Indulgence

by Liz Crowe

  “And you say I don’t think before I run my mouth,” Ben said walking away, shaking his head.

  “Anne,” Albert said soothingly, “don’t pay any attention to them. They’re just joking.” He led her to the far side of the courtyard, away from the others, so they could talk.

  She didn’t want to admit it, but Henry’s comments had bothered her. She knew Albert had been with other women, but she didn’t want to be told about it.

  “I know you had a life before me, Albert, and I’m sure you’re quite popular with the women in town,” she started.

  “Anne, I haven’t seen anyone since the say you arrived.”

  “Albert, really you don’t have to,” she started.

  Albert pulled her to him and kissed her long and gently. “Anne, hush. You know my heart, there is no one else, nor could there ever be.”

  Chapter Six

  Plans were underway for a big celebration in Carson City the following week to celebrate Independence Day. Albert and Anne planned to attend along with the rest of the Stuart family, including George.

  “It’s an all day event, Anne. There will be a rodeo with bronco riding and calf roping, to name a few of the events. Throughout the day there will also be field games, along with a picnic, followed that evening by a dance. Not to mention the fireworks are spectacular,” Albert explained.

  “It sounds like fun. Just promise me that you won’t do any bronco riding,” she kidded him.

  “Don’t worry, Anne, no more bronco riding for me, at least not in front of you. Being embarrassed once was enough,” he laughed.

  Anne slipped her hands around his neck, telling him, “Don’t ever be embarrassed with me. There is no reason for you to be.”

  On the fourth of July, the entire Stuart household was up early and ready to go into town for the celebration. After breakfast, Albert hitched up the carriage and loaded the picnic baskets George had prepared.

  Arriving in town later than the rest of the family, Albert found Ben had already secured a picnic table for the family. He and Anne unloaded the baskets, putting them on the table and then made their way to the heart of town. Thomas accompanied the young couple, explaining to Anne what events Henry and Ben were to participate in at the rodeo.

  “Albert promised me he wouldn’t enter any events this year,” Anne told the elder Stuart. “I don’t want him to run the risk of being hurt.”

  “You really shouldn’t worry about Albert, my dear,” Thomas told her. “He’s participated in this rodeo for the last four years and come away with nary a scratch.”

  After lunch, Albert and Anne walked through the town, with Albert introducing her to local townspeople.

  “Albert,” she asked. “Who is that man staring at us?”

  “What man, Anne?”

  “The man over by the saloon, leaning against the building,” she replied.

  Looking to see whom she was referring to, Albert told her, “That’s Joe Young. He use to work for us, but we fired him for stealing cattle.”

  He’s staring at me as though he’s seen me without my clothes on, Anne thought.

  “Just stay away from him, Anne, and don’t ever come into town alone. It really isn’t safe,” Albert told her.

  “Albert, I’m not afraid to go into any town alone. I did it for years back east and in England,” she reminded him.

  “Anne, you don’t have to go anywhere alone anymore. I’ve told you, if you need to come into town, I will bring you,” he said.

  “Albert, I don’t understand.”

  “This is the one matter where I know what’s best and won’t change my mind about. It’s not safe in town for any woman alone. I would prefer that you honor my request and wait until I can accompany you.”

  “All right, Albert. I’ll do as you say, for now,” she replied.

  “Anne, I’m serious, it’s simply not safe. Not with the likes of Joe Young lurking around town.”

  After spending the afternoon watching Ben and Henry in their rodeo events, Anne and Albert proceeded to the dance. Arriving there, a number of people warmly greeted Albert as he introduced her to his friends. He immediately saw the looks of disappointment on the faces of the other women when he walked in with her.

  As the music floated on the warm evening air, Albert took her hand in his as he led her onto the dance floor. Taking her into his arms, he was rewarded with the gentle scent of her perfume. With her nestled in his arms, they moved around the dance floor talking quietly, oblivious to anyone else around them.

