

Perpetual Love

By

Jamie Salisbury

Copyright 2015 by Jamie Salisbury

All rights reserved. Without reserving the rights under copyright, reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously.

Second Edition
To my faithful readers...

Cover Design: Anya Kelleye Designs
Chapter One

Albert Stuart was already dreading his arrival home. The job he and his younger brother, Ben, had finished had been hard and physically demanding, and now he was faced with another trying job. His father, Thomas, had informed his sons before they left that a very old friend of his was going to be staying at Sky Valley while this friend looked for land in the Nevada Territory. This friend was looking specifically for enough land to establish a horse ranch. His daughter was accompanying him, which meant Albert would most likely be the one to entertain her.

They were usually self-centered creatures that lacked any imagination, much less any intellect at all. He was bored with this responsibility and wished it would pass to one of his brothers, Henry or Ben. But, as always, Albert would do what his father wished no matter how distasteful.

"I should have left the ranch last month like I wanted to and should not have allowed Father to talk me out of going back east. As soon as these visitors leave, I'm leaving. There is nothing here for me, and I feel like there's more to life than just being here on Sky Valley."

Albert reminded himself that he had a college education and felt he was wasting away in Nevada. He had more talents than to be just a rancher. Even though Albert was the one who handled all of the books for the ranch, he felt there was so much more he was capable of - so much more he wanted to do and see. Albert had been the quiet one, the thinker of the four children of Thomas Stuart. Always a private person from the time he was a small boy, shouldering responsibility from a young age, he was always controlled in his emotions and his feelings for others. Fiercely loyal to his family, he wanted more than just his father and brothers. He wanted a life. His life.

As they approached the house, Albert observed that the carriage was in front of the house, indicating that their guests had already arrived. As he and Ben dismounted, Henry strolled out to greet them.

"How did the round-up go?" he asked.

"Found about seventy head," Ben answered.

"I take it our guests have arrived," Albert stated.

"Yup, and for once, Albert, I think you just might find this visit interesting," Henry chuckled.

Albert looked at his brother with a wary eye. Finally, he asked, "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. Just interesting. Father sent me out to fetch you two. He wants to introduce you to Judge Wallace and his daughter.

"We'll be in when we get the horses put up," Albert retorted. Not looking forward to his assigned duties, Albert remembered the conversation his father had with him prior to his departure.

"Albert, I expect you to see that Miss Wallace is entertained while she and her father are here. He's one of my oldest and dearest friends and I want their visit to be enjoyable. Who knows? They may become our neighbors."

After seeing to their horses, washing up, and changing clothes in the bunkhouse, Albert and Ben entered the house.

Thomas stood and began making the introductions. "John, these are my two other sons, Albert and Ben. Boys, I'd like for you to meet Judge John Wallace."

As the men shook hands, the library door opened, and a voice with the softest English accent Albert had ever heard spoke.

"Mr. Stuart, you have a wonderful library. If you don't mind, I'd like to borrow . . . oh, excuse me! I didn't mean to interrupt. . ." She stopped in mid-sentence.

Albert turned to see where this voice was coming from and, standing there in front of him, was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She had a slender, small waist, long soft, flowing curly auburn hair framing her face, porcelain skin, voluminous lips, and a gorgeous smile. But the detail that stood out the most - the one which fascinated and attracted Albert \- was the color of her eyes. They were a rich blue color of Lapis.

"Albert, Ben, I would like you to meet Miss Anne Wallace," Thomas said, finishing the introductions.

"It's my pleasure to meet you both," she said, smiling, eyes sparkling as she came toward the two brothers to greet them. The whole time Albert never took his eyes off her.

Ben started toward her to take her arm, showing a great deal more interest in her than he normally would with a guest. He was stopped by Albert's hand on his chest. Albert took her arm, steering her away from his youngest brother.

"Anne, I see you've visited our library. Tell me, what do you think of it?" Albert inquired.

Looking into his warm eyes, she replied softly, "I don't believe I've ever seen such a complete library in a private home. Your selections include everything - the classics, poetry, and Shakespeare."

"I'm glad someone else finds it more than adequate. You mentioned poetry. Do you have a favorite poet?" Albert asked, his interest piqued. He was always interested in anyone who was well read.

"Mr. Stuart, your collection is far more than adequate. To answer your question, I would have to say my favorite is Tennyson. So many poets' writings are too flowery for me. Tennyson is very visual and straight to the point."

"Please, call me Albert," he said with a smile and barely-veiled interest.

"Very well then, Albert," she said, smiling at the tall man before her.

Albert was surprised by her answer to his question. Most girls he had met who had a genuine interest in reading concentrated only on romantic poems - not on the works of the true poets. He would soon learn, in the days to come, that this girl held more surprises for him. Albert was completely intrigued by her. Not only was she beautiful, but he was becoming keenly aware she was also very intelligent.

As Thomas and Judge Wallace went into Thomas' office area to look at the maps of land parcels available for sale that Thomas had picked up at the surveyor's office for the Judge's perusal, Albert took Anne's arm and led her to the sofa, where they sat side by side. Albert began the conversation by asking Anne how she felt about moving to Nevada.

Taking her time to answer, she replied, "I'm excited to be here! From everything I've seen so far, the land is beautiful and would be a wonderful place to live."

"Your father wishes to purchase land for a horse ranch. Do you ride?" Albert inquired.

"Anne is one of the finest horsewomen in all of England," her father interjected.

"Yes," Anne answered, ignoring her father's interruption. "Riding is one of the passions I have that my father doesn't dissuade. I learned to ride when I was very young. I've always been around horses and enjoy them immensely."

Anne and Albert sat and talked for hours about things they were both interested in - things like music, art, and literature. Albert noticed that when Anne was talking to or listening to someone, she looked that person in the eye. He found her easy to talk to but discovered yet another asset - she was a good listener. This was something most women from his experience were not good at.

By this time Henry had approached his younger brother. Speaking quietly, he said, "Told Albert this visit was going to be interesting for him. She's a real nice gal. I got to talk to her for a while before you two got back. She might just give old Albert a run for his money."

"Well, Albert isn't the only one who can entertain a girl. I just might be the one to show her around while she's here," Ben replied.

****

Anne Wallace had been pleasantly surprised in Albert, not really caring to meet one of her father's old friends or his sons. She thought immediately how handsome he was, finding him powerfully built, tall, tanned and broad-shouldered, with dark hair, beautiful, kind eyes and a wonderful smile. She detected aloofness in him, possibly an underlying anger, when they had first met, but it seemed he was relaxing with her. The fact that they shared a great deal of the same interests pleased her very much. Most of the men she had met in her life had been snobs and treated her as an inferior. Albert Stuart is different. He's a real man, not some self-centered person. And he's intelligent. Being handsome doesn't hurt either, she thought.

"Why did you and your father decide to leave England and come way out here? Wasn't England to your liking?" Albert inquired.

"I loved it until recently. I was born in London. My mother died when I was very young, so it's just been father and me. He raised me - with the help of nannies, of course - making sure I was raised with his way of thinking. All of the proper English requirements. As I grew older, he became at a loss as to what to do with me. My father had a preconceived notion as to how I should behave and what I should do."

"I take it you didn't conform to his way of thinking," Albert replied. "No, I could never behave in the way that those back in England believe a properly-raised girl is supposed to act. Heaven forbid that a woman should be so bold as to think, much less voice her ideas! I have a habit of doing this, much to the horror of my father. I've also been told on more than one occasion that I'm stubborn and that I have a bit of a temper." She laughed as she confided this to Albert. "So, to answer your question, Albert, I loved the idea of coming here where possibly people are different and not so buried in antiquated ideas of how people should be or behave. Father, being from Baltimore wanted to return. Then, when father received an appointment to the federal branch here in Nevada, we made the decision to put roots down here."

Realizing that she had probably said too much (which she was not in the habit of doing, especially with someone she had just met), she excused herself. "Please excuse me, Albert. I didn't mean to run on so."

After listening to this conversation, Judge Wallace added, "Anne also failed to mention that, to my horror, she also has a very analytical mind. To my way of thinking, this is not becoming of a woman in today's world."

"I beg to differ, sir. I find that particular quality in a woman rare and very refreshing," Albert challenged.

Having heard all she wished to hear from her father, Anne said, "Well, if you gentlemen will excuse me, you may continue to discuss me in my absence. I believe I would like to walk outside and enjoy this wonderful evening." Rising from the sofa, Anne went to get her shawl.

Albert rose to his feet at the same time. "I think I'll join you, Anne. I would prefer to discuss a lady's qualities in your presence." He helped Anne with her shawl and then walked outside with her.

Thomas, watching and listening to the interaction between the two, thought, I don't believe Albert will find Anne as much a chore as he thought she would be.

****

Walking into the courtyard, Albert looked closely at Anne, noting that every feature was perfect. He found she had both an easy smile and laugh, making anyone with her feel comfortable.

Anne caught his inspection and looked straight at him with a smile. "You don't have to feel obligated to entertain me, Albert, if you have other matters you need to tend to. You must think me rude for leaving the others. Forgive me. It just angers me when my father talks about me as though I'm not present. I'm sure he would have preferred that I had been born a boy."

"There's nothing I would rather do than be with you, and I meant what I said - I think you're rare and very refreshing. And I, for one, am glad you were not born a boy." Albert noted Anne's perfect white teeth as she shared his laugh.

"I don't believe anyone has ever told me I was rare and refreshing. I've been told many other things, but never that."

Albert reddened at her last remark, and Anne stumbled over her apology, touching his arm gently as she spoke softly. "Albert, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you. I have a habit of saying what I think - another quality my father hates."

"I prefer a woman who speaks honestly," he said.

Looking at the house, she turned to him and said, "Your father told me you designed and built this house. It's very beautiful."

Realizing she was trying to make him feel comfortable again, he replied, "Thank you Anne. Yes, I designed it, but we all had a hand in building it. From what father has told us, you had quite a grand home in England."

"Yes, we had a nice house in England. It had been in my mother's family for generations. It was far too large for two people. I understand that, when my mother was alive, it was a wonderful home. I don't remember much of that time. After she passed away, it just became a house. I didn't spend much time there. And there is a definite difference between a house and a home, Albert." Wanting to change the subject, Anne began, "Your father also told us you wanted to leave this paradise, to go back east to New York."

"I was planning on leaving last month, but he talked me out of going. Have you ever been to New York? I've wanted to go there for as long as I can remember."

Choosing her words carefully, she walked slowly in front of him. "Yes, I have been to New York. But not by choice. My father realized when I turned fourteen that he had no idea what to do with me so he sent me to a boarding school in New York." Continuing with a small laugh, she said, "I was there for four years."

"You must have loved every minute of it. I can't imagine anything more exciting," Albert said.

Shaking her head, Anne looked into his eyes and said with a sad smile, "Albert, it wasn't a pleasant experience for me. I didn't enjoy being alone. . She whispered, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gone on like this. I usually don't discuss private matters or my feelings with anyone." Casting her eyes downward for a moment, she continued. "I still have bad feelings about that time in my life. Please forgive me for burdening you."

"Anne," he said sincerely, sensing this was painful for her, "there's nothing to forgive."

Later that evening, after dinner, Albert took Anne for a ride in the carriage under a full moon. They spoke of the things they enjoyed. Albert was envious when Anne told him she had been to an opera prior to leaving England. "It was so wonderful! I had never heard voices like that in my life!" Anne's face glowed as she remembered.

Realizing how passionate she was about things she loved, this woman intrigued Albert even more. She is kind, gentle and well-read, extremely rare in someone her age. I've learned so much about her after spending such a short time with her, he told himself.

"Anne, I'd like to spend more time with you and show you around the area if you would permit me to."

"I would like that, Albert," she replied. "Very much." When Anne felt she was settled and ready to be shown around Sky Valley, she told him.
Chapter Two

Eager to spend additional time with Anne, Albert planned out the day. What he hadn't planned on were his two brothers, Henry and Ben, joining them. A plan the younger brothers had hatched up the night before while bedding their horses down.

"Henry," Ben said dramatically, "what is Albert going to do? He can't make us stay here. She's our guest too. We'll just tag along for as long as we can."

"Ben, now you know how Albert gets. I'm just not so sure I want any part of this scheme," Henry told him.

Shrugging his shoulders, Ben replied, "Suit yourself. This is one time Albert isn't going to have the upper hand. Didn't you hear her say she'd consider our offer the other night when we suggested showing her around? When she said that, I thought it was an invitation if ever I heard one."

Henry thought, That's your problem Ben, when it comes to girls, you don't think.

"I think she was just being polite," Henry explained. "She don't seem like the kind of gal who'd hurt a fella's feelings. Besides, Albert would be madder than a wet hen."

"Well, I'm not scared of Albert, and I didn't think you were either. It's about time Albert learned we're grown men and he can't push us around," Ben replied.

****

The next morning Albert brought his horse, Diablo, and another horse into the courtyard as he waited for Anne. His brothers came around the side of the barn on their mounts.

"Going into town this morning?" Albert asked, checking the cinches on the saddles.

"Nope," they answered at the same time.

"Just what do you two plan on doing today?" Albert asked, warily eyeing the two.

"Oh, we just thought we'd help you show Anne around Sky Valley," Ben replied.

"No, you're not," Albert began. "I don't need any help. You two just find some other way to entertain yourselves."

"We want to be hospitable, just like you, big brother," Henry chuckled.

Anne came out of the house, saw the three brothers together, and greeted them with a "good morning" and a smile. Not hearing the conversation between the brothers, Anne walked over to Albert and innocently asked, "We're all going to go riding? How wonderful!"

A dark look crossed Albert's face. The look that normally caused his brothers to scatter. But today, in front of a pretty girl, both of them wrapped in a sense of bravado, they had lost what common sense they had. As Anne mounted her horse, Albert did, also. Ben and Henry got on either side of Anne as they rode out.

"Coming, Albert?" Anne asked over her shoulder.

Albert didn't like this turn of events. What were his brothers thinking? They had never openly defied his wishes before. He was in a foul mood now as he followed the three riders in front of him.

"Anne, this is the main road into Carson City," Ben explained, smiling at her. "We found that this is the fastest way into town."

"Good thing, Ben," Albert said with a smirk. "It's the only road from Sky Valley into town."

"And, Miss Anne," Henry began, "on this here road, we can go into the city whenever we want."

"Thank you, Henry. Thank you, Ben." Anne smiled at them. "I'll remember that this is the only road into Carson City, and we can use it whenever we wish."

A thought crossed Albert's mind. She knows they're trying to impress her, why they're tagging along. They'll make fools of themselves before long. I'll just hang back and watch and wait.

"Now, Anne," Ben explained seriously, "this is where Henry and I were this morning, rounding up steers."

Not to be outdone, Henry nodded his head. "Yeah, we were here a good three hours before any of the hands got here." He gave her a smile.

"Most admirable, Henry. I'm glad to see you and Ben are so diligent in your work habits," she replied, adding, "Is there anything you'd like to show me, Albert? That is, other than the road into Carson City and where Ben and Henry were this morning."

"No Anne, not quite yet," he said, fighting the urge to laugh. "Let Ben and Henry give you the tour of how to get from the ranch house to the road to Carson City. I'll be ready when you want to see something of value."

If it hadn't been for his brothers in their attempts to impress this girl, he would have felt sorry for the two as they made fools of themselves. At least Anne wasn't ridiculing them. She would never make fun of someone, not even two foolish men like my brothers, he told himself.

After an hour of riding, Anne had seen enough of the road, the pasture, and the latest item Ben and Henry had come up with, the feeding station for the cattle.

Ben's explanation of the feeding station was the last straw for Albert as he yelled, "Feeding station? It's a pasture, Ben! A pasture!"

Fighting the urge to laugh, Anne pulled her horse to a stop, and told his brothers, "I believe I'd like Albert to show me some of Sky Valley now. Thank you both for taking the time to show and explain so many things this morning. We'll see you back at the house, all right?"

They had been dismissed, and they knew it. She had accomplished what Albert couldn't do; she had gotten rid of Ben and Henry. After telling her good-bye, the two men rode back towards the ranch house. She and Albert sat waving, watching them go.

"They had that coming," he told her. "Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic."

"I thought they were rather sweet," she replied. "They did their best to come up with things they thought I might be interested in."

"Anne, please. Showing you a road? A pasture? Don't you think they were a bit foolish?" he laughed.

"I never think someone is foolish who tried to be kind," she told him.

Wanting to change the subject, he asked, "Would you like to see a few things I really think you'd be interested in?"

"Yes, Albert, I would." She turned her horse to join him.

He led the way to a lake he told her was named Topaz Lake. He explained, "The Indians believe it has healing powers. They bring all their sick people here to bathe in its waters. We've been in the saddle most of the day. Would you like to get down and walk for a while?"

"Yes, I would," she said as she dismounted her horse. Walking to the shore of the lake and looking across its sparkling water, she told him, "It's very pretty."

"I think it is," he replied. "The other reason I wanted you to see this place is there's a herd of wild mustangs that roam the area around the lake. I thought we might get a glimpse of them."

"That would be wonderful! I would like to see them. I've read about them and would be thrilled to see one up close."

"Let's stay here for a while and see if any come around." He took her hand, leading her to a mound of grass overlooking the lake.

They waited for two hours with not a sight of anything other than assorted birds and prairie dogs. But the time was not lost. They talked about many things, places they had been, what Albert had studied in college, his asking her more about her home in England.

Finally, Albert told her, "I guess they're grazing somewhere else today. Sorry Anne, I thought we might get lucky.

After that first day, Albert planned different activities for them, every free day he had. Something special that she had never done before, that he and Anne could enjoy together. Some days, they just went riding and ended up walking the horses back, talking as they went. He loved the soft lilt to her voice and the gentleness she possessed, confident of herself, yet soft spoken and feminine.

She asked to see the cattle they raised on Sky Valley as he took her riding out to the north pasture. Coming upon a small part of the herd she observed, "They are huge! How on earth do you control so many at one time?"

"This is only a small fraction of the herd, Anne," he explained, shifting in his saddle. "The larger body is further south and they graze all over Sky Valley. This happened to be the closest group. They aren't that hard to control when they're grazing. On a cattle drive, now that's a totally different story."

With their daily excursions, Albert and Anne got to know each other well. They soon learned the other's likes and dislikes, discussing books they had read and voicing their opinions on them when the other asked.

****

One evening, while Anne was sitting on the porch, and Albert was busy going over the books for Sky Valley, Thomas asked if he could join her. He had been watching a growing fondness develop between his son and her and wanted to know her better.

"Please do, Mr. Stuart. This evening is too beautiful not to share."

"Are you enjoying yourself, Anne, or are my sons driving you insane?" he asked.

"Your sons, all of them, have been very kind to me. They've all shown me different parts of the ranch and explained many curiosities to me. You have a territory that is totally different from England," she confided in him.

"I'm sorry Albert had to review the books tonight, Anne. We have a meeting with some buyers tomorrow, and I want to be sure of my figures. Besides," he confided in her, "I hate keeping the books. Albert does a far better job."

She sat laughing with him and then became serious. "Mr. Stuart, may I ask you something?"

"Of course, Anne, please do," Thomas said, encouraging her.

"Did you know my parents in Baltimore? Before they moved back to England?" she asked.

Surprised at her question, he answered her slowly, "Yes, Anne, I did. Albert's mother and I were friends of your parents before you or Albert were born."

"What was my mother like? I don't remember too much about her. She passed away when I was so young." She looked into the older man's dark eyes, waiting for his response.

Thomas began, his mind drifting back to that time, smiling. "You remind me a lot of your mother. You look like her, and you have her personality. Margaret, like you, always had a smile for everyone. I don't believe that woman ever met a stranger. She and Albert's mother were best friends. They met shortly after your parents moved to Baltimore. I think your mother was as excited as Elizabeth when we found out we were going to have Albert."

"I often think of her," she said as she leaned her head on the back of the rocker. "I remember a few things, her laugh, and her touch. But every day I forget more. Thank you, Mr. Stuart. It was kind of you to take the time to tell me about her. My father doesn't speak of her anymore. I imagine it's too painful."

"I was happy to, Anne," Thomas replied. "Anytime you want to talk about it, I'm more than happy to remember with you." He smiled at the girl. As they sat there, no words passing between them, he thought, She is like Margaret. Her mother was gentle as Anne is, concerned with the feelings and well being of others. I like Anne; she has a gentle strength about her. I can see why Albert wants to spend time getting to know her.

"Anne," Thomas began, "George just made some fresh coffee. Would you care for some?"

"Yes sir, I would. Please allow me to get us some," she said.

"You're our guest, Anne. I'll get it," Thomas replied.

"Please Mr. Stuart, allow me. Since we've arrived, I haven't done a thing for myself and I'm not used to that," she said laughing.

"All right, Anne," he replied. "If you want to."

****

As Anne entered the house, she saw Albert at the desk. Going over to him, she asked, "I'm getting your father and me some coffee. May I get you a cup?"

"I would love some, if it's not too much trouble. My father has made this task almost impossible. Thank you Anne," Albert replied, smiling at her.

As she walked into the kitchen, she realized she had developed a stronger feeling for Albert. More than just a passing friendship. She thought, Those dimples of his when he smiles are so charming. And those eyes! A woman could get lost in them.

She returned shortly, carrying a tray with three cups and a pot of coffee. Setting the tray on the desk, she placed Albert's cup by him and poured it for him. Her fingers lingered there, looking at what he was doing. He absently felt for his cup, instead finding her hand. The touch was a shock for both, and they pulled their hands back at the same time.

"I'm sorry, Albert. I wasn't paying attention," she explained.

"Anne, it's alright. I rather enjoyed that."

She picked up the tray, blushing and took Thomas' coffee to him.

Carrying the tray to the porch, her mind still on Albert, she hadn't heard Thomas Stuart until he raised his voice to get her attention.

"Here, my dear. Let's put the tray between us," Thomas instructed. "Is Albert pulling his hair out yet?"

Setting the tray where he had indicated, she began pouring for them as she replied with a laugh, "No sir, not yet. I got him coffee, also. He seems to making progress."

Sitting together, Thomas and Anne discussed many different things. Thomas asked more about McDonald Manor, school, and England.

Anne inquired about Thomas' family; in particular she was most interested in Albert. Thomas told funny anecdotes about his three sons and daughter and how they were growing up, confiding in her that he had barely maintained his sanity.

"They're three fine men, Mr. Stuart. You've done a wonderful job with them. They are all so different, yet all similar. You must be very proud of them," she said.

"I am, Anne, their sister, too. It was hard at times, especially after Elizabeth died. Then I had to lean on Albert to help me with his siblings."

"Albert's help?" she inquired.

"Yes, I had to depend on Albert's strength in raising his two brothers and his sister. I was so distraught after Elizabeth's death; Albert had to shoulder the responsibility of being in charge and running Sky Valley."

"No wonder he's so competent in so many areas," Anne observed.

"Yes," Thomas told her. "Albert is most capable in all areas. He had to grow up very fast, much faster than I had hoped for." The two continued to talk for some time. After awhile they heard the door open and Albert joined them.

"I believe I have the books in good order," he told his father. "Took a while, but now the figures make some sense."

"Thank you, son. I appreciate your efforts. Now, if you and Anne will excuse me, I'm going to go and prepare for tomorrow's meeting." Thomas got up from his chair and walked into the house.

Albert took Thomas' seat beside Anne. As he reached to pour himself more coffee, Anne took the pot and poured coffee for him.

"Thank you, Anne," he replied. "Father will be back to normal after tomorrow. He always gets this way before a major sale."

"I think your father has been wonderful. In fact, all of you have. Everyone has gone out of his way to make our visit enjoyable."

Henry and Ben, who had been absent all evening, came out of the barn. Seeing Anne, Henry called to her.

"Anne! I've got something here in the barn I think you'd like to see."

Rising, along with Albert, Anne made her way to where Henry was standing.

"Me and Ben have been working with this mare all night. Come on, I've got something special to show you." Entering the coolness of the barn, he led her to a stall in the back. Before her stood a mare and a newborn colt.

"He's beautiful, Henry," she declared, going to the colt, running her hand along his flank. The small horse, nervous by her touch, shied away to his mother. Anne was patient with the small animal, and, after petting him and talking in soft tones to him, he came over to her. Smiling, she knelt down and looked the foal over.

"He's beautiful, Henry. How long was she in labor?" Anne asked.

"Pretty much all day long. She had a hard time with the last one, so we've been keeping an eye on her. He's a pretty thing, ain't he?" Henry declared proudly.

"Yes, yes he is," Anne replied. "Who is his sire?"

Surprised by her question, Henry fumbled over his response. "Anne, I don't rightly know, that all happened out on the range. We don't match them up, it just sort of happens."

"I'm sorry," Anne said, beginning to blush. "Back home, we used certain stallions for stud. I just thought you did that here."

Albert explained, "We don't do that with the horses, Anne. Occasionally, we will purchase a bull for stud purposes, but usually they mate on their own. We're primarily a cattle ranch. The horses are necessary stock."

"I see," she replied.

"Henry knows just about every she-animal that's ready to drop a. . ." Ben added. Realized he was speaking to a woman, he began to blush. "Sorry, Anne. I just meant that Henry, that the animals. . ." Ben was fumbling badly as he tried to explain himself.

"That's alright, Ben. I understand," she replied, smiling at him.

"Anne," Albert began. "Would you like to go for a walk?"

"Yes, Albert, I would, if Henry and Ben will excuse me. The foal is beautiful, Henry. Thank you for showing him to me," she replied, grateful that Albert had rescued her from the uncomfortable discussion she had been having with his brothers.

