That was it? No description of what he would propose we do in Charlottesville? No reference to the walk we took at the Wexler gala, the stars, or our kiss? Just a tongue-in-cheek comment about our dancing? Was it all so matter-of-fact to him? How many women was he courting at the moment? How many did he hold in his arms and kiss since we had met? Was there someone he thought prettier, perhaps? Why bother writing back to him? Was I making a total fool of myself?

I fumed, sulked, and then, days later when my aunt’s reply arrived inviting me as I had expected she would, I broke down any resistance quickly and wrote to him but made sure to sound far less formal than he had sounded.

Dear Garland,

My great-aunt has invited me to her home anytime, so I will move up my plans and prepare a visit in two days. I intend to stay in Charlottesville for a week, perhaps a day or two more. I am including my great-aunt’s address in this letter. It’s only two houses east of the People’s Bank on the corner of Court and Market. I do look forward to seeing you again. You made the Wexler gala quite enjoyable for me.

When I arrive at my great-aunt’s home, I shall tell her about our meeting each other at the event and your investment in my father’s bank, so she will know you are no stranger. I am bringing the dress I wore to show her.

Perhaps you can send a note to her address to let me know when you might appear on the doorstep.

Warm regards,

Corrine

Once again, I debated scenting the letter. This time I decided to do so. When I gave it to my father, he looked like he detected the sweet aroma even before it was in his hands. Had I overdone it? There was that little smile on his lips and an impish glint in his eyes.

“What?” I asked.

“I’ll get your train ticket,” he told me.

It would be the first time I would be on a train by myself, sitting in a passenger car with strangers. I had never thought of it as a joyful experience. There was soot and noise, and the seats weren’t all that comfortable. Every time we were on a train, my mother would force me to stay seated, and I often got off nauseated.

Nevertheless, I was having so much trouble containing my excitement during the next two days that I thought it best to avoid my mother as much as possible, and whenever I did confront her and my mother asked about or mentioned my visiting Great-aunt Nettie, I tried to avoid looking at her or making any part of it sound interesting.

“I’m sure I’ll be bored in two days and come home,” I muttered.