For a moment Grace hesitated in her letter then she dared with her pen.
What was your family like? Would it pain you too much to speak of them?
Thank you for everything, Mitch.
Your Friend
Grace
Dearest Grace,
It would not pain me to speak of my family. In fact, it is a relief to speak about them to someone.
My father; I was always told that I looked like him, except he had brown hair and I have black. We were headed west due to financial difficulties and drought. When my grandfather died, he left a pile of debts. My father paid them off, down to the last penny. We would have been all right if there hadn’t been a horrible drought and our crops failed two years in a row. Father was the pastor and farmer but even doing both of those with all of his might we couldn’t make it in the east. Rather than risk digging himself into debt we pulled up our roots and headed west, hoping for a better future with what we had left.
Mother was a loving and gentle woman who enjoyed our small but comfortable home but would follow my father to the ends of the earth. I have never seen a love like theirs. She so willingly packed us all up and headed west. My father and she met when she went home with a schoolmate on holiday. During the three weeks that she spent at her friend’s home, they fell in love. With her finishing school, training mother taught us a good deal at home that we didn’t learn in school things like French.
I was their firstborn child. Then came an adorable little girl with blue eyes and brown piggy tail braids that I liked to pull. We called her Kit because I couldn’t quite say Kate when she was a babe and over the years it stuck. She was a miniature of my mother and her ways always following her around and trying to bring the rest of us up proper. I wasn’t always a good big brother and like all other boys that have ever roamed the planet got into mischief. Kit made sure I got out of it or made up for it, though. Kit loved a clear conscience and helped kept mine clean for years. I loved her for it, though. I could always be honest with her.
Phillip was my little brother. He too had my mother’s brown hair and blue eyes. He was my second shadow. We went all over the place together. Hunting, fishing, swimming, anything I did he did it with me until one winter he became very ill and nearly died. After that, I had to go out on my own even after he recovered for he wasn’t strong enough to keep up even if I slowed down. Phillip fell in love with my Father’s small library, and age twelve knew more about anything that roamed the planet than I know to this day.
Amelia came next with green eyes and black hair. She was a winsome little creature, always off somewhere in her mind with a passion for God and a love for people that never ceased to amaze us. I don’t think I will ever forget the day she walked up to a grubby looking man that was almost in rags, she threw her little arms around him with the biggest smile and said. “I love you, and God does too.” The man broke into tears, knelt down and hugged her. My father stepped forward, and we were able to give the man aid, and he went on his way a Christian, all because of my little sister.
That was my family. We headed west in April with a wagon trail and in May we split off towards the north country…that is when a band of robbers and murderers hit our lone and loaded wagon.
It is a day I wish I could forget but never will. It forced me to stand on my own two feet, to know God in a way I never knew Him before. Come this spring it will be seven years since the accident.
Thank you for asking me, Grace. It’s been a long time since I’ve told anyone about my family, and if feels good to share about them.
I am glad to hear your parents are doing better. Tell me anything you like. I want to hear it.
Your Friend,
Mitch
Letters flew between the two cities frequently, and the calendar slowly turned into December.
Dear Mitch,
Today I have splendid news. My Grandfather is coming for a visit! I have not seen him since I was twelve because of family issues. I am so excited. Father and Mother invited him and he is coming.
As to Father’s health it has considerably improved so much that he works a little at the Fort training men to shoot better. Before Hannah’s death, he was known for his dead ringer shots…and since leaving Esperanza Springs has revived the talent.
Mother has restored to the woman I knew before I left for finishing school. She is happily occupied in helping me run the house and social doings.
Grace suddenly looked down at her letter and read Mitch’s once again. His had so much of his heart in it. She ran her finger over the words. Dearest Grace. She sighed. How do you say so much and yet so little Mitch? There is so much I want to say but don’t dare because...I didn’t realize until I got here how much I had lost my heart to you. Really what can I tell you? I am sitting here waiting for you, thinking of you, impatient until spring arrives and Ryan has promised me a two-week visit. What am I supposed to tell you? And what does tell me anything you like I want to hear it mean? For the last four letters I have tried that, but I can’t seem to say anything more than updates of our lives. Does he really want me to tell him everything? Does he want to know I have had three proposals since I have arrived and that I have told them all no? Grace took up her pen.
Mitch, I really don’t know what else to tell you. There is so much I want to say but whenever I take up my pen my thoughts tumble around in my head until I actually can’t think. You have a right to know more, but I suddenly don’t know what to say.
Your Friend,
Grace
Several days went by, and Grace pondered if her letter had been a wise one to send. One day Ryan knocked on her door as she sat at her desk musing.
“Grace?”
“Yes?”
“Can I speak with you for a few minutes?”
“Sure.”
“I want to go for a walk, though, will you come with me?”
“Give me a minute, and I will be.”
