Page 3 of A Wanderer's Redemption
“Even if I’m hundreds of miles away?”
“Sweetheart, you know me and getting away. You come by your wandering ways honestly; you’d simply give me a reason to travel. But now that I am thinking about this longer … with all this hair, you might only be able to attract a wild woman, and then my grandchildren would be savage. Let me trim this up just a little, then possibly you can latch onto someone a little more civilized.”
“Would you care if she were wild, Mother?”
“Sweety, as long as you’re happy, I have no preferences. You know, I have never been one to stand by the standards this so-called civilization imposes upon us. You find a girl who can put up with your brooding and this hair, and we will both love her. Oh, by the way, this telegram was delivered for you this morning.”
Instantly, I recognize the number at the top. “It’s from Grant. He is probably wanting an update on the sale of his house here. His staff is still in the process of packing several of the freight cars headed west, but the sale of the house has not been finalized yet. I am supposed to meet with the solicitor, as I believe there have been several offers for his main residence and the townhouse. Once that’s done, he instructed me to give his staff their severance pay and a good reference.”
“After all that boy went through with his parents, then Eliza, it does my heart good to know he finally found happiness.”
“Mother, the land out there and the place itself is like a blank slate. The opportunities are endless, but mining seems to be the most lucrative source of income right now, and Grant already owns one of the largest-producing mines in the area. He brought up the possibility of breeding horses and a few other ideas whenI was out there, but my mind was being pulled back here, so I didn’t give his ideas further thought.”
“Well son, now you can look at those options with an open mind.”
“You two have definitely given me something to think about, just so you know. I may not return this evening, depending on how long it takes me to finalize Grant’s affairs.” Standing up, I pull mother’s slight frame toward me as I kiss the top of her head, inhaling the smell that has provided nothing but love and comfort to me my entire life. Father nods his head knowingly when I look over at him. Walking out the door, I head toward the stables instead of my still awaiting carriage out front. Opening the side door, I find Paul washing some of the tack in the back room. He jumps when he sees me at the door.
“Scared ten years off me, Sir. What can I do for you this day?”
“Sorry Paul, I should have announced myself. Could you please retrieve my carriage out front and put it up, as I won’t require it for the remainder of the day? I am gonna take Bells instead. I am in the need of some air and open roads.”
“Do you want me to saddle her for you, Sir?”
“No, I can handle it, but I appreciate you.”
Making my way through the barn, I hear a familiar whinny, and a beautiful blonde head appears out of one of the stalls as she looks for me.
“I’m coming, pretty girl.” She nudges me lovingly when I open the stall door. Taking a moment for myself, I lean my head against her own, “I missed you too, gorgeous.” Throwing a blanket onto her back before grabbing her saddle, I can’t helpbut laugh when she nudges me playfully. “You know Bells, I am lucky that all the women in my life adore me.”
CHAPTER 3
REGGIE
An hour later, I am walking through Grant’s townhouse, taking notes so I can tell him in the next telegram what was sold and what’s headed his way as I wait for the staff to gather in the kitchen on the lower floor. The home has been thoroughly cleaned and is ready for its new owners, as I’d just signed Grant’s name by proxy for the sale of both properties. Heading down the stairs, I am shocked to find only a few waiting.
“Who is the head servant here?”
An older woman steps forward. “That would be me, Sir.”
“Is this all that are employed?”
“Yes, Mr. Hayes only kept a skeleton crew in his absence. I hope the house was still satisfactory?”
“For so little of you, I commend all of you on what fine work you have each done here. Because of this, I am going to ask a few questions and give you the permission to speak freely. I am looking for a crew to help me not only get the items you packed into the railcars to Mr. Hayes, but also to help me set up my new home in Utah. If any of you are interested in taking this trip andrelocating, please let me know; all are welcome. I will allow you time to think this over. Please send me the names of those who want to go no later than next Wednesday to the address on my card. That way I will have time to make the proper arrangements on the train.”
I hand the card to the head servant and she looks up at me hesitantly. “Sir, as much as I enjoyed working for Mr. Hayes, my family lives here.”
“I understand most of you will choose other arrangements. I simply wanted to provide another option. Either way, I am here to pay you your severance pay and provide references that will help you find other gainful employment. Grant spoke highly of each of you, and he has set aside an amount for every position.”
I reach into the case the solicitor gave me for the envelopes Grant told him I would need. If I had looked at them before coming here, I would have realized what a small staff was still on hand.
“Please come get your envelope when I call out your name. Mrs. Beacon.”
The older lady who is the head servant steps forward. “Thank you, Sir.”
“You are more than welcome. Grant sends his thanks as well.”
Each one reacts similarly as I call out their name. “Colby, Jacob, Terrance, Deven.” They seem to be the last of the men present, so then I start on the few maids, “Stella, and the last envelope I have is for Jessica.”
