Read Chapter 1 of Forced to Love

Standing quietly in an upper bedroom of the beautiful Garland Mansion, Hattie Morran gazed out the open window over the lush, green grounds known as the Silver Creek Estate. Her wedding dress and auburn hair fluttered lightly in the soft Missouri breeze as she sighed dishearteningly. The cold steel of her Colt 45, nestled among the flowers of her wedding bouquet, belied the picture of a beautiful bride awaiting her once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Without breaking her gaze, she began talking to her sister, who sat silently on a sapphire blue settee in the middle of the ornately decorated room. “So help me, God, Dakota,” Hattie said with great conviction, “if Abner does not come across with my demands this time, this will be the shortest marriage on record!”

Knowing Hattie was not one to mess around, Dakota leaned forward with concern. “What do you plan to do, Sis?”

Turning in Dakota’s direction, Hattie slowly lowered her bouquet, reached in, and cocked the revolver. “Put it this way . . . if he doesn’t, the man is goin’ to meet up with an untimely death . . . or I am goin’ to shoot off the only thin’ in life that jackass holds dear.”

Hearing the revolver being cocked, Dakota replied in shock, “You wouldn’t!”

“Oh, wouldn’t I? Just you hide and watch, Sister Dear. Believe me, I’ve taken just about all I’m goin’ to take from Abner Garland. At this point, I’d just as soon kill him as look at him! Of course, I can’t do that because I love his Mama so much, and even though he is a despicable person, he is her son.” With her feelings for Abner’s mother, Rebecca Garland, calming her, Hattie reached back into her bouquet and uncocked the revolver.

Tilting her head to one side, Dakota let out a long, labored breath. “To tell the truth, I can’t blame you, Sis. With all that Abner has put you through, I understand perfectly your wantin’ to kill him. I just hope everythin’ goes exactly as his mother has planned.” Then, rising to her feet and walking in Hattie’s direction, Dakota held up a small handkerchief edged in lace. “Is this the blue one?” she asked, staring straight ahead.

Hattie looked down at the pale blue handkerchief and then at her sister. “Yes, Honey, it’s the blue one. Thank you.”

“I really wish I could see you in your weddin’ dress, Hattie,” Dakota said somberly. “It’s times like this when I really miss bein’ able to see.”

Hattie thought for a moment and fell silent. She was so used to her sister’s condition that she tended to forget how hard it was for her. Dakota Jayne (often referred to as Cody) had tragically been left blind by an unknown illness at the tender age of six, but through time, sheer determination, and a staunch refusal to be limited by the hand she had been dealt in life, Dakota had learned to cope very well.

To the casual observer, Dakota appeared perfectly normal. Strangers, in fact, were stunned when informed of her blindness, as her beautiful blue eyes looked healthy and moved about freely yet deliberately, appearing to survey everything with the thoroughness of a sleuth. In addition, the family made sure that her surroundings remained constant, and in doing so, Dakota knew instinctively how many steps there were to chairs, tables, and doors. Her familiarity with her environment coupled with an extremely keen sense of hearing that allowed her to place people by the sounds that they made enabled Dakota to move about with the greatest of ease. It was only when she was in new or unfamiliar places that she became unsure of herself. On the arm of a trusted friend, however, she handled herself with poise and elegance, never letting on to her handicap. Always the life of the party, Dakota was quick-witted, had an effervescent smile, and was even a delightful dancing partner. Looking at her sister with deep admiration, Hattie had no doubt that Dakota’s strong character and deep faith in the Lord allowed her to persevere where others would have surely failed.

The silence between them was broken as Laville, their elder sister, burst into the room and rushed to the window. Raising her hand and pointing enthusiastically at the guests who were arriving, she exclaimed, “Hattie! Hattie! You won’t believe who just arrived! It’s the Governor, his wife, and their party from the Capitol!”

Before Hattie could respond, Rebecca Garland and Hattie’s mother, Minerva Morran, entered the room as well. Rebecca, a dainty woman with blonde, flowing hair, pale blue eyes, and fair complexion, was the epitome of elegance. Smiling brightly, she replied to Laville’s youthful enthusiasm with her patented Southern flair. “I should certainly hope so! I invited him, as well as many other dignitaries of Missouri society. This will, after all, be the state’s most prominent wedding of the year.”

Rebecca was right; the wedding between her son, Abner, and the beautiful, young Miss Hattie Morran was indeed known as the social event of the summer of 1896. Rebecca had spared no expense and Minerva had left no stone unturned in making this mockery of a wedding appear genuine.

Joining Laville and Hattie at the window, the two mothers looked down over the stunning gardens of Silver Creek. The gardens were by far the most awe-inspiring part of the estate, as they were the home to nearly every tree, shrub, and flower known to man. Rebecca went to great lengths to keep the vast gardens immaculately maintained, and because of her efforts, they were often referred to by the locals from the nearby town of Gallatin as a latter-day ‘Garden of Eden’. For today, however, the usually tranquil gardens were alive with activity, as they served as a magnificent backdrop for the wedding.

Gazing down into the shaded court area, Rebecca secretly wondered if there would be enough seating, as it appeared there were more people arriving than had been invited. But then, as if she had been reading Rebecca’s mind, Minerva nodded her head reassuringly and whispered, “Everythin’ is perfect.” It was a beautiful sunny day this July 25, and the illusion that they had worked so hard to create was at last complete.

