Perpetual Love (Albert and Anne)

by Jamie Salisbury

  She is handling herself very well. Assured and concise, Albert thought. This is a side of Anne I’ve never seen.

  After considering her request, the lawyer told the magistrate. “Your honor, I will have the papers drawn up by this afternoon. If you have no objections I will support Mr. Albert Stuart being named as the trustee of Miss Anne Wallace’s trust.”

  “This court has no objections, Mr. Lawrence,” Magistrate Nelson replied.

  “Very well, I shall have the documents completed by early afternoon and will present them to your honor at that time,” the attorney replied. “With that issue settled, I will tell Mr. Stuart and you, Miss Wallace that I have brought all ledgers, deeds, titles, and account numbers with me and shall turn them over to Mr. Stuart later today. The estate is vast and may take some time to review. I will remain in town as long as you require, answering any questions you may have.”

  It was here Albert spoke up, “Mr. Lawrence, prior to you freezing the accounts, in your opinion, was there any wrong-doing on the part of John Wallace?”

  Wording his response carefully, the attorney stated, “John Wallace had the right to access monies in order to support his daughter, Anne. Legally he did nothing wrong. However, I would be remiss if I did not tell you, he did spend a great deal of money. I did question him at one time on his spending and was told that he was supporting his daughter in a manner she was accustomed to. However, the estate for the most part is still intact. I would at this time like to go over Anne’s holdings in order to provide you some idea of what I am talking of.”

  Here Magistrate Nelson spoke up, “I believe that would be beneficial. But before you do so, I would like to know if you feel Mr. Wallace could be tried for misappropriation of funds.”

  “As I stated, your honor, legally he stayed within the parameters of the trusteeship. Morally, he abused his authority at his daughter’s expense. Mr. Wallace is an attorney and he stayed just within the legal guidelines. Regretfully I don’t believe there are sufficient grounds to try him for misappropriation,” Mr. Lawrence answered.

  “Thank you Mr. Lawrence, you may proceed,” Magistrate Nelson instructed.

  “Miss Wallace owns the following physical properties: the estate outside of London, encompassing over five hundred acres of bottom land, numerous rental buildings in London proper and the ranch here in Nevada. There are ten bank accounts, nine of which have not been touched,” the attorney reported. “All documentation will be released to Mr. Stuart this afternoon. At that time, he will be able to access said accounts.”

  At this point, Anne asked, “Is there anything that needs our immediate attention?”

  “No Miss Wallace. For convenience sake, you may elect to transfer all of the bank accounts here to Nevada. The estate and buildings continue to provide an additional monthly income to the estate. There is also an additional account, which was set up by your grandfather, to pay the taxes on the buildings and the estate for the next twenty years.”

  Albert had listened very closely to Mr. Lawrence and was of the opinion that this estate was far greater than anything Anne could have imagined.

  “What if I choose to sell everything in England? Can you handle the sale?” she asked.

  “Yes, but all the papers would have to be signed in person, by you at the time of the sale,” he responded. “Your cousin had indicated he thought you might wish to do so and if you did, he would like to submit an offer.”

  “On the estate?” Anne asked.

  “Yes,” the attorney responded. “Until I transfer possession of the trusteeship to Mr. Stuart, I believe that is about everything, other than telling you of your net worth, Miss Wallace. I have made a very conservative estimate of your holdings as of today. With the estate in England, the ranch, real estate holdings, bank accounts, crop income from the estate and livestock, I conservatively estimate your net worth at close to a half million dollars.”

  Anne sat in stunned silence. Thinking she had not heard him correctly, she asked, “Did you say half a . . .”

  “Million dollars,” Albert finished her question.

  “That’s impossible,” Anne stated. “My grandfather was a farmer. He raised crops and horses. There is no possible way his holdings were that vast.”

  “Miss Wallace, I assure you my figures are accurate. Your grandfather was a shrewd and thrifty businessman. He had one child, Margaret, and she had one child, you. Therefore, everything he possessed he left to you.”

