Excerpt: The Plants, The Plants, Argh

Upon her return to the campsite several hours later, after a successful seed gathering day, Angeline was pleasently surprised to see two letters awaiting her. The first, she saw, was addressed Branson's neat handwriting. That, naturally, must be read first. The other looked unfamiliar, and thus seemed unimportant.

Dearest Angeline, she read,
I was so sorry to hear the dreadful news. I offer my condolences, although truely I know that words cannot help you at this time. I hope you are holding up well.

A feeling of dread came over her, and her heart raced as she continued reading:

I presume you will be coming home immediately. Please let me know if there is anything I can do, or even if you just want to talk.
Yours with love,
Branson

What dreadful news? Why would she be coming home? Slowly it dawned on Angeline that the other letter may shed some light on the situation. Hurridly she ripped open the other envelope. Glancing quickly to the bottom of the page she saw the name of her father's solicitor, and immediately feared the worst. Although she knew him well and had done all her life, he was not the type to send a personal or chatty letter for no reason.

Dear Miss Fibalston,
I am very sorry to advise that your father, Regimus Fibalston,has recently passed away. The cause of death remains to be determined officially, but it is known that he had heart problems and high cholestoral; it seems likely to have been a heart attack.
It is unfortunate that this should occur when you are so far from home; I beg you to please return at your earliest convenience.
You should know that he has left his entire empire solely to you. This makes you a very rich woman, and if I may be so bold, I suggest that you retain me as your solicitor as I am familiar with all of your father's affairs and estate.
I look forward to discussing further matters of business with you upon your return.
Yours sincerely,
Samuel Harbinger

Angeline felt the blood drain from her face, and the letter fluttered to the ground unregarded as she digested what she had read. Her father, dead. She must, of course, go home immediately.