LGB
Union City
December 12, 1918
My dearest,
I had lived over three decades without having you in my arms, but now just a few weeks together, and I feel like something is missing when we are apart for more than a few hours. I miss you so Elizabeth; you have been in my heart for a long time, but now that I have held you and felt your heart beat against my chest, you have become essential to me. I feel your absence and I so wish you were with me. I can't wait to see your welcoming smile when I return. That thought is what I hold on to, to get me through tonight.
Fortunately, this trip, while it means a couple of days of separation, has gone very well. My business meeting was as productive as I had hoped, which pleases me greatly as it would have been a big disappointment to both miss you and then not have the reason for it not working out.
In addition to my successful meeting, I am excited by a new little book store that I discovered while taking a walk this afternoon. It isn't far from the hotel, so I am not sure how we haven't discovered it sooner. Anyway, they have a very fine collection of rare books as well as books that are suitable for the library. I know that the library is getting full but you know the saying "a library can never have too many books." So, expect a new batch for the shelves as well as a present or two for my two favorite people. I am very excited for you to see what I have for you both, but it has to wait for Christmas.
The bookstore proprietor is a quite interesting gentleman who lived in England until he came to Canada a decade ago and started his business. He asked me what I was looking for and pressed me to come and sit in his cozy little nook where he served me tea and scones. He insisted on bringing me a selection of books that I might like to choose from. While waiting for him to return, I lapsed into a daydream about the beginning of Hope Valley's library. I remember the day I saw you post a note about the library on the board in the mercantile and our discussion about the luck that I wished you in fulfilling your hope. You said that you hoped your students didn't have to rely on it, luck that is. I don't know if it is luck or fate, but I think that moment was one that foreshadowed our future bond. I remember you leaving with that formal "Mr. Bouchard" that just use to tickle my fancy and I told you to call me "Lucas". You turned and walked away in the ladylike schoolmarm fashion that had me standing there with what I am sure was a ridiculous smitten look on my face. I was falling so fast….. And then as I walked back to the Queen of Hearts, I passed by the property I had just purchased as an investment. And it struck me, my business at the saloon was going so well, what better investment could I make then in the town's future. So, I decided to donate the building to the town for its library and to you as its custodian. I remember clearly the questioning look on your face when you entered with Jack in your arms and then words of disbelief at my actions. The sweet smile that blossomed on your face, when you finally accepted the key, was all the thank you I needed. That was the key to the library, but as would come to pass, I also was giving you the key to my heart.
It was quite the adventure to set out and get the library prepared with just you and me and the children, but we managed nonetheless and I must say that we did a very respectable job. Especially given that my carpentry skills are woefully lacking. But despite dozens of bent nails, the shelves were built and the books started coming in and the library was on its way.
Mr. Darcy his name is, I kid you not, returned with a stack of books to go through and then headed to select some from the rare book collection that I wanted for gifts. I found quite a few we don't have and then a second copy for a few that are always checked out. There were also a few very special books in his rare book collection that I "had" to have. He looked to chat for a while and I was more than obliging given his help and hospitality. We parted with a promise that I would bring you next time we are in town. You will be quite enchanted with both Mr. Darcy and his bookstore.
Well, my sweet, I will end this now as it is time that I try to sleep and speed up the time until I see you tomorrow. I am imagining and hoping that you are thinking of me as I am of you. As I said in my note, I will be coming by the school during your lunch to steal a kiss.
Yours,
Lucas