  “I need some air,” Anne announced, rising from the table, heading for the door. Thomas stayed to discuss the transfer of everything to Albert with Mr. Lawrence.

  Anne quickly walked ahead of Albert to the outside, where she paused, breathing deeply. After a moment he asked, “Are you all right?”

  “No, I don’t believe I am. He cannot be correct. He must have made a mistake. There is no possible way my grandfather could have amassed that kind of money. Albert, I think I better sit down.”

  Alarmed, Albert noted how pale she had gotten, taking her arm, he led her to a small bench in front of the courthouse. Squatting in front of her, holding her hands, he asked, “Anne, you really didn’t know any of this, did you?”

  Looking at him, confused, she replied, “No, I didn’t. My father never discussed any of this. I thought Papa may have left me a few thousand dollars, but this, this is beyond belief.”

  No wonder her father was so intent on doing her harm. He stood to gain all of that if she were dead. Albert thought. After a moment he said, “We need to get you something to eat. It’s a wonder you haven’t fainted. Let’s go to the Cattleman’s Club for lunch and try to digest what we’ve been told.”

  “Albert, you don’t mind that I had you named trustee do you?” she asked as he took her hand.

  “No, I told you, I will take care of anything you allow me to. I just wasn’t expecting anything like this. It’s a little over-whelming,” he answered.

  Looking at him for the longest time, she replied, “I wasn’t expecting this either, Albert. If you are over-whelmed, imagine how I feel. No wonder my father wanted to have me out of the way.”

  As the men bid the attorney goodbye, Albert explained Anne’s absence with, “She’s a little over-whelmed right now.” Telling the man, “Mr. Lawrence, you’ll see her tonight at Sky Valley.”

  Just at that moment, Anne joined them. “May I speak to Mr. Lawrence alone for a minute?”

  Taken aback, Albert asked, “Anne, are you sure that you don’t want me with you?”

  “No, I’m quite sure. I’ll only be a moment,” she replied, smiling at him.

  Albert and Thomas walked out of the courtroom as Thomas said, “I wonder what that’s all about?”

  “I don’t know and I’m not so sure I like it. Why would she want to speak to him by herself?” Albert asked.

  As they waited for her, Albert thought, It is her right, she is entitled to some privacy. But, why didn’t she want me with her? Stop it Albert! Your ego is bruised; she did not need you to hold her hand. If she had wanted you there she would have asked you to stay.

  While Albert was left with his thoughts, Anne was talking to Mr. Lawrence. “I must apologize for my behavior. I just had no idea that my inheritance would be that much.”

  “I realize that, Miss Wallace. Now what did you want to speak to me about?”

  “Mr. Lawrence, I would like for you to make an inquiry for me when you return back east. My fiancé is very interested in windmills as a water source here in Nevada. I have been reading about a company in Pennsylvania that produces these very windmills. Here is an article I found about the company,” she said taking the document from her purse and handing it to him.

  As Mr. Lawrence began reading, she continued, “I would like you to contact them and inquire if they would consider selling the business to me. If they are willing, please wire me and tell me the price. If it is reasonable, I would like to purchase it for Albert as a belated wedding present. I know I cannot access the money now, bu
t if you inquire and they are interested, I am sure we could work something out. I don’t want Albert to know of this, under any circumstances.”

  “Of course, Miss Wallace. I will make the inquiry for you, but are you sure Mr. Stuart shouldn’t be aware of your plans?”

  “No, it’s not necessary that he knows. This is to be my surprise for him. In the event they are not interested or we cannot come to terms on the price, I don’t want him disappointed.”

  “Very well, I’ll see to it and wire you either way when I return. Miss Wallace, up until the last five minutes I was torn about an issue pertaining to the trust. But now, after talking to you, I am sure your grandfather would want me to give you this,” Mr. Lawrence said, handing her a small black passbook.

  “What’s this?” she asked.

