Page 87 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
But not with any enthusiasm, Emily thought.
Gram hugged the boy. “Come and visit me often.”
“’Kay.”
Emily eased past Gram, wanting to quickly end this awkward moment.
Gram reached for her and pulled her into a warm embrace. “I know there is more or perhaps less to the story that man told, but how do we find out the truth?”
The tears Emily had been holding back threatened to pour from her eyes, and she turned away, grabbed her bag, and headed for the door.How do we find out the truth?Why couldn’t Jesse have uttered those words?
Because, as she’d said, her story was too close to his mother’s.
Holding Mikey’s hand, she went out the back gate and up the alley. Look at her. Hiding from public view because of accusations against her. There was something familiar about that thought. Had she really done what Mr. Ellesworth said? Why would she? It seemed so unlike who she felt she was. Had the blow to her head altered her personality?
What did it matter? She had no way of finding out the truth. There was nothing she could do.
Her feet ground to a halt. That wasn’t exactly true. There was something she could do.
She reached the manse and knocked. Annie flung the door open.
“Come on in. What a nice surprise.” She saw the basket on Emily’s arm. “What’s this?”
“You better hear my story before you let me in.”
The two little boys ran off to play, and Emily repeated the story Jesse had told her. “So I can’t stay there.”
“You can stay here.”
“Are you sure? If people hear, they will judge you for having me.”
“I would suggest they hear the words of our Lord, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.’” She pulled Emily into the kitchen. “We have lots of space.” Annie led the way down a hall. “Choose your room.”
“Thank you. I won’t stay long.” Just long enough to find a way to leave.
“Stay as long as you like. I’ll leave you to get settled, then come and join me for tea.” Annie slipped away.
Emily sat on the bed as every ounce of energy drained from her. A few minutes later, she went to the kitchen. “There is something I must do. Can I borrow paper and pen to write a letter?”
“You’ll find both in the front room. Help yourself.”
“Thank you.” She sat at the writing desk and composed her letter.
Dear Matron Hilda,
Thank you for the information regarding me. I still do not have my memory back and would like the address for my Aunt Martha so I can write her regarding my family.
I am currently unable to travel, but Mikey is safe with me, and I will take good care of him.
Sincerely,
Emily Smith
As she signed her name, she felt a touch of familiarity. Was this her customary signature? So many questions.
She sealed the envelope, tucked the letter into her pocket to mail later, and returned to the kitchen where Annie shared tea with her.
How long before she couldn’t enjoy such pastimes? As she’d once told Jesse, women with a soiled reputation were not welcomed in decent company. She doubted if Jesse would have any cause to repeat the story Mr. Ellesworth had told, but the latter had no reason not to spread it far and wide.
