Horseback Librarian

By Deanna Twedt

Last month we learned that Lanette survived a night outside in the coldness of early winter. Trying to find her way back to Miracle or at least someone’s homestead, Lanette ran into Nathan Fordwick. He offered to lead her back to Miracle, but they became snowed in at his place. This month we will find out whether Lanette is still trapped or if she made it back safely to Miracle.

Chapter Eight

November 11, 1934

Dear Maisie,

I was stuck at Mr. Fordwick’s for two days. During that time the snow constantly fell and the wind didn’t let up either. I swear I didn’t think the Appalachian Mountains had winters like this. Maybe it’s one of those odd years and I just happen to be in the thick of it. At least Mr. Fordwick was good company. He taught me how to play cribbage. I recommend you try it. There’s a lot of counting involved and I know how you like numbers. He also made me biscuits and venison. Perhaps not the best meal in the world, but it was better than nothing. I couldn’t have cared less, for I was so hungry by that point. I was thankful for whatever was placed before me.

I learned that Mr. Fordwick knows how to play the fiddle, so he played me a few songs. Since some of the songs were familiar I tried to sing along. If I’d had a piano in front of me we could’ve had a duet going on. It’s been quite a while since I heard such lovely music, Maisie. Of course the hymns at Church are nice, but these are songs that beckon back to the highlands of Scotland. Can you imagine? One such song was Bonnie Barbara Allen. I feel like I’ve read it in a book somewhere, but I had never heard it aloud until a couple days ago. Do you remember the words? I’ll put a few of them here for you.

‘Twas in the Merry Month of May

When Flowers were a Bloomin’

Sweet William on his deathbed lay

For the love of Barbara Allen.

Boy, do I wish it were May! It’s so cold and gloomy outside. Yes, it may have seemed pretty that one day, but fighting the cold is no pleasure, let me tell you. I’m so glad to be back in Mr. and Mrs. Lancing’s house. I’ve barely left the wood stove’s side since I’ve been here.

Everything is off schedule now. I’ve so much homework to do and there are probably a few families wondering why I haven’t come by to see them. At least there’s one good piece of news. An envelope came today with my money for working in October and then the bonus they gave me for being hired in September. Mr. Lancing is going to forward it to the college the next mail day. I’m honestly not sure how the money could have gotten here with how the weather has been. Perhaps this is just a place full of miracles…hence the name of the town, even though they named it after a family.

I’ve been working steadily on my studies while keeping as warm as possible and filling my stomach with Mrs. Lancing’s good food. I may have sounded unladylike there, but I don’t care. Not after being stuck more than once because of snowstorms and spending a night out in the forest alone. I am beyond grateful to no longer be lost. That is one of the worst feelings I have ever experienced. I do not wish that upon you.

I have been advised to stay in Miracle for a couple more days before I go back on my routes. Mr. Lancing thinks maybe the snow will settle down by then. I hope so. I shiver at the thought of going through all of that again. This will be good so I can catch up on my homework.

Later…

The schoolteacher came by this afternoon and wondered if I would like to help her in the schoolhouse on occasion. She said she would pay me ten cents an hour. I’m not sure how I’m going to fit in, but I readily said yes, considering I will take any opportunity at earning cash. I may sound greedy by saying that, but you know my situation. I need all that I can get to pay for college. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they would give my scholarship back? You have no idea how much that has been on my mind these days.

Well take care, dear. Try out that cribbage game. Miss you!

Love,

Lanette