Maude's Trials (Widows of Virginia 1) Read online

  Maude reached out for the file with shaking fingers. What could the paperwork be hiding? And how could it pertain to her? Her eyes quickly skimmed through the first few lines of the document.

  “This can’t be happening,” Maude whispered barely remaining standing.

  She had not seen that coming.

  Claire took away the file and handed it back to her servant. “Oh please! Just don’t put up a show now. I don’t know how to deal with crybabies.”

  Maude sat on the bed, devastated. My mother was right. I shouldn’t have done this. I should have gone back home when I still had the chance. She let her tears flow, not saying a word.

  “Well, take care now, Maude Lafayette.”

  Claire stood up, dusted her gown, brushed her hair with her hands and walked out of Maude’s room. “Such a horrible name…” she murmured as the servant closed the door behind her.

  “Why do these things keep happening to me?” Maude wept into her hands. “Oh, Lord why do you test me so?”

  This was not what she prayed for, this was not her salvation. Alone in the room, she held her head in her hands as the tears kept flowing. She felt forsaken and lost.

  “An arranged marriage…” Maude lay on the bed and closed her eyes. “From the letters I thought Raymond to be an honest man. Why would he lie? Why would he drag me all the way here? Why? And, oh dear Lord, I nearly brought my kids into all this.”

  And with that she burst into tears anew. It was all too much to take.

  A knock on the door forced her eyes open again.

  “Excuse me ma’am, will you be joining the master for breakfast?” Fidelis asked.

  “No, I’m not hungry, thank you.” Her make-up was all smeared, her eyes wet and her dress crumpled. She would not appear before Raymond looking like that.

  After a long pause Fidelis spoke again through the door.

  “Do you need anything ma’am? I’m at your service.” Did Fidelis notice something odd in her voice?

  “Yes.” Maude whispered. “I need to go back home.”

  Chapter 4

  Maude must have cried herself to sleep waiting for Fidelis to come back with the train schedule as a knock on her door startled her awake.

  “Who is it?” her voice was faint. Her eyes still sore and tired.

  “It’s Rachael.”

  Rachael? Maude pulled herself from the bed. A quick glance out the window confirmed her fears. The day flew by and it was afternoon already. She rushed to the mirror to make herself presentable when she noticed a note left for her on the dressing table. When did this get here? She picked up the piece of paper and mouthed the words.

  I forgot to mention this earlier, but it goes without saying… Not a word should get to Raymond about what we had discussed. He is already at the verge of losing his ranch because of you. I am sure you do not wish to cause any more trouble for him. But if you are foolish enough to breathe a word of this to anyone - you will regret it, be sure of that.

  Claire Ashton

  Maude stared at the note for some time. How did it get here? Claire didn’t leave anything behind and I didn’t hear anyone come in.

  “Maude?” Another, more urgent knock on the door followed. “Is everything alright?”

  She glanced at the note not knowing what to do with it. In a moment of panic she just stuffed it under the pillow and dashed to open the door, fixing up her hair mid-step.

  “Please, come in.” She put on a brave smile.

  “Is everything okay?” Rachael looked her up and down. “You look sad.”

  “No, no, I’m not sad. Everything is alright, it’s just…” She didn’t know what to say. Not prone to coming up with stories on the spot, let alone lies, she struggled to find a plausible excuse.

  “Have you been sleeping all day?”

  That was evident, Maude couldn’t deny it. She stepped back into the room and sat on her bed eager for her questioning to be.

  “I came to check on you. When you didn’t show up for breakfast we assumed it was the late night trip.” She paused and looked around the room as if searching for something. “But when we heard no word all day… My brother started to worry.”

  “There is nothing to be worried about. It’s just that… you are right it was the travel.” She avoided looking directly at Rachael. “I was actually getting ready just before you came.”

  Raymond’s sister raised a brow briefly, but a moment later her bright smile was back and she grabbed Maude’s hand in hers.

