Ties in Time: In Time, #1

By Marje Porter

Restless hearts lead to misbehavin' women...

 

Three young sisters separated after their mother's death. Ten years later, three women reunited with ties that are sometimes broken but seldom forgotten.

 

Alaina--bound to a promise. For those she loves, her energy sparks into a never ending devotion whether nurturing or tackling outside forces. But life's trials batter her soul until her spirit emerges into a new determination of solid resilience and quiet acceptance. 

 

Emma--haunted by secrets. A lifelong dream comes true when she finds happiness with marriage and family, but the past threatens to destroy their lives. Willing to sacrifice and fight to the death, she will stop at nothing to protect her loved ones.

 

Grace--breaks all the rules. Ties and commitment expected from a woman in the 1800's choke her rebellious nature. Impulsive and daring, her risky choices lead her into a downward spiral that only strength and family love can overcome.

 

Ranching in the mountains during the boom and bust days of Cripple Creek, Colorado, the sisters' bond grows stronger to survive not only the elements but also the odds for a woman to express her thoughts and actions in the 19th century.

 

A sister's story

Book 1  In Time Series

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marje Porter
• Release date: May 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223065500

Book preview

PART ONE

CHAPTER ONE

Denver, 1885

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Jennae Kay Reynolds shivered against the chill of death creeping toward her soul. Please, God, help them. She fingered the glass rosary beads. Start with the Apostle's Creed, five Hail Marys, or is it ten? No, the Lord's Prayer. The confusion clouded her thoughts, the constant pain weakened her body, but she must know—needed to know.

A cool hand touched her brow and she fought through the dark haze in her mind. Alaina.

I'm here, Mama.

I'm so sorry. She focused on her daughter's face.

For what, Mama? You've nothing to be sorry for.

I'm sorry for leaving you alone with such burdens. The simple task of concentrating drained her strength and her world faded away into confusion.

Ssshh. You rest so you can get better, then we'll talk. Alaina adjusted the quilt and tucked the edges beneath her. I'll get your medicine.

Jennae shook her head. No, listen to me. There is so much ahead of you. I won't be here much longer.

We discussed the finances. I have your plans in place and will do as you wish.

Her heart ripped at the ache in her daughter's voice. She realized the enormous and brave effort her oldest daughter put forth to cope with the final days of her illness. You are much like me, Alaina. You are reliable and smart. Always remember to use those strengths. A pain stabbed in her stomach and she let it take hold. Alaina, you must keep the family ties strong.

I'll take care of them, Mama. I'll care for them. I promise. I'll get Emma and Gracie now.

Jennae opened her eyes. No. We have said our goodbyes. I can't do anything more in this life but know my presence is always with you girls. She clutched her stomach. I trust you, Alaina, with the blessed devotion of our family.

The fight in her eased and she relented to the defeat. Peace flowed through her soul. She clutched the rosary with a whispered prayer, Please, God, in all your merciful glory, give her strength, the wisdom to guide them, for all that is holy in Your name.

She drew from the last of her strength, her faith, and the powerful love for her girls.

Alaina looked into the blue eyes that had once shone brightly with love and life. Those beautiful eyes now fluttered in pain, dulled with exhaustion. She steeled her nerves as she watched her mother's life fade with struggled breaths until the final, ragged gasp. A sob caught in her chest but she denied the pain for another time, another place.

She would forever remember the moment her mother died. Would remember how the fading sunlight cast the room in a golden hue edged in shadows. Would remember her sisters' muffled weeping in the other room and her mind would always see her mother's tiny, delicate body at rest, finally, in eternal peace.

Forever, her heart would ache with emptiness at losing the one person in her life who offered the stability, safety, and wisdom only love brings into life. She must now live that love in her heart and soul, a love that, indeed, gave her the strength to carry on with her mother's wishes.

She straightened her shoulders, raised her chin, held back the tears, and endured the heavy grief tearing at her heart. No time to cry, she reminded herself again. She had to move forward and forget the past. She had no control over the past. She did have control of right now, this moment. And now, she had no time to feel, to grieve—to even think about what might have been or what should have been. She kissed her mother's forehead one last time and left the room to fulfill her promise.

