Weeping Willows

Even Chickens Need Balls of Steel

Chapter 31

Elizabeth fell asleep the night before, secure in the knowledge that she was going to get a little revenge herself on a certain hot nerd. She probably shouldn't have plotted, with a bit of help, while she was riding high on irritation. Now in the cold light of day she was having second thoughts about the discussion last night and was getting precariously close to calling the whole thing off. What if the plan backfired on her? Oh, what had she allowed her temper to get her into? Even recalling his words to her wasn't quelling her fear at all. She just hoped she could stop it from going down before the plan was in motion. Elizabeth had a dreadful feeling it was going to be easier said than actually done. She needed something to calm her nerves and distract herself with. She knew just the thing too, excitement vying with the trepidation inside her. Opening the box of letters, she removed the next one.

August 7, 1917

Dearest loved ones,

I hope this letter finds you all in good health. I am sorry it took so long to respond to all of your letters. My regiment was moved further into France as we managed to gain some ground. Spirits are higher these days because of it which is doing much to lift the melancholy we were all feeling a month ago. All of your letters have managed to bring me a great deal of peace and happiness as well.

I know that things are not the same as they were at home but please do remember you all have each other. I am delighted to know that you have found it in your hearts to accept our newest member. I know you feel it is too soon for those words mother but please keep in mind she is dear to my heart. Welcome her with open arms as she needs your guidance and love as much as the rest of us do. I know Annie that the two of you will become fast friends, however I would appreciate it if you behave. I would like to find the two of you in one piece upon my return. Ruth, I know she seems different and is not like other girls from town but try to keep an open mind. She was raised in a place that we would find very unusual. Just bear in mind that her heart is always in the right place which is commendable after her circumstances.

George seems to have taken quite a shine to her as well. I truly had to laugh as he lamented how amazing he finds her. I know it is merely because she is a bit lenient with him that he is so taken with her. Do not hold that against her. It is her free-spirited nature that is the cause and it is that very same nature that drew me to her as well. She was the bright light that somehow found me during some of the darkest times. I know each of you will come to care for her as much as I do. I love you all more then I can express and can not wait to be home with you all again. Remember to keep me informed on how you all are doing as well as Henry. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as you all are always never far from mine.

Sincerely,

William Bennett

Postscript: yellow daffodils, purple geraniums, and pink carnations

Elizabeth sighed as she placed the letter away. What she hoped would be uplifting ended up making her sad. William did seem to have a special someone and one that the family took in with open arms. She was glad his family was so generous with their affections as whomever this girl was had clearly been through something. She wondered what circumstances the girl had met with. From the sounds of it, it was clearly something quite unpleasant. And while she felt for who ever she had been Elizabeth couldn't help feeling bereft. Such a silly emotion to be feeling for a group of people she would never in her lifetime meet. These people lived a hundred years ago after all. William lived a hundred years ago. And now she just felt ridiculous. What was with the ending of his letter too. It made absolutely no sense at all and was going to drive her crazy wondering about it. Well at least the letter had distracted her from her earlier angst but now she had a conundrum that was going to eat at her mind all day.