Chapter Twenty-Nine

DECEMBER 22, 1885

Dear Father and Mother,

I’m married. To Jack Hennessey. Yes, Jack from Van Buren, the one who always wanted to help me with my schoolwork. It looks like I’ll be staying in Indian Territory longer than planned, because he’s an officer in the cavalry. He’s the one who rescued me from the Indians, but they were nice. They rescued me from the stagecoach robber. I don’t think I told you about that in my last letter, but everything is good now. Very good.

Isn’t it funny? I was trying not to get married, and look at me now. I tried everything I could to get Jack’s attention, and he ignored me for quite a while, but I finally won him over. This is better than painting the Rockies, although he tells me that he’ll take me there someday. So now I’m an officer’s wife. Isn’t that a surprise? How everyone will laugh at me back home.

We both send our love and hope to make it home to visit our families on his next leave. Oh, and I did send in a portrait for that exhibition in Denver. I am waiting for news.

Love you both. Merry Christmas.

Your daughter,
Mrs. John Hennessey

P.S. Mr. and Mrs. Walker, I’m afraid your daughter is not being honest. I’ve been hopelessly in love with her for years and can’t believe that she consented to honor me in this unfathomable manner. I am the most fortunate man alive.

I only regret that I wasn’t able to ask permission to court her before we were wed, but the situation was quite unique. Be assured she will lack for nothing, most of all the knowledge that she is loved and respected. And I will prevail upon her to write you more often and to tell the truth in her letters.

Sincerely,
Lt. Jack Hennessey