Turning their attention from the outside, Rebecca and Minerva set their gazes upon Hattie. Moving directly in front of the young bride-to-be, the two mothers looked adoringly at Hattie, bathed in the morning sunlight. Its warm, gentle rays streamed through the open window, surrounding her in a soft, white aura, perfectly accentuating her auburn hair. A petite girl with a tiny nineteen-inch waist, Hattie stood only five feet two inches tall. On this day, however, with the morning sunlight cascading down around her in such splendid grandeur, she appeared larger than life. Rebecca sighed as she took in the picture of beauty in front of her. “Hattie, my dear, you are breathtaking.”

Flattered, Hattie smiled graciously, turned, and looked outside again. She, like the rest of the family, could not get enough of the elegance of Silver Creek.

During the next few minutes, the women busied themselves making final touches on the wedding dress. As they did, Hattie’s mother, Minerva, a moral, strong-willed woman with dark brown hair and blue eyes, thought back to the terrible morning when her husband, Newton, an immoral, average-sized man with red-brown hair, brown eyes, and rugged masculine features, informed her of the circumstances which eventually led up to this whole sordid affair. In her mind, she could still hear him screaming at her as she sat silently at the kitchen table, turning her coffee cup around and around in her hands.

Pacing back and forth like a caged lion in the small kitchen of their modest farmhouse, Newton’s voice boomed like thunder. “Damn it, Minerva, do you hear me? Hattie has no choice in the matter! She will marry Abner, and that’s all there is to it!”

Aghast at her husband’s behavior, Minerva implored, “Stop screamin’ at me, Newton! And lower your voice, the girls are still in bed.” He glared at her with eyes as cold as a Siberian winter as she pleaded desperately. “Tell me, Newton, how in the world did you ever get yourself into such a mess, and why in heaven’s name did you involve Hattie? She is only fifteen and too young to marry anyone, let alone the likes of Abner Garland!”

“And just what the hell is wrong with Abner? His mother, Rebecca, is your best friend. The boy’s well-educated, and he comes from the wealthiest family in the state of Missouri, if not the whole damn country!”

Minerva knew trying to reason with Newton once he’d made up his mind on something was like beating her head against a brick wall. “What’s that got to do with the kind of man he is, Newt? As I recall, you used these same words last year when you tried to convince me to let Laville marry John Anderson, and look what a horrible mess that turned out to be.”

Disgusted, Newton muttered, “Hattie ain’t nothin’ like Laville, and you know it.” Walking to the open back door and venting his frustration, he kicked it shut, shaking the walls of the kitchen. “You know damn well Laville never intended to cooperate with me.”

“And just what makes you think Hattie will?”

“Hattie’s always been obedient. She’ll do exactly as she’s told.”

“And what do you have your money-grubbin’ hands after this time, Newton?”

“Never you mind!”

Disgusted that he wouldn’t level with her, Minerva slammed her cup down with the determination of an ox. Weary of her husband’s deplorable behavior, she had taken all she was going to take. “Well, the fact of the matter is that she’s only fifteen years old. As for Abner’s mother, she may be my best friend and Heaven knows she loves Hattie like her own, but what has that got to do with your puttin’ our daughter in the hands of a man like Abner? You know, just as I do, that Rebecca had to send him back East to school because she and Jess couldn’t do a thin’ with him. He’s worthless, Newton, and you know it!”

Feeling he was losing ground, Newton tried another tactic. “Now Minerva, you’re takin’ this all wrong.”

“Oh, no, I’m not!” Minerva replied in anger. “Hattie ain’t somethin’ for you to bargain with, especially if it’s to get you out of some kind of trouble. I won’t stand for it!”

Newton was absolutely furious as he glared at her and again raised his voice. “Listen, Woman, I’m not askin’ you for your permission! I’m tellin’ you! Hattie will marry Abner Garland! I’ve already given Jess my word on it.”

Minerva pushed her chair away from the table and stood in defiance before her husband. “Your word! Hah! Since when has your word ever amounted to anythin’? Get this through your thick skull, Newton. The only way she’ll marry Abner is over my dead body!”

In the bedroom above the kitchen, Hattie, Dakota, and Laville listened in disbelief. Laville turned to Hattie. “Did I hear what I thought I heard? Please tell me this isn’t happening again!”

Angrily throwing her hairbrush on the bed, Hattie tried in vain to control her emotions. “You heard right, Sis. It looks like Pa ain’t gonna be happy till he ruins all our lives!”

Worried for the safety of their mother, Dakota tried to calm her sisters. “Look, you two, I know you’re both angry, but I think we better get downstairs. Laville, find Curtis and have him go for the boys. I heard them leave for town a while ago, but they couldn’t have gotten far. I got a feelin’ we’d better get ‘em back to the house before this all blows up in Mama’s face.”

As Laville opened the door to Curtis’s room, she found him frightened and huddled with his three younger brothers on the floor. He, like them, was tired of being scared of their tyrannical father. With urgency in her voice, Laville instructed, “Curtis, go after your older brothers, and make it fast. They’re on their way to town, but you should be able to catch them if you hurry. Don’t bother going down the stairs and through the kitchen. Instead, crawl out your bedroom window, across the roof, and onto the shed. Take my buggy; Robert said he would have it ready for me early this morning. When you find the boys, tell them I said to hightail it back here as fast as they can. Then, get right back up here and make sure that Mark, Barry, and Miles stay safe.”

Curtis, sensing the seriousness in his sister’s voice, was out the window and gone before she could say another word. After making her way back to Hattie and Dakota, Laville grabbed a robe then waited while Hattie and Dakota got themselves presentable, as they had all been in their sleeping garments. “I’m the oldest, so I guess I better do the talking,” Laville quipped, as the girls made their way out of the bedroom and started toward the stairs.

