I hummed to myself as I placed books on the shelves. Selling tea at a bookshop had been an excellent idea. Many customers who came in for a cup of tea ended up taking home a few novels.
Although a woman's place was usually in the home, I didn't mind helping out in the store. In fact, I rather enjoyed the coziness of the fireplace while I organized the shop, which often smelled of fruit or peppermint.
The door opened and an elderly woman stepped inside.
"Can I help you, ma'am?"
"Do you have any books for children?" she queried. "I don't quite know what to get my grandson for his birthday, and my daughter suggested that a book would be nice."
"Of course." I smiled warmly. "What age is your grandson, and what does he like to read?"
When the woman told me, I handed her a book of detective stories, inviting her to flip through a few of them.
"These sound like they would interest him!" she declared. "This will be perfect!"
"My brother always loved detective books when he was a boy," I commented.
"And now?"
"I'm afraid Captain Dawson doesn't get much time to read."
She frowned. "Is he in this dreadful war?!"
"I'm afraid so. He's a surgeon."
She patted my hand sympathetically. "You tell him to get right back here so he doesn't miss seeing his little niece or nephew."
I felt my face grow hot.
"No need to blush, dear. It's a natural and beautiful miracle. I don't see why we need to be ashamed to speak of new life."
My husband had told me something similar when I had worried aloud about whether or not it was proper for me to work in the shop in my condition. Granville had, however, made me promise I wouldn't work too hard.
When Nora came into the shop later, she looked worried.
"What's wrong?" I asked, trying to ignore the fluttering movements I felt at my waist.
Nora shook her head. "You're in a delicate condition, Meta."
"Tell me!" I insisted.
Reluctantly, she handed me the latest letter from David:
Dear Lenora,
I fear each letter will be my last. The fighting grows more intense by the day.
There are so many pleasures I've forgotten, such as how it feels to sleep through an entire night or have a decent meal. I feel as if I shall be trapped here forever.
As you can tell, I do not even write this letter by my own hand. I have taken a bullet to my shoulder. The other physicians are doing their best for me, but I know all too well how easy it is to perish despite the finest medical care.
Congratulate Meta Hughes for her coming blessing. Give Corine my best wishes in her cases. May Simon's bank continue to prove successful.
Lenora, know that if I am unable to return to you in person, then I shall be with you in spirit. Daniel and I shall evermore watch over you and our extended family.
As ever I remain,
David Q. Dawson