Nellie (The Brides of San Francisco Book 1) by Cynthia Woolf Page A

took her outstretched hand and shook it precisely twice, then released her.
    “Please Mr. Balfour, be seated.” She picked up her book and stashed it in her knitting basket at her feet.
    “Thank you, ma’am.”
    He waited until Nellie sat before sitting on the end of the settee away from her.
    “What can I do for you, sir?”
    “I’m here on behalf of Mr. R. Edward Wallace, Senior, your father-in-law.”
    “My former father-in-law,” corrected Nellie.
    “Yes, ma’am, I misspoke. “
    “What does Edward want?” Her heart began to pound.
    “Your former mother-in-law, Edith Wallace has passed away and Mr. Wallace desires to see his grandson, Henry Wallace, who is his heir.”
    A frisson of fear climbed her spine. “Why would Edward need an attorney in order to see Henry? Why not just come himself?”
    “As you know, he is quite feeble and is unable to make the long journey required. He wishes for Henry to come to see him, perhaps to live and go to school in New York.”
    Nellie’s ire rose, but her voice remained controlled. “I’m not sending my son to live with his grandfather. We escaped that situation once, I won’t be put in that position again, nor have my children put in that position.”
    “Mr. Wallace was afraid that would be your reply and asked me to give you this letter.”
    She took the envelope from him and put her finger under the wax seal and opened it. She unfolded the letter and began to read:

    July 2, 1867
    My dear Nellie.
    As Mr. Balfour has no doubt told you, Edith died. I understand that life was difficult for you when you lived here before. I can promise, if you return with the children, that will no longer be the case. I’m prepared to offer to raise and educate both Henry and Violet and for you to serve as my hostess so you can, of course, be with them.
    Edith may have been many things, but she did give me a son. Robert. Your husband. He was my heir and now that he’s gone, Henry is my only heir.
    I can offer both the children a life that your current situation cannot. They will be welcome in all the best colleges, drawing rooms and boardrooms. All doors will be open to Henry and Violet will make the best marriage possible. Can you say your husband can offer the same advantages?
    Please think on my offer.
    Sincerely,
    Edward

    Nellie’s hand shook. “Mr. Balfour, I believe you should leave.”
    “Is there a response that you wish me to convey?”
    She swallowed to keep the tremor from her voice. “Not at this time. I will have to get back to you. Are you staying locally?”
    “I’m at the Hotel Francisco.” He stood and put on his hat. “I’m there for the next five days.”
    Nellie stood. “I’ll have a response for you before the time you must leave. I’ll have James show you out.” She walked to the pull cord on the wall by the door. James responded almost instantly. Nellie knew he’d stationed himself outside the door for her protection. “James, please show Mr. Balfour out.”
    “Yes, Mrs. Malone. This way, sir.”
    “Good day, Mr. Balfour.”
    “Madam.” He tipped his hat.
    She closed the door after him and leaned back with her palms flat against it. Her heart raced and she wanted to scream. She needed to talk to Blake and she needed him now.
    She pushed away from the door and pulled the cord for James. A few minutes later he responded.
    “Yes, Mrs. Malone, what can I do for you?”
    “Have Otis ready the carriage. I must go see Blake at The Nugget.”
    “Are you sure that is wise, Madam? I don’t believe Mr. Malone would approve.”
    “Just do it, James. I’ll deal with Mr. Malone when I see him.” She walked past him and on down the hall in purposeful strides.
    “Yes, ma’am,” said James from behind her.
    Nellie gathered her reticule, placed the letter inside. Then she got her gloves from her bedroom, and walked downstairs to await Otis and the carriage.
    Forty-five minutes later, after going up and down several of the hills that were around