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June 8th 1871

Denver

"Trains," Rebecca murmured. "They always seem to be taking me to important things."

Preston, who was reading the newspaper next to her, looked over at her, "What?"

"Trains," she repeated. "I said they always seem to be taking me to important things."

"I don't understand."

"Well, I took the train to Colorado Springs and met you and now, here I am, taking a train to Denver to marry you. Two extremely important events in my life so far."

Preston smiled indulgently at her, "Indeed."

As he turned back to his paper, Rebecca turned back to looking out of the window at the passing scenery. The sun was blazing in the sky above them, the grass lush, the trees brimming. It was the very essence of the beginning of summer. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind trying to get everything ready for the trip to Denver.

The arrangements had mostly been made by telegram and letter but Rebecca had taken a trip to Denver at the end of May simply to finalise things. Preston had been unable to get away due to work at the bank and hadn't been thrilled at the prospect of her making the trip alone, but he had been salved by the arrival of a telegram from Louisa, explaining that she was meeting her aunt in Denver and would be more than happy to meet with Rebecca and help finalise the arrangements.

Rebecca had been thrilled that Louisa had turned out to be so friendly and accommodating, the kind of woman that could become a close friend. They had spent a delightful two days in the city organising matters and Rebecca had found herself pouring out all her troubles to her future sister-in-law. Louisa had proven to be a good listener and a wise counsel and Rebecca had found herself telling the other woman all of her fears, and her deepest secret about her health.

"James' parents weren't too keen on me either at the beginning," Louisa had confided. "James was supposed to marry Helen and then when he met me, all of that went out of the window."

"But Mr and Mrs Lodge adore you from what I've heard," Rebecca had said.

"And they will adore you too given time," Louisa had reassured her.

Rebecca wished she could share the other woman's confidence.

"There had better be some movement on the house by the time we get back," Preston said suddenly, breaking her out of her reverie.

"I've told you before, Preston, we don't need a fancy house."

"I know that," he said, "but I refuse to have us living at the bank forever and I am sick and tired of the excuses that foreman has been making. What in God's name am I paying him for if not to build a house?! I wanted to bring my wife back to a proper home."

Rebecca didn't reply. She didn't want to get into yet another debate over the house, a property she didn't even really want to live in. It wasn't that she didn't want a nice house, but she felt that a large property, as Preston envisioned, would only serve to highlight the lack of a family.

"How much longer until we get there?" she asked, to divert the conversation back to safer territory.

Preston glanced at his pocket watch, "Fifteen minutes at most."

"I can't wait to see Louisa again," she said, "and meet James, of course. I feel I owe your brother a thank you given that he was the only member of your family to encourage you to come home to me."

"Of course," Preston said, and she could hear the hesitation in his voice.

"What is it?" she asked, placing a hand on his arm.

"Nothing," he replied briskly, "nothing at all."

"Are you concerned about seeing your parents?"

"No," he said, lifting his newspaper again, a sure sign that he didn't want to continue the conversation.

Rebecca decided to leave matters and returned to watching the scenery. Eventually, the countryside gave way to more industrial areas and, before she knew where they were, they were pulling into the station at Denver. They gathered their belongings and disembarked from the train into the noise and steam.

"I always forget how different these places are to Colorado Springs!" Preston shouted to her above the noise.

"I know!" she shouted back, suddenly catching sight of Louisa a few feet away, "Preston, there's Louisa!" She hurried forward to greet her friend, who embraced her and then Preston in turn.

"Preston, it's wonderful to see you again," Louisa said.

"And you, Louisa," he replied, "You look radiant."

A blush crept over Louisa's face but she turned to the man standing beside her, "Rebecca, this is my husband James. James, this is Rebecca McKendrick."

"Rebecca…" James stepped forward and clasped her hands in his, "It's wonderful to finally meet you. Preston hasn't done you justice. You're far lovelier than he could ever have described."

It was Rebecca's turn to blush. It felt nice to be complimented by someone in Preston's family given that all the rest were so against her.

James turned and greeted his brother. "Come on," he said, "let's get to the hotel and help you settle in before dinner."

"Are Mother and Father here?" Preston asked, his tone slightly tense.

"Not yet," James said, "they should be arriving shortly. I agreed with them that we would all have dinner tonight at the hotel. It'll be a good opportunity for them to meet Rebecca before the wedding."

"Oh," Preston said, "what fun."

XXXX

Several hours later, Preston paused at the door to the dining room and adjusted his cravat one last time. Rebecca turned to look at him and smiled indulgently, "You look fine," she reassured him. "Besides, I'm sure your father isn't going to care what you're wearing."

"I know that!" he snapped unintentionally and was immediately cowed by the hurt look that crossed her face. "I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't mean that. I'm just…" he paused, trying to think how best to explain to her.

"I understand," she said, "I'm nervous too."

"I'm not…" he trailed off as she raised one knowing eyebrow, "all right, I am. I admit it. My father and I didn't exactly part on good terms when I left Boston and…" he trailed off again.