Albert took her arm, leading her out of the barn. As they turned toward the mountains, he led her to a large mound where they could sit and see the vista before them. After a few moments of silence, Anne told him, "I was telling your father that all of you have done everything in your power to make me feel welcome. Thank you."

"It's been my pleasure, Anne," Albert replied. "I only hope my brothers haven't pestered you too much."

"No, they haven't," she said laughing. "They have both tried very hard to entertain me. That isn't necessary. On occasion, I've had to entertain myself and managed quite well. But I do appreciate their efforts and yours."

They sat for a while, just looking at the beauty before them, then she finally told him, "If you don't mind, I'm tired. I believe I'll retire for tonight."

"I'm sorry I was all tied up this evening, Anne," he began. "I had planned to take you for a carriage ride."

"Albert, you take your responsibility to entertain me too seriously. Don't you think I know your father forced me on you? I don't want you to do anything you don't want to."

Watching her face, Albert was taken aback that she spoke so straightforward. He had never known a woman who spoke her mind the way Anne did. And how did she know Father had put me in charge of her?

"Anne, everything I've done is because I want to. Yes, Father asked that I show you around, and yes, at first, I wasn't happy with the idea. But now, everything I do is because I want to. I want to be with you and get to know you better."

Smiling, she rose as he took her arm and led her back to the house. He walked with her in silence. He didn't understand why he cared so much, that what she thought was important to him. He didn't want her to feel she was a chore; before they met, he couldn't have cared less. Reaching the house, they walked in together and found Thomas in the living room.

"Anne, your father went on to bed. He asked that I tell you and Albert good night."

"Thank you, Mr. Stuart," she replied. "If you two gentlemen will excuse me, I believe I will follow suit. Good night."

Thomas observed his son's reaction. Albert sat in the chair that was designated as "his".

"Have a good walk with Anne, son?"

"Yes sir, it was fine," Albert replied absently.

Something was on Albert's mind, but as always, Thomas would have to wait until his eldest son wanted to discuss it. For once Thomas didn't have long to wait as Albert began.

"What did you and Anne talk about tonight while I was working on the books?"

"Why do you ask?"

"She was, I don't know, rather distant this evening. Usually, she's open and cheerful. Tonight I got the feeling something was on her mind."

"Anne and I talked about a number of things. She asked if I had known her mother and father in Baltimore. Primarily she wanted to know about her mother," Thomas explained.

"I didn't know you knew her mother," Albert replied.

"I guess I never told you how John and I became friends. It was because of your mother and Anne's mother. They were best friends in Baltimore."

Albert, surprised, responded, "You're right. You never told me any of this. I thought Anne's mother was from England. I assumed you met John after Anne's mother passed away."

"Margaret was from England, but moved to Baltimore shortly after she and John married. He opened his law practice there, and the two women met each other at a museum one day. From that day forward, until your mother's passing, they were best friends," Thomas explained.

Thomas' eyes took on a look of sadness as he added, "Margaret took it very hard when your mother died. She was a great comfort to me while we were still in Baltimore. She helped me with you and your brothers and sister a great deal."

Taken aback that his father had not told him of this before now, Albert wanted to know more of how the families were intertwined. He sat forward in his chair, fingers laced, his chin resting on them, waiting for his father to continue.

Thomas, sensing this, went on. "After we left Baltimore, Margaret and I corresponded for a while. Then I didn't hear from her again. I sensed something was wrong at that time between her and John. I didn't hear a thing for five years when John wrote telling me of Margaret's passing."

That could explain her mood tonight. She seemed distant, as though her mind was elsewhere, Albert thought.

"Anne reminds me of Margaret a great deal," Thomas went on. "She looks a great deal like her mother and has the same temperament. I get the impression that John has not told her much of her mother."

Albert realized that, indirectly, Anne was a link to his past and he wanted to know more of her. He decided then and there that he would do everything in his power to see that he accomplished this.

As time passed, Albert and Anne grew more at ease with each other. And with each passing day, the attraction between the two of them grew.
Chapter Three

"John," Thomas asked his friend one morning. "How do you plan on stocking your ranch? Do you plan on buying the horses here in Nevada, Texas, or perhaps Arizona? You need to make plans of how you will proceed once you receive title to the land."

"Between you and me, Thomas, this horse ranch is Anne's idea," John told him. "I'm proud of the fact that our horses in England had the finest blood line developed in that part of the country. I'm embarrassed to tell you, however, that was because of Anne and her grandfather. She's the one with an eye for horses, not me. But to answer your question, her plan is to ship some of our best mares and stallions from there and crossbreed them with stock from the area. She was hoping to have some assistance from you or your sons in accomplishing that."

Surprised, Thomas replied, "I never would have guessed that she possessed such interests. Most women find such things distasteful"

Shaking his head, John declared, "Anne possesses a great deal of traits that I find distasteful in a woman. She's headstrong, stubborn, and far too intelligent for her own good. I blame her grandfather for all of this; he encouraged her in areas a woman has no business being in."

"No matter," Thomas told him, "my son Albert is the one with an eye for horse flesh. I'm sure he would be more than happy to help her in this endeavor."

****

A few days after the conversation between her father and Thomas about their ranch, Anne found herself watching Thomas Stuart's sons breaking horses in a corral near the house. Her interest piqued as she watched Albert when it was his turn on a horse. Ben and Henry joined her as she watched from the railing. Soon, his youngest brother began his good-natured ribbing as Albert eased himself onto the horse in the enclosure.

"Come on Albert," Ben chided, "I know you're older, but you've gotta be able to sit that old nag."

"Ben," Henry warned, "you best leave Albert alone. You know how he gets when you start messin' with him."

"Aw, Henry, Albert knows I'm just funnin'. He expects me to give him a hard time," Ben grinned.

Albert shot Ben a warning look and then noticed he was standing with Anne. He hadn't seen her come out to the corral and, for the first time in Albert Stuart's life, he cared that someone was watching him and how he performed.

"Turn him out!" Albert shouted.

"Ride 'em, Albert!" Henry called to his brother.

Anne watched the event unfold with interest. She had seen Ben and Henry ride, seeing immediately a few things they had done wrong, making it harder to settle the animals. She watched to see if Albert made the same mistakes.

When the gate was pulled open and the horse turned out, she watched Albert intently. To her trained eye, he did everything perfectly, managing to stay on far longer than the others. Until, just when he thought the animal had reached the point of acceptance, Albert's concentration was broken. The animal seemed to sense this lapse and threw him into the fence hard. The three people watched and waited for Albert to get up. When he wasn't on his feet as quickly as they thought he should be, they all ran to see if he was all right.

Anne, the first one to him, touched his arm as he lay on his side. Softly, she asked, "Albert, are you alright?"

Embarrassed that he had allowed the horse to throw him, especially in front of her, he answered a bit gruffer than he intended. "Yes, I'm fine! Damn animal!" he muttered. He came to his feet in one fluid motion, grabbing his hat as he stood.

Trying to soothe his ego, Anne told him, "Nice ride, Albert."

"Nice ride?" Albert snapped back at her, "What do you know about breaking a horse? Besides what are you doing out here? This is no place for a girl! Don't you have something better to do?"

She fought it, but her temper got the best of her. He had yelled at her and embarrassed her, something she would not tolerate from anyone, not even Albert Stuart.

Facing him, eyes flashing with anger, she responded. She strode towards him. Albert began backing up. Her head barely came up to his shoulder, but she was in no way intimidated by the difference in size.

"Do not snap at me because you made a mistake," she began. "What do I know about breaking a horse? I know enough to know that your knees were not tight to his sides, your bottom was too far back in the saddle and your buck rein was too loose. You hadn't even bothered to tighten it down. Oh yes, and you lost one spur and you hadn't seen fit to wear gloves during this ride. So you see, you were asking to get thrown. That, Mr. Stuart, is what I observed you did wrong while trying to break that horse. And for your information, your father gave me his permission to go anywhere on this ranch I choose."

She thought for a moment and then ended her tirade with, "And do not call me a girl!"

All three men were stunned by what Anne had just said, now that she had been right. Henry and Ben fought back laughter, watching as their older brother got his comeuppance from of all people, a woman. Waiting for Albert to explode in rage, they were both astonished as they watched Albert regain his composure.

"You're right. I apologize; I lashed out at you because of my own mistakes."

Ben and Henry stood there open mouthed. Albert had never, ever, let someone criticize him the way Anne had.

"You're darn right you should apologize!" she yelled. "Just who do you think you are speaking to anyone that way?"

Anne spun around on her heel and started back towards the house. Albert rushed to catch her, gently taking her arm. "I'm sorry. Anne, you were right. It was my own fault and I struck out at you in frustration."

Ben and Henry watched, shaking their heads, as Henry put their thoughts into words. "That's not Albert, that's somebody else. Albert's never let anyone dress him down that way, except maybe Father, and then Albert apologize? Reckon hitting his head addled him, Henry?"

"Albert? Naw, I think it's something else," Henry told him.

"Anne, please," Albert said "I'm sorry. You're right. My ego, along with a few other things, was bruised. I'm sorry I yelled at you. I don't know what else to say, Anne."

Not understanding the urgency, he felt that he had to do whatever necessary to calm her. He didn't want her upset with him for any reason. He added, "Of course you're free to go anywhere you wish, although I would like it if you would allow me the pleasure of your company."

Albert thought, Why on earth would I say that last part? What is happening to me? She's a woman I barely know, and yet I want her to be confident in me and be with only me.

Anne turned to face him, her temper now subsiding and, taking a deep breath, responded, "I accept your apology, Albert, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lost my temper. But it makes me mad when a man, any man, puts limits on what I or any woman is allowed to do. And I hate being referred to as a girl. In case you haven't noticed, I'm way past adolescence."

Softening her tone, she asked, "Are you sure you're alright? You hit that fence pretty hard."

"I'm fine, Anne. That's not the first time I've been thrown from a horse, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Let me get cleaned up, and then I'd like to take you for a ride. Besides, I need to get away from my brothers, who most surely will make a point of riding me about this the rest of the day," he laughed.

"I would love to go for a ride, but are you sure you're able to, seeing what just happened?"

"Yes, Anne," he said with a smile, "I can still ride, and it would be nice if you didn't kid me about this, either."

Smiling at him, she told him, "Don't worry, Albert, I won't. Even I, a mere woman, understand that occasionally, big strong men are bruised in more areas than one."

After telling her he'd be ready shortly, Albert entered the house and went to his room to clean up.

****

Thomas Stuart wanted a word with his son. Thomas knocked on Albert's bedroom door. Albert invited him in.

"You all right, Albert? Your brothers told me you were thrown and hit the fence pretty hard."

"I'm fine, just a little mishap. Anne and I are going riding."

"Anne is what I wanted to speak to you about." Thomas told Albert of the conversation he had had with Anne's father regarding the ranch and what the Wallaces hoped to develop in Nevada. After giving Albert a brief rundown on John's plans, Thomas told his son, "Anne is the one who chooses the stock, seems she's very good at it. John hates the fact and blames her grandfather for her abilities. He feels it is totally outside the boundaries that a woman should be allowed. I told him, out of all my sons, you were the best judge of horseflesh and that I was sure you would help her when the time came."

"Of course I will," Albert replied, thinking, Damn, seems I misjudged the lady. She holds more surprises than I first imagined. I never dreamt there was such a spirit beneath that smile and those eyes. She knew what I did was wrong and knew the horse was going to react the way it did. No wonder she lost her temper, she knew exactly what she was talking about. What other qualities does this woman possess that are unlike any other I have known?
Chapter Four

On the day her father had gone into Carson City to set up his office, and all four of the Stuart men were on the range branding cattle, Anne was left to entertain herself. It was an extremely hot day, even for Nevada standards. Anne had tried all morning to stay cool, finally coming up with an idea to get relief from the heat. She laid out a change of clothing, a towel, and a blanket, along with a few other items. Putting everything together in a canvas bag, she headed downstairs, stopping by the kitchen to tell George she was going out for a while.

"You no go, Missy Anne. You not know the ranch, you get lost," the small man told her.

"George, don't worry, I'll be fine. I'm not going far, just somewhere to get some relief from this heat."

She went to the barn, saddling the horse she had been using during her time at Sky Valley. Anne tied her bag to the saddle and led the horse into the courtyard. When mounted, she turned toward the road and then toward the area Albert had shown her, Topaz Lake.

****

Thomas and his sons had accomplished the branding faster than they had originally thought they would. Riding home, the men talked of their plans for the remainder of the day.

"Man, I can't wait to get home, get a bath, and maybe take a run into town for a cold beer," Ben said.

"Think I'll do the same, Ben," Henry added. "How 'bout you, Albert? Ready to go to town and let off some steam?"

Any other time, Albert would have gone. But now, there was someone who interested him far more than cold beer and loose women.

"No, I believe I'll just get home, get cleaned up, and relax," he told his brothers.

"Come on, Albert," Ben urged, "you haven't left the ranch in over a month. You've got to be ready to bust. Besides, there's a new gal at the saloon who's just your type."

"Thanks, Ben, but I'm not interested," Albert replied.

Shrugging, Ben added, "Okay, it's your loss."

****

Anne had retraced the route she and Albert had taken and found the lake with no problem. She chose a small cove, which afforded a beautiful view, along with a place to lay her blanket and tie up her horse. Dismounting, she removed the bag, carrying it to a place on the shoreline. After spreading the blanket, she removed all the items she had brought with her from the bag. Sitting, she pulled her hair back, using a ribbon to tie it into place and then set about removing her boots. Stretching her legs out in front of her, she pulled up her skirt until it rested on her thighs, and then removed her stockings. "Much better," she sighed.

"What do you mean she's gone out?" Albert questioned George. "Why did you let her go alone?"

"George try to stop. Missy Anne say she go, not get lost, would not listen to George, said she want relief," the little man told Albert.

Albert turned, grabbed his hat and gun which he strapped on as he left the house, rushing to mount Diablo. Turning the horse back toward the road, he kicked the stallion into a run.

Damn it, what was she thinking? She doesn't know the area, she could get lost, or worse, she could run into some drifter. Where would she go? Albert thought, and after a moment, he remembered the last thing George had said, She wanted relief . . . she's headed for Topaz Lake. I told her that the Indians go there. When I get hold of her. . .God, let her be all right! Don't let anything happen to her!

****

Anne stood, undoing her skirt, letting it drop to the blanket, followed by her shirt. Left only in pantalets and camisole, she made her way to the edge of the lake. Testing the water with her foot, she found it cold and refreshing. Taking her time, she waded out to where she could see a drop off. Pausing for a moment, she took a deep breath and dove into the deep blue depths.

Albert, meanwhile, had kept Diablo at a full run all the way there. "Sorry, boy," he told the stallion, "I'll make it up to you."

Off on the horizon, Albert saw the sun's reflection off Topaz Lake. Thinking, How on earth am I going to find where she's at? She'd probably want privacy, yet not be too far from the trail around the lake. Reining Diablo to a walk, Albert began the tedious job of looking for her.

Anne surfaced from the crystal clear water. It had been a shock when she first dove in. Now, used to the chill, she lay on her back, floating on the surface, letting the sun warm her. She remembered back to the times she and her cousins had spent hours swimming in the river that ran through her mother's estate in England. Turning back onto her stomach, she once again dove under the surface, loving the freedom she felt there. Relaxed for the first time in a very long time, she wasn't in any hurry to leave this sanctuary.

Having heard a splash, Albert scanned the surface of the lake. He thought he had seen something for a brief moment, at the inlet of the cove. Urging Diablo in that direction, he kept his eyes trained on the surface where he had last caught a glimpse of. . .

"There," he thought, after seeing the reflection of the sun off of auburn hair when she surfaced. Relief flooded through him as he realized he had been holding his breath.

Anne, by now, had re-surfaced and had gone back to gently floating in the water, thinking, As much as I hate to, I better be getting back. I don't want anyone worried that I was gone too long. But I definitely will return; it's so peaceful and private here.

By now, Albert had found where she had tied her horse, along with her belongings. Raising an eyebrow, he wondered what, if anything, she had on. This might be a little awkward, he thought. Standing there with his arms folded across his chest, legs apart, he waited for her to emerge from the lake.

Oblivious to anything anyone around her, Anne pulled herself up from the drop off and began slowly wading to the shore.

Albert caught his breath when she stood up. She did have clothing on, but, being wet, it left nothing to his imagination. Albert, turning his back quickly, not wanting to embarrass Anne, cleared his throat. He called to her.

"Ah, Anne, it's me, Albert!"

At the sound of his voice, her head snapped toward the shore. "Albert!" she screamed, trying to cover her chest and below her waist at the same time. "Just what do you think you're doing? You, you Peeping Tom!"

"I'm not a Peeping Tom," he replied, a grin crossing his face, his back still to her.

Furious, she stomped out of the lake, yelling at him, "What would you call it, watching a lady swim and then waiting until she got out of the water just so you could..."

All he could think of to say was, "I am not a Peeping Tom, and I wasn't spying on you."

"Well, I don't know what they call it in Nevada, but in England and everywhere else I've been, you're a Peeping Tom," she raged, trying to gather her clothes while he was standing in the middle of them.

"I am not a Peeping Tom!" he yelled, and then quietly added, "I didn't see anything." He was furious that he had to keep declaring his innocence.

Anne continued to rant as she struggled to put her clothes on over her wet body. "I can't believe I could not even come here for a little privacy without being leered at by some cowboy! Good Lord! You act as though you've never seen a woman before!"

"I've seen many women, Anne," he said slowly with a smile, "just very few so scantily clad."

At this she stood straight up, fire in her blue eyes. She dropped her clothes and stalked to face him, closer than she had ever dared before as she began, "I knew it! You did look!

Coupled with the embarrassment of Albert seeing her in a state of undress, she realized she had lost her temper again, and it was his fault. She was now doubly furious. She managed to put her stockings back on and made an attempt to button her skirt. Struggling, she tried to pull her boots on, finding that over wet stockings, this was just not possible.

Listening to her rage on about him being a Peeping Tom and a "Scoundrel", along with a few other names, he tried to think if he had heard her correctly. Peeking over his shoulder, seeing she was for the most part dressed, he turned to face her. Seeing her dilemma, he approached her as she was bent over, trying to jam her foot into her boot, still raining insults on him. He bent over, grabbed the top of her boot and attempted to help her. As a result of his help, she lost her balance and had to grab for his back to keep from falling. The contact of their two bodies was a shock neither would soon forget. Albert felt himself immediately become aroused as Anne's wet body covered his back. Quickly pulling her leg away, she backed up, not caring she was still only covered by the wet camisole from her waist up.

"You tried to trip me!" she exclaimed, perplexed, not knowing what else to say.

Albert straightened up and walked toward her. "Anne," he said softly, "I didn't mean to." His hand reached out to caress her face, something he had wanted to do ever he first laid eyes on her.

She turned and walked to the lake shore, slipping her shirt on. She was torn with feelings she had never felt before, having no idea how to suppress them. The closeness of him, the response of their bodies, was more than Anne could deal with at the moment. Besides, he had spied on her, seen her in a state of undress. In fact, he had seen enough of her that, in England, a wedding would be required.

He stood terribly close to her, saying in a soothing voice, "Anne, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to touch. . . to make you feel. . .to see. . .I mean, you're a girl and I. . ."

"What?" she asked. She wasn't sure if she had heard him correctly and asked again, "What did you say?"

Knowing he had committed a serious offense, Albert fumbled badly for the right thing to say. "All I was trying to say was that I was sorry that I had seen you. You're only a girl, and I'm sorry that I had seen you dressed or really undressed, only a little. And seeing your. . ."

Anger filled her as she thought, He called me that again! I am not a girl! I'm a woman and I have a woman's emotions and a woman's body! He has embarrassed me for the last time. He needs to be taught a lesson.

Softening perceptibly, Anne looked into his sensual eyes as she walked to him. She said softly, "Albert, it's all right. I know you enjoyed seeing me like this. If you'd not made yourself known, you would have seen more. I won't tell anyone, no one needs to know that you and I were here today and that we. . ." She moistened her lips with her small pink tongue.

Albert's eyes watched every move she made and, when she came to him, slipping her arms around his neck, pressing her wet chest against his, a guttural moan escaped his lips. He thought, This is not at all like Anne. Perhaps this is another side to her I need to explore.

Her lips kissed his neck, her warm breath sent currents coursing through his body. His arms crushed her to him. He felt her breasts straining for release against his chest as she whispered to him, "Go ahead, Albert, take it off."

His long fingers fumbled with the tiny buttons of her camisole as she stood facing him, his back to the lake. While he worked diligently on the buttons, her lips nibbled on his earlobes, encouraging him, as her fingers unbuttoned his shirt. She slipped her hands inside, caressing his chest, her fingers running over his nipples. He let out a soft groan as her hands played havoc with his self control. When he had two buttons undone and the prizes he longed to hold were so very close, she did something he would later laugh about. Molding herself closer to him, her tongue teasing his ear, she whispered, "Don't ever spy on me again, Albert Stuart!" Then she pushed on his chest with every bit of strength she had and watched as he, off balance, fell into the lake.

Standing there, buttoning herself up, she called to him. "That's for calling me a 'girl', Albert! You may have guessed by now I'm no girl, I'm a woman. I would have thought you knew that when you watched as I came out of the lake." Turning, she grabbed her blanket and her bag, and ran to mount her horse, kicking him into a run back to the house.

Sitting on his bottom, soaking wet in the lake, he watched her ride off as he said to himself, I'm going to marry that woman!

****

Arriving at Sky Valley, Anne found Ben, Henry, and Thomas sitting on the porch, talking. The boys were dressed for an evening on the town.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Stuart. How are you gentlemen this fine afternoon?" Anne asked, alighting from her horse.

"We're all just fine, Anne." Thomas replied. "George told us you had gone out riding and that Albert had gone after you."

"Yes sir, I decided this morning to take a ride to Topaz Lake. It certainly is beautiful there."

"By the way you two are dressed, I assume you're going into town for the evening, Anne said, smiling at Henry and Ben.

Ben, as always, could not hold his curiosity or his tongue, and blurted out, "Anne, how come your hair is all wet?"

"Oh, I went swimming at the lake," she explained.

At that moment Albert rode up on Diablo, his clothes still wet from the lake. His brothers and father took one look at him with Ben and Henry bursting into laughter.

When they could control their laughter, Henry asked, "Albert, you do a little swimming' too?"

"Doesn't look like he went swimming' Henry, Ben said, grinning. "Looks to me like he fell in, clothes and all!"

Ignoring his brother's laughter, Albert got off Diablo in one swift motion. With a smile on his face, he strode to Anne, taking her arm, none to gently, and telling his family as he led her to the barn, "You'll have to excuse Anne and me for a while."

Albert led Anne into the barn and shut the door. Henry turned to Thomas and asked, "He isn't going to whip her, is he?"

"No, Henry," Thomas said chuckling. "I believe Albert wants to talk to Anne privately. We best stay here, no better yet; you boys go on to town."

Before he thought, Ben replied, "Not on your life. I'm not going anywhere."

Thomas shot him a look, "What did you say, young man?"

"Sorry, nothing, sir," Ben replied.

Albert had heard Henry's comment on the way to the barn and thought, A whipping is long overdue for Miss Wallace. She might just get one before the day is through.

Leading her into the barn and shutting the door, he let go of her. As she jerked her arm away from him and started to tell him just what she thought of him, she was stopped by the look on his face.

He calmly told her, "Now you are going to listen to me, Anne. I wasn't peeping, as you so eloquently called it. I was worried about your being off by yourself. I went looking for you and just happened to find you, well, just that way. What were you thinking going off on your own? Anything could have happened to you! Indians. . ."

Anne was no longer angry, but for some reason she couldn't understand, she felt anxious as she replied, "I wasn't concerned about the Indians. I thought I could go there for a little privacy and a swim to get some relief from the heat. I had no idea that Peeping Toms were so rampant in Nevada."

"I am NOT a Peeping Tom!" Albert bellowed.

"Do not yell at me! And you are a Peeping Tom!" Anne shot back at him.

Out in the courtyard, Thomas shook his head, saying louder than he intended to, "Peeping Tom? Lord, what has my son gone and done now?"

Henry and Ben looked at each other and busted out laughing - again!

"Did Anne call Albert a Peepin' Tom?" Ben asked, laughing. "Now he's been called a lot of things, but never a Peepin' Tom."

"I didn't think old Albert had to sneak around to see a gal nekkid. Why I remember. . ." Henry laughed as a memory flashed through his head.

"Boys!" Thomas' voice thundered. "That is enough!"

"Sorry, sir," they both said sheepishly.

Inside the barn, the battle raged on.

"Anne, I don't have to sneak around to see a woman nude. There are plenty of women who willingly. . ."

"I can just imagine what type of woman is attracted to you and your crude behavior." Anne looked at Albert haughtily.

"Anne! Damn it! I was concerned, no, worried, that something had happened to you. You don't know the terrain or the people. You could have gotten hopelessly lost in the desert!" Albert exclaimed. "Now, I'm sorry that I saw you almost nude, but I won't apologize for my reaction. You're a beautiful woman with a beautiful body." He stopped himself, realizing that he was about to get himself in more hot water. "But you had no call to tease me the way you did."

"You called me a girl!" she screamed.

****

Out in the yard, Henry turned to Ben and said, "She's mad because Albert called her a girl? Isn't that what she is?"

"Naw, Henry. Anne's no girl," Ben said grinning. "Anne's a woman."

Thomas sat chuckling to himself thinking, I do believe my eldest son has met his match.

"Anne, now I mean it. . ." Albert began, his anger beginning to rise.

