Familiar Stranger In Clear Springs

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In her living quarters over the store, Elizabeth paced the length of the room, her mind whirring with all that Terrance had revealed. This was serious. Somehow she had to find a solution. She didn’t want to leave La Playa. She’d grown up here and loved the town and the people.

She tossed her Sunday gloves on her bureau, the action ruffling the most recent letter from Gemma. What a mocking salute to all their hard work. Four years ago when she had been in a fix with the mercantile, Gemma, with her quick, inquisitive mind, had helped get her through the worst of the situation, no thanks to Terrance or Preston or anyone. If only she were here now. It upset her all over again that Terrance didn’t want her to visit Gemma.

Although she already knew the contents of the letter, she picked it up and read it again, if only to derive a small amount of strength from her friend through the love and caring behind the words.

Dear Elizabeth,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I have decided to stay with Molly Birdwell—an older widow here in Clear Springs. She takes in boarders since her husband passed a few years ago. I believe this will afford me the greatest degree of liberty while I teach here.

The schoolhouse is in the final stages of completion and should be ready by the time you receive this letter. Although the children will have benches at first, it is my hope to have individual desks eventually. There is a dearth of supplies—pencils, slates and such—but the blackboard sits waiting to be fixed to the front wall of the room and the glass panes have arrived for the windows.

I am giddy with anticipation of the coming year. Although this profession wasn’t my first choice, it will be a good one. I’ll be making young minds grow—not a bad legacy if I do say so myself.

Elizabeth smiled, hearing Gemma’s voice in her mind.

I am missing you, dear friend, especially the intense discussions we shared in our Shakespeare’s Reading Circle. I hope you were able to keep that going after my departure. I wait eagerly for the arrival of my next letter from you and news of the happenings in La Playa.