The Gold Miner's Wife: A Young Woman's Story of Romance, Passion and Murder by Creek Amethyst

Author:Creek, Amethyst [Creek, Amethyst]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-06-01T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Susannah returned home to Denver with a cumbersome treatise on mining in one hand, a lace parasol in the other, and also with a renewed sense of purpose and much to think about. Her visit to the mine had not been the sorrowful experience she had originally feared but rather had been a remarkable and eventful day. Although her absence from home had been only for a short duration there was a message from her friend and neighbor, Eleanor Gibson concerning the Ladies Aide Society that begged her attention as well as a letter from Grandmamma.

Denver had received but a dusting of snow. The storm that had briefly paralyzed Pine Creek brought mostly an outflow of heavy winds to the area, having depleted most of its moisture in the mountains. Catori and Mrs. Sheppard, while concerned about Susannah, correctly attributed her delayed return to the unanticipated storm, and reasoned that she was safely in the care of Mr. Simmons.

“I am sorry you encountered bad weather,” said Catori. “We all need a dose of unsettled weather now and then lest we take fair weather for granted.”

“An unexpected turn in the weather gives the neighbors something new to grouse about.” quipped Mrs. Sheppard.

Susannah refreshed herself, quickly changed her clothes, and soon was seated at her desk reading the long-awaited letter from Grandmamma. The mail was always three weeks behind.

My dearest Susannah,

Happy news! Today I had the loveliest visit with Charlotte and Edward Mansfield. They called here at three o’clock and we all had tea in the back garden as the weather was quite agreeable. It is so enjoyable to take tea in the sunshine and talk about the flowers.

Edward is the most thoughtful and considerate man. He presented me with a gift, a souvenir from his recent travels. It is the most exquisite silver letter opener, with an ivory handle, and is inscribed Philadelphia Exhibition, 1876. You know how much I enjoy surprises! He and Charlotte kept me thoroughly entertained with their stories of the Exhibition. I was sorry to see them depart, but they promised to call again next week. Mr. Mansfield is all politeness. He helped the parlor maid retrieve a porcelain vase I needed from an upper shelf.

I have little else in the way of news to impart. There continues to be a general expectation in the neighborhood that we may have a happy announcement very soon concerning Miss Parker and Mr. Griswold. They were seen in church together last Sunday.

Edward confided his heartfelt concern for your wellbeing. He fears you are on a very solitary path and laments that your continued separation from those who care about you will delay the restoration of your inner peace and contentment. Please come home and spend some time with me at Larkspur.

Your loving Grandmamma

Her conscience prickled her. She really should go home. She would have to arrange it before too much longer. And how could she ever adequately thank Edward for his many kindnesses?

It was afternoon when Susannah called on her friend and neighbor Eleanor Gibson in response to the note sent to her the previous day.

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