"No, you listen to me Albert Stuart. I am not a girl! I'm a woman! I would have thought that an intelligent man like you would know that, after seeing me soaking wet in my underwear! What are you? Blind?" She challenged him.

Now all ears, Thomas, Ben and Henry looked at each other as Ben voiced their confusion. "Albert saw Anne how?"

Shrugging their shoulders and shaking their heads, the three men continued to listen intently.

Inside the barn, Albert had grown tired of trying to explain to Anne his reasoning for being at the lake. Anne still seemed angry, and she refused to listen to reason. As he watched her, he thought she was never more beautiful than at that very moment, except for an hour and a half ago at the lake. He noted that when she lost her temper, her eyes turned a deep sapphire blue.

Albert did what he had wanted to do since he had met her. He grabbed her arm, pulling her to him, and kissed her deeply for the first time. Anne had never been kissed this way before and he found her kissing him back. Her hands caressed him as her fingers ran through the curls at the nape of his neck. He tightened his grip on her as his tongue explored the warm, sweet depths of her mouth. She offered no resistance and returned his kiss. His hands moved from her waist to her back, gently caressing her as he pulled her closer to him.

Anne had been surprised that he hadn't kissed her way before now. She had felt a strong attraction between them from the moment they met. She had longed to be in his arms, feeling him, kissing him. Never before had a man made her feel the way he did. They had a connection that had drawn them to each other.

Moaning, he whispered, "I know you're a woman, Anne. I didn't need to see you that way today to know that." He held her body close to his as he kissed her again.

He decided on the ride back that she needed to be kissed and kissed a lot, but only by him. Anne had captured his heart and touched something deep inside of him, something he had searched for but never found until Anne. The perfect woman for him to love. He realized this early on, but after today, she was going to be his.

Leaning back, his arms still holding her, he looked into her eyes and said, "I'm not sorry about today, Anne. I was worried about you being alone. Anything could have happened. Seeing you that way made me realize I never want another man to see you as I did, or kiss you the way I am."

"You better never tell anyone about today," she said softly, smiling as her lips found his, her arms holding him to her.

"Hey," Henry began. "It's awful quiet in there. Think we ought to check on them? You think Anne done killed him?"

Knowing his son, and remembering what it was like to love a woman, Thomas shook his head, and told his sons, "No, they're fine. Let's go on in the house." He smiled as he rose and went in.
Chapter Five

Albert now looked forward to every day, knowing he would be spending it with Anne. He had found what he had been searching for in her and was now content with his life. As their relationship grew, so did his brothers' questions.

One afternoon, while Albert was repairing a lariat, Henry began peppering him with questions.

"Albert," Henry asked, "how come you and Anne are only seeing each other? What about them other gals you were sweet on before she got here?"

"Henry, I wasn't sweet on any of those women, they were just someone to pass the time with. I have no interest in anyone else but Anne."

"Then does that mean if another fella asked Anne to go somewhere with him, she'd turn him down?"

"Yes, I imagine so," Albert responded. "What? What other man is interested in asking Anne out?"

Henry shrugged and said, "Nobody I know, I was just whatiffin' with you."

"Do Ben a favor, Henry," Albert began, "tell him about Anne and me. Then there will be no misunderstandings."

"Albert, I wasn't talking about Ben. I was just whatiffin' with you," Henry told him.

At his brother's last remark, Albert went back to making his repairs. That is until Ben joined them. "Hey, Albert," Ben began, "I got a question for you. I know you don't like to talk about private things and such, but remember that day when Anne was givin' you all get out in the barn?"

Sighing, tired of hearing about being a Peeping Tom, Albert answered, "Yes, Ben, I remember. Why?"

"I still can't figure out why she was so mad about you calling her a girl," Ben said, shaking his head.

"That, Ben, is because Anne is a woman, and I mistakenly referred to her as a girl," Albert explained. It was enough for Albert to know she did not like the term. He, for one, certainly wouldn't call her that again.

After that day in the barn, Anne and Albert were inseparable. They were openly affectionate with each other and did not care what anyone thought. One evening, as Albert and Anne sat on the porch, looking at a full moon, he leaned over and gently kissed her.

She gave him a curious look, to which he responded, "Because I wanted to and because I told you, you need to be kissed a lot."

Rising from her chair, she went and sat in his lap. Placing her arms around his shoulders, she softly returned his kiss and said, "I love your ideas." His arms pulled her closer. As he kissed her, Henry and Ben walked out onto the porch.

"Is that all you two do anymore?" Ben asked. "Every time I see you two, you're smooching. It's kind of scary."

"Why is it scary, Ben?" Albert laughed.

"It just isn't natural for you to be acting that way. You have never been that way with no other gal, ever," Ben said.

Anne smiled at Albert then replied, "Good! It's nice to know I have no other competition."

"You've never had any competition, Anne," Albert told her, pulling her back into his arms.

Not thinking, Henry added, "Why, I remember, when old Albert used to be worse than Ben here. He had so many gals. . ." Henry never finished his statement as Ben's elbow found his ribs.

"Now why'd you go and do that, Ben?" Henry asked. Then, after seeing the look on Albert's face, added, "Sorry, Anne, I was just messin' around."

Anne rose from Albert's lap and said, "That's all right, Henry. I really should be going in, if you all will excuse me."

"Anne," Albert said, taking her arm and leading her away from the house.

"They aren't going back to the barn to yell some more are they?" Henry asked.

"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 was 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 attorney, 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.

John felt he was entitled to his wife's estate. He had put up with Margaret during her illness, and had taken care of Anne. He saw to her education and provided her with the best of everything. Despite the fact it was his own daughter's money, John had been plotting how he would go about circumventing her grandfather's will since the day the old man died.

Now, when he was so very close to success, Albert Stuart had come into her life. Albert is like Thomas, he will see something amiss and start delving into matters. As her husband, Anne will give him complete control. That, I cannot allow, John thought. I'm going to have to proceed carefully. I don't want to raise anyone's suspicions when I'm this close.

If he hadn't stood to lose everything, he would have encouraged Anne's attraction to Albert. He came from a fine family, and Thomas Stuart wielded a great deal of influence in the territory. Influence that, had they married, would have proved to be very valuable to John's career. However, for now, it was imperative that his daughter's attentions be elsewhere, until after her birthday, giving him time to finalize the sale of the manor. A sale he had no legal right to negotiate, for the manor belonged to Anne.

It was these thoughts that ran through John's mind as he sat in his study, composing a letter to Joe Young, a man he thought would take care of all his problems. The bartender at the saloon had provided information about the man to him, with the assurance that he would deliver John's message, for a price.

Mr. Larkin,  
I have a business proposition I wish to discuss with you. Meet me in my office at the courthouse tomorrow morning at seven o'clock. I believe you will find it most beneficial. I trust you will be discreet.  
Judge Jonathon McDonald

John needed someone who would be capable of dealing with the problems his daughter and Albert presented, and be trusted to keep his mouth shut. He had found, in his experience, money bought most people's silence.

Completing the note, John sealed the envelope from prying eyes. He would drop it off to the bartender to give to Young, when he and Thomas Stuart went into town that afternoon.

John Wallace had an appointment very early the next morning, so the prying eyes of Carson City would not see the man that now entered his office.

"Judge, I got a message you wanted to see me," Joe Young said.

"Shut the door," John instructed. "I don't want the busybodies of this town knowing my business dealings.

"Sure thing, Judge," Young said as he closed the door. "Now, what did you want to see me about?"

"Mr. Young, I have been told you are experienced in taking care of problems," John said.

"Yeah, I know how to take care of any problems that need to be taken care of. But what problem could a judge have that requires my help?" Young asked.

"I want to see if you're capable of seeing to a few issues I'm having. I thought I could hire you to be the foreman of my ranch. This would give you firsthand knowledge of my daughter's comings and goings. It just so happens she's one of my problems."  
"Sure, Judge, anything you say. What kind of problems you been having with your daughter that you need to see to?"

"It pertains to her involvement with Albert Stuart," John explained.

Young's interest piqued when he heard who the two people he would be dealing with were. He had been looking forward to seeing the Judge's daughter again, and it would be a pleasure to bring Albert Stuart down a few pegs.

"When can you start?" John asked.

"How 'bout right now," Young responded. "But first we need to talk money. I want to know what my pay is gonna be for solving your little problem."

"Whatever Thomas Stuart paid you, I'll double, and there will be a bonus when I'm satisfied with the results," John explained.

"I can live with that, Judge. Now let's hear what you want done with your problem," Young said sitting back in the chair, listening intently. "I can move into your bunkhouse today and get started on your daughter. You sure ain't like any of the judges I met. Well, it's no matter to me, money's money; 'sides, I'll enjoy takin' care of her."

"Remember, Young, show some restraint. I do not want her hurt; just scare her. Whatever else you do is up to you. As far as Albert Stuart goes, handle it any way you see fit," John said.

John Wallace was not a man prone to violence, but he had to do something about Anne and Albert. She was going to balk about going back east, and he would take any steps necessary to bring her into line. He knew she would not allow anything to happen to young Stuart and hoped Young would show some restraint dealing with her.  
However, if the man got a little too heavy-handed, so be it. He had waited a long time to control the fortune Anne's mother had left her. No one, not even his own daughter, would stand in his way. It was imperative that she not know of her inheritance until everything was finalized. By the time she found out, it would be too late. If he were unsuccessful, she would inherit a virtual fortune when she turned twenty-one, and her birthday was only two months away.

****

Young stepped out into the dusty streets of Carson City on his way to the hotel to pack his things and move to the judge's ranch. He would meet Anne Wallace when he got there. Her father had given him a letter of introduction to give to her.  
He wants her out of the way pretty bad to hire me to rough her up, Young thought. I wonder what he stands to gain. I need to find that out; there may be more money in it for me before this is over.

Anne Wallace was in the process of planning her day. She went to the kitchen to speak to their cook and, after selecting the menu for that evening, made her way to the corral. She heard a horse approaching, assuming it would be Albert. She turned only to find Joe Young, the man Albert had cautioned her about, before her.

Waiting as he dismounted from his horse, she said, "May I help you with something?"

"Yeah," he began, "you must be Miss Wallace, the judge's daughter. I'm Joe Young. Your father just hired me as foreman of this ranch."

Taken aback by this revelation, Anne regained her composure. "My father didn't mention this to me, Mr. Young. I will have to check with him about this."

"Naw, Miss Wallace, ya' don't have to check. Here's a letter he said to give ya'," he said, handing her the folded paper.

Anne opened it and read its contents. Her father had hired him; why, she could not guess. The ranch didn't have that much livestock yet, so there was no need for a foreman.

"It seems you're correct, Mr. Young. You may put your things in the bunkhouse over there," she said, indicating where the bunkhouse was. Anne had an uneasy feeling about the man; the way he looked at her. Albert definitely was not going to like this.

"If you will excuse me," she began.

"No need for excusin' yourself missy, you're gonna be seein' a lot of me," Young said to her.

"Mr. Young, let's get something straight," she said. "My father hired you to run this ranch. That does not include me; do not make the mistake of thinking that. I won't hesitate to fire you if you get out of line one time."

As he walked toward her, Anne resisted the temptation to back up as he said, "Miss Wallace, there's no need to threaten me. Your father hired me, and he's the only one who's gonna fire me, no matter what. Now you better get use to me bein' round here all the time. I gotta say it will be a pleasure seein' you every day."

"We'll just see about that," she said through clenched teeth. Anne started into the barn to saddle her horse with Young right behind her. Standing far too close to her, he told her, "Yeah, Miss Wallace, you and me gonna get to be real good friends."

She spun around and said, "Stay away from me! Don't you dare come near me again."

"And if I don't," he began, "what are ya gonna' do, tell Albert Stuart? Got news for ya, missy, I ain't afraid of him."

"No," she seethed, "it won't be necessary for me to tell Albert. You're not worth his time; I can deal with you myself."

"I'm lookin' forward to that, missy," Young said, leering at her.

"Mr. Young, let me give you fair warning. I do two things very well. The first one is riding; the second is using a gun. I'm an excellent shot, and I won't hesitate to shoot anyone who threatens me."

"Hey, missy, no need to get all mad and such, I was just wantin' to get to know ya'," Young explained.

"You're a hired hand and it's not necessary for you to know me. Stay away from me, Mr. Young, or I will see you gone, one way, or another," she told him.
Chapter Seven

"I want him fired," Anne told her father that evening. "We don't need him for twenty horses. What were you thinking?"

"I need someone in place to handle the day to day operation of the ranch, Anne. I hired him, and he's not going anywhere," her father told her.

"Father, he makes me very uncomfortable. He made some inappropriate suggestions to me. I want him fired."

"Anne, it was his first day. He comes highly recommended, so let's give him a chance. He even worked for Thomas Stuart; now that should tell you something."

"I know all about his working at Sky Valley. He was fired for stealing cattle. I imagine you didn't know that," she challenged.

"Actually, my dear," he said, "I do know of that unfortunate incident. Personally, I believe it was all a misunderstanding. Now I'm going to give Mr. Young an opportunity to prove himself. When, and only when, I feel he isn't working out, he will be let go."

"Father, I had to threaten him today to leave me alone. Doesn't that tell you anything?" she asked.

"It tells me," he began, "that you are judging the man before you know him. I thought you prided yourself on your tolerance of everyone."

"Albert is not going to like this," she said.

"Albert Stuart does not run this ranch! I do!" he said vehemently. "Now you may be all enthralled with young Stuart, but I'm not. You listen to him far too much. That's another reason it will be good for you to be away from him for a while. You will be able to regain your impartiality. Something you've lost since you've been involved with him."

"Say what you will," she began, "I'm not going anywhere. I'm not going back to school, so you might as well get use to the idea. Just keep Young away from me. I will not hesitate to defend myself if I feel threatened."

She would have to tell Albert, and he would be furious. He was to be out of town on business in a few days and now would be reluctant to go because of Young. However, if she didn't tell him, he would be even angrier.

****

Albert came calling later that evening. When he dismounted Diablo, Young sauntered out of the bunkhouse.

"What are you doing here?" Albert asked.

"I'm the new foreman; the Judge hired me today," Young responded.

Albert went to the front door and knocked, watching the man as he stood leaning against the hitching post. Anne opened the front door, giving Albert a kiss. As he entered, he asked, "What is your father thinking, hiring Young? Didn't you tell him the problems we had with him?"

"Yes, Albert," she said taking his hand, "I did, but father is adamant about giving him another chance. He already makes me uncomfortable."

"Let me speak to your father," Albert said.

"He isn't going to listen."

"Anne, let me talk to him," Albert said forcefully.

"All right, but you won't get anywhere with him. I've already tried," she explained.

Entering her father's office, she announced, "Father, Albert would like to speak to you."

"Come in, Albert. Good to see you." John Wallace stood, shaking his hand.

"Sir, I believe you've made a mistake hiring Joe Young. He's a cattle thief and who knows what else," Albert explained.

"Albert, as I told Anne, this is my ranch. Whom I employ is no one else's concern. While I appreciate your opinion, this is my decision, and I would like you and Anne to respect it," he said.

"But, sir," Albert began, "I don't think. . ."

"Albert!" the judge yelled, "I don't want to be rude, but this is none of your business."

"Sir, it is my business. I'm concerned for Anne's safety with him around. He doesn't respect women, and he's not to be trusted," Albert replied.

"Let me worry about that, young man. While you seem to be under the impression that only you can see to my daughter's well-being, you're wrong. She has been under my protection all of her life, and no harm has come to her," the judge responded.

"She has been fortunate up until now," Albert continued. He was furious that this man was putting her in danger. Albert had to make him realize this.

"Albert, because you are Thomas' son, I'm going to overlook your rude comments and behavior. However, be warned, I will not tolerate any more of your conduct. Anne is my responsibility for now. I don't feel she is in any danger, and until I do, Young stays!"

Anne knew Albert was ready to explode as she said, "Please Albert, let's go for a carriage ride."

Albert stood glaring at her father, unable to understand why the judge was being so stubborn and would not listen to reason.

"I didn't bring the carriage, Anne," Albert said through his anger.

"Well, then," she began, "let's have our new hired hand hitch ours up. After all, he's being paid to do more than lounge around the bunkhouse," she said as she started for the door.

"I'll see to it, Anne. I want a word with him anyway," Albert told her. "Wait here. I'll come for you when it's ready."

Walking out the door, Albert donned his hat. Approaching Young, he told the man, "I would like a word with you while I get the carriage ready."

Following Albert into the barn, Young said, "Couldn't get the judge to fire me, could you, Stuart?"

"Don't worry about my conversation with the judge, Young. I'm warning you, do not go near Anne. I don't have any idea why he hired a convicted criminal, but I will be watching you. Anne will tell me if you do or say anything out of the ordinary to her. If you value your life, stay away from her," Albert told the man.

"Don't be threatening me, Stuart. You're not on Sky Valley now," Young said.

"Just remember what I said," Albert replied.

After leading the horse out of the barn and hitching him to the carriage, Albert went to get Anne. When they left, he asked, "Why would your father hire Young?"

"I don't know, but something isn't right. My father has never hired a criminal. His feeling has always been they could not be trusted. He's up to something. I just know it," she told him.

"Anne, stay away from him until I can figure out what's going on. I just warned him to keep away from you. If he bothers you in any way, I want to know. I warned you about going into Carson City alone, and your father hires the most contemptible man in the town to work right here," Albert said, shaking his head.

"I'll be okay," she told him. "I've had to deal with men like him before."

"When were you exposed to men like that?" Albert asked.

"We visited Washington before we came here. There are a great deal of unsavory men running our country. I was able to avoid them, just as I will avoid Young," she said. "Now I don't want you worrying, Albert. I'll be fine."

"I can't imagine what your father was thinking when he hired him," Albert said.

After taking her home and putting the carriage away, he headed back home. Arriving there, he found Thomas sitting in the great room, reading. "Father," he began, "may I talk to you about something?"

Thomas seemed to be taken off guard. "Of course, what seems to be the problem?"

"I'm not sure," Albert began. "Judge Wallace has hired Joe Young as his ranch foreman. I tried to tell him about Young, and he definitely did not care what my feelings were on the subject. Anne had already told him everything I did before I arrived."

"That doesn't sound like John," Thomas said.

"I don't believe John is the same man you use to know," Albert stated.

"I'm starting to believe the same, Albert. I'm ashamed to tell you that I contacted an attorney in London when John wrote and told me he and Anne were coming for a visit. I thought it rather odd that after fifteen years or so he suddenly wanted to renew old acquaintances. The information I'm receiving from the attorney is most unsettling."

"What is it? Does it involve Anne?" Albert asked.

"I haven't gotten everything back yet, but from what I gathered, it does involve Anne. She, however, is unaware of her part in this."

"Would he put her in any danger?

"Right now, Albert, I can't say for sure. I would rather wait until I have all the information. Then you and I will sit down and go over everything. Then we'll decide what, if anything, we need to do."

"Albert," Thomas Stuart began, "I know you don't want to go to San Francisco right now, but you're the only one who can close this sale with the army. They have worked with you and won't deal with anyone else."

"Father, you have to understand my reasons for not wanting to leave Anne right now with Young working there."

"I do, son, but you can't watch over Anne twenty four hours a day. Her father is there, and he won't let anything happen to her," Thomas replied.

"You have more confidence in John than I do," Albert said. "I don't trust that man, and with the reports you're getting back, it's only a matter of time until I have to tell Anne what type of man her father is."

"Anne is over here most of the time anyway," Thomas began. "I know she stays away from there just to stay clear of Young. You know your brothers and I will see to her while you're gone. I really do hate the fact you have to go, Albert, but we'll take care of her."
Chapter Eight

The next morning, Albert rode over to the Wallace ranch Anne had named The Oaks. She had described to Albert the area outside London it was named for. "It's beautiful there. During the fall, when the leaves are turning, it looks as though the entire countryside is ablaze. I always loved it there."

Anne came out to meet him when she heard him ride up. "Morning, Albert," she said smiling up at his face.

"Good morning, Anne," he replied as he alit from Diablo, giving her a kiss. "I thought we would go riding today. We need to talk about a few things."

"All right, let me go change. There's coffee on the sideboard, help yourself," she replied.

Albert had gone into the dining room to get coffee. As he was gazing out the window, the man he was concerned about walked out of the barn. He saw Young start toward the house until he saw Albert's horse. Albert watched as the man mounted and rode away.

"I'm ready," Anne announced as she entered the room.

Smiling at her, Albert sat his cup down and took her arm as they left the house. She waited as Albert saddled her horse. Neither knew they were being watched. Shortly, they were on their way down the road away from the ranch.

When they arrived at the bluff overlooking the lake, where they always went when they needed to talk, Albert wasted no time telling her he would have to go out of town. "I hate to leave right now, but I'm the only one who can close this particular deal. I don't feel right leaving you with everything that has been going on."

"Albert, I'll be fine. I've had to be alone and deal with people like Young before. I'll be all right until you get back. I'll just stay very close to the house or ride over to visit your family. He just makes me nervous the way he's always staring at me," she explained.

"I just don't understand your father hiring him,"

Albert began. "He had to know his criminal history and to just ignore all of that. . ."

"I don't know, and I don't want to talk about either of them. When do you have to leave, and when will you return?" Anne questioned.

"Day after tomorrow, and I'll be back as soon as the bill of sale is signed. I still don't feel right leaving you," Albert explained.

"Nonsense, you must go. Your father is depending on you. I'll stay busy and it will be fine. You can't be with me every minute of every day, Albert. I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself," she declared.

Pulling her to him, he told her, "That's my point, I want to be with you every minute of every day, and I don't want you having to take care of yourself anymore. I want that job, to see to your every need and want. When I get back, I want to announce our engagement. Then I won't worry about you as much once we're married."

Anne hadn't told Albert of the heated exchange she'd had with her father that morning. "I don't know what has happened to you, Father. You were always against hiring people with a criminal record and now you've gone and hired a man with a very questionable past," she told her father.

"It's not your decision Anne, it's mine. Albert Stuart might influence your thinking, but not mine. I resent the fact he seems to assume his word is law where you are concerned. If he continues, I'll be forced to speak to Thomas," John replied.

"Albert is not a child, and neither am I. You have no need to run to Mr. Stuart. He holds the same opinion of Young as Albert," she told him.

Two days later, she and Thomas saw Albert off on the stage. "I'll be back as soon as I can," Albert told her. "Henry and Ben have promised they'll check on you until I get back."

"Please, Albert, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Just hurry back and be safe," she told him, kissing his cheek.

She watched as Albert reluctantly climbed into the stage after their goodbyes.

"He won't be gone long, Anne. I'm sorry he had to go right now. I know he's upset with me, but it couldn't be helped," Thomas told her.

"I know, Mr. Stuart; he worries about me far too much. I'm always afraid he'll wake up one day and decide I'm too much trouble to bother with," she explained.

"That, my dear, will never happen," Thomas said, smiling.

The first day Albert was gone was a long one for her. She had declined Thomas' invitation to dinner, telling him she had things that needed her attention. A lie, but she hadn't wanted to burden the elder Stuart with the job of watching over her, knowing Albert had made his entire family promise to do so.

Joe Young had been making himself scarce lately. So after returning home, Anne busied herself in the house. She decided to straighten her father's office. Never one to pry before, Anne felt there was something in her father's office that might lead her to understand the drastic change in him over the last six months.

As usual, nothing was on his desk, except a small notation on a pad of paper about her birthday. She had almost forgotten about it, more engrossed with Albert's and her relationship, and now the problem of Young. She tried opening his desk drawers and found them locked. That's odd, she thought. He never used to lock his desk. Perhaps he doesn't trust Joe Young, either.

"I don't believe the judge would appreciate you going through his things, missy," Young's voice came from behind her.

Startled, she railed, "What do you think you're doing, coming into this house without being invited?"

"Settle down. I'm the foreman here, and I've got a few questions for the judge. Guess he ain't here," Young replied.

"You know he left early this morning, now get out of this house!" The man did frighten her, but she was not about to let him know this.

When he didn't attempt to leave, she added, "Do not make me tell you again, Mr. Young. You are not allowed in here. Now go about your duties, or I shall tell my father about this."

"You do that, missy, and see how far it gets you. Don't threaten me, you won't like my reaction," he told her.

This response infuriated Anne. "I'm not easily intimidated. Now I'm not going to tell you again to get out. If it were up to me I'd fire you on the spot for your insubordination."

In two long strides, he was beside her, grabbing her arm in a vice-like grip. "You can say what you will, but you're scared. Good, remember that feeling, and don't ever order me around again. You have no say over me."

Anne jerked her arm away, glaring at the man. "How dare you touch me? I warned you before to stay away from me," she said with more conviction that she felt.

Turning, Young gave her a once over look, smiled, and left the house.

When he left, Anne sat in her father's chair, shaking. Trying to quiet her nerves, she wished Albert was there. I have to talk to father, he just threatened me, and I believe he can be violent. Surely, he will do something about Young now once I tell him about this, she reasoned.

Anne made the decision to go for a ride over to Sky Valley after all. She hated having to leave her own home, but with him lurking around, she felt like a prisoner. Changing into riding clothes, she waited until she saw Young ride away and went to saddle her horse. When finished, she led the horse into the courtyard, mounted, and began her ride to Sky Valley.

I hate feeling this way. I've never had to depend on anyone but me before, and now I feel as though I'm not capable of dealing with this thug. Albert will be gone for another four days, so I best figure out a way to handle Young. At least now I'm away from him, she thought. Little did she know, Young was following her as he did every time she left the ranch.

Arriving at Sky Valley, Thomas greeted her, "Anne, good to see you. I was just thinking about you. I'm glad you changed your mind and joined us. Henry and Ben should be back soon. Get down, and sit a while with me."

