Love in Stained Glass — Susan Hart

 In the year 1875, Gertrude Roden was a talented stained-glass artist living in the quaint state of Vermont. Her intricate and vibrant works adorned the windows of the finest homes, churches, and chapels across the region. However, Gertrude yearned for something more – a chance to share her talents with a wider audience and find a life partner to share her journey.Gertrude spent countless evenings hunched over her worktable, the soft glow of candlelight illuminating the delicate glass pieces scattered before her. As she meticulously soldered together fragments of color, her mind often wandered to thoughts of a future beyond the familiar landscapes of Vermont.One chilly autumn evening, as she carefully smoothed the edges of a cobalt piece, Gertrude's thoughts drifted to an advertisement she had stumbled upon in the local gazette. It was a simple notice, yet it spoke of grand promises – an opportunity for adventurous souls seeking companionship and new beginnings.With trembling hands, she reached for a  piece of stationery beside her and read it once more, the words dancing before her eyes. The notion of becoming a mail-order bride had never crossed her mind before, but in that moment, a spark of curiosity ignited within her heart.Could this be the chance she had been waiting for? A chance to find love and explore new horizons beyond the rolling hills of Vermont? Determination welled up within her as she envisioned a life beyond her cozy studio, filled with new possibilities and a partner to share it with.