The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham

Author:Rachel Fordham [Fordham, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2023-10-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

“Wear this.” Mrs. Guskin pulled out an old dress that looked like the calico dresses pioneers wore as they crossed the plains moving west, before the invention of the train made travel easier. It was nothing like the straight-cut dresses with fancy beadwork that women wore today. This dress was practical and very unfashionable. “You can get it as muddy as you wish, and it won’t matter any.”

“I don’t suppose anyone will recognize me in it.” Laura laughed as she pulled it over her head. Mrs. Guskin was not a large woman, but her hips were wider than Laura’s, and her chest was larger. The dress was ill fitting, hanging on Laura in all the wrong places.

“You know,” Mrs. Guskin said, “there is a box in the attic full of dresses that were your mother’s. They may fit you better than this dress. I’ve heard you’re the spitting image of her.”

“I’ll be shoveling manure. No one will care what I’m wearing.”

“I won’t be doing the wash often enough for you to wear that dress every day.”

Laura looked in the mirror. Vanity was not a sin that plagued her, but she had to admit this dress made her look both comfortable . . . and homely. “When I come back, we could go to the attic together and see if there are dresses that will work.”

“Excellent plan. I’ve packed you a lunch since we don’t know how long you’ll be staying.” She sighed. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I’m worried your father will find out.”

“I’ll never have another chance like this.” She brushed at the side of the wrinkled dress. “I’m doing it. I’ll keep to myself, but if he does find out, so be it. What is the worst he can do, banish me to my room? I’ve been there for years. Sell off the books in the library? He’s already planning on that. I heard him talk to Mr. Stevens on the telephone. There’s not much left for him to take.”

“Oh dear, he’s really going to sell the books,” Mrs. Guskin said. “He’d better be truly desperate to do such a thing.”

“His bootlegged alcohol hasn’t run dry, so I have trouble believing we are so close to desperation. My guess is it’s greed making the decision. He wants more and is willing to use Mother’s collection as collateral. I don’t think my dreams need to be sacrificed on the altar of business as well. I’m going to the zoo, and nothing can stop me.”

“I’ve wondered when that strong spirit of yours would break free.” Mrs. Guskin smiled like a proud mother. “Go on then. Enjoy every moment of mucking stalls, come what may.”

Laura floated on a cloud of happiness as she made her way to the zoo. Mr. Shaffer was waiting, as promised, near the front gate, a friendly smile on his face. “I’ve talked to the other zookeepers. They said if I was willing to keep an eye on you, they’d gladly welcome you. I thought we would start at Big Frank.

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