Dear Sister Bartholomew,

Sorry that I have to write instead of calling. The phone company did the one thing that I told them not to do, put the phone line through Old Mr. Johnson’s land. He has a new chain saw and can’t see two feet in front of his face. He thought those seedlings Elrod planted for him had grown overnight and cut every one of them. I hear his arraignment is on Monday next.

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your first husband, Henry Matthew. If there is anything you need done, I can send Elrod. Let me know when I will be allowed on your property. You really should label your equipment better. Please let your son, Jebediah, know that I did not mean to drown the chickens.

I will be sending over my famous chicken and rice casserole by way of the Right Reverend’s son when he stops by later today. I remembered you are allergic to chicken, so I’ve put pork in it. (Rerun, you remember that pig we took to auction six times, has finally been good for something after all these years)

Once again, my sincere hope is that your second husband, Luke Christian, will be able to take up the slack on your chicken farm. I didn’t realize you have so many chicken houses down in the hollow.

My heartfelt condolences,

Beatrice

PS, I guess Luke Christian is now your senior husband? Head husband? What does that make Mark Micah?