Chapter 1 #2
“She likes to read, though I’m sure she won’t have as much time when you are married. You have nothing to worry about,” Her father spoke up, and Mary clamped her mouth shut. Fighting Jasper in front of her parents would help no one, especially not her. Instead, she focused on herself.
Lord…
Show me a way out of this, a way to not marry this man. Should I take things into my own hands?
She searched for peace, to follow through on her other plan, the letters in her room. She’d not really expected to follow through on becoming a mail-order bride when she’d first responded to the ad in the newspaper, but it was looking more like her best option.
If she did run away and accept the man’s proposal on the frontier, she would be able to choose her own prison, instead of conforming to her father’s.
Across the table, her father continued speaking, her mother nodded in approval, and Jasper agreed with them both. Mary did her best to follow the rest of the conversation, but instead, she felt as if she was stuck in a nightmare, unable to remove herself.
Even when they walked Jasper to the door, and she waved goodbye to him, she still felt as if none of it was real.
“You will have to work on your respect if you intend to keep Jasper happy as your husband,” her father spoke as they watched Jasper’s carriage drive away.
“I don’t want to marry.” Mary braced herself for the storm that was to come.
“You don’t wish to marry? Do you wish to live on the streets?
What do you intend to do for money, because any child of mine that refuses to do what is best for both them and this family, will not receive another penny from me.
” Her father’s voice grew louder and louder as he made each statement, until Mary felt as if the whole room was vibrating.
“I could make my own money!” Mary raised her voice, her emotions getting the best of her.
“Make your own money? What respectable thing could you possibly do to make your own money?” Her father took a step closer, and Mary forced herself to stand her ground. She was certain she wouldn’t get another chance to do so.
“Yes, being a teacher, or perhaps a seamstress.”
“You will do no such thing. You need a good husband to care for you, and I’ve found one.”
“A good husband? Jasper is cruel and condescending. He does not see me as a person, but as an object. You’d have me be miserable, stuck in a marriage I hate, just like you and mother?
” The sting of the slap caught her off guard.
She stumbled back, reaching for her cheek.
Her father stared at her, with a fury in his eyes that she’d never seen before.
Her heart raced in her chest. Her father was not a kind man and made it clear he expected his daughters to do what he wanted when he wanted. He controlled every aspect of their lives, and yet, he didn’t hit often. Only when pushed over the edge, something all of them had learned not to do.
“I think we should all get some rest,” Mary’s mother spoke up, her voice barely a whisper.
“Good night, daughter. Perhaps you will come to your senses as you sleep.” Her father brushed by her, stomping up the steps. Once he was gone, tears streamed down Mary’s cheeks as she turned to her mother.
She wanted her mother to comfort her, to tell her that they’d figure something else out.
“You shouldn’t push him like that, Mary. You need to marry, you need someone to care for you. You won’t be able to provide for yourself, not in a respectable way.” Her mother took a few steps closer and reached for her, but Mary stumbled another step back, betrayal coursing through her.
“I want to be happy, Mama. I want to have love, laughter, and a future. Is this what you want for me?” Mary gestured around herself. Surely her mother could see there could be more out there.
“No, Mary, but part of growing up is realizing that we can’t get what we want, not usually.” Her mother smiled sadly. “Good night, Mary.”
Mary was left alone in the family sitting room, pacing back and forth, rage, sadness, and betrayal trapped in her chest.
***
A sharp knock broke through the silence, stunning Mary. She looked around, expecting her father to come down or one of the housemaids.
She didn’t know how long she’d been in the sitting room, but at least an hour or two had passed since her parents went up for bed.
No one came. Perhaps everyone was avoiding the sitting room after what had happened just a bit earlier.
Mary hesitated for a moment before she stepped forward, opening the door a crack.
A young man stood on the doorstep, looking nervous.
“Good evening, is this the Aldridge residence?”
“That’s right,” Mary said softly.
“Are you…” The young man checked a paper in his hand. “Miss Mary Aldridge?”
“That’s me.” Mary felt as if she were in a daze. She didn’t know why someone would come calling so late, especially for her.
“I’m terribly sorry to disturb you at this hour, ma’am, but I was instructed to give this to you as quickly as possible.” The man held out a single letter.
“What is this about?” Mary’s unease grew as she accepted the letter.
“The letter should explain it. I’m sorry for your loss.” The man took a step back, then turned and hurried off as quickly as he’d come.
Mary closed the door, then stared at the letter in her hand. She opened it, unfolded it, and began to read, fresh tears gathering in her eyes.
Miss Mary Aldridge,
It is with sincere regret that I write to inform you of the passing of your aunt, Miss Beatrice Aldridge.
By the terms of her last will and testament, she has named you the sole beneficiary of her estate. In my capacity as executor, it is my duty to see that her affairs are properly settled and transferred, according to her wishes.
At present, I am engaged in the management of several related matters; however, it will be necessary for you to present yourself at my office at your earliest convenience in order to review and sign the requisite documents pertaining to your inheritance.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Should you have any questions prior to your arrival, you may direct your correspondence to my office, and I shall endeavor to respond as promptly as circumstances allow.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
Benjamin West
Executor of the Estate of Miss Beatrice Aldridge
Mary covered her mouth to keep from crying out as she raced up the stairs to her room.
When she reached it, she stepped inside, closed the door, and sank to the floor, burying her face in her hands as she held the letter to her chest. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she closed her eyes and prayed to God.
Her aunt was gone. The one person she considered a mentor, someone she loved, who had guided her for so long. Her father had forbidden her to write to Aunt Beatrice years ago, afraid she’d fill Mary’s head with the wrong ideas, but it hadn’t stopped Mary.
They’d written letters in secret for years, every single week.
The connection was gone, just like that.
It had been Aunt Beatrice’s idea to consider becoming a mail-order bride. She’d chosen the man she was corresponding with because he was in the same city as her aunt.
For several long minutes, Mary let the emotions overtake her until she had no strength left. She closed her eyes and begged the only resource she had left, God.
Lord, please help me. You must see how hurt I am right now, how lost. Please show me the path I should follow, because right now, all I see is hopelessness.
When she was done praying, she still felt weak and alone, but somehow, she felt just a bit more at peace. She managed to stand and make her way to her bed before falling into it and letting sleep take her to a fitful rest.