Mail Order Celeste

with him, and we certainly plan to visit, but James is homesteading and I'm afraid I'm somewhat spoiled by the amenities here in the east.”
Sparkles of happy tears brightened Miranda's eyes and she exclaimed in pleasure.
“In fact, we were hoping you would return now so you could witness our wedding before you leave. He glanced meaningfully at the trunk and boxes which were tucked somewhat out of sight behind the wardrobe.”
“It does not appear as if Harriet got in to my room while I was gone?” she said questioningly.
“No, Miss,” replied Henry. “Mrs. Flowers suggested Sally must have gone off with the extra key and promised to reacquire it before Madame returned. Of course that was before she’d been dismissed as well.
“If you look through the house you may find one or two articles missing that Mrs. Flowers and I took the liberty of putting aside for you and your sister, knowing they were of no interest to your father but had been treasured by your mother. Your father is aware of this—it was with his approval. In fact, it was his suggestion.”
They had both been eating as they talked and had finished everything on the tray, to Miranda's surprise. It made her sad to think this was the last time she might have a chance to take tea with her dear Henry.
“How much time do I have?” asked Miranda.
“They just left this morning, so at least until tomorrow evening but perhaps a day or two longer.”
“Then I must find out how quickly I can be aboard a train to take me west.”
Her mind jumped to the reason her sister had fled.
“I cannot believe the audacity of that woman to strike someone else's child!”
“Yes, the mark of her hand was plain on little Samantha's cheek, but the sweet baby did not even make a sound. I was relieved Miss Celeste had the means to escape so rapidly. In fact, I have the train schedule here that we used to arrange your sister's transport.”
“Oh, you must have been reading my thoughts! Have you a suggestion on which I should take?”
“I would say the latest you should safely take is this one which leaves mid-afternoon tomorrow. It is the same one your sister took as it has the most direct connections. That will give you time to do any shopping or banking you need to and perhaps even to visit one or two of your friends to say goodbye.”
He added shyly, “I'm hoping that will also give you the opportunity to join us tomorrow morning to witness our wedding, and join us in a light repast before you depart. I was quite relieved to discover that you had arrived on today’s morning train!”
“I begin to regret spending the extra days with Amy, but knowing now that I probably won't ever see her again I am just as glad that I spent the time with her, although it cuts my remaining time here so short. I guess the first thing we must do is go to the bank. Then we can go to the train station—I am presuming on you. Are you free to join me?”
“In fact, your father specifically entrusted you to my care. I know you have not had the opportunity to read his letter yet and might wish to do so now before we begin our errands.”

The Letter
Henry rose and, gathering the dishes, took the tray back to the kitchen. Miranda removed the letter opener from the drawer of her writing desk. She patted the desk lightly. She would miss this little piece of furniture. It had been her mother’s. She must remember to pack its contents, at least.
~~~
My dearest, darling daughter, Miranda,
It is with heavy heart that I pen this letter. Henry was kind enough to explain why your sister departed so abruptly. Frankly, I am appalled and, had I known, I would have funded her trip happily.
I regret I had no idea exactly what was going on in this household, under my nose. I wish I could explain to you both what is happening in our lives, but I am constrained by other circumstances to keep my counsel at this time.
You have made me aware that you are corresponding with a gentleman with the object of possible matrimony. I learned from Henry that you are now affianced, and wish you my very best. If for any reason things do not work out for you, do not hesitate to contact me through Henry or at my club. In fact, please do so if you need anything at all.
Please know that it breaks my heart that I will not be there to meet, approve, and present you to your new groom. I can only hope that he will make you happy and treat you like the princess you are.
You may not be aware that your mother had her own income from her grandfather's estate, and maintained the control of it under the terms of his will. Upon her death, you and your sister became the beneficiaries of this competence. I will have our solicitor contact you in Green River once you are settled, to discuss the terms of the bequest. However, I strongly urge you not to share with your husband the news of your inheritance until you have been married for at least a year and are convinced he is all that you hoped him to be. Should things not work out, then leave him and come back home. You will always be welcome, even if I am not able to keep you in your own home at this time.
Things escalated too rapidly for me to be able to discuss with you in person what I could share, and now it is just as well that we did not talk as I am convinced I could not have kept this secret which