Love at First Light by Whitson Stephanie Grace

Author:Whitson, Stephanie Grace
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-30T00:00:00+00:00

Isobel sat back, note in hand. Disappointment surged. The soldier might have intended to bid her farewell, but the note only increased her curiosity about him. Expecting barely legible scratches, she’d encountered beautiful handwriting. Instead of simplistic syntax, she’d read flowing language hinting at his being well read—perhaps even educated. He was most certainly more than “a soldier.”

What was the real reason behind his self-imposed isolation?

At the second meeting of The Ladies Cemetery Improvement Society, Isobel noted a studied avoidance on the part of everyone present when it came to the veterans’ behavior at Private Long’s grave. Nor was there any mention of the destruction of one of their wreaths. Isobel thought it possible that everyone present was ignorant of the latter travesty, although she doubted it. Still, instead of gossiping about what had happened, the ladies proceeded with the meeting concentrating on things like the resounding success of the luncheon counter.

In response to America Payne’s glowing report, the ladies determined to repeat the event for Independence Day. As promised, the members who had volunteered to research costs reported on their findings. There was a general murmur of dismay when Mrs. Oliver presented the estimate for the cost of fencing.

Birdie wasted no time focusing attention on a solution to that problem. “I’d really hoped we could accomplish it this year without seeking a generous donor.” She paused. “Perhaps we still can.” She looked at Isobel. “I believe you have a proposal to consider.”

When Isobel rose and explained her idea for a book preserving a record of the early days in Nebraska City, Mrs. Bishop raised an immediate objection.

“Nebraska City already has an organization dedicated to the preservation of its history. There is no need to duplicate the efforts of the Old Settlers Association. I daresay said membership would be affronted by our presumption. Beyond that, we’ve all just heard Mrs. Oliver’s news about the high cost of fencing the grounds. Surely we must question the wisdom of taking on yet another expensive endeavor. Producing a book would be expensive.”

Isobel smiled. Birdie had been so right about how this would go. Thank goodness she’d anticipated it and suggested solutions. “You raise two excellent points, Mrs. Bishop. Happily, I believe I can allay your concerns about both. Regarding the Old Settlers Association, Birdie facilitated contact. The gentlemen I spoke with earlier today were quite pleased with the idea—especially when I mentioned an intent to publish. The recording secretary even offered their meeting minutes as possible source material.”

“How wonderful,” Mrs. Bishop said—in anything but a pleased tone of voice.

“As to the expense,” Isobel continued, “Rather than being a drain on society funds, I believe there is excellent potential for the project to add a good deal of money to society coffers.”

Mrs. Bishop scoffed at the idea, cautioning that, while their newest member’s enthusiasm was admirable, they must all take into consideration the fact that inexperience could often give rise to unrealistic expectations.

When Mrs. Bishop finally quit talking, Isobel spoke directly to her. “As

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