Yours Truly

Three

THREE

The newspaper had been out for two days now, and Annette couldn't believe how much mail she'd received from readers – all addressed to Lovelorn. Her hands shook with fear and excitement as she opened the first letter. From the other room, it was easy to hear some of the comments being made from the other journalists. Mainly, they were asking her father who this mysterious writer was. Thankfully, her father didn't tell them. His answer was that he had another journalist in mind and this was their test – to see what kind of talk would make its way through town about the Lovelorn.

Trying not to grin and give away her secret identity to the others in the office, she read her first letter. Mr. Phelps from the bank, asked about the writer's identity. He said that it had started an argument between him and his wife because their daughter was reaching the courting age. He wondered why the Lovelorn would write such an article.

Shrugging, Annette set the letter aside and opened another one. She wasn't surprised that Mrs. Selmer and Mrs. White had sent in letters, but what surprised her was that they were not complaints this time. Both women applauded Annette's father for printing an article that was finally interesting.

Annette rubbed her mouth, trying not to smile with satisfaction. Those two letters were enough praise, and she'd make sure her father knew about it. However, she was excited to see some of the other letters.

Dear Lovelorn, your article intrigues me. I assume you know this topic well enough, and so I'm hoping you can help me. I'm a man who doesn't have time for courtship, but I'm eager to find a wife. What would you suggest I do? Should I let my parents arrange the marriage as what is done in other countries? I had hoped the woman would find me and be the one who would pursue the courting, but since that hasn't happened, I'm at a loss. Please help. Signed - Busy in Houston.

Releasing a small gasp, Annette sat up straighter in her chair. This man was asking for her help? How very odd... and yet, very encouraging.

She placed that letter in a separate pile and opened another letter.

Dear Lovelorn, I was very pleased to read your article in the newspaper – and surprised since I've not read anything like this in the Houston Gazette before. I'm twenty-two years old, and I'm shy. My parents have tried to find beaus for me, but I fear there are no men who enjoy having this particular quality in a wife. I don't want to end up a spinster. What should I do? Signed - Shy Nellie.

Annette let out a tiny laugh and quickly covered her hand over her mouth. Her hopes lifted a little more. People really wanted her to help them? If only they knew she was a rejection from the courtship farm, herself.

She opened another letter.

Dear Lovelorn, I've been a widower for several years, and I hesitate to find love again. I have a child, but I worry that if I try and marry again, my child might be unhappy. How can I find a woman who will be a good mother to my child and who will want to not only gain my love but my child's? Signed – I'm lonely.

She giggled and set that letter with the others that were similar. Eager to read the next one, she tore the letter as she opened it. Thankfully, she placed the torn pieces together and was able to read.

Dear Lovelorn, your identity has me curious, but I'm in hopes that you are a woman. You are very knowledgeable on this subject, and I feel you are the perfect woman for me. So, if you are a woman, I would like to meet you and see if we could have a future together. I would very much like to be with someone who thinks the same way as I do. Perhaps you have just started a different option in the "courtship world", because I would like to get to know you through letters, just as you can get to know me. Yours Truly, Match Made in Heaven.