Maddie's Quest (Valentine Mail Order Bride 2)

by Trinity Bellingham

  "Why would he Myrna? It's his home and he loves the place."

  "That has nothing to do with it. I'm not going to be turned out of my house because he loves that rundown old cabin and farm. And why are you drinking again? You're supposed to be finding a way out of this mess."

  "Myrna, you're the reason we're in this mess. I've borrowed several times against the house to provide the funds to continue the lifestyle you seem to think is necessary. We've been living beyond our means for years and now it's time to pay. If I don't sell the house voluntarily the bank will do it for us. That's all there is to it."

  "How dare you speak to me like that."

  "Truth is Myrna, I should have put a stop to your social posturing years ago, before I started borrowing money every time you wanted clothes you didn't need, or redecorating the house when there was no need for it."

  "I was making a suitable social life for us." Her tone was steely.

  "It's not something I wanted Myrna. You did it for yourself."

  "You sound like your son. That new wife of his backed him up too."

  "Well I'm pleased he's married a woman who's finds happiness living on the land. She'll save him money rather than put him into debt."

  Why don't you ask him to borrow against the farm seeing he won't sell it? Then we can pay him back sometime."

  "I think not. There's no way to pay back any more money and I'll not see my son brought down to the level to which you have reduced me. Now I'd like you to leave so I can arrange to sell the house. Hopefully it will fetch enough to buy us something simple to live in and we can start over."

  "I'll never be able to hold my head up again in this town because of you. I wish I'd never married you."

  "The feeling is mutual my dear and I'm of a mind to divorce you, to free you so you can trap some other poor unsuspecting sod."

  "The sooner the better. The manager at the bank has more of a talent for managing money than you ever did."

  "Oh? Well I might just go and see him. Perhaps we can make a deal with the house and you. "

  "You are despicable!"

  "No, just tidying up my finances. Now go. I've got work to do." John Shelby felt better than he had in a long time.

  Myrna was livid and she felt sure steam was blowing out her ears. She'd show that no good buffoon she was married to. He'd never find a wife like her ever again, a wife who cared about her husband's social standing. How dare he sell the house out from under her. She'd take her things and seek refuge with Finnemore Ashburton, the bank manager. He'd take her in and see her right. By the time her useless husband got home she'd be gone.

  ~#~#~#~

  Maddie was dumbfounded by Hank's mother and couldn't believe what a cold and calculating person she was. She had no feeling for her own flesh and blood. Now she could better understand Hank's ineptness and why he needed to be told what to do. The woman was a dragon sure enough but Hank had to learn how to stand up to her. She would help him by doing little things like she'd done today, supporting him quietly and without being rude.

  She loved this farm and on Sunday afternoon, she'd ask Hank to take her on a walk to see some of it. Meantime, there was plenty to do before her husband came home. He was such a handsome man, unfailingly kind and she knew there was something between them. It would explain the heat she felt in her cheeks when he looked at her and the way her heart beat faster when he took her hand. She loved the feel of his fingers holding hers and hoped he understood that she had feelings for him.

  That wasn't likely though, reserved as he was. It would be good if sometimes she didn't have to take the initiative but then, they had plenty of time to sort it out. She felt they were friends and that was a good start. The cabin did need some improvements and she hoped that with the money she saved him, they could talk about them. Dreaming and planning was good and she felt sure that his Gran would approve of what he had in mind.

  What did his mother have in mind though? And why would she want Hank to sell the farm he loved so much? The dress she'd worn was expensive and surely not necessary for a visit to a farm. She was obviously a woman accustomed to spending money, though why she would want to spend Hank's was beyond her understanding. Maybe his parents were experiencing financial difficulties and she should be more generous in her feelings towards his mother, even though she'd been rude and insulting to Maddie.

  She heard Hank's horse and felt contentment settle over her, not realizing she'd been longing for him to come home.

  He came inside with an armload of wood. "Here you go, I thought you might need some more and I'll fill the water barrel for you as well."

  "Oh, thank you so much Hank." Without thinking, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. "That's exactly what I need because I'm running out of both."

  "I can see I'll have to arrive bearing gifts more often if this is the reception I get." He hugged her back, loving the way she felt in his arms and there it went again, his heart pounding away.

  "An armload of firewood is the best thing you could have given me today Hank. I don't need trinkets."

  They separated reluctantly. "Why don't you change into some old clothes Hank for your chores and save messing up these nice ones."

  "Alright. Maybe you want to come and see the vegetable garden with me? With spring underway it's about time for planting it out."

  They went outside into the chill of the late afternoon and it was soon clear the kitchen garden had once been an important part of the farm. Hank explained what used to grow and it was time to dig it over ready for planting. "I can pick up some seeds from Robin and you let me know if there's anything special you'd like to plant too."

  "You've pretty much got it covered Hank but I'd love to plant some flowers around the cabin and we could sit out and enjoy the summer evenings with the beautiful smells coming off them."

  "I'd like that. Maybe with the money we save on food, I could get some lumber and build a porch on the front and back of the cabin. Would that suit you Maddie?"

