“I love you too. Good night, Albert.”
After he had left, she sat on the bed reflecting on the past day telling herself, After tonight I will not let my life prior to now affect Albert or me again. Father will be out of our lives and I pray I will never see him again.
Sunlight streaming through her window woke her the next morning. She had finally fallen asleep as the grandfather clock in the great room had struck midnight. Lying in bed, she smiled, thinking, Today begins my new life with Albert. Nothing is going to spoil our life together.
Slipping out of bed, she washed, did her hair, put on a clean dress and then made her way downstairs. All four Stuart men were seated at the table having coffee, talking. Albert saw her first and came to the stairs to meet her.
Kissing her cheek, he inquired, “Good Morning. I trust you slept.”
Returning his kiss, she told him, “Yes, I did. Did you?”
“Yes I did. Anne, today will be a better day.”
“Morning, Anne,” the other men greeted her as she walked into the dining room.
“Good morning,” she replied, smiling at them.
“We waited breakfast for you,” Thomas told her.
“You shouldn’t have, you must be starved,” she declared.
Her demeanor is better today, almost like she was before all of this began, Albert thought.
Albert held her chair out as she took her seat beside him. Henry poured her coffee as George brought the breakfast platters to the table.
“Good morning, missy Anne. You look good. Now eat,” the cook told her.
While the four men dove into their breakfast, Anne sat sipping coffee watching them. She was relaxed, she felt that this was where she belonged. Anne enjoyed the loving interaction between father and sons. She had always wanted a family like them and now she almost was a part of this one.
George brought her warm muffins as Ben asked, “Why does Anne get George’s special muffins? We’ve got to be sick to get them.”
“Missy Anne nice to George. Not yell like men,” he told Ben.
Laughing, Thomas told her, “George doesn’t make those for everyone Anne. You should fee honored.”
“I do Mr. Stuart, I do.”
After breakfast, Thomas asked to speak to Anne and Albert. He had the young couple join him in the great room. Sitting on the sofa, he began, “Anne, first of all I am so very sorry for what you’ve been through the past few weeks. I had no idea.”
“Mr. Stuart, please stop. I should be apologizing to all of you. My father took advantage of not only your friendship, but also you hospitality. He was at fault. I am so ashamed for how everything has turned out. So please, don’t apologize.”
“Anne, Albert knows some of what I am about to tell you,” Thomas began. He told her of his suspicions about her father from the very beginning, explaining why he had contacted the attorney in London. “We have been corresponding, sharing information. In his most recent letter, he informed me that he would be here in Carson City the day after tomorrow. Mr. Lawrence was your grandfather’s attorney and he wants to meet with you and explain your inheritance.”
Anne had listened intently while Thomas continued telling her what he had discovered about her father.
When he was done, she told the men, “I had forgotten about any inheritance until I remembered my last discussion with my grandfather. It was before I was sent to New York. He died while I was away. He told me that he was going to make sure that father never profited from my mother’s death. I didn’t understand what he meant until now. If it is not too much to ask, I would like you to be with me Albert when I meet with this attorney. I want you to know everything he says. I know you feel you should be there also, Mr. Stuart. I only wish all of you weren’t troubled by this.”
“You know I want to be with you Anne and I’ll do whatever you want,” he told her.
“Anne, if I may suggest,” Thomas said delicately, “with charges against John forthcoming, it might be wise to ask the local magistrate to sit in on this meeting with Mr. Lawrence.”
“Whatever Albert and you think best,” she said. “I really can’t believe that this inheritance is worth all of the trouble it has caused.”
“Well, until he arrives,” Thomas told them, “we’ll have to wait for any more answers.”
Rising from the sofa, Albert addressed his father, “If we’re done, I have a day planned for Anne and me.”
“That’s fine son. Your brothers and I can handle ranch business today. You and Anne go have some fun.”
“We’re going on a picnic. Something we haven’t done in a while.”
At this announcement George brought out a large basket as Albert asked, “Everything is in there that I requested George?”
“Yes, Mr. Albert, everything.”
Chapter Eleven
As they walked outside to the porch, Anne saw the carriage was waiting for them in the courtyard. “You’ve had this planned for a while, haven’t you?” she asked, raising an eyebrow, smiling.
“For a while,” he said giving her a grin as he lifted her into the carriage. He then climbed in, taking the reins, as he steered the horses towards the bluff. When they arrived, he helped her down, grabbed the basket, and let her to their favorite spot.
After Albert and Anne had left there was a knock on the door. Opening it, Thomas greeted Ray Jones. “Morning, Ray. You’re out early. Come on in and have some coffee.”
Ray stood in the doorway, nervously twisting his hat in his hands. “No coffee for me Thomas. I need to speak to Albert. You might want to listen to this also.”
“I’m sorry Ray, Albert’s not here right now. May I help you with anything?”
“Thomas, I don’t rightly know how to tell you this. I went to pick up Judge Wallace early this morning. When I got there, he was gone. Hank told me he lit out of there last night.”
“Ray, how could you,” Thomas began.
