True Love Found

By Freeda Seltzer

Nadeen was a young woman who enjoyed adventure, as long as she was able to do what she pleased. Her father was a man much like her, and he was going to obtain what he desired through her marriage to a gentleman from New YorkRiley Donovan. He looked and acted like a gentleman in the east, but how would he be when he got what he wanted in a wife and all the money he wanted?

Riley Donovan was an egotistical man, with a less-than-gentlemanly outlook in life and love. He wanted what he wanted when he wanted it. Would it serve his purpose or bring his downfall? Only time will tell.

Travis was a true gentleman. He also had adventure on his mind. He was planning on building a mill in the new state of Oregon. He had planned and worked and saved for this for quite a while and was anxious to get started, hopefully with the love and understanding of his father.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 10, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984538130

Freeda Seltzer

Freeda Seltzer is a new author who does many crafts and is now hoping to include writing to her repertory. She was born in Wyoming but later moved to Oregon. She now resides in Phoenix, Arizona and enjoys it, yes even the hot summers. Having a western background and a family with lots of tales to tell has helped with the writing of this book.

Book preview

Chapter I

1877

It was a beautiful day, yet very chilly which was normal for this time of year in Boston. But he loved walking in this weather it made him feel alive. John was a dashing man for his age. He was trim, well-built and just graying at the temples. He enjoyed good health and a wonderful family.

John was also a very shrewd businessman as well as a good one and had heard quite a lot about the young man he was about to meet. Some of it good and some not so good, but he decided to judge for himself as the business deal he was seeking infatuated him.

John Rebillett entered Anton’s restaurant where they were to meet. He spotted him right away. A young reddish blonde gentleman well dressed and on time. They introduced themselves and set to the business at hand. John listened with great enthusiasm to Riley Donovan while he explained his new adventure in Oregon. He, himself had been researching the prospect of doing the very same thing as Mr. Donovan described. However, Riley had been trying to find investors to construct same said project without any luck other than his Father and a friend.

Even before he met with Mr. Donovan, John had done research regarding his background and family standing and knew he was trying to appease his Father. It seems Riley was quite the ladies’ man; however, Riley didn’t seem to care if they were married or not, which, ended up costing his family a small fortune to keep him out of jail. It wasn’t known as to what the trouble had been that caused the improprieties, but John felt it must have had something to do with a husband or two.

I will be able to start a sawmill with a small investment. I have already obtained the land and have had a home built on the property. Riley said. I’m sure I could have the mill up and running by the end of summer. All I need is investment funds. My Father will be investing a bit in the project but not quite enough to finish the mill.

Riley looked at John and could see in his eyes that he was interested and was trying to think of what he would need to do to close the deal. Fortunately for him, it was John who presented the answer.

John knew he had Riley on the hook and Riley knew he had John. So, both men were sure to try and make the best deal possible.

Mr. Donovan, I am truly interested in your venture and would be interested in discussing it further, but I must leave as I have another appointment shortly, said John. Why don’t we continue this discussion at my home, say tomorrow evening for dinner. I would love to have you meet my wife Lizzy and daughter, Nadeen, and son Bradford. Would that be acceptable to you?

Riley had a difficult time maintaining his composure as this meeting couldn’t have gone any better. Riley had done some research regarding the Rebillett family and knew they had a very lovely daughter, which he knew would seal the deal. Mr. Rebillett was eating right out of his hand.

Mr. Rebillett, I would be more than happy to discuss this project further and to meet your wife and children. I will also bring more information regarding the cost and layout of the mill.

Well you can’t really call them children since they are both out of school. In fact, my son is in college and my daughter is to start next year, but I will be happy to see any papers you have.

Of course, that meant Riley would be drawing up plans and costing the construction of the mill. He would only have tonight and tomorrow morning to complete it. He hadn’t expected it to go so smoothly but he also knew he should have been better prepared for such a businessman as Mr. Rebillett.

Fine, John said, I will look forward to seeing what you have accomplished so far. He knew the man would be putty in his hands when he met his daughter. His daughter’s loveliness and his money would seal the deal he was sure.

John proceeded to give Riley the directions to his home. However, Riley informed him he would be taking a cab and would only need the address.

Now John had to return home and give his wife the information of having someone to dinner on such short notice. He knew it would throw Elizabeth (Lizzy as the family always called her) into a whirl wind of activity, then she would calm down and prepare for a delightful dinner.

