Storm at Marshbay by Clara Wimberly Read Free Book Online

house on the bay then?” she asked.
    “Yes. It’s quite beautiful there.”
    “I hope so, Miss. I hope you will be very happy. And you know you have my best wishes.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Reed. Will you be able to work some extra days? There’s so much to do.”
    “If you will give me a list of things to do, I will see to it and we’ll soon have the house cleaned properly. I’ll help you go through your things and anything else you need done.”
    “That will be splendid,” I replied.
    “Might I ask when the wedding will take place?”
     “I think it will be soon,” I said.
     I hoped tomorrow would bring more enthusiasm for me. At that moment I wanted nothing more than to go to bed and sleep for days. I didn’t want to think about what was to be. I didn’t want to think about marrying a man I hardly knew. I didn’t want to think about the family at Marshbay, or about becoming adjusted to a new way of life. I had no one to talk to about all my doubts and so I tried to push them away.
    I got up from the chair, saying, “I think I’ll lie down for awhile.”
    “You do that.” Her look was still filled with concern. “I’ll make you a nice supper and put it in the oven before I go.”
    “Mrs. Reed, there is one thing I wanted to discuss with you before all these changes take place.”
    “Yes?”
    “I know your cottage must be crowded now that your daughter and her family have moved in with you. “
    “Oh now, we’re right cozy,” she said. “You don’t have to worry about me finding other employment. I’m sure I’ll find something at one of the big houses in town. And my son-in-law is working at the livery.”
     “I want you and your family to live here, as long as you wish. It’s large enough for all of you and the children will have room to play. It’s close enough to town so it won’t be an inconvenience. “
    “Oh, Miss Brady.” Tears filled her eyes and she stood up and embraced me. “I never dreamed…it’s too much. Are you sure?”
    “Of course I’m sure,” I said. “It would make me very happy. And I’ll be able to provide a pension for you after I’m married. You shall live comfortably from now on without having to work. You can travel…go visit your sister anytime you wish.”
    “Oh, my Lord.” She put her hands to her cheeks. “I never dreamed of anything like this.”
    I put my arms around her. 
    “Oh, my ,” she said. “How can I ever thank you?”
    “It is I who must thank you. You worked so hard for us and you were always so caring and tender with my mother. I wanted to do something for you, and I’m pleased I’ll be able to. Now, there’ll be no more about it. I just hope you enjoy it.”
    “I’m sure we will. Oh, I can hardly wait to tell my girl the news. Thank you, Miss Brady. Thank you.”
    “You’re very welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
    I knew I was burning my bridges to the past. But there was no turning back now. As I walked up the stairs I felt sure Ian would understand what I had done and would have no objections. After all, his interest and that of his family was in the land, not in the run-down old house.

Chapter Five
     
    Before the wedding I was often atMarshbay to discuss wedding plans with Mrs. Fitzgerald. She and I and Ian were seated in the courtyard one morning when Mrs. Fitzgerald asked me what I expected my wedding to be like.
    “I’ve always dreamed of an evening wedding in the spring, with ferns and flowers from the marsh,” I admitted. “By the ocean at sunset.”
    I could see I had startled herso I went on to explain.“I do realize how changeable the spring weather is by the ocean, so a wedding there could be unpredictable.”
    “Oh yes,” she said.  “That could prove to be very unpleasant.”
    I glanced around “Well, this courtyard is so beautiful, and, as it is outdoors, I would be happyto be married here.” 
    I thought my choice would please her, but grew uncertain when I noticed her glancing