Not about to let Laville fight her battles for her, Hattie grabbed Laville’s arm and whirled her around so that they were face to face. “Oh, no you won’t, Laville! This is about me. This time I’m doin’ the talkin’!” Moving quickly, they started down the stairs and reached the bottom just in time to see their Pa drawing back to strike their mother. Terrified, Hattie ran to her mother’s aid, jumped in front of her father’s flailing fist, and screamed, “No, Pa, stop!”

Following through without a second thought, instead of striking Minerva, Newton struck Hattie square in the face. The blow came with such force that she spun across the room like an out-of-control top, struck the wall, and fell into a heap on the floor. Laville rushed past their father to Hattie and, bending down next to her, wiped away the stream of blood that was now trickling from her sister’s mouth. Angry beyond the point of common sense, Laville screamed, “What’s wrong with you, Pa? Have you completely lost your mind?”

Showing no remorse, Newton stepped toward them, his hand drawn back again. “Shut up, Laville, or you’ll get some of the same.”

Hattie, knowing that it might come to this, had slipped her pearl-handled revolver in her robe before coming downstairs. As she reached in and pointed the gun toward the picture of evil that was her father, shivers ran down her spine. It was as if she was looking at the devil himself.

Seeing the revolver, a smirk crossed his face. “You wouldn’t dare use that on your own Pa, now would you, Hattie?”

“Just try me,” Hattie said daringly, as Laville helped her to her feet. Then, quite abruptly, she pulled the trigger twice, splintering the wooden floor directly in front of his feet. Jumping back to the window, Newton could see Hattie’s jaw firmly set and her eyes aflame with anger. “That’s the last time you are ever goin’ to hit one of us!” Holding her revolver steady, she ordered, “Stay right where you are, Pa. The boys will be back any minute, and when they are, we’ll get to the bottom of this mess.”

Testing Hattie again, he took one step forward but stopped when he heard Minerva call out his name from behind. Turning around, he saw that she was now standing in the doorway with a rifle. “Stop where you are, Newton, or so help me, God, if Hattie doesn’t shoot you, I will. She’s right; we’ve taken all we’re goin’ to take from you.”

“Who do you think you’re kiddin’, Minerva? Why, the law would hang you.”

Looking at him as if she could see right through him, she replied, “Don’t you think for one minute, Newton, it wouldn’t be worth it, to get you out of our lives. I’m plum fed up with your takin’ advantage of us. As far as I’m concerned, the depths of Hell couldn’t be any worse than you are.”

Showing no emotion, he replied arrogantly, “You can’t hold these guns on me forever.”

“You’re right, Pa,” Dakota said matter-of-factly. “We could just go ahead and shoot you. Then we could drag your body out in the woods, bury you, and all of us swear we didn’t know what happened to you.”

“Stay out of this, Cody; this is none of your affair.”

“Wrong, Pa! Everythin’ that happens to us is my affair. Don’t think we didn’t learn our lesson after what you did to Laville. No one said anythin’ when you married her off to John Anderson. But this time we ain’t standin’ by while you try to ruin Hattie’s life, too. How do you think we felt when we found out that you forced Laville into marryin’ John just so you could get your hands on their farmland?”

Before he could answer, the back door swung open and Newton’s three older sons, Shannon, Robert, and John, stepped inside the kitchen. Shannon, being the eldest, was very protective of his mother and sisters. Demanding an answer, he asked, “What the hell’s goin’ on, Pa?”

Crossing his arms in front of him, Newton refused to speak. Gaining composure, Minerva explained the situation, and as she did, the boys became enraged. Taking in all that his mother had to say, Shannon could only shake his head in disbelief. “What are you after this time, Pa?”

Newton had a reluctant look on his face, but he knew now with the whole family present he’d have to fess up. “If you must know, I owe Jess Garland a lot of money.”

Shannon’s blood was boiling. “You can’t keep expectin’ the family to bail you out every time you get yourself into trouble, Pa. We love Hattie too much to see you use her to pay off your gamblin’ debts.”

Newton glared at his eldest son. “She has to, as she’s what Abner wants, and if I was to give him everythin’ we owned, it still wouldn’t be enough.”

“My God, Newt! How could you do such a thin’? How much do you owe ‘em?” Minerva questioned, heartsick.

“More than we got. But that ain’t all. Jess said if Hattie doesn’t marry Abner, Laville and Dakota just might meet up with some sort of accident.” Newton was lying, but with the whole family in opposition to him, he was desperate.

Stepping farther into the kitchen, John couldn’t help but think that there had to be a better way to solve the situation. “Why don’t we just go to the Sheriff, Pa, and explain the whole thin’?”

Thinking quickly, Newton retorted, “Wouldn’t do us a bit of good. It’ll just be our word against theirs, and they carry a lot of weight in this county.”

Discouraged but not willing to give up, Minerva slowly lowered her rifle. “I’ll go to Rebecca myself.”

“I wouldn’t if I were you. She can’t control Jess or Abner, and you know it.”

“Then it’s hopeless,” she conceded, her voice full of despair.

Newton, seeing things turning in his favor, took advantage of the situation. “As I see it, we ain’t got no choice in the matter. No choice at all.”

Hattie looked at Laville, then Dakota, who were both now sitting at the old wooden table in the middle of the room and couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to them. Seeing no other solution and wanting desperately to protect her family, she said reluctantly, “If that is what it will take to get us out of this mess, then . . . then I’ll marry him.”

