The year is 1879. When thirteen-year-old Ruth Merritt Holbrook emerges from her family's burning estate, bloody and charred, but entirely numb--She makes headlines. Reporters believe she is deranged. They accuse her of having set the fire. All the h...
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Dear Miss Holbrook,
My husband is away on business, so I am taking it upon myself to respond to your most recent letter. I write in high spirits, excited to meet and become better acquainted with you. I would be pleased for us to be friends. Gabe speaks of you as a sister and I am eager to know you as such—but alas, all in due time.
Let me begin by telling you that I have met this gentleman, a Dr. Abaddon. He came to call a few days ago. He stayed for tea and was very obliging. Gabe interviewed him, a process for which I was not present, but I was assured that the fellow is not to fear. I shall allow Gabe to explain upon your arrival in London, I'm sure he will wish to relay his findings to you himself. In the meantime, I will remain vigilant, listening and reporting any new details I may come upon. We ladies should stick together, should we not?
Now, onto your request, we are more than happy to supply a bedroom for your friend, Miss McCall. As I'm sure you are aware, we are dedicatd Baptist; but we have no qualms with anyone of our faith and would be most pleased to have her stay in our home. The more the merrier.
I want to be able to make you as comfortable as possible and I am, admittedly, clueless as to your present living situation. If there is anything you should need, whether before or during your stay with us, please do not hesitate to let me know. I pride myself in being a wonderful hostess and I intend to exceed my own standards.
Most sincerely,
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