Curious now, Jane picked up the letter and unfolded it with some delicacy. She knew it wasn’t fragile but somehow Jane instinctively treated the letter as if it were a newly blossomed rose. As the letter opened, Jane smiled at the familiar handwriting. Jane often received letters and postcards from Eliza on her travels and gardening accomplishments.
Jane signed and took a sip of her Merlot. Eliza was Fred’s great aunt and one of Jane’s favorite family members. Eliza and Jane were frequent pen pals, Eliza never having grown comfortable with the laptop or email account.
My dearest Jane,
I hope this letter arrives to find you, Fred, and the children healthy and flourishing. Please give them my love.
I know this letter and the news of my passing has caught you unawares. I have every faith that my passing was on an adventure and not the result of sitting on my bum at home twiddling my thumbs.
Jane sighed and made a mental note to phone the erstwhile Mr. James Beardsley in the morning and inquire into the details of Eliza’s passing. A sip of her wine and Jane resumed reading.
I have instructed the very competent Mr. Beardsley to handle the details of my Estate with this bequest being the last to be handled. I am certain that he handled everything efficiently and properly. The bulk of the Estate has been sold off and all debts settled. Any remaining funds were to be evenly distributed between Kew Gardens and my local parish Saint Anne’s.
Mr. Beardsley has arranged for the shipment of the family desk you have always loved on your visits. There should be several smaller boxes enclosed with the shipment. I will not spoil the surprises that await your discovery.
I trust you will find endless hours of enjoyment and discovery over the coming years. I will admit to harboring the secret hope that the surprises and discoveries you uncover kindle a love of history in those amazing children you and Fred have raised.
I shall miss your sense of humor, your passion for life, and the stories of the family. They have been comforting over the years. I have cherished our friendship and the best thing that ever happened to Fred was meeting and falling in love with his desert rose as he always called you.
Jane felt the letter flutter to her lap as the tears silently slipped onto her lap. Subconsciously, Jane reached for a tissue to dry the tears. George wandered back into the room and weaved himself between Jane’s legs and the legs of the chair. He seemed to know that she needed comfort but that her lap was otherwise occupied. Jane resolved to finish reading the letter before Fred arrived home.
I shall be the family’s guardian angel, watching from above and delighting in the scraps and discoveries of you all. I love you all and knowing all of you made my life richer and more interesting.
Please don’t mourn my passing but rather celebrate my life. Celebrate life in always, follow your hearts and indulge your flights of fancy. Love one another and remember the life is but a fleeting adventure to be shared by those you love.
All my love always,
Auntie Liza
Jane was openly sobbing now. Eliza was a the very picture of living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute of that journey. Jane know her life was fuller and richer because of Eliza. Through her tears and grief Jane made a silent promise to Auntie Liza to celebrate her life and cherish each day with her family.
Jane heard the back door open and the solid, comforting footsteps of Fred enter the kitchen. Jane set the letter aside and flew into the kitchen and her husband’s arms. Fred instinctively grabbed and hugged Jane and let her cry.
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