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Dearest Uncle,
If I didn’t give you a hard time, I fear you would wonder who this imposter is who continues to write to you every few days. That being said, you, sir, have broken your promise. I was in town today and when I checked the post, I was disappointed to find nary a letter from you. I do believe this wins me the bet between us. If you remember the terms, they were that you would write to me, and send it the day after I left. It should be here by now. Do not worry, for I will happily keep up my end of the bargain and write habitually until you feel obliged to respond. I do believe I may have inherited your stubborn streak, so surely you are aware I intend to make good on my threat.
All joking aside, how are you, Uncle? I know you are a busy man, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again until you hear me—it wouldn’t hurt to slow down for your own safety and health. Enjoy the luxuries you have worked so hard for! I fear overwork has left you no time to keep in contact with your only niece.
All is well here. My husband took me to luncheon in town, which was unexpected. Also, quite the peaceful meal because we had endured an eventful day and were both lost to our own thoughts. I shall take peace over banter any day.
All right, I know you are shaking your head right now. Perhaps I do enjoy a little banter, though I would never admit such to him. I do wonder if my husband will ever understand my humor as you do, Uncle. Or if he will always see me as a burden.
How does one get to know their spouse? Any advice on this matter would be appreciated and used wisely. I look forward to receiving your correspondence.
Eliza Shaw
P.S. I also look forward to the box of fine chocolates promised when you made the bet with me. I shall feed them to my surly husband in hopes of sweetening him up.
Eliza put the cork in the bottle of ink, and leaned into the cushion of her chair. Because of a small but persistent fear of prying eyes, she had written the letter in her bedroom. Though Garret showed little interest when she wrote, she couldn’t quite get over that he’d remorselessly read her journal. The betrayal still stung a little in the quiet moments.
A soft knock came at the door. Garret was starting to make a habit of needing to speak with her after she was in her nightdress and ready for bed. Seemed like he made up excuses to see her in such a state of undress, and the thought made her smile as she stood and opened her door. Incorrigible man.
She poked her head out, careful to reveal nothing of her dress.
Garret looked serious and distracted. “Hey. Me and the boys have to go see about the cattle tonight. Cookie counted today, and a number are missing. We weren’t able to find them earlier. We need to watch them tonight, try to figure out what or who is taking them. Maybe predators, but we didn’t find any bodies.”
“Oh.” Well that was worrisome. “Is there anything I can do?” To see him better in the dim candlelight streaming from her small desk, she opened the door wider. She didn’t like the thought of him out there in the dark when mischief was about.
“No, ma’am.” He threw a glance toward the front of the house and rubbed his face as he so often did when thinking. “I’m going to ask Lenny to stay here with you tonight. You need anything, you ask her, you hear?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I don’t like leaving you here alone, Eliza. Be safe about it. Do you know where the ammunition is?”
She nodded, and though he looked at her skeptically, he didn’t press the issue. “I’ll make the bed in the other room for Lenny. When do you think you will be back?”
“Not before tomorrow afternoon. If you run into trouble, the cattle are still near the pond and that’s where we’ll be. It’ll be near impossible for you to find it at night, so don’t set out unless you are desperate.” He surprised her by grabbing her hands and examining her palms in the dim, flickering light. Then he grunted. “Your hands look a lot better. Would you mind taking care of the barn tomorrow with Lenny?”
“Of course. Whatever you need.”
His gaze traveled the length of her dressing gown, then his expression grew severe again. “Take care,” he said in a clipped tone. He turned on his heel and stalked toward the front door.
“Wait!” she called, losing her mind completely as she padded across the uneven wooden floorboards. She hesitated only a moment in front of him, then threw her arms around his waist and hugged him as tight as she could for a second.
When she pulled away, he asked, “What was that for?”
“My uncle always told me to hug your loved ones before they leave. You know, in case it’s the last time you see them.”
“I ain’t a loved one,” he ground out.
She dropped her gaze and clutched her hands in front of herself, then nodded. “Be safe.”
His face looked half wolf when she glanced up into his eyes. He looked angry, almost.
He turned and then paused, every muscle in his body tense. “Shhhhit.” He huffed a breath and rounded on her, hugged her in a back-cracking embrace, then spun away from her and left, slamming the door closed behind him.
Eliza’s hands just hung there in the air, cold from the emptiness she embraced.
“Goodbye, Garret,” she murmured.
Chapter Twenty