Dismounting, she tied her horse to the hitching post and walked to the porch, taking a seat with Thomas. Knowing by her face that something was wrong, Thomas looked into her eyes asking, "What's wrong, Anne, did something happen?"

Shaking her head, she began, "It's nothing, Mr. Stuart. Joe Young just makes me nervous. Every time I turn around, he' watching me. I had to get away from the house. I don't like to be there alone when he's the only one around."

"Anne, I think the time has come that I speak with John about this. I know he got angry with Albert the other day when he tried to talk to him about Young. But he just may listen to me," Thomas said.

"I don't think so, Mr. Stuart. Father is not listening to anyone right now. It seems he's determined to keep Young on no matter what. I've told him how the man makes me feel, and he just laughs it off. After I tell him what happened today, perhaps he'll change his mind," she explained.

Alarmed, Thomas asked, "What happened today, Anne?"

Knowing she had made a grievous mistake in letting that slip, she tried to cover it up. "Nothing, really, he just makes me nervous."

"Anne, tell me," Thomas instructed.

"He came into the house. I was in Father's office, and he snuck up behind me. When I told him to get out, he grabbed me," she explained.

Thomas' anger soared. "I'll talk to John today," he told her.

"Please don't. I believe it will only make matters worse. Let me try to handle it, and don't tell Albert. I'm convinced Young wants nothing more than a confrontation between him and Albert." she pled.

"Anne, I can't promise that. I need to speak to John anyway. I will just bring up the subject of Young and see what his response is. I won't tell Albert, for now," Thomas said.

"Young is just trying to intimidate me because I'm a woman and there alone. If Father were home, he wouldn't behave in such a manner," she told him.

****

Thomas, not so sure of John anymore, was concerned for her well-being. John was not the man he had known, nor was he the least bit concerned about his daughter. More information had come in from the attorney in London and Thomas' feeling of uneasiness grew with each report.

These same thoughts were going through Albert's mind. He had been troubled all the way to San Francisco about Anne being alone at the ranch with Young. He thought back to their last conversation, "Stay away from him, Anne, even if you have to stay at Sky Valley. When I return we're going to get this matter settled, once and for all." I should not have left her. There is no telling what could happen if I'm not there. Surely, her Father will see no harm comes to her, Albert thought.

If only Albert had known the dark thoughts John had regarding his daughter, he never would have felt confident that he would take care of her.

Back at Sky Valley, Anne had relaxed being with Thomas.

"George is making lunch, Anne. When the boys get back, we'll eat," he told her.

"I really shouldn't stay, Mr. Stuart, there are things I could be tending to at home," she told him. "I miss Albert. I feel closer to him when I'm here," she said simply.

"I know, my dear, and I regret he had to go to San Francisco, but Albert is the one who had brokered the deal, and the army would deal with no one but him," Thomas explained again.

"I know that, Mr. Stuart, and I don't want him to neglect his duties in any way because of me. I've never felt so foolish in my life. I've pretty much taken care of myself since I was fourteen. Now, for the first time in my life, I feel vulnerable. It's not a good feeling," she told the older man.

"Anne, you're a strong woman, and I'm confident you will be fine. I just have questions I need answers to, and those answers can only come from your father. I would like you to stay here while I go into town to speak to him," Thomas told her. "I will leave when Henry and Ben return."

"Mr. Stuart, please don't do or say anything on my account. Father can be rather hostile when he feels someone is questioning him. I don't want to be the cause of any problems between the two of you. I especially don't want Albert to know of any of this. I hate to appear weak. I swore I would never be that way, and here I am running to Sky Valley the first time I feel uncomfortable," she told Thomas. "I never want Albert to feel I'm a burden."

"Anne, you are not weak and Albert would never think of you as a burden. He loves you, young lady, and wants to marry you. When he gets back, you're going to be hard-pressed to be rid of him. You have made my son a happy man, and he's not about to let anything happen to you. However, you're going to have to be patient with him. Albert is going to do what he thinks best where you're concerned, even if it angers you or your father," Thomas explained.

As they were talking, Ben and Henry rode up. Both men greeted Anne as they got down from their horses. Thomas explained to his sons that he had errands to run in town and asked if they would look after Anne.

"Sure, Father, we've got orders from Albert to see to her and it will be a pleasure," Ben said.

"I don't want to be a bother for anyone," Anne began. "I know you two have other things you'd rather be doing than entertaining me."

"Naw, Anne," Henry began, "being around you is much more fun than being with Ben. You make sense when you talk. Something little brother here don't."

"Well, thank you both, I really don't want to go back home . ., I mean it's more pleasant being with all of you," she said.

"We know, Anne," Henry said, gently smiling at her. "Me and Ben will see to everything."
Chapter Nine

Thomas Stuart tried to arrange his thoughts of what he would say to John on his ride into Carson City. I do not want to alienate him right away, but I have to get to the bottom of what he's up to. The longer this goes on, the more I'm convinced he's up to no good.

Confident Anne would be safe in Henry and Ben's care, he went directly to the courthouse and found John in his office. Looking up from papers spread on his desk, the judge greeted him. "Hello, Thomas. What brings you to town?"

"I had some errands and thought I'd drop by and see you. Since you moved into your house, I haven't seen much of you. Perhaps we could have lunch?" Thomas asked, smiling.

"I'd enjoy that, Thomas. I'm tired of dealing with criminals. I would like to have a conversation with an honest man for once today," John replied.

"I would also like to talk to you, John. I'm concerned about Anne," Thomas said.

"Anne?" John asked. "Why are you concerned with Anne?"

"I've been hearing about her uneasiness with Joe Young around. I know Albert told you of our experiences with him, and I'd like to understand why you've engaged him," Thomas said.

"Thomas, I'll tell you what I told Albert. Whom I hire is my business, not Anne's, not Albert's and certainly not yours. I don't tell you how to run Sky Valley, and I would appreciate it if you would give me the same consideration," John replied.

"John, if Anne were my daughter, I would not allow Young near her. He's not to be trusted and capable of just about anything," Thomas told him.

Thomas now saw first-hand the irrationality of the man he had considered an old friend as John exploded in rage. "Thomas, this is none of your business! Anne may have deceived you and Albert into believing she is frail and unable to take care of herself, but believe me, she is more than capable of handling any situation."

Trying to reason with John, Thomas began, "John, she's your daughter, to be protected and cared for. She shouldn't have to fear for her safety. She's terrified of being alone with him around."

"Thomas! Do not lecture me on how to care for my daughter! You are no longer welcome here, and give Albert a message for me. When he returns, he is not to see my daughter again. Forget we were ever friends as I have just done. Now unless you have legal business with me, get out!" John raged.

Thomas realized that he would now have to bring up the information he had received from the lawyer in London, as he calmly said, "I don't think so, John. I have some very unsettling reports I want to discuss with you. When I received your letter telling me you wished to pay us a visit, I was curious. I asked myself why, after so long a period of time, you decided to visit me. I know you're planning to cheat Anne out of her inheritance. What I have not figured out is what Young has to do with all of this. Mr. Lawrence, the attorney in London, was most anxious to find where you had disappeared. With the information I provided him, he was very open with me regarding the details of why you left England. Now Anne will know, as soon as she turns twenty-one. He told me of all correspondence he had sent here regarding her inheritance and that it had all been returned. You saw to that. If you don't want me to tell her all I've discovered, it would be wise for you to terminate Young and tell her everything. Do it today and I will let you tell her yourself. I won't allow her to return home until you do."

"How dare you blackmail me! Everything you've said is hearsay. I've taken care of Anne since her mother died. I have no secrets from her. We were getting along fine until your son turned her against me. Try to come between us, Thomas, and see what happens. Anne is loyal to a fault, so you won't get anywhere with your accusations," John told him.

"Do not blame Albert or anyone else but yourself. He gave her unconditional love, something that girl has not known since Margaret died. Be thankful you're talking with me and not him today. Albert would not give you a chance to tell her. He would have already done so," Thomas told him. "No, I'm going back to the ranch. I'll tell her you wish to speak to her this evening. Henry and Ben will escort her home and I'll ask her to come see me first thing in the morning. If she hasn't been told by then, I'll tell her. It's your choice, John."

By the time Thomas returned home, Henry and Ben had worn Anne out playing checkers, and she was ready for a break. "Anne," Thomas began. "I spoke to your father. He would like to talk to you tonight. After dinner, Henry and Ben will ride home with you. I would, however, like to see you in the morning. Do you think you could ride over here first thing tomorrow?"

Not sure what was going on, Anne told him, "Of course, Mr. Stuart. I'll be here first thing in the morning. How was Father to talk to?"

Not wanting to alarm her, he replied, "He was fine, Anne, a little upset at first, but he's all right now," Thomas explained.

After Thomas had left his office, John Wallace had closed his court for the day and returned home. He needed to speak to Young before Anne returned. Blasted Stuarts, he thought; now I have to hurry before Thomas spoils everything.

After dinner, Henry and Ben rode home with Anne, waiting while she entered the house. When they were sure she was safe, they returned home.

"Anne?" Her father called when she shut the front door. "I'd like to see you in my study."

Doing as he requested, she entered, asking, "You wanted to speak to me?"

"Yes, dear. Sit down," he answered.

After she was seated, he began. "Thomas came to see me today, and I must say I'm very disappointed in you."

"You're disappointed in me? What have I done?" This was not at all what she had expected from him.

Rising from his desk, he walked to the front, leaning on it as he looked at her with angry, gray eyes. "Running to him, telling him you aren't safe here. Now, Anne, you know that's not true. Why, I would never let anything happen to you," he said in an unsettling tone.

"I didn't run to anyone. They know why I'm uncomfortable, and with good reason. You wouldn't listen to me. I had no one else to turn to," she replied.

"You always were a little sneak," he said to her in a voice she didn't recognize.

"Father! I have never. . ." she started.

"You may have fooled them, your mother, and your grandfather, but I know you for what you are. On the outside all sweet and kind, but on the inside devious and calculating," he spat at her.

Rising to leave the room, he grabbed her wrist, forcing her to sit back in the chair. "I'm not done with you. You're just like your mother. She spoiled everything for me by having you. None of this would have ever been necessary if you hadn't been born. I've been saddled with you for the last twenty years and now, when I'm so close to realizing my dreams, you're determined to ruin everything," he said.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she said, "I don't know what you're talking about. I've not done anything wrong."

"Running to Thomas Stuart, whining to him just like you did years ago to your grandfather. You remember what happened the last time you did that? I sent you away. That is exactly what I'm going to do now. Be rid of you once and for all and live the way I should be able to and not be stuck with you!"

Anne couldn't bear to hear any more. She had always suspected he felt that way about her, but had buried it deep within, not wanting to admit this to herself. Now he had said it aloud, and she knew she had been right.

"Don't you dare criticize me for anything I did to protect myself. You did nothing after I told you of my fears about Young. Then, you were always good at using my fears against me. When mother died, and you knew I was terrified of losing you, you used that to keep me in line and do your bidding. I was so frightened during that time, I would have done anything to win your favor," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "I had no one except for you, and you pushed me away. Thank God, I had my grandfather; as much has he hated you, he loved me. Well, I'm not a frightened little girl anymore. I'm grown, and I'm in love with a man who loves me more than I thought possible, and we're going to be married. Then you will never be saddled with me again. I will be out of your life for good. An event I look forward to. However, I do have something to thank you for. The stubbornness and independence you hate so much in me is because of your treatment of me when I was growing up. I was forced to be that way to survive," she railed.

She had derived great pleasure in venting this way for the first time in her life. Albert was right, she should not hold so much inside, and it had felt good to let it out.

Her father did something that took her aback; he laughed. She feared the man had lost his mind until he began, "Bravo, Anne, you surprise me. You've turned into a formidable adversary. As much as you will hate me saying this, you're just like me."

"I am nothing like you!" she screamed.

"Too bad," he began. "You should have exhibited these traits before now. It may have changed things."

"If I had to choose between being like you and being dead, I would choose death," Anne exclaimed.

So be it, my dear, so be it, John thought.

After entering her bedroom, only then did she allow herself to cry. Anne was terrified. Her father had never looked or sounded the way he had tonight, even during their worst disagreements. After her tirade, there was no telling how he would react. She knew she couldn't stay there. If she could just get away from the house, she would ride into town and stay at the Frontier Hotel tonight. Albert will be home tomorrow and everything will be alright then, she told herself.

Anne packed a small bag and quietly slipped down the stairs and out of the house. She would have to pass near the bunkhouse in order to get to the barn. Praying Young would be either busy with something or had gone into town, she slowly crept past it, stopped by the sound of her father's voice. Listening, she heard him say, "We're going to have to do something about my daughter right away. When I leave in the morning, wait an hour, and then take care of her. At this point, I don't care what you do."

This can't be happening, she thought. I have to get away from here. Silently she slipped into the barn and saddled her horse. I'll have to wait until father returns to the house, she told herself. As she slipped her bag over the saddle horn, she stood at the door, quietly waiting for him to leave the bunkhouse. She didn't have to wait long. She watched as her father exited the bunkhouse and made his way up the stairs and into the house. She opened the barn door and led her horse out.

Slipping her boot into the stirrup she heard Joe Young say, "Goin' somewhere, missy?"

With her heart in her throat, she turned and said, with more bravado that she felt, "Get out of my way. It's none of your business where I go."

"I've had it with that smart mouth of yours," he snarled as he grabbed her arm, "always acting uppity. 'Bout time someone taught you a lesson," he said, drawing back his fist.

Anne closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable. As he prepared to strike her, a deep voice warned him, "Hit her, and I will shoot you where you stand." Looking up, he saw Albert and Henry Stuart on horseback, their guns aimed at him, Albert's eyes dark with anger.

"Albert!" she screamed.

"Stuart," Young snarled, "I didn't expect you back this soon, but I've been taking real good care of your gal while you were gone. Just ask her."

Albert got down from Diablo, taking his gun belt off. As he handed it to Henry, Young shoved Anne into her horse, knocking her down, then lunged at Albert.

Anne was pulled to safety by the massive arms of Henry as he told her, "You stay right here, Anne."

The two men grappled with each other, Young outweighing Albert by a good forty pounds. Albert, however, was faster and quickly delivered two blows to the man's face, breaking his nose. One of Young's punches caught Albert in the stomach, stunning him momentarily.

"Albert!" she screamed, rushing toward the two men.

Henry pulled her back, telling her, "Let him go, Anne. Albert can take care of himself."

Albert landed punishing blows to Young's ribs and mid-section. Anne would swear she heard the sounds of bones breaking when Albert's fists landed on Young's body. Turning her head away, she couldn't bear to watch anymore.

The fight ended when Albert landed a solid blow to Young's jaw, knocking him to the ground. It was at this point, Henry grabbed his brother and said, "Enough, Albert. Ain't no more fight left in him."

Joe Young lay at their feet in a bloody heap. Enraged, Albert fought to free himself of Henry's grasp. The big man told him, "I said enough, Albert."

When he felt his brother's body relax, Henry released him. Anne flew to his arms, covering his face in kisses as his long fingers tenderly held her face, asking, "Are you all right?"

Wrapping her arms around him, she could feel his heart as it raced. "Albert, are you all right?"

"Anne, I'm fine. Thank God we got here in time," he said.

"How did you manage to come home early? I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow," she said.

"I finished with the army early and didn't want to wait for the stage. So I bought a horse and rode back from San Francisco. After I got home and Father told me of the meeting he had with your father, I felt you were in danger. Henry rode over here with me just in case there was trouble."

"Good thing for Young I did," Henry said. "He'd be dead if I hadn't come."

"Where is your father?" Albert asked.

"In the house," she told him. "Albert, there's more that happened tonight that I need to tell you." She told him about the argument she and her father had and overhearing him and Young in the bunkhouse.

Albert told her, "We're going to the sheriff's office, and you're going to tell Ray everything."

"Please, Albert, I can't. . ."

"Yes, you can, Anne; this has gone on long enough. He's made your life hell, threatened you, and hired Young for the sole purpose of hurting you. If I hadn't gotten here in time, I don't know what would have happened."

By now, Henry had Young on his feet and was in the process of tying him to his horse.

"I'll hitch up the carriage," Albert told his brother. "But I want to speak to her father first."

"No, Albert, I can't go back in there. I can't see him or listen to him anymore.

Taking her hand gently in his he told her, "Anne, you're safe now. I'm not going to let anything hurt you. There are a few things I need to say to him, and I want you there to hear them."

While Henry watched Young, Albert and Anne entered the house. Finding John in his study, the surprised look on his face told Albert everything.

"Don't say a word," Albert warned him. "Anne has told me everything about tonight and the instructions you gave Young in the bunkhouse. I'm taking her to see Ray. He'll be very interested in your little plot. She won't be back here until you're gone. I want you out of this house by tomorrow."

"How dare you give me orders!" John raged. "Just who do you think you are?"

"I'm going to be her husband very soon, and I'll tell you as I told Young, if you ever threaten her again, I'll kill you. I should do it now for what you've put her through. You'll never hurt her again. For now, it will suffice that you'll be spending time in jail."

At this, Albert turned, taking Anne's hand, and left the house. Henry had hitched up the carriage, and they quickly left for Carson City.
Chapter Ten

Arriving in town, Henry took Young to the Sheriff's office while Albert and Anne went to see the doctor, Peter Martin. Albert knocked on the door for some time until Peter finally came to the door. Albert explained, "Sorry to bother you so late, Peter, but Anne needs to be looked at."

Opening the door, Peter smiled at the girl then asked, "What happened, Anne?"

"I'm all right, Peter. Albert insisted I come to see you," she said.

Albert explained the events of that evening. "I just want to be sure she isn't hurt." Peter had her sit on his table and began examining her.

The doctor's fingers touched her arm. Pushing her blouse sleeve up, he said, "There are no broken bones, but you're going to have a whale of a bruise," Peter explained.

When he was finished, Anne insisted that Peter check Albert too. His hand was cut and swollen, but other than that, he had no other visible injuries. Trying to re-assure her, Peter began, "I've lost count of the times I've had to patch up the Stuart men. Out of all of them, Albert has the hardest head. He'll be fine, but when you get home, soak that hand and put some liniment on it."

Thanking Peter, they left his office and went directly to the jail. When they entered, Ray began, "Anne, Henry has told me what happened. Do you want to press charges against Joe Young?"

"Yes sir, I do."

At Albert's coaxing, she told Ray everything that had happened that night, including the conversation she had overheard between her father and Young.

"I can't believe that Judge Wallace would do such a thing," Ray said, shaking his head. "I've never arrested a judge before. I'll go out to the ranch tomorrow morning and pick him up. He's not going anywhere before then."

"Anne will be staying at Sky Valley, Ray. If you need any more information from her, you'll have to come see her there. So that you know, I ordered her father off of his ranch by tomorrow," Albert told the man.

"I'll see to it, Albert. Now you two best get on home. By the looks of you, you both need some rest."

On the ride home, Albert guided the horses with one hand, the other arm around her. "Everything is going to be all right now, Anne," he told her. "There are some matters we're going to have to talk about, but the worst is behind us."

At Sky Valley, Thomas met them at the door. "Albert, what happened? Anne, are you all right? Henry was just telling me some of it."

Albert explained what had occurred and that Anne would be staying with them. "Of course she's staying here. Put her things in the guest room next to you, Albert. Anne I'm so sorry about all of this. I thought that after talking to your father, things would be better. I can't believe I fell for John's act. For tonight, rest, we'll talk more tomorrow."

"I think Anne and I could use a brandy."

"Allow me," Thomas exclaimed as he went to the table and poured three brandies, handing one to each of them.

Sitting on the sofa, Anne began, "Mr. Stuart, I'm sorry to impose. I told Albert I could stay at the Frontier. That's what my plans were, but he insisted I come here."

"This is where you belong, Anne. I feel much better having you here and I know Albert does as well," Thomas told her.

Putting her head on Albert's shoulder, she sat staring into the fireplace. Sensing her mood, Albert suggested, "Why don't we get you settled in your room. Tomorrow we'll talk more, but for now, it's best that you rest."

Albert showed her to her room. Turning to her, he pulled her to him, asking, "Are you alright? With everything that happened, I haven't even greeted you properly."

Kissing her, he held her close as she replied, "Albert, I'm fine now that you're here. Promise me we won't be apart again."

"Not in this lifetime," he told her. "Our time of being apart is almost over. No more talking tonight, Anne. The last few days have had to have been a nightmare for you. You're safe now. Tomorrow, we will have to sit down and talk with Father. He has some information you need to know about. Now I want you to listen to me. I'm going to be right next door if you need anything, or if you just want to talk." he told her, kissing her good night.

After he closed the door, he returned to the great room where his father and brothers waited for him. George had brought him a basin of water for his hand, and Thomas had poured each of them a brandy. As he handed Albert's to him, he asked, "What on earth happened over there tonight?"

Albert took a seat, submerging his swollen hand in the water, and began telling them everything Anne had told him. "From what Anne said, John seemed almost crazed when he talked to her after she returned from Sky Valley. He accused her of telling us stories about him. There were parts I'm sure she omitted, hurtful, hateful things he said to her that I can only imagine."

Continuing, Albert told them of her plan to get away from the house and ride into Carson City until he got home. "On her way to the barn is when she overheard her father and Young's conversation. John had told Young to take care of her, that he didn't care what he did to her. Father, I believe if Henry and I hadn't gotten there, he would have hurt her, possibly killed her."

"I never dreamt it was that bad, Albert," Thomas said, shaking his head. "Anne wouldn't tell me anything, and I know she never told you how bad it was."

"No she didn't," Albert replied, slowly flexing his hand. "She always avoided the subject of her father and growing up. I never understood why until now. She told me a few things about England and how she didn't care for New York when she attended school there. I had no idea it was as bad as it was."

"Well," Henry began, "that little girl has had enough sorrow in her life. It's about time you took care of that, big brother."

"I plan to, Henry, and soon. I swear she'll never know another sad day," Albert promised.

"I don't get it," Ben said. "Anne's always nice to everyone. She even puts up with you, big brother. How could anyone treat her so bad?"

"I don't know, Ben," Thomas replied. "There is just no understanding someone like John Wallace."

After talking a while longer, Henry and Ben excused themselves, deciding to turn in for the night.

"Boys, you are going to have to handle things here tomorrow. There are a few things I need to talk to Anne and Albert about first thing in the morning," Thomas explained.

"Sure thing," Henry said. "We'll see to it."

Rising, Albert told his father, "I think I'm going to turn in, also. It's been a long day."

"I'm sure you're tired with that ride from San Francisco and everything else that's happened this evening. Albert, Anne is going to get through this. It may take some time, but she will. And, in time, she will heal."

"I know she will. I can see to anything Anne needs. Good night, Father."

Before going into his room, Albert passed outside of Anne's door. Hearing a faint sound, he slowly opened the door. She was standing by the window, looking out into the night that was as black as ink.

"Anne, is something wrong?" he asked.

She turned around, and he saw she had been crying. Going to her, he gently took her in his arms, asking, "Can I do anything?"

"No," she replied softly. "I have to come to terms with this on my own. But thank you for asking. Now go on to bed, you have to be exhausted. Is your hand any better?"

"It's alright, I soaked it for a while," he answered.

Taking his injured hand in hers, she raised it to her lips, kissing it. Then she quietly told him, "Go on to bed, Albert, I'm fine."

Albert was hesitant to leave her, but knew she needed this time alone. As she had said, she would have to work through today's events on her own. He hated that she was hurting, and as much as he wanted to bear the pain for her, he knew he could not. Tonight, she had to work this out on her own, but tomorrow, he would take over, and she would never be alone again. Kissing her, he told her, "I love you, Anne."

"I love you, too. Good night, Albert."

After he had left, she sat on the bed, reflecting on the past day and telling herself, After tonight I will not let my life prior to now affect Albert or me again. Father will be out of our lives, and I pray I will never see him again.

Sunlight streaming through her window woke her the next morning. She had finally fallen asleep as the grandfather clock in the great room had struck midnight. Lying in bed, she smiled, thinking, Today begins my new life with Albert. Nothing is going to spoil our life together.

Slipping out of bed, she washed, did her hair, put on a clean dress and then made her way downstairs. All four Stuart men were seated at the table having coffee, talking. Albert saw her first and came to the stairs to meet her.

Kissing her cheek, he said, "Good Morning. I trust you slept."

Returning his kiss, she told him, "Yes, I did. Did you?"

"Yes, I did. Anne, today will be a better day."

"Morning, Anne," the other men greeted her as she walked into the dining room.

"Good morning," she replied, smiling at them.

"We waited breakfast for you," Thomas told her.

"You shouldn't have, you must be starved," she declared.

Her demeanor is better today, almost like she was before all of this began, Albert thought.

Albert held her chair out as she took her seat beside him. Henry poured her coffee as George brought the breakfast platters to the table.

"Good morning, missy Anne. You look good. Now eat," the cook told her.

While the four men dove into their breakfast, Anne sat sipping coffee watching them. She was relaxed; she felt that this was where she belonged. Anne enjoyed the loving interaction between father and sons. She had always wanted a family like them and now she almost was a part of this one.

George brought her warm muffins as Ben asked, "Why does Anne get George's special muffins? We've got to be sick to get them."

"Missy Anne nice to George. Not yell like men," he told Ben.

Laughing, Thomas told her, "George doesn't make those for everyone, Anne. You should feel honored."

"I do, Mr. Stuart, I do."

After breakfast, Thomas asked to speak to Anne and Albert. He had the young couple join him in the great room. Sitting on the sofa, he began, "Anne, first of all I'm so very sorry for what you've been through the past few weeks. I had no idea."