  When the musicians took a break, he asked her if she would like some refreshments.

  “Yes, thank you. Punch would be nice.”

  Getting their drinks and returning to the dance, he had the opportunity to observe her. As he watched her with his brothers, he smiled as she began laughing with the two men. A feeling of contentment swept through him as he watched her.

  She took Henry’s arm when the music began, as he led her onto the dance floor. Ben explained to Albert when he returned, “Henry asked Anne to dance until you got back.”

  “I guess I’m going to have to keep an eye on you two around her,” he observed.

  Ben, surprised by Albert’s remark, turned to look at him and said, “Albert, I’ve never known you to care if we took an interest in any other women you were seeing.”

  “This one is different, little brother, this one is definitely different,” Albert replied.

  As the final chords of the song ended, Henry returned her to Albert. Accepting her punch from him, her hand softly grazed his. Smiling at him before sipping it, she listened to Ben, criticizing Henry’s dancing.

  “Don’t you listen to him, Henry. I’ve never danced with a man lighter on his feet than you,” she told him.

  “Well, thank you Anne,” Henry said, blushing all the way to his toes.

  She is so thoughtful of other’s feelings, Albert thought. I have never known a woman like her.

  After finishing their drinks, the musicians took a break. Albert asked her if she would like to step outside for some fresh air.

  “That would be wonderful,” she replied, taking his hand.

  As they walked outside, Albert’s arm slipped around her waist as he asked, “Are you enjoying yourself, Anne?”

  “I’m having a wonderful time, Albert. Thank you for inviting me.” Pausing she looked into his eyes as a feeling of exhilaration swept through her. “It’s so beautiful out here tonight; will you just look at the moon?”

  He put his arms around her waist. Drawing her to him, he started to kiss her, as Ben burst out the door calling to them, “Albert, Anne, come on, the music is starting.”

  “I definitely have to talk to that young man about his timing,” Albert said, smiling at her. Disappointed he had missed the opportunity to savor those soft lips, he led her back inside.

  Ben met them intending to ask Anne to dance, but Albert told his brother, “Her dance card is full, Ben.” Taking her securely into his arms, he looked deeply into her eyes as they glided across the floor.

  All too soon, the evening was over. As he led her off the dance floor, she whispered to Albert, “I wish this evening would never end.”

  “I’ll get your wrap, Anne,” Albert told her, smiling.

  Returning shortly, he placed it around her shoulders, his fingers lingering on the softness of her skin. Placing his arm around her, he led her to their carriage. As he helped her in, he realized that he, too, wished the evening would go on forever.

  After leaving the dance, during the ride back to Sky Valley, they made a date to go riding the next day. He wanted to show her a very special place.

  The next morning, following breakfast, they headed out. He was again amazed to see how well she handled a horse. She was quite comfortable in the saddle as they talked as they rode. “Your father is right; you are quite adept at riding,” he told her.

  “Thank you. I’ve been on a horse since before I could walk. My grandfather had me riding before I w
as two.”

  Before long, they arrived at the place Albert wanted to share with her, a place special to him. An area located on Lake Tahoe that afforded a panoramic view of not only the lake, but the Sierra Mountains behind it.

  Overwhelmed by the beauty before her, Anne was speechless for a moment then told him, “Albert, it’s beautiful! This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. You’re so fortunate to possess this; you can come here whenever you wish just to enjoy the beauty of it.”

  Taking his hands in hers, she remarked, “I wish I could stay here forever. I love it here.”

  “I believe we could arrange that,” he said as he took her in his arms, kissing her.

  Responding to the kiss, Anne put her slender arms around his neck, kissing him back with more ardor. When they parted, she smiled at him saying, “That was nice.”

  Looking into her eyes, he told her, “I’ve never known anyone like you, Anne. You enjoy life so much; those around you can’t help but feel the same. You’re so very different from any woman I’ve ever known,” Albert pointed out, surprising himself with his openness.