She linked her arm with his so he wouldn't require to explain further. "Come on. James and Louisa will already be there and they're on our side, remember?"

He patted her hand and then, taking a deep breath, led the way into the dining room. He caught sight of his mother first, resplendent in ruby. She saw him too and her face lit up with happiness. Then he saw his father, brows knitted together, and he felt his stomach drop.

"Preston!" Alice got to her feet as he approached the table. Rebecca slipped her arm out of his hold allowing him to embrace his mother. "You're looking well," she said, "and happy," she added meaningfully. She looked past him to where Rebecca was standing, "This must be Miss McKendrick."

"Yes," Preston held out his hand, encouraging her to step forward, "Mother, this is Rebecca. Rebecca, this is my mother, Alice Lodge."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs Lodge," Rebecca said, shaking the other woman's hand gently.

"And you," Alice replied warmly.

Preston cleared his throat. "Father…" Preston Senior rose to his feet. "Father, this is…"

"I heard the introduction the first time," Preston Senior interrupted him. "No need to make it again. Miss McKendrick." He shook her outstretched hand stiffly.

"Mr Lodge," she replied.

"Shall we sit?" Alice said, gesturing to the empty chairs. Preston sat next to his mother with Rebecca next to himself leaving two empty chairs for James and Louisa.

"Where are the others?" he asked.

"I understand James ran into an old friend in the lobby," Preston Senior explained, "he said that he and Louisa would be along shortly."

Preston swallowed, "I see." He had been dreading being alone with his parents and had been fervently hoping for his brother's support.

There was a strained moment of silence. Rebecca turned to Alice, "Preston and I are honoured that you felt able to attend the wedding on Saturday."

"It's a pleasure," Alice replied. "We're looking forward to it and we could hardly miss our youngest son's wedding, now could we?" As she spoke, she cast a look in her husband's direction which neither Preston nor Rebecca missed.

"Indeed," Preston Senior replied, "and it fitted in well with some meetings that I had arranged."

"I'm sure it did," Rebecca said under her breath.

"Do you have everything organised?" Alice asked.

"Yes," Rebecca replied, "mostly. Given it's a small affair…"

"The O'Connors' had six hundred people at their wedding in January," Preston Senior interrupted.

"Yes, and look how that marriage has turned out," Alice said.

Rebecca and Preston exchanged glances, "I do hope everything is well," the former said, "I understood Mrs O'Connor to be with child."

"She is," Preston Senior replied tightly. He made no motion to explain further. Alice cast her eyes downward towards her napkin still sitting neatly folded on the table.

"Well, I shall be perfectly happy with it being just the six of us," Preston said. "The most important thing is that Rebecca and I will be married."

"Indeed," Preston Senior said.

"Mother, Father, Preston, Rebecca…I'm sorry we're late." James suddenly appeared at the table followed closely by Louisa. "I'm afraid I got sidetracked." He bent and kissed Rebecca's hand before shaking Preston's, kissing his mother and shaking hands with his father in turn. He pulled out the chair next to Rebecca for his wife before sitting in the last remaining vacant one. "I hope you haven't been waiting long."

"Not at all, not at all," Preston Senior said, giving his son a hearty clap on the back. A look of affection passed between them which Preston did not miss. Rebecca saw it too and, reaching over, squeezed his hand under the table.

"Have you ordered?" James asked.

"Not yet," Alice assured him. "Louisa, I must say, that dress is very becoming."

Rebecca had to admit that she was correct. Louisa was wearing a dress of deepest green that set off her colouring beautifully. It made her own yellow effort seem slightly shabby in comparison although it was one of the better ones in her wardrobe.

"Thank you," Louisa replied. "I must say, I think we three are the best dressed ladies in here."

"I agree," Preston said.

Rebecca smiled at him, grateful for his support. The conversation continued around her with Preston Senior, James and Preston discussing business while Alice and Louisa discussed the latest Boston gossip. She chipped in on occasion, but found her mind filled with the wedding due to take place in two days time. Having now met Preston's parents and appearing to have forged a somewhat uneasy relationship, she really didn't want anything to go wrong.

"Louisa, my dear, I think we should tell them," James said suddenly, forcing her attention back to the conversation at hand. She looked at Preston to see what she had missed but he appeared equally confused.

"Oh, no James," Louisa's face fell and she cast a quick look at Rebecca, "Not here."

"But it's perfect when we're all together like this," he continued, clearly excited. "I don't know how I've kept it to myself all this time."

"Kept what to yourself?" Alice asked.

"James…"

He patted her hand indulgently, "Louisa and I have some wonderful news." He lowered his voice to an acceptable level. "We are to welcome a son or daughter at Christmas."

The table erupted. "That is wonderful news!" Preston Senior said, getting to his feet and giving his son a hug, "I'm so pleased."

"Louisa, darling, how wonderful!" Alice leaned across the table and squeezed her daughter-in-law's hand. "Isn't that wonderful news, Rebecca?"