“That ain’t all Thomas. While I was gone, Young got the drop on Chuck when he brought his breakfast to him. Knocked him in the head and took the keys. He’s gone too.”
“Ray, how could you let this happen? You should have gone and gotten John last night,” Thomas rebuked the man.
“I know that, I don’t need you telling me I messed up. But I never dreamt the judge would take off. He hasn’t got anywhere else to go,” Ray told him. “They’re probably both outta the territory by now or near to it. I need you and Henry and Ben to join the posse and help me track them.”
While Thomas railed at Ray, back at the bluff, Albert and Anne were enjoying this time alone. Albert had been planning this moment for six months, rehearsing what he would say over and over again. Now that the time had come he was nervous. Taking her hand, he walked her to the edge of the lake.
“Anne,” he began, “you like it here, don’t you?”
“I love it here,” she said. “I told you the first time you brought me here that I could stay here forever.”
Albert Stuart had never been at a loss for words in his life until now. Struggling to find exactly the right ones he finally began, “I’ve wanted to find the perfect moment to ask you this for some time now. I have searched for what you possess all of my life. Your love for me has changed my life. You have made me a complete man. I never felt for anyone what I feel for you. Your effect on me is maddening. The simplest look from you and my heart races. Your touch sends my pulse soaring and your love for me is pure and complete. You believe in me and trust me in a way that amazes me. You see and know my every need and want without a word from me. I love you more than anything else in this world. I want to wake up in the morning with you beside me and watch the sun rise and set with you. I want to give you children and watch you grow large with them. I want to spend the rest of my life with you Anne. Marry me and be my wife.”
He took a small box out of his pocket. As he opened it, he told her, “I wanted something special for you. I searched for the perfect ring that would somehow express my l
ove. I had this made while I was in San Francisco.” He took out the most exquisite diamond ring Anne had ever seen and slipped it on her finger.
“Yes!” she cried.
“Yes?” He asked to be sure. He had expected her to hesitate or tease him before giving him her answer.
“Yes. I want to be your wife, to love you forever, take care of you, have your children, have a house full of children with you,” she said excitedly.
“That part about the children. . .,” Albert said, grinning.
“Albert I meant after we were married,” she said blushing.
Pulling her to him, he looked deeply into her eyes, then kissed her softly. He held her for the longest time, not wanting to let her go. He loved this woman as he never knew he could love anyone. When he gently pulled away, he said, “I know what you meant. That is one of the reasons we need to set a wedding date. And soon! I’ve waited long enough to make you my wife. I don’t want to wait any longer than necessary.”
“Tomorrow,” she said.
“Tomorrow? Anne we can’t plan a wedding that fast,” he laughed.
“Why not? Ray can marry us. We can be married tomorrow,” she said confidently.
“Anne, I want you to have a wedding that every woman wants. Besides I have to finish our house and Father will insist on a big wedding. He’ll want Mary and her husband to come from Sacramento. Anyway, that is why I asked you if you liked it here. I’m building our home up there,” he told her pointing to a bluff that was amid vast woodlands, overlooking the lake and mountains.
Slipping her arms around his neck, pulling him close, she told him, “Albert, I would live anywhere with you, you know that. But if this is what you want, to complete our home, and to have a big wedding, then that is what you shall have. I love you, but I don’t want to wait any longer than necessary. I want to start our life together now.”
“I suppose we could live in the little cabin off the trail as we come up here until I finish the house,” he said, considering the idea. Now realization set in that she had agreed to be his wife. He was going to be married. He wrapped his arms around her telling her, “I’ll make you a good husband, Anne. I swear.”
“I have no doubts that you will make me a wonderful husband.”
Releasing her, he said, “I brought champagne to celebrate.”
Sitting on their blanket, she held the glasses as he popped the cork on the bottle, pouring for them both and made a toast, “Here is to our beginning, the beginning of our life together for the rest of our lives.”
As they sat together, sipping champagne, they talked, making plans for their wedding and their future. They spent the rest of the day happily talking of the life that they would soon have together.
Later in the afternoon as Albert lay with his head in her lap, looking up at her, he asked, “Is there anyone in England you would like to invite to the wedding?”
“There are a few, but I doubt they would be able to come. I’m surprised Mr. Lawrence is able to travel so freely.”
“About Mr. Lawrence,” he began, “I think Father is right about having the magistrate there. There are some legal issues that need to be addressed.”
“Whatever you think best Albert. Now that you have committed your life to me, you are stuck with everything that comes with me. My grandfather was a farmer, and I’m sure his estate is minimal,” she said. “Perhaps we will be able to purchase a small piece of art, or a few books for your library with it.”
As she lay by him, he pulled her close telling her, “ will take care of everything, and deal with Mr. Lawrence. You just see to being ready to be my wife.”
“That sir, I have been prepared for since the first time you kissed me,” she told him, tracing his lips with her finger.
“And I have been ready to make you my wife since I saw you at Topaz Lake that day,” he said with a grin.