As John approached his home he stopped to enjoy the lovely view. His home was a town mansion with a comparatively small front lawn compared to country mansions but had a much larger back yard with patio. The home was of Victorian design. Lizzy had decorated it perfectly. It was fashionable yet homey and quite comfortable.

John walked into the front door of his home and was met by Nettie, their housekeeper. Is Mrs. Rebillett in, Nettie?

Yes, she is, she is in the atrium reading and having tea. Would you like me to get her?

No that won’t be necessary, I’ll find her myself. I need to let her, and you know that we are having a guest for dinner tomorrow evening.

Oh Mr. Rebillett, that will make the misses beside herself. I’ll just go to the kitchen and wait until she calms down and then we will discuss the evening meal as usual. Nettie said.

He knew that would happen, but he tried to appease Nettie. I understand, I’m sure you’re right about what is going to happen. Thank you for understanding and I am sorry for such short notice, but this is important.

John slowly walked to the atrium knowing what he would be facing. Lizzy was usually a calm, reasonable person unless she was given something that had a short notice, such as this proposed dinner.

Nettie had been right; Lizzy was in the atrium sitting on her mauve lounge chair reading one of her books and drinking tea. She looked so calm and so lovely his heart burst with love for her. Yes, she was getting older, just starting to have grey at the temples as was he. Ah, but weren’t we all.

Lizzy looked up and saw John standing at the door and said John, lord what are you doing home? You usually don’t come home early unless there is an issue or emergency. Oh, Lord John is something wrong with Bradford? Is he hurt or something?

No Lizzy, nothing has happened to Bradford. However, it is an emergency of a sort. I met with that young man, Mr. Donovan, that Calvin Winston recommended I see about a tempting project in Oregon. I needed to have a more private meeting with him, so I invited him to dine with us tomorrow evening.

Oh, John you didn’t. Tomorrow evening! Lizzy said. How is it that you always do something that upsets me so. You know I need at least a week to have a proper dinner to serve to a guest. Oh, what will I do?

Lizzy started pacing back and forth, rubbing her hands and muttering. Suddenly she turned towards her husband and said, you will just have to schedule this dinner for another night, so I will have time to prepare.

Now Lizzy, you have always set a wonderful table, even if it is just for the four of us. I know you and Nettie will come up with a wonderful meal.

You just don’t understand. We need to shop and prepare the meal, set the table, choose the wine and decide on a proper dessert.

Lizzy this gentleman does not expect to be treated as a king. We are just going to discuss some business; the meal is not the focal point of the evening. This young man will have the project on his mind and will not even know what he is eating. Even though I know you will have a lovely and proper meal prepared. Besides he is hail and hardy and will have a fine appetite for anything you prepare.

Now, I will tell you what the project is and what I am about to propose. Mr. Donovan has property, a goodly amount, in Oregon and is proposing a sawmill that will meet the requirement of the increasing number of people moving there. Also, I think he will be a perfect match for our daughter, said John.

If John hadn’t known his wife was of strong stock, the look on her face would say she was going to faint. Lizzy, it is not set in stone so please calm yourself. We will discuss this more later this evening when alone.

Yes, we will John and in length, you are talking about arranging a marriage that will take my daughter half way around the world. Then she marched out of the atrium muttering to herself as she headed towards the kitchen as he knew she would.

John knew the late evening would be a hard one for Lizzy, but he also knew he would be able to see that it was a wonderful idea for all concerned. He would just have to make Lizzy and Nadeen see all the prospects this project presented for everyone.

Nadeen was the daughter every mother dreamed of having. She was well educated and yet loved doing everything there was regarding managing a household and business even though the business part was never done by a woman, it was thought to be taboo. Not just ordering things done, but willing to learn how to do them herself. She also felt it a necessity to talk her Father into teaching her about the family business. Of course, she didn’t work there but she knew all there was about the business and kept abreast of all the daily news that was given her by her brother Bradford as her father still felt it was not something she needed to know.

Nadeen was delicate yet strong willed, beautiful, but didn’t use her beauty for any reason. She was small, light on her feet with long curling blonde hair, porcelain skin and eyes the color of a beautiful clear sky. She was also quite resourceful and manipulative but in a good and sometimes helpful way. She had started learning all there was to know about a kitchen garden and what to raise in it at the age of five. Nettie, their housekeeper and cook, was very patient with Nadeen and loved her dearly.

