Chapter Nine

Excerpt from Ch 8

Jerusha closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them back up. "As I told Nick, if one was to look into Theresa Brighton's past, they would find that she seems to have had only one marriage…a marriage that took place when she was a mere fifteen years old and one that ended eighteen months after her marriage took place. Her husband, one Adam Brighton, died in a fire that broke out in the small boarding home he was staying at while working in a neighboring city. The cause of the fire was said to be started when a strong gust of wind blew through a window that had been accidentally left open, knocking a lamp over in an empty room."

"How horrible to be left alone at such a young age and in such a manner!" Clara exclaimed. She was sitting on the sofa in her spacious living room…one that held the large sofa, a smaller one, a piano, built in bookcases, a fireplace, a small table similar to the one in the Barkley home and grandfather clock that stood in the corner of the room. Victoria sat alongside her. Theresa-who was sitting with Audra on the smaller sofa that was also in the room- had just finished retelling the story of her early marriage and becoming a widow so young. "I'm surprised you didn't go back to live with your parents."

"I couldn't." Theresa gave the woman a sad smile. "My father had been dying before I got married-probably the only reason he agreed to the union. He died shortly after my wedding. After his passing, Mother went to live with my oldest brother and his wife. I didn't get along with my sister-in-law. Even now, when we see each other, we can barely be cordial to each other. If it weren't for my brother and mother, I doubt the two of us would succeed at that much." Theresa then again thanked Clara for agreeing to the unexpected, extended visit. "I would have preferred to be on my honeymoon only, with the way things are, this is a wonderful too."

"Maybe I should tell my nephews to break a leg more often." Clara laughed, not really wishing any such thing on anyone.

"They get hurt enough." Audra laughed. "I don't think they need any help." She then turned the talk to the upcoming wedding and how many people had been invited. "I sure hope they can all still make it – or most of them anyway. I fear the ones that were coming from out of state might not be able to make it now."

"I wouldn't worry about that." Victoria told her. "No matter what, Nick and Theresa will have a wonderful day." Then, due to comments Audra had made while on the train, suggested the two women go visit a nearby museum.

"Sounds fun to me." Theresa looked at Audra, who wasted no time in agreeing. Soon the two young women were heading out the door, leaving Clara and Victoria alone.

The moment the door closed behind her niece and Theresa, Clara looked at Victoria. "What's wrong?"

A startled looked leapt onto Victoria's face. That was the last question she'd expected to hear. "What on earth do you mean?"

An 'Oh, come one!' look appeared on Clara's face. "As your sister, I dare say 'I've known you all my life' is an accurate statement. Something is bothering you, and don't tell me there isn't. Out with it. What's going on?"

Victoria let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't know. Really. I've been feeling uneasy for awhile now, and nothing I can think of justifies it."

Clara reached out and took a hold of her sister's hand. "Maybe, in some odd way, you actually knew Nick would wind up hurt bad enough to have to delay the wedding?" She wasn't convinced that was the case only it's the only thing that made any sense to her.

Victoria smiled and relaxed. "Once that happened, you'd have thought I would have realized that was a very real possibility! I guess I best allow myself to enjoy this visit…even if it wasn't planned."

While the two sisters visited, Audra was telling Theresa all about the museum they were going to and the first time she, Audra, had visited it. "Mother was busy with my aunt so one of my friends who was living here at the time brought me. She's very nice. I want you to meet her; she and her husband were invited to the wedding. I just hope they can make it now, not sure since he moved to Washington and started working in the mining industry."

"I don't know how men can stomach working in any mine." Theresa shivered just a little. It's so cold and dark. Oh sure, I know they have lights on their hats and such. Still…" she shivered again. "They can keep those places. I have heard of a few mines in that state. Which company does he work for?"

"Last I heard he works at *the Centralia Coal Mine." Audra replied as she began telling Theresa more about the friends she, Audra, wanted to see at the wedding. By the time she finished talking, the museum had come into sight.

"Well, let's hope they can still come." Theresa smiled and began asking questions about the museum.

While Theresa and Audra were busy enjoying all the pictures and other items in the museum, Jarrod was talking to Heath. The two brothers stood waiting for the train Jarrod was taking up to Brodie, Wyoming.

"I'll wire you the moment I get to Bodie." Jarrod promised Heath.

"What do you hope to find? I mean, even if you can prove the fire that killed this Miss Williams' brother and scarred her was set on purpose, how do you expect to prove Theresa was living there under an assumed name, married to Jerusha's brother, and is the one responsible?" It still upset Heath that Theresa very well could have been married to Jerusha Williams' brother and killed him for the money she'd inherit once he died.

"I'm just going on a bit of a hunt. Not sure I'll find anything more than someone willing to attend a wedding … and that would be the only way to prove whether or not Theresa is real or a fraud. I mean, since Jerusha has good reason for not revealing herself." Jarrod picked up his suitcase as the train he'd be riding pulled into the train station. "Like I said, I'll wire you when I get there."

"I'll be watching for your telegram." Heath threw a crooked smile towards Jarrod and then watched as his eldest brother boarded the train. Once the train pulled away, Heath turned around and headed back to the ranch. After all, with Nick 'laid up', there was no time to waste.

*A/N According to the internet, the Centralia Coal Mine was Washington's largest coal mine.