Letters Exchanged With Haste

It was a time for mourning, and a time for love to meet again. Below the mountain forests in a northern region, circumstances unable to be controlled forced themselves into Abigail’s peaceful life. When her bother-in-law disappeared from the family home, decisions that may have been made without proper forethought brought her safety away from the ravaging wolves that prowled in the night.

02/12/2025

My Love,

It has been too long since our last meeting. My days have gone by all wrong since we were last together. And remembrances from the nights we spent together within the castle walls as the snowstorm howled outside, assure me that the end to my troubles is near.

I’ve been having nightmares, lately. They call me back to the night when the moonlight shone through the stained glass windows in the chapel. We heard a loud wolf call from the forest beyond, and I had jumped. Thank you for the reassuring embrace, then. It was silly of me to think any harm could come to me.

My sister is sick again. The doctors have cautioned that it is not likely she will survive the flu. I’m deeply saddened. She has been my best friend. She has asked me to care for her son, Samuel, when she dies. All I could do was promise her I’d try my best. Her estranged husband left nothing from the inheritance. I fear this letter may reach you too late.

With Love,

Abigail

There was a light rain from an overcast sky during the funeral. Aside from the priest, only Abigail and Samuel attended. The Fluvosky family had moved from town before she was born, cutting friends off and breaking family ties. She let a few tears fall before dropping white roses onto the coffin, already lowered into the grave. When she turned to leave, Samuel remained staring as dirt was shoveled over the flowers and coffin. She waited while the rain came down harder onto the black umbrella in her hand. They climbed into the carriage pulled by two horses snorting out breath that floated away into the cold air.

She returned from town, a week after the funeral, with a letter from Nathanial. She could barely wait to get to the house and sit at her desk to open it. She jumped from her black horse, Ballory, and let the reins hang free before rushing inside to read the letter.

02/20/2025

Sweet Abigail,

I hope my letter finds you and your sister healthy and well. I too think about your last visit here. Thank you for coming for the winter holidays. If it isn’t a lot to ask, come for a visit. I’ve included tickets for the train ride. You are welcome to bring Samuel, pray your sister is well. Work has kept me busy since our last meeting, signing letters and drafting contracts. There is always someone who can benefit from my services.

No need to fear the nightmares. It only indicates that you are tired and becoming overwhelmed. Please come to recuperate and stay if you wish. My carriage will be waiting at the station when the train arrives.

Nathanial

After reading his letter she folded it back up and slid it into the envelop. Tears held too long burst forth with a sob. She wanted to stay at his castle. Not because she had no more income to maintain the estate, but for his alluring and kind companionship.

A knock at the door pulled her from her reveries, and she went to see who was there. When she opened the door, a nun from the town parish bid her a good day. After their exchanges, it was agreed that Samuel would be schooled and raised by the church. She took Ballory to the stables, after the nun left, then went to pack a few belongings. Time was short, and she needed to have matters of the estate taken care of.

The long train ride gave her the chance to write another letter to Nathanial. She was distraught about leaving a life she had lived for twenty-eight years, behind. She wrote about her hopes to be wrapped within his powerful and gentle arms and fears over the delay at the station, before, the train departed.

02/28/2025

My Love,

I’ve left the train station late. There was a delay because a small mob tried to force themselves onto the train. I learned their intent was to get at a politician who is traveling the country for his re-election. I’m safe and wishing you were here to soothe away the darkness disturbed from its rest.

It is getting too unsafe to travel anywhere these days with the uprisings and crimes being committed. I’m glad to be living with you and will arrive in a few days time.

I hope you are as delighted as I am to get back in each other’s arms. I’m looking forward to another candle lit dinner where we can drink wine and enjoy each other’s company. I want to stand with you on the roof and gaze out across the vast forest and high mountain peaks without knowing I’d be leaving.

With Love,

Abigail

After finishing the letter, she relaxed further into the seat before looking out at the blurred scenery passing by. She wrote another letter before the train stopped at the station where she disembarked at twilight. She saw his black carriage pulled by six horses waiting nearby. The driver tipped his hat before she got in for the short distance to the castle. As the carriage sped through disappearing shadows, she spotted a wolf roaming among the pine trees, watching. The iron gate closed behind the carriage when it entered the circular driveway.

When she reached the castle’s door, lit up by two lanterns, he opened it before she knocked and invited her into the warmth. They exchanged a greeting, then, hugged tight for the passionate kiss that took them back to the magical moments shared throughout lifetimes.