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Here we are in 1827. My husband, Matthew said he was going to Fort Brooke which is a weeks walk away. He was so mad that I told him he couldn't take the horse because she was about to be foaling. There was a fight, but in the end he didn't argue with me. I was worried about being left alone, but he said he would be back in two weeks. He told me that if something happened, I could go to our neighbor's cabin a mile from here.
I had a feeling about why he was going to Fort. Brooke, but I didn't tell anyone. Before he went to leave, he asked for money. He was upset that I only gave him two dollars. I explained that this was all that was left of what my father had sent. He said he would check with the bank as soon as he arrived at the fort. I smiled and accepted the kiss on my cheek as he left. Little did he know he would find no account in his name. There was only an account in my father's name which has a note that only I can withdraw funds when I am there in person.
My father did not like my Matthew. However, I was blind with young love and rushed into this wedding. We eloped one night before my parents could stop us. When we arrived home the next morning my mother was crushed and my father was angry.
I was shocked that Matthew demanded a wedding gift almost immediately from my family. My father had started to yell about how Matthew had never asked for his blessing. It took my mother to calm both of them down. She told him that we would receive an allowance of $10 a month for the first 2 years and also an immediate gift of $25.
That settled Matthew, and he asked my father if he could help us find land.
My father got a huge grin on his face and said, "I have a cabin for you and Lannie. It's a week walk from Fort Brooke but it's good undeveloped land
with a cabin I have used for hunting. If you cleared the land you could do good there. There is also a river bank near there so you won't have to worry about water either."
He agreed with my father and the plan was to gather the household items and head to the old hunting cabin in a week's time. My father told Matthew and my mother he wanted to take me for a carriage ride. We rode for a while and my father finally started to speak.
"Lannie girl I need you to know I don't trust Matthew. He has an unsavory reputation around the Fort. But I trust you. I am taking you to the bank and setting you up an account. It will be in my and your name. Matthew will have no access to it. Only you and I will be able to access it. I am leaving a picture of you for the bank file so no one can pretend to be you."
I looked at my father and nodded, "I understand father. I hope one day you will learn to trust Matthew."
Father sighed and said, "Lannie, I believe Matthew only married you because of your money. I am asking that you allow me to handle it until I trust Matthew. I know Grandmother left it to you with the terms you would receive it when you were married. Did you tell Matthew about the money you are to receive"
"No Father, I did not. However, He knew I had some money coming to me but did not know the conditions." I said, "Father, do you think he really married me because of my inheritance?"
"I hope not Lannie," He said, "But you're married now and as you signed the marriage certificate you're bound to him. We will see what really happens once you move into your cabin."
I sat back in our buggy as my father navigated the streets to the bank. He must have realized that what he said had gotten to me. He started speaking, "Cheer up Lannie, Regardless of what happens to Matthew that cabin will remain yours. The title will only be in yours and my name, so if Matthew does try something he can't take everything you worked for. Now be happy my girl we are setting up your home today and you get to shop without your mother.
You get to pick out the stuff you know you want and need, especially for your kitchen."
I smiled, my father knew I loved to go to our kitchen and help the staff prepare meals. The idea of setting up my own kitchen and being able to cook without someone around made me happy. I will be honest the idea of servants helping with everything always made me feel lazy. Soon we were pulling up to the bank so we could set up our accounts.
My father helped me down from the carriage and led me into the bank. I do not normally come into the bank due to it being in my father's and mother's business. However, Now that I am a wife it is now my responsibility. My father walked up to a clerk and said, "Hello son, may I please see your Manager for some business."
The clerk smiled and said, "Mr. Greene it's a pleasure to see you again. If you and your daughter would like to have a seat in the lobby I will let Mr. Kindred know that you are here."
"Thank you, Sam," Father said as he led me to the sitting area. We sat for a while when we heard someone calling my father's name.
"Stephen, my friend welcome," Said Mr. Kindred. He turned to me. "You must be Lannie. First, congratulations on your marriage, and welcome. Your father sent me a post stating that he is opening you an account with special conditions. So why don't we go into my office to take care of the specifics."
We followed Mr. Kindred to his office and sat at a table near his fire. Mr. Kindred poured some tea for us and then started going over the paperwork. This is where my father surprised me by saying, "Now Mitchell, did you transfer over the amount that I specified?"
"Now does Lannie know the amount?" Mr. Kindred asked. When my father shook his head no, Mr. Kindred looked at me and said, "Lannie your Father had opened you an account with $5000. The only people who know this amount are us and the teller who is not allowed to disclose the amount in public. You are the only person who can withdraw from this account. There is a picture attached to the file and no one else can withdraw the funds including your husband."