Once they were out the door, Ryan steered them towards the more open spaces. “Grace, over a month ago Father received a letter from a certain someone, and he handed it to me about a week ago telling me to deal with it.”
“Someone? Deal with it?” Grace looked up into Ryan’s face with hope and dread fighting over her heart.
“Mitch has asked to court you.”
Grace let out a squeal of delight then clamped her hand over her mouth. “What did you say?” she asked, biting her lip and hoping she hadn’t been too happy too soon.
“I told him yes.”
Impulsively Grace hugged him hard.
“You don’t need to be so excited Grace.”
Grace suddenly sobered. “What is wrong?”
“Nothing, just don’t go off the deep end and write Mitch letters fifty pages long or something. I need my sister and her common sense around.”
“Why did father tell you to deal with it?” the bloom was slightly taken from Mitch’s question by the recollection of her father’s words.
“I don’t know, Grace, I wish I did. I was hoping that he would change. That some sort of my father I used to know would spark within him. I was hoping going back to work would help when just being a family didn’t do it. Was he this bad when it was just you and mother?”
“Mother wouldn’t get out of bed hardly ever. Father and I had two shouting matches, it was just…” Grace shook her head suddenly remembering the slap he had dealt her, she rubbed her cheek. “We had a lot of disagreements. Mother is happy here. Maybe when Grandfather comes, things will change.”
“You think Grandfather coming will change things?”
“One can always hope.”
“Grace, you,” he kissed her forehead. “Last time he visited…”
“You don’t need to remind me. Father and he practically declared an all-out war, leaving Mother in the middle of it,” sighed Grace with a shake of her head. “She barely managed to keep Hannah in finishing school; Father was so ready to pull her out. Grandfather was always so generous.”
“And father always ready to take offense.”
“I know.” sighed Grace.
“Will Mitch make you happy, Grace?”
Grace smiled, “More than happy. Why else do you think I would turn down three of your comrades?”
“I thought you just might have a prejudice against the uniform over that badge you always carry in your pocket.”
“Ryan!” Grace blushed over the discovery of her little secret.
“Well, it is true. You are always putting in your pocket and pulling it out when you think no one is looking.”
“It is his deputy badge, he is a sheriff now.”
“I know. So are you glad I told him yes?”
“Yes, I am! Thank you Ryan.”
“Well since that is the case, I have a letter here for you from Mitch.”
Chapter 40
Dearest Grace,
Your last letter delighted my heart to its core. You are so special Grace.
I wish you were here to see Esperanza Springs with its coat of snow. It is a beautiful sight. Last night I walked the streets thinking of you. The soft light from the homes was falling on the snow making it glitter. I hope sometime, I can share this beautiful sight with you.
Today Milly complained that I received a thicker letter than hers…I didn’t tell her why. I thought you might want to do that. I can keep it a secret until then.
Milly is putting together a Christmas program for the school. So far all I have heard is, but Miss Grace would have done it this way. You are their favorite teacher even now. There is a new man in town, a Mr. Ames, with a business mindset. He came west for his heath. It seems that he and Milly find many ways to spend their spare time together.
It is wonderful to hear that your parents are getting well. How are you and your father doing? I think of you so often.
Yours,
Mitch
P.S. Keep an eye out for a package. Merry Christmas Grace.
Dearest Mitch
Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for the beautiful journal and pen. As you suggested, I will keep it a place for all my thoughts and insights from God. I have been so busy filling out everything He has taught me in the last few months, and I marvel at His goodness to me. So much of His work was done through you. Every time I write down your name, I can’t help but smile. He is so good to me.
Father and I, well, we don’t fight as much as we used to but it is rare that we agree on anything. Ryan has set himself up as a buffer between him and us but even then some things come to harsh words and I hate it. I keep hoping that maybe something will change in him. That one thing will make the whole world finally fall into place, but it continues to elude our family. Having Father like this is very hard on Ryan, I wish there was something that I could do besides, praying and continuing to love him. It just seems so…It is difficult to put into words.
As to Grandfather who is here to visit. It is wonderful to have him here, and he spoils me far more than I deserve, but it is fun to see him be so generous to mother. She delights in the many pretty little things he brought for her and fairly beams which doesn’t do anything for Father, but it does for the rest of us. He wants us to come live with him and help run his hotels. Mother loves the thought, Father hates it, Ryan is thinking he doesn’t want to be in the Cavalry all his life, and I don’t know what to think. I don’t want to move further away from Esperanza Springs than I already am. Ryan thinks it would be better work for Father. He is concerned how the winter is affecting Father’s health and since the men do all of their shooting outside…he is out there too. Father loves the elements though and is out there no matter what.
About Milly, I will tell her in my next letter, right now she is too busy asking what I think about a Mr. Ames, even though I don’t know a single thing about him, other than what she has told me. For me to tell her what is going on with us. I like that word. Us.