Nettie and Jasper Lewis had worked for the Rebillett family for many years and treated Nadeen and her brother Bradford like children of their own. Never being able to have children of their own, they had become part of the family and were welcome to all celebrations had by Nadeen’s family.

From there it was only a matter of time until she started nagging Nettie into teaching her how to cook. Nadeen served her mother and father her first cooked meal at age twelve without the benefit of Nettie’s help. She was so proud and knew her mother and father were proud of her too, but she didn’t expect to be showered with gratitude, that is not why she learned how to cook. She seemed to find school one of the easier things in life to accomplish.

Horseback riding had been her least favorite thing to learn. She felt the animals were too large and seemed to have too much of a mind of their own. At least when she dealt with them they did. It was finally her brother who explained that they both had too much of a mind of their own to get along unless they worked together.

With her brother Bradford’s help, she had learned to ride. Once she had a good ride under her belt she did quite well. She loved to ride, she felt free from everything else when she was on the back of her horse Molly. Molly was a gentle roan horse and loved to run as much as Nadeen.

Nadeen and her brother had always gotten along very well and exchanged secrets with each other from a very young age. Nadeen was the only one in the family allowed to call him Brad.

Brad was a very handsome young man with blonde hair and blue eyes like his sisters and had grown into a very accomplished young man yet remained a bachelor and was on many a young single ladies dance list for all the balls. To tell the truth he was on a few married ladies list also. It was early October, and everyone was getting into a festive mood. Shopping, cooking and planning all the parties they would be attending during the months of November and December. Nadeen loved to shop with someone or alone, she just loved to shop. Not always buying anything just shopping and watching the people around her.

She always felt safe where ever she went, never thinking that anything could ever go wrong. Not in Boston. However, most of the time she was accompanied by a friend. Today it was Sally Hope, whose family had been close friends for many years.

Sally, do you have all the new clothes you’ll need for the Christmas Holidays or are you going to wait until the last minute like you did last year?

Nadeen how can you be so cruel? Of course, I have all my outfits picked out, I just have to buy a few more things.

What would that be?

Well, all the outfits I’ve picked out, in my mind, so perhaps I should start looking and buying what I will need at least that’s what I told Father.

I just knew you weren’t ready; you are always so far behind when it comes to the social season, let’s start shopping or you’ll never be ready for the holidays. Nadeen said.

Nadeen turned to Sally and said, have you ever heard of a gentleman named Riley Donovan from New York?

Sally looked at her and replied Well, as a matter of fact I believe Dorothy, my sister-in-law, said she met him at a dinner last week. She said his family was well to do and that they owned an Import/Export company. I believe she said it was in New York City, and oh yes, she said he is very handsome and has the most beautiful green eyes.

That information seemed to set off an alarm in Nadeen’s head. Her father had been trying to marry her off for a couple of years now, but she had been able to keep a low profile so as not to inflame that thought in his mind. It seems it might have happened anyway.

At one of the shops in the square, Sally and Nadeen just happened to get a quick look at the gentleman in question. It was just a quick sighting, but she told Sally he was kind of handsome at least.

Nadeen kept her word and was home at and early hour that afternoon and began to help her mother with the evening meal. Of course, Nettie had already cleaned the house and had started dinner for their guest. Nadeen grabbed her favorite apron and went to work doing whatever Nettie would allow her to do.

Lizzy Rebillett loved her daughter Nadeen with all her heart and would never knowingly hurt her. However, her conscience was telling her differently. She just couldn’t shake a feeling she had when John had told her his plans of marriage for their daughter. John said he had met with the young man and found Riley Donovan quite acceptable for their daughter. He said all things considered their daughter would be very safe and happy in the young man’s life as his bride. He came from a good family and had a good education under his belt.

Of course, John hadn’t mentioned the very profitable agreement they had arranged regarding a mill to be built in Linkville, Oregon. It was founded by George Nurse on the Upper Klamath Lake. Oregon had been made a state in 1859.

John and Lizzy had been married over twenty-five years and she had loved him from the very first moment she saw him the day before their wedding. Lizzy’s father, James Mott, had told her this young man was, strong, religious, and forthright and would never harm her in anyway. Lizzy had first and foremost noticed how good looking he was and fell for him at first sight.

