With curiosity they waited until the well known wagon came closer. Sara noticed that it was loaded with Martha's stuff.
"What does she want now? It looks like she packed the whole house with her." He hissed through his teeth. Wes wasn't happy when he saw Martha. He remembered how much trouble she caused the last time she was here, and he was actually surprised to see her so soon.
"I'm not sure, I haven't seen her since the last time she was here." Sara stood up and turned towards the upcoming visitor.
"Well, I'm sure we will find out shortly. Don't worry Sara, you are my wife and she can't do anything to hurt you."
Wes placed his hat on and came to stand at the top of the stairs ready to see what was Martha's visit all about. He was ready to protect Sara if necessary. He expected Martha to take her anger for losing the farm at Sara, and he wasn't going to stand meekly by. He kept quiet for a few moments expecting Martha to state her reason for coming up to his ranch.
She stopped the wagon with a firm jerk of the reins. Sara winced at that, her poor horse, her poor Bell.
Martha just sat there with a solemn expression on her face without saying a word to him, but his patient soon wore thin.
"Martha! What do we owe this unexpected visit?"
She avoided his cold stare, and at last directed her narrow promiscuous eyes towards Sara," I came to see my daughter! Is this so unusual?"
Sara swallowed, the irony was that Martha never called her a daughter before. How many times as a young girl she wished for that.
She already guessed that she was in some kind of trouble. It was unfortunate she continued showing up now that Sara finally found her home and someplace where she belonged.
"You should be proud to leave your mother behind like this. It is to congratulate you on your escape. I lost everything and have nowhere to go..." She made a short pause and added with bitterness.
"Thanks to you."
Sara wanted to tell her to turn around and leave, but her conscious wouldn't let her. The Canes took her in when the only other option was the orphanage, and they were not the nicest places. In them many children have died of neglect, illness and malnutrition. For the sake of years spent in Cane's house Sara now couldn't turn her back to Martha.
Wes got alarmed and his voice took a deep warning tone.
"It isn't wise to talk to my wife like this."
"Mr. Jade or should I say -son in law-. Would you be pleased to see me roaming the streets of Kenth? What would people say? My daughter is your wife, and after all you compromised her."
"Martha!" His voice held a warning tone ," Sara is not responsible for your troubles." Wes's jaw shifted, but Martha continued to ignore the obvious sign of his anger.
"I lost the farm because of it." She conveniently omits to mention her plans to sell the farm and her late husband's gambling debts.
"My own daughter neglected me, but luckily Rowena was there to comfort me."
Wes had to apply all the willpower to stay calm.
"Sara didn't neglect you. I'm not exactly concerned about what will people say, but as it seems you are here Mrs. Cane. I will leave it up to Sara to make a decision about your stay here. I'll respect her wishes." Wes walked back to Sara's side taking her hand and giving her reassuring support that told her more than words.
