Susannah didn’t know where she wandered off to. She figured she was with George Spiller, both pouring out their heartache. George had lost his new bride shortly after their honeymoon in New York. She was always a little, meekly thing, Juliet thought, but she was truly saddened to see George taking her death so poorly.
“Did you not hear me, Juliet?” Susannah repeated, holding a ledger in her hands. She hadn’t slept well the weeks following their father’s death. She stayed at his office, learning how to read the books, and how to manage the business.
Colin Sanders, her father’s closest associate and right hand man had been training and teaching Susannah all he could. He had stepped out for a while, leaving Susannah struggling to grasp finance notes, charges, debts, and other such terms.
“What is it?” Juliet sneered, rolling her eyes.
She hated this empty office. She hated parties, and she hated how happy she had felt moments before her father fell ill. She shouldn’t have been enjoying herself when her father was struggling to put up such a strong front for them both, just so they could go to some meaningless party.
“I think Father was broke.”
Susannah’s words fell like lead and lingered in the room. They seemed to dance there, in an array of magic, of finality.
“What do you mean? Father had stock and interests not only in this company but others all over Boston.”
“He’s made some horrible investments it seems.”
Susannah shoved the papers in Juliet’s face so she’d face the seriousness of the situation and not run away again.
“Maybe Mr. Sanders can help explain when he gets back. You probably don’t understand all you’re looking at.”
“I understand a $60,000 note to Anderson Textile. There’ s so many of them.”
“Anderson Textile, the clothing maker?” Juliet asked gravely. “Isn’t that the abandoned factory on West and Seventh that went under months ago?”
Susannah nodded, shoving note and debt after debt in Juliet’s face.
“We have to discuss this with Mr. Sanders. Perhaps he knows of other accounts where Father kept money.”
“I hope so,” Susannah muttered, sighing and staring at the mess of papers on the desk.
The tears started to fall, but she had to stay strong for Juliet. She wiped her tears away and looked back at the ledger.
She missed him so much. It wasn’t the financial security she missed, she missed his positive attitude and the stability he gave her. Everything always seemed so under control. Now it seemed nothing was ever going to be all right again.
“I can’t be here another moment,” Juliet said quietly, staring around the room of her father’s books, articles, and such. “I’m going to meet George.”
“Oh, goody,” Susannah replied sarcastically.
“You wouldn’t understand,” Juliet replied, glaring at her sister.
“Oh yes, I would. And I do. George is unstable, in denial, and affords you the chance to wallow in misery with him. He’s still in love—”
“Stop, Susannah,” Juliet begged. “Don’t say it.”
“Fine. Go. I’ll be here, the only responsible one, trying to figure out our future.”
“Well, you are the big sister, aren’t you?” Their eyes locked and Susannah knew right then she was the only one who could handle their father’s affairs. She was the one who would do it all just as Father would have wanted.
She let Juliet go. Perhaps if she escaped in her dream world of love affairs and denial, she would somehow mourn for their father. Juliet dealt with issues by pulling away and dealing with pain on her own.
Susannah wished they could talk, reminisce about their father together. That kind of sentimental conversation, would send Juliet over the edge. What consoled Susannah made Juliet sad and weepy.
She thought of their mother, waiting in Heaven. She pictured her parents together again, embracing after all these years apart. The thought was comforting, yet it made her feel completely alone.
Susannah wiped the tears from her eyes and continued studying and researching her father’s finances.
Chapter 4
Juliet entered a fancy hotel close to the business district and sat down at the restaurant. She tapped her fingers on the table, waiting and watching. Finally, his dark hair and stunning figure arrived. Her heart skipped a beat.
They kissed briefly, and George Spiller sat down, folding a napkin over his lap.
“How are you?” he asked, touching her face with his strong fingers.
Juliet clasped his hand closer to her for a longer embrace. George’s eyes swelled with tears slightly, as he stared at her gentle face.
Juliet had violet colored eyes, with sparkling hints of sapphire, and dark hair like her mother. He often called her his raven.
“I wish we could just leave this town,” she confessed to George.
“I know, but my business is here, and you’re simply upset about your father.”
“I’m fine, really,” Juliet lied, sipping on her tea and changing the subject.
“How are things at the mill?” Juliet asked, changing the subject.
George owned a prosperous paper mill. He was her father’s biggest supplier, and their circles had run together since childhood.
“Things are fine.”
“I have to tell you something, George. It’s quite disturbing and I am very upset. Susannah thinks my father’s been making bad investments. She claims all or at least most of his money is gone. I think she’s wrong, but I need to see what I can find out. Did he ever mention anything to you, or did you know about any of these troubles?”
George shook his head, staring at a table of several women a few yards from them.
“George,” Juliet said, a little too loudly. She was able to grab his attention again, but his mind was elsewhere. “Did you not hear me? What if it’s true? What if Susannah is right and we have nothing?”
He patted her hand and smiled at her.
“Whatever happens, I’m always here for you. You know that, Juliet.”