  “It’s something your grandfather wanted you to have. It was another reason I was so intent on finding you. He wanted you to have this whenever I was able to meet you and was convinced that you had grown into the person he thought you would be. Your grandfather had great faith in you, Miss Wallace and loved you very much.”

  “I don’t understand,” she said.

  “He wanted to be sure you could handle that kind of money before you turned twenty-one. In light of the past few days I would say that you, Miss Wallace, can handle most anything.”

  “Thank you Mr. Lawrence. I appreciate your confidence in me. I won’t disappoint you or my grandfather. This is wonderful! If the company is available, I can buy it for Albert as soon as you can negotiate the deal, Anne said, hugging the man. “Won’t you please join us for lunch?”

  “No thank you, I have a great deal of work to complete before this afternoon. I shall see you this evening. And, Miss Wallace, I won’t breathe a word of this to Mr. Stuart. I’m sure he already knows what a thoughtful woman he is marrying.”

  As they walked out together, Mr. Lawrence tipped his hat and bid them goodbye.

  After they were seated at the Cattlemen’s Club, Anne began, “Thank you both for being so patient with me. I still find all of this hard to believe.”

  “I imagine it is a bit of a surprise for you,” Thomas told her.

  “Yes, it is,” she replied. If you feel it’s too much Albert, I am sure there is an accountant at the bank who could handle everything.”

  “I can see to it Anne. I think we should transfer everything out here immediately. It will be easier to keep track of,” he told her, avoiding the urge to ask her about her conversation with Lawrence.

  “Whatever you think best,” she said smiling.

  While Albert and Thomas ate, Anne picked at her food. After a while, seeing she was not going to finish her meal, Thomas said, “I’ve got a few other errands to see to in town. That is why I rode Star. Why don’t you two go on home? I am sure there are things you need to discuss in light of this morning. I’ll be along after I finish.”

  Agreeing, Albert and Anne told him goodbye. Albert turned to her asking, “While we’re in town, why don’t we take care of a few things for the wedding. That will get your mind off of all this.”

  “Such as?” she asked.

  “Well, I am going to need a formal suit and I assume you are going to need a wedding gown,” he said, smiling.

  “That’s a very good idea. I can meet you after I finish at the dressmaker’s.”

  Laughing, he said, “I’ll meet you. It won’t take me near the time it will take you.”

  After leaving her at the dressmakers, he proceeded to the tailor. When she entered the store, the owner, Mrs. Rogers, greeted her. “Well, good afternoon Miss Wallace. What may I help you with today? I’ve just gotten in some new fabrics I’m sure you will like.”

  “Mrs. Rogers,” Anne began, “I’m here for a particular article.”

  Seeing the ring on Anne’s hand she exclaimed, “Miss Wallace, you’re engaged! I assume it is to Albert Stuart. Seeing you two have been inseparable since you arrived. We’ve all been waiting for an announcement.”

  “Yes ma’am, we are. Since we haven’t officially announced our engagement, I trust you will treat this information with discretion,” Anne stated.

  “Yes, Miss Wallace I will. I do not gossip, although I would love to tell some of the ladies of this, I won’t. That is yours and Albert’s business. Now shall we go in the back and take your measurements?”

  Following the woman to the back of the shop, she disrobed as the woman measured her. “Miss Wallace,” she began. “I must have made a mistake, let me re-check my figures.” After re-measuring Anne, she looked at the girl and stated, “I didn’t realize before now, how large, your. . .I mean how ample. . .”

  “I know Mrs. Rogers, my bust. That doesn’t present a problem does it?”

  “Why no my dear, it’s just that as small as your waist and hips are, your bust is just, well, ample.”

  “Yes, I know,” Anne said, sighing.

  “Well, my dear, most women would love to have your figure. I’m sure Albert Stuart certainly appreciates it.”

  Blushing, Anne said, “Well, perhaps. That is. . .I really think we should select the pattern and the fabric now.”

  “Miss Wallace, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Let’s pick a design.”

