My warrant officer is calling and I must prepare to bring the Resolute intoport.
So I must say farewell for now. I hope you are well and relatively happy (relatively because I am not withyou).
Ever your devotedservant,
Daniel
Susan putthe letter on her lap and took another sip of tea as she gazed out the window. The afternoon shadows were lengthening and the sun was peeking in and out between the scuttling clouds. Might a storm be comingon?
Whatever her decision was to be about taking the post at Haverford House, she realized she must keep Captain Daniel in mind. It was clear he was serious about her. And she had to admit, she did have feelings forhim.
Aside from the difficulties presented by him being a sea captain, he was proving to be an honorable and trustworthy suitor. And hewashandsome. She leaned back against the window seat frame and closed her eyes, trying to imagine his face. It was pleasing, indeed. But when he had touched her, she did not get that sharp surge of energy that she felt when John touched her. Shesighed.
* * *
“So finally,”Susan said, “he askedyou?”
“And how is it you are the only one of us not married or engaged?” Katherineasked.
“I guess the fairest is to be the last,” Susanteased.
“Has Daniel writtenyou?”
Susan nodded. “He did. I got his letter just the other day. FromGenoa.”
“Well, we didn’t get one,” Katherinecomplained.
“They were early into port and he had to dash my letter off at the lastminute.”
“How ishe?”
“He seems fine. He’s not been gone that long. I was surprised to get a letter so soon, actually. But enough about me. Tell me about your engagement. Have you picked a wedding dateyet?”
Katherine was ironing and put the iron back on the stove top to heat up again. She tucked a wisp of her hair back into the pile of rust colored hair atop her head. She leaned back against a kitchencupboard.
“Not yet. It seems his sister is to be married at Christmas so he wants to wait until the spring or early summer forus.”
“Are you content with that?” Susanasked.
“No.” Katherine said emphatically but then whispered, “But I don’t mind really. Gives me more time to plan thewedding.”
Susan was leaning against the kitchen doorframe. “But, although I’m delighted with your news, I really came to ask for youradvice.”
Katherine’s interest was piqued. “Oh? Spill it,sister.”
“Now, I’m telling you this in the strictest of confidences. And I mean it. No gossiping with your mother. Do youpromise?”
Katherine crossed her heart and locked her lips with an imaginarykey.
“Verywell.”
And Susan told Katherine all about the proposal from AuntClarissa.
“Good heavens. Now thatisa goodgossip.”
Susanfrowned.
“But I won’t. I won’t. I promise,” Katherine insisted raising her hands in theair.