"Mr. Stuart, please stop. I should be apologizing to all of you. My father took advantage of not only your friendship, but also your hospitality. He was at fault. I'm so ashamed for how everything has turned out. So please, don't apologize."

"Anne, Albert knows some of what I'm about to tell you," Thomas began. He told her of his suspicions about her father from the very beginning, explaining why he had contacted the attorney in London. "We've been corresponding, sharing information. In his most recent letter, he informed me that he would be here in Carson City the day after tomorrow. Mr. Lawrence was your grandfather's attorney, and he wants to meet with you and explain your inheritance."

Anne had listened intently while Thomas continued telling her what he had discovered about her father.

When he was done, she told the men, "I had forgotten about any inheritance until I remembered my last discussion with my grandfather. It was before I was sent to New York. He died while I was away. He told me that he was going to make sure that father never profited from my mother's death. I didn't understand what he meant until now. If it's not too much to ask, I would like you to be with me, Albert, when I meet with this attorney. I want you to know everything he says. I know you feel you should be there also, Mr. Stuart. I only wish all of you weren't troubled by this."

"You know I want to be with you, Anne, and I'll do whatever you want," Albert told her.

"Anne, if I may suggest," Thomas said delicately, "with charges against John forthcoming, it might be wise to ask the local magistrate to sit in on this meeting with Mr. Lawrence."

"Whatever you and Albert think best," she said. "I really can't believe that this inheritance is worth all of the trouble it's caused."

"Well, until he arrives," Thomas told them, "we'll have to wait for any more answers."

Rising from the sofa, Albert addressed his father, "If we're done, I have a day planned for Anne and me."

"That's fine son. Your brothers and I can handle ranch business today. You and Anne go have some fun."

"We're going on a picnic. Something we haven't done in a while."

At this announcement George brought out a large basket as Albert asked, "Everything is in there that I requested, George?"

"Yes, Mr. Albert, everything."
Chapter Eleven

As they walked outside to the porch, Anne saw the carriage was waiting for them in the courtyard. "You've had this planned for a while, haven't you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, smiling.

"For a while," he said, giving her a grin as he lifted her into the carriage. He then climbed in, taking the reins, as he steered the horses towards the bluff. When they arrived, he helped her down, grabbed the basket, and let her to their favorite spot.

After Albert and Anne had left, there was a knock on the door. Opening it, Thomas greeted Ray Jones. "Morning, Ray. You're out early. Come on in and have some coffee."

Ray stood in the doorway, nervously twisting his hat in his hands. "No coffee for me, Thomas. I need to speak to Albert. You might want to listen to this, also."

"I'm sorry, Ray, Albert's not here right now. May I help you with anything?"

"Thomas, I don't rightly know how to tell you this. I went to pick up Judge Wallace early this morning. When I got there, he was gone. Hank told me he lit out of there last night."

"Ray, how could you?" Thomas began.

"That ain't all, Thomas. While I was gone, Young got the drop on Chuck when he brought his breakfast to him. Knocked him in the head and took the keys. He's gone, too."

"Ray, how could you let this happen? You should have gone and gotten John last night," Thomas rebuked the man.

"I know that, I don't need you telling me I messed up. But I never dreamt the judge would take off. He hasn't got anywhere else to go," Ray told him. "They're probably both outta the territory by now or near to it. I need you and Henry and Ben to join the posse and help me track them."

While Thomas railed at Ray, back at the bluff, Albert and Anne were enjoying this time alone. Albert had been planning this moment for six months, rehearsing what he would say over and over again. Now that the time had come, he was nervous. Taking her hand, he walked her to the edge of the lake.

"Anne," he began, "you like it here, don't you?"

"I love it here," she said. "I told you the first time you brought me here that I could stay here forever."

Albert Stuart had never been at a loss for words in his life until now. Struggling to find exactly the right ones, he finally began, "I've wanted to find the perfect moment to ask you this for some time now. I've searched for what you possess all of my life. Your love for me has changed my life. You've made me a complete man. I never felt for anyone what I feel for you. Your effect on me is maddening. The simplest look from you, and my heart races. Your touch sends my pulse soaring, and your love for me is pure and complete. You believe in me and trust me in a way that amazes me. You see and know my every need and want without a word from me. I love you more than anything else in this world. I want to wake up in the morning with you beside me and watch the sun rise and set with you. I want to give you children and watch you grow large with them. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Anne. Marry me and be my wife."

He took a small box out of his pocket. As he opened it, he told her, "I wanted something special for you. I searched for the perfect ring that would somehow express my love. I had this made while I was in San Francisco." He took out the most exquisite diamond ring Anne had ever seen and slipped it on her finger.

"Yes!" she cried.

"Yes?" he asked to be sure. He had expected her to hesitate or tease him before giving him her answer.

"Yes. I want to be your wife, to love you forever, take care of you, have your children, have a house full of children with you," she said excitedly.

"That part about the children. . .," Albert said, grinning.

"Albert, I meant after we were married," she said, blushing.

Pulling her to him, he looked deeply into her eyes, and then kissed her softly. He held her for the longest time, not wanting to let her go. He loved this woman as he never knew he could love anyone. When he gently pulled away, he said, "I know what you meant. That's one of the reasons we need to set a wedding date. And soon! I've waited long enough to make you my wife. I don't want to wait any longer than necessary."

"Tomorrow," she said.

"Tomorrow? Anne we can't plan a wedding that fast," he laughed.

"Why not? Ray can marry us. We can be married tomorrow," she said confidently.

"Anne, I want you to have a wedding that every woman wants. Besides, I have to finish our house and Father will insist on a big wedding. He'll want Mary and her husband to come from Sacramento. Anyway, that's why I asked you if you liked it here. I'm building our home up there," he told her, pointing to a bluff that was amid vast woodlands, overlooking the lake and mountains.

Slipping her arms around his neck, pulling him close, she told him, "Albert, I would live anywhere with you, you know that. But if this is what you want, to complete our home, and to have a big wedding, then that's what you shall have. I love you, but I don't want to wait any longer than necessary. I want to start our life together now."

"I suppose we could live in the little cabin off the trail as we come up here until I finish the house," he said, considering the idea. Now, realization set in that she had agreed to be his wife. He was going to be married. He wrapped his arms around her and said, "I'll make you a good husband, Anne. I swear."

"I have no doubts that you will make me a wonderful husband."

Releasing her, he said, "I brought champagne to celebrate."

Sitting on their blanket, she held the glasses as he popped the cork on the bottle, pouring for them both, and made a toast, "Here's to our beginning, the beginning of our life together for the rest of our lives."

As they sat together, sipping champagne, they talked, making plans for their wedding and their future. They spent the rest of the day happily talking of the life that they would soon have together.

Later in the afternoon, as Albert lay with his head in her lap, looking up at her, he asked, "Is there anyone in England you would like to invite to the wedding?"

"There are a few, but I doubt they would be able to come. I'm surprised Mr. Lawrence is able to travel so freely."

"About Mr. Lawrence," he began, "I think Father is right about having the magistrate there. There are some legal issues that need to be addressed."

"Whatever you think best, Albert. Now that you've committed your life to me, you're stuck with everything that comes with me. My grandfather was a farmer, and I'm sure his estate is minimal," she said. "Perhaps we will be able to purchase a small piece of art, or a few books for your library with it."

As she lay by him, he pulled her close and said, "I will take care of everything and deal with Mr. Lawrence. You just see to being ready to be my wife."

"That, sir, I have been prepared for since the first time you kissed me," she told him, tracing his lips with her finger.

"And I've been ready to make you my wife since I saw you at Topaz Lake that day," he said with a grin.

"Albert!" she said sitting up, gently slapping his arm. "You promised you'd never bring that up again."

"I have a confession, Anne," he said seriously. "I don't want us to have any secrets from each other."

"What, Albert?" she asked hesitantly.

"I did look at you that day," he said smiling.

"I knew it!" she exclaimed. "You swore. . ."

Silencing her with a kiss, he told her, "I can't wait for the day I can see you that way anytime I wish."
Chapter Twelve

"Father," Henry began, don't you think one of us should go and try and find Albert?"

"Yes, Henry, we should, but I have no idea where they went."

"I've got a pretty good idea where they went," Henry said, climbing astride his horse. "I know which way they went, and I can track them the rest of the way."

"Hey, wait," Ben cried out. "Isn't that Chuck riding this way?"

"Mr. Stuart, Henry, Ben," the deputy began as he nodded to the men. "Ray sent me to tell you that they caught the judge on the road to San Francisco. Said to tell you also that Young was spotted heading for Sacramento. Ray sent wires to all the towns, told me to tell you it ain't necessary to join the posse, most likely he'll be caught by sundown. Ray was more worried about the judge getting away than he was with Young."

After the deputy left, Thomas began, "I don't want anything said to Albert about all of this when he returns. There will be plenty of time to tell him tonight after Anne retires."

Both Henry and Ben nodded their heads in agreement of their father's decision on the matter. They then unsaddled their horses and returned to the house.

On the ride home, Albert asked, "I would like to announce our engagement when we get home if you have no objections."

"Yes, why don't we? When they see this," she said holding out her hand, admiring the ring. "They are going to know. I'll keep my hand in my pocket until you tell them."

"After, let's sit down and make a list of the things we have to do for the wedding," he told her.

"What about the house? Don't you need to make a list for that, also?"

"I drew up the plans on the house months ago. I designed it the way I knew you would want it. There's no need to makes notes on that."

Tucking her arm in his, she kissed his cheek declaring, "You think you know me pretty well, don't you?"

"I know everything I need to for now," he said grinning at her. "The rest, I'll learn after we're married."

"Albert, you have me at a disadvantage. I'm not sure I understand."

"It's not important that you understand that part of our relationship now," he explained. "When the time comes I'll help you."

Realizing what he was referring to by their life after they were married, she stammered, "Albert, you, you know that I. . ."

"I know, Anne," he said softly, squeezing her hand. "I told you I would see to everything, and I will." They rode for a while in silence each lost in their own thoughts and dreams when he was torn from his thoughts by her cry.

"Oh my gosh! I just realized, I have no one to give me away," she said.

"Anne, that's the least of our concerns," he told her, relieved it was nothing more serious.

"Albert, what am I going to do? Even if my father wasn't in jail, I wouldn't allow him anywhere near us or our wedding. Do you think your father would consider doing it?"

"I believe my father would be honored if you asked him."

"If you're sure," she said hesitantly. "I don't want him to feel obligated that he has to."

"Anne, I'm positive. Ask him."

When they arrived at the house, Thomas and his sons were on the porch talking.

"Anne, Albert, you certainly had a beautiful day for a picnic. You're just in time for dinner," Thomas said, greeting them.

"Yes, we did," Albert declared. "But before dinner, Anne and I have an announcement."

Thomas smiled at the young couple before him. "Go ahead, son," Thomas coaxed.

"Anne and I are engaged! We're going to be married," Albert said bursting with excitement.

Henry was the first to shake his brother's hand saying, "Well I'll be doggone, Albert. About time you ask this gal. Congratulations, I'm happy for both of you."

Ben, offering his good wishes, also, asked, "You sure Anne? You know how cantankerous Albert can be. Wouldn't you rather. . ."

"No, Ben, Anne has said yes, and I'm not letting her change her mind," Albert said, smiling.

"I love Albert just the way he is," Anne announced. "Between his cantankerousness and my temper, we're perfect for each other, and our marriage certainly won't be dull."

Henry and Ben both grabbed Anne, kissing her and welcoming her to the family and then shook Albert's hand.

Thomas hugged his son and kissed Anne, announcing, "We must have champagne. Ben, run down to the cellar and get a bottle. And we must sit down and plan their engagement party."

"Father," Albert began, "Anne and I want the wedding as soon as possible, and we want to concentrate on that. An engagement party really isn't necessary."

"Yes it is! I've waited a very long time for one of my sons to marry. Now I'm going to have my wish, and I want everyone to know. We'll have it next Saturday. We'll send a wire to your sister and see if she'll come. Besides, you can't arrange to have the wedding that quickly. We'll invite everyone in Carson City."

Turning to Anne, Albert asked, "Is that all right?"

Smiling at her future father-in-law she said, "Of course, whatever your family wants. It's not every day a Stuart man is married," she laughed.

"All right, but Anne and I are concentrating on wedding plans. The three of you will have to plan this little party."

"We will," Thomas told them. "Ben, open that bottle. Henry, get George, he's a part of this family, too, and grab six glasses."

While Henry and Ben did Thomas' bidding, Thomas asked to see her ring.

"How did you know?" she asked.

"I know my son, Albert, would have seen to that. I bet he had it commissioned in San Francisco. Besides, your left hand hasn't left your pocket," he replied.

Anne held out her hand, looking into Albert's eyes, and asked the older man, "Isn't it beautiful? I'll never take it off."

Walking back into the room, Henry looked at it as he whistled, saying, "Dang, Albert, that thing is almost too big for her hand. Couldn't you find her a bigger one?"

"No, Henry, it was the biggest one I could find," Albert laughed. "I want every man to be able to see it so everyone will know she's spoken for."

"Henry, don't tease, it's perfect. I love it. Albert picked it for me and I would not want anything different," Anne told him.

After everyone gathered in the great room, Thomas accepted a glass from Ben as he waited for the rest of his family to be served and then began his toast. "Today, my eldest son has made my dream come true. For years I have prayed for my sons to find women who would love them and make them happy. Albert, I had begun to wonder if you could find a woman who would live up to your expectations and you evidently have in Anne. Son, your mother would be so very proud if she were here." After a moment Thomas added, "Now that I think about it, I swear she and Margaret planned this years ago. Anne, welcome to our family."

As they drank their champagne, Albert congratulated himself on finding the perfect woman for himself. Anne is perfect for me. She loves me, yet won't allow herself to be overshadowed by me. She has a strong sense of self-worth, so different from the other women I've been involved with who depended on me for everything. She is everything I've ever wanted, everything I've ever dreamed of.

"Now can we eat?" Henry asked. "Champagne makes me hungry."

"Everything makes you hungry," Ben laughed.

George came to the young couple, bowing and telling them, "Miss Anne, Mr. Albert. A thousand blessings on your house. May it be overflowing with your love and your children."

"Thank you, George. As a matter of fact, Anne was just telling me just how many children she wanted," Albert began.

"Albert, that was private!"

"I know, sweetheart, I just want to let George know we have plans on filling our house with children," Albert replied.

"Good, I need grandchildren and soon. Your sister and you need to make good on it. I'm not getting any younger!" Thomas laughed.

"And neither is Albert," Ben added, laughing.

That night at dinner they discussed the wedding, the house, and their party. Thomas asked, "Are you inviting anyone from England to the wedding, Anne?"

"I would like to, Mr. Stuart, but I don't know if they would be able to arrive in time as fast as Albert wants to get married," she answered. "Besides, with all of the love and support that you all have shown me, you've made me feel that my family is sitting right here with me. I don't need anyone else. But you're inviting Mary and her husband, aren't you?"

"Yes, yes," Thomas replied. "I'll send them a wire tomorrow telling them to come."

Albert took her hand, kissing it as they smiled at each other. Thomas watched the exchange between the two, thinking, Elizabeth, our son has found his other half. Albert will be alright from here on out.

After dinner, when they retired to the great room for coffee, as Anne sat making notes of details for their wedding, Henry volunteered, "Albert, I'd be glad to give you a hand with the house."

"Me, too," Ben offered.

"I would appreciate all of the help I can get. I don't want Anne to see it until the wedding. The sooner I finish it, the better. We had discussed staying in the little cabin out there until the house is completed, but with all of your help that won't be necessary."

"What about Anne's house? Couldn't you stay there until yours is finished? There won't be anyone staying there," Ben asked.

Anne watched for Albert's response, as he replied, "No, Ben. We do not want to stay there. It will be in our house or the little cabin."

"Well, if we all pitch in, we can have it done in two weeks," Thomas declared. "Branding is done and anything else on the ranch can be handled by the ranch hands."

"Father, I can't ask you to do that," Albert told him. "Being one man short will be difficult enough for you to deal with."

"You didn't ask, I volunteered. Your brothers and I want to help you two in any way we can," Thomas replied.

"I can help, too," Anne offered.

"No, the house is a surprise, and you're going to be too busy with the wedding," Albert told her. "I'll help as much as I can with the arrangements, but if you can manage that, it would be a big help, and I can concentrate my efforts on the house."

"Agreed!" she told him. "I'll see to the wedding arrangements. If there's something I believe we need to discuss, we will. Otherwise I'll accept the responsibility of planning it."

After the brothers drew up a rough schedule for the house, Henry said, "If you don't need me and Ben any more tonight, we wanted to ride into town and see what's going on."

"Hey, Albert, why don't you go with us?" Ben grinned. "Might just be your last chance to kick up your heels and have a good time before you're married."

Anne watched with interest to see Albert's response. "No, Ben, I better not. There are things Anne and I have to discuss. You and Henry go on. We'll start work on the house day after tomorrow," Albert told them. "After our meeting with Mr. Lawrence, I can concentrate on everything else."

"Well, while you two and Father are at your meeting, Ben and I can go up and finish clearing the brush," Henry told him.

"That would be helpful, and then the following morning we'll get started. I've already arranged for the lumber to be delivered that day, and we can set the posts at first light," Albert explained.

"Then it's settled. We'll be getting back after you folks are in bed, so good night, see you tomorrow," Ben replied, grinning.

Albert caught a brief glimmer in Anne's eyes and instantly knew something was wrong. "Yes, Albert," she began. "Maybe you should go kick up your heels and have a good time."

"No, Anne, I am done with that life," he told her.

Thomas, sensing there was something amiss, told them, "I'm going to walk your brothers outside and check on a few things."

****

When the house was empty except for the two of them, he asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, except why do I get the impression you were torn about going to town with your brothers and having a good time or staying here with me?"

"I wasn't torn. I have no intention of going to town and sitting in a saloon," he told her.

"Evidently, Ben thought there was a chance you would or else he wouldn't have invited you," she said.

"Anne, this isn't the first time my brothers have asked me to go into town with them. Each time I've refused. There was a time that, yes, I did go with them and, yes, I had a good time. However, all of that was before you. I haven't been into town other than on business since I met you.

Looking at him for a long time, she said, "I apologize. I was out of line; I should have questioned your intentions."

"No, you have that right now, just as I do with you," Albert told her. "I haven't the slightest interest in anything now except you, our wedding, and our house. Anne, don't ever doubt my commitment to you. It is you who I want. I don't need anything or anyone else."

After the brothers had left, Anne had wanted to speak to Thomas with only Albert present. When he returned, she began, "Mr. Stuart, I know I've imposed on you far too much already, but I have one more favor I must ask of you. Due to the present circumstances, I have no one to give me away at our wedding. I know it's asking a great deal, but would you?"

"Anne, it would be my honor," Thomas told her.

"Thank you," she said, hugging the older man. "It means a great deal to me that you're willing to do so."

They sat, discussing what time they would leave the following morning for town. The magistrate would meet with them at ten after Mr. Lawrence arrived on the nine o'clock stage.

"We should leave by eight," Albert suggested. "Mr. Lawrence will not know anyone in town. Someone should be there to meet him."

"With that settled, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I believe I'll retire for the night," Anne announced.

"I'm ready for bed, also. Good night, Father," Albert said.

"Albert," Thomas stopped him, "may I speak to you for a minute?"

Sensing Thomas wanted to speak to his son alone, Anne excused herself. "Albert, I'll go on to bed. I'll see you both in the morning."

After they heard the door to her room close, Albert asked his father, "What's wrong?"

"Ray stopped by this morning after you and Anne left. He wanted to speak to you regarding John and Young. Albert, they both escaped."

"What?" Albert asked, not believing what he had heard. "How could they allow something like that to happen?"

Thomas repeated everything Ray and then Chuck had told him, finally saying, "John has already been captured on the road heading towards California. Young has been seen heading in the same direction. Ray has wired every town between here and San Francisco to be on the lookout for him. He's confident Young will be captured very soon. I didn't want to say anything in front of Anne until I told you."

"Of all the incompetence," Albert raged, "how could Ray and Chuck allow this to happen?"

"Albert, what's done is done. John is behind bars, and Young will be soon. I didn't want to spoil your day, but thought you and Anne should know everything."

"I better tell her immediately. I don't want her finding out from someone else," Albert said, dreading this responsibility.

Anne had not changed into her bedclothes knowing Albert would want to see her before he went to bed. Shortly there was a knock on her door. As she opened it, Albert asked, "May I come in?"

"Please do," she said opening the door.

Albert told her everything regarding her father and Joe Young escaping and how John had subsequently been captured. When he finished, he waited for her reaction.

"All right, at least they caught Father. That's what's important," she said calmly.

Not sure if she had heard him correctly, he asked, "You do understand Young is still loose somewhere between here and California."

"Yes, I understand. I'm not worried. Young wouldn't dare show his face around here. I'm just glad they caught my father, he's far more dangerous," she told him.

"Anne, are you sure you're okay? You're taking this much better than I thought you would."

"Albert, today is the happiest day of my life. I'm not going to allow anyone or anything to destroy that happiness. Thank you for your concern, but really, I'm all right," she promised.

"Well, if you're sure," Albert replied, "I guess I'll go on to bed. We have a big day tomorrow."

"Yes, I'm fine," she said, kissing his cheek.

Albert held her and said, "Trust me; I won't let anyone ever hurt you."

"I do trust you," she said looking into his dark eyes. "I always have."

Only after he left did she let her resolve slip and allowed fear to overwhelm her. We couldn't even enjoy today without something to do with my father spoiling it. When is this going to end? I have to trust Albert that everything will be all right. If I don't, my fears will eventually come between us."

As Albert closed the door to his room, he told himself, She is not all right. I watched her eyes and saw fear there. She has got to learn to trust me that I will never let anything happen to her.
Chapter Thirteen

Anne rose early, having slept little the night before. She was eager to have this day behind her. After making her bed, she washed and did her hair. She then selected a dark blue suit and white blouse to wear for their meeting. When satisfied with her appearance, she tucked a document into her purse and went downstairs to join the others. She could hear Thomas and Albert talking. Henry and Ben's voices were noticeably absent. Usually their good-natured banter dominated talk at the table.

Stopping their conversation, Albert looked up, greeting her as he rose from his chair and met her as she stepped into the great room. "Good morning, did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I got in bed and didn't hear a thing," she said, easily skirting the truth. "Where are your brothers? Surely, they aren't sleeping in."

"You won't believe it. They're on their way to the bluff to start working on the house. When Father told me, I was astonished. Henry must have gotten Ben up at daybreak," Albert replied. "Now come and eat something. We have to leave in a little while."

Anne accepted a cup of coffee, but declined anything else. "I'm a bit nervous. I'd better pass on food for now."

"Anne, you really should eat something," Albert told her.

She wasn't hungry, and the thought of food made her nauseous. "Not now, maybe later. After the meeting," she said firmly.

Soon they were on their way to town to meet Mr. Lawrence, arriving before the stage.

"Good," Thomas remarked. "It wouldn't do to have Mr. Lawrence standing here on the street waiting on us."

As he finished his statement, they heard the stage approaching. When it pulled to a stop, the only passenger, a tall, distinguished, white haired man got off.

"Mr. Lawrence?" Thomas asked, removing his hat.

"Yes, Mr. Stuart?"

"I'm Thomas Stuart," he said, shaking the man's hand. "This is my son Albert and . . ."

"You're Anne Wallace," he interjected, taking Anne's hand. "I remember those eyes and that hair. Of course, you were just a little girl then. Now you've grown into a beautiful woman. I'm sure you don't remember me."

"No, sir, I'm sorry, I don't," Anne answered.

"Shall we go on to the courthouse? I took the liberty of asking the local magistrate to sit in on our meeting," Thomas explained.

"Very well, Mr. Stuart, I will present my credentials to him," Mr. Lawrence replied.

Thomas had a valet take the attorney's bags to the Frontier Hotel, where he had reserved the visitor a room.

As they entered the court, Thomas introduced the magistrate to Mr. Lawrence. The attorney presented his papers, identifying himself, and then took a seat at the large table and opened his briefcase.

Taking their places, Mr. Lawrence began, "Miss Wallace, I regret we have to meet under these circumstances. I had sent you numerous inquiries, all of which were returned to me, I'm assuming by your father. I was concerned something might have happened to you. Thankfully, Mr. Stuart contacted me. He has been most kind to keep me informed of events that have occurred the past two months. From the information I've gathered, through various sources, I assume you know nothing of your grandfather's will."

"No, sir, I don't," Anne replied.

"Very well then, we shall go over everything. First, you should know I was your grandfather's attorney for over twenty years and was well aware of the animosity between him and your father. William had left explicit instructions, written into his will, pertaining to your inheritance, on how he wanted it to be administered. After your grandfather's death, your father petitioned the courts in London that he be named trustee of the estate. There was nothing illegal or unusual about his request. He was your father and assumed to have your best interest at heart. Therefore, he was granted trusteeship. While living in England, there was no hint of any wrongdoing. It was after moving that irregularities were uncovered. I had to rely on family members, Jackson McDonald for one, to supply me with information on your whereabouts. He informed me you had written to him and were now residing in Nevada. I traced you here and sent inquiries to your father." Here the man paused.

All the time the man spoke, Albert and Thomas had been taking notes.

The attorney continued, "The trust was set up so that on your twenty-first birthday, you would inherit William's estate, which also included your mother, Victoria's. Due to your father's refusal to answer my many inquiries, I had a fiduciary responsibility to secure the trust. Therefore, I put a hold on all of the accounts a month ago. I'm sure your father was outraged when he discovered this. I also petitioned the court, at that time, to remove him as trustee, which was granted. Therefore, since you have not attained the age of twenty-one, a new trustee must be appointed to oversee your interests."