* * *

Icy rain pelted the tin roof and streamed down the second story windows. Alaina pressed her cheek against the cold windowpane and searched the grounds stretching below. Ice covered the budding limbs of the oak trees lining the drive. No cattle grazed the greening pastures this year. How she missed the newborn calves romping in the Rocky Mountain spring.  

Cherished memories of growing up on the small ranch filled her heart, but the reality of the financial situation loomed overhead like a dark shadow. Her mother's only hope had been to find a buyer for the ranch, pay off the remaining loan, and start a new life in town.  

Now she, a grown woman of seventeen years, had to carry on with her mother's plan for the ranch and take care of her younger sisters. The promise she made to her mother echoed to the depths of her heart.

A carriage made its way up the muddied drive. She pulled away from the window and her somber thoughts. More visitors to pay their respects. She turned to her sisters.

Emma sat on the small bed with their mother's rosary in her hands and sniffled between sobs. Grace played in the corner with Alaina's paints and brushes.

Alaina glanced out the window at the elegant carriage. It's Estevan Cuvier. Defenses surged and sent her hurrying about the room. She handed a clean handkerchief to Emma. Try to compose yourself, Emma. We must face Cuvier with all the poise mama has taught us.

Hurt flickered in Emma's blue eyes, their mother's blue eyes, and Alaina regretted her short temper with her younger sister's constant whimpering. She, too, suffered from the empty void in her world and within her family. They could do nothing but move forward into the future. She righted the bow holding back Emma's dark, curly hair.

From outside, Cuvier's voice gave orders. Alaina couldn't hear well enough to understand what he said. The front door opened and shut, followed by footsteps in the hallway. She tensed at the thought of Cuvier entering their house uninvited. He thinks he owns the place already. She whirled.

Grace, come here.

The little girl stared at the canvas propped on the easel. Isn't my picture pretty, Alaina? Grace ignored her sister's command and splattered more paint on the colorful creation.

Yes.

Grace kept her determination to finish her painting. I want to paint real pretty, just like you, Alaina. Grace wiped her messy hands down the front of her apron.

Alaina went to her side and smiled down at the cherub-like face peeking up with innocence that hid a playful nature behind bright, blue eyes. The little girl favored their father with a mass of curly blonde hair. Put the brushes down. Right now we have to go downstairs and mind our manners. She wiped the smudges from Grace's face and hands.

I don't want to. I'm tired of being nice all the time. She puckered her lips in a pout and crossed her arms.

Her heart tugged at the small child's defiance. I know. She lifted the soiled apron over Grace's shoulders and tossed it into a basket. 

Emma stood and slipped the rosary into her dress pocket. You never want to do what is proper like Mama taught us.

I don't care what you say. Grace stuck out her tongue at Emma.

That's enough. Alaina stepped between the two, as she always did, and pointed down the stairs to signal the argument was over.

She shot a quick inspection over their black satin mourning dresses and matching bows they wore. She pushed back her hair, smoothed her skirts, and followed behind her sisters.

They descended the stairs as their mother had instructed proper ladies were to do—skirts lifted enough to clear their steps, chins held high, eyes level, and charming smiles to enhance their beauty. Alaina's composure turned to one of caution when they entered the sitting room. She had attended the meetings with her mother to discuss money matters with Estevan Cuvier. The old coot made his intentions known by his lecherous leers raking over her body, even to the point of a little drool forming at the corner of his thin lips. Always the lady, her mother said nothing to him but made sure Alaina was never alone with him. Now she must face him alone and protect her sisters.

Mr. Cuvier. She glanced at Emma and Grace to remind them of the expected social conduct. Emma gave a short nod and clasped her hands together at her waist. Grace imitated Alaina's movements.

The older man stood with his back to the rock fireplace. A fire blazed and chased the chill from the room. The light cast a fiery haze around his tall, thin frame.

Good day, ladies. I offer my most sincere condolences to you at this sad time. He leaned on his silver-handled cane. However, I am also taking this opportunity to discuss business. As you know, your mother borrowed heavily from me to keep this ranch operating.

