Ruth was just finishing her work for the day, an unopened missive in her apron pocket. She had left Jacob with Pearl for the week so she could take time to herself. She missed him but she wanted very much for him to get to fall in love with his aunt's and uncles, and Pearl insisted she take care of the boy.

After carefully putting things away, she headed into the hallway. She pulled the letter out and finally looked at it and then realized she recognized the name as the one who was hired by Edward's family. Taking a deep breath, she slowed to a hault and then carefully opened up the missive.

She started to read, then put her hand over her suddenly fast heartbeat as the words jumped out at her... Bigomy.... She was never Angus' wife in truth.... He'd married more than a handful of women in order to procure funds... He had only used her.

Part of her wanted to feel so very angry at the snake of a man, but she was giddy with relief and dare she feel, joy? She was gasping and laughing, and sobbing, but mostly laughing.

It was then that she took off at a brisk pace, letter clutched tightly in her shaking hand. She found the library and didn't knock, she never needed to anymore... If he was in there, he was in there, or he was in the garden, or somewhere. She would find the man and ignore anyone who asked questions.

The moment she found him, she gasped his name, "Edward, you must see this..." and offered the wrinkled paper. And wherever he was found, she still sunk to her butt, covered her face and wept.