The Courtship of Jo March by Trix Wilkins

Author:Trix Wilkins
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, Jo March, Theodore Laurence, Jo and Laurie, Alternate ending, Fanfiction, Fan fiction, Coming of age romance, Courtship, March sisters, Beth March, Amy March, Meg March, Alternate sequel, Sequel to Little Women, Trix Wilkins, Good Wives, Courtship of Jo March
Publisher: Trix Wilkins
Published: 2016-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

Eight

A vexing question

“Jo, have you heard from Laurie lately?” asked Beth of her sister, as they strolled through the woods in Valrosa one morning.

“No, not a word, it’s strange. Somehow I feel that something significant has happened.” Jo furrowed her brow. “I’ve not had a letter from him for some time now. Have you heard from his grandfather at all?”

Beth shook her head. “No, not at all. It’s not like either of them to be so silent. We’ve all received regular letters until the last few months.”

“Nothing since I sent him my book,” mused Jo, quietly.

“What book? Oh Jo, have you written something splendid?” cried Beth, clapping her hands together.

“I don’t know about splendid, but it’s a little project I’ve been working on.”

“Is that why we’ve not seen you at the classes for some time? Tommy has been asking after you.”

“Yes.” Jo sighed. “I’m sorry Beth, I’m afraid I’ve been rather neglectful. I wrote a couple of books when you first started and then disappeared into my own world. Poor Tommy. Has he been holding the fort well enough?”

“More than well enough. He’s starting to help me teach the music classes. We’ve handed over the books to Meg and the twins.” Beth said, then started laughing. “Actually, that has worked out rather well. Daisy and Demi seem to have a knack for stories that the other children take to – all inevitably involving some dull adults coming into a scrape.”

“I imagine they have sufficient examples from which to draw inspiration,” Jo said drily, looking over at Plumfield. “I’m glad to hear the classes are going well! And how does Amy find the role of art teacher? Does it continue to suit her with so many more pupils?”

Beth smiled. “She doesn’t admit it, but I believe it does.”

Jo chuckled. “Teddy wouldn’t believe it, if I told him.”

“I do hope we hear from him soon.”

“I hope he’s not been caught up in the crash.”

“What crash?” Beth asked. “Has there been an accident?”

“Oh no, not that sort of crash,” said Jo. “There’s been a financial crash in Europe. Something about speculations over railroads and credit. Many who had been exceedingly wealthy have suddenly found themselves to be paupers.”

“That’s terrible!” cried Beth. “You don’t suppose Laurie has been involved in such a thing?”

“No...” said Jo, shaking her head slowly. “No, I don’t believe he would have been. I can’t imagine Mr Laurence trading his ships for a passing trend. Still, I can’t work out why I wouldn’t have heard from him unless something dreadful has happened.”

“There must be some way to get news.” Beth said, voicing Jo’s exact conclusion.

“Perhaps there is a way.” Jo turned to Beth rather excitedly. “I just remembered. Tommy mentioned an idea the other day that sounded promising. I’ll go drop by the grocers.’”

Jo kissed Beth on the cheek and hurried off to the carriage. The Vaughns’ wealth has been exceedingly useful, Jo thought wryly, though she had yet to be anywhere near comfortable with her recent discovery that much of it had derived from the now illegal slave trade in England.

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