Maude's Trials (Widows of Virginia #1)(5)

“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.