Chapter 4

Misty hoped Indiana would arrive soon to rescue her from the clutches of Cody’s overbearing mother. The tension in the house had been palpable in the short time she had been there. It was readily apparent to her that Cody’s promise that things were different in Wyoming was not the case. Either way, Misty no longer wanted to be left alone with his mother if such a thing could be avoided.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting, a car came down the road slowly. Misty was overjoyed. It would be the first time they had seen each other in ages, so despite the uneasiness that stirred in her stomach, she was more than excited that she would get to see her friend again.

Before she could step off the porch, Mrs. Mills hurried past her to greet the visitors the second they alighted from the car. “How lovely it is to see you both,” she gushed.

“Thank you kindly, my lady. I hope we aren’t an intrusion,” Morgan said, removing his hat as he flashed the woman a smile.

Indiana hurried past Morgan to Misty, and two embraced.

“Not an intrusion at all,” Olivia said. “It is simply an unexpected but welcomed occasion. Would you both care to join me for tea? I do believe Misty would like some tea. Is that right, dear?” she said, her smile looking more nefarious than friendly.

“Yes, Mrs. Mills,” Misty said, offended that Mrs. Mills had referred to her as ‘Misty’ rather than ‘Miss Misty’ in an obvious attempt to put her in her place.

With that, Mrs. Mills nodded toward the house. “Misty, please show our guests to the parlor.”

Misty felt like she was being given an order, but no longer was she someone’s maid, or butler, at that. It was difficult enough to forget her past life and leave it behind without someone like Mrs. Mills poking and prodding about it every chance she got. That was one of the primary reasons she wanted to leave the woman’s house. She needed to be around those who saw her as an equal, not less—she needed to be around friends.

Brushing off the negativity that threatened to cloud her mind, Misty led her guests into the lavish parlor where they were to have tea.

“What are you doing here in Wyoming? What is going on?” Indiana asked urgently.

Misty sighed and then looked down, her cheeks warming. Looking back up at Indiana, Misty took a deep breath before she spoke. “I’m here because I responded to a mail order advertisement that I found in the Matrimonial News. You are aware that, after the earthquake, I went to care for my elderly aunt? Well, she passed away, leaving me with nowhere to go and no other options.”

“Oh, I am so sorry to hear such a thing,” Indiana said, her eyes suddenly glossing over. “Why didn’t you write me to tell me that fact?”

“Wait, so that’s why you’re here?” Morgan asked, his hands tucked snugly into the pockets of his jacket. “Are you talking of Cody? Cody said his new bride was arriving—wait, that’s you isn’t it?” His jaw fell open.

“Yes,” Misty said, nodding. “I did not realize it myself until I saw him at the train station, but the man I was corresponding with was named Claudius.”

“Realize what?” Indiana said, glancing between the pair like she was being left out of a private discussion.

“That the man she came to marry was Cody,” Morgan said, scratching his head. “His real name is Claudius.”

“You cannot be serious!” Indiana said, clutching at her throat.

Misty nodded. “It was a surprise to us both that we had actually met prior. Of course, I was writing under the name Michelle, and he was writing to me under the name Claudius.”

“I cannot imagine the look he had on his face,” Morgan said with a chuckle.

“Indeed, it was something special,” Misty said. Just as Misty was about to say more, she heard Mrs. Mills’ footsteps coming toward the room.

“Here is our generous host!” Morgan said, flashing a bright smile at Mrs. Mills.

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” she said, shooting Misty a mean look.

As soon as Mrs. Mills had taken her seat, a servant appeared with a tray of tea and set it down. She poured each person a cup of tea.

Mrs. Mills sipped from her cup of tea and smiled thinly at Misty. The smile did not reach her eyes. “So, my dear, why don’t you explain to us why we’re all here.”

Misty swallowed hard. She watched the steam slowly billowing from her cup as it fogged up the table’s surface beneath it.

Mrs. Mills sat quietly. She was watching Misty carefully, but her polite demeanor was surely nothing more than a show for Morgan and Indiana. She turned to Indiana “Miss Indiana, has life in Wyoming been all that you had thought it would be?”

Indiana smiled, tilting her head slightly. “It’s been somewhat of a challenge to adapt to the countryside here, but it has been rather splendid.”

“Indeed, it’s always a challenge to exchange your old life for a new one, but hopefully it was well worth it,” Morgan said, reaching for his wife’s hand.

“Of course it was,” Indiana replied.

Misty could tell from the way in which they were interacting with each other that their relationship had progressed. The last time she had seen them, Indiana and Morgan were just starting, much like she and Cody were now doing. The idea that their relationship could grow to be just so strong was encouraging, but then she looked over at Mrs. Mills one more time and her hopes all dissolved immediately.

“Some challenges are worth facing, but some are nothing more than a waste of time,” Mrs. Mills said. “My son is a good business man, but some of his choices leave much to be desired.”

Misty knew that the woman’s pointed jabs were aimed at her, but she ignored them the best she could, continuing to smile brightly as though she had not a care in the world. “Indiana, Mrs. Mills has kindly offered me her hospitality, but may I stay with you?”

Mrs. Mills placed her cup on the table and sat upright. “My dear girl, you are not a bother, but if you feel more comfortable staying with your friends, then perhaps that is what you should do. Who am I to argue against something that might make a person happy?”

“Thank you kindly,” Misty said.

“Then it’s settled,” Morgan said, standing up as he slid his teacup onto the table. “You can stay with us. I extend my home to you for as long as you shall need it. My wife will be happy to spend time with her own friend.” He stressed the word ‘friend’, and Misty smiled.