The Marriage Garden

By Monica Marks

A PROMISE UNEXPECTED 
Rebecca did appreciate the kindness of her neighbor, Andrew. Still, she felt that he did what he did out of obligation. Andrew had made a promise to her husband that if anything should happen to her, that he would provide. But he was too young and naive at the time to have made such a promise, and it was one of those hollow things that men say to one another. Andrew, however, decided to make good on the promise after her husband dies in a tragic accident. Sparks begin to fly between the two as they struggle with excitement and guilt over their growing affection with one another. They both have to ask themselves a question, is this really God's will?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trellis Publishing
• Release date: Jun 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201756307

Book preview

THE MARRIAGE GARDEN

MONICA MARKS

table of contents

THE MARRIAGE GARDEN

MADISON

TWO AMISH SISTERS

AMISH SUNDAY

THE AMISH GIRL & THE ENGLISCHER

THE AMISH TREASURE

LOVE ON THE OUTSIDE

AMISH BEAUTIFUL

THE BEAUTIFUL CHOICE

THE MARRIAGE GARDEN

Rebecca looked warily at the dying garden, her lips pulled into a tight frown as her eyes took in the last of the vegetables struggling to survive.

This will not serve us until spring, even with the preserves I have managed to keep in the cellar, she thought, a knot of upset forming in her already anxious gut. She would need to do more before the winter months fell but what? What more could she possibly do with a small child and no family about?

Through her peripheral vision, she saw her daughter amble toward the house, the chubby toddler legs carrying her with surprising speed as something caught her attention.  She was paying no mind to where she was going and Rebecca’s heart caught in her throat.

Anna! That is far enough! she called out to the child but the little girl did not heed her warning as she continued toward the porch, causing Rebecca to run lest Anna injure herself on the rickety stairs. A sick or injured child was the worst thought imaginable to Rebecca.

Matthew was to fix those steps before he passed, Rebecca thought with a mixture of resentment and deep anguish. She knew she had no right to be angry with her husband for having died but she could not stop the confusing emotions from sweeping through her.

As though she constantly tempered bad weather, Rebecca found herself bouncing from a terrible valley of lows to a small hill of acceptance on any given day.

It will take time and God’s will, Andrew Thomas had assured her time and again. You will wake one day and understand that life continues despite Matthew’s passing. The pain may never go away but life does become easier to manage with time.

Rebecca was grateful for the neighbor. Andrew was the only one who regularly came to check on her and Anna but sometimes, Rebecca’s thankfulness was laced with exasperation. She knew Andrew only came about because of his foolish and blind promise to her late husband, one which an unmarried man of eligible age should not have made.

At some moment during a hunt, Matthew had asked Andrew to swear to watch over Rebecca lest anything happen to him and of course, the neighbor had agreed.

No one ever believes that there will come a time to make good on such a promise. We all believe we will outlast and endure.

Even though she knew about Andrew’s ridiculous promise, she did not send him away when he crossed the small field between their homes to bring her fresh eggs and milk every day or two. Rebecca could do without his sunny advice on her grief, however.

But she never told him that aloud. He was the only companionship she had beside the meddling pastor. The thought of losing Andrew too was too much to bear in those days.

She hurried to scoop Anna into her arms before the child could fall and placed the girl on the porch, shaking her head.

You must be more cautious! Rebecca chided her. We cannot afford for you to become hurt.

We cannot afford much, Rebecca thought grimly but she instantly cast the dark thoughts aside. Winter was upon them and there was little they could do until the cold had passed. There was simply no money to travel back east to her family and certainly not with a small child in tow. Their best hope was to wait out the long season in their modest home and pray that the supplies would suffice.

Yet even as she thought it, Rebecca’s eyes fell on the mediocre wood pile near the house and she bit on her lower lip with concern.

I must ask Andrew to chop some more, she realized, guilt flooding her. Oh how she longed to be independent, to care for her home alone but she would be a liar to say that the past months had only been survivable because of the kindly neighbor. She did all she could by herself but it was increasingly evident that she needed help.

Andrew and his misguided sense of loyalty toward us.

Mama! Anna called, raising her dirty finger to point toward the roadway. Rebecca turned to look at the nearing horse, her brow furrowing. A fancy carriage manned by two, sleek horses moved toward them. It was an odd sight for their parts. The carriage would have been far more at home in front of a manor house or sprawling estate.

It did not appear to be Pastor Rogers but she could not imagine who else might be coming their way.

Pastor Rogers would not be in such a luxurious vehicle. This man must be lost.

Inside you go, Rebecca told her daughter, rubbing her hands over the worn shawl about her shoulders. By the hearth but not too close.

She could not supress the feeling of nervousness which crept over her, forewarning her that something terrible was coming.

Yes, Mama.

The four-year-old child shuffled out of view, leaving Rebecca to watch with wary eyes as the carriage slowed to present a stiff coachman. The driver did not meet her eyes nor did he speak a word as he quickly dismounted the bench to open the door for his passenger. Idly, Rebecca wondered if he had seen her at all.