Alaina moved closer to Grace and stared into Emma's frightened eyes. Stand strong. She then turned to meet his stare with steady eyes. His stark white hair surrounded his colorless face. The icy glint in his eyes gripped her heart in fear. Those gray eyes stared from beneath bushy white brows and reflected a soul as cold as ashes. Despite his frail appearance, Estevan Cuvier's reputation emitted danger. Yes, sir. I have a plan, my mother's plan that is, to pay back every loan. I need time.

My dear, there is no time left. The loan is in default. I have come to possess the collateral that is rightfully mine. He pulled a packet from the inside of his jacket and tossed the thick envelope on a side table by a chair. You will find the legalities in order for my demands.

She fought hard to control her breathing and to remain calm. Mr. Cuvier, if you would kindly take a look at the ledgers, I can prove to you that the projections shall offer a good profit and make an adequate payment. She spoke her mother's words.

No. Not accepted. Too late. He pursed those bird-like lips and his bony nose flared with a snort.

Options to bargain raced through her mind. Denver is expanding and this land is worth enough to pay off our debts. With a little time, I can find a buyer for the ranch.

No more time. He tapped his cane on the wood floor in short raps.

The firelight shimmered in his white hair and cast shadows over his dark suit. A demon from hell.

I see contempt, possibly hatred, in that beautiful face of yours. A smirk tucked the corner of his mouth.

I'm pleading for you to listen to reason and I ask for respect to making a compromising business decision. I ask this not for myself, but for the sake of my mother's memory and for her two youngest daughters. To take the ranch from us will render us homeless. She grasped Grace's tiny hand and held tight. Her little sister tensed to fight the restraint.

He wiped his nose with a handkerchief. Even the sale of the ranch will not pay the debt in full. I am an old man. With a slight shrug of indifference, he added, I'm in need of a wife. You, Alaina Reynolds, will fit my need. Then and only then, will I consider the debt paid in full.

You are mistaken, Mr. Cuvier. I will live on the streets before I agree to such a union.

He waved his hand. You will leave with me right now to live at my estate. A wedding is planned for tomorrow.

That is not an accepted offer. I refuse. She took a step backward and pulled Grace with her. Emma followed.

The gray eyes registered no emotion and he spoke in a flat voice. You shall present yourself as a gracious and devoted wife on social occasions and provide me with heirs to my estate. In return, you shall live a life of ease.

Emma gasped. Grace frowned with a pout.

She steeled her refusal. You cannot make such demands.

I can. I have. You have no choice.

They had to get away and seek help. Cuvier was an old man; he couldn't possibly stop them from leaving. Come on girls. She turned and threw open the front door.

She stopped short on the porch steps. A large man waited at Cuvier's carriage. He approached the house in long strides. Grace's little voice screamed in fright.

Ssshh, little one. She pulled her close and turned to Emma. Get help. Hurry!

At her command, Emma broke into a hard run along the road, then stopped, and turned to watch.

Alaina knelt by Grace and lifted her chin to focus on her eyes. I want you to go to the church. Her baby sister balked, the panic creasing her face. Go down the trail to the church.

She pushed Grace in the direction of the trees surrounding the small ranch. Run to the church. Don't come back. No matter what, don't turn around! Grace jogged toward the trees, her blonde curls bobbing across her back.

The man ignored her sisters. His threatening attention focused on Alaina. She darted around the corner of the house. The mud dragged at her skirts and pulled at her slippers. The guard easily crossed the short distance and grabbed her about the waist. She struggled against the iron grip lifting her off the ground and carrying her to the carriage.

No! Emma's shriek echoed through the icy air. She lifted her skirts and ran toward Alaina. Let her go. Her eyes flashed in fear and panic and she moved to help her sister.

Alaina shook her head. Get help, Emma! She called out before the man tossed her into the carriage.

CHAPTER TWO

Alaina hit and kicked against the hold that squeezed her ribs and suffocated her breath. The huge man merely shifted her weight and carried her over his shoulder as if she was no more than a sack of goods.