  Taking his hands, entwining her fingers in his, she said, “I’ve never met a man like you either, Albert. You’re strong in so many ways, yet gentle and kind, even though you try to hide it. I’ve never had a man make me feel the way you do.”

  Albert thought, Anne is such an enigma. One moment so outspoken, the only woman who ever yelled at me and got away with it, and the next, soft and gentle. She already knows more about me in the short period of time she has been her, than people I have known for years.

  As they stood by the lake, Albert placed his arm around her and said, “I’ve never shared this place with anyone until you, Anne. It will always be ours.”

  “Albert, I thought you were leaving for New York?”

  Knowing he had all but forgotten those plans. Taking his hand, she led him to a blanket she had put on the ground as they sat, side by side.

  “I don’t believe New York holds the same interest for me as it once did. You’re here now; I know I could be content staying right here with you,” Albert told her as he reclined on one arm, his long legs stretched out before him.

  They spoke of many things, asking and answering questions about each other and their lives. Both of them confided a number of personal details about their lives that they had never shared with anyone else.

  “Albert,” she began, “tell me the truth, what was your first impression of me? I’m curious.”

  “I’m not about to answer that, Anne,” he said laughing.

  Suddenly serious, she asked, “Please, tell me.”

  “Anne, that’s not a fair question. I wasn’t in the best mood when I arrived home that evening,” he told her.

  “It is a fair question; now please tell me, what did you think? Pretend it’s a game.”

  After a moment, he began, “Now keep in mind, I wasn’t pleased to begin with. I had planned to leave Nevada and go back east, that is until you and your father wrote and said you were coming. Father talked me out of leaving until you and your father left, or made Nevada your home. So just remember that when I tell you of my impressions.”

  “I’ll remember, Albert,” she said, tucking her feet under her, waiting for him to continue.

  Sighing, he began, “I suppose the first time I heard your voice I was intrigued. I wanted to know who possessed the most lyrical, soft voice I had ever heard in my life. Then, when you came out of the library, and I saw you for the first time, I was momentarily speechless. Your eyes melted my heart the first time you looked at me and it has been that way ever since. Oh, I was pleased with your beauty, but your gentleness and warmness stole my heart that day.”

  Anne had been watching his face as he spoke, and now tears filled her eyes.

  “Now it’s your turn,” Albert told her gently, taking her hand.

  She thought for a moment, then boldly told him, “I believe I loved you the first moment I set eyes on you. When I looked into your eyes, I lost my soul to them that very second. The sound of your voice still sends chills down my spine, and when I’m with you, for the first time in my life, I know I’m where I was meant to be.”

  He sat for a moment, speechless, just looking into her eyes and then pulled her into his arms. There was no need for words, they knew the other’s heart, and that was enough.

  Albert reclined, lying back on his arm with her next to him. He brushed a curl from her forehead and asked, “Anne, my father told me your father has found some land adjacent to Sky Valley that he wants to purchase.”

  “Yes, he’s planning on finalizing the transaction today, so construction can begin on our house, and we will stop imposing on you,” she replied.

  With his hand, he caressed her face, gently telling her, “Anne, you were never an imposition,” as he pulled her to him.

  When they parted, she smiled at him and said, “Albert, I almost forgot. I brought you a present. I think you will like it.” As she handed it to him she added, “I noticed you didn’t have a copy of his works.”

  Albert opened the gift she had given him, a collection of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poems.

  “Anne, I can’t accept this, he’s one of your favorite poets,” he told her.

  “Yes, he is, but I know you will enjoy it as much as I have. Please, I want you to have it.”

  They stayed a while longer, talking. Albert, noting the position of the sun, realized he had to get her back before dark. Riding back, Albert asked if she would like to ride to the north pasture with him the following day to see the new foals.

  “I would love to. Father will be in town most of the day on business, so I’m free.”

