Word Count: 36,002
Summary of Events:
Samuel attended the funeral of his sister, niece, and nephews, but didn't sit with the family; instead he sat off by himself and when the bodies were put into the graves he went back to his hotel room and cried. Charlotte watched as Violet and their mother prepared the last things on the wedding dress before being told Oliver had come to court her; they talked of the women in the church — who'd been harping on Oliver too — and Oliver went so far as to question whether one of the women who'd spoken sharply to him was even a Christian at all . . .
Excerpt of the Day:
Charlotte gave a nod, but said nothing, feeling a little bit puzzled by Oliver’s comments; she was sure that he had been a Christian longer than she had, but long enough to speak in what she considered such an authoritative fashion? That she wasn’t sure about.
“But we’re not here to discuss the salvation of others,” Oliver said. “We’re here to . . . to talk.”
It certainly seemed like Oliver had faltered, but why?
“Are we talking about anything specific?” Charlotte asked.
“Yes,” Oliver replied, seeming declarative.
“And what are we talking about?” Charlotte asked.
Oliver opened his mouth to speak, then closed it; he looked unsure — even distraught — before finally turning to her with a rather normal expression on his face and replying: “Whatever you want.”
“Oh,” Charlotte said. “Well, I don’t know what I would like to talk about.”
“Is everything ready for Saturday?” Oliver asked.
“Yes,” Charlotte replied. “Mother and Violet will be hemming the dress tonight, maybe a bit tomorrow if necessary, and then all that’s left is to decorate the church on Friday, and the packing.”
“They’ve packed everything in advance?” Oliver asked.
Charlotte nodded; she felt like her composure was starting to fail her. “Shortly here they’re planning on packing everything into our wagon, which they’re borrowing, just to be sure it will all fit.”
“That’s a very wise idea,” Oliver said. “Then if something doesn’t fit they can either sell it or arrange for it to be stored somewhere — probably here, I’d imagine — until they’re ready for it.”
“I think that’s the idea,” Charlotte replied. “They don’t really have all that much, though, and they’ve not been given a lot, I don’t think.”
“And they have a house in Georgetown?” Oliver asked.
“It comes with the livery,” Charlotte replied. “I think it’s either above the stables or attached at the rear.”
“At least you don’t get cold having to go check on the horses,” Oliver said. “That could be very valuable in the wintertime.”
Charlotte nodded.
“Is any furniture being included?” Oliver asked.
“I don’t know,” Charlotte replied. “Ira went last week to give the man the first payment, but I didn’t hear any reports on what all he’s getting for his money.”
“Any news on if Neil has become Belva’s betrothed?” Oliver asked.
“No,” Charlotte replied. “I don’t think he will until after . . . after the wedding.”
“It won’t be as bad as you fear Charlotte,” Oliver soothed, placing his arm around her shoulders. “It won’t be easy, but it won’t be bad either, I promise.”
Tears started to gather in Charlotte’s eyes. She fished out her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. Oliver leaned his head gently against hers.
“Don’t cry Charlotte,” Oliver said. “I can assure you things won’t be as bad as you fear, you’ll survive without Violet, but you won’t forget her. It isn’t as if she’s dying, she’s just moving a little ways away, and not even that far in comparison to your other sisters.”
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