She felt warm and protected again.
“Of course. You’ve been the kindest person during this time.”
“Your father was a good man.”
“It just doesn’t seem real. When Harriet, um, was lost, how long did it take you to feel normal again?”
“I couldn’t say,” George responded tightly. “I don’t really want to talk about it.”
He suddenly looked as if he was somewhere else. Juliet watched his eyes. One second they sparkled, then the next, the light just went out. George had always played the field a little, until he met Harriet. As frail and thin as she was, he seemed settled and happy to take care of her.
This side of George melted her heart. He had real feelings, real love for Harriet. Silly, simple Harriet Smith had won the heart of George Spiller, and all too soon her light was extinguished from this world. George hid it well, but Juliet could sense the sadness again.
“I’m not the person to ask advice when it comes to grief. All I can give you is misery loves company,” George responded, the whiskey oozing down his throat.
She noticed he drank whiskey much more now than she’d ever noticed before. It bothered her, but not enough to break the tentative balance they’d managed to create.
“Oh, George,” Juliet said, stroking his hand gently.
He couldn’t still be confused or lost, could he? It had been months, and it wasn’t as if he and Harriet were married very long. Juliet could see the glitter in his eye when he referred to or talked about Harriet. She convinced herself George was ready to move on, and soon that glitter would shine for her far more than it ever did for poor Harriet.
“Let’s talk of our engagement,” she laughed, trying to distract herself from feeling everything around her.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to say anything just yet,” George said.
“Why? Are you having second thoughts?”
“No. Well,
yes. Juliet, I’ve just been… I’m a mess, Juliet. I want you to know who you’re marrying. Maybe we rushed things a bit.”
“George Spiller, you’re not breaking things off with me. I won’t allow it,” Juliet threatened profusely. Juliet was used to getting things her way. Whether from her father or Susannah, and Juliet typically found a way to win in the end.
George sipped on his drink and smiled wryly, before looking out the window of the restaurant again.
Chapter 5
Susanna stood in the townhouse, still for a moment in the entryway. The fancy wallpaper, trim, and glittering chandelier seemed to mock her now. She glanced at everything, numb, not wanting to believe how all this would soon be gone.
She began taking stock, not knowing what else to do. Everything had to be sold in order for them to survive. Mr. Sanders confirmed her fears, and not only was there no savings, but her father owed money to some of the biggest financial players in Boston.
To make matters worse, her father had sold the newspaper company to a Mr. Clark Elders from New York. The entire company was in the process of transitioning over from her father’s management to his.
With the profit from the business, he had planned to pay off his debts. The new evaluations showed that it simply wasn’t going to be enough.
If Susannah and Juliet could sell what they could and pay off the remaining debts, maybe they’d be all right. Perhaps this was the news their father wanted to tell them? Perhaps he wasn’t sure how to confess that their lives were about to change drastically. Things wouldn’t have been the same even if Father hadn’t died.
Admitting his mistakes must have been a daunting task. She was sure her father had been embarrassed and worried.
She paced in her room, fumbling through jewelry and clothes. She began making a pile, thrashing like a shark throughout the house, collecting silver, china, and anything of value.
“What are you doing?” Juliet cried. “Have you gone mad?”
“I spoke with Mr. Sanders, Juliet. Everything is gone. Father’s savings, the business, it’s all gone.”
“What do you mean?”
“Father sold the newspaper business to some man in New York. He was going to tell us, I think, but he died before he could. He owed money to just about anyone you can think of in town.”
Juliet forced Susannah to stop. She put back mother’s china, crying.
“No, why are you lying about this?”
“Mr. Sanders will help us consolidate father’s debts, but that means if we want to survive,” her eyes wavered with tears. “We can’t live the way we have. That benefit was the last social event we’ll probably ever attend. After people know, we’ll be disgraced from all high society. Father not able to keep his finances together, investing in bankrupt companies is a scandal good enough for all of Boston to shun us.”
“Susannah? This can’t be happening? All of this, losing Father, our lives in shambles. It can’t be happening.”
Susannah hugged Juliet tightly, her sobs excruciating to hear.
“It’s true, my dear, and no matter how much we detest, it all we can’t run from this. This is our new reality.”
Juliet cried louder, all the items of their former life scattered on the floor and clumped in piles.
Susannah soothed her sister and rubbed her fingers through her hair.
“I’ll take care of this. I promise you, I will find a way to look after both of us. Father always knew I’d take care of you, and no matter what it takes, we will be all right, Juliet.”
Juliet didn’t believe it, but her sister’s soothing tone and love enveloped her beyond description. In that sacred moment, Juliet told herself she wouldn’t be a burden to her sister. Perhaps she could find a way to save them from ruin.
Chapter 6
As all their valuables were distributed with the help of Mr. Sanders, Susannah became the strong tower of the remainder of her family. It pained her to know she’d never wear silk again, or fancy laced dresses. She couldn’t afford to have her hair perfumed and styled in the latest fashion. None of it mattered now.
