She folded the letter, wroteMr. Brian Bly, Sweetwater Springs Herald Newspaper Officeon the front in clear, firm letters, and sealed it with a drop of candle wax.
The second letter was shorter—a note, really, written on a half sheet.
Dear Inga,
Would you kindly deliver the enclosed letter to Mr. Brian Bly at the newspaper office in Sweetwater Springs? It is urgent, and I would be grateful if you could take it directly there rather than leaving it at the train depot with the regular mail.
Thank you for your kindness, and please give my love to Krista and Elsabe.
Enclosed is a penny for the extra trouble.
Warmly,Miss Jackson
She fished a penny from the small purse in her valise—the purse that held the savings she'd accumulated from Torin's wages, money she'd barely spent because there was nothing buy.At least, I can afford to be without employment for a while.
She folded the coin into the note. She slipped both letters and the coin into a larger envelope and wroteInga Swensenon the outside.
Later, when Torin wouldn’t notice, she’d leave the envelope on the little table on the porch. The girl checked every morning. She would find the letter and deliver it, probably after school.Maybe Brian would act at once. Maybe a day or two would pass before he’d drive up. But she had no doubt he’d come.
Ivy set the envelope on the writing desk and stared—this ordinary rectangle of paper that would end her life at Three Bend Lake and begin whatever came next.
From down the hall, she could hear Jewel’s voice, drowsy and content, murmuring to Brave as she drifted awake. The child often had conversations with the cat before she got out of bed, sometimes dozing off again. “Bave, I played Ring Round Wrow-see. Poc-et full pos-ee. Kis-ta held my hand. Kis-ta is my fwend.”
Ivy pressed her hand over her mouth and closed her eyes.Oh, Jewel, I so want you to have friends.
I'm doing this for you, sweet girl. Even though you won't understand. Even though you’ll cry, and the sight will break me. I'm doing this because you deserve the world, and I can’t give you what you need from behind these walls.
I hope—I pray—that someday, you’ll understand and forgive me.
Jewel’s voice drifted off.
She must have fallen back asleep.Ivy remained at the desk until the light shifted and the shadows lengthened and the afternoon turned golden, listening to the sounds of the house settling around her—the creak of logs, the whisper of wind in the eaves, the soft, rhythmic purring of a cat curled against a sleeping child.
Then she picked up her harp and played. Softly. A lullaby without words. A farewell she wouldn’t yet speak aloud.
The next morning,Ivy slept in. She’d stayed up late packing, having acquired so many treasures in her time here. Everyfeather, stone, and dried flower brought back a memory of Jewel. Setting each one into the trunk took a little piece of her heart. She had to continually remind herself that leaving was ultimately best for the child. She could only hope and pray her gamble paid off.
When she finally went to bed, she remained awake, dry-eyed, and numb, formulating a plan for her future. She’d go to Cora and knew she’d be taken in. But she couldn’t impose for long on the Bellaires and Nortons.
Finally, exhausted, Ivy slept. When she first awoke, she lay in peace, drowsily listening for the sounds of Torin and Jewel. But the house remained silent.
Then the memory of last night hit her.What am I doing? I can’t leave them. I need to give Torin a chance, see what the next few days bring before I make a final decision.
With a burst of panic, she catapulted out of bed. In her haste, she almost tripped on the hem of her nightgown.
She hurried to get dressed. Without first combing out the long tresses, she twisted her braid into a bun, stabbing in hairpins. Then, not bothering with her shoes, she ran barefoot out of the room.
Rushing to the front of the house and out the door, she saw the little table was empty. Inga must have already been here and left, taking the letter. Her heart sinking, Ivy realized that she’d have to follow through with her decision.
Although maybe Brian won’t come for a few days, and Torin will relent. Brian will be so pleased about Torin’s willingness to open up his and Jewel’s social circle that he won’t be too peeved with me for making him drive up here for nothing.
Am I foolish to hope?
After donning stockings and shoes and properly restyling her hair, Ivy used the privy and then went to the kitchen to washup. Her stomach too tight for heavy food, she made herself eat a bowl of porridge and drink a cup of tea.
Wondering where Torin and Jewel were and how long they’d be gone, she went to her bedroom. Without most of her possessions cluttering the space, the room had lost some of the sense of familiarity. After making the bed, she debated about packing her toiletries laid out neatly on the dresser but figured she might as well. She could always take them out again.
Gathering up the quilt Cora had gifted her, she clutched it to her chest like a child seeking some comfort. Jewel sometimes held her rag doll like this. But after a few moments, no comfort came, and she felt too silly to continue.