Affectionately Yours,
Grace
Dearest Grace,
Thank you for the scarf and mittens they are the warmest ones I have ever received and are perfect for my long rides with Danny to see ranchers.
I am so glad you like the journal. It is incredible to look over my own and see what God has done in my life. You are in there a lot, it is hard to believe you are the same girl I met not even nine months ago. There have been so many changes in your life. I can honestly say you are the sweetest blessing in mine.
I should hate to think of you moving further away. It means that much longer waiting for letters, they come slowly enough as it is. But if it would be better for your family and your father would accept it, knowing that you are together as a family would be a blessing.
I am praying for you and your family Grace.
Affectionately Yours Forever,
Mitch
Dearest Grace,
It has been almost a month since your last letter. You are a heavy burden on my heart. I am praying for you almost constantly. What is going on? Are you and your family all right?
I know you would not be silent of your own accord for so long. What is happening?
Longing to hear from you,
Mitch
My Dearest Mitch.
I am so sorry for my silence. My mother has needed my near constant care for the last few weeks.
Shortly after the New Year while my Father was at the shooting range, a gun wouldn’t fire. When my father went to see what the problem was, he didn’t believe the cadet, and he grabbed the muzzle of the gun towards him trying to take it away. It chose that moment to fire.
Three days passed where he struggled for life in a coma, but there was only so much the doctor could do for him in his already weakened state of health. His death was a severe blow to us all but especially to Mother. This is the first day she has been willing to sit up in bed.
Grandfather often visits and wants her moved to his home as soon as she is well enough to make the journey. I will either stay with Ryan and keep house for him or move with Mother to Grandfather’s elegant home. It would be strange to live in a house where there are servants to do all the work, even the cooking. Somehow I don’t like the thought of it, but mother does. But the doctor says it isn’t to be thought of for a good while yet especially in such cold weather. We will have to wait for spring, which I am afraid will make my trip to Esperanza Springs impossible. I am hoping not, but that town seems to get further and further away with each day that passes. I miss it with all my heart. I long to be there, to be among the friends I love best. Everyone here is so kind to us, but nothing can equal the hospitality of Esperanza Springs.
Affectionately,
Grace
Dearest Grace
Your family is the prayers of everyone in Esperanza Springs. I am so sorry to hear about your father. There is nothing worse than a sudden departure of a loved one. My heart goes out to yours.
How I wish I was there to help you. I know you are strong but don’t be so strong that you hurt yourself. You are surrounded by God’s love and strength. All you have you to do is ask. He will provide all of your needs.
If you need me, Telegraph and I will come.
You are loved, Grace.
Mitch.
The letters flew frequently from Esperanza Springs and were returned when possible by Grace’s busy hands. Before she knew it, winter slipped away into spring and flowers were blooming, and there was no hope of visiting Esperanza Springs.
Milly had tried to come out for a visit, but a proposal from Mr. Ames made the trip suddenly impossible. She could not leave her dear Harris. Milly’s letters funny as they had been suddenly became unbearable and were shoved deep into drawers until a later time. Mitch’s letters, on the other hand, were worth more than their weight in gold to Grace.
The doctor had declared the widowed Mrs. Elroy fit for travel and Grace kept her days busy packing things for her mother, though Grace had yet to decide whether she would stay with Ryan or move on with her Mother.
The mo
rning was clear and Grace stood staring out the window, absent in thought, blind to the beauty before her. Her conversation with Ryan just that morning was running through her head.
“Have you made up your mind Grace?”
“No.”
“You have less than a week.”
“I know,” she said in a vexed tone. How she regretted that now.
“Grace, what are you waiting for?”
“I don’t know, Ryan. I make up my mind about and feel awful. I decide that I should do the other and I feel worse. So I go back to my original plan and if feels even worse than the last one. I pray, but I have no peace, Ryan. I can’t make up my mind.”
“If you don’t I will have to make up your mind for you.”
“I know, and I don’t like that thought but, it is getting to the point that I don’t know what else to do.”
“Then start packing.”
“What?”
“You are going with Mother. I have a little over a year left, and I will join you soon. By then you will know the ropes, be settled in and have a whole new lot of friends. Staying here means you would only be keeping ties that you would have to break eventually.”
“But Ryan…I.”
“Grace, it is for the best. You and mother leave next week. Pack. I have to go.” He had kissed her forehead as he ran out the door.
Grace sighed and came back from her memories, thrusting her hand into her pocket for Mitch’s badge. Her hand bumped into an envelope on the way down. She pulled it out.
Oh, no, Mitch’s letter. I forgot to have Ryan post it for me. Grace looked at the clock. If I run to the station, I can catch the mailbag heading west. Besides, I could use the fresh air. Being in my head is too tedious.
A few minutes later Grace was downstairs. Opening the door to her mother’s room, she saw her rocking back and forth in the rocking chair reading her Bible. Grace smiled.
Sufficient Grace Page 23