  After Anne had selected the style she wanted, she then chose the fabric. When done, the woman told her, “That style will be most flattering on you Miss Wallace. Simple, but yet elegant. Not every woman could wear that. I should have it done in a week. Shall I come to your home for the final fitting?”

  “No, ma’am. I’m not living there anymore. I am staying at Sky Valley.” As soon as she said it, Anne realized she had made a mistake. Now the woman would become a gossip and everyone in town would soon know that she was staying in Albert’s home. Thanking the woman, she made her way to the front of the store, where Albert sat patiently waiting.

  “I’m sorry it took so long,” she told him.

  “I haven’t been waiting long,” he said smiling at her. “Is there anything more we can take care of today?”

  “No, I think I’ve been embarrassed and shocked enough for today,” she answered as they walked onto the streets.

  “The shocked part I understand, but how were you embarrassed?” he asked.

  “I’ll tell you about that another time,” she said as he helped her into the carriage.

  Arriving at the ranch, Anne waited for Albert as he put the horse and carriage away. “Would you like to talk about this morning?” he asked, leading her to the chairs on the porch.

  “No, not unless you do,” she answered, sitting beside him. “Well, maybe for a moment. There is something bothering me that I think we need to discuss.”

  “All right, what is it?”

  “Albert, do you have a problem with all of this?” she asked.

  “A problem Anne? I’m not sure what you are asking me,” he replied.

  “I’m talking about the estate. I watched your face when Mr. Lawrence told us how much it was worth. You do know none of that means anything to me, don’t you? I would just as soon not have any of it,” she told him.

  “I admit I was a little shocked, but it’s yours and I will learn to deal with it.”

  “It’s not mine, it’s going to be ours,” she said correcting him. “But if it is going to cause problems between us, I’ll tell Mr. Lawrence I don’t want it.”

  “Anne, you have to understand. I have worked along side my father and siblings for everything I have. I am not use to someone giving me anything. It doesn’t feel right. I grew up going from a covered wagon crossing the plains to what we have now. You grew up in a mansion receiving every advantage a person could have. Yes, today was a shock for you, but nothing like it was for me.”

  Sitting for a long time looking at him, before speaking she rose to stand in front of him, saying, “When Mr. Lawrence comes out tonight, we will tell him to dispose of the estate. I do not want to do anything that you are not comfortable with or that could possibly come between us. My c
ousin can have the estate, and I can deed the buildings to the city of London. The ranch and the money could present a problem, but we will think of a way to dispose of it.”

  “You would do that for me?” Give up everything?” he asked incredulously.

  “Of course,” she said. “I’m not giving up anything, everything I love and cherish is right here in you. I would do anything for you.”

  Pulling her into his lap, he told her, “That isn’t necessary, Anne. I will adjust. This is something your grandfather and mother wanted for you. If you want to donate the buildings and give your cousin the estate, you should. As for the ranch, it adjoins the land Father gave us at the lake for our house. You may want to keep that. The money can be put in trust for our children, when they come. We’ll work it out. I just needed to know that we are more important than all of that.”

  “We are more important than anything in this world and always will be. Nothing has changed between us and nothing ever will,” she told him.

  After talking with Mr. Lawrence that evening about the estate and real estate in London, they decided not to do anything until Albert reviewed the entire estate. Anne and Albert were required to sign legal documents making Albert trustee. After which, Mr. Lawrence told them he would leave back east the following day and arrange to have the bank accounts transferred to Nevada. After handing over the ledgers and all documents pertaining to the estate to Albert, he bid the couple farewell, promising to continue to correspond with them and to help in any way he could.

  After Mr. Lawrence left, Anne told Albert, “I think I’ll walk outside for a while. Today has been a bit over-whelming. I need time to digest all of this.”

  Albert let her go, as he sat there thinking, Something more than today is bothering her. She has held up so well through all of this. Today may have been her breaking point.

  “Father,” he began, “I think I’m going to see about Anne.”

  As Albert walked out the door, he saw she had walked to the corral and was petting Diablo. Joining her, he asked, “Anne, what is troubling you?”