I looked at my father, "What about the fund mother promised as my dowery?"
My father placed his hand over mine and said, "Lannie as I said I do not trust your husband. Once a month, the bank will send a rider to the cabin with the dowery payout. This amount in your account is yours only and you will gain interest monthly. Just like the cabin being in just your name and mine only. The cabin supplies will come from my money. This is just for you. Unlike other accounts you cannot charge to the account you have to physically be there to withdraw the funds."
I nodded at my father and smiled, "I understand you do not want me to say anything right now so I will respect you, father."
Father smiled, "Good, then let's finish our business here and head to the mercantile. I feel like your kitchen will be better prepared than ours at home."
After we finished our business at the bank and headed to the mercantile. As we walked in the owner's wife Mrs. Carson headed over to us. She shook my father's hand and turned to me, smiled, and said, "Lannie welcome in, and congratulations on your nuptials."
"Thank you, Mrs. Carson." I said, "I am here to outfit my new kitchen. Father says the home he gifted to us has a fireplace with an oven as well as a wood-burning stove. I will need everything to start my kitchen as well as linens and food staples."
My father said, "Mrs, Carson, Lannie and he husband will be moving to the north on the broken coast. I would like to give her enough provisions along with everything she would need for her home. So on top of everything for the home please make sure she has enough dried goods, meat, and produce for a month's time. Also, if you have seeds for plants we would like those so my Lannie can continue to garden at the new homestead."
Mrs. Carson's eyes got big and said, "Are we just outfitting her kitchen or are we outfitting every aspect of her home?"
My father smiled and said, "Mrs. Carson we are shopping for everything. So please let Lannie see all the patterns you have for towels, and linens and I would also like her to have a stock of wool, cloth, and threads. I know her mother has been collecting a trousseau as well as items for years as a surprise for Lannie but I would like Lannie to pick her own things as well."
Mrs. Carson got to work and my father said he would be back soon. After a while, we came back my father had a sly look on his face and helped me choose some books and writing supplies. For all of the items we had purchased Mrs. Carson had her workers load the items into crates for the trip to the cabin. By the time we were finished, my father turned and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Carson, one of my workers will be by later today to collect all the items."
After we left the mercantile father took me over to the tailor, and he had the tailor show me some of his ready-made items. The tailor was shocked that my father was purchasing all the items we would need. When he inquired about sizing it completely, my father said, "It will be okay, My Lannie will be able to hem or size anything she will need to."
The rest of the day was quite busy as father took me to a farmer to pick up chickens, and a cow. A sweet shop for candies to take to the cabin. Then to the armory to pick up shotguns and bullets. As we were heading home, my father said he had one more surprise.
We headed to the local stable and we walked up to a beautiful chestnut mare. The stable owner walked over and shook hands with my father. He turned to me and said, "Mrs, Lannie what do you think of this beauty."
I looked at the owner and said, "She is beautiful."
Father smiled and said, "Well Lannie she is yours. Also, she is bred so she will be having a baby soon enough."
I ran my hand over her snout and said, "She is beautiful. What's her name?"
Father smiled and said, "Her name is Shelby."
I leaned into Shelby's neck and said, "You ready for an adventure girl?"
After my father makes arrangements with the stable owner to have Shelby picked up later that day we headed home. When we walked in Mathew looked at me and said, "Your mother has crates upon crates of items for us. She was joking we will be taking four wagons to the cabin your father gave us."
I sat down next to him and said, "My father has been very generous today with the items purchased today. He also bought me a beautiful mare who is pregnant named Shelby. I am thinking what mother said about the four wagons is correct. My father said that there is plenty of furniture but the household items were sparse. Well, at least we can reuse all the crates that will be holding all the supplies."
"Did your father mention your bride price while you were out?" He asked.
I turned and looked at him, "Mathew did you marry me for me or my money?"
He looked shocked, I questioned him, "Lannie how can you say that?"
"You have seemed more concerned about what you would be getting instead of our future," I said. "My father is taking care of everything so we can have a future together and that's what should matter."
Mathew stood up and wrapped his arms around me, "Lannie my love, I just want to have everything squared away before we leave town that's all. Now let's go upstairs and rest before we have dinner with your family tonight. Your mother has invited some friends over as a makeshift wedding celebration for us."
That night my parents threw a lavish dinner to celebrate our marriage. As much as I should have been celebrating, the way Mathew has been acting had me questioning my own decision to rush into this marriage. If I backed down now, I would be considered a ruined woman, and that would reflect poorly on my father. I was escorted along to the party by Mathew, and I could see he was in his glory rubbing elbows with the elite of the city.
