#scott 1900

Dear Ma and Pa,

If you’ve found this letter, then I am gone. Aboard the same boat carrying Travis and Sophia across the ocean to Britechester. I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye - I knew that you would stop me. I don’t want to marry Joaquin, and you can tell him that.

If you need to contact me, send the message to Travis. He’ll know where to find me.

Dear Jacques,

Cassandra and I had no luck in producing a child of our own, try as we might. Though we have many other wonderful things in our lives - the home, our careers (she a composer, me an author), each other - the house was made to be filled with children and without them it felt empty. 

Some higher power must have known what we were missing. As I was leaving Howard’s place in the city after a visit, I came across a little cluster of children in ragged clothing. The eldest, Floyd, told me that he would busk for money to provide for his friends. I knew instantly I couldn’t leave them on the street - it’s nearly winter! So I brought them home to Cassie. Though she was shocked at first, I know she’ll warm up to the idea.

All that to say - I’m a father now! Do you have any unused clothing or toys to offer to my new brood? Maybe some dresses that Eddie has grown out of?

Dear diary,

Oh, when Elmer arrived on the doorstep with three ragged and hungry little orphans, I swear I’ve never felt such a purpose! I knew that these were my children - to feed, teach, and care for.

The eldest boy, Floyd, is very gifted with his fiddle and can hardly be separated from it, even to sleep. Little Myrtle is blind, but she’s a clever and very friendly girl who already calls me ‘Ma’! Albert was born without a full left leg - still, he has enough energy for two boys. Elmer is already working to make a crutch for him. 

I may not have so much time to write these days, as the children keep me very busy. What a wonderful thing to write! I’m truly a mother now.

Dear diary,

It was a really lovely day today, so me and the boys hiked up the hill to the ice in town and did some skating. Glenn was awful at it, but Travis and Robin have nearly got the hang of it. Sophia showed up after the others had gone home for supper, and showed me the new mittens she got from her aunt (though they don’t keep her hands very warm - she asked me to hold them to warm her up!). Ma wasn’t happy that I missed dinner and got home well past dark, but I’m too happy to care much.