Page 97 of Winterset
I waited a moment for someone to knock, but nothing came. Another moment passed and then a soft swish as paper slipped beneath my bedchamber door.
A note.
I rushed to retrieve it, and when I saw my name written in Oliver’s handwriting, I could not open it fast enough.
Dearest Kate,
I write you this letter with trepidation. For I know once these words are said, they cannot be unsaid. But I fear you believe something that is untrue, and I cannot bear it. You asked why I told Charlie not to pursue you. The answer is quite simple: I could not endure watching another man court you. I care for you, Kate, more than I should as your protector.
There it is. The truth.
Since the first day I stepped foot in Winterset, you have haunted me. Day and night, my thoughts turn to you unceasingly—your strength of character, your courage, your ability to see beauty in a world that has shown you so much ugliness—and I am utterly enamored.
And it is because I care for you that I could not kiss you. I wanted to. Oh, how I wanted to. But when you looked up at me, so trusting, and leaned toward me, so willing, Charlie’s words rang in my ears: that you might only be here becauseIwant you here. And I could not be so selfish.
When we finally met face-to-face in my study, I should have offered to help you find a safer situation. At the time, I thought I was helping you by allowing you to stay at Winterset. I told myself that you wanted to stay here, but I didn’t know—Idon’tknow—because I did not ask you. I should have. I am sorry.
So I will ask you now: What do you want, Kate?
Whatever you wish—to stay, to go, to stay and havemego—I will give it to you, asking nothing in return.
I have attempted to write this letter no less than a dozen times, and still, I am unsatisfied. I do not know your reasons for what almost took place in the attic, but I do hope. Forgive me for being so bold.
Yours, however unworthy,
xOliver Jennings
As soon as I finished reading his beautiful letter, I started reading it again, from the beginning to take it all in. Then I pressed the letter to my chest. He cared for me. Hehopedfor me. My heart felt like it might burst with joy.
I all but ran down the stairs, wanting to talk to him before his guests arrived, and I found him in the library.
When I entered, he looked up, and realizing it was me, he stood swiftly, clearly surprised to see me so soon.
Dressed in his finery and hair perfectly styled, he was dashing. No, that was doing it too lightly. He was devastating.
“I read your letter,” I said, pulling the dooralmostclosed behind me.
He nodded slowly, looking more nervous than I had ever seen him.
“Did you mean what you said?” I asked.
“Every word,” he said in a low voice. “If you want to leave Winterset, I will help you.”
How could he still not understand my meaning? Nevertheless, I needed to hear him say the words. “Do youwantme to go?”
He looked surprised by my question. “No. I only want you to know that you have options, Kate. Whatever you want, you need only ask me.”
My heart raced so swiftly that it felt like it might beat right out of my chest. “Did you mean what you said about your feelings for me?” I asked.
“I did,” he said, swallowing hard. “Ido.”
“I care for you too.”
He searched my eyes for meaning. “Tell me what you want, Kate.”
“I want to stay here, Oliver. Withyou.”
Oliver’s eyes flickered with emotion. A mixture of hope and hesitation. “Are you certain?” he asked.
