Ruth did not.
Also good.
The story of Dawson choosing Lena became local legend.
Predictably, it grew ridiculous.
Some versions claimed Eliza fainted.
She did not.
Some claimed Harold pulled a pistol.
Absolutely not.
One claimed Dawson punched Harold.
Lena corrected that angrily.
Another claimed Lena was secretly daughter of a railroad baron.
She laughed for ten minutes.
The truth was more interesting.
But stories prefer spectacle.
At a wedding years later, a young woman asked Lena:
“Is it true Mr. Reed chose you because he discovered you were rich?”
Lena stared.
Dawson, standing nearby, nearly choked on coffee.
Lena said:
“He chose me before either of us knew.”
The girl smiled dreamily.
“That’s romantic.”
Lena looked at Dawson.
“It was inconvenient.”
He laughed.
The girl looked confused.
Lena continued:
“Romance is not the moment somebody chooses you.”
“It’s what happens after both people can leave and keep choosing anyway.”
Dawson’s expression softened.
The girl probably forgot the quote.
Dawson did not.
Years later he repeated it at their daughter’s wedding.
Lena accused him of stealing.
At seventy-four, Dawson developed heart trouble.
The doctor said rest.
Dawson interpreted as “work slightly less.”
Lena interpreted as “sit down or I will break your other knee.”
They negotiated.
At seventy-six, he could no longer ride long distances.
He hated it.
Lena bought him a small carriage.
He called it humiliation.
Then enjoyed it.
At seventy-eight, winter was hard.
Not historically terrible.
Just cold.
One night Dawson woke unable to breathe.
Lena knew.
They had been preparing emotionally without saying.
She sent Samuel for doctor.
Then sat beside bed.
Dawson looked at her.
“Do you remember parlor?”
Lena laughed softly.
“You’re dying and want to discuss Harold’s furniture?”
“Terrible chairs.”
“They were.”
He smiled.
“I thought you’d say no.”
“I almost did.”
“Why didn’t you?”
She took his hand.
“Because you looked terrified.”
He laughed weakly.
“Pity.”
“No.”
“Curiosity.”
“Better.”
He looked at her.
“You were standing in that gray dress.”
“Ugly dress.”
“I liked it.”
“You were wrong.”
“Still have it?”
“No.”
“Tragedy.”
His breathing became harder.
Lena leaned closer.
Dawson whispered:
“I loved you before the land.”
“I know.”
“Wanted to say once more.”
“I know.”
He smiled.
Then:
“You believe me now?”
Lena’s eyes filled.
“Yes.”