Against the Stars

Chapter 40

Ginny awoke on the morning of April 3rd to much squealing and hollering. She jumped out of bed and headed downstairs as fast as she could.

When she got there, she saw news and jelly holding hands and jumping around.

"What in the world are you so excited about?"

"We got letters for Blithe!" Nelly cried her excitement practically spilling off of her.

"No!" Ginny cried. She couldn't believe they had actually gotten letters from Blithe! She would finally hear how her sister was doing, and know she all right.

Mother came in holding a pack of letters, beaming. "Blindness sent a letter for each of us and one for the family to read. I'll invite Rebecca and Charlotte to come and hear it."

"Before you do that Suzanna, can we have our letters?" Father asked, seeking just as eager to read the letters.

Mother laughed, loud and clear. "Of course. There yours George, and Nelly's, Bess's, and Edward's, Ginny's, oh..." Mother stopped short in the midst of giving Ginny her letter.

"What is it Mother?" Edward asked pausing from opening his letter.

"She wrote one for Stephen."

That brought silence to the Miller home. For a moment they all day there, for the first time talking that Blithe did not know of Stephen's death.

"What are we going to do with the letter?" Bess asked, quietly.

"I'm not sure," Mother replied, just as quiet.

"I'll put it in his grave later today," Ginny said. Everyone nodded in agreement. The room started quiet as everyone turned back to their let's. Ginny couldn't wait to read hers.

November 20, 1775

Dear Ginny,

Oh how I miss you! Everyday my mind does its best to remember what you look like, what your voice sounds like, how you laughed.

Oh Ginny if only you could see Philadelphia! It's the inner working of the revolution. There are so many great minds here, all getting to get us to win the war. I know you know who us is.

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and that life is treating you well. Life is treating me well for reasons you know or will soon learn! Oh how I miss you!

With much love,

Your sister,

Blithe

Ginny couldn't help but let a tear fall down her face. Blithe was all right. She was still alive! For some reason, that gave Ginny a surge of hope. If more was all right and salt to survive, then she could to.

Ginny glanced around to find the other finishing their letters as well. She watched as Mother wiped several years off her face. There was nothing better than getting a letter from someone you her not heard from in so much time.

"Ginny, why don't you run your to Stephen's grave well I fetch Rebecca and Charlotte?"

"All right Mother," Ginny said, taking the letter.

"Wait!" Bess cried as she ran outside. She returned a moment later with a small handful of  flowers.

"Put these as well," Bess said, quietly.

Ginny smiled weakly.  "Oh course I will."

"Put some in Thomas's grave as well!" Edward piped up. Ginny nodded, then headed out the door.

Aprils in Virginia were gorgeous according to Ginny. The winds were light and the snow has melted beneath your feet. The air seemed clean and best of all, the cold was gone! Ginny rejoiced over that since the child was indeed her worst enemy.