Good Girl

Elizabeth Barrett was already en route. With no time to spare Sophie Green, shopkeeper turned match-maker, will do her best even though the educated, well-to-do socialite probably won’t stay forever.

Joseph Carmichael doesn’t need forever. He just needs to get by. A man who can’t plant or harvest will lose his farm and with three boys under the age of five he can’t do much of anything.

Elizabeth is on the way, Joe’s children are cared for, and when she tires of the rougher life, she goes back east. Everyone wins.

But Elizabeth can never go back. There is nothing she would wish more. The thought never left her and surely never would. It was a part of her more than her physical body. She could sooner cut off her arm than cut the regret from her heart. But the innocent must not suffer for her mistake.

Miss Green,

My name is Elizabeth Barrett. I saw your ad and am on my way to you. I am posting this letter just prior to my departure. This is my only hope and I pray that you will not turn me away…