When Jason entered the kitchen, Charity’s first words were, “Did you speak to Gertrude?”
Holly took the coffee pot from Charity, saying, “Let me take care of the customer. You two should talk.”
Charity sat at the small table, and Jason sat next to her and explained what had occurred in his office and his response to Gertrude’s ridiculous accusations.
Charity wrung her hands in her lap and asked, “Do you think she can cause trouble for me? I don’t understand what she’s trying to do. Does she want Annie and Ben because of their inheritance?”
Jason shook his head. “I don’t know what her intentions are, but she can’t take Annie and Ben from you. No one would ever say you aren’t a good mother, and money shouldn’t be an issue. I never asked you about your financial situation because I believed it was your business, and I never thought for a moment that I would do anything except support you and the children. Gertrude is after something. Do you have any idea what it might be?”
Charity explained about Charles’ grandfather, and the inheritance and Jason nodded. “I believe she is after the money.”
“But why?” Charity asked. “She and Charles shared that inheritance.”
“I’m not sure. Have supper with me tonight at the hotel. We’ll send a note upstairs asking Gertrude to join us, and perhaps she’ll tell us what’s on her mind. If not, we’ll speak to our own lawyer and stop her from doing whatever it is she’s planning. I love you, Charity, and I will not allow her to ruin our wedding.”
“I love you, too, Jason, and we’ll do what you think is best.”
~ * ~
Charity and Jason settled at a quiet table in the corner of the hotel’s restaurant, and both hoped the note they asked the manager to deliver to Gertrude would be received well, and she’d agree to meet with them.
Their waitress had just taken their supper orders when Gertrude appeared at the restaurant’s double doors. She strode to the table and allowed Jason to help her sit.
“Have you eaten?” Charity asked.
“I’m not hungry,” Gertrude answered. “I will have a cup of tea, however. What did you wish to discuss?”
Charity cleared her throat. “I’m still trying to understand why you came to town with accusations about Jason taking Annie and Ben’s inheritance. Who or what gave you such an idea?”
“No one in particular, but I have friends who know what men are capable of and not to trust them,” Gertrude confided. “I would never trust a man ever again.”
Jason raised his eyebrows, and Charity said, “I’m sorry if you’ve had a bad experience, but Jason and I love each other, and he has assured me that he will support my children and me although I do have funds left from the sale of the ranch.”
“That is all well and good,” Gertrude replied, “but I know exactly what my brother’s inheritance was, and there is no way Charles spent all of that on your farm and stock. Jason will be able to live quite nicely on what’s left of that inheritance.”
Charity slowly shook her head. “Gertrude, do you remember what the lawyer explained at the reading of your grandfather’s will?”
“I remember exactly. My grandfather placed those funds in trust for Charles and me when we were still children. They were meant to be a family inheritance, and regardless of what other monies he did or did not acquire, we were assured an inheritance.”
“Exactly,” Charity said. “Charles told me what your grandfather did, and after we purchased our ranch, stock, and home furnishings, Charles placed part of the money in our account in case of a bad spell and placed the rest in a trust for any children we might have. Even if Jason was the type of man to take advantage of the situation, which he is not, he can’t touch the children’s inheritance, and neither can I.”
Gertrude’s mouth fell open, and her face began to turn crimson as she looked away from Charity and stared at the table.
Charity spoke softly, “Gertrude, I think I understand your concerns. You could have asked me without accusing Jason of trying to take the children’s inheritance. I would have told you and saved us all a day of worry and hard feelings.”
Gertrude looked up and nodded, “I, I don’t know what to say. I assumed. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”
Gertrude started to rise from her chair, and Charity said, “Please, stay and enjoy your tea. I know you loved your brother, and you love the children. I can’t say I didn’t feel hurt when you thought the worst of us, but I forgive you.”
Gertrude tried to smile, but her lip quivered, “Thank you, Charity.”
“Now that we’ve settled this, will you stay for the wedding?” Charity asked.
“Oh, my dear, I can’t. I spoke to people in town. I said things I shouldn’t. I couldn’t stay. I wish you both well, but I’ll be on tomorrow’s stage. Again, please forgive me.”
Gertrude sprung from her chair and left the restaurant before Charity had a chance to say another word.
Jason took Charity’s hand. “I’m glad we settled that before the wedding.”
“I agree. Gertrude looked terribly embarrassed. I wonder if she’ll ever return to Belle. She didn’t even take time today to visit with Annie and Ben,” Charity said, shaking her head.
“I’m sorry you went through this. From here out, we’ll enjoy each second of our time together. We can start by attending the sweetheart dance, and with all this snow, I’d like to go on a sleigh ride one afternoon.”
“That sounds lovely,” Charity answered, holding tightly to Jason’s hand.
Chapter 11
Charity’s head hurt. She tried to move, but her knee and shoulder hurt, too,
