(Chapter Nineteen)
A Letter
The next day, Elizabeth woke up bright and early to a sunny day. She looked around the room and noticed an envelope sitting on her dresser.
What on earth – she thought. I didn't notice that before.
What could this strange letter be? Was it another secret letter from Jack? Her heart raced, and her mind was not far behind.
Ugh, I'm so tired. I don't want to get out of bed yet, her mind told her. But I want to read that letter!
She slowly eased out of bed, and made herself a quick breakfast. Jack was already down at the office, so she did not need to make anything for him. Elizabeth picked up the envelope with anticipation.
Her eyes scanned the envleope quickly, yet carefully.
"It's from Julie!" she let out a girlish squeal.
How on earth did it get on my dresser? her thoughts raced on. Then it came to her. Yesterday, at the mercantile! How could I forget a thing like that? she wondered.
Oh, yes! I bumped into a young man. That's right! How could I forget the letter though? Maybe it's the pregnancy, she concluded.
She quickly tore open the envelope and read it silently.
'Dear Elizabeth,
I miss you so much. It seems like forever since I came for your wedding. Say hello to Jack for me. I was wondering, if I wouldn't be in the way, I wanted to come for a visit. I would like to be there when the baby is born. How far along are you now? Please, think about it. I will come as soon as you wish.
With Love,
Julie'
How thoughtful. Julie? In the way? she laughed to herself. Nonsense! There is no one I would rather have with me when my child is born. Well – besides Jack, of course.
Elizabeth wrote back right away with her answer. Then she realized that she have not yet talked it over with Jack.
Surely he wouldn't mind. He loves Julie almost as much as I do. But, she concluded, I will talk to Jack tonight and send the letter first thing in the morning.
Jack whole-heartedly that Julie should come as soon as possible. Elizabeth wrote a lengthy letter telling Julie that she could never be in the way. She told her that she should come as soon as she was able to, and that Jack fully agreed.