They were married the next day and then she was told they were moving to America to seek their fortune and future. Once they moved to the United States he had kept his word and they became wealthy and respected among their peers. Lizzy decided she should listen to her husband and approach Nadeen with the news.

Lizzy continued up the stairs, with a heavy heart, considering how she would break this latest news to Nadeen. Knowing the stubborn streak their daughter had, she knew a discussion or argument and maybe tears would ensue.

Lizzy rapped on her daughter’s bedroom door, heard Nadeen say come in, then entered her room. Lizzy sat on the bed and asked Nadeen to sit beside her. She proceeded to explain what was happening. Nadeen sat perfectly still and looked as though she had been slapped.

Nadeen then turned to her mother and said, I don’t understand mother, after her mother had put the opportunity before her what a wonderful rich man he must be that my Father insists I marry him, and go with him to Oregon, away from my home, my family, my friends and all that I know.

Good heavens mother, I’ve only seen the man from a far, I truly don’t know what he looks like. How am I to accept this mother under these circumstances? Nadeen paced the room as if her petticoats were on fire, her mother listened patiently. I know when you and father came to the New World that you only had each other, but I’m sure it brought you closer together. I have friends, I have family, am I to leave all of this and go with a man that I have neither seen nor love only because father insists? Tears began to stream down her porcelain skin and she became flush. I thought the days of arranged marriages was passing, why must we marry so urgently? Couldn’t he start the business and then come back for me after a short courtship? Is there no consideration for me in this ‘Agreement’ father made with this man? She then sat on the bed with her hands over her face and wept.

As Lizzy Rebillet tried to calm her tearful daughter she tried to reveal her father’s side of the issues. Now you know your father would never do anything to hurt his little girl. Your father feels that it is past time for you to begin your future. He has discussed with Mr. Donovan the way your father expects you to be treated and how he is to protect and provide for you. Your father feels assured you will become a happily married woman or he would not have made this ‘Agreement’.

Your father has even passed this information on to Bradford, your brother and he seemed to think it a very good arrangement for your future. They both have checked his family out and found them financially secure and well-liked by their peers.

Nadeen sat up slowly and turned to her mother and with a very disheartening look and said, You mean to tell me that you, my brother and my father knew about this and no one bothered to include me in the discussions. Or even bothered to let me know father was considering an ‘AGREEMENT’? How long have you known about this? And who else knows about this fiasco?

Her mother tried to appease her by saying it had only been a short while without telling her that it had been more than two months in the works but brought to the forefront only yesterday. She knew Nadeen would become even more upset if she knew that. Her mother decided she would have a talk with her husband and son and make sure they did not let this information regarding the two months come up in conversation.

As Nadeen proceeded to think and pace her mother became entranced with just how beautiful Nadeen had become. Even in her moment of stress she seemed to become more beautiful. It was exceedingly hard for Lizzy to side with her husband in this arrangement, as it would take Nadeen so far from home, from her.

Lizzy watched Nadeen in her bedroom of pink and listened to her inconsequential reasons for not marrying and leaving home. However, as her mother gazed around the room each piece she looked at reminded her of the day Nadeen and she had shopped for that article. The delicate rose wallpaper, the bedspread that nearly matched, the curtains that were filmy and waved in the breeze of the New York fall and the thought of losing her daughter to such a distance unsettled her.

She finally pulled herself back to the moment and decided to intercede on her daughter’s behalf and talk with John.

Nadeen, you must stop this, you’re upsetting yourself dear. This young man is coming to dinner and you will be able to learn more about him, and him about you. Lizzy said. Now it is time for you to wash your face in cool water and lie down for a rest, you must be fresh and calmed down for Mr. Donovan’s visit.

Lizzy slowly walked down the long staircase with a heavy heart and went to her husband’s library where she knew she would find him having a pre-dinner drink. John dear, Lizzy said with such sweetness, John knew he was in for a heartfelt discussion. He loved his wife dearly and always tried to meet her every need and want. However, this time his business head was working overtime and his heart was lagging.

Is it truly necessary for Nadeen to marry this Mr. Donovan if she finds him not to her liking? The poor child is quite upset with concern over going so far from home.

Lizzy my dear said John you must understand and consider that our daughter is getting older and she seems to become unbearable to deal with when it comes to presenting her with a new suitor. She seems to relish in finding something wrong with their looks, money, dress, or who their relatives might be. It is time she marries.

