Chapter Five
For another four months, Mr. Montgomery’s letters were the highlight of Susannah’s evenings.
They only came once a month, which she put down to the time taken for the letters to traverse the country.
She didn’t mind. She appreciated being able to get to know Mr. Montgomery as he was willing to open up.
Each letter was longer than the one before, and she suspected that he appreciated that she wasn’t holding back either.
By the time they had been writing back and forth for six months, she had started to put her savings toward two different things: buying a trunk so that she could leave and making sure she had enough to send letters.
She wasn’t sure what else she would need, but she knew that she wanted to take as much as she could.
Whatever she left would be useful to other women here, but…
she had grown attached to some of the clothing and whatever else of sentiment that she felt were technically hers.
The following letter came on her day off. She was glad as it meant that she could write her response and send it out promptly. For once.
But when she picked up the envelope, it was heavier than she had expected it to be.
That was odd. Why would he be including heavy items with his letter?
It was far too early in their relationship for him to write to her with the news that he felt comfortable enough with her to bring her to California. Right?
This intrigued her and sent her mind in many directions at once.
She shook her head, trying to keep her thoughts to one line of thinking.
Whatever was in this letter, she would find out soon enough.
As she opened the envelope, a few coins and dollar bills spilled out.
The coins rattled on the floor as if trying to alert everyone that she had more money than she should have.
She retrieved the spilled cash and quickly went to her writing desk to open the letter on the flat surface where she had more control of its contents, should any money still remain in the envelope.
The money was set aside for now. She wanted to read the letter that Mr. Montgomery had sent her. It didn’t appear to be as long as their letters had been lately, and that made her heart sink. Why was it so short?
The only way to know for sure was to read it. So that was exactly what she did.
To Susannah Peterson,
I know this letter will probably be much shorter than we’re accustomed to, and I apologize in advance.
However, after six months of writing to you, I have decided that I have learned enough to judge your character.
Miss Peterson, I have enclosed the money in this letter, which should be enough to get you from Washington, D.C.
to me in Bakersfield, California. It ought to cover the train fare to San Francisco and, from there, the stagecoach fare to Bakersfield.
I suppose now is a good time to share what I do since you’ve been patiently waiting for me to feel comfortable with it.
Susannah, I’m a judge in Bakersfield. One of the newest ones.
And here, one of the things that allows a judge to move up is the quality of their family.
I’ve been searching for a woman I feel I have a chance of falling in love with who could also keep a house to the standard expected here for a judge.
You’re the only one I have come across in the nine months my advertisement has run in the publication who I feel fulfills the requirements.
If you are interested, please write back to let me know when I may expect you. I’d like to meet you at the stagecoach station here in Bakersfield. If you’re not interested or it’s too early, you are free to use that money as you see fit. I just wish to know what you’ve decided.
Cordially yours,
Wesley Montgomery
Susannah could hardly believe what she was reading. However, it did make sense. She decided to take the plunge. She had not saved up quite enough to afford a trunk, but after careful consideration, she would be able to afford a new valise.
She scribbled a quick response to Mr. Montgomery on a clean sheet of paper, saying he could expect her perhaps a week after the letter arrived, because she had to give notice of her whereabouts.
With the letter written, she went into town to get a valise and arrange for her travel.
It wasn’t that hard, and she did get a look from the owner of the orphanage herself when she returned.
“What is with the valise, Susannah?” she asked.
“Mrs. Williamson, as much as I appreciate the job and the situation that you’ve offered me, I have found something better and plan to leave in a week.
I just received notification that the gentleman with whom I’ve been corresponding for the last six months would like to meet me,” Susannah said.
“I’m heading to California. I wish you all the best of luck in the running of your orphanage. ”
“I see. Well, I appreciate the warning, even if it is less than I would have liked,” Mrs. Williamson said. “I hope you have a good journey. I shall tell the girls tonight. You continue about the day as if nothing has happened, please. I don’t want to alarm the girls.”
Susannah nodded. She hurried her valise up to her room before the girls could see it and started asking questions.