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 Albert 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 him and 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."

"We are more important than anything in this world and always will be. Nothing has changed between us and nothing ever will," she told him.

After talking with Mr. Lawrence that evening about the estate and real estate in London, they decided not to do anything until Albert reviewed the entire estate. Anne and Albert were required to sign legal documents making Albert trustee. After which, Mr. Lawrence told them he would go back east the following day and arrange to have the bank accounts transferred to Nevada. After handing over the ledgers and all documents pertaining to the estate to Albert, he bid the couple farewell, promising to continue to correspond with them and to help in any way he could.

After Mr. Lawrence left, Anne told Albert, "I think I'll walk outside for a while. Today has been a bit overwhelming. I need time to digest all of this."

Albert let her go, as he sat there thinking, Something more than today is bothering her. She has held up so well through all of this. Today may have been her breaking point.

"Father," he began, "I think I'm going to see about Anne."

As Albert walked out the door, he saw she had walked to the corral and was petting Diablo. Joining her, he asked, "Anne, what's troubling you?"

"Nothing, I just needed some air."

"Anne, you wanted more than just air."

"Albert, I don't know where to begin," she said. "Today was most unsettling, but I'm used to things like this happening in my life. You're not. I know this, and it bothers me that you have to be subjected to all of this because of me. Since you have met me, it has been one crisis after another. I'm just wondering how much of this you can take before you decide it's more than you bargained for."

"I believe I told you, just the other day, that I can handle anything that pertains to you. I've dealt with more crises than you have presented in my life. Have faith in me, Anne. I'm not like any of the other men you've known who have been run off by your father and circumstances surrounding you. I'm not going anywhere."

"Albert, I never let anyone get close to me before you for the very reasons I stated. If I'm having a hard time coping with this, I can just imagine what you feel. I'm asking myself if I'm being fair to you."

"I knew from the first time we met that your life hadn't been easy, Anne. I knew your father wasn't what he appeared to be, but that you were. There's nothing that will ever make me turn from you. After we're married, you'll never have to worry about any of this again. I won't allow it."

"Albert, stop! I don't need you to fix me. I know all of the other women you were seeing before me were completely dependent on you to take care of their problems. You told me this yourself. Perhaps that's what attracted you to them, your need to fix their lives. Then, after you brought them through their hard times, you lost interest. They needed your strength just to survive. I don't. I don't need you to fix me; I just need you to love me. I know I can be a handful, and I can't promise I'll change. I can only promise to love you with everything in me."

"I don't want to fix you, there's nothing wrong with you," Albert began solemnly. I don't know who you've been talking to about my involvements before you, but whoever it was didn't know what they were talking about. Any other woman I was involved with, I tried to help because they were a friend. You're not only my friend, you're the woman who I have fallen in love with and want to be my wife. Whether you believe it or not, you do need my strength. You do need me more than anything. I don't care about what happened before you met me. As far as I'm concerned, all of the problems you spoke of are over. You're going to marry me and just be concerned with loving me. Let me worry about the rest."

After that day, Albert settled into the rigorous task of building their home, and Anne busied herself with plans for the wedding. He would come home with his father and brothers every night, exhausted. He would bathe, dine, and fall into bed. Time together for the young couple was minimal, and he began to feel he was neglecting her. He told her of this the evening before their engagement party.

"Anne, I know I've been preoccupied with the house, but it's moving along nicely now. It's halfway completed. I swear once. . ."

She stopped his apology with a kiss and said, "Don't apologize. You're doing this for us. I only wish I could help you."

"You are," he said, holding her, "by understanding."

She had received news that day she now shared with him. "Ray stopped by today. Father's trial will be next week. I'm going to have to testify."

"How do you feel about that?" he asked.

"Nervous, but I'll get through it. I want him out of our lives once and for all, and will do whatever is necessary to see to it," she said. "Your father is being called to testify, also."

"I'll be there with you," he told her.

"You don't have to be. Your father will be with me. You're so busy with the house right now, I hate to interrupt you," she told him.

Remembering another item she needed to tell him, she began, "Albert, I have to go to the ranch and pick up a few things. George said he'd go with me."

Pondering this for a while, Albert began, "I would rather be with you when you go. I assume you need something for tomorrow?"

"Yes, I need more clothes. Besides I haven't been back since that incident with Father and Joe Young."

"I'll take you in the morning," he told her. "But tonight, I would like for just you and me to go into town for dinner. We haven't done that in a very long time."

When they first began courting, Albert saw to it that they had dinner in town at least once a week. They had enjoyed this time alone, allowing them to discuss various topics without interruptions. They had grown closer during those intimate dinners and both longed for the privacy this afforded them.

"I would love to go into town tonight. Let me go change."

"You look fine in what you're wearing, Anne. Let's go now. By the time we get there it will be dinnertime," he told her.

"All right, Albert," she said.

Shortly, they were on their way into town, arriving at the Frontier House. As they made their way into the candle lit restaurant, Albert asked for a table near the rear that afforded them the privacy they both wanted. Taking their seats, Albert ordered wine for them, as the waiter lit a small candle on their table.

"After we're married, we're going to do this at least one a week. I've neglected this part of our courtship since we became engaged, and I'm sorry," he told her, taking her hand.

"You've been busy. I understand that. But I do love your ideas, we need time just the two of us," she replied.

"I should have been more organized, making time for you every day. From now on I will," he promised, leaning over and kissing her.

The waiter brought their wine, and as they sat sipping it, Albert brought up the subject they hadn't discussed in some time. Contrary to what everyone thought, Albert and Anne had not always agreed on everything. Well read and knowledgeable on current events, she could hold her own with him, a fact that delighted Albert. He had discovered this about her the first few times he brought her here for dinner when they first began courting. Unlike the other women he had kept company with, Anne didn't try to hide her intelligence and enjoyed their lively debates. He now brought up an issue that he knew they differed on.

"Anne, have you given any more thought on accepting the invitation of the cultural committee to become a member?" he asked.

"No, and you know why," she told him.

"Anne, it is not a political organization," he explained.

"Albert, I went to one meeting, and all they discussed was the coming elections. I was subjected to that kind of talk when I was in New York, Washington, and London and I have no desire to listen to that prattle again. I want to be involved in cultural events. And when I brought that point up, you know good and well what happened."

"I'm sure they meant no disrespect," he replied.

"Yes, yes they did. When I tried to ask about music and purchasing new books for the library, they almost laughed me out of the hall. They had the nerve to tell me most of the citizens of Carson City were not cultured enough to appreciate music and books. I'd be willing to bet half of those self-absorbed, old bidd..., I mean ladies have never even read a book or been to a concert. So no, I won't be involved in an organization of pig-headed people," she told him.

"I think you're making a mistake," he told her. "Every Stuart is involved with affairs dealing with either the school or the city. As my wife, people will be expecting you to do like-wise."

"That, darlin', is your opinion. And although I love and respect you, you're wrong on this issue. I'll do my part, but not until those people change their attitudes."

Albert had missed this repartee with her and threw his head back and laughed. It was the first time he had laughed that hard in a long time. "No one can ever say I'll be able to sway my wife's opinion on anything."

They enjoyed the rest of their meal and regretted when the time came to leave. Albert took Anne's hand, and they walked out into the cool, crisp night. "You know I was only teasing you, don't you?"

"Of course, darlin', if you had been serious you would have been far more forceful in your opinions. I'll always respect your positions, but I won't always agree with you," she told him.

"I know," he said, hugging her. "That's one of the reasons I love you. You're not intimidated by me."

"You, Albert Stuart, have never intimidated me," she said smiling. "Thank you for a lovely evening."

"My pleasure. We'll do this again very soon," he promised.
Chapter Fourteen

Albert woke at six that morning, taking his time to shave and dress before going downstairs to meet Anne and take her to her ranch. Following his morning routine, he made a few entries into his journal and then made his way to the dining room, surprised she wasn't already there.

Joining his father and brothers, he mentioned the fact of where they were going that morning. As he was explaining this, George brought fresh coffee in, telling him, "Miss Anne gone. She says tell Mr. Albert not worries, she takes care of what she need herself."

"Damn it!" Albert exploded, rising from his chair and going to strap his gun on and grabbing his hat. He told his father, "I'll be back later. She's gone to the ranch alone."

As Albert stormed toward the barn, Hank, one of the men from the ranch, pulled up in a wagon. "Morning, Albert. Miss Anne asked that I bring these here," he said, indicating a trunk and garment carrier. "She said to tell you she'd be back later, had a few things she needed to tend to."

Furious now, Albert asked, "Hank, did she say where else she was going?"

"No, Albert, she sure didn't. Just asked me to bring these things over here and tell you not to worry, she'd be back when she was done"

"Thanks Hank. Would you take these on in the house? I'm going to look for her."

Saddling his horse, he thought, I told her I wanted to go with her. She's too damn independent. She's trying to prove to herself and to me that this business with her father hasn't affected her. I know she didn't think about it, but Joe Young still hasn't been caught, and here she's out running the countryside alone.

Leading the stallion into the yard, he mounted and began his ride. I haven't any idea where she would go. She didn't need anything from town, and besides, Anne promised me she wouldn't go into town alone, he thought. The bluff is where she's gone; she always liked to go there to think.

Turning west, he headed toward the bluff. He found her horse tied to a low branch, but did not find her in the area he thought she would be. He walked up the hill to the house to be sure she was not there. After arriving there, he realized, Anne wouldn't come here, she knows I don't want her to see the house until the wedding.

Standing on the bluff afforded him a view of the entire lake. His eye caught a slight movement on the far side. He saw her sitting on the eastern shore. Walking back down the steep incline, he mounted Diablo and began the ride to the eastern side of the lake.

Tying the stallion to some scrub bush, he walked the rest of the way. "Anne," he said, approaching her, "I thought we agreed I was going to take you this morning."

Startled to see him standing there, she jumped, saying, "Didn't George tell you I wanted to do this on my own?"

"Yes, he did. But after Hank brought your clothes to the house, I became concerned and came looking for you," he explained.

"You didn't need to do that. I just wanted some time alone to sort some things out," she told him.

"What did you have to sort out that I couldn't be with you?" he asked.

"It's not that you couldn't be here with me. I didn't want you to drop everything to see to me. I'm through being dependent on everyone."

"Anne, I wanted to help you. I knew you were capable of going out to the ranch this morning alone. I just thought it might have been hard for you, seeing it would have been your first time back there," he told her.

"I love it here," she said, looking out over the lake. "I've never been anywhere that brings me such peace."

"I know," he said softly, standing beside her. "It has the same effect on me."

"There is something else," she began.

"I thought we had resolved everything yesterday, but all right, go ahead," he told her.

"Albert, what happened to the dreams you told me about when I first arrived here, of leaving here and going back east and going to sea?" she asked.

"I met you, and my whole life changed," he told her. "Those things aren't important to me anymore."

"I remember the look on your face when you spoke of those places and the excitement in your voice. You had such plans, such dreams. I don't want you to lose your dreams because of me," she said, then hesitantly added, "Perhaps we should wait a while before we're married and give you the opportunity to do all of those things."

"Anne," he began slowly, "are you breaking our engagement?"

"No," she said, watching his eyes. "I'm giving you the chance to. I don't want you to feel obligated to marry me, and I certainly don't want you, years from now, to regret what you gave up by marrying me."

"I'm not obligated to marry you. I want to marry you, I love you," he said, wording his response carefully. "I had those dreams, Anne, because I was disillusioned with my life until I met you. I've never wanted anything more than to make you my wife."

"Albert, swear to me that's the truth," she said, her eyes locked on him.

"I swear to you, the only regret I have is waiting this long to make you my wife," he replied.

At this, she wrapped her arms around his neck and said, "I don't know what I would have done if you had taken me up on my offer to let you out of our engagement."

"That, sweetheart, I would have never done, no matter what. I told you once before, don't ever doubt my love or my commitment to you. They are both unwavering and always will be," he said. "Now, is there anything else we need to talk about?"

"That's all, Albert. I just wanted you to have the chance to change your mind."

"Anne, I'm a patient man where you're concerned, but I do have my limits," he said, holding his temper. "I'm growing tired of your questioning me about my commitment to you. I don't want you to ever doubt my love and devotion for you or bring this up again. I decided early on I was in love with you and would never leave you, and I've not changed my mind. Now this is the last time I want to have this conversation, agreed?" he asked, adding, "And if you want to take off again like you did this morning, I will warm your backside."

"All right, Albert, never again," she said, kissing him and holding him to her.

"Let's go home, Anne," he laughingly told her. "I should help with the preparations for the party tonight."

She had almost told him about the windmills, but decided this was not the time, and she wasn't really keeping a secret from him. This was keeping a surprise from him, not at all the same thing, or something he could get angry about, or so she thought.

Upon returning, they found George busy basting a large side of beef being turned on a spit over hot coals by one of the ranch hands.

"Missy Anne," he called to her. "George use sauce you make. You try, very good."

"George is letting you help him cook? He never allows anyone in his kitchen."

"I just made a sauce for the barbeque. Come, I want you to taste it," she explained, taking his hand.

Albert selected a spoon from the makeshift table George had set up. Dipping it into the boiling sauce, he waited until it had cooled and tasted it. "This is really good, Anne. I didn't know you knew how to cook."

"Albert, who did you think would cook for you after we were married? Of course I know how to cook," she laughed. Pulling her close, he whispered, "After we're married, cooking is not going to be my first concern of what talents you possess."

"I swear, Albert," she laughed. "Are you sure you don't want to have Ray marry us tonight and live in the cabin until the house is done?"

"As appealing as that is, we'll wait. I wanted to surprise you, but the house will be finished on Tuesday. Then all I have to do is move the furniture in. We can have our wedding next Saturday," he said, smiling.

Throwing her arms around him, she said, "That's wonderful! Why didn't you tell me before now?"

"I told you, Anne, I wanted to surprise you."

"Well, I have a surprise for you. I finished everything for the wedding. While you were working yourself into exhaustion, I took care of all of the wedding plans. When you have time, I would like to go over them with you to be sure we're in agreement."

"We make a good team. Tomorrow we'll sit down, and you can tell me about the arrangements you've made. Although, I'm sure your choices would be what I would want, also," he told her.

"Yes, Mr. Stuart, we certainly do make a good team! Now I'm sure there are things we can both help with for the party."

"I've offered to make the punch," he volunteered.

"I'll help Ben with the decorations," she said.

"But first," Albert began, "I have a surprise for you. I want you to wait right here and close your eyes. I'll tell you when to open them."

"Albert," she began.

"Anne, close your eyes and don't open them," he instructed.

Doing as he requested, she stood patiently in the middle of the courtyard.

Albert had arranged for Henry to bring the surprise he had for Anne to the ranch this morning while they were gone. After a few moments, he told her, "Open your eyes."

Before her stood the most beautiful black mare she had ever seen.

"She's yours. I thought it was time you had your own horse. Her name is Mariah, and she's spirited and fast as the wind," he explained.

"She's perfect," she excitedly exclaimed, going to the mare and petting her neck. "Thank you Albert. You spoil me."

"Yes, and I always will."

"When can I ride her?" Anne asked.

"Tomorrow, after church. We'll go riding then," he told her. "But for now, we should help with this part." Taking his hand, squeezing it, she brushed away tears from her eyes.

Seeing this, he asked, "Anne, why the tears?"

Shaking her head, she told him, "You're too good to me. Thank you. Now let's go help."

By late afternoon, everything was finished. Anne then excused herself to go bathe and dress.

"Did she like the mare?" Thomas asked.

"Yes, it was a complete surprise," Albert told his father.

"Did you tell her about the house?" Thomas asked, watching as Anne went into the house.

"Yes, I did. I was going to tell her tonight anyway."

"Did you tell her about San Francisco?" Thomas asked.

"No, that will be a surprise. I'll tell her on our wedding night," Albert confided.

"Your sister's brother in law sent me a wire. He said your sister and Daniel were away and wouldn't be back in time for the wedding," Thomas told him.

"Well, that's to be expected when you're as ambitious as he is. Work before family. I'll write her a letter when Anne and I return from San Francisco and invite them for a visit."

"That's an excellent idea," Thomas agreed. "On another matter, I talked to Ray about the trial earlier today. With the evidence the court has, along with Anne's and my testimony, it should be fairly short. If only John would admit his part in all of this, the judge would probably go easier on him, and a trial wouldn't be necessary."

"John will drag it out as long as he can," Albert declared. "He'll make it as hard as possible on Anne."

As they walked into the house, Thomas went to taste the punch. Taking a small sip, Thomas' eyes watered as he gasped, "Who made this?"

"I did," Albert answered. "Why?"

"It's just a little strong," Thomas answered, taking his kerchief out and dabbing his eyes. "We'd better make one without liquor for the ladies."

While the men were finishing last minute details, Anne had finished bathing and was now trying to decide on what gown to wear. She finally selected a deep green, off the shoulder, satin gown she had purchased in London before leaving to come west. The only jewelry she wore was emerald earrings and a matching necklace. She had pulled her hair back from her face, catching it in a matching clasp. After checking her appearance, she made her way downstairs.

Thomas Stuart was already dressed and on the porch having a brandy. "Anne," he said, rising, "You look beautiful tonight."

"Thank you. Is Albert down yet?"

"No, my dear, but he shouldn't be much longer. May I offer you a brandy?"

"Yes, please, I believe I would like that. I want to thank you for everything, for this lovely party, the difficulties with Father. You've been so kind. I'll never be able to re-pay your kindness. But most of all, for having the most wonderful man in the world as a son."

"Anne, it is I who should thank you. You have given me back my son. Before Albert met you, he was so unhappy and very determined to leave here. Now, I not only will have my son, but a daughter as well. I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am about yours and Albert's engagement. He will make you a fine husband."

"You are most kind, Mr. Stuart. I know that Albert will make a wonderful husband. He's so much more than I dreamed possible."

As he handed her a brandy, he told her, "Sit with me a while, Anne, our guests won't be arriving quite yet."

Sitting beside the older man, whom she had come to love like a father, she told him, "I'll make Albert a good wife, Mr. Stuart. I'll love him and take care of him, don't ever worry about that."

"Anne, I've never doubted your love for Albert. I see the way you look at him and he at you. I have never seen two people more in love that you and Albert, other than possibly Elizabeth and me," he said, smiling at her.

"Father, what are you doing giving my fiancée brandy without offering me one?" Albert asked, joining them.

Going to Anne, he kissed her, whispering, "You are beautiful tonight."

Anne admired Albert in his black suit and pristine white shirt. "You're the most handsome man I've ever seen," she said, caressing his face, as her ring glistened in the light from the setting sun.

Thomas handed Albert a brandy and asked him, "Albert, did you see to that punch for the ladies as I asked you to?"

"Yes, sir, I did."

"You made the punch, Albert?" she asked.

"Yes, but Father thought the one I made with brandy was a little too strong for the ladies."

"May I try it?" she asked.

"I don't think you should, Anne," Thomas told her. "It's far too strong."

"Yes, sweetheart, it is strong," Albert added.

"Nonsense, Albert. May I please try it?" she asked.

"All right, but you were warned," he told her, winking at Thomas.

Albert went to get her a cup. Returning, he handed it to her, and said, "Sip it slowly."

Shaking her head at both men, she took the first sip and thought her throat was on fire. Her eyes watered, and she couldn't catch her breath.

"Albert," she coughed. "That is stro. . ."

"Strong?" he added, handing her his handkerchief. "I tried to tell you."

As Anne was struggling to catch her breath, Henry and Ben joined them. With just one look at her face, Ben asked, "Hey, you didn't let Anne have Albert's punch, did you?"

"I warned her," Albert told them.

"Well, I don't believe I want any more," Anne coughed, handing it back to Albert.

"Albert's punch is known county wide. The men line up for it," Henry boasted. "No lady has ever tried it. You're the first, Anne."

"Hopefully, the last," she said. "You are not serving this at our wedding."

"Aw, Anne, it's a tradition," Ben told her.

"Not at our wedding," Anne declared.

Albert gave his brothers a wink over her head, and then turned toward the sound of approaching carriages. "Our guests are arriving," he told her, putting an arm around her shoulders. Anne and Albert together greeted each guest as they arrived, Albert taking care to introduce her to the people she didn't know.

After everyone had arrived, and before dinner was served, Thomas made his announcement. "Friends, thank you for coming tonight. This is no ordinary Sky Valley party. We are here tonight to celebrate a momentous occasion. As all of you know, I'm extremely proud of all of my sons. My eldest son has recently made me prouder yet. It is with great pleasure that I announce the engagement of my son, Albert, to Miss Anne Wallace."

Those in attendance were not surprised; everyone in Carson City had been expecting an engagement announcement for months. What they didn't expect was Albert's next announcement.

"Friends, thank you for coming tonight to help Anne and me celebrate this wonderful occasion. We would also like to announce that we have set our wedding date. It will be one week from tonight, here at Sky Valley."

With Anne by his side, smiling, the young couple accepted the congratulations of their guests. Anne was invited to join the women, while a group of men whisked Albert away to the punch bowl. Doctor Martin asked, "Not wasting any time are you, Albert?"

"No, Peter, I'm not. I don't want to give Anne a chance to change her mind," he said, laughing, as he accepted another cup of punch.

The rest of the evening was spent visiting with their guests and laughing. Anne was given unsolicited advice from the older women of what marriage would be like. "Young lady," the widow Bennett began, "prepare yourself for the duties of being a wife, and I'm not talking about cooking and cleaning. It's a wife's duty to allow her husband liberties. From what I hear, that Albert Stuart is some powerful man, so he will be wanting those liberties often."

"Yes, ma'am, I'll remember that," Anne responded, fighting the urge to blush. Seeing Albert, she excused herself and went to join him.

"What was the widow Bennett bending your ear about?" he asked, slipping an arm around her waist.

"Telling me what my wifely duties would be after we were married," she told him.

"Widow Bennett," Albert whispered, holding her close, "has no idea what your wifely duties will be with me."

"Albert, you best hurry on that house. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to listen to all these ladies giving me advice on marriage. I would rather find out for myself, first hand," she told him.

"One more week, sweetheart, one more week," he said, hugging her. As he finished telling her this, the musicians began playing. With his hand at the small of her back, he led her to the dance floor that Henry and Ben had set in place at the center of the courtyard earlier in the day. Going into his arms, she relaxed as her fingers toyed with his hair at the nape of his neck.

"Anne, you have no idea what that does to me," he told her as he kissed her cheek. "You're making it hard for me to remember that I'm a gentleman."

"I'll be glad when you don't have to remember to always be a gentleman," she laughed.

Pulling her closer, he whispered, "That time is very near, dear. You may regret that statement after we're married. You've never seen that side of me."

"I love all sides of you already. The ones I don't know, I look forward to discovering," she said with a playful smile. "You know Albert, you just might be surprised in me. Don't forget I wasn't hidden away in a convent all my life. I promise you, our life will never be dull."

"I never thought it would be," he replied.

Ben and Henry took turns dancing with Anne, much to the disappointment of their dates. After a while, Thomas rescued her and told his sons, "You two have young ladies to attend to. You've both been remiss in seeing to their needs. Now go on and let me have a dance with my new daughter."

"Are you having a good time, Anne?" Thomas asked after he shooed his sons away.

"Yes, sir, I am," she replied. "It's been a beautiful night and a beautiful party."

"Anne, now that you're going to be my daughter, do you think you could call me something other than Mr. Stuart? Perhaps, Thomas or Father?"

"Yes sir, I would like that, although I could never call you Thomas. Is Father all right?"

"Father is just fine, Anne," Thomas said, kissing her cheek.

With the party being such a happy occasion, most of the guests stayed until almost midnight. Somehow, despite the late hour, the Stuart family managed to attend church the following morning. At the service, Albert and Anne's wedding plans were announced. The couple spoke to the minister after the church service, arranging for him to perform the ceremony the following Saturday.

As they left the church, they found Ray waiting for them, "Morning, Anne, Albert," he said removing his hat. "I wanted to catch you before you left. The trial is set for Wednesday. Anne, your father still wants a trial. He refuses to cooperate and plead guilty. I'm sorry, Anne, but it should be a fast one."

"Thank you, Sheriff, for letting me know. I'll be there."

On the ride back to the ranch, Albert began, "I am going with you. I hope the judge will make short work of this trial. Your father doesn't have a leg to stand on."

"I know, I just hoped that he would take a plea and not go to trial," she mused. "But then I knew he wouldn't."

Albert hated that she had to go through with this trial. He would do his best to make it easy on her, and after the trial, they would be finished with John Wallace, finally. He would see that no matter what the outcome, her father would never have access to her again.

After they returned from church, they changed, and Albert took her riding on Mariah. Albert knew that riding always made Anne relax and that this would be the only time he would have to go riding with her until after their wedding.

"Anne, don't take her out alone for a while. I would prefer to be with you the first few times you ride her. She's high strung," he explained.

"Albert, I can handle her," she said as they rode through the pasture. "You should know that by now."

"Sweetheart," he said reining up Diablo. "I don't want you riding alone and not just because Mariah is high-strung. You forget Joe Young hasn't been captured yet."

"You said yourself he is most likely hiding out in California. He wouldn't come back here, everyone knows him," she said confidently.