  “Don’t worry Maude, I understand travel can take its toll.” Rachael’s sweet words soothed her. “Please, treat this like your home. Soon the ranch will be yours too and we’ll all be one happy family, living the rich life. My brother will provide for us both.”

  She squeezed Maude’s hand.

  “Thank you,” Maude said swallowing the tears threatening to pour out of her eyes again. Not a word to anyone, she remembered Claire’s threat.

  “I have to go now. I will see you later, hopefully you’ll feel well enough for dinner.”

  “Thank you for coming, Rachael.”

  That was embarrassing. Maude made her bed and sorted out her disheveled clothes. For a moment she still hoped it was all a crazy dream, but it was all too real to be a dream. She hated having to lie to everyone. Please hurry Fidelis. I don’t want to lie no more.

  Maude paced across the room, not wanting to miss the servant’s return. The few items she had unpacked before were all back in her bag.

  “Oh, Lord, you know I did this for the sake of my children. Please do not forsake me dear Lord. I put all my trust in you. Help me my God. Help me get through this.” She kept repeating a short prayer.

  Since Claire forbade her to tell anyone she assumed Raymond knew nothing about the arranged marriage. Why else would he seek a mail order bride? That much was clear. Though she still couldn’t understand why he sought a bride in such manner in the first place – given his handsome looks and prosperous ranch… But maybe that was it, the ranch wasn’t as prosperous as it would have seemed.

  She turned her thoughts to her children and stepped out onto the balcony to take a breath of fresh, country air. To take a last look, at what she had briefly hoped she’d share with her future husband. Maude shook her head. That was not the right way to think. She had to get the fields, the flower gardens, the big house and their tall, tanned owner out of her head.

  “Afternoon, Maude.” Raymond stopped his horse right outside her balcony. “Nice to see you’re feeling better.”

  “Hello, Mr. Garrett.” She hesitated. What to say to him now? How to act to not hurt his feelings to much? After all she was planning to leave soon. “How was your day?”

  “Busy.” He sent her a charming smile. “Plenty of work around here. But I can’t wait to finally have a chance to show you around.”

  Do I tell him? He seemed so honest, so eager to spend time with her. Maude thought back to Claire’s threat.

  “I…I guess you are busy now then...” She smiled at him. “Shall we talk later?”

  Raymond gave her an uncertain look. “I can find time for you, dear Maude. Is there something you want to talk about?”

  …not a word should get to Raymond about what we had discussed…

  “No. There is nothing important.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Alright then, I will see you later.” He smiled at her and rode towards the barn.

  Maude bowed her head. “He looks so innocent. I can’t ruin his life. That document… He was already in plenty of trouble without having to worry about me and my children.” She was thinking aloud.

  “He is such a fine man. Don’t you think so?”

  Startled, Maude turned towards the familiar voice. Claire stood on the larger balcony of the adjacent room. Was she a ghost or something?

  “To what do I owe the pleasure of two visits from you in less than one day?” Maude tried to figure out what could Claire possibly do to
either her or Raymond. There wasn’t anything specific she could think of, but whatever Claire had in mind it surely wouldn’t be good. How did she know exactly when to show up? Did Raymond see her?

  “I have to make sure you don’t mess things up. But I see you got my message.”

  Claire plucked a rose from the vine climbing all the way up around the balcony.

  “By now you should have figured out that you are Raymond’s biggest problem. His fate depends on your choices.”

  She paused letting her words sink in as she twirled the plucked rose in her fingers.

  “The land is so fertile around here. I always liked this ranch.” She laughed. “Funny, isn’t it? I’m destined to own this land whether he marries me or not. Am I not blessed?”

  “Just what is it that you want, Miss Ashton?” Maude barely held her nerves at bay.

  “I want you to leave this ranch before dawn.” Claire said in a shrill voice as she tossed away the scrunched petals.