But John she is only 19, she has her whole life before her. Is it so necessary for her to marry now? Asked Lizzy. Most of her friends are not married. I know, I know she said, throwing up her hands to stop John from talking. They do have suitors but still they are not married. So why must she choose someone she does not know or love and why must she move so far from us (knowing full well she meant herself)?" She said on behalf of their daughter.

John looked at her with that sly little grin he had when he wanted to seduce her with his ideas. Lizzy my dear, I am sure you remember that you moved far away from your family, friends and life style and, yet you did. You only knew me one day when you married me.

Lizzy looked at John with a smile that could melt his heart to this day. John, the difference is I loved you the moment I saw you standing in the garden with my father.

Lizzy dear, surely you remember that when we left the old country you were a mere 16 and I, 17. We not only had a new world to conquer but we had to learn about each other. We worked hard and long to have what we have and to be able to give our children what they have. It is now their turn to do the same. We learned, and we loved, they will too.

How greater was our change in life than Nadeen’s will be? John said with the most patient of voices.

John, she will be so far from home we will never see her again. Said Lizzy with a slight lowering of her voice and a sparkle of tears in her eyes and the back of her throat burning trying to stop those tears.

Lizzy my darling, do you think I would allow our daughter to be move so far from home without a thought about visiting, and having her and her husband visiting us? said John. Remember she is my child also and I love her dearly and would not consider going without seeing her for a very long time. You surely must think me the worst beast in the land, now come give me a hug and we will discuss this further after we dine with him tonight.

Lizzy still didn’t feel quite right about the whole thing but would give her husband the benefit of the doubt. She silently ascended the stairs and decided to think about it more as she prepared for their dinner guest.

In the meantime, Nadeen prepared for their guest also. She decided she would only put the slightest amount of effort in doing her beautifully blonde hair and minimal make-up as to not make her exquisite blue eyes stand out any more than they already did. She felt her stylish dress and slender form were no more than any other girls of her age, little did she know!

Nettie came in her room and stopped dead in her tracks. She said now missy, if you think you are going downstairs like that you are wrong, wrong, wrong. You will not cause your mother or father to know that you feel so little for them that you didn’t dress as you would for any other guest coming to dinner. You cannot, I repeat cannot, go down to dinner that way, your father will have a temper tantrum, and I might get fired, said Nettie

Oh Nettie, Papa would never fire you, you’re part of the family and besides he would only be mad at me. Well that’s okay because I’m mad at him too she said. Do you know what he did? He arranged for me to get married and move to Oregon without a by your leave, what do you think of that? she asked Nettie.

Well it seems that Mr. Donovan is… she sighed Miss Nadeen I wasn’t to let you know that I knew, it was by accident that I heard what was said by your Mama and Papa, so please don’t be mad. I am so sorry.

Nadeen stood frozen in place, not knowing exactly how she felt. At one turn she was angry, then shocked, then hurt, and finally felt disappointment in her family and disbelief that she now knew this would be happening whether she liked it or not.

She told Nettie she felt she must have done something so terribly wrong to have this happen to her.

Nettie said, No child they are just trying to make sure you have a happy marriage as well as having the wealth and respect you now have. They are only looking out for your future in the best way they can.

Now you sound just like Papa. Nadeen said in a mournful moan. I guess I should change for dinner and prepare myself for what must be she said.

She felt as though life as she knew it had fallen to the wayside and a nightmare awaited her. Little did she know how true that that thought might become.

She turned to Nettie and asked if she would help her with her hair. Land sakes child, you don’t have to ask me, I’m your maid and feel almost like your Mama at times. I will always be happy to help you with whatever you need,

For the first time in my life I feel old, Nettie Nadeen said. How can that be when I am still so young?

Nettie said, child I think sometimes hard decisions in life makes us feel old, maybe that’s how we grow. Nadeen, you look pretty as can be, now you finish with your make-up and get yourself downstairs to meet your guest

You mean my future husband whom I have no choice or desire to marry? How am I to control the anger, disappointment and hurt I feel while trying to be open minded and considerate to our guest? Nettie, I have never felt so unsettled and confused in my life. Nadeen sighed I guess I must hold my head high and be a better person than the circumstances imply.