Of course he saw you. He just does not deem you worthy enough for a greeting.

Apprehension filled Rebecca and without realizing, she stepped back to stare almost balefully at the polished stranger who exited the cab.

Good afternoon, the stranger called and Rebecca saw that he was a older man with hair of grey and eyes of piercing blue.

Good afternoon, she replied warily. Have you lost your way?

He chuckled but the smile did not meet his eyes.

I would say not, Mrs. Keller. You are Mrs. Keller, are you not? Wife to the late Matthew Keller?

Rebecca swallowed the lump in her throat. It was still too early to hear Matthew’s name spoken aloud without having her cringe.

I am. Who might you be? she replied, keeping the emotion from her voice.

Her arms had folded against her ample bosom, grey eyes narrowing slightly.

I am Remington Mackenzie, he sniffed, apparently offended that she did not recognize him. Of Mackenzie Bank.

Rebecca’s anxiety grew to full fear as she realized why the man had come and her face paled.

I presume you know why I have come, he continued, noting the change of expression on her face.

I have until the first of the month to pay you the rents, Rebecca said quickly. I have not fallen delinquent.

Not yet, she thought but of course there was no need to warn him of what was to come.

You have not but I am afraid that is not the matter which demands my attention.

What is it then? Rebecca asked, her words stumbling from her mouth in a rush. I have done nothing wrong.

It is true that your husband’s untimely passing was not your fault, Mackenzie replied with a certain aloofness. However, your very presence on this land without the benefit of a husband or male kin is forbidden. It is clear in the law.

Rebecca’s mouth parted in shock.

Why? she demanded, aghast. I have done perfectly well on my own without the assistance of a male! Look! The land is kept well!

She did not add that she had a neighbor who ensured that she did not fail.

That is all fine and well for now, Mrs. Keller but the winters are much too harsh for a woman to handle on her own. If something were to happen, I would not like to find you in the spring.

I-I haven’t any male kin in Montana! she breathed. My family resides in New York. It is from where I hail!

I am terribly sorry for your misfortune, Mrs. Keller but there is little I can do in this matter. Please see yourself off before the end of day on Friday. Good day.

Rebecca’s breath was stolen, her eyes wide with disbelief.  Mackenzie turned back toward the carriage.

I have a child! Rebecca cried out. Winter is upon us! What will I do?

Mackenzie barely paused to cast her a cold look over his shoulder.

Why do you think I have given you three days to move along? I think you will find I have been most generous in my allowance, considering you have been squatting for three months.

Squatting! Rebecca was incensed. The rents have been paid in full!

Nonetheless, you are not permitted to be here without the benefit of a man. Good day.

There was a finality in his tone and there was little Rebecca could do but watch as he boarded the carriage and was off once more, presumably to evict another hapless widow.

Devastation flooded Rebecca’s body and she sank to the steps of the porch, tears welling in her eyes.

I cannot lose this house! Matthew loved our land. He had hoped to purchase it one day!

It was truly all she had remaining and while a small part of her had considered moving along in the spring to return to New York, there as a bigger, more sensible side which dictated that she would remain in Montana.

Mama?

Anna appeared at her side, a small hand touching her mother’s shoulder and the feeling caused tears to flow freely down Rebecca’s cheeks. Why are you crying, Mama?

I am not, she fibbed, hastily wiping her cheeks as she rose from her spot on the steps. Come along inside, Anna.

Mama, Mr. Thomas is coming.

Oh dear Lord, please not now! She thought, again looking toward the roadway. From the opposite direction of where the banker had come was another cart approaching. It was unmistakably that of Andrew Thomas and for a fleeting moment, Rebecca considered hiding away.

Inside! she ordered Anna with more harshness than she intended. At once!

But Mama, I wish to say hello!

I will not hear your backtalk, Anna. Do not force me to wallop your bottom.

Yes Mama, the girl muttered begrudgingly as she wandered back into the house but not before waving frantically at the nearing cart.

Good afternoon, Rebecca! Andrew called with his usual cheer as he scrambled to the ground. I thought I saw a small face disappear into the house.

Rebecca could not muster a faux smile, the misery in her bones overwhelming her most pressing desire to be polite. Andrew noticed at once, his brow furrowing with worry.

What is it? he asked, his dark eyes shadowing. Has something happened to Anna?

The alarm in his voice sent a wave of guilt through her.

No, she muttered. Not yet.

More confusion filled his eyes and he ran a hand through the even blond of his long mustache.

Do you expect trouble? His kind eyes searched her face for understanding and it was more than she could bear. Before she could contain herself, tears again welled and spilled from her eyes and onto her cheeks where she buried her face in her hand with humiliation.

Oh! she gasped, terribly embarrassed. You must forgive me, Andrew.

A warm, firm hand sank onto her arm as she struggled to compose herself but it took several minutes.

Whatever it is, Rebecca, I am certain we can overcome it.

Inexplicably, the words gave her a semblance of comfort even though she knew there was nothing Andrew could do to make this right.

