Yours Truly

Four

FOUR

Annette giggled as she sat at her desk and prepared to answer the letters. Although it had been a shock to see so many people respond to one article in the newspaper, it shocked her even more when her father allowed her to have one full page in the Houston Gazette's next edition just for her to answer the letters and encourage them what she thought was a good suggestion.

She would post each letter before adding her response. She started out her page, thanking everyone who had sent her a letter, and, upon her father's suggestion, mentioned that she was giving advice and it was up to them to take it or leave it. At least, that would cover the newspaper in case her suggestions went awry.

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.

Dear Busy in Houston, I was very pleased to get your letter. I would love to help you with your problem, and hopefully, something I say will give you direction. I think you should reach deep into your heart and mind, and decide what you really want to do. Arranged marriages take a lot of work after the wedding, but since you're a busy man, why not let one of your friends help you find a woman? Either that, or look at everyone that you know who might have an unmarried friend, sister, or daughter. As you probably know, love can hit us at the most inappropriate times. Yours Truly: The Lovelorn

Annette reread what she'd written, grinning broader. She couldn't believe how much fun this was. She hurried and picked up the next letter with the same enthusiasm she had before.

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.

Dear Shy Nellie, I sympathize with your struggles since I have had them myself. I cannot say I'm fully come out of my shell, however, it's a learning process. You must believe in yourself. Tell yourself everyday "I am a beautiful woman who will find love." Keep in mind as you get ready to talk to men that they have the same insecurities, believe me. If you can overcome yours, you will be able to help others and allow them to see your heart. Yours Truly: The Lovelorn.

Annette chuckled and shook her head. Who would have thought she'd be able to share her own experiences?

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.

Dear Mr. Lonely, my advice to you would be that if you find a woman who will fill the emptiness in your heart, have her become friends with your child. Soon, your child will accept that you love this woman, and because the child is also friends with her, your child will welcome this woman into her heart, too. Don't forget to talk to your child so that they know you still love them and want what is best. Yours Truly: The Lovelorn.

Annette sighed, thinking of her own father. Maybe he would read this and realize it was way past time for him to find another wife. Then again, maybe Annette would be the one who would have to help matters along.