Once inside the mansion, he placed Alaina on her feet and stepped away from her flailing fists. A gray-haired woman in a starched maid's uniform stepped between them. Miss Alaina, you must restrain yourself and behave, her stern tone warned.

I'll do no such thing. This is outrageous! You are to let me go this minute! Alaina pushed past the woman and tried to get around the burly frame of her captor.

Now, Miss, we have our orders. You will either come with me or Delbert will carry you to your room. The woman turned and nodded up the massive, winding staircase. My name is Clara and I am your personal maid to tend to your needs. This is Delbert, my husband; he is your bodyguard.

You mean he's to keep me a prisoner. Alaina looked at Delbert and nodded. Fine. She'd never let the ogre touch her again. He was too big to fight so she'd save her energy and find a way to escape. I want to see Cuvier now.

Clara continued climbing the stairs and didn't turn around. Mr. Cuvier will see you when he wants to see you.

Alaina followed. I thought you said you were my personal maid.

Yes, Miss Alaina. Mr. Cuvier is the master. His word is final. At the top of the stairs, she turned to Alaina. Her manner and harsh features looked as crisp as her uniform. Follow me. She continued down the long hallway with several doors on each side. Delbert walked behind them like a dark, menacing shadow. At one of the last doors, Clara pulled a set of keys from her apron pocket and turned a key in the brass lock. This is your room. She pushed open the heavy, wooden door and entered the dark room.

Delbert took a step closer and hurried Alaina to the bedroom door. She stood outside the door and watched as Clara tended to her duties. She lit lamps sitting on tables and lit candles hanging from brass holders on the wall. As the soft light grew brighter, Alaina studied the lavish furnishings. Dark satin drapes adorned the huge windows surrounded by flocked-paper walls. The thick rug weaved into patterns of soft pastel colors. Glossy, walnut armoires and dressers lined one wall and a full length mirror stood on a stand next to a dressing screen. A vanity held bottles of perfumes, powders, combs, brushes and a jewelry box.

Amid the luxuries, the massive, four-poster bed caught her breath. Clara turned down the satin coverlets and plumped the fat, down pillows. The bed was a shocking reminder why Alaina stood captive in the room. She turned to run but the massive frame of Delbert blocked the doorway.

You can't keep me here! Alaina slammed her body against the burly Delbert. He didn't budge from her efforts.

That will be all for now, Delbert. You may go, Clara.

Delbert stepped to the side and Cuvier entered the room. He pulled at each finger of his leather gloves.

The pair nodded and left. Panic swelled in Alaina at being alone with the old man. The walls closed in, the floor tilted and her stomach churned. She ran to the windows and held tight to the sill to try and steady the spinning world she no longer understood.. The room sat on the second floor and the grounds stretched far below. Cornered, she turned to face Cuvier and to watch for the chance to escape.

He raised a brow. You look as wild as a trapped animal. He chuckled. A man could turn your energy into passion.

Disgust sickened her and she crossed her arms over her stomach.

Ah, not to worry, my dear. I'm too old for such lust anymore.

"Why me? You are rich enough to have any woman you want. You could pay to have this service provided. Why me? "She stared at him in disbelief.

True, I am rich enough for any need I desire. I have the woman I want. The gray eyes so haunted and empty now softened. You remind me of someone of long ago—my young wife, Georgia. Death took her from me and with her, my heart and soul.

Alaina had never thought of Cuvier as a young man with the love of his life. She didn't care to think of him that way now. You have torn my family apart. Take the ranch but let me go so I can take care of my sisters.

Cuvier's eyes returned to their state of emptiness. You are not to mention your sisters again. As for the ranch, I have no need for the rundown property. The buyers are taking possession as we speak. He lifted his chin and leaned on his cane. I am a man of few words. When I have something to say, I will mean every word, and you will listen and obey." He lifted his cane and placed it in the crook of his arm.

I won't stay here, Alaina said between gritted teeth.

Cuvier showed no reaction at her defiance. You will because I desire you to stay.

Why do you want someone who doesn't love you? I am not the woman you spoke of.

