Author's Preface
Sunday, 13 January 1895
Sister Grace sent me a letter for my birthday! It was nice to hear from her even though her letter was sad. She says she went back to Mississippi when she left. Her brother died so she is taking care of his son. Why am I writing what she said? I can just put her letter in my diary. Sister Mary Maxwell said she could have a letter delivered for me if I wanted to write back.
I think I will write to her. I don't know what to say though. I suppose I could tell her about my lessons. Sister Grace would like Jules Verne, I should tell her about him. I probably shouldn't mention how I got the moon one, she would be disappointed in Ryn for stealing. She would like to hear about his apprenticeship at the shipyard though, so I will tell her about that.
Sister Mary Maxwell says I will need to take a job as a governess soon. I don't know if I should be scared or excited. If it goes well then I will finally be able to leave Saint Nicholas. But suppose it doesn't go well, what then? What if the children are just as bad as here? What if their parents don't like me?
December 21st, 1894
Washington, Mississippi
My dear Friend,
It gives me great sorrow that it has taken me so long to write after I so abruptly left. Sister Mary Maxwell has written to inform me that you believe she forced me to leave. I must insist that you not look ill upon her for my departure. To explain this I regret that I must provide you with details of events most unfortunate. The day I left I had just received word from my brother's wife that my brother was gravely ill. Sister Maxwell tried to persuade me to stay, but I felt I had no choice but to rush to his aid.
I regret that I was unable to reach him more quickly. In the time it took the letter to reach me, his wife had fallen ill as well. In the time it took me to reach Washington, my brother had passed and his wife was at death's door. As their son has no other family, Georgiana requested I look after their son before she passed. I agreed, of course, and young Thomas is now my ward.
I do miss our talks, dear Friend, and hope that one day I may return to Scotland. For now, I am bound to Washington. There are no others I would trust to care for young Thomas and I dare not take him away from his home. Young Thomas is well-liked by his schoolmates and his friends do well to ease the sorrow over the loss of his parents.
Christmas approaches as I write, though it shall have passed and it will be your birthday by the time this letter reaches you. I know how difficult this time of year can be for you. I pray that this winter has been better for you than in past years. Christmas and your birthday should be happy times and it saddens me that they have not been for you. Please write to let me know you are well as soon as you are able.
Your affectionate Friend,
Grace Collins