the attorney in London and Thomas’ feeling of uneasiness grew with each report.

  These same thoughts were going through Albert’s mind. He had been troubled all the way to San Francisco about Anne being alone at the ranch with Young. He thought back to their last conversation, “Stay away from him Anne, even if you have to stay at Sky Valley. When I return we are going to get this matter settled, once and for all.” I should not have left her. There is no telling what could happen if I am not there. Surely, her Father will see no harm comes to her, Albert thought.

  If only Albert had known the dark thoughts John had regarding his daughter, he never would have felt confident that he would take care of her.

  Back at Sky Valley, Anne had relaxed being with Thomas.

  “George is making lunch Anne. When the boys get back, we’ll eat,” he told her.

  “I really shouldn’t stay Mr. Stuart, there are things I could be tending to at home,” she told him. “I miss Albert. I feel closer to him when I’m here,” she said simply.

  “I know my dear and I regret he had to go to San Francisco but Albert is the one who had brokered the deal and the army would deal with no one but him,” Thomas explained again.

  “I know that, Mr. Stuart, and I don’t want him to neglect his duties in any way because of me. I have never felt so foolish in my life. I have pretty much taken care of myself since I was fourteen. Now, for the first time in my life, I feel vulnerable. It’s not a good feeling,” she told the older man.

  “Anne, you are a strong woman and I am confident you will be fine. I just have questions I need answers to and those answers can only come from your father. I would like you to stay here while I go into town to speak to him,” Thomas told her. “I will leave when Henry and Ben return.”

  “Mr. Stuart, please don’t do or say anything on my account. Father can be rather hostile when he feels someone is questioning him. I do not want to be the cause of any problems between the two of you. I especially do not want Albert to know of any of this. I hate to appear weak. I swore I would never be that way, and here I am running to Sky Valley the first time I feel uncomfortable,” she told Thomas. “I never want Albert to feel I am a burden.”

  “Anne, you are not weak and Albert would never think of you as a burden. He loves you young lady, and wants to marry you. When he gets back, you are going to be hard-pressed to be rid of him. You have made my son a happy man and he is not about to let anything happen to you. However, you are going to have to be patient with him. Albert is going to do what he thinks best where you are concerned, even if it angers you or your father,” Thomas explained.

  As they were talking, Ben and Henry rode up. Both men greeted Anne as they got down from their horses. Thomas explained to his sons that he had errands to run in town and asked if they would look after Anne.

  “Sure, Father, we’ve got orders from Albert to see to her and it will be a pleasure,” Ben said.

  “I don’t want to be a bother for anyone,” Anne began. “I know you two have other things you’d rather be doing than entertaining me.”

  “Naw, Anne,” Henry began, “being around you is much more fun that being with Ben. You make sense when you talk. Something little brother here don’t.”

  “Well, thank you both, I really don’t want to go back home with You. . ., I mean it’s more pleasant being with all of you,” she said.

  “We know Anne,” Henry said gently smiling at her. “Me and Ben will see to everything.”

  Chapter Nine

  Thomas Stuart tried to arrange his thoughts of what he would say to John on his ride into Carson City. I do not want to alienate him right away, but I have to get to the bottom of what he is up to. The longer this goes on the more I am convinced he is up to no good.

  Confident Anne would be safe in Henry and Ben’s care, he went directly to the courthouse and found John in his office. Looking up from papers spread on his desk, the judge greeted him. “Hello, Thomas. What brings you to town?”

  “I had some errands and thought I’d drop by and see you. Since you moved into your house, I have not seen much of you. Perhaps we could have lunch?” Thomas asked, smiling.

  “I’d enjoy that, Thomas. I’m tired of dealing with criminals. I would like to have a conversation with an honest man for once today,” John replied.

  “I would also like to talk to you John. I’m concerned about Anne,” Thomas said.

  “Anne?” John asked. “Why are you concerned with Anne?”

  “I’ve been hearing about her uneasiness with Joe Young around. I know Albert told you of our experiences with him and I’d like to understand why you’ve engaged him,” Thomas said.

  “Thomas, I will tell you what I told Albert. Whom I hire is my business, not Anne’s, not Albert’s and certainly not yours. I do not tell you how to run Sky Valley, and I would appreciate it if you would give me the same consideration,” John replied.

  “John, if Anne were my daughter, I would not allow Young near her. He’s not to be trusted and capable of just about anything,” Thomas told him.

  Thomas now saw first-hand the irrationality of the man he had considered an old friend as John exploded in rage. “Thomas, this is none of your business! Anne may have deceived you and Albert into believing she is frail and unable to take care of herself but believe me, she is more than capable of handling any situation.”

  Trying to reason with John, Thomas began, “John, she is your daughter, to be protected and cared for. She should not have to fear for her safety. She is terrified of being alone with him around.”

  “Thomas! Do not lecture me on how to care for my daughter! You are no longer welcome here and give Albert a message for me. When he returns, he is not to see my daughter again. Forget we were ever friends as I have just done. Now unless you have legal business with me, get out!” John raged.

  Thomas realized that he would now have to bring up the information he had received from the lawyer in London, as he calmly said, “I don’t think so, John. I have some very unsettling reports I want to discuss with you. When I received your letter telling me you wished to pay us a visit, I was curious. I asked myself why, after so long a period of time, you decided to visit me. I know you are planning to cheat Anne out of her inheritance. What I have not figured out is what Young has to do with all of this. Mr. Lawrence, the attorney in London was most anxious to find where you had disappeared. With the information I provided him, he was very open with me regarding the details of why you left England. Now Anne will know, as soon as she turns twenty-one. He told me of all correspondence he had sent here regarding her inheritance and that it had all been returned. You saw to that. If you do not want me to tell her all I have disco
vered, it would be wise for you to terminate Young and tell her everything. Do it today and I will let you tell her yourself. I won’t allow her to return home until you do.”

  “How dare you blackmail me! Everything you have said is hearsay. I have taken care of Anne since her mother died. I have no secrets from her. We were getting along fine until your son turned her against me. Try to come between us Thomas and see what happens. Anne is loyal to a fault, you won’t get anywhere with your accusations,” John told him.

  “Do not blame Albert or anyone else but yourself. He gave her unconditional love, something that girl has not known since Margaret died. Be thankful you’re talking with me and not him today. Albert would not give you a chance to tell her. He would have already done so,” Thomas told him. “No I am going back to the ranch. I will tell her you wish to speak to her this evening. Henry and Ben will escort her home and I will ask her to come see me first thing in the morning. If she has not been told by then, I will tell her. It’s your choice, John.”

  By the time Thomas returned home Henry and Ben had worn Anne out playing checkers and she was ready for a break. “Anne,” Thomas began. “I spoke to your father. He would like to talk to you tonight. After dinner, Henry and Ben will ride home with you. I would however, like to see you in the morning. Do you think you could ride over here first thing tomorrow?”

  Not sure what was going on, Anne told him, “Of course, Mr. Stuart. I will be here first thing in the morning. How was Father to talk to?”

  Not wanting to alarm her, he replied, “He was fine Anne, a little upset at first, but he is all right now,” Thomas explained.

  After Thomas had left his office, John Wallace had closed his court for the day and returned home. He needed to speak to Young before Anne returned. Blasted Stuart’s, he thought, now I have to hurry before Thomas spoils everything.

  After dinner, Henry and Ben rode home with Anne, waiting while she entered the house. When they were sure she was safe, they returned home.

  “Anne?” Her father called when she shut the front door. “I’d like to see you in my study.”