The next two days were filled with activity. Albert finished the house on Monday. After his father and brothers left, Albert took his time checking every detail. He first walked around the exterior of the house, including the porch and balcony. Then the interior. Entering the foyer of the silent home, Albert was rewarded with the pleasant smell of wood and fresh paint. Running his hand over the burled oak walls, he stood admiring the hand polished oak floors. Entering their bedroom, he delighted in the beautiful view of the lake and mountains through large windows. Anne and I can lie in bed and enjoy this every morning, he thought. Opening the French doors leading to the balcony, he stepped out as contentment washed over him. I hope Anne loves this house as much as I do. Once we move the furniture and our personal effects in, it will be our home.

Mrs. Rogers had brought Anne's wedding gown to Sky Valley while the men were away working on the house. As she fitted the gown on her, she congratulated herself that only minor adjustments were needed. "Miss Wallace, I just need to take the waist in a bit. I can do that right here."

"Mrs. Rogers, you've done a beautiful job," Anne told her. "It's perfect. Did you bring the other items I ordered?"

"Yes, Miss Wallace. I brought the rest of your order. Mr. Stuart is a very lucky man to have a wife with your taste. Miss Wallace, with a wedding gown this elegant, may I suggest you wear your hair up, something a little more formal?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Rogers, I'm so happy you approve of my choices," she replied with a touch of sarcasm. "However, I resent your informality. The other day in your shop, you embarrassed me, and if my wedding was not in just a few days I would cancel this gown right this minute. As to how I wear my hair, that, ma'am, is none of your business. Furthermore, should you ever make a remark like you made to me the other day, I will never order another item from you. Whether or not my husband-to-be appreciates my figure is certainly none of your concern. I detest gossips. The only thing I detest more is someone who gives unsolicited advice." With this, Anne paid the woman and saw her out, taking care to hang the gown in the corner. If Albert entered this room, he would not be able to see it.

She heard Thomas and Ben return. Meeting them downstairs, she asked where Albert was.

"Albert is triple checking everything. He'll go back there again and again before you two move in to be sure everything is just so," Ben laughed.

"Leave your brother alone, Benjamin. Albert is a perfectionist. This house is very important to him and he wants everything perfect for his bride," Thomas said, smiling at her.

Albert moved all of the furniture he had ordered into the spacious house on Tuesday, returning home at dinnertime. Anne knew he was physically exhausted, and by the way he walked, she knew that his back was bothering him. She told him to go to his bedroom, lie on his stomach, and she would give him a back rub. Helping him remove his shirt as he lay on his stomach, she kneaded his shoulders and told him, "You've done too much. Now will you take it easy?"

"Mmmm, a little lower, please," he told her. "Yes, I can slow down. I have the most important details completed."

Moving her hands down his spine, across the broad expanse of his back, to his waist and hips, she gently kneaded and rubbed the tight muscles. "You need to get a hot bath and soak for a while," she said, admiring the handsome back and then kissing his shoulder. "That will help relax your back muscles. I'll go see that George has hot water for you."

Her touch, though light, sent a current coursing through his body. As he stood up and his shirt on, he told her, "Thanks, Anne, but we had better stop this. It's very hard not to. . .you'd better stop now. I appreciate it, but I'll go talk to George."

Smiling, she asked innocently, "Did I do something wrong, Albert? If you tell me what I did wrong, I can correct it."

"Anne, that's the problem. You did everything right, and being this close. . ." It was here that Albert realized Anne knew exactly what he was talking about.

"You have only three more days to toy with me, missy! After Saturday, you will see, first hand, what your little teasing will bring."

Running her hand across his broad shoulders, she gave him a soft whisper, "Promise?"

Chapter Fifteen

Early Wednesday morning, Albert, Anne, and Thomas left for Carson City. Anne appeared calm, but Albert sensed underneath all that self-control, her nerves were on edge.

"Just keep your eyes on me, everything is going to be fine," he told her confidently. "Remember, this is the last time you'll have to be subjected to him."

Walking into the courtroom together, they saw most of the seats were already taken except in the front row. Reluctantly, they sat there. It was not long before Circuit Judge Henry Clay took his place on the bench and called the court to order, explaining that John Wallace had declined a trial by jury. Instead, he requested the tribunal decide his fate, a risky move on his part, but completely within his rights.

Albert leaned toward her and took her hand as he reassured her, "Just a little longer. It's almost over." Holding his hand, she took a deep breath and waited for the trial to begin.

She watched as Ray and Chuck brought in the prisoner, her father, John Wallace. Anne's heart quickened as her father's angry eyes scanned the courtroom. When father and daughter's eyes met, they locked in a war of wills. Determined not to look away, Anne defiantly held his stare. None of this was lost on Albert.

As the judge began, "Will the court please come to order? We are here today for the case of the Territory of Nevada versus John Wallace. The charges are collusion, intimidation, theft, and battery. Mr. Wallace, how do you plead?"

"Not guilty, your honor," was the reply.

"The court will now call Anne Wallace to the stand."

After being sworn in, the judge began with very basic questions until he asked, "When did you notice a change in your father's attitude toward you?"

"About three months ago, your honor, when he began making plans for me to go to Baltimore to school," she answered.

"Why do you think something so minor would cause such a drastic change in his attitude towards you?" Judge Clay asked.

"Because I refused to honor his wishes. I told him I was not returning to school, and it infuriated him," Anne explained.

"When did you suspect your father had ulterior motives concerning you?"

"The day he hired Joe Young. I immediately told him of my concerns. I explained to Father the problems they'd had at Sky Valley with Young and that the man made me very uncomfortable," she replied.

"What was your father's reaction to this information?"

"He refused to listen, insisting that Young deserved another chance and that the problem at Sky Valley had all been a misunderstanding." Anne had kept her eyes on Albert, but just out of the corner of her eye, she could see her father glaring at her.

"Tell the court what occurred in your home the evening of August 20th, Miss Wallace," the judge instructed.

Breathing deeply, she began, "I had returned home from Sky Valley. Henry and Benjamin Stuart had ridden back with me, as Mr. Stuart had insisted they see me home. Upon entering the house, Father called to me from his study. When I entered the room and took a seat, he began a barrage of accusations, saying he was disappointed in me, that I had told Mr. Stuart lies about him. He accused me of all sorts of vile things. He was irrational in his ranting. I tried to calm him by reassuring him that I had not done any of the things he accused me of, but that only fueled his anger."

"Was that all that was said during the conversation, Miss Wallace?" the judge asked.

"No, but the other details aren't important," she replied, her eyes still held by Albert's.

"Why don't you let me decide that," the judge countered. "Please, Miss Wallace, in order to make a fair decision, it's important that you tell the court everything."

At this point, Anne made the mistake of glancing at her father, who sat there with a smug look on his face. Biting her lip, she continued. "Very well, he accused me of listening to Albert about everything, disregarding my Father's wishes. He was irrational, saying Albert and I had. . ." Here she had to stop. Her eyes full of angry tears as she looked at her father, she added, "He accused me of improper behavior. He said none of his actions would have been necessary if I had not been born. That he had never wanted children, my mother had. That when she died, I was forced upon him, and that I had ruined his life. He said he had never been able to realize his full potential due to being burdened with me."

The court sat in stunned silence as Anne sat there quietly, drained of all emotion, waiting for the judge to continue. Albert sat fighting the rage that burned within him for her public humiliation.

"Miss Wallace, did he threaten you in any way?"

"Not directly, no."

"Thank you Miss Wallace, you may step down." Anne rose to return to her seat when she was stopped by her father's voice.

"Excuse me, your honor," John spoke up, "since I'm representing myself, may I question the witness?"

"Yes, Mr. Wallace," the judge replied. "Miss Wallace, please remain on the stand."

Taking his time, a maneuver Anne had seen him use in court before to make the witness uncomfortable and nervous, she sat patiently until her father asked, nonchalantly, "Did you ever want for anything growing up, Anne?"

"If you're referring to material things, no, I never wanted for anything."

"Did you have a home, clothing, food?" her father continued.

"Yes," she replied.

"Did you receive a good education?"

"Yes, I imagine so," she answered, staring straight at Albert.

"Didn't I send you to college and had plans for you to become a lawyer, to attend law school?"

"Those were your plans, not mine," she answered.

This question by John had taken Albert aback. Although they had discussed their schooling, Anne had never told him what her course of study had been, and Albert had never asked.

"But surely you can understand my disappointment in your apparent disregard for my wishes and my anger at you for throwing a promising career in law away to marry a rancher," John said disgustedly.

"I didn't throw anything away," she declared, adding, "A career in law was your dream, not mine. My life didn't begin until I moved here and met Albert Stuart."

"If I was such a terrible father, who by your own admission did all of the things a father should do, please explain to me how you could possibly think I would do you harm? I've provided for and protected you all of your life, yet here today, you testify against me, calling me irrational, telling the court lies about me. Isn't this all because you want your inheritance now instead of waiting until you turn twenty-one? That you're furious with me because I suggested you had fallen under the spell of Albert Stuart, and he might just be interested in you for your money?"

"You are a liar," she stated calmly.

Shocked, Albert had never heard her address anyone the way she was now speaking to her father.

She continued, "I'm here because I overheard you instructing Joe Young to harm Albert and me. If you had been successful, Albert and I would be dead. You never said anything about an inheritance to me. Up until that night when Mr. Stuart told me about it, I didn't know I even had an inheritance. You kept that hidden from me for years. If anyone was concerned about money, it was you. That's what this is really all about. You had to be rid of me in order to collect what money there was. You could have had every bit of it, I didn't care. I don't care now, but you tried to have Albert and me murdered."

It was at this point that Anne's resolve faltered, "You're a father. A father is supposed to love his child and protect them. You failed miserably in both areas. Thomas Stuart has been more of a father to me that you ever were. After today, I hope I never set eyes on you again."

"Your honor, as you can see, my daughter is overwrought because of my trial. She's not herself," John explained. "Anne is saying things she doesn't believe. I never stole from my daughter. Any money I obtained from the trust was for her support. If I'm guilty of anything, it was loving my daughter too much and wanting the very best for her. My daughter has enormous potential and to see her throw it all away to marry a rancher and live in the middle of nowhere, breaks my heart."

Anne laughed aloud, and after composing herself, her eyes took on a hardened look as she declared, "You disgust me, and I meant every word I said. Do you really believe that the people in this room are so gullible they would fall for this act of yours? You're a disgrace to the legal profession and fathers everywhere."

"Miss Wallace, that is enough!" Judge Clay told her. "One more word, and I will find you in contempt. You may step down."

Disregarding the judge's warning, anger consuming her, she continued, "The only thing contemptible in this courtroom is him," she said, pointing at her father. "He was given a trusted position, and he betrayed us all. I hope this court has the ability to see him for what he is and send him away for many years."

"Miss Wallace! I warned you. While the court understands the emotional pressures you have been under, I will not allow you to blatantly disregard my instruction. Now step down!"

Anne walked right past her seat and continued out to the street. Albert followed her and asked, "Are you all right?"

"No, yes, now that this is over. I don't care what they decide to do with him as long as I never have to see him again after today," she replied, holding on to Albert, fighting tears of rage.

"Let's go home, Anne," he told her, gently taking her arm.

"I can't, Albert. I can't let him win. As much as I want to go, if I leave now, it's as if I'm surrendering. I won't give him that satisfaction. I have to see this through to the end, no matter what."

"You don't have to stay and listen to his lies. We all know the truth, and that's what's important."

"Albert," she said firmly, "I'm staying. If you want to leave, go, but I'm staying until the end."

"I'm not leaving without you," he said. "We'll sit in the back of the courtroom until it's finished."

They remained until the very end. The judge, after taking a brief break to make his determination, returned to the courtroom and began, "I agree with all the parties involved that John Wallace is not a good example of a father. However, from the testimony given here, he did nothing criminally wrong. There is no physical proof he stole anything, and it's his daughter's word against his that he hired Joe Young for the sole purpose of harming her. Therefore, this court has no choice but to find the defendant not guilty of all charges. I encourage him to ask for re-assignment to another territory and he is not, under any circumstances, to contact or try to see his daughter. Please release the prisoner. Court is adjourned."

There was an audible gasp by every observer in the courtroom as the verdict was read.

Albert took her hand, holding her close as she shook her head with a sad smile and said, "I should have known. We can leave now, Albert."

On the ride back, she was strangely quiet until Albert, although seething inside himself said, "He received something, Anne. He must leave the territory and can't contact you."

"You're right, at least he received something. I never have to see him again. That alone, was worth today. Now it's done, and as far as I'm concerned, he's dead," she said. "Albert, I promise you that our children will never have a second in their lives that they don't know how much we love them and want them."

Albert pulled the carriage over under a tree. Putting his arms around her, he drew her to him as she began to cry. He let her rid herself of the tears she had bravely held inside all of this time. When she had finished, he gently tipped her face up to him as he told her, "You'll never shed another tear because of him. We're rid of him, forever."
Chapter Sixteen

Friday came, and with it, a bustle of activity on Sky Valley. The wedding was to be the following day. Anne was busy with last minute wedding details while Albert spent time with his brothers and father. The couple had agreed they would dine together that evening then not see each other until the wedding.

Albert had decided to move his and Anne's things to the house, and Thomas, Ben and Henry offered their help. While at the new house, Thomas brought up the subject of Anne to Albert. "Albert, I know you're a grown man and have been with a number of women. However, keep in mind Anne is different. She's never been with a man. You're going to have to be patient with her on your wedding night."

Caught off guard, Albert could not believe his father was talking to him about such a private and delicate subject. He, more than anyone, knew all of this and was confident he and Anne would be fine. He would be patient and prepare her for this part of their life together. But he was not about to discuss this with his father.

"I know, Father. I've thought of all of this. Don't worry, I'll see to Anne," Albert told him.

"I just want you to realize that. . ." Thomas started.

"Sir," Albert began, "I do realize. Anne and I will be fine. Trust me. You've always said I could handle anything, and I will handle this with my wife."

"Albert!" Ben called from downstairs.

"Up here, Ben," he replied, grateful for the interruption.

Henry and Ben carried one large trunk, and too many garment carriers to count, up the stairs.

"We got all of Anne's things from the house; she and George packed all this up. Told us just to set it out of the way, she'd see to putting it away later," Henry said.

"Just set the trunk in the dressing room, and you can hang the garment carriers in the closet," he instructed.

"That gal's got more clothes than anybody I ever seen," Henry observed.

"Hey, Albert, where are you and Anne going on your honeymoon?" Ben asked as he hung a carrier in the closet.

"It's a surprise, Ben," Albert answered.

"You can tell us, we won't say a thing," he urged.

"I'd rather keep it a surprise until tomorrow," Albert explained. "I really think Anne should know before my brothers where we're going on our honeymoon. Well, that's everything, let's go on downstairs."

When the four men had reached the lower level, Albert paused and said, "I can't thank all of you enough for everything you've done with the house, for Anne and me. If I can ever do. . ."

"Don't worry, brother, when me and Ben meet and marry our gals, we'll be calling on you to help us. Don't you worry none," Henry assured him.

Smiling, Albert walked out to the front porch and told his family, "I'm going to miss living with you, but I can't say I'm going to miss all the bickering with my brothers. I want you to know, I've never been happier in my life than to marry Anne. I'm excited to live here with her and start our life together. One day we will all have our own families, live on this land, and watch our children grow. I only hope we can be as good a father as you have been, Father."

Continuing, Albert solemnly said, "Nothing will ever change that. Anne is a part of me now, but also a part of all of you. I won't live at Sky Valley anymore, but we'll be together as we always have. We're a family, and nothing will ever change that. Our family will continue to grow as Henry and Ben marry and start their families. We'll be there for each other as always. You've always stood by me, supported me when I know there were times I didn't deserve it. Just because I'm marrying Anne doesn't mean I'm gone from you. I'm a stone's throw away, and my door is always open to my family, don't ever forget that."

With that, the four Stuart men left the house, mounted their horses, and headed back to Sky Valley as they had done hundreds of times before. Each knew after today their family would change. No longer four lone men, they would now have a woman in their midst with the Stuart family growing by one. Perhaps one day Mary would return. It was a bittersweet moment as they realized four lives that had been intertwined for so many years were about to change.

Albert eagerly looked forward to his life with Anne. They had started on a path, what seemed so long ago, finally arriving here. The journey had been hard, but they had made it through together. As he looked back at their home one last time, he thought, I'm closing one chapter of my life, but tomorrow starts a whole new beginning.
Chapter Seventeen

The morning of his wedding, Albert Stuart had risen before anyone else in the household. He went down to the kitchen and made coffee, poured himself a cup, and then returned to his bedroom. Enjoying this peaceful time, his thoughts drifted back over the events of the past year, leading up to today.

Anne Wallace had come into his life and turned it upside down almost a year ago. He had been unhappy with his life as a rancher. He had made the decision to leave his family and travel back east, where he had gone to college. There he hoped to work for a while, after which he was going to secure passage on a schooner and see areas of the world he had only read about. After telling his family of his decision, as a concession, Albert had promised his father that he would stay until their visitors from England departed.

After meeting Anne and spending time with her, all thoughts of travel and adventure were forgotten. His one goal was to quickly make her his wife. Visiting with her father, Albert soon discovered she was unlike any woman he had ever known. Anne was educated, well versed in current events, beautiful, and she captivated him within a few moments of meeting her. She was not what he had expected a woman from England to be. He had been of the opinion that she would be helpless, spoiled, uneducated, and self-centered. Anne was none of these.

She had challenged his temper and self-control almost immediately. She held her own, debating issues of the day with him, something few men, much less a woman could do. His brothers had been smitten with her from the moment they met. It had taken Albert all of twenty-four hours to fall under her spell.

Her father, an old friend of Thomas Stuart, had proven to be the most ruthless man Albert had ever known. Appointed to the circuit court bench in the Nevada Territory, John Wallace had sought Thomas Stuart's help in finding and purchasing land there.

From the time Albert met him, the man made his daughter's life a living hell and almost destroyed her until Albert stepped in. The young couple had overcome the many obstacles her father had put in their way, ending only when he was forced by the court to leave the territory.

After putting his daughter through the trauma of a trial, Albert was shocked when he later sent word that he wanted to see Anne before he left. Albert had gone to see him and told him in no uncertain terms never to try to contact or see her again. He never told Anne of this meeting, deciding it was best she not know.

Anne possessed everything that Albert had searched for in a woman and he gave her all the love and affection she had hungered for. Today, both their dreams would come true as they became man and wife.

Albert's thoughts were abruptly interrupted as his youngest brother, Ben, knocked on his door.

"Albert, you up yet?" he asked.

"Yes, Ben," Albert replied, opening the door.

"Father said to tell you that breakfast was ready and to come on down. Anne has already eaten, and Henry has taken her riding."

"Henry took her riding this morning?" Albert asked. "Why?"

"I don't know," Ben said, shrugging. "I guess Anne wanted to get some fresh air and give you time to come down stairs for breakfast and be with us for a while."

Their wedding was to be held at Sky Valley, although Anne's home was more formal. She hadn't wanted to have their wedding there. It had too many bad memories for Albert and her. A decision would have to be made as to what to do with the house after they were married. Albert had already decided that they would keep the land, but an empty house did present a problem. When he brought up the matter to Anne, she told him, "Burn it down, tear it down, I don't care. I'll never live there again."

"Tell Father I'll be down shortly. There are a few details I want to check," Albert told his brother.

After Ben left, Albert checked to make sure everything was in readiness for his wedding. George had seen that his new black suit and white shirt were perfectly pressed and hanging in his closet. He picked up the small box that held Anne's wedding ring and laid it, along with their marriage license, on his dresser.

Albert knew that although he eagerly looked forward to starting his life with Anne, he was going to miss his brothers, especially Ben. His youngest brother had been a handful growing up, but Albert was proud of the young man and was certain there would be times he would miss the daily squabbles between him and his brothers.

Today, however, he was making Anne his wife, realizing his dream of having his own life and a family of his own. Anne was an only child, whose mother had died when she was very young, and had grown up alone. Soon after they became engaged, she had told him, "I want to have a house full of children. The sounds of their laughter filling the house. I never had that, and I want that in our home."

Well, I built her a home big enough for many children, Albert thought. Anne, unlike other women he had known, never asked for or expected anything from him. Most women he had seen socially were impressed not only by his good looks, but by the fact he was a Stuart and wealthy.

Not Anne. She was unimpressed by material things. She treasured the smallest of things he had given her, a bloom he had picked and placed in her hair from the rose his mother had planted outside the front door, a four-leaf clover they found as they walked together in the pasture one day. She had taken both of these and gently pressed them between the pages of her favorite book of poetry. It had been Albert's idea to build the large home that overlooked the lake. Anne would have been happy and content living with him in a little cabin.

****

While Albert was engrossed in his thoughts, Anne and Henry were enjoying a morning ride.

"Thank you for riding with me, Henry. You know how Albert can be about me riding alone," she explained.

"Aw, I'm happy to take you, Anne. Albert can't help how he is. He's still worried about Joe Young," he replied.

Anne had not allowed herself to think about the man Henry spoke of since her father's trial. Convinced that since her father had been exonerated, so would Joe Young once he was found. Young had been hired by her father to frighten her into leaving Nevada, but had escaped from jail shortly after being captured.

"I'm sure he's nowhere near here, Henry. Someone would certainly recognize him, and besides, with my father being freed, they most likely have dropped the charges against him already."

"Well, they may have dropped them charges, but Albert is still pushing Ray to file new charges for the way Young did you," Henry told her.

Reining up her horse at a watering hole, she climbed down, as did Henry. "I wish he would just let it go," she sighed, "I don't want to go through another trial."

"Now, Anne, you know my brother ain't gonna let nothing go that could hurt you. It about killed him when your father got off. He ranted about that for days."

"He never said anything to me," she said, petting her mare's neck.

That's because he said you were too upset to know how mad he was, Anne. Albert can be one stubborn man, but he usually is right about things. Now you know after you're married he's gonna be mighty particular with you. It ain't because he's trying to boss you; it's because he loves you and wants what's best for you. It took me and Ben a lot of years to figure that out," Henry explained.

"I know, Henry, and I'll be patient with him," she replied, gently patting the big man's arm. "Now, I imagine we should be getting back and start getting ready for the wedding.
Chapter Eighteen

"Good morning, Albert," Thomas Stuart boomed as he greeted his son.

"Morning, Father," he replied, taking his seat at the large table.

"What has happened to the house?" Albert asked, as he looked around at the downstairs, which had been transformed into a sea of white. White candles, white bunting, and yard upon yard of white ribbon cascaded down the walls with large floral arrangements adding splashes of color.

"This ain't nothing," Ben added. "Wait until you go outside."

Ignoring Ben's interruption, Thomas answered, "George and his family members are responsible. They began early this morning and already have the inside completed. They're working on the outside now."

"Where did all the flowers come from?" Albert asked, examining a petal of one particular bloom. "There's no florist in Carson City."

"They're from the gardens at Anne's ranch. Anne and George went there yesterday, while we were at your house, and cut down every flower in that garden and brought them here," Thomas explained. "I'm to tell you your boutonniere is in the cold pantry. Anne made it this morning, using one of your mother's rose buds. It's beautiful, Albert."

"I would have expected nothing less," Albert said, smiling.

Thomas saw that his son showed no signs of nervousness, but then Albert never did. From the time he was a small boy, he kept a tight rein on his emotions. That is, until he met Anne Wallace. From then on, it was as if a completely new Albert had been reborn. Thomas Stuart had prayed for the longest time that his eldest son would one day find someone who made him happy, and Albert had found that in Anne. He saw the joy and peace his son had attained because of her. He was no longer dark and brooding as before.

"Albert, when Anne returns, you know you aren't going to be able to see her. When you hear her and Henry ride up, perhaps you could wait in the kitchen until she returns to her room," his father suggested.

"All of these customs are just superstition. I can't see why Anne and I can't see each other before the wedding," Albert said.

"Because you'll have a string of bad luck," Ben told him as he ate breakfast.

"Now where did you hear that?" Albert asked, sipping his coffee.

"George told me. He said if the groom sees the bride before the wedding, they'll have years of bad luck. Now you don't want to start out your life with Anne with that hanging over you, do you?" Ben asked.

"Great, George has turned my youngest brother into an oracle," Albert laughed.

"Hey, I ain't no ora. . .whatever you said. I'm just telling you what George said." Ben protested.

It was then they heard the arrival of horses. Ben ran to look out the window, announcing, "Anne and Henry are back. You better make yourself scarce, Albert."

"This is archaic," Albert grumbled, making his way to the kitchen, "intelligent people insisting I hide in the kitchen and not see my fiancée until tonight."

No sooner was he in the kitchen than Henry came in the door to check to see that Albert was not in the room.

"Albert is waiting in the kitchen, Henry," Thomas told him, "have Anne come in. He'll stay there until we call for him."

Henry soon returned with Anne. "Enjoy your ride, my dear?" Thomas stood, asking the young woman.

"Yes sir, I did. It was enjoyable to take a leisurely ride before the insanity begins," she laughed.

Thomas understood why his son loved the young woman standing before him. She and Albert were so very much alike. They both spoke their minds, yet both were extremely private. Where Albert had an air of physical strength about him, Anne had a quiet strength and a will of iron. Thomas was sure that, together, they could overcome anything.

"Where is Albert? I still need to check with George on a few things, but we must not run into each other," she explained.

"Albert is in the kitchen," Thomas told her.

"I best go back to my room as he's not going to like being trapped in the kitchen. When George isn't busy, would you ask him to come see me? And, Henry, don't forget to see that Albert gets my note," she reminded him as she made her way to the downstairs guest room.

When he heard the door shut, Albert came out of the kitchen and asked, "How's Anne this morning, Henry?"

"That gal is just fine. Wanted me to give you this," Henry replied, handing a small envelope to his brother.