Enraged by the idea of Hattie in Abner’s clutches, Shannon and Robert cried out, “No!” Robert, racing to Hattie’s side, put his hands on her shoulders and pleaded, “You don’t know him like we do.” Looking down into her innocent, green eyes, he continued, “There are people in this county who say that he is worse than the devil himself.”

Tears began to run down Hattie’s cheeks. “What else can we do, Robert?”

“I don’t know, but there must be somethin’.” Feeling sick to his stomach, he turned to Newton. “How could you have gotten us into this, Pa? Ain’t it bad enough that we suffered shame before the whole county when you married Laville off to John Anderson?”

Again, Newton showed no emotion. “For hell’s sake, how long are you all gonna hold on to that? It’s in the past, and it does none of you any good to keep rehashin’ it. Forget about it and move on. Now,” he said calmly, “I’m ridin’ over to the Garland Estate to tell Jess and Abner that Hattie is agreeable to the marriage.”

Angrily, the whole family again began to protest, but Hattie raised her hands and shouted to get their attention. “Wait! Everyone wait! This is my decision, and I said I’d do it. There’s no sense arguin’ about it. I’m not about to stand by and watch somethin’ happen to Laville, Dakota, or anyone else in this family. Go on, Pa, tell ‘em. But mark my words, this ain’t over between you and me. Not by a long shot.”

Newton, satisfied that he at last had won, turned to leave.

“Just a minute, Newt,” Minerva said with a sudden coldness in her voice. Turning, he looked at her as she walked toward him, rifle still in hand. Speaking in a firm clear voice, she said, “I have one more thin’ to say to you, and I’m goin’ to say it in front of the kids, so they’ll know exactly what I’ve said.” With everyone’s undivided attention, she continued. “I’m leavin’ you, Newt, and I’m goin’ to get a divorce. Furthermore, I’ll not spend another night under the same roof with you. You can have the farm and most everythin’ on it. The kids and I will take what’s ours and be gone before you get back. We’ll stay at my brother’s farm on the other side of Gallatin.”

Hattie looked at her mother in total amazement. “Divorce?” she thought to herself. “I can’t believe what I’m hearin’.” Besides her brother, Robert, whose circumstances were extreme, Hattie hardly knew anyone who was divorced. She knew several families whose fathers had run off and left them, but their mothers still never got a divorce. People just didn’t do things like that.

“So, Minerva, found you another man?” Newton interrogated arrogantly.

Shannon and Robert stepped toward him, their eyes aflame with anger. They weren’t about to let their Pa insult their mother like that. “Stop right where you are, boys,” Minerva insisted. Newton’s remark had made her furious too, but she wasn’t going to let them get into a battle with their Pa at this point. “What a stupid thin’ to say, Newt. I’m not about to let you make me look like some harlot in the eyes of our kids. I have given birth to thirteen children, and together, the kids and I have run this farm. With very little help from you, I might add. Tell me, where would I ever get time to look for another man?”

Newton, knowing she was right, refused to answer and turned again to leave. With his back to her, he stated coldly, “I’m goin’ to Silver Creek to talk to Jess and Abner. You take these damn kids like you said and be out of here by the time I get back. As far as I’m concerned, if I see any of you again, it’ll be too damn soon!” With that, he went out the back door, mounted his horse, and rode off in the direction of Silver Creek. Watching him leave, something told Hattie that the Morran family would never be the same again.

Minerva looked into the faces of her children one at a time. “I’m sorry, kids,” she said in a somber voice, “I certainly haven’t done you any favors by livin’ with your Pa all these years. You really deserved a better father than he’s been.” Shaking her head discouragingly, she slowly sat down at the table.

Still in shock over all that had just happened, no one spoke for several minutes. Finally, Dakota placed her hand on her mother’s shoulder as Shannon knelt next to her on one knee. Speaking softly, Dakota said, “It’s all right, Mama, we all know you’ve done the best you could under the most difficult circumstances. We’re a family; the boys and I will help you on Uncle Paul’s farm. You won’t have to worry about anythin’. Come now, let’s get our thin’s together and leave.”

Feeling great compassion for his mother, Shannon squeezed her hand lovingly. Many times as a child, he had seen his Pa backhand his mother, which had sent her sprawling helplessly across the floor. Since then, however, he and his brothers had grown older and physically stronger than their Pa, causing Newton to be too afraid to be abusive when they were in the house.

In less than an hour, the boys had brought several wagons around and had them loaded. Seeing the house with all of their belongings taken out, Minerva turned to look at her ten beautiful children. “Are you sure you have everythin’ you want, kids?” They all nodded yes, except for Laville.

“Are you positive this is what you want to do, Mama?”

“Absolutely. Once we leave, I never want to come back here again. There are just too many bad memories.” Then, with a heavy heart, she called her children to come and kneel around her in prayer. Quietly, they listened as their mother poured out her heart and soul to God. “Dear Heavenly Father, give us the strength to overcome the challenge now placed before us. I wish thin’s hadn’t come to this, but there are times in life when it is appropriate to part ways. I feel this is one of those times. We place our faith in you, God, and ask you to lead us, your children, on our new path. Please watch over us and keep us safe from evil. Amen.” As she finished, they rose slowly to their feet and took a final look at the surroundings that had been their home for so long. Minerva, devastated, knew this was her only choice if she were to save her family. No matter what it took, she knew she had to get them away from their Pa, and as they got in their wagons and rode away, Minerva instructed her children to leave this life behind . . . and never look back.