After a while, my mother came and took me over to the ladies leaving Mathew with all the men. I looked back with a worried look and my mother said, "Now Lannie he needs to prove his worth with the men in the city, never you mind him."
My mother put on the part of the amazing mother of the bride and raved about how she was so happy that I would be starting a new life as a wife.
When the wife of the local doctor asked if Mathew and I wanted to have children. My mother swooped in and said, " Oh Gladys let's not rush the newlyweds. Let them have their fun while their young and the children will come in all due time."
"Well, I am so happy for Lannie." Said Mrs. Perkins the Mayor's wife, "When will you all be leaving for your new home Lannie? Your mother said your father gave you a cabin and land as a wedding gift?"
"I believe we will be leaving later tomorrow. Yes, father gave us his old hunting estate on the Broken Coast, and I plan on building it up to be a successful farm. " I said turning to my mother, "Isn't that correct mother?"
My mother smiled knowing I had a plan and said, "That is correct Lannie, I have already sent ahead all the supplies you purchased today with your father. As well as your animals with some of our staff to get the house, barns and chicken coops ready and make sure the storms did not mess with the well or home."
"Shouldn't you let Lannie organize her home Beth," Mrs. Perkins said.
My mother smiled and graciously said, "Of course. That's why they are only unpacking food and getting the beds ready as her father and I will be guests when we arrive. When Lannie arrives, she will have to unpack all the additional items she got as well as her trousseau."
We continued to chat with the ladies until my father collected Mathew, and me. He brought us to the base of the stairs, and I worried as he started his father of the bride speech.
My Father stood on the stairs and placed Mathew before him and me to the side as he started his speech, "My dearest daughter Lannie, I never thought this day of you being a brand new bride would come. I know your Mother had planned for this for years and hoped to have a bigger reception for you, so for that, I thank you for your elopement, and you saved me a pretty penny."
People in the crowd chuckled as Father continued, "As many of you know, Lannie is our only child, and although we wish she would be near our home, she is starting a home of her own on The Broken Coast. My darling girl, if anyone can tame that primal and harsh land, I am confident you can, and I cannot wait to see all the amazing things you do on the estate."
It started to dawn on me that Father did not mention Mathew once. Father raised his glass and said, "Let's cheer the happy couple. Lannie, my sweet girl, your Mother, and we love you."
Everyone raised their glass, and thankfully, Mathew was oblivious to the slight my Father had given. Later that evening, after the guests had left and the staff had cleaned up from the party, we met my parents in their drawing room. Father looked serious and said, "Due to the weather, we thought it best to leave around noon tomorrow. If the weather turns, we can stop for the evening at Turner Mill and camp there."
Mathew nodded, and I said, "Of course Father."
Mother smiled and said, "Mathew, we are not sure how much you have for belongings. Where do you need to collect them from?"
Mathew said, "That won't be a problem. I do not have much. I will ride to the homestead I was staying at in the morning and collect my belongings. I will be back by breakfast."
Mother turned to me and said, "Lannie, after Mathew leaves in the morning, the staff will come in and help you pack up your room."
Smiling, I walked over and kissed Mother on the cheek and then did the same with Father. We headed to my room for the night, not knowing what the next day would hold. Once we arrived in our room, Mathew said, "Your parents know how to throw a party, don't they?"
Chuckling, I said, "My mother lives for parties."
"Well," He said, "I hope you will be able to handle parties in our new home once we are settled and get to know our neighbors."
With that, he changed and went to bed. I undressed and got ready for bed as I realized he did not understand we were moving into the middle of nowhere. He will be in for an awakening tomorrow when he realizes there are no neighbors.
The following morning, Mathew went to get his belongings, and the house servants came to my room to help pack up my belongings. My mother came in and asked if Mathew would return soon. I told her that he should be back shortly, and she told the servants to continue packing my room and had me join her and Father in the dining room for breakfast.
Father looked up from his paper as I entered the room and said, "Lannie, my dear, are you ready for your new adventure?"
I leaned over to kiss his cheek, "Of course, Father." "Remember what we spoke about yesterday," He said as Mathew returned home and walked into the room. Nodding, I said, "Of course, Father."
Mathew walked to me, kissed my cheek, and said, "I am sorry it took so long. I am back now, and the servants took my belongings when I arrived." Father nodded and continued to eat. As he finished eating, he said, "Lannie, I suggest you change into your traveling clothes and give what you are wearing to the servants to pack. I believe now that Mathew has arrived, we may be able to leave earlier."
"Of course, Father," I said, "Mother, will you be changing as well?"