All those material possessions were nothing without the ones she loved. Losing everything had taught her that people are more important than things. She grew to appreciate the simple things, like a warm fire and a roof over her head.
By the end of the month, most of her father’s debts were paid. The sisters still had the brownstone, but as for future longevity and survival, one of them would have to obtain a job. Susannah decided to try the newspaper taken over by Mr. Elders.
He seemed a reasonable man, but wasn’t inclined to have the previous own’s children on his payroll. He said he intended to establish new loyalty and operations. He believed if William Brice’s daughter worked in the business, employees may be less resistant to change.
Susannah was dejected and disappointed. She felt she could have done a good job for the man had he been open to hiring her. She thought he’d be less blunt about his reasons for not hiring her, but at least he was honest.
After weeks of looking for employment, but no one to hire her, Susannah became desperate and tired. She had pulled the family together through everything, and it still seemed hopeless. She wasn’t sure they would be able to survive in this town.
She still had some friends left who hadn’t abandoned her when word of her father’s failure became known, but nothing worked out. The factories wouldn’t take her, saying she didn’t have the hunger enough. Plus, her prim outfits, pretty face, and fragile body ruled out Susannah working anywhere in Boston’s poor district.
Mr. Sanders proved to be a kind friend indeed. It was he who gave Susannah the idea of her life. Mail order brides were a talked about topic at soirees and parties, but when Mr. Sanders suggested she look into it, the idea had merit. She was giving it serious consideration.
“The west is expanding. There are men looking for a marriage for practicality and convenience, just as you are. You could have a comfortable home and living, and simple companionship. There’s no love involved if you don’t want there to be,” Mr. Sanders told her.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help you and your sister, but this town is not sympathetic, nor does it forget. With your father alive, you girls had your pick of eligible bachelors, but now your chances at fruitful marriages is meager.”
Susannah knew Mr. Sanders was right.
That didn’t seem to stop Juliet from pursuing George Spiller. Even if they had one conversation of marriage and a possible wedding, George hadn’t repeated those sentiments. He was drifting away.
Juliet had managed to convince herself, despite her lack of fortune and wealth, George still cared. Susannah wondered if he ever had.
It was now or never for Susannah. She knew in a couple of months they would be completely broke. They had no more staff, no more luxuries. All that remained was the nearly empty townhome that they couldn’t afford the upkeep on.
By selling off what was left of their possessions, Susannah figured they could survive just until Christmas. How bleak this Christmas would be without Father, without presents. She had nearly six months to find someone who would marry her and save her and Juliet.
She decided to start the process. She wanted love, she wanted marriage, and a family, but more than anything, she wanted to survive. She had Juliet to take care of, and that was all that guided her decisions now.
Chapter 7
Scanning the pages of a mail order bride compilation, The Matrimonial Times, Susannah read and read long into the night. Cowboys from Montana, farmers in Idaho, and lawyers in San Francisco caught her interest. It seemed surreal doing this, looking and choosing a man to marry from one advertisement, but what else could she do?
The name of a Drew Pierce from Cheyenne stood out. Looking for a marriage for practicality.
Perfect, she decided. She didn’t want any expectations about there being love. How could she love someone she knew nothing about? Her biggest hope in the whole idea was to grow to c
are for the man she married and enjoy his company at least a little.
This was all so foreign to her. She started writing a simple letter. Not knowing exactly what she should write, she decided that the basics were the details the man would want first.
Dear Mr. Pierce,
I am fortunate enough to have found your advertisement. My name is Susannah Brice from Boston. I, too, am looking for a marriage of convenience.
I have no ulterior motives, except to take care of myself and my sister. Our father recently died, leaving us nearly destitute. We did come from money, but I realize now all I need is a comfortable home and some hard work in front of me to get along.
I have no reservations in being honest with you. I understand love is not your sole priority in marriage, and I am in agreement with you on that. I can give you companionship, my education, refinement, and add greatly to your life.
I’ve enclosed a photograph for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Susannah Brice
Susannah enclosed a picture of herself taken with a bulking 1860’s camera. The camera was gone, but the photographs taken with it were treasured. Her still image in black and white showed her beauty, but not fully. Her expressive, brown eyes shined with a hint of green in them usually. Her blonde hair was thick with lovely waves. But the image couldn’t show any of that.
Hopefully, Mr. Drew Pierce would see her refinement. While he said he wasn’t looking for love, it was possible he’d be more interested in a pretty woman than an unattractive one. She hoped sending a photograph would seal the deal.
She was a prize to be treasured, at least that’s how she thought of herself. She hoped this ordeal didn’t change that.
And maybe he wasn’t looking for some stuffy socialite, but Susannah thought that being as honest with him as possible was the way she could live with herself over this. Tring to trick him wasn’t something she was willing to do.
Christmas Miracles: Mega Mail Order Bride 20-Book Box Set: Multi-Author Box Set Page 51
