~ Thatcher ~
Hamilton
November 27, 1918
Dear Mr. Bouchard,
Elizabeth's mother and I have received her recent letter and it is apparent that your longtime friendship with my daughter has changed to something more. From the sounds of it, she is very happy and wants us to make your acquaintance during the holidays. We heartily accept her invitation; as my daughter Julie has relayed to Elizabeth via phone. We thank you for your generous offer to provide accommodations at the Queen of Hearts.
I also understand from Julie that you would like to meet with me prior to our arrival. I think that it goes without saying what the nature of this visit will be, but I do think it would be appropriate that we speak. I love my daughter very much and my heart bled for her when she lost her husband Jack Thornton in that tragic accident. We have hoped that she could put it behind her and find love again but were worried that years had passed seemingly without any progress in that regard. From what we hear from her your relationship has been ongoing for three years now. The fact that for her it has been a process of developing trust in another man, and letting her heart open through time pleases me as it bodes well for a long term relationship. Of this we will speak and of course also of the welfare of my grandson.
As fortune would have it, I will be on a business trip to Union City the second week of December and if you are amenable, that would seem like an excellent opportunity for our meeting. I will be staying at the Wiltmore Hotel starting on December 10 for four days. Please let me know what day and time you will arrive. You may leave a message with the hotel with the arrangements.
I look forward to our meeting.
Sincerely,
William Thatcher
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