Tomorrow's another day...or so they say

Mirabella realized she wasn't asleep anymore, but she didn't want to open her eyes. The beautiful things she had just been dreaming were slowly slipping away, and she tried with all her might to return to them. They were much better than real life. Finally, when all that she could remember of the dream was a happy feeling, she opened her eyes and rolled over. She felt around on her side table until she found her clock and looked at the time: eight-thirty. She sighed and rolled to the other side of the bed. Time to get up, I suppose, she thought and sat up. Stretching her arms and yawning, she made her way downstairs and opened the front door. Blue sky, sunshine, not a cloud in sight. She breathed in the fresh air and then bent down to get the mail, thrown in a pile on her front door step. There were two letters. One from her cousin, Kathleen, who wrote to her almost every day, and another with the address written in a handwriting she didn't recognize. She pried it open with interest as she went back indoors. It read:

Dear Miss Mirabella Fontaine,


I am so sorry to disturb you at such a time as this, but I have some important matters to discuss with you concerning your late brother's affairs. Please contact me at your next convenience to set up a meeting.


Wishing you health and my sincerest condolences,


Mr. George Fulbright

Mirabella read it through a few times as the handwriting was very fine, but difficult to read. She did not recognize the name, and wondered how he knew her brother. She set it aside to deal with later and opened Kathleen's letter.

Mirabella,


You'll never believe what just happened last night. Well, first let me tell you, you missed an AMAZING time at the Harvest Ball. Why ever did you decide not to come? I thought I specifically told you to come AND you agreed to. I am highly disappointed in you.
Anyways, now that I've got you feeling guilty let me tell you what you missed.
Josiah proposed to Milly. IN FRONT OF EVERYONE! Can you believe it? Oh and it gets better. At first Milly covered her face and everyone thought she was hiding her tears of joy. But I knew better. I knew she had to be hiding her pity because, well, haven't I always told you she was going out with him because she felt sorry for him? Anyways when she finally uncovered her face, she said something very quietly. No one caught it, not even Josiah. He said, "speak up darling," and she replied, her face very red, "I'm sorry Josiah... but no." WELL! I must say everyone was surprised, except me of course.   Well, after that things were a little awkward, but soon Milly left (and I hear she left with Lyle, but I don't believe it, she's not THAT heartless) and not long after Josiah left, looking EXTREMELY downcast. I actually feel quite sorry for him, despite his pinched face. After they left, the band struck up some tunes and we had such a MAGNIFICENT dance, my feet shall ache for weeks. 
You should be burning with jealousy.
Love you cousin!
Kathleen


P.S. Charles danced with me a total of six times. SIX TIMES!!


Mirabella stifled a laugh and set the letter down. "Poor Josiah!" she sighed. She felt real pity for him. The town wouldn't stop talking about this event for some time.
After dressing and eating, Mirabella sat down at her writing desk and composed a note to Mr. Fulbright:

Mr. George Fulbright,


I thank you for your sympathy. There is nothing in the world like losing a brother. Would Wednesday at three work for you? Shall I come to your office? (Do you have an office?)


Sincerely,
Mirabella Fontaine


After reading it through, she added:

P.S. How do you know my brother?


She then pulled out another sheet of paper and wrote to Kathleen:

Kathy,


I can't believe I missed such an event. Who do you think Milly is going to torment next? If your feet are going to ache for weeks, does that mean you won't be attending Gwyneth's party on Saturday? Does that mean you won't bother me about going?


Full of red jealousy,
Mirabella


P.S. Charles must be tired from all that dancing.