Indulgence

by Liz Crowe

  Anne took her time before responding. “Mr. Lawrence, I appreciate all of your hard work. I apologize that you’ve had to make this long, arduous trip in order to set things straight. Since it’s my trust, and I will receive it within the next two months, I maintain it’s my right to choose who I want to be the trustee.”

  “With time constraints as they are, I believe that would be acceptable,” Mr. Lawrence agreed.

  “In that case, I would like Albert Stuart to be appointed trustee.”

  “Miss Wallace, usually a family member is selected. While I have no misgivings about Mr. Stuart. . .,” he replied.

  Mr. Lawrence,” she began. “I have no other family member in the territory. Albert and I are engaged, so he is my family. I trust this man implicitly and would appreciate your help in drawing up the necessary paperwork to see that he’s given all powers pertaining to the trust.”

  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 didn’t 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’m talking of.”

  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; 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’s 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 can’t 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 overwhelming,” he answered.

  Looking at him for the longest time, she replied, “I wasn’t expecting this, either, Albert. If you’re overwhelmed, 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.” He told 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 Alb
ert 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’ve 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’s reasonable, I would like to purchase it for Albert as a belated wedding present. I know I can’t access the money now, but if you inquire, and they are interested, I’m sure we could work something out. I don’t want Albert to know of this, under any circumstances.”

  “Of course, Miss Wallace. I’ll 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 aren’t interested, or we can’t 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’m 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’s 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’s a bit of a surprise for you,” Thomas told her.

  “Yes, it is,” she replied. If you feel it’s too much, Albert, I’m sure there's 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’m 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 and asked, “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’m going to need a formal suit, and I assume you’re 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’s 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, and 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 said, “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 material. 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’s 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’re 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’ll learn to deal with it.”

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

  “Anne, you have to understand. I’ve worked alongside my father and siblings for everything I have. I’m not used 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 himand said, “When Mr. Lawrence comes out tonight, we will tell him to dispose of the estate. I don’t want to do anything that you’re not comfortable with or that could possibly come between us. My cousin 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’ll 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.”