Rebecca forced herself to smile, "Yes it is," she pressed Louisa's arm, "I'm so happy for you. For both of you." She could see the pity in the other woman's eyes and hated it. "Truly I am. Wonderful news."

"Congratulations," Preston shook James' hand and then came around to kiss Louisa on the cheek.

"I'm sorry," James said, "I couldn't keep it to myself a moment longer!" He smiled happily at Louisa and then, as if sensing what she had meant earlier, his face fell and he looked at Preston. "Preston…Rebecca…I'm sorry I…"

"More wine anyone?" Preston interrupted him.

"Yes, I think a toast is in order," Preston Senior waited until the glasses were filled and then raised his. "A toast. To James and Louisa and to the first Lodge grandchild."

"The first of many I hope," Alice added, smiling at Rebecca.

"Yes," she echoed, raising her glass, "the first of many."

XXXX

"Your parents seem very happy at the news," she said later. It was late in the evening and the sun had long since set. The evening was winding down and she had stepped out onto the hotel balcony for some air and Preston had followed her.

"Yes, they were," he conceded. "Their first grandchild. How could they not be?"

"Of course," she said, "I'm very happy for James and Louisa." Preston slipped his arms around her waist and dropped a kiss on her neck. "I suppose it momentarily diverted your father from his disapproval of me."

"Nonsense," Preston replied, "I think he rather likes you."

"Whatever gave you that impression?" she asked, "the stiff handshake or the virtual ignorance of me throughout the meal?"

Preston sighed heavily, "He's a difficult man to please. I appreciate your continuing charm towards him."

"There's not much else I can do, is there?" she said. "But I shall be glad when it's just you and I again." She turned in his arms and accepted his kiss.

He pulled back and looked at her, "I wasn't aware that James and Louisa knew about…well…"

"I found Louisa very easy to talk to," she confessed, "I found myself telling her everything and I assume she told James…" she trailed off, thinking about how much she would have liked the reaction of Preston's parents to have been directed towards herself and Preston. "It's fine," she said, breezily, "really it is. I suppose, at some point, your parents will have to know."

"I don't see why," he argued, "it's none of their business."

"But, won't they wonder when we don't have children?"

"Perhaps, but it's not for them to question, is it?"

She searched his face, "You're not…I mean…ashamed of it, are you? Ashamed of me?"

Preston looked shocked, "Of course not! Rebecca, I've told you before that it doesn't matter to me and it doesn't. Quite frankly, I don't care what my parents think about it."

"I'm glad," she said, pressing herself against him.

He kissed her again before reluctantly pulling back, "I suppose we should be retiring."

She smiled ruefully, "Only two more nights until we can be together properly." A shiver went through her, "I can hardly wait."

"Me neither," he confided. "Wait here, I'll fetch your shawl and then accompany you to your room." He hurried back inside the hotel, leaving the door slightly ajar. Rebecca turned back to take in the view, glad of the momentary solitude.

"I found her extremely charming Preston. Not at all as I imagined." Alice's voice floated out of the open door. Rebecca turned and saw Preston's parents standing next to the door, clearly oblivious to her presence.

"Hmm, I suppose," he said grudgingly. "She appears to have good manners and fairly amiable conversation. Still…not what I would have chosen for our son. A farmer's daughter from the frontier."

"Perhaps not, but she is his choice and we must learn to respect that. As long as she makes Preston happy…"

"You do know she's barren, don't you?"

Rebecca froze at the words and moved closer to the door, all the time concealing herself from view.

"Preston!" Alice exclaimed, "Whatever makes you think…?"

"It's true. I have it from a very reputable source. Well…perhaps not barren exactly," he continued, "but medically advised not to have children. I told you that she was ill over Christmas? Well, that was the reason why. Apparently, she has a heart condition which would prevent her carrying a child. That's what killed her mother, Barton's daughter."

"Oh my. Poor Rebecca," Alice said quietly, "and all that fuss at dinner over Louisa's news…she must have felt so wretched."

"It was momentary, I'm sure. Well I suppose there's one good thing to come out of this sorry match," Preston Senior said with a wistful sigh, "at least the Lodge line won't be tainted by her and her weakness."

The door closed over at that point and Rebecca was left standing alone feeling as though she had been punched in the stomach. Her fear of being rejected because of what was wrong with her had clearly been misplaced. She was perhaps only to be accepted into the Lodge family because there was never any danger of her bearing a child.

She blinked back angry tears, feeling that she would like nothing better than to march back inside and have it out with both of them. To tell them that she loved her son and that she was as worthy of their love and acceptance as Louisa was. But then she thought of Preston and how upset he would be and good sense won out. Her mind whirred. If Preston Senior disliked her that much then why should she try to win his favour?

A plan formulated in her mind. The one thing that was guaranteed to anger him and give her a small sense of satisfaction would be to have a child. To taint the Lodge line. After her marriage, that was exactly what she intended to do.