Page 29 of Married By Midnight
“I know he created one, because I helped him write it. However, he had the only copy.”
“I’m still looking.” Sarah flipped the pages over in the agreement. “Can you tell me what this means?” she asked, pointing to the paragraph where it referenced marriage.
Mr. Rodgers took the paper and reviewed the paragraph. “Most property belongs to a husband, not a wife. This says you if get married, then the debt becomes your husband’s and he can negotiate on the estate’s behalf.”
“That’s it? I just need a husband.”
“Wait a minute, Sarah…,” he started.
“I just need to know if that will solve this.”
“That would get you a delay in payment as your husband gets your affairs in order. But I am not condoning marrying just anyone. Many men would see this as an opportunity to gain land, sell it from underneath you and then leave you destitute.”
“You have a very grim view of men, Mr. Rodgers.”
He gave her a little smile. “I’m a lawyer.”
Sarah laughed. “Let’s say I do get married… to the right person.” She looked at him as she said that. “When would I need to be married by?”
Mr. Rodgers flipped through the papers. “It says here that you either need payment or a letter with a marriage certificate by fourteen days from the date of the letter.” He looked at the calendar on his desk. “That would be by this Thursday.”
“So, I have two days?”
“You actually have one.”
“What do you mean?”
“The marriage needs to take place before Thursday.” Sarah looked confused. “You need to be married by midnight.”
Sarah was on her way home when she saw Mrs. Pennyworth approaching from the other side.
“Hello dear!” she called, lifting her hand.
Sarah lifted her hand as well. “Mrs. Pennyworth. I didn’t get a chance to finish our conversation that day.”
“It’s alright, dear. I figured you were too busy with your company.”
“My company?”
“Yes. That nice young man who hit his head.”
“How did you know that?” Sarah looked around. She was still reeling from the kiss she and Ian had shared. She didn’t want anyone to know that she had someone staying with her. Even if Dell had been present the entire time, it would still look improper.
“My husband, Edward saw it happen.”
“Poor man was out cold for four days, but he is much better now.”
“How did your meeting go with the lawyer?”
Sarah looked at Mrs. Pennyworth. “How did you know?”
Mrs. Pennyworth pointed with her cane. “Let’s walk together, shall we?”
Sarah slowed her pace to match the elderly woman. “Do you need me to carry that basket?”
“Oh no, child. I’ve been carrying this for years. Carried it at my Edward’s funeral too.”
Sarah stopped. “His funeral? How could he have seen Ian hit his head if he is dead?”
