JUNE 23, 1861

Clover packed her things. She needed to get away for a while and think.

Since the accident at the school, she was flooded with memories that she must have blocked out.

She knew that her and Ivy weren't really close but they were closer then they had been lately. Boys seem to have been the only thing that had come between them.

Making sure she had everything. Clover picked up the notes and her suitcase. She headed for the front desk. "Walter can you make sure Ivy and Charlie get these? I don't have time right now."

Walter noticed her suitcase. "Sure, will you be back soon?" He nodded at the suitcase.

Looking down Clover shook her head, "I don't know. I need to get away and think for a while. I have been pretty mean to my sister." Shaking her head, Clover turned back to Walter. "I would really appreciate it if you could give those to them for me."

"Walter nodded. "Sure Clover, I hope you get everything figured out."

"Me too," Clover answered as she paid her bill. Then she headed for the livery.

Quickly saddling the horse that she had just bought, she mounted up and rode out of town. She knew this was something she had to do. Kicking the horse into a run she headed west out of town.

Walter, sensing that the letters he was given were important, gave them to Charlie and Ivy immediately.

As Ivy and Charlie stood there together reading their letters, Ivy looked up and said, "Charlie, I've got to go after her."

"Just be careful. I'll let Richard know that you won't be back for a while."

"Thank you,"  she smiled and hurried off to buy a horse from Samantha so she could follow her sister.