  *****

  That evening, after everyone had gone to bed, Thomas and Albert sat talking. Thomas had decided to have a party at Sky Valley to introduce John and Anne to their friends since they would soon be landowners.

  Thomas sat marveling at the change in his eldest son. Pleased with the change in him since Anne had arrived, he felt he would be remiss if he didn’t tell Albert what was on his mind.

  “Albert, you’ve been spending a great deal of time with Anne. You do realize she is younger. You are almost four years older than she is, and her father is one of my oldest friends. You’re used to being around women here in the territory who aren’t, shall we say, as refined as Anne,” Thomas said delicately.

  “Don’t worry; I’ve been a complete gentleman. She’s a lady, and I’ve enjoyed being with her more than any other woman I’ve ever known. We are a lot alike, and I would never do anything to hurt her or embarrass you. I will tell you, both she and I are very happy she’ll be staying here and not returning to England,” Albert confided in his father.

  Albert continued, “It’s funny, but I was so dreading this visit. I had sworn when they left I was going back east. Now, with her here, I can’t see myself being anywhere else but here with her.” He wanted his father to know that his intentions were honorable and sincere. Albert knew they had not known each other long by the standards of the day. Nevertheless, from the moment they met, there was something different, something very special about her. Now he knew he loved her.

  Thomas was still trying to figure out what had caused the change in Albert. He was kinder and more patient with his brothers. What had caused the dramatic change in Albert. It was due to Anne. She had brought this softer side out in Albert. He had watched the two together and knew his brother had found happiness and contentment with this girl from England.

  John Wallace had also sensed a change in his daughter. He knew he would have to act quickly to see that Anne’s silly infatuation with Albert Stuart did not disrupt his plans.

  Living in their own house now, John had the freedom to conduct his business dealings without Anne or the Stuarts becoming curious. The last time she had become inquisitive, she had cost him dearly. Anne had been fourteen and John had been involved in a land grab scheme in southern England.

  Being an attorne
y, he had access to private information that the average person would not. Using this information, he had purchased hundreds of acres of land at a fraction of its value. That is, before Anne had stumbled upon the paperwork. When she began questioning her father, he realized she was becoming too aware of his dealings and could eventually become a problem. Too late, he learned she had told a friend, the daughter of a local magistrate, that her father was grabbing land. Learning of this, he immediately arranged for her to attend boarding school in New York.

  It was shortly after she left for school that his business dealings came under the scrutiny of her friend’s father. Aware of this, John decided he would quietly liquidate his assets until he found another business to become involved in. He had always blamed Anne’s mother for him being forced into unsavory ventures.

  Choosing Anne’s mother, Margaret, to be his wife had given him a lifestyle he had only dreamed of. He had met her early in his career as a struggling, young lawyer. Her family was wealthy and highly respected in London society. Unfortunately, it had not worked out the way he had planned. Her father had distrusted him immediately and cautioned his daughter against marrying him.

  Margaret, however, had disregarded her father’s wishes and married John. An act of defiance she soon regretted. To escape his father-in-law’s watchful eyes, John moved his wife and himself to Baltimore, where Anne was born five years later. During their time there, John had complete access to his wife’s fortune.

  Shortly after Margaret’s death, Anne’s grandfather took great pleasure informing John that he had changed his will, and that Anne, not John, would inherit everything when he died. Since that time, John had gone to great lengths to hide the truth from his daughter. John knew he must keep Anne occupied with other matters while he completed his plans; otherwise, Anne Wallace would become a very wealthy woman when she turned twenty-one.

  He remembered the conversation he had with his father-in-law the day John found out the old man had learned of his indiscretions and had changed his will. “I will see to my granddaughter, but you will be out on the street. You cheated on my daughter and deprived Anne of a father’s love. I cannot do anything about that now, but I will see that you receive nothing. You broke Margaret’s heart and for that, you will pay,” William McDonald told him.