"Henry, I don't like the idea of Anne gallivanting around the countryside with Young running loose. I know you were with her, but until he's caught, I'd prefer I be the one to take her riding," Albert told him.

"Albert," Henry began, "Anne wasn't gallivanting around the countryside. She wanted to go riding, and I took her. I wouldn't let anything hurt that gal, you know that."

"I'm sorry, Henry. I know you wouldn't let anything happen to her. I just want her close to me, just in case Young should be around."

"It's alright, Albert. I know you didn't mean anything by what you said," Henry said, smiling at his brother.

"Thanks, Henry," Albert said as he took a cup of coffee, walked to the front porch, took a seat, and opened the ivory envelope. Inside, on creamy ivory stationary, she had written,

Albert, my love,

Today is the day we have dreamed of for so long. Delight in the knowledge that we will soon be one. I love you, my darling. I will see you at five, don't be late.

Anne

Smiling, he folded the note, placing it back in the envelope, and put it in his pocket. Albert wasn't the least bit nervous, and he knew she wasn't, either. This was the day they had both fought for, to be married and united forever.

The rest of the day passed quickly for Albert as he prepared for his wedding. His brothers, as usual, had received a tongue-lashing from their father for bickering. Thomas had stressed that today was Albert's wedding day and they were not to upset him. Albert just laughed; nothing could upset him today.

At three o'clock, after Anne had bathed, she sat at the dressing table, brushing the long auburn curls back, twisting and pinning her hair up in a more formal style. Soft tendrils of curls framed her face. She was in the process of checking the items she would need for today, Albert's ring, her dress, when there was a knock at her door.

"Anne, may I come in?" Thomas Stuart asked.

Opening the door, she greeted him, "Please do."

"Anne, is there anything I can do for you? Anything you need?"

"No, Father, I believe I have everything. I was just going over a few last minute details."

"Anne, I was hoping you would do Albert's mother and me the honor of wearing these today," he said, opening a black velvet box. Inside were perfectly matched pearl earrings and necklace. "I gave these to her on our wedding day and thought Albert's wife should have them now."

Accepting the box, her eyes misted and she exclaimed, "It would be my honor to wear something that belonged to Albert's mother."

"Anne, I know this has been difficult for you, not having a woman here to talk to and assist you with everything. I hope we've helped in some small way," Thomas declared.

"You've all been wonderful. As I told you the other night, you are all my family, and Albert is my life. I don't need anyone else," she said kissing his cheek.

Thomas cleared his throat and dabbed his eyes with his kerchief. He said, "It's time I went and checked on my son and got dressed myself. I'll be back for you at four-thirty so you can go marry your groom."

"I'll be ready," she said, smiling at the grey haired man she had grown to love as her own father.

After leaving Anne, Thomas made his way to Albert's room, preparing to knock as Ben and Henry rushed out of their brother's room, arguing. "I told you not to make Albert mad. Now with all your foolishness, you gone and done it, Ben," Henry said, scolding his younger brother.

"What have you two done now?" Thomas bellowed.

"I didn't do anything, Father, it was all Ben," Henry exclaimed.

"It was not," Ben declared. "I just asked Albert about tonight, how he's going to handle the reception when all those gals he courted show up."

"We didn't invite anyone Albert saw socially," Thomas pointed out.

"No, we didn't," Henry said. "Ben did! He invited a couple of them as his dates."

"Benjamin, you didn't!"

"They're my dates. They're not going to be a problem," he promised.

"Benjamin," Thomas began through clenched teeth, "I don't care how you do it, but you un-invite those girls, and do it now. I will not have your brother's wedding turn into a three ring circus. Now take care of it immediately! You have two hours until the wedding."

"But," Ben pleaded.

"Now, Benjamin!"

Ben Stuart knew that tone his father used left no room for discussion. "Yes, sir, I'll take care of it right now."

"Now I mean it. You two stay away from Albert until it's time for the wedding," Thomas warned.

"Yes, sir," they both answered.

Shaking his head, Thomas knocked on his eldest son's door. "Albert, may I come in?"

"Come in, Father," a deep voiced answered from the other side of the door.

When Thomas entered, Albert was busy shaving. "Albert, I'm sorry your brothers have upset you."

"I'm not upset," Albert declared, continuing to shave.

"But, Henry said. . ."

"I just acted mad to get them to leave. They were just fooling around, asking foolish questions."

"But, what about those girls Ben invited?" Thomas asked.

"Father," Albert said, wiping his face with a towel he had thrown over his shoulder, "Anne knows everything about me. I've been completely honest with her. Anne and I are committed to each other. There's no one or anything that will ever come between us."

"You've told her everything?" Thomas asked.

"Everything. We have no secrets," Albert said. "Anne knows everything about my life just as I know everything about hers."

"Good, son, it's important that you and Anne always be honest with each other. Don't keep anything from her, Albert, and don't try and shoulder everything. Anne is going to be your wife, sharing in everything," Thomas told him. "Albert, you've been my rock, my confidant, my strength. From the time you were a boy, you've been right beside me building Sky Valley. I will miss our times together, but I'm happy you're starting your own life now. You're marrying a young woman who has brought out the best in you. I've watched you grow from a small boy to a rambunctious teen, to a troubled young man. Then a mere year ago, you met someone who turned you upside down and now, before me, sits the man I always knew you would be. You've reaped the rewards of living as a moral, honest man. I've always been proud of you, Albert, but never more than now."

Albert listened to his father, fighting tears that gathered in his eyes, as he hugged the older man, saying, "Anne tells me when I feel something for someone I should tell them, otherwise, I may never get the chance again. I have something to tell you now, Father. I've been with you and seen you have emotional and physical pain that I didn't think a human being could survive. How you managed to raise the four of us alone for as long as you have, I will never know. I only hope I'm half the man you are, and when Anne and I start our family, I pray I can be half the father you are."

"Albert, you're a fine man and will be a wonderful father. Son, I love you," Thomas told him.

"And I love you, Father."

Clearing his throat and wiping his eyes, Thomas asked, "Now is there anything I can help you with?"

"No, I think I'm pretty well ready, other than dressing and I can do that on my own," Albert said, grinning.

"In that case, I'm going to bathe and dress," Thomas told him. "The next time I see you I'll be bringing your bride down the aisle to you."

After Thomas left, Albert finished packing items he had used and could not pack until now. Looking around his room, he thought of all the emotional highs and lows this room had shared with him. He thought, I won't need the solace of this room ever again. I have Anne at my side to share my life, my dreams; together there is nothing we can't overcome.

Soon, it was time for Albert to dress for his wedding. Not wanting to be rushed, he took his time, tying and untying his tie, combing his hair. Finally, pleased with the results, he slipped on his suit coat and walked into the hall to meet his brothers.

Downstairs, Anne was doing the same. Stepping into the satin gown, she took care pulling it into place, buttoning the pearl buttons at her side. The gown she had chosen was the latest style from New York, fitted through the bodice and waist with small straps over the shoulders. Anne fastened the clasp on the pearl necklace around her slender neck and then the earrings that had been Albert's mother's. Looking into the mirror, she realized she no longer looked like a twenty year old girl, she looked like a woman about to marry the man of her dreams.

A knock on the bedroom door brought her from her daydreaming," Anne," Thomas asked. "May I come in?"

"Yes," she answered.

When Thomas opened the door, the beautiful woman standing in front of him took his breath away. After a moment, he began, "Anne, you're a beautiful bride. Shall we go see your groom?"

"Yes," she said, smiling, "I think I've kept him waiting long enough."

As Thomas took her arm and laid it over his, he kissed her cheek and told her, "Let's go get you and my son married."

When Anne and Thomas stepped out of the house, he paused briefly, "All set?" he asked.

"Yes, sir, I'm ready." She smiled at him.
Chapter Nineteen

Albert, standing under a large canopy, had seen Anne come out of the house with his father. He was stunned by how beautiful she looked as Henry leaned over and said, "Albert, you've got to be the luckiest man in the territory."

Smiling at his brother, he watched as his father brought his bride down the aisle to stand next to him. Thomas took her hand and wrapped it through Albert's arm. Anne smiled up at the tall, handsome man next to her. Albert placed his warm hand over hers, smiling down at her.

The minister began the wedding ceremony by having Albert and Anne face each other. As Albert looked into her stunning blue eyes, he repeated his vows, and his heart melted as she looked at him. Slipping her ring on her finger, he then patiently waited as she repeated her vows. When the minister pronounced them man and wife, Albert took her in his arms and kissed her, holding her longer than propriety dictated. Smiling at each other, they proceeded down the aisle, and well-wishers applauded as the minister introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stuart. After greeting their guests and accepting hugs and kisses from his father and brothers, George led Albert and Anne to their table.

Leaning over and kissing her, Albert said, "Well, Mrs. Stuart, you were right on time."

"So were you," she said, smiling at him as she caressed his face.

"I see Father gave you my mother's necklace and earrings. They look beautiful on you," he told her.

"Thank you, it was a privilege for me to wear them today," she said.

"I just realized something," Albert began, smiling, "You're my wife. Finally, after all this time."

"Yes," she said leaning into him. "And you're my husband. And you best never forget it."

"I never will, sweetheart," he promised.

The Stuart-Wallace wedding would prove to be the largest and most lavish wedding ever performed in the territory. Guests from as far away as San Francisco had made the long trip to celebrate the marriage of the eldest Stuart son to the beautiful and gracious young woman from London.

Noticeably absent was Anne's father, although no one in attendance had the audacity to voice his or her questions on John Wallace's absence. Henry and Ben were the first to toast the newlyweds as each brother made a speech before encouraging the guests to join them in toasting.

George and his family had outdone themselves with the dinner fare. Rounds of beef, succulent legs of lamb, and tenderloins of pork accompanied by tables overflowing with every imaginable side dish. Pastries most people in attendance had never seen, much less tasted, before. The wedding cake, however, was the piece de resistance. Seven layers of each a different flavor, each one separated by assorted berries, jams, and glace, covered in a snow-white butter crème frosting.

After dinner, they sat talking quietly until the music began, and Albert led her to the dance floor. Taking her in his arms, they glided across the floor, their eyes only for each other. As they danced, Albert pointed out, "If I were a gambling man, I would bet neither of my brothers will be capable of moving tomorrow. As fast as they are drinking champagne, they'll be worthless for days," he laughed.

"Albert, let's enjoy our wedding and not worry about Henry and Ben. They're grown men, and this is a celebration, so let them celebrate," Anne told him.

"You're right; I'm not their keeper anymore. I have someone else I prefer to watch over," he said, kissing her forehead. "Someone who pleases me far more."

After cutting their wedding cake, the couple decided it was time to begin their goodbyes and depart the reception. Albert had hired a carriage to take them to their new home. As Thomas and his brothers saw them to the conveyance, Thomas told them, "We will take care of everything while you're gone. Have a wonderful time. We'll see you when you return."

On the ride to their new home, the newlyweds sat holding hands, Albert's arm around her. He looked down at the reflection the carriage lights made. When they pulled up in front of the house, Albert helped her out, taking her hand, and guiding her up the stairs to the front porch. He had her wait there as he opened the front door and set their small bags inside. Returning, he lifted her into his arms as he carried her across the threshold into the foyer.

George had seen that fresh flowers graced every room, along with the lamps he had lit earlier that evening, which glowed softly in every room. Albert knew and understood her hesitancy, so taking her in his arms, he held her. After a moment, he felt her hands on his back, returning his embrace. He knew without either one of them saying a word they were one. Gently holding her face with his hand, he kissed her softly. As he showed her to the lower level of the house, Albert waited for her reaction as she explored each room, finally telling him, "It's beautiful, Albert, absolutely beautiful."

"This is my gift to you, Anne, I built it for you. We still have some finishing to do, but we can take our time. I just wanted to have the essentials before we moved in," he told her.

"I have something for you, also," she said. "Nothing quite as grand as your present, but I think you'll like it. Wait here." Returning shortly, she handed him a small black box. "Open it."

Slowly lifting the top, inside he found an exquisite gold pocket watch and fob. Removing it from the box, he turned it over in his hand and read the inscription on the back. To Albert, my love, my life. Anne

"It's beautiful, Anne," he began.

"Open the case," she said softly.

Doing as she said, he opened the watch clasp and inside found a picture of his mother and father on their wedding day.

"Where, how, did you find this picture?" he asked.

"Your father was showing me some photographs one day. We came across this one, and he gave it to me. When I had the watch made, I had the watchmaker encase the picture," she explained, then added, "You have your mother's eyes."

Speechless, Albert stood staring at the watch in his hand. Finally finding his voice he told her, "Thank you my love, it's beautiful."

Taking her in his arms, he kissed her passionately, with her returning his fervor. Knowing both their minds were on what lay ahead upstairs, Albert silently went throughout the house turning off the lamps and checking the door. Albert took Anne's hand, and they went up the stairs together.
Chapter Twenty

Entering their room, she told him, "Albert, it's beautiful." Candles, along with a low fire burning in the fireplace, cast muted light throughout the room. On the table was champagne, along with fruits and candies.

He poured each of them a glass, kissed her softly, then told her, "You complete me, you touch me, and I want you. You look at me, and my heart melts like the snow when the sun shines on the mountains. Today, when I saw you come down the aisle, I knew I had realized my dream to marry you. From the moment we met, I loved you, and today, my heart is overflowing with that love. My only desire is to love you and live the rest of my life with you."

With his words, all apprehension left her. She set her glass down and walked over to him. Embracing him, she told him, "I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond."

Albert had calmed her fears with his words, and now she wanted to be one with him. As he held her, he felt her heart racing and her body tremble. Both were keenly aware that soon they would take the next step as husband and wife.

Anne excused herself and went into the dressing room to change. Removing her wedding gown and hanging it in the closet, she then took the pins from her hair, allowing it to flow down her back. She changed into a diaphanous nightgown, took a deep breath, then stepped back into their bedroom and found Albert gazing into the fireplace. He had removed his suit coat and tie, his shirt unbuttoned to the waist. When he heard the door open, he turned to see her enter the room.

His pulse quickened as he watched her come to him, stopping in front of him. He had to remind himself to take it slow. He didn't want to frighten her. He sat his glass on the mantel and gathered her into his arms.

Pulling her to his chest, he told her, "Anne, don't be afraid, we'll take it slow. We have all the time in the world."

"I'm not afraid, Albert. I just don't want to disappoint you," she said, looking into his eyes.

"You could never disappoint me, Anne, never," he said, as his mouth covered hers. Gently at first, then more demanding as his tongue forced her mouth open, slipping into the sweet, warm depths. Anne's hand rested on his chest, her fingers playing in the black dense hair there. Reminding himself again not to rush, he gently pulled back from her, as he took her hand from his chest, kissing her fingertips.

"Anne, don't be afraid. Remember I told you once, I would help you and prepare you when the time came?" he said, looking at her.

"Yes, I remember, Albert, and I'm not afraid," she answered. Her arms circled his neck, pulling his mouth to hers as she kissed him tenderly, his arms pulling her closer, molding his body to hers. He felt her begin to respond to his kisses as his manhood grew, pressing against her stomach. Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to their bed, laying her there as he took his shirt off and stepped out of his pants.

Anne's eyes grew wide as they swept over his body, resting on his hardened manhood, straining against the thin material of his undergarments. He slipped into bed beside her, pulling the sheet over them as he took her in his arms, gently stroking and kissing her. Soon, all fears were gone as Albert's touch woke feelings in her that yearned to be free. Anne willingly gave herself up to his caresses, responding to his touch. They took their time, exploring and undressing each other as a spark began in both as their desire and want for each other took over.

They strove to satisfy the other, giving everything they possessed. Although he had prepared her as best he could, when he entered her for the first time, she experienced pain like none she had ever known, her nails digging into his back as tears sprung up in her eyes. He whispered words of love to her that soon turned all the pain into a burning desire for him. That night a passion ignited between the two lovers that would never be quenched.

Afterwards, as they lay entwined in each other's arms, he promised her he would never hurt her again.

"The first time is painful, Anne, but I swear from now on there will be no pain, only pleasure."

Reddening, she told him, "I'm alright now. I just wasn't prepared for the, for the intensity of you of your..."

"It's alright, sweetheart, don't be embarrassed. This is what married people do," he explained.

After a few moments of his caresses, she asked, "Do you know when I fell in love with you?"

Stroking her hair, he answered, "I'm not sure."

"It was the very moment I heard your voice and looked into your eyes," she told him.

"And do you still feel that way, Mrs. Stuart?" he asked, smiling.

"Yes, every time I look into your eyes, I fall in love with you all over again," she said, stroking his chest. Albert had given Anne all of the love he had, and now married, she could give of herself freely to him.

Later that night, Albert lay watching his wife sleep. He had made love to her again that first night, far more than he would have ever imagined. He had planned to introduce the intimate side of their marriage to her slowly, but Anne, eager to please him, ignited a fire in him he could not deny or control.

He had been concerned that given her upbringing, she may be inhibited in this area of their marriage. His fears had been short lived, as he soon realized, Anne had a burning want to please him both in and out of bed. She was finally free to shower all of her love and affection on him. That night they both slept better than they had in all their lives, wrapped in each other's arms.

As the sun rose the next morning, Albert looked down at the woman sleeping in his arms. Brushing a curl from her face, he gently kissed her as she snuggled closer to him, her hand on his chest. A sense of contentment swept over him as he folded her in his arms, knowing she was his forever and drifted back to sleep.

Anne, waking a short time later, lay there looking into the face of the man she loved so much that it made her ache. Her thoughts slipped back to the night before, her body still tingling from his touch. She slipped from his arms, quietly got out of bed, put a robe on, and walked out on their balcony. The view was breathtaking. A mist rose over the deep blue lake with the snow-capped mountains rising majestically behind it. Wrapping her arms around herself, she thought of her husband and last night. Albert had been gentle and patient with her, awakening feelings and emotions she had never imagined existed in her. She smiled, remembering her husband's lovemaking, as two strong arms wrapped around her and soft lips kissed her neck.

"Good morning, Mrs. Stuart," he greeted her.

Turning to face him, she wrapped her arms around his neck, smiled, and kissed him softly. "Good morning. I didn't wake you, did I?"

"No, I just missed the feel of you in my arms," he told her.

"You were right, the view is beautiful. I will never tire of looking at it," she told him.

"Well, sweetheart," he said, pulling her close, "we have a very long time to enjoy this view. The rest of our lives. There's something else I want to share with you." Grinning, he swept her into his arms and carried her back to their bed.

From the beginning she had been an obsession with him, but never more than now, as he was insatiable in his want of her.

After Albert had fallen back to sleep, Anne slipped out of the bed and went to the kitchen. She found that George had stocked the pantries with assorted foods to tempt the lovers. Anne brewed coffee and began making breakfast for her husband.

Albert woke to the smell of coffee, biscuits and bacon frying. Rising, he splashed water on his face, combed his hair, slipped on a pair of pants, and was buttoning his shirt as he went down the stairs. Entering the kitchen, he found his wife at the stove.

"Anne, you didn't have to go to all this trouble."

"It's no trouble, and besides, I'm hungry. I hope eggs, bacon, and biscuits are all right," she said, pouring him a cup of coffee.

"That's perfect. In fact, I'm starved. I'm exhausted from last night and this morning. I need food to keep my strength up in order to satisfy my wife," he told her, grinning as he sipped his coffee.

"Albert," she blushed, "you cannot possibly. . ."

"Anne, I told you I will never tire of making love to you. However, you're right, I am hungry. We need to eat. Then I want to tell you where I'm taking you for our honeymoon."

Going to him and putting her arms around his waist as she looked up at him, she said, "I would be content not to go anywhere, just stay right here with you."

"I know you would, but I want our honeymoon to be special, something we will never forget."

After they dined, he told her about San Francisco, and was delighted by her reaction.

"We leave the day after tomorrow," he told her.

"San Francisco! I've never been there. What a wonderful surprise," she declared, throwing her arms around his shoulders, kissing him softly.

For the next two days, they enjoyed being alone and adjusting to living together as man and wife. Albert's family respected this time, knowing the couple wanted no one but each other. Anne cooked small meals for them with Albert helping her clean up the kitchen afterwards.
Chapter Twenty-one

The morning they left for San Francisco, Albert woke before sunup, kissed her, and whispered, "Time to get up, sweetheart. We've got to hurry to make the morning stage on time."

"Mmmmmm, Albert let me sleep just a while longer. I feel as though I just fell asleep," she moaned.

Chuckling, as he remembered the night before, he said, "You did, but I'll let you sleep on the stage. Really, Anne, you must get up and get dressed."

When he received no response from her, he pulled the covers off her, resulting in a squeal, "Albert Stuart, you are the most infuriating man!" she cried.

"It was the only way I could get you up," he explained, watching her climb out of bed, her gown riding up on a shapely thigh. Pulling her back onto the bed with him, he kissed her, and then nuzzled her neck telling her as his fingers toyed with the top of her gown, "Maybe we do have a little time."

She gently pushed on his chest, nuzzling his ear, telling him, "No, you're right. I must get up and get dressed. Perhaps if you had woken me a little nicer we would have had time for other things."

"Anne, I don't believe it. We've only been married for three days, and you're already refusing me."

"No, darlin'," she said caressing his face with the back of her hand, "I will never refuse you. I'm just doing as you requested, I'm getting up and getting dressed. Your other ideas will have to wait until later."

The couple spent a romantic week in San Francisco at the Palace Hotel. Albert had reserved a suite for them, requesting the staff keep it well stocked with champagne, fruit, pastries, and Anne's favorite chocolates.

He enjoyed showing her everything he loved about the city. They spent their days sightseeing, visiting museums, art galleries, and dining at the finest restaurants. In the evenings, he took her to several stage shows and the opera.

On one of their last nights in the city, they lay in bed after making love as she told him, "Albert, I've had a wonderful time. You've made it so very special."

"I wanted you to have a good time," he told her. "Something both of us will remember for the rest of our lives."

Anne had gotten bolder and more comfortable in her role as Albert's wife, wanting to please him at every turn. She had soon discovered that Albert was not only gentle and considerate in his love-making, but a powerful and demanding lover at the same time, satisfying her every time.

One afternoon, after returning from sightseeing, he asked, "Did you want to bathe before dinner?"

"I would love to. I won't be long. I'll start filling the tub right now," she told him. As the tub filled, she began undressing. Albert's eyes watched her every move, admiring the image she presented. She pinned her hair up, then removed her under garments, before gingerly stepping into the huge brass tub. She sighed as she laid back, her head resting on the back of the tub, as the hot water welcomed her. She had almost drifted off to sleep when she heard a noise. Opening her eyes, she watched as Albert stepped into the tub.

"You don't mind if I join you, do you?" he asked, smiling.

"Albert, why no, I just never. . ." she said, fumbling over her words.

Pulling her to him, he told her, "Anne, after the past week we've spent together, you can't possibly be shy about anything we do together."

"No, it's just this is, well, not anything I expected."

Nuzzling her neck, his hands busy awakening the passion in her, he whispered, "Let me do everything, and I promise you'll never want to bathe without me again." He was right, after that night, she never looked at bathing in quite the same way.

By the time they left San Francisco, the two lovers had discovered even more about each other. He had always known how passionate she was about those she loved and now that passion was his alone. They both regretted having to leave San Francisco, but knew they would remember this time together, forever.

The evening they returned home from San Francisco, a feeling of contentment washed over both of them as they pulled up in front of their home. After unlocking the door and seeing Anne inside, Albert went to put the horses and carriage away. She went throughout the house, lighting the lamps, as Albert returned shortly and started a fire in the fireplace. When he stood up, she molded herself to him, kissing him.

"Welcome home, sweetheart," she told him.

"Anne, I love your greeting," he smiled. "I hope that you always welcome me that way when I return home."

Taking his hand, she told him, "I always will." Then she added, "You have to see this."

Leading him into the living room, she indicated the piles of wedding gifts neatly stacked on the far side of the room. "Your father thought of everything," she told him.

"He also brought Diablo and Mariah over, they're in the barn," he said. Kissing her, he added, "We'll see to the gifts another time. I have other plans for tonight."

"I thought as much," she said, smiling at him.

As Albert carried their bags upstairs, she declined his help in putting their clothing and personal effects away. "Just sit and talk to me," she told him.

Sitting on the settee, he watched as she took care folding his shirts and placing them into his dresser. When finished, she told him, "As much as I loved San Francisco and our time together there, I missed our home."

"I did too. It's good to be home. Now, Mrs. Stuart," he said taking her hand. "I think we need to reacquaint ourselves with our bed."

Smiling at her husband, Anne grasped his hand as they enjoyed the rest of the evening in a way that left them both exhausted and fulfilled. With the wedding and honeymoon over, Albert and Anne settled into their life together as man and wife in a perpetual love for each other.

****

To be continued in Perpetual Emotions - new edition coming soon...

About The Author

Writing romance stories with passion and sass, Jamie Salisbury has seen several of her books soar to #1 on Amazon. Her novella, Tudor Rubato was a finalist in the 2012 RONE (Reward of Novel Excellence) awards. The cover won for Best Contemporary Cover. Now in 2014, her novel, Life and Lies was nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category. Her books are both self published and now include several published through Secret Cravings Publishing.

Music, traveling and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.

Author Links

Website

Blog

Facebook Author Page

Twitter: @JamieRSalisbury

Also by Jamie Salisbury

Archangel (coming May 5, 2015)

Choice Affairs

Choice Matters

Encore!

Life & Lies

Love Will Find A Way

Rockin' The Boss

Tartan Deadlines

The Heart Knows

Timeless Sojourn

Tudor Reunion Tour

Tudor Rose

Tudor Rubato

Where Love Takes Us
