Secrets of the Heartland

The Negotiation

‘I had awoken to the sound of someone pounding on the door. I had gotten dressed as quickly as I could, rushing down the stairs going toward the peephole, seeing no one other than Mr. Delaney. Hoping it was only a dream, I look into the peephole, seeing that he was gone. I turn toward the sink, hearing a tapping on the window, jumping at the sight of Mr. Delaney staring at me through the window.’

“This is just what I needed first thing in the morning.” I said, unlocking the front door

“So, have you given any thought about my proposal?” Mr. Delaney asked

“Good morning to you, too, Mr. Delaney.” I said

“My apologies, did I wake you?” Mr. Delaney asked

“No, I was up for a while.” I fibbed, trying to hold in a yawn

“I was hoping your father was in. There were certain matters we needed to discuss.”

“Actually, I haven’t seen him all morning. He must have gone out before I woke up.”

“That’s right. I think he might have mentioned that yesterday when I arrived.” Mr. Delaney said

“You mean before you barged into our home?” I corrected

“Have you given any thought about my proposal?”

“Don’t change the subject, Mr. Delaney. Didn’t your mother ever tell you that it’s rude to barge into someone’s home without being invited inside?” I asked

“You’re right. I apologize for my behavior yesterday.”

“You can wait for my father inside.”

“I’m quite surprised that you aren’t out.”

“I was just about to before you came. I can always catch up with them later.”

“I'm sorry.. ‘them’?” Mr. Delaney asked

“Oh, I was supposed to meet Emily Trentwell and Gwendolyn Barker in town today.”

“They’re good women.”

“Yes, they are. So, what things do you have to discuss with my father?” I asked, setting down two cups and filling them with freshly brewed tea

“That’s a more private matter.”

“I see. So, I hear you’re mentoring law students until you get a new case.”

“Yes. Now, Sarah, about the proposal..”

“You sure seem to like pushing for my answer and you only asked me yesterday.”

“Mr. Delaney, a surprise to see you here so soon.”

“Father. Good morning. I take it your errand went well.” I said, turning away from Mr. Delaney

“So, Everett, about our arrangement..” Mr. Delaney asked, clearing his throat

“Sarah, why don’t you go meet Emily and Gwendolyn at the apothecary so Mr. Delaney and I can talk.”

“I thought you’d never ask.” I said, turning to leave

“You go have fun.” Everett called after me

“So, what do you say; you persuade Sarah to go through with the wedding, and I will have your debts cleared.”

“There has to be some other way, Mr. Delaney. I want my daughter to be happy.” Everett said

“What better way for her to be happy than a debt free life?” Mr. Delaney asked

“How about an equal loving marriage?” Everett said

“She would grow to love me in time, Everett. That’s how my father was when he was courting my mother. It took time for them.”

“My daughter is not marrying a man she doesn’t love just to keep us off the street.” Everett said

“Either Sarah marries me, or you’re both out on the street by tonight.”

“She’ll never accept your proposal.” Everett said

“Then you leave me with no other choice, Mr. Roswell..” Mr. Delaney said

“What are you going to do if Sarah refuses your hand?” Everett asked

“I have resources all over town, Mr. Roswell. I would be more than happy to call in a few of my favors, unless you get your daughter to go through with our wedding.”

“She’s not going to like the idea.” Everett said

“She wouldn’t like the idea of having to beg on the streets. A woman like your daughter deserves to be spoiled with riches.” Mr. Delaney said

“Mr. Delaney, I couldn’t force my daughter into this. She doesn’t look at you the way you look at her. I don’t think she ever will. If you force Sarah into this marriage, she’ll never trust you.”

‘I had made my way to the apothecary, seeing Emily and Gwendolyn by the front counter. I felt bad for making them wait so long. I had to make it up to them somehow.’

“Sarah..”

“I’m sorry, Emily, Gwendolyn. I was about to meet with you when Mr. Delaney came by looking for my father, so I got a bit tied up until he came back.”

“Sarah, it’s alright. Everett explained everything on his way home. We understand.” 

“I’m sorry again. I couldn’t apologize enough.” I said

“We understand. Now, let’s go.” Gwendolyn said

“Everett, come take a walk with me. We’re going to talk with your daughter.”

“She’ll never accept your proposal. And she’s out with Gwendolyn and Emily, we shouldn’t bother her.”

“Then I guess I can call in those favors..”

“I suppose we could pop by the apothecary. I don’t think they left yet.”

“Let’s hope not. If so, you will be skating on thin ice, Mr. Roswell. Do I make myself clear?” Mr. Delaney said

“Yes..” Everett answered nervously

‘The girls and I had snuck out through the side entrance just as they showed up to the locked front entrance.’

“I guess we just missed them. Perhaps another time..”

“Not yet. Your daughter marrying me will keep a roof over the two of you.” Mr. Delaney said

“I don’t think we should spring it on her like this.”

“She’ll be overwhelmed with joy that she won’t be a beggar on the street.”

‘I peer around from the corner of the building, without being seen. I quickly pull my head back as Mr. Delaney peers where Emily, Gwendolyn and I had been hiding.’

“I could have sworn I just saw Sarah around the corner.” Mr. Delaney said, gently cleaning his glasses

“But how? The shop’s locked up.” Everett said

“That was too close. Delaney almost spotted you.”

“To persuade me into accepting his hand in marriage, no doubt. Now he’s trying to threaten my father to get me to accept.”

“We’d better go, before he starts looking for you.” Emily said

‘We had snuck off before Mr. Delaney had time to catch another glance. I had looked back at my father, afraid for what might happen to him if I were to refuse..’

~End of Chapter Four~