Journey to Turnabout

Hannah Burton: Winter

As the last of the Burton girls to remain single, Hannah, at age 21, is not really looking to be married. She has her own place to live (a room in Mrs. McKnight's boarding house), her own job as a newspaperwoman (working for the cranky owner/editor at odd hours), and her own life (independent to the utmost).

All seems to be well. She is close to her three sisters, and their husbands. But who can exist vicariously through other family members? She is beginning to find that her spinster estate is not as satisfying as she'd hoped, being left alone and lonely.

Even the arrival of Abigail Fitzsimmons, a newly made widow, can't really bolster her spirits.

Given the paucity of available bachelors in town, Hannah decides to follow the successful lead of her siblings: she starts checking newspaper advertisements for men seeking a wife.

Of all those sad and desperate appeals, she finds one that might be suitable. His name is Ualraig, but information is not easily forthcoming. It could be said, in fact, that he holds his cards close to his chest. She doesn't even know where he lives.

Finally he suggests they plan to connect there in Turnabout. Trouble is, he's delayed again and again, until Hannah almost gives up hope of ever actually meeting her prospective bridegroom.

Then a near-calamitous event takes precedence to all else, and Hannah's world is turned upside down