  "It would be perfect Hank. But before putting on a back porch, it would be great to maybe build on a good sized room to use as a dairy come wash room. I could do plenty of butter and cheese that way without taking over the kitchen. And with a chip heater and a bathtub in there, you could relax and have a soak after all your gardening."

  "I see where you're coming from. Gran used to say exactly the same thing... and a wood plank floor too. We can do those things Maddie but I'm worried about what's happening with my parents."

  "I thought you might be. Your mother was a little rude today, especially when she didn't come to our wedding."

  "I'm ashamed to say she is a selfish woman and material things seem to be the only things that matter to her. She wants money and nothing else matters... doesn't matter about my feelings."

  "Or mine either. I don't want you to sell it Hank. It's your heritage."

  "I'm expecting a letter from Dad tomorrow that will explain things. There must be a reason why she wants money. Dad sent a telegram saying don't sell it, so this is all coming from her."

  "Your father is right and I'll support you as well. For better or worse we're in this together Hank."

  ~#~#~#~

  Chapter Nine

  The following morning Hank set off to work fully expecting a letter from his father with some details about his parent's finances. He wasn't expecting his father in person. The letter arrived at the telegraph office before his father though, so he understood the basics of what had happened. His mother had a lot to answer for.

  Hank was eating the lunch Maddie had made for him when he heard the shop bell and almost choked on his sandwich.

  "Dad? What are you doing here?" I wasn't expecting to see you."

  "I know son, but a lot happened last night and this morning... and I had to leave... should have done it years ago."

  "Come on through out the back and I'll organize some coffee. And I've got a mess of sandwiches too."

  "Thanks son. It'll be good to tal
k if you've a mind to listen."

  "I'd be pleased to listen Dad. I read your letter but more has happened?" Hank offered his father a mug of coffee and a sandwich.

  "Sure has son. I'm not sure where to start."

  "How about where your letter left off?"

  "OK. I sold the house and my office to the bank manager in Laramie and filed for divorce from your mother."

  Hank was stunned and didn't know what to say.

  "While I was negotiating the sale, your mother moved into his house - took anything of value, sacked the servants, and was gone by the time I got home. She intimated as much when she stopped by my office after coming back on the train yesterday. I was able to arrive at a favorable arrangement with Mr. Ashburton, which included some financial compensation for not citing him in the divorce from your mother."

  "I would never have thought she would do anything like that dad... I'm sorry."

  "I'm not. She only wants him because she thinks he has money. The man doesn't realize she'll bankrupt him before he can turn around. I've wasted so much of the last twenty years, I'm ashamed."

  "Put it behind you and make a fresh start. So what happens now?"

  "I'm going to set up a law practice here in Tipton and start over, something else I should have done years ago. Hopefully I can make up for all the mistakes I made when you were growing up and restore a little self respect in the both of us. I'd like to meet your wife too and apologize for not coming to your wedding. It was your mother's doing and as usual, I went along with it. There's a lot I'm sorry for son, but missing your wedding was right up there."

  "It's OK dad. I know what it was like with mom. I hope you'll come and stay with Maddie and I until you are sorted out. You're welcome for as long as you like."

  "That's kind of you son, but I wouldn't dream of imposing on newlyweds, but I have a tent if you don't mind me camping on your farm. I have three large trunks though, so might need to hire a wagon from the livery... and my office furniture will eventually turn up at the freight office but I'll not worry about that today."

  "You are going to live in a tent?"

  "Yes, if that's OK with you. I've got a stretcher to sleep on and bedding in one of the trunks. It will be good for me to be close to nature after all those years in your mother's home. Sort of like a renewal I guess."

  "I understand. Say, why don't you go and have a chat to the Sheriff, dad. He might know about how to go about arranging an office in the courthouse. There's a county judge comes through regularly and a clerk of the court has an office in there. Why don't you go and see if you can set up shop in there. It's plenty big enough and I recall the Sheriff saying how the government built too many offices for a town this small."

  "I'll do that. Thanks son for the the tip. Now I should let you get back to work and I'll hire a wagon or a buckboard from the livery, collect my trunks and meet you back here later."

  "Sounds good, dad. I leave around 5.00 pm. And dad? It's really good to see you here."

  Maddie was perplexed when she saw a wagon coming along the track with Hank riding alongside. Who was he bringing home now? And where were they going to stay. "I'm not ready to have Hank in my bed yet. It's too soon." She hoped whoever this stranger turned out to be, had better manners than his mother did yesterday. Just when she thought they were getting to know each other, he had to bring someone else into their home. She wanted Hank all to herself and thought he felt likewise.

  The wagon pulled up by the barn and Maddie noted the man driving it was well dressed, like a lawyer would dress. "Oh no, this must be Hank's father." She didn't want any more Shelby's here trying to talk Hank out of selling the farm. This was her home now and she had no intention of living anywhere else. If she had to, she knew she'd fight to keep it. She watched from the kitchen window as they stabled the horses and then moved the trunks down from the wagon. What on earth were they doing?