She quickly dried her face and offered him wan smile of appreciation.

Forgive me, Andrew, she mumbled. I was only just delivered some terrible news.

Regarding Anna? he demanded, his face twisted in concern. What was it?

Regarding both Anna and I. We must move on from here in three days time.

Disbelief covered Andrew’s face and he shook his head.

Why? How? You haven’t the means to return to New York before winter and—

It matters not. Mr. Mackenzie has been through to inform me that I am breaking the law being on his property without the benefit of a male relative.

Andrew’s eyes widened in shock.

He tells you this now? he growled. When it is so close to the first snow? Where was his concern for the law before the cold was upon us?

Rebecca had no answer for him. She could only hang her head, her mind racing with how she might manage in the coming months.

That is nonsense! Andrew insisted. You will stay with me.

Hope sprung into her heart but just as quickly, it was extinguished.

I cannot, she murmured and she did not need to explain her reasoning to Andrew. The scandal of an unwed man bringing a widow and child into his home was not one that would go unpunished in their small town.

You cannot leave, Andrew insisted with force. I swore to Matthew that I would care for you and Anna. It is not a vow I intend to forget.

You made a promise you could not possibly keep forever, Rebecca told him gently. You have helped us more than any man in your position would.

No, Andrew snapped again. This is not the end of it. You will not be thrown from your land. Matthew wanted to keep this house as his own one day. It is all you have left of his memory.

Her eyes burned again at the reminder but she was able to keep her tears at bay.

Perhaps it is best for us, Rebecca sighed. It was only a matter of time before the money ran dry and I was forced from the land regardless. I have only been prolonging the inevitable.

Andrew did not speak and Rebecca could plainly see that his mind was working as furiously as hers but there was nothing he could do. The time had simply come for her to move along.

I must see to Anna, Rebecca murmured, turning toward the house with great reluctance. Again, forgive my display.

You will marry me, Andrew said suddenly and Rebecca whipped her slender form around to gape at him, her dark hair fanning about her shawl.

Pardon me? she gasped although she had heard him perfectly fine.

Marry me. Mackenzie cannot throw you from the house if we are married and it will allot you time to plan for the spring.

I-I cannot marry you, Rebecca heard herself sputter but even as she said it, she asked herself why not.

Why not? Andrew asked, his eyebrows raised toward the brim of his hat. It will not be a true union, of course but it will afford you time to gather the means to travel to New York or buy this property so that Mackenzie will never be able to banish you.

A-a marriage of convenience? she whispered. Y-you would do that for me?

Of course! I would much rather marry you than wonder if you had survived the winter.

A swell of excitement filled Rebecca’s heart.

Only until the spring, she said, her words spilling forth in a torrent. And then we will have an annulment.

Andrew’s face relaxed some as he realized she was warming to the idea.

If that is all the time you need—

No! You must agree, she insisted. You will not be trapped into a union which has no definitive end. We will write it on paper and sign it.

Until the springtime, he agreed, extending his hand with a smile. Shall we shake upon it?

She hesitated, shame tickling the edges of her thoughts.

Why would you do this? she asked quietly. There is nothing for you to gain.

I gain the peace of mind that Anna is safe and that I have no dishonored your late husband by permitting you to leave.

Rebecca eyed him warily but she knew she would be a fool to refuse his generous offer.

We must do this at once, Andrew reminded her with some urgency. Three days is not much time to plan a wedding.

She took his hand and the shook, their eyes locking.

I look forward to being your wife, she choked and Andrew chuckled.

And I look forward to being your husband.

~ ~ ~

Mr. Mackenzie from the bank was entirely displeased by the paper before him and said as much to the newlywedded couple.

I find this union rather abrupt, considering the short time since your husband’s passing, he said bluntly. Andrew cast Rebecca a sidelong look but to his surprise, she held her head high and met the man’s eyes squarely.

Your opinion of my personal affairs are irrelevant to me, she replied firmly. As you can plainly see, I now have a man with whom to share the duties of my land and I will not be upended.

Mackenzie’s mouth became a line of disapproval but he did not argue.

Very well, he agreed. If you do not mind, I have other matters to attend today.

He rose and the couple followed suit, turning toward the door.

Good day, Andrew said, hurrying after Rebecca who had not bothered to give Mackenzie a final look. When he met with her at the cart, a soft snow had begun to fall around the town.

Are you well? Andrew asked, sensing the heaviness in her.

He has some nerve judging me when he put me in such a predicament to begin with, she muttered, accepting his hand to climb onto the bench.

You must not let him bother you, Andrew replied in his nonchalant way. The man is merely doing his job.

His job is throwing small children and widowed women into the cold! she replied angrily and again, Andrew was struck by her passion.

He had never married, not for lack of desire but his experience with the women in their town had never left him with the urge to propose. They seemed insipid, helpless and hardly the kind of wife that he would want at his side to run his successful farm.

Perhaps that was why he had always been so startled by Rebecca Keller’s independence. Even before Matthew’s passing, he had noticed that she worked