Miss Nadeen, you’re one of the most pleasant and loving people I know, you’ll do just fine and make your family and that young man proud they know you. Now get ready Nettie said.

Nadeen continued to prepare for dinner, dawning the light blue gown that matched her eyes perfectly. She and her mother had just purchased it, although she had thought she would be wearing it to the next ball.

She wore a single strand of pearls around her lovely neck with skin that so resembled the finest of porcelain and pearl studs in her ears. Then decorated her beautifully coifed hair with a blue ribbon the same color as her dress. She than touched each wrist with a touch of jasmine perfume and then behind each ear.

She felt as if she was preparing to go on stage for a performance to be observed by people to see if they found her worthy. Is this how the slaves that were put up for auction felt? She wondered and found herself finding a new respect for the slaves. Being placed up for sale was not one of the feelings she would have dreamt to feel and yet, here she stood.

Deciding there was nothing further she could do to turn the tide, she felt she must make the best of the situation and go forward with hope and a positive outlook.

She heard a knock at her bedroom door and went to answer. To her surprise her father stood on the other side of the door. He stood looking as the picture of a loving Father and she knew what was to come.

Nadeen my dear, I know your mother has discussed the meeting of Mr. Donovan this evening and what it will mean for you and this family. I know you are upset with me and your mother, but you will find this young gentleman very handsome and straightforward and I believe he will make you a loving husband said John.

Papa I know you are doing what you think is best for me, it is just so sudden and unexpected. I understand he wants to marry me and take me to Oregon. Papa it is so far away, and I’m scared. She said.

I know my love, but your mama and I started out the same way and look how well that turned out. We love each other more each day. I know it will be hard, but soon you will have little ones of your own and no time to concern yourself with your mama, myself or any of your friends here. You will make new friends there and become happy just as your mother and I have been happy here in America. Your mother and I will come and visit as often as possible, so believe that I am doing this all for your future and your happiness her father said.

Oh papa, I love you so much, I shall miss you and Mama, Bradford, Nettie and Jasper with all my heart and she hugged him with such love that her father’s eyes became misty and a hint of sorrow passed through him.

Might I ask how soon all of this is to happen she said. I mean a lady should know how much time she will have to prepare for her wedding.

I’m not real clear on that matter, we will have to discuss that with Mr. Donovan at dinner this evening he said.

How horrid of me, knowing what Riley wants and unable to tell my daughter and see the hurt in her eyes, I will let that be on Riley’s head for I feel hurt enough, John thought.

Well my dear you look more beautiful every day and the gown you have chosen for this evening is quit becoming, shall we go down to dinner?

As John and his daughter descended the stairs, Nadeen almost felt as if she was being lead into the courts to hear herself sentenced for some unknown crime. She had to stop thinking this was or surely her life would be miserable.

So, on the next step she put her chin up and put a smile on her face as if she were going to a ball.

Chapter II

Riley Donovan was a very distinguished looking man, tall and lean with reddish blonde hair and green eyes. He had a look about him that made women think of him as a man with romantic appeal. Although, his mannerism did not mesh with his looks. He had spent the last two years after college running-a-muck as his father would say. He loved dabbling in gambling and other gaming pursuits as well as the young ladies of ill repute.

More than once he had to call upon his father’s generosity and contacts to keep him from being held by the constabularies for violence, which his father detested even more than the hob-knobbing with his friends of questionable heritage.

Riley had lived with his parents all his life, even while attending school. He had managed to talk his father, Talbot Donovan into investing in land in Oregon and now had cuckolded him into allowing him to go to Oregon to start up their new lumber company. He had convinced his father that they could achieve a great deal more wealth by starting this new company before the state grew any more than it had.

Riley had joined several of his fellow mates in conversations regarding a viable candidate for a wife. In so doing, he had learned of one Nadeen Rebillet. More importantly her father was very wealthy and enjoyed investing in new ventures. He also found that the father was trying to find a husband for his daughter. How easy this would be!

Riley Donovan had given the idea of this marriage a great deal of consideration. Especially since it wasn’t just the marriage he was considering but also the amount of funds he would be able to have his new father-in-law invest in his new mill in Oregon.

On one particularly crisp fall morning, he decided to go to Boston and talk with Mr. Rebillet regarding the venture in Oregon. He knew if he brought the conversation around to wanting to take a wife along it would put an idea into the old man’s head.

He knew all these years of getting others to do his bidding was