✦ ✦ ✦

The way to Uncle Paul’s farm took them along the front of the Silver Creek Estate. The mansion, the most beautiful house in that part of Missouri, stood a long way back from the road. At such a great distance it was difficult to make out the figures standing on the front porch, but Minerva assumed it was Newton, Jess, and Abner. Turning to Hattie, Minerva could see the discouragement on her face. Her cheeks were still moist where tears had fallen, and her usually glowing smile was a distant memory. Breaking the silence, Minerva tried to lift her daughter’s spirits. “Hattie, somehow we’ve got to find a way to talk to Rebecca as soon as possible. I don’t know what she can do at this point, but in that house, you must have her as an ally. She’s a wonderful woman, Hattie. She’ll be like a second mother to you.”

“Yes, Mama, I’m sure she will,” Hattie replied softly. Brushing back a wisp of her red hair, Hattie turned her sights toward Silver Creek. Because her mother and Rebecca were good friends, Hattie had often visited the mansion, and through the years, she had grown to love it. It reminded her of a fairy-tale palace. The architects, she had been told by Rebecca, were brilliant men from all over the world. They used their extensive expertise to create a magnificent, stately structure the likes of which Missouri had never seen before: a grand mansion three stories tall with an unbelievable 50,000 square feet of living space. The mansion towered above the rolling prairie around it. Stunning red brick covered most of the outside, complemented perfectly by splendid white wooden trim around the windows and the doors. It was protected on its north and west sides by the free-flowing Silver Creek, which, naturally, was the estate’s namesake. Although the Garland’s entire estate included many thousands of acres of farmland in the surrounding area, the mansion itself was seated in the heart of 600 acres of prime farmland adjacent to the creek. Along with the main house, there were several guest and bunk houses, a large barn and stable area, and lastly the illustrious gardens. It was this main portion of the estate that people referred to as Silver Creek.

As she gazed over the immense property in front of her, Hattie, for the first time, realized the magnitude of what she may have to face in her impending marriage. Knowing she would need all the help she could get, Hattie was indeed grateful that her mother and Rebecca shared such a special friendship. They had first met many years ago at a church function and were immediately drawn to each other. Rebecca admired Minerva’s honesty, humor, and common sense, while Minerva was immediately impressed with Rebecca’s grace, beauty, and refinement. Through the years, the two had worked to incorporate the good qualities of the other into their own personalities, resulting in their sharing many similar traits. Together, they, along with a few other special women in the community, had even formed a Benevolence Society and worked hard to help those less fortunate.

Seeing how wonderful Rebecca was, Hattie had always had a hard time understanding how Abner, despite his proper upbringing and education, could be so uncouth. Jess, on the other hand, had always appeared to Hattie as a very handsome and distinguished gentleman. Tall and slender, he had dark black hair and was quite personable at the many social gatherings that he attended with Rebecca. Unfortunately, as Hattie plainly found out on this day, outer appearance does not always dictate inner character.

Turning her attention back to her mother, Hattie said, “The mansion is sure beautiful, Mama, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would become a Garland, let alone Rebecca’s daughter-in-law.”

“I hate to say it, Honey, but I’ve noticed how Abner looks at you. I’ve always tried to look away because I could see the lust in his eyes, and it made me furious.” Pausing, Minerva took Hattie’s hand and patted it gently. “Under the circumstances, I think it’s time we talked a little more, heart to heart, about things we’ve seldom touched on.” Talking openly about the many issues Hattie would face, first as a bride and then as a wife, Minerva tried to prepare her young daughter for the weeks and months ahead. Finishing, her tone was very serious. “You can just bet your bottom dollar that he’ll be all over you on your weddin’ night.”

Feeling sick to her stomach, Hattie knew what her mother was saying was true, but at the same time, she couldn’t stand the thought of having Abner falling all over her as if she were some two-bit floozy. “Mama, I don’t know what he expects, but he has no idea who he’s dealin’ with. I’m a proud girl, and I’ll not stand pat while some sex-crazed animal tries to desecrate my body. I’m tellin’ you right now, Mama, under no circumstances will I consummate this marriage.”

Minerva was utterly shocked. “Oh, Dear, I don’t think you can do such a thin’.”

“Oh, yes I can, Mama. This is not a holy marriage. It’s an unholy arrangement made by Pa, Jess, and Abner, and no doubt inspired by the devil himself. I’ll be Mrs. Abner Garland all right, if that’s what it takes to protect my sisters, but believe me when I say that it’ll be a marriage in name only.”

Minerva sat stunned. Hattie’s remarks had come with such deep conviction and emotion that she knew she was sincere. One thing Minerva had learned about her daughter was when she had her mind made up about something, there was very little you could do to change it. It was one of the few traits she shared with her unscrupulous father, and even though it helped her immensely in many areas, it occasionally got her into trouble.

The rest of the ride home to Paul’s farm was spent in silence, as their buggy bounced back and forth over the rough country road, kicking up dust as it went. Quietly, Minerva wiped away tears of fear and sorrow from her eyes, the worry about what Abner might do to Hattie if she refused him pressed firmly in her mind. Then, as if an angel was touching her, Minerva felt a warm feeling come over her body. Somehow, strangely, she knew things were going to work out.

✦ ✦ ✦

Three days after the showdown with Newton, Minerva and Hattie met Rebecca coming out of the bank in Gallatin.

A quaint town of about twelve hundred people, Gallatin was typical for its day. On the edge of the frontier, it still had its share of scalawags and lawlessness, but as the Davies County Seat, it had the luxury of a courthouse, a jail, and a Sheriff. Couple that with a post office, schoolhouse, playhouse, several small hotels, churches, and a modern bank, and by all accounts, Gallatin appeared to be a little town with a big future.