  Maude fell silent and stared at the young woman leaning over the balcony to pluck another flower.

  “I got your message the first time,” she finally said. “But I can’t just up and leave without raising suspicions. You wanted to keep things quiet…”

  Claire stomped her foot. “Who do you think you are to question me?”

  Maude’s eyes widened. Her young daughter was better behaved than this woman. Was she really doing Raymond a favor by conceding?

  “Listen, and listen well.” Claire lowered her voice and pointed a finger at Maude. “If you insist on staying I will destroy your life, and Raymond’s life, and, and…” She kept waving her finger. “Raymond will lose all he ever worked for. I don’t want to see you here tomorrow.”

  “Why are you so heartless? Have I done anything wrong?” Maude was moved to tears.

  “I don’t have to explain anything to you.” Claire shrugged and dropped the other rose. “You have time till tomorrow morning.”

  With that Claire disappeared inside the house.

  Chapter 5

  “Have you met our neighbor?” Raymond asked after a moment of silence at dinner.

  Maude shook her head. “I didn’t meet anyone today.”

  “Oh, I thought I saw her in the house.” Maude stiffened at those words. Could he be referring to… “Claire Ashton, she came to bring over some paperwork,” Raymond finished the sentence for her.

  Was it the same paperwork Claire showed her? Maude looked down and toyed with the food on her plate, unsure what she should or shouldn’t say. The dinner conversation had been so pleasant up until then.

  “I think you two might make great friends,” Raymond continued. Surely he doesn’t know then? “Right Rael? You used to be close.”

  He waved the fork at his sister and grinned.

  “You see, our fathers had always done business together. We played in each other’s backyards when we were kids. Those two used to be inseparable.”

  Rachael blushed but didn’t comment. She just smiled politely. Maude did the same. She found it hard to believe such a kind hearted lady like Raymond’s sister would be associated with the likes of Claire. Raymond didn’t seem to notice the consternation.

  “Thank you for the dinner,” Maude said placing her knife and fork down. “But I’m afraid I’m not feeling too well.”

  At least she didn’t have to stray far from the truth there. The very mention of Claire made her stomach churn. The more time she spent with Raymond the harder it was for her to make the decision. At the same time, the more she fell for him, she knew the worse she’d make the whole situation for both of them.

  “I hope it’s not the food.” Raymond’s gentle eyes nearly pierced through her.

  “Oh, no. Your cook did a marvelous job. I’m just… it’s…” Maude struggled to conjure up an excuse that wouldn’t cause offense to her host. “It’s the journey. If you don’t mind I’ll retire for the night.”

  “Of course.”

  She bid goodnight to Raymond and his sister and made her way back down the large hallway towards her bedroom.

  * * *

  “Dear Lord, you are my savior, my helper and protector. I need you now more than ever, please lead me through my troubles.” She prayed all night without catching a wink of sleep. “Help me dear Lord.”

  Fidelis had assured her he could get her to the station discreetly and in time for the morning train. Yet, instead of relief she felt sorrow. She grabbed a handkerchief from her packed bag and wiped away a tear. What will Raymond think of me? She wondered as she paced from bed to window and back again.

  Outside the sun had barely peeked over the horizon. Maude shivered. The fog lingering over the fields gave her chills. I don’t know what is right anymore. “Please Lord, give me some sign.”

  She took the stark silence as her answer. Claire was right. What right did she, a poor stranger, have to ruin this man’s life? Even if Raymond didn’t know about the arrangement, how could she ask him to choose between her and the ranch? And deep down, she had to admit the fear that with her on one side versus Claire and the land on the other, it might not be a hard choice for Raymond to make. At least this way it was her decision. After losing one husband, Maude wasn’t sure she could take that sort of rejection.

  Maude counted the last of her money. Oh, how glad she was her mother had insisted she take their savings so she’d have enough for a return ticket in case things didn’t go well. Maude blushed. Again, her mother had been proven right.