“Albert!” she said sitting up, gently slapping his arm. “you promised you’d never bring that up again.”
“I have a confession, Anne,” he said seriously. “I don’t want us to have any secrets from each other.”
“What, Albert?” she asked hesitantly.
“I did look at you that day,” he said smiling.
“I knew it!” she exclaimed. “You swore. . .”
Silencing her with a kiss after he told her, “I can’t wait for the day I can see you that way anytime I wish.”
Chapter Twelve
“Father,” Henry began, don’t you think one of us should go and try and find Albert?”
“Yes, Henry, we should, but I have no idea where they went.”
“I’ve got a pretty good idea where they went,” Henry said, climbing astride his horse. “I know which way they went, I can track them the rest of the way.”
“Hey wait,” Ben cried out. “Isn’t that Chuck riding this way?”
“Mr. Stuart, Henry, Ben,” the deputy began as he nodded to the men. “Ray sent me to tell you that they caught the judge on the road to San Francisco. Said to tell you also that Young was spotted heading for Sacramento. Ray sent wires to all the towns, told me to tell you it ain’t necessary to join the posse, most likely he’ll be caught by sundown. Ray was more worried about the judge getting away that he was with Young.”
After the deputy left Thomas began, “I don’t want anything said to Albert about all of this when he returns. There will be plenty of time to tell him tonight after Anne retires.”
Both Henry and Ben nodded their heads in agreement of their father’s decision on the matter. They then unsaddled their horses and returned to the house.
On the ride home, Albert asked, “I would like to announce our engagement when we get home if you have no objections.”
“Yes, why don’t we. When they see this,” she said holding out her hand, admiring the ring. “They are going to know. I’ll keep my hand in my pocket until you tell them.”
“After, let’s sit down and make a list of the things we have to do for the wedding,” he told her.
“What about the house? Don’t you need to make a list for that also?”
“I drew up the plans on the house months ago. I designed it the way I knew you would want it. There is no need to makes notes on that.”
Tucking her arm in his, she kissed his cheek declaring, “You think you know me pretty well, don’t you?”
“I know everything I need to for now,” he said grinning at her. “The rest, I’ll learn after we’re married.”
“Albert, you have me at a disadvantage. I’m not sure I understand.”
“It’s not important that you understand that part of our relationship now,” he explained. “When the time comes I’ll help you.”
Realizing what he was referring to by their life after they were married, she stammered, “Albert, you, you know that I. . .”
“I know Anne,” he said softly, squeezing her hand. “I told you I would see to everything, and I will.” They rode for a while in silence each lost in their own thoughts and dreams when he was torn from his thoughts by her cry.
“Oh my gosh! I just realized, I have no one to give me away,” she said.
“Anne, that is the least of our concerns,” he told her, relieved it was nothing more serious.
“Albert, what am I going to do? Even if my father wasn’t in jail, I wouldn’t allow him anywhere near us or our wedding. Do you think your father would consider doing it?”
“I believe my father would be honored if you asked him.”
“If you are sure,” she said hesitantly. “I don’t want him to feel obligated that he has to.”
“Anne, I’m positive. Ask him.”
When they arrived at the house, Thomas and his sons were on the porch talking.
“Anne, Albert, you certainly had a beautiful day for a picnic. You’re just in time for dinner,” Thomas said, greeting them.
“Yes, we did,” Albert declared. “But before dinner, Anne and I have an announcement.”
Thomas smiled at
the young couple before him, thinking,
He has asked her to be his wife. I know how I felt when I wanted to announce my and Elizabeth’s engagement. I was bursting with happiness. I can see that in Albert’s eyes.
“Go ahead, son,” Thomas coaxed.
“Anne and I are engaged! We’re going to be married,” Albert said bursting with excitement.
Henry was the first to shake his brother’s hand saying, “Well I’ll be doggone, Albert. About time you ask this gal. Congratulations, I’m happy for both of you.”
Ben offering his good wishes also, asking, “You sure Anne? You know how cantankerous Albert can be. Wouldn’t you rather. . .”
“No Ben, Anne has said yes and I’m not letting her change her mind,” Albert said, smiling.
“I love Albert just the way he is,” Anne announced. “Between his cantankerousness and my temper we’re perfect for each other and our marriage certainly won’t be dull.”
Henry and Ben both grabbed Anne, kissing her and welcoming her to the family and then shook Albert’s hand.
Thomas hugged his son and kissed Anne, announcing, “We must have champagne. Ben, run down to the cellar and get a bottle. And we must sit down and plan their engagement party.”
“Father,” Albert began, “Anne and I want the wedding as soon as possible, and we want to concentrate on that. An engagement party really isn’t necessary.”
“Yes it is! I have waited a very long time for one of my sons to marry. Now I am going to have my wish and I want everyone to know. We will have it next Saturday. We’ll send a wire to your sister and see if she’ll come. Besides, you can’t arrange to have the wedding that quickly. We’ll invite everyone in Carson City.”
Turning to Anne, Albert asked, “Is that all right?”
Perpetual Love (Albert and Anne) Page 9