Delighted to see her future in-laws, Rebecca embraced them both lovingly. “Hattie, I’m so excited that you’ve accepted Abner’s proposal. We have so many arrangements to make.” Her eyes were gleaming like a pair of freshly cut diamonds. Then, quite abruptly, the sparkle faded from her eyes and her voice changed, taking on a very serious tone, as she asked the question that had been playing on her mind the past few days. “Minerva, Dear, I thought for sure you and Miss Hattie would have been over right behind Newton the other morning. When you didn’t arrive, I began to worry, and my worries escalated when I ran into Lucretia Moorefield (the town gossip) at the store yesterday. She informed me that you and your family had moved to your brother Paul’s place, but no one knew why. I’m afraid I don’t understand, Minerva. What on earth happened?”

“There’s goin’ to be a lot you won’t understand, Rebecca,” Minerva replied sadly.

Looking at them and seeing the troubled looks on their faces, Rebecca realized something was very wrong. Reaching out to them, she implored, “I’ve finished my business in town. Why don’t we ride out to Paul’s place together and talk turkey. I want to get to the bottom of whatever’s got you two looking like a couple of whipped pups. There have never been secrets between us, Minerva, so let’s not start now. I’ve always felt we were like sisters, and with this marriage, we’ll at last be family.”

Minerva, with a reserved smile, nodded her head. She began thinking to herself, “How in the world am I ever goin’ to explain all this.”

Turning to Hattie, Rebecca pulled her close and gently kissed her on the forehead. “Miss Hattie, would you be a dear and ride with us? My driver can follow behind with my buggy. I want you and your mother to tell me the whole story on the way.”

So, at Rebecca’s request, the three ladies climbed into Minerva’s buggy with Hattie taking the reins. “Yah!” she yelled, as she slapped the leather on the horses’ backs, encouraging them to pick up speed. Her firm command of the buggy belied her age and gender.

The usually quick trip out to her Uncle Paul’s seemed to take an eternity. Hattie sat in silence, listening to her mother pour her heart out to Rebecca. Minerva left nothing to the imagination, detailing all the events that had transpired that fateful day. Rebecca could do nothing but shake her head, and Hattie, looking past her mother toward her future mother-in-law, could see a stream of warm tears cascading down her slightly wrinkled cheeks.

It infuriated Rebecca to no end to know that Jess and Abner were involved in another diabolical scheme. It seemed like she was always following after them, cleaning up their messes, and Newton was no better. She had been aware of how mean Newton had been to Minerva for quite some time. It had only been a year ago when Minerva, with her youngest son, Miles, cradled in her arms, ran out into the rain and through the fields to Rebecca’s home after Newton had beaten her. They remained for several days, giving Newton time to cool down. All of Minerva’s other children had been at Paul’s, helping him on the farm and were completely unaware of what had happened at home until later.

The next time Rebecca saw Newton she gave him a piece of her mind, threatening to have him run out of the county if he as much as laid a hand on Minerva again. Newton had never seen a woman of Rebecca’s breeding so upset, and he knew that she had the power to do exactly what she threatened. Since that incident, Newton avoided her as much as possible. One thing was for sure, Rebecca thought, “No good can come from the three of them. Something must be done.” She just didn’t know what.

Reaching Paul’s farm, the women were greeted by the elder Morran brothers, and after being kissed by Rebecca, Robert took the buggies out to the barn while she joined the family on the porch. As the boys started to leave, Rebecca insisted that they remain. Looking around the farmyard, Rebecca could see that in just a few days, Minerva and her children had cleaned up the place, which was usually unkempt during Paul’s absence. Paul was an outstanding marksman who traveled the country exhibiting his skills as a sharpshooter. He and Minerva were very close growing up. Being her older brother, he always told her that if she ever needed a place to stay, not to hesitate and had a key made for her in the event of a crisis. Silently, Rebecca thought about how surprised Paul would be to see the farm in such excellent condition when he returned from his latest travels.

Rebecca’s thoughts were broken as Dakota, who had been talking with the younger children in the yard, left them to play and joined the family on the porch. “Did you take care of everythin’ in town, Mama?”

“Yes, Cody, we did,” responded Minerva. “We also met Rebecca comin’ out of the bank. She had no idea of the arrangement that Newton and Jess had made, and after hearin’ about what happened, she wants to help Hattie and the family as much as possible.”

Rebecca sat down next to Hattie, who was sitting on a wooden porch swing Paul had constructed from the abundant local gopher wood, as the family, with the exception of Laville, who had been sent to town on an errand, closed in around them, taking seats on the remaining chairs and the wooden porch railing. “You know, Miss Hattie,” Rebecca started candidly, “that I have always loved you. I’ve told your mother many times that if I had had the privilege of a daughter of my own, I would have wanted her to be just like you.”

With a gracious smile crossing her weary face, Hattie replied, “Yes, Ma’am, I know that. I’ve always loved you too.”

Grateful for the lovely young woman sitting next to her, Rebecca continued. “Several nights ago at supper, Jess and Abner told me that Abner had asked you to marry him and that you had accepted. At first I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Because Minerva and I were such good friends, it seemed strange that she hadn’t mentioned one word about Abner courting you, Miss Hattie. That coupled with your age left me questioning the validity of the engagement. I know you’re mature, Dear, but I still felt fifteen was simply too young for the responsibilities of marriage, especially to anyone as difficult to live with as Abner. However, despite my doubts, I want you to know that I had never been so excited about anything in all my life, as Jess kept reassuring me that both Newton and your mother were totally in favor of the marriage.” She paused, as if reflecting on her conversation with Jess. “Still, it didn’t make sense to me, since you had told me not long ago that you wanted to marry Andrew Saxon’s son, Ira, next year when he returned from Kansas City.”

