Chapter 11

“What does it say?”

Paul tore open the envelope, shaking with excitement. He longed to devour the words privately, but Martha looked at him with expectant eyes. He cleared his throat and began, “Dearest Paul, I’m posting this from Santa Fe before we go to California. Ford and I were married last week. After we finally left our room, we met Raphael Gonzalez. Do you know of him? He owns the largest ranch in California. He and Ford made quick friends, and he hired Ford as his foreman.”

“Good for them,” Martha said.

Paul continued reading, as if he didn’t hear her. “I think about that night we spent together, Paul, and I do wonder if things could have been different. We’ll never know, I guess. I’ll write when we reach California. I hope everything is well in the Corner. Your friend, Eliza. P.S. Ford sends his regards.”

He looked up to meet Martha’s flashing eyes. “You slept with her and Ford let you live?”