The year is 1879. When thirteen-year-old Ruth Merritt Holbrook emerges from her family's burning estate, bloody and charred, but entirely numb--She makes headlines. Reporters believe she is deranged. They accuse her of having set the fire. All the h...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Dearest Miss Holbrook,
I have spent hours trying to decide if I should write to you and, if I were to put pen to paper, what it is I should say. Let me begin by begging your forgiveness for the way in which I behaved while in the home of your friends. I was dreadful in many ways, chiefly the manner by which I handled Miss Gressil. I lost my temper and have no defense for my actions. I am ashamed and wish to receive your forgiveness above all others. But I do not believe you will grant it to me.
I wish to tell you that I have not forgotten our conversation on the train, nor the fact that you dodged my previous apology. I do not blame you, for you were right to withhold your pardon. I believe forgiveness must be spent with frugality and only when trust is associated. As it stands, you have no reason to trust me, neither do I have reason to believe you are not the wicked murderess that Rosie seems so bent on painting you to be.
I told you I did not believe you capable of such acts, perhaps I spoke too soon? With your permission, I would ask that you give me a second chance. Enclosed you will find three tickets to the Ballantyne for an evening of your choice. You may use these tickets for yourself and your chaperone, leaving the third for whomever you may chose to spend your time with. You are in no way pressured to attend a show or to grace me with your company. In fact, I want it clear that you are to use the tickets however you see fit. If they are to be kindling for your hearth—so be it.
But, on the off chance you would like to accompany me, I would be honored. Please, Miss Holbrook, allow me to rectify the wrongs of our first introductions. In turn, I shall allow you to prove your certain sanity to me. Perhaps we may walk away from one another, you with my trust and I with the same, as well as perchance your forgiveness?
Wishful thinking?
Begging your pardon always,
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
P.S.
I swear to you, the opera is always brilliant. It is sure to be a marvelous time. I also should mention I procured you the best seats in the house, they will remain open until you see fit to visit. Should you prolong this, think of the people who would miss a chance to sit in those same seats after you. Would you deny them the pleasure? If you care at all for the arts, I beg you to refrain from burning these particular tickets--lest the booth remain open forever.