“Oh my gosh,” Hattie suddenly thought to herself, “with all that’s happened, I completely forgot about Ira.”

“That is what you told me, isn’t it?” Rebecca asked, wanting to make sure she had all her facts straight.

“Yes, Ma’am, that’s true,” Hattie replied, with a heavy heart. Closing her eyes, she felt horrible. Just when she thought she couldn’t feel worse about marrying Abner, the memory of Ira and her deep love for him came crashing down on her like a tidal wave.

Rebecca took a long, deep breath and continued. “I wanted to come right over to see you Hattie, but both Abner and Jess insisted that I wait a few days. I should have followed my instincts, but I was so happy. I began envisioning what a tremendous event the wedding would be and started creating the guest list, expecting you and Minerva to appear at any moment. When you didn’t, I should have known something was awry.”

Reaching out compassionately, Minerva patted Rebecca’s hand softly. “Don’t be so hard on yourself; how could you have known what was really goin’ on?”

“Oh, Minerva, I’ve known for years that my husband Jess is a scoundrel. I’ve also been aware of a lot of terrible things he’s done since I married him. From the very beginning, my father warned me about Jess but to no avail. I told myself that I wasn’t about to let my father run my life, and he didn’t. But boy have I had to pay for my arrogance over that decision ever since. Since the very day I married Jess, he has made my life miserable, and I’ve had to pay over and over for the things he has done. This, though, forcing Miss Hattie to marry Abner, this is the last straw!” With deep determination in her eyes, her jaw became set. “Everyone, I’ve come to a conclusion. It is obvious to me, Hattie, that you’re in love with Ira Saxon and you don’t want to marry Abner, which, sadly, I can’t blame you for. Hear me out, however, before you object too much, for I’ve got an offer for you that I hope you will not refuse.”

Hattie’s heart was pounding. She was in love with Ira Saxon, and it was true, she didn’t want to marry Abner. Ira had asked her to wait a year for him while he was away working with his uncle in Kansas City. “How in the world is Rebecca going to get me out of this mess?” she wondered desperately. Looking at Dakota, Hattie saw the expression of concern on her face. Instinctively, they reached for each other’s hands and waited for Rebecca to finish.

“Miss Hattie, I want you to go ahead as planned and marry Abner, for two good reasons. First of all, I love you, and nothing would make me happier than to have you as my daughter-in-law. Secondly, when you marry Abner, you will become my legal heir, which would empower me to legally give or transfer any part of my fortune to you.”

Minerva’s mouth dropped. “Surely,” she thought, “I didn’t hear what I think I heard.” She was well aware that Rebecca, the only child of Robert Maxwell and Elizabeth Lightfoot, was one of the wealthiest women in the country. Robert was from a wealthy English family and Elizabeth from a wealthy family in Richmond, Virginia. Together, they had increased their own family fortunes many times over and had, at their deaths, left it all to Rebecca, their only surviving heir.

Stunned, Hattie politely tried to decline. “Oh no, Mrs. Garland, what you have rightfully belongs to Jess and Abner.”

“My fortune, my dear, is mine to do with as I please. It is not Jess’s money nor is it Abner’s, and it would please me immensely to give everything to you. I can only imagine the pleasure it will bring me to see my fortune in the hands of a beautiful and intelligent young woman like yourself.”

“But Mrs. Garland . . .” Hattie tried to protest.

“Now, you listen to me, Miss Hattie. There are a few things we need to get straight, right now. From now on you’re going to have to call me either Mother or Rebecca, but not Mrs. Garland. And from this moment, Hattie, it’s going to be you and me against them. We’ll play this ‘man’s game’ with Jess and Abner, and by all that is holy, we’ll win! When you marry Abner and become my daughter-in-law, there isn’t a court in the land in which they could challenge what I’ve done and win.”

“But what about their anger?” Hattie asked. “Jess and Abner will be furious.”

“Furious doesn’t even begin to describe how they’re going to react. Even though I probably shouldn’t, I am going to set them up with handsome allowances. What can they do? I’m of sound mind. So, Miss Hattie, when you marry Abner, I will give you nine-tenths of my fortune, and the remainder will be yours at my death.”

Hattie had a look of helplessness on her face. “But I don’t know the first thin’ about handlin’ money.”

“Maybe not, my dear, but I can teach you. And James Kinnion, my trusted attorney and Dakota’s husband-to-be, can be your right-hand man. Right now, I have dozens of trusted men helping me, and they will continue to help you.” Rebecca’s eyes lit up as she rose from the swing. “Oh, Dear Hattie, the things you will learn and the power my wealth can give you will be glorious. All you need to do is marry Abner, just as you said you were willing to do. There will be no union between the two of you except on paper. I’ll contact James immediately and have him prepare the papers, acknowledging that Jess and Abner will give up any claim to my vast holdings. Then, I’ll have everything transferred to you as my wedding gift. You only need to remain married to Abner a year, and at that time, I’ll help you file for a divorce.”

Hattie was at a loss for words. Her head was in a spin, and her legs felt weak. Their family had done without for so long, and here was Rebecca offering her the world on a silver platter. She didn’t even know how much money Rebecca was talking about, but she knew it was more than she had ever dreamed.

