Forced to Love (Historical Romance Collection) The Fires of Love & Hate

Chapter 8 -- No Turning Back

CHAPTER 8--NO TURNING BACK

By the tender age of sixteen and a half, young Hattie Garland had encountered almost every kind of tragedy imaginable.  She had been raped, beaten, and left for dead twice.  She had given birth to and suffered the loss of her first child, watched helplessly as her good friend Lucinda died while in childbirth and was now responsible for the baby.  All of this on the heels of being given one of the largest fortunes in country, which made her the sole support of her family.  Needless to say, God was testing her.  But, as all great beings do, she rose to the occasion, persevered where others would have folded, and refused to throw blame.  Blame, she would say, “Is what people do to hide their own imperfections.”  She did all of this while maintaining a positive attitude for the future, even though the past gave her plenty of reason to be bitter.  These angelic qualities drew people to her like a magnet, and in the years to come, she would prove herself, over and over again, to be a loyal and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Having spent endless hours with Hattie growing up, Lewis Alexander Beaumont knew all of this, for that is why he confided in her.  He knew she never broke a promise or made a promise lightly, and like Lucinda, his life would be greatly affected by Hattie’s strength, love, and devotion.  Unlike Lucinda, though, Lewis and Hattie’s lives would be forever intertwined.

***

As the family gathered quietly in the parlor, Minerva closed the large double-doors behind her and took a seat.  It was nearly three weeks after Lucinda’s death, and though no one was fully over the shock of her passing, Hattie and Lewis decided it was time to put their plan into motion.

Hattie, trying not to appear nervous, said, “I’ve called you here tonight for a family conference.  Lewis has somethin’ personal he needs share with us this evenin’.  He has been strugglin’ with a problem for years, and after havin’ come to a decision on what he wants to do, he needs our love and support to help him get through it.”  She paused then turned to Mary and George Walsh.  “I decided with all we’ve shared in this house as a family that you two must be included, for I feel we are one family.”  Again pausing and looking around the room into the faces of her family, she smiled nervously.  “Curtis, why don’t you take your younger brothers, and go upstairs.  I feel this might be a little much for the four of you, but I promise that I will tell you everythin’ when you’re old enough to understand better.”  Seeing them leave, she looked back at Lewis, and he gave her a nod, indicating it was time. 

Starting slowly, the tone in Hattie’s voice became deadly serious.  “I want everyone to understand that the secret which is to be shared with you tonight must be kept completely confidential, and if necessary, taken to your grave.  If you don’t think you’re capable of keepin’ a confidence like that, please excuse yourself and leave now.”  She waited a full minute, giving each person a chance to think it over, and as she had hoped, no one left the room. 

Members of her family looked at one another puzzled.  They wondered what secret could possibly be so important that they would be expected to take to their grave.  Finally, Shannon spoke up for the family.  “Okay, Hattie, we’ll do anythin’ you ask, and of course, we’ll do anythin’ we can to help you, Lewis.” 

Hattie, hearing them offer their support, was greatly relieved.  Turning to Laville, she invited her to take the floor.

Taking Lewis’s hand, Laville brought him to the front of the room with her.  Then speaking to him, she said, “I believe I speak for all of us when I say you’ve been like a brother to us ever since we were children.  You have our word that we will never divulge anything about what you are going to share with the family tonight.  As Hattie and I told you earlier, Lewis, we will all stand behind you.”