Love wasn't included in the bargain price. You will service my desires and, in return, you will have all you could ever want—except your freedom. Whatever you want, ask for it, and it will be brought to you—with my approval, of course. The vacant eyes didn't blink.

And what need am I to service? The words choked in her throat.

An heir. A son, preferably but, at my age, a daughter would do. His voice sounded calculating as if he'd outlined a simple business deal. This is your room. Clara will bring you to my room. You will come only at my bidding and at no other time.

Her room. His room. They were to sleep apart. Come at his bidding? She was too relieved to be angry.

Alaina turned her back and stared out the window. Manicured lawns and rose gardens stretched to walls of stone around the mansion. Pastures rolled in hills as far as one could see. Towering pine and aspen trees lined the edges along the barriers. Cuvier's world. Beyond Cuvier's world, her sisters waited for her to come to them, to restore their lives to what their mother expected of them and had taught them. Determination swelled and her gaze darted to the corners of the walls, the fences and the gates as a means of escape.

Cuvier cleared his throat and continued with his terms. At no time will you be permitted to leave the estate. Delbert will keep a constant watch over you when you are not in my sight. Clara will see to your needs.

Panic gripped her heart and her mind whirled. And when I bear your child, an heir, what becomes of me then? Alaina tilted her head back, ill at such a thought.

He shrugged. A child needs its mother. I will need you no longer. The conditions will be the same. There is little entertaining. I expect you to always present an appearance of a loyal wife and loving mother.

Alaina took a deep breath. She must escape this prison before he forced himself on her and she conceived a child. Having a baby would bind her to Cuvier for the rest of her life. His voice cut through her thoughts.

However, I am no fool. The child has to be mine—a true-blooded Cuvier. Therefore, I will wait until after your . . . um . . . well—until there is proof the seed you carry is mine and no other's. He ended his absurdity with a delicate cough.

He had ripped her from her family and home, trapped her in prison as nothing more than a brood mare, and now he insulted her virtue. Was there no end to such torture? Had she no rights? She leveled a heated gaze at him. And what if I carry another man's child? Not that there was such a chance but maybe he'd let her go if he thought her unworthy.

A cold, amused smile lifted the corners of his thin lips. The blank eyes held hers. There are doctors and there are ways. I'll have no bastard child born in this house.

Alaina hid her shock and recovered from his heartless threat. Fine, let him think what he wanted; the time would give her the chance to escape before he could put his bony hands on her and carry out his insane plans.

Clara will see to your bath and ready you for the wedding. It's to be a small affair. A preacher, Delbert and Clara as witnesses. He turned and left the room. As the door opened and shut, Alaina caught a glimpse of Delbert standing guard. A key turned in the lock.

Wedding—baby- -such ties could strangle the very life from her. Terror threatened her thinking and brought an urge to give into hysterical tears. Her chest squeezed tight around her heart and she fought to breathe. She went to the huge window and pressed her cheek against the icy glass. The cold helped ease the throbbing desperation rising in her soul. 

She forced her thoughts to rationalize and tried to think of someone to help. There was no other family to call upon but her sisters. Emma won't know what to do without her or their mother's advice. Grace is too little and helpless.

Even if she could summon for help, who could invade the private and secured world of Estevan Cuvier? To help her situation would take someone as powerful as Cuvier and she knew of no such person. In a fleeting fantasy, she pictured a knight charging over the walls and rescuing her from these desperate circumstances. The reality was as hard and heartless as the man who kept her here.

She took a deep breath. No, it was useless to depend on anyone. She had to find her own way to fight for control over her life and to escape this nightmare. And fight she would to find Emma and Grace and take care of them as she had promised her mother. No matter what she had to do, she'd forge ahead and never look back.

CHAPTER THREE

Alaina's commanding tone shot shivers through Emma. She stopped thinking and reacted to the voice of her older sister she trusted and depended upon so much. A survival instinct sent her scurrying over the side of the road and scrambling among thick brush and trees. She ducked under low tree branches, pushed through bushes, and tried to keep her footing in the slick mud. Tree limbs snagged her hair and pulled at her dress. She took long deep gasps and dropped to her knees. Her heart hammered in her chest and she covered her face with her hands. Her ragged sobs dampened her chilled face with warmth. The carriage rumbled in the distance and left her alone in silence.

