Gabrielle: Bride of Vermont (American Mail-Order Bride 14) Read Online Free Page B

Gabrielle, you’ve made no commitment yet and can still change your mind. Now, what questions do you have for me?”
    “Is it that obvious?” Gabrielle laughed nervously.
    “Nearly every woman who has ever come to me for help has felt just about the way you do right now. It would be strange if you didn’t have some reservation.”
    The kind look in Elizabeth’s eyes, and the tone of her voice had a calm and soothing effect. Gabrielle immediately relaxed and decided to enjoy her tea. She was in control of her life. She could still change her mind, couldn’t she?
    “Well, I do have a question. What if I get there and can’t go through with it?”
    “What is it that you want, Gabrielle? I mean, from Mr. Dillingham. What are your expectations? You must be sure, right now, of your reasons for going, or you’ll change your mind before you get there.” Elizabeth reached for a file on her desk and found the one with Gabrielle’s name on it. She opened it and waited for Gabrielle to answer the question.
    “I don’t want to have to worry where my next meal is coming from. I want someone whom I can count on to protect me if needed and who’ll keep a roof over my head so I don’t have to wonder where I’ll be sleeping that night or a month down the road. I want to work for my keep and have nothing private expected of me in return. If I can have a mate who becomes my good friend, I’ll take that as a bonus. I just want a civil partnership with a trustworthy person.”
    Elizabeth looked into Gabrielle’s tired eyes. There was pain there, although the woman had not shared much with her about her past. She knew that Gabrielle was alone in the world and had come to her by way of Roberta McDaniel following the textile factory disaster.
    “Well, I can see that you’re determined. You read Mr. Dillingham’s letter and have decided you want to go, or you wouldn’t be sitting here now. Is there something that is making you second-guess your choice?”
    Gabrielle was silent. If she told Elizabeth of her fears, would she stop her from going to Texas? The woman certainly had the power to stop her simply by not giving her the train ticket and the information on Boone Dillingham. She chose to be honest.
    “I still want to go, but I’m afraid. My mother was married to my step-father for many years. He provided for her in terms of a place to stay and such, but he wasn’t as good a man as he wanted the world to think he was. Mother stayed with him because she’d taken a vow. I guess I’d do the same. If I make a vow, then I’ll be committed.” Gabrielle paused and waited to see if Elizabeth would give any response.
    “Are you saying that you would stay married to a man no matter what?”
    Gabrielle was cautious with her answer. “I think I feel that way. In theory, anyway. But—” she hesitated.
    Elizabeth waited until Gabrielle looked at her again. When they had eye contact, she finally spoke with clear intention. “My dear, no woman should ever stay with a man who would physically harm her. Staying married, or not, is an issue of no concern if a man beats his wife. That can be dealt with later. In the unlikely instance that were to happen, you get away. There’ll be enough money for your ticket and travel expenses if you go. You just make sure you keep enough to telegram for help if you need it, and I’ll make the arrangements. All right?”
    Gabrielle nodded. Tears threatened to make their way to the surface, but she wouldn’t allow them. She was not one to cry easily.
    “Furthermore, you are going to a place where there are good people. I have personal friends in Coltonville whom you can count on for anything you might possibly need. Clyde and Mattie Williamson have been like family to me for many years. My mother and Mattie’s mother were close friends, and I took care of her mother before she passed. They are precious people.” Elizabeth slid a piece of paper across her desk to within Gabrielle’s reach.