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waited a moment for an answer that was not forthcoming, and raised her voice further. “Now you listen to me: we have a wedding to prepare for and it’s your wedding, not mine. You know your father and I can’t afford this, but we’re doing it anyway. The least you could do is act grateful. If you behave like a child, Milt might decide he’s not getting such a good deal after all.
    Anne fingered the plant and said dully, “So it ’s a deal, is it mother?  Who signs the contract, you or me?  And I suppose the ceremony will take place at the bank.”
    Audrey strode forward and stood over her daughter, scowling. “Just because you ’re getting married and leaving this house, does not give you the right to be disrespectful. I will not tolerate it. I want you ready to leave in half an hour.”
    Anne sat still on the bed, gazing out the window. Audrey stepped back and leaned against the wall. “Anne,” she said, her tone sof tening to that of the unappreciated martyr, “I just want what’s best for you.” Anne did not speak or look at her. Audrey tried another tack, “This is the chance of a lifetime. You will never have another opportunity like this.”
    Anne turned to look at her mother. “Opportunity like what, mother?”
    To marry a man as well off as Milt Carr. Why, every unmarried girl in the valley would like to have him court her.”
    “I wish he would.”
    Audrey ’s eyes widened, “Don’t even say that, Anne. What are you trying to do, ruin this for us?”
    “For us? I thought this was my marriage.”
    “All right then, think of yourself. You’ll have money, clothes, a nice house, and a good position in the community. People will respect you.”
    “Is that a good reason to marry?  Would you do it?”
    In a heartbeat Audrey Hammond shot her answer back. “Yes,” she hissed.
    “What about love?”
    “Love? You can learn to love anyone if you try. Milt Carr shouldn’t be a hard man to love; he’s good looking and rich. You loved Jeff Havens, and did you take a good look at him last night? Hah! He’s not much.”
    Anne ’s eyes flashed and she opened her mouth, but then closed it abruptly and turned her face back to the window.
    Audrey ’s voice metamorphosed into the patronizing tone Anne despised most of all. “You must promise me one thing, dear. You must always tell Milt you love him. Never let on that you don’t.”
    “I already told him I don ’t love him.”
    Still looking out the window, sh e heard the sharp intake of air and pictured the expression on Audrey’s face. Audrey had worked hard and long to bring to fruition her dream of Anne marrying into the Carr family and she had had to apply enormous pressure on Anne to make it happen. “You did what?” she gasped.
    “He knows I don ’t love him. Did you think I would marry under false pretenses? If he wants me that way, I guess he can have me, but I won’t lie to him.”
    “You ’re crazy. I can’t believe you did such a thing. What did he say?”
    Anne ’s voice became low, almost inaudible. “He said he’s sure I will grow to love him.”
    Audrey relaxed and drew in a deep breath. “Good! That ’s a fair deal. Now, try to see his qualities and you’ll start to feel love, I’m sure of it. Then you must tell him you love him. Promise me you’ll do that, Anne.”
    Anne looked at her mother pityingly . “Don’t worry mother, I’ll try not to spoil the deal.”

Chapter 2
     
    September 1870
    Seven years later
     
    Tom Stewart crossed the dusty main street and walked from boardwalk to boardwalk, stamping his feet on reaching the far side to shake the dust off his freshly polished boots. Appearance was important. He checked the time on his gold pocket watch. It read a quarter past nine, but already the heat of the desert sun was making him feel uncomfortable inside his black serge suit. He debated again in his mind whether or not to shed the coat. Should he try to be like one of them, someone with whom they could