She had no idea how long she knelt in the cold mud beneath the pine trees. When she stood, her knees gave way and she had to lean against a tree trunk. She looked at the scratches on her hands. Little droplets of blood beaded along the bright red marks. Where to go? What to do?

She made her way along the road, making sure she stayed hidden. Several men stood guard at the house. Anguish overwhelmed her at the realization the crazy old man had made good his threats.

To seek help in town would take hours and, even then, who would believe her? Who would go against Estevan Cuvier? The old man owned the town. To post a letter back east to their family would take weeks, maybe months before help arrived- - if they could afford to make the trip west. All means of contacts lay in their mother's records in the house.

She walked in the direction to Cuvier's mansion. She didn't know what to do but Alaina always had answers.

A carriage rounded the bend behind her and pulled to a stop. Fatigue kept her from dashing to safety. Her heart pounded in fright again. The door swung open. Inside, a well dressed man leaned forward. With a glance, his handsome face smiled. His dark features quickly shadowed in concern. My goodness, young lady, I'd say you need a helping hand.

Before she reacted, he stepped from the carriage.

Let me help you. He offered his hand.

She stepped back. Judging the prominent manner of the man in the fancy Landau carriage, he may have enough power to face down Cuvier. She nodded, climbed into the carriage.

The man draped a thick wool lap robe over her shoulders and tucked the ends under her chin. The warmth seeped into her damp skin.

Where are you going? His dark brown eyes held hers for an instant.

She shivered but not from the chill. She dropped her gaze. Cuvier's mansion.

He nodded and called out instructions to the driver.

I must say, my dear, your plight peaks my interest to ask questions that are none of my business.

His dark gaze studied her and made her painfully aware of her muddy slippers and wet, tangled hair. She looked out the window to avoid his stare.

Why, in heaven's name, are you walking? By the looks of you, you must have trampled through the thickest of the forest. Are you running away from or to something?

I must get my sister, Alaina.

Your sister is at the Cuvier Mansion?

Again, she couldn't look into his eyes. The dark, controlling shadows in them frightened her and she wanted to hide within a safe place. Yes. Against her will.

Ah. He leaned back against the seat and didn't talk anymore. Emma welcomed his silence. He watched her and she wondered what he thought.

Within minutes, the driver pulled the horses to a stop in front of the huge stone mansion. The white pillars and stone steps leading up to the door intimidated much like the owner. How was she to get Alaina out of this place, this fortress? The carriage rocked as the driver climbed down and opened the door.

She folded the lap robe and handed it back to the man with the dark eyes. Thank you for your generosity.

I will wait.

Emma thought for a moment. Yes, the gray skies darkened as the day ended. She and Alaina would need a ride to town to find Grace.

Thank you. She took a deep breath and stepped down. She hurried over the stone walkway, trudged up the steps, and across the wide veranda. She lifted the large brass knocker and rapped several times. Her heart thumped and her legs weakened. The door opened wide enough to show a woman's face. A questionable sneer traveled up and down her clothes.

She swiped at the stray curls falling over her face, smoothed the skirts of her dress, and clasped her hands in front of her waist. I'm here to see Alaina Reynolds, please. She used the gentle voice her mother insisted upon throughout her years.

One moment. The door shut.

Emma shivered. After a few minutes, the door reopened with a slight crack for the woman to speak through. I'm sorry, Miss Reynolds is preparing for her wedding. She asks not to be contacted by anyone.

Tell her it's her sister, Emma.

She will not socialize with anyone. From this day forward, she has no past, no family. The door shut again.

No! Emma banged on the door with her fists and called out for Alaina. Her sister would never abandon them. Would she? Disbelief turned to shock.

A firm grip on her arm guided her back to the carriage. The warm lap robe covered her shaking body again. She let her mind drift away to a place untouchable by anyone or any emotion. No feeling, no pain, no heartache. Survival.

When he helped her out of the carriage and led her up the long, carpeted stairs to a room, she said nothing. He told her his name, Edmond Black, and left the room.

She sat