  Hank and the stranger were laying out what looked to be a tent. So their guest wouldn't be staying in the house, but was nevertheless staying. The tent was large and all the trunks went in with room to spare. It looked like comfortable camping with a stretcher and bedding, small table, washbowl and jug, shaving gear and a hat stand that looked as if it was intended for hanging shirts and coats on. And what was that? A brazier? Well he looked as if was set for everything but food. She supposed he could eat with her and Hank but Lord knows she could have done with some warning if she was to cope with guests.

  Hank eventually came in with an armload of wood. "Evening Maddie, sorry I'm a bit late." He kissed her on the cheek on the way past and dumped the wood in the wood box. "Do we have plenty of supper Maddie? I mean for an extra person?"

  "Depends if this extra person is going to insult me and try to sell my home out from under me." Her tone was cool.

  "It's my father Maddie... and he's left my mother to come here to Tipton and make a new start on his own. He wouldn't hear of staying in here with us but I told him he was welcome to take meals with us."

  "Did it occur to you that I might have wanted to know about it before he arrived?"

  "He sold the house and his law offices to the bank manager in Laramie last night and filed for a divorce. It all happened last night and this morning - and then he arrived on the train here. I didn't even know he was coming. Sorry Maddie, I would have let you know if I could."

  "And where is your mother going to live if he's sold the house? I can't see her living in a tent, especially in my yard."

  "Neither can I. Apparently she went to stay with the bank manager and took all her things with her. That's what gave dad a bit of leverage on the sale price of the house. It's left him with enough money to start over."

  There was a quiet knock on the back door.

  "Come on in dad and meet Maddie."

  John Shelby lawyer at large came in, looking embarrassed at having interrupted a private conversation between his son and his wife.

  "Maddie, this is my father."

  "How do you do Mr. Shelby, pleased to meet you."

  "The pleasure is all mine Maddie." He extended his hand in welcome. "I'm very sorry for missing your wedding Maddie but I hope one day to be able to make it up to you somehow."

  "We were about to sit down to supper. Please make yourself comfortable and join us. I hear you've had a tumultuous time."

  Hank sat down with his dad.

  "You don't know the half of it, but I want to make a new start. This afternoon I was able to secure an office in the courthouse so if my office furniture arrives tomorrow, I'm open for business. I guess I'm trying to say I'm happy to pay my way if I'm eating here with you. I don't want to put you to any inconvenience or compromise your privacy."

  Maddie smiled at Hank's father. "Well in that case, have some egg and bacon pie."

  The three chatted happily through supper and while Maddie didn't really mind having a lodger, she still rankled at not being told first.

  ~#~#~#~

  Two weeks had gone by since Hank's father had arrived and as always, they sat drinking coffee and talking for a long time after supper. Maddie felt more neglected with each passing day. She wanted her marriage to Hank to feel more established before they had a permanent house guest. And what on earth would the man think if he found out they slept in separate rooms? Aside from the debacle of their first evening as husband and wife, when she'd discovered her new home was a disaster waiting to happen, they'd spent mealtimes getting to know each other, becoming used to each other's ways.

  She'd thought that Hank had genuine feelings for her, as she did for him. However since the arrival of Hank's father, their burgeoning relationship had come to a halt. Since his arrival she felt like she'd lost Hank. She felt guilty for feeling like this, knowing as she did about the childhood Hank had spent with a seriously misguided mother, and a father who was always gave in to in order to avoid conflict.

  It was wonderful that Hank and his father were reunited and she was happy for them both, but she felt as if she was losi
ng her husband. Of course, Hank's dad probably had no idea that the evenings he spent with Hank prevented the newlyweds from becoming better acquainted. No doubt he thought they slept together and had their private conversations within the marital bedroom.

  Such were Maddie's thoughts before getting out of bed to face another day of chores. As she dressed, the creak of the back door opening alerted her to the fact that either Hank or his father were up and about. It was Saturday and Hank liked to sleep a little longer and read for a while before he got up so it wasn't likely him. She tied her boots and put on her apron before heading to the kitchen to stoke up the fire and put the kettle on.

  "Morning Maddie, I was hoping to have this done for you before you got up." John Shelby looked a little sheepish.

  "Thank you John. Please don't let me stop you. I'll go and milk the cow then." She was annoyed at having someone else in her kitchen, even if they were trying to help. "I'll be back shortly."

  She grabbed the clean bucket from under the bench and went outside, delighting in the freshness of the morning and trying to cast off her annoyance. In the barn, she let the chickens out to peck around the dooryard and settled against the warm side of the cow, positioning the bucket ready for milking. "Blossom, you are the only one around here who cares about me." Unbidden, hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

  ~#~#~#~

  Chapter Ten

  John Shelby was enjoying himself making coffee and frying up eggs for breakfast when he saw Hank come out of the spare bedroom.

  "What are you doing sleeping in there son? Did you have a row with Maddie?"

  Hank was embarrassed at being caught out. "No dad. It's just that we've not been married very long and are still getting to know each other. When we are better acquainted will be time enough for a full marriage."

  Now it was John's turn to be embarrassed. "And I've been monopolizing you for the last couple of weeks. I was assuming you were having private moments together in the privacy of your room. I'm sorry Hank... I had no idea."