Headstall

You're welcome, neil. So pleased you liked it. Twists and turns? There might be one or two. I'm looking forward to it too, and hopefully I'll be back to normal soon.

Lol. Sorry... not sorry. I agree... grannies are the best. I had two completely different ones, but I loved them dearly. Does she know? Possibly.... Oh, me too. I have loved Dolly forever. That is a great visual. I would bet that Maureen, being such a reader as a child, came up with such a noble name. Thanks for this, my friend. It gave me a lift to read all these wonderful comments while feeling so ill.

Didn't you just love that she was wearing trousers? Harriet is not conventional, that's for sure. I guess it would be convenient if she was in a relationship with Dorothea... it would make acceptance easier. Love your speculation, friend. Something was confusing to August... whatever could it be. Thanks!

Thank you, Chris!!

Hello, my lovely friend. Harriet lives a grand life in a grand home for sure. Is there some gaydar going on? I won't tell. This chapter was important, so I'm pleased you liked the reunion. As far as Willy James, maybe it wasn't a smart idea to let him travel alone. It was asking a lot of someone so inexperienced. Fingers crossed. Wealthy lads? Hmmm... or.... The early chapter is because I expected I was going to feel pretty bad on Monday, and I was right. I think I'm on the mend... but it's hard to tell. It changes from minute to minute.

Hello, centex. The storm is breaking... but there is non stop coughing now. And a headache that doesn't want to let go. I will admit Harriet and Dorothea seem awfully close, don't they? I have a soft spot for grandmothers, and Harriet was a bright light in my mind when I thought of her. I see her as a rebel for her time, fiercely independent and loving. I have no doubt she will be a gran for all. As far as Barnswallow, I think we all eagerly await its appearance. It won't be long now. I agree... Runyan won't forgive himself if misfortune befalls Willy James. So happy you're enjoying this, my friend.

Uh... possibly...

Exactly. It took the care of them out of other's hands, so it was convenient for everyone.

Absolutely. Spinster ladies were expected to live together.

I don't think a hot toddy would be a good idea, spyke. I am trying to take care of myself, though. Love all the speculation. You're a clever bunch, but I hold the power, right? You are so kind to say you feel in the room. Your praise is expressed so well, and I truly appreciate the boost. For me, it's about hard work and attention to detail... to every aspect of a scene. I write the scene, and then turn it upside down and backwards to see if the feel and balance are there. Sometimes I get it right the first time, but usually not quite. Thanks for this, my friend.

Thanks, Albert. It was an important chapter in this book, this reunion of Harriet and August. And of course I had to leave readers guessing at the end of it. There is nothing I enjoy than revealing things through dialogue. We learn a lot in this one. Appreciate the kind words.

Harriet does appear to appreciate quality things, and that would indicate Barnswallow is far from a ruin. We know from an earlier chapter than Brewster had money and left her some. We don't know how much but it's obvious she isn't hurting for money. Thanks, Doc.

Love the speculation. Would I have named Dorothea for any such reason?

Maybe there's a story to tell. Thanks, Doc.

Gran is everything August's pa is not. And of course she loves Rob, though she may not like his behavior. It's a grandparents job to love without conditions. As far as her relationship with Dorothea, maybe they are just lifelong friends, or maybe it is more. Either way, the woman has her quirks. As far as Maureen, she is her mother's daughter, and would put August's happiness above anything else. I have no doubts about that. August is fortunate to have had the mother and grandmother he does. I loved writing August's relief at Harriet's reaction to Runyan. As he thought, it made him love her more. Sometimes, topics don't come up in families, especially ones that have distance between them. Runyan has a home here... it won't replace the one he left, but it can provide him great comfort if he sticks around. And yes, stronger bonds can be created that surpass a blood family one. In our community, that has proven true for so many. Love that you see Harriet as a spitfire. Love green tea too, but I stick to caffeine free teas now. As far as Willy James, it is up in the air, but what isn't is that Runyan will search for him come hell or high water. Thank you, my lovely friend. Not feeling good yet, but I'll get there.

Sorry, commenters... I've run out of steam. It's hard to think when mucous and tears are pouring out. My eyes can't handle the screen.

Hey, Kris. I love how you all keep trying to get ahead of me. We shall see, but I do agree Gran and Dorothea wouldn't much care about them being couples. I feel bad for how bad August feels about not being open with his grandmother. And yep, he's almost a landowner... or is he?

She certainly is sharp, Doc, and curious. Some might have seen her as pushy, but I don't. She loves her grandson, and this is there first meeting in years. She wants to know everything and I think you make a good point that she has suspicions. August and Fletcher are not the best at hiding their feelings. As far as Dorothea, that remains to be seen, but I adore her as a character. Thanks, my friend.

Not feeling my best yet--just a severe head and chest cold--but I need to start responding to these comments. Hey, Parker. Glad you liked it. I do see some similarities in them too... like when Harriet mentions his good heart and love for animals, and his moral code-right and wrong. They share those values. I think we are all hoping to see Willy James... it could be a rough and violent time back then. Sorry about the cliffhanger. My head is cloudy... I hope this made sense.

I must admit I'm a huge fan of DA... and both sets of Crawleys, especially Roland. Albert is a jealous man who tried to steal Lorraine away from Roland, and he FAILED. He's never let that go even though he was the real thief.

Lol. Albert's greed has no bounds. He's always looking to outsmart the next guy.

Thanks. I'm trying. Not good at being sick. I'm a big baby.

That'd wonderful! Oh, to feel forty again!

Happy you feel that way. Yes, they couldn't be more different than those two Cooley men. Okay... back to bed for me.