Chapter 17
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - May 1874
Two weeks had passed since Violette's first encounter with Buck, and their connection deepened with each passing day. A pang of loneliness stabbed at Gabrielle as she watched the sunlight stream through the window, illuminating the empty space beside her in the bed. Every day in Butte Meadows felt like a subtle goodbye, a growing distance blooming between her and her sister. It was a difficult truth to swallow, and Gabrielle knew her moping wasn't helping matters.
Throwing off the covers with a determined sigh, she rose and wrapped her robe around her bare shoulders. Noon had long passed a stark contrast to her usual early mornings. Their extended stay hadn't been planned, and a knot of worry tightened in her stomach as she considered the state of the family business. The weight of financial burdens left unaddressed for far too long pressed heavily on her.
One thing was clear: Violette's desires, whatever they may be, could no longer be indulged. Whether her sister wanted to leave or not it wasn't an option any longer. With a resolute set to her jaw, Gabrielle dressed swiftly and grabbed her satchel.
Train tickets home were an immediate necessity. Additionally, a letter to the attorney assuring him she would be in Baltimore within the month. In her absence, she needed to ensure a steady flow of funds to keep the factories operational and maintain their household. As she left the hotel room, a single, silent prayer escaped her lips – a plea for a smooth journey home and a resolution with her sister.