Chapter Twenty-nine
Dear Jeremy,
I hope you are safe. I write to you with sad news as Aunt Belle has passed from consumption. Father came to stay, and they have had time to mend fences. I am sorry to deliver these lines. Aunt Belle thought a lot of you.
Take care of yourself.
Love always,
EJ
The front door of the saloon had a black wreath with ribbons and flowers. The inside was draped with black crepe, the curtains all drawn closed. EJ sat in the front room for most of the afternoon wearing a new black shirt and pants, maintaining the image Belle worked so hard to create. The air was cool from the ice under the coffin. The lid was propped open, showing the blush pink fabric lining. Belle wore her best silk dress, her arms invisible under the flowers, but crossed on her chest. She ha
