The Keeper of Her Heart by Stacy Henrie

Author:Stacy Henrie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: forgiveness, family, faith, true love, london, world war 1, yorkshire, second chances, 1900s history, 1900s romance
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing

• • •

Several nights later, after Rosemary was in bed, Ada remembered the letter she’d received from Hugh more than a week ago but hadn’t yet read. She’d guessed his reason for writing and hadn’t wanted to read his condolences, however sincere. But she felt able to do so now. She sat on the sofa, grateful enough light filtered through the window to see by so there was no temptation to violate the lighting restrictions.

Hugh’s letter began with deep sympathies for Ned’s death, which Ada suspected he’d learned about from her mother-in-law. He also shared how much he’d respected Ned. Then he shared the news that his younger brother Harry had also been killed in action.

“No. Oh, Hugh,” Ada murmured with a shake of her head. “Your poor mother too.”

Sorrow settled over her as she recalled what she could remember of the happy-go-lucky Harry. Ada wondered if he’d left behind a sweetheart in Yorkshire. A feeling of empathy welled up inside her. This war had produced so many grieving sweethearts, mothers, wives, sisters, brothers, and children. How many more would be added to their number before the conflict was over?

She returned her attention to Hugh’s letter and was pleased to read that Maud and Mrs. Whittington had apparently become good friends through their shared grief of losing sons. It was comforting to know that someone was there to console Maud in Ada’s absence.

Hugh finished his missive with an offer to help in any way she might need. Emotion, namely gratitude, filled Ada’s throat. She wouldn’t soon forget Hugh’s kindness in helping Ned find a job and their flat or his thoughtfulness in writing to her now.

After locating her stationery, she began to pen a reply. She thanked Hugh for his letter and expressed her grief about Harry.

But what else should I write? she wondered, tapping the pen against her chin.

It felt strange to write a letter to someone other than Maud or her grandmother, especially a man. Soon, she was scribbling away once more, asking Hugh about the boot factory. She shared a little about her work at the paper warehouse, thanked him again for writing, and then she signed her name.

On sudden impulse, she added a postscript. As far as needing help, she wrote, I can’t thank you enough for the offer, but I can’t think of anything at present. Other than another letter perhaps?

Should she scratch out that last sentence? It made her feel rather vulnerable to ask him to write again. Before she changed her mind, she sealed the letter in an envelope to post the following day. She’d realized the importance of good friends this week, especially in difficult times. And difficult times were what they all faced these days. Besides, the idea of exchanging a few more letters with an old family friend filled her with a glimmer of anticipation—and that was something she hadn’t felt in a long time.

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