The Last Love Of Arthur Morgan

The Gilded Cage

Dear Arthur, 

I cannot believe I am saying this or doing this, but you and I both know it has to be done. I'm taking Lily with me to California and by the time you read this, we'll be well on our way. I won't try to hide from you, because I'm not running from you. It's the gang.

I want you to get away from Dutch. I don't trust him. You're right, he will kill you.

Please don't think this is a goodbye letter. You're still my husband and I am still your wife - don't forget it. But also, don't forget who you are inside and out. Yes, you're an outlaw but, beyond that, a good man. I don't think I ever told you this, but I'm proud of you.

I hope to see you in California by the end of the week if not a few days. Again, I don't trust Dutch and you shouldn't either. He's deranged and with Micah in his ear, I expect him to grow worse over time. With the two of them scheming together, please watch your back. I need you in my life and so does Lily. 

When you do come to California, we're staying at the Harper Ranch. I don't want to see my family until you're with me. They'll gossip for days about how you don't really exist or you've left me for another - I know it's not true, but trust me, they will. With my soiled reputation already, I'd rather not soil it any further. 

I hope you enjoyed the party, you looked especially handsome in your suit. But then again, you look handsome in whatever you wear. I think you told me that once too. 

I don't regret doing this and I hope you don't hate me for it. I just can't stay here, not with the bugs, not with the alligators and certainly not with Micah leering at me. If anything, he bothers me the most. But please, don't do anything in haste. I'd love to see you in one piece. 

The drip on the top of the paper is from Lily. Sorry. Anyway, I must go now. I didn't take too much stuff, as I didn't want to alarm the others. I told Abigail that I was leaving ahead of you, and that you'd meet me in Rhodes. I'm having John drive me to the station, he's the only one, aside from you, that I trust. Perhaps, it's because he's a lot like you. 

I love you Arthur, more than words can say. I hope you understand my reason for this, if not, I'll have to explain when you get to California. 

With love, 

Lorna 

She folded the letter and placed it under the blanket, but left the corner of the envelope showing so Arthur would notice. She just prayed that no one else would see it ahead of him. She doused the lamp and picked up Lily and her luggage. John waited just outside and when she exited the tent, he took her bag from her hand.

"Ready?"

She exhaled a breath."Yes, I think so."

"Abigail knows 'bout the letter, she'll give it to Arthur."

She nodded, feeling the tightness leave her chest. John shoved her bag in the back of the wagon and took Lily, as Lorna climbed up into the wagon. Once she was situated on the bench, John lifted the squirming babe to her. He rounded the back of the wagon and climbed up on to the bench beside her.

"You sure you wanna do this? Arthur ain't gonna be too happy 'bout this."

"I explained myself in the letter. If he wants more, he'll have to come to California." She frowned."I can't be here anymore, John. Dutch is...crazy. And Micah isn't helping the situation either."

"I know." He clicked his tongue."You're a good woman, Arthur's a lucky man. But you're right, Dutch is goin' off the deep end. He's makin' life difficult."