A Woman of Independent Means (14 page)

I would love to have the house filled with music all day and once the children have acquired some small ability, we will move the piano downstairs into the central living area. But for now it is a blessing (for their parents, that is) to have their early efforts inaudible to all ears but those of their teacher. The proximity of the sounds of practice will no doubt inspire her to even greater efforts in furthering their musical education. No doubt there are often times when she would gladly exchange the noisy companionship to which her role as grandmother entitles her for the solitude you find so oppressive.

There must be many interesting lives gathered under the same roof with you. Sharing someone else's life—even for a few minutes a day—is not always easy but I feel sure you would find it worth the effort. I find it is that constant ebb and flow from solitude to society (in its broadest usage) that allows one to experience life in all its variety. Too much of either is unendurable—at least to me. Please write again soon. Though my own life is filled with activity, letters encourage momentary escape into other lives, and I come back to my own with greater contentment.

Affectionately,
Bess

July 10, 1918
St. Louis

Dear Papa and Mavis,

How I wish you could be with us this summer. The garden is in full bloom, as are the children. It has been almost two years since Eleanor's accident but my heart still turns over with joy every time I catch an unexpected glimpse of her running and playing with her brothers. As hard as they try to elude her, she is never far behind—and when she finally does catch up, she always greets them with a radiant smile, never guessing that they might not be as glad to see her as she is to see them. I know now good health is a gift and I will never again take it for granted.

I am so sorry, Papa, that your heart condition prevents you from planning a trip to St. Louis. I would like for you to see how well Cousin Josie's furniture fits into our new home. Since she insisted on taking the four-poster bed with her, I have furnished our master bedroom with the two twin beds from the guest room. However, it has occurred to me that the two of you might enjoy the comfort of twin beds, especially in view of Papa's present difficulty in breathing. Many married couples, as they grow older, change their furnishings to conform to their changing circumstances. Why don't I ship the beds on to you—and you can send me the double bed my mother brought with her as a bride to Honey Grove. I know she always intended for me to have it some day, and it would mean a great deal to me if that day could be now.

Lovingly,
Bess

August 10, 1918
St. Louis

Dear Papa and Mavis,

Not having had a reply to my last letter, I was astonished when the bed arrived yesterday without an accompanying word.

I hope my suggestion did not offend you, but please be assured your comfort was my prime consideration. I assume you do not want the twin beds I mentioned. They are in very good condition, and if you place them side by side, the effect is entirely one of shared repose. However, I will wait to hear from you before I send them in case I have misunderstood your intentions.

Rob knew nothing of my letter to you so was completely taken by surprise when he arrived home this weekend and found the double bed waiting in our room. We have been separated so much by recent events that when we are together we cherish our closeness. I could not bear the thought of buying a bed when I knew my mother had always intended for me to have hers, but thank you for allowing me an early inheritance.

My love,
Bess

September 16, 1918
St. Louis

Dear Mavis,

I was shocked to learn from your last letter how much Papa's health has failed in recent months. I am writing him separately so please do not share this letter with him as I want to be able to express my anxieties openly with you.

I understand now your delay in responding to my inquiry about the beds. Of course you will have no need for the matching twin beds now. I think your decision to occupy separate bedrooms is very wise and one which I frankly would have urged on you some time ago in view of Papa's advancing years had I not been afraid of intruding into the more private realms of marriage.

I can imagine the devoted care you have been giving Papa and I envy the nurse's training you received as part of your college education; however, I would feel so much better about both of you if there were a professional nurse in residence also. Heart patients require constant vigilance, and it is a physical impossibility for one person to be on guard around the clock. You must protect your own health—for Papa's sake as well as your own.

I don't think I have ever expressed to you how much your presence has meant to him—and to all of us who love him. He had very little desire to go on with his own life once Mama died and, unlike many parents, he was much too proud and independent to share mine. You have done for my father what no dutiful daughter is able to do, and I am so grateful for all that you have given him. I hope and pray there are still many years ahead for you both, and in that hope I urge you to conserve your energies by sharing your duties with a nurse.

I know my father's reluctance to spend money for anything he considers an extravagance, so I am writing to tell him the nurse is a gift from me. She will only be doing what I would be doing if I were there—but with a great deal more efficiency and skill. I will leave it to you to make the arrangements but I urge you to do so immediately. I am sure you are exhausted, and we cannot afford to have two patients.

Devotedly,
Bess

October 10, 1918
St. Louis

Dearest Papa and Mavis,

I was very distressed to learn there were no trained nurses in your area available for private employment. But I certainly do not consider the matter closed.

I am writing Lydia to make inquiries in Dallas. And Mother Steed remembers with great affection the nurse who took care of Father Steed during his last illness. She has since retired and now lives with her sister in Wichita Falls but she would undoubtedly welcome the chance to renew her friendships in Honey Grove and Papa might enjoy the company of someone his own age for a change. I will contact her immediately and let you know when I hear from her.

Devotedly,
Bess

November 5, 1918
St. Louis

Dear Papa and Mavis,

Peace at last! There is much joy in the streets here. Total strangers smile at one another and clasp hands.

I was in the garden working when I heard the news—from a delivery boy shouting at the top of his lungs as he drove his truck down the street. Our gardener was beside me on his knees, taking in bulbs for the winter. He sprang to his feet, threw his arms around me, and kissed me. I cried for joy and kissed him back and it was minutes later before either of us even seemed surprised at what we had done. Then tears began to roll down his cheeks and he said his son's life had been spared. He was too young for the last draft, but the next one would have taken him. I shared his joy. I have been terrified wondering how much longer Rob would be spared active service. I do not think I could be one of those wives who bravely send their husbands off to die. I am a good citizen but I am a better wife. My gardener now says that his son will never know what war is like. I pray he is right.

Miss Sarah Powell, the nurse who took care of Father Steed, will be arriving to help you next week. I have sent her first month's salary in advance. We had no difficulty agreeing on the amount but it is based on the assumption that she will do everything you ask of her. If you feel she is remiss in this regard, please let me know before I send next month's salary.

We think of you hourly, and our Thanksgiving prayers will begin with one for Papa's quick return to good health.

Lovingly,
Bess

December 5, 1918
St. Louis

Dearest Totsie,

The news that you and Dwight are adopting a baby is the most appropriate Christmas greeting you could have sent. What a joyous experience awaits you! You must not worry about Dwight's reluctant consent. I wonder how many men would freely elect fatherhood if the decision were left entirely to them. It is fortunate for the future of the race that it is almost never their decision.

No returning soldier could have received a more jubilant welcome home than Rob. His pace for the last year has been grueling, and I realize now he has kept himself going purely by an effort of will. I hope he will be able to rest now that he is home for good. However, he is concerned about the amount of time he has spent away from the business and anxious to move ahead with expansion plans designed to capitalize on the spirit of optimism already engendered by the Armistice.

The New Year will truly mark a new beginning for us all. And a new life will be joining you. Now that Eleanor is five and in many ways already an eccentric little adult, I am beginning to miss the presence of a baby in the house. But I suppose I must give Rob a few months to renew his acquaintance with the children he already has. However, next year at this time we may have a nativity of our own to celebrate.