  She checked her pocket watch again. 5 am. Time to leave. She prayed again. She prayed that Fidelis had managed to ready the cart as promised and without anyone else noticing. Her bags were heavy, but she was determined to get out of the house as quickly as possible. Waiting for Fidelis to come pick them up would take too long.

  The moment Maude stepped outside of the house a biting wind hit her. The cart wasn’t there yet. “Where are you Fidelis?” Maude muttered and tightened her shawl.

  “Maude? What are you doing here?” a familiar voice cut through the chilly air.

  Two people approached her from the direction of the stables. Even though she couldn’t see them clearly yet, she already knew who they were.

  “Raymond!” Her heart skipped a beat.

  “Are those your bags? What’s going on here?” Raymond dragged a terrified Fidelis by the elbow a step behind him. “First I catch this good for nothing… and then you… here…”

  Ashamed, Maude bent her head. Was there a way she could get out of this mess without lying? Her cheeks burnt as she watched Fidelis shaking his head, as if to let her know he had said nothing.

  “Maude, please talk to me.” Raymond tried to get an answer. “Have I done something wrong? Have I offended you in anyway? Why? Please, just tell me why?”

  Maude looked into his eyes, the one thing she could see clearly in the dim morning light. Disappointment stared back at her. She brushed away a few stray locks searching for the right words. Lord, give me strength.

  “Why did you ask me to come here?” Her voice went from a whisper to a louder tone. “Why place an ad for a mail order bride if you already have an arranged marriage in place?”

  “An arranged what!” Raymond stepped back.

  “Did you not know about it?”

  “Know about what?” He stared back at her confused. “No. Who told you such things?”

  Maude bit her tongue not to blurt out Claire’s name. She feared for Raymond. She’d already caused enough trouble as it was. It was bad enough that he knew she was leaving, she feared what Claire might do if Maude told him the whole truth.

  “I found out about a business deal signed by your father. He planned to settle a debt between himself and Mr. Ashton, his business partner, through marriage”

  For a moment Raymond stood silently with his mouth open.

  “What? How? Who?” He seemed just as confused as she did when she first learned the truth.

  “Claire Ashton will be your wife.” She lowered h
er voice.

  At the sound of that name Raymond narrowed his eyes.

  “That is impossible.” He roared.

  “Is that why she’s been visiting us recently?” He asked himself more than he asked Maude. His eyes turned to Fidelis, still cowering beside his master. “Do you know anything about this?”

  The servant shook his head and Raymond turned back to Maude.

  “She must have made that up. An arranged marriage! What a load of…” He glanced at Maude and didn’t finish the sentence. “If that’s why you think you need to leave, I can tell you right now that I only intend to marry one person. And that is you, Maude.”

  Maude didn’t know how to respond to that.

  “Fidelis, take the lady’s bags back to her room. I will fight my own battles. That no good…” His voice trailed off as he turned and strode off inside the house visibly furious.

  For a moment Maude was relieved she didn’t have to lie any more. And that he turned out to be an honest man, unaware of Claire’s scheming. Then she swallowed hard. He left before she had chance to tell him about the threat. “Raymond, please wait.”

  She grabbed the dress in her hands and hitched it up so as not to trip and rushed after him into the house. As she departed she mouthed a barely audible “I’m sorry” to Fidelis, who was left standing with her bags.

  Chapter 6

  The sharp, unbearable headache woke her up. Where am I? The memories of the day seemed hazy and her whole body felt as if it were on fire. Her back and limbs ached and her skin itched as if a myriad of tiny needles prickled body.

  Her eyes popped open, still she couldn’t see anything. Maude turned her head left and right, despite the pain in her stiff neck, looking for even a sliver of light. She blinked a few times and focused on the faint starlight above. With her senses coming back Maude tried to feel her way around, but her hands were tied.

  What happened to me?! Her heart raced and cold sweat dripped down her neck. She strained her mind for memories.