Mother smiled and said, "Oh, Lannie, these are my new traveling clothes. I am ready for this adventure." I headed to my room for the last time as I left Mathew with my parents. I do not know what Father had planned, but knowing Father, it has to be interesting. I took vows before a priest, and my Father wanted to talk with God about these vows.
I finished changing and joined everyone downstairs. Mathew continued to sit on the couch as Mother and Father spoke with the staff. When I returned, Father smiled and said, "Lannie, sweet girl. I am so happy you are ready. The weather looks like it is passing, so we will leave soon. Mathew and I will be riding horses. Your Mother and you will be riding in the carriage. I have sent the servants ahead with the stockpile for your home, and we will be stopping to rest for the night."
"Will the servants be pushing through the whole trip?" I asked.
"Yes, they will be to prepare the home for our arrival," He said. "I sent enough servants so some may rest and sleep while the others push forward. I also sent a rider with them to ride back to us if there are any problems."
Nodding, I said, "Is there anything else I need to do?"
Mother said, "No, we have everything handled, and before you know it, you and Mathew will be in your home away from the city life, creating your future."
Smiling, I said, "A future I look forward to. Father, I know we have sheep, chickens, cows, and they may breed. I do have a question. I have been thinking about my garden. I had been thinking, besides running the home, I could sell dried herbs as I know the land should be perfect for growing them, and people in town and the apothecary would greatly benefit. May I take a few books from the library?"
Father looked up and said, "Lannie, my girl, you never cease to amaze me. Let's get you all the books you need. I believe there are also a few on the water plants and trees. If anyone can create a successful business from that land, I know you can."
Smiling, I followed Father to the library in the house, and he gave me a bag filled with all the books I needed. I started to consider growing herbs and harvesting from the native plants since he said he was giving me the home and land. If Mathew is not honest about our relationship, he will be in for a surprise when it comes to the fact he will get nothing from this marriage.
Father announced it was time to go, and we loaded into the wagon as the men climbed on their horses. As we left the front of the house, Mother took my hand and said, "It will be alright, Lannie. Think of this as your next grand adventure."
Smiling at her, I said, "I am excited, Mother."
"You have your doubts?" She asked.
"Not for the adventure," I said. "For Mathew, yes."
"Do you feel he was not honest with you?" She asked.
"I am starting to think so," I said. "But there is nothing I can do about that as we were married in the church, and divorce is not an option."
As Mother squeezed my hand, she said, "It will be okay, my sweet girl. I promise you that."
The way my mother had said this, I was concerned. Mother may be a lady, but I know she has a side to her that should be feared. Most people would think in our day and age that women are meek and mild. However, Mother and her friends control many things happening in our town without anyone knowing anything. Sitting back in her seat, Mother pulled a card set from her bag and began writing a letter. When she finished, she said, "When we get to the next outpost, I will have this sent back post haste."
When we got to the following outpost, I walked the stalls to stretch my legs and to look at the good. Mathew came up to me and said, "Is your Mother okay? She seemed upset and pulled your Father aside from our conversation."
"Mother hates traveling," I said. "She said she would join me shortly to look at the goods."
Coming up to a table with leather satchels, I saw a bag for gardening and started looking at it. Mother call out, "Lannie, you started without me."
I turned to Mother and said, "I am sorry, Mother. I was just in awe of all the goods."
Mother took my arm and said to Mathew, "Stephen is waiting for you at the tavern."
He leaned over and kissed my cheek. "I will see you ladies back at the wagon."
"Of course, dear," She said. "Now, which bag were you looking at? These are all wonderful work."
I picked up the one I wanted for gardening and said, "I was thinking of getting this satchel. It would be nice to hold all my seeds and tools because of the pockets."
The gentleman said, "You have a good eye, Miss. I made my wife a similar one for her garden as well. It's not as heavy as most seed bags and can take a lot of wear and tear."
"Well," I said. "If your wife enjoys it so much, I am convinced I have to have one to help me in my new garden,"
Purchasing from the vendor, I put it over my shoulder as we continued to shop. Mother and I bought some tidbits to eat on the trip, and before long, Father found us and said, "Well, my loves, I hope you all stretched your legs enough. We are about to leave."
We each put our arms through one of Father's arms and walked to the wagon. Mother asked, "Did you send that post for me?"
"Of course, I was able to. The rider is to wait for a reply and meet us on our journey," Father said as he helped us into the wagon.
"Mother?" I asked. "What did you do?"
