#mary wright

"It's alright, Baby. You well feel better soon enough."

Sometimes the Wright home can feel very, very small.

Whenever an argument begins between George and Father or George and Mary (or, let's be honest, George or Mary with anyone), the twins will always find an excuse to get out for a bit.

Often that means gathering more water

On one such day, the mood is unusually somber between the two.

Edmund can't help but notice that Eugenia has grown more reserved as they near adolescence.

"Eugenia, is something...wrong? You've seemed very sad lately," Edmund finally asks.

Eugenia hesitates a moment before answering. "It's just- doesn't it bother you that we must leave school soon? Won't you miss it?"

Edmund thinks on it for a moment. He likes school, for sure, but he also loves the farm. Besides, he doesn't have anything he'd like to study further in particular

"I mean, I guess I'll miss Miss Hall and our friends. I like working on the farm, though. Will you miss it?"

"Yes, I think I really will. I'll miss everyone, like you, but I think I'll miss learning even more. Miss Hall says I'm very bright, and if I could just stay a few more years..."

Eugenia begins to tear up, choking on her last few words. Instinctually, Edmund pulls her into a tight embrace, letting them, for a little while, share the sadness as one.

"I'm not asking to travel the world," Eugenia continues, "I just want a few more years, then I'll leave."

"Then I'm going to help you find a way to stay, I promise."

The air is much clearer after their talk. In fact, the twins spend much of the rest of the night discussing ideas for continuing Eugenia's education, ideas ranging from practical to downright ridiculous

"Pretend to be the long-lost daughter of the king! You'll be given a princess' education then."

"No! Don't be ridiculous!"

Sweet Bess' time has come. She brought so much joy to the children and was a great financial support for the family. Poor John already misses her greatly, but at least he can take comfort in knowing hers was a peaceful departure - even a rainbow appeared for her send off

Eugenie has determined that she absolutely detests cooking, which is very unfortunate considering the many mouths she must feed and the sizable income that comes from her preserves.

Though she would never confess this to another soul, sometimes she likes to imagine what life might have been like if she had never left the city.

She adores her husband and children, but there must be more to life than cooking and cleaning and caring for the children and working on the farm, right?

Sickness has also come to the Wright household, spreading quickly through the tightly packed family. Luckily, it has been more of a nuisance than a danger so far, and Benjamin is trying to make the most of his rest by spending time with his children.

He often finds himself taken aback by the talent of Franny. Of course, there won't be much for her to do with that, but it may at least help her find a good husband.

Mary is, as usual, rather stinky. With eight people and one bath, it is unfortunately not an uncommon occurrence