“I’ll guarantee you, Miss Hattie, it’ll be a fight with Abner and Jess, but, oh, what a glorious fight it will be! And when it’s over, your family will never want for a thing the rest of their lives.”

Hattie turned to her mother with pleading eyes. “Mama, haven’t you got anythin’ to say?”

Minerva opened her hands upward and shrugged her shoulders. “Rebecca has been my best friend for most of my married life. I’ve always known her to keep her word, and I know that she means what she says. I trust her with my life, and now, Hattie, I trust her with yours.”

Rebecca spoke again with increased anger. “What really makes me furious is to think that Jess and Abner would threaten Dakota and Laville! That’s just one more thing on my long list of things they’ve done for which I intend to get even.” Pausing, she calmed herself as she looked straight into Hattie’s beautiful, green eyes and asked, “Now, Miss Hattie, with all I’ve told you, will you accept my proposal and marry Abner?”

Hattie took a deep breath and looked around at each one of her family members. First at her mother, then Dakota, and finally at her loving, older brothers who had stayed respectfully quiet the whole time Rebecca was speaking. Hattie looked at Shannon with an imploring expression. With his being the eldest, she thought maybe he would have something to say, but he just smiled and shrugged his shoulders, as if to say, “This is your decision, Sis.”

Disappointed that he couldn’t help her, Hattie carefully examined the proposal that lay before her. She wanted so much for her family to have everything that Rebecca’s fortune could provide, but she knew the responsibilities of something of this magnitude were far beyond her fifteen years. After a long pause and with the knowledge that this was the biggest decision she would ever make, a slight smile started to work its way onto Hattie’s face. Despite the obvious obstacles she would have to overcome, she could think of no good reason to refuse Rebecca’s offer. Taking a final deep breath, she cleared her throat, looked up at Rebecca, and said as calmly as she could, “Yes, Mother Rebecca, I can’t think of anythin’ that could be more wonderful than to be your daughter-in-law.”

“Superb!” Rebecca responded, elated. Turning once again to Minerva, Rebecca had one more request for the family. “I want you and the kids to leave Paul’s farm, Minerva, and move into the mansion with Hattie and me as soon as possible. I’ve been lonely for years, and I’ve decided this must come to an end. Heaven knows I have enough room in that big old house for a dozen families. At last we can be as close as sisters. What do you say, will you do it?”

Minerva looked into Hattie’s eyes. “It’s up to you, dear. Do you want us to accept Rebecca’s offer and join you at Silver Creek?”

“I don’t know what the future is goin’ to hold for me, Mama, but I can’t imagine it without my family by my side. I intend to share everythin’ Rebecca offers me with each of you.” Pausing for a moment, she lowered her head slightly. “My only concern is what will Ira think when he finds out that I’m marryin’ Abner.” Bewildered, she asked, “What am I goin’ to do about him? I love him so much!”

Rebecca, hearing the desperation in her voice, offered hope. “We’ll both write him and explain the situation; that this is a marriage in name only. I’ll tell him myself that the sole purpose of this marriage is to give you my fortune.”

With a look of relief on her face, Hattie reached out and took Rebecca’s hand. “In that case, I’m sure he’ll understand.”

“You’ll never regret this, Miss Hattie,” Rebecca said with a smile. “I’ll make you one of the richest women in this country, and I’ll teach you everything I know. Just think of the wonderful things you will be able to do for your family with a fortune of your own.”

Hattie’s head was swimming, as there was just so much to take in. Thoughts of the many ways she could help her family raced through her mind, and once she and Ira were married, they would never have to worry about anything in the way of money. Eventually, she would have to go to Ira’s father, Andrew, and his family and explain everything to them as well, but given the type of wonderful man he was, Hattie figured he’d understand. One thing was for sure, Hattie thought to herself, “I am goin’ to bless as many people with this fortune as I possibly can.”

Rebecca continued, “Now, Dear, I don’t want you to worry yourself about another thing. Believe me, Miss Hattie, I can’t think of anything the two of us and my money can’t manage.” She leaned forward. “But first, we must confront Abner and Jess together. The only way to make this transfer completely legal is to get them to disinherit themselves from my fortune. Fortunately, I happen to know exactly how to do it, and perhaps, we should have a couple of witnesses, like Judge Stepp and Sheriff Sanders, in addition to James, to oversee the whole thing.

Hattie didn’t like the idea of confronting Jess or Abner and asked, “What do you intend to do, Mother Rebecca?”

“When I go into town tomorrow, I’ll open a bank account in your name and immediately give you power to draw on my personal accounts. Then, I’ll remove Abner and Jess’s names, leaving them powerless and penniless until I decide what I’m going to do about their allowances. Later, we’ll go to James’s office to explain what we want done. It will take him a while to prepare the necessary papers for the transfer of my vast holdings into your name. Also, Lewis Beaumont is home, and I plan to retain him as an attorney, in addition to James. He is one of the brightest young lawyers out there, and he will be able to work with James so as to expedite the process. He told me this morning he intends to stay home for a while, as his mother Pansy is ill.

As for a date for your wedding, Miss Hattie, if all goes as planned, I think the 25th of July would be just perfect. That will give us just over two months to get everything organized and ready. Is that acceptable to you and your mother?” Seeing them both nod in the affirmative, a satisfied smile crossed Rebecca’s face, and striking her fist into her open hand, she said with great conviction, “Newton, Jess, and Abner think they know what they’re doing, but with the help of God, we’ll show those scoundrels who really has the upper hand.”