"Nothing, Lannie," She said. "I just thought that you and Mathew may need some help on the grounds as neither of you has experience running a farm or gardening. Father and I thought we could get someone to stay in the barn and help you for a while. Do not worry about the costs as we will cover that for you both. Your Father already spoke to Mathew about it."
I said, "Well if Father and Mathew spoke about it."
Mother patted my hand and said, "Of course, dear. Now, do not worry and enjoy the ride, as when we get to your new home, you will be in charge, and I am only there to show you how to handle things."
We traveled with only a few rest stops for the remaining part of the day. When we reached the inn, the halfway point in our journey, Father secured the rooms we would need for the night and had the servants prepare their camp. Once Mathew and I were alone in the room, Mathew asked, "What did your father mean this morning when he said, Remember what we talked about?" "Oh, we talked about how I would be the lady of the house, and it would be my job to handle the finances and make sure to budget what money the property brought in," I said. "He wanted to make sure that I was aware that I was the one who had to prepare and make everything work, so he reminded me of the importance of not being wasteful and always making sure we prepared for anything that may happen."
Mathew gave me a look and said, "Wouldn't your Father help us if we need it." "No," I said. "Father wants us to make due and to succeed. That is why he started us with animals and enough supplies to get us started. Everything he purchased for us should last a while since it will be us and the farm hand he hired to help us get started."
"What about entertaining," he asked. "Does he expect us to live like hermits?"
"Mathew," I said. "Do you realize our nearest neighbor is more than five miles away? When Father gave us the home and land, he did it so we could make a start for ourselves. We will be there for ourselves and to build everything from the ground up."
So, while I am slaving away, what will you be doing?" He asked. "Besides the cooking and cleaning," I said. "Handling the household finances, helping with the animals, and gardening. I am going to start an herb garden and dry the herbs. Then I can sell them to travelers and people in town when the stores come out to the farms and properties to see our wares."
He sat quietly in a chair and said, "Well, I guess he has arranged everything then?"
Giving him a look, I asked, "Are you angry?"
Rubbing his face, he said, "No, I am not angry, Lannie. It's been a long day of travel, and I am tired. Why don't we join your parents for our supper and then retire for the evening."
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He stood and took my hand, "Besides, we are still on our honeymoon. I would love to spend some time alone with you."
Figuring he was putting on an act, I smiled and said, "Well, let us meet Father and Mother for dinner so we may retire early."
Leaving our room, we went to the dining room and found Father and Mother just arrived. Father said, "We were just going to come find you. After dinner, Mathew, the men will have drinks in the saloon, and the woman will have tea and time with the other woman in the library."
Mathew looked at me as I said, "That sounds lovely, Father. We were planning on retiring early but can stay up a little later."
Joining my parents for the meal, we ate, and then Father steered Mathew to the saloon while Mother and I made our way to the library to join the other ladies who had been traveling. While in the library, Mother spoke with some of the older ladies as I wandered the bookshelves. A younger woman approached me and asked, "How long have you been married?"
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"Four days," I said.
She looked hesitant and said in a whisper, "Do not trust your husband I have seen him before and he is not a good man."
"What do you mean," I asked quietly.
"I come from a town to the north," She said. "Your husband tried to marry a well to do girl and her older brother found out. He was trying to get everything from her before he was going to leave her."
Chuckling I said, "Well my father arranged that he couldn't. Everything is in my name only and I have a will that states if anything happens to me then it reverts back to my father. My father arranged everything with the bank already and Mathew is not allowed to touch anything that is mine as it was a gift from my father to me only."
The girl let out a sigh of relief and said, "Good. Please me careful Miss. The young woman had to be sent to a family members home in the north due to the problems he caused."
"What type of problems?" I asked.
"He tried to take her virtue while promising marriage," She said. "When she declined his advances he suggested they go on a picnic. He left her in the middle of nowhere in the poring rain and she was found walking the road by a farmer traveling with his wife in rising water. The couple brought her to her parents and she was a mess. The farmers wife explained what she had told them before she passed out."
"What did she tell them?" I asked.
"She said that the poor girl spilled everything," She said. "He wanted to marry her and when she told him she would not give him her favors until the wedding he dropped her off in the middle of nowhere and he said that if he couldn't get what he wanted she was no use to him and he would ruin her anyway."
"Oh my," I said.
"Thankfully the farmer and his wife are wonderful god fearing people," She said. "They brought her to the back of her parents home and the farmer carried her in under the cover of darkness. The only reason I know anything is because my father is a Doctor and he went to treat the poor girl."
Lannie- Maine Character
Mathew- Husband
Father- Mr Greene Stephen
Mother- Beth
Bank Manager- Mr Kindred Mitchell
Sam- Bank Teller
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