You read it Jaybird, don't want to know if it be from your bloody fancy man.
He aint my fancy man Pa
Too bloody right he aint, whose it from then?
Jackilyn broke the seal upon the letter and cleared her throat, which then sent her into a coughing fit. Her mother rushed to her side, a loving embrace wrapped around the girl as Jackilyns face turned redder and redder from the exertion. Soon though, Mrs Denton placed a cup of water in the girls hand, and gradually her cough was calmed and soothed. The old cook took over the letter reading, squinting ever so slightly with her failing eyesight.
Oh now there is nice, it says here, Bíld son of Bóurr to Mister A. Blackburrow greeting.
I apologize for the presumption in writing to you directly but wished to deliver news of your daughter's bill at the Blackbird Soothery: I am told it has already been paid in full by an anonymous party. I understand if that sits uncomfortably with you, but unfortunately it was all I was able to learn.
The news gave two different reactions, Archie grumbled, yet Lily proclaimed
How lovely! Someones watching over you Jackie dear, isn't all bleak now is it?
Mrs Denton continued, a chubby finger following the lines of writing she had already gone through, then with an "Aha.." read on..
I humbly extend this opinion in the hopes it will settle your mind: Miss Jackilyn's treatment at the Soothery largely consisted of bedrest and nursing, as lung-fever is not an illness Men's medicine can cure. If you are indebted to anyone, it is the Elf Cesistya who at the moment resides in Bree-town who made to your daughter a free gift of Elf-medicine, and it is that, rather than any treatment of ours, that probably did the most for her recovery.
Her father piped up again
At least someone admits their failings, elves though? Queer business, wonder if they drink beer? I'll be sending a few bottles to this here Cessy elf, care of Barliman! Helping our lass and I aint even met her!
You finished Archie? Or should I just give up reading now?!
Mrs Denton didn't wait for his answer and continued with the remainder of the letter.
No more at this time but profuse thanks for and compliments to your extremely fine brew, which my brother and I shall greatly enjoy.
I am honored to remain
Yours deeply,
Bíld
Yours deeply,
Bíld
Finally, she folded the parchment. Archie looking as proud as punch at the compliment his work was given. Lily though seemed to have something on her mind, noticed by her daughter
What is it Ma?
Queer how the bill be already paid for dear, it wasn't any of your boys doing was it Aggie?
Mrs Denton gave a slow shake of the head and ventured her own suggestion
Master Bild himself perhaps? He is a generous sort
Jackilyn eased herself from her mothers hold and gave her the empty cup before getting to her feet to walk to the spot at the table where her writing things still lay.
What are you doing now dear?
Writing Ma
