May 1895

Saturday, 4 May 1895

I don’t have to leave Montrose! Sister Mary Maxwell said she was just about ready to travel to Aberdeen when Mr. Fenris came to visit her this morning. His partner is getting old, so he will need more help at his butcher shop. He asked me to be his apprentice! Sister Mary Maxwell was not happy about it, but she was also not happy trying to find me a job as a governess, so she let me accept anyway.

Sister Mary Maxwell warned me that “no gentleman would want to court a butcher.” She says I should still try to find a job as a governess even though Mr. Fenris is hiring me and that as a governess I would at least have a house to sleep in even if I could not find a husband. Ryn and I can only stay at Saint Nicholas for two more years at most. I’m not worried about that. Ryn is doing good at the railway, and I know I can do good at the butcher. I don’t care if it’s not proper, nobody likes me anyway. Ryn and I can survive on our own.

Friday, 17 May 1895

Sister Mary Maxwell told me yesterday she received a letter about a man in Stonehaven with two daughters looking for a governess. She told me I should leave Mr. Fenris and go there, but I said I didn’t want to. She wasn’t happy with that and told me to think it over for a day.

I talked to Mr. Fenris about it today. He said he was happy with me as his apprentice but would let me go if I wanted. He says I’m doing a good job and learning fast but I’d still only be an apprentice for years if I stayed.

A letter from Sister Grace arrived today as well. She says I should be a governess and that I would be happy with the right family. I think she is right, but I can’t go to Stonehaven, not without Ryn. I can’t just leave Mr. Fenris either, even if he says I could. He is almost as nice as Sister Grace and he needs someone to help at his shop. Sister Mary Maxwell won’t be happy but I’m going to tell her I want to stay with Mr. Fenris. She doesn’t like me anyway.

April 30th, 1895

Washington, Mississippi

My dear Friend,

It is most joyous to hear from you, though unfortunate that you are going through such troubles. I knew Toryn would never disappoint, but I do wish Lily had not taken to proving this. Friends are important, and it would have been better for you to have another to lean on.

Sister Mary Maxwell’s letter arrived the day after yours. She informed me about the most unpleasant experience you had with the Stewart children. I cannot imagine how horrible that must have been for you. I have never met the Stewarts, and I am certain I would not like to if their children could put you in such a state. I wish I could have been there for you.

It is my hope that these children have not caused you to lose hope. God has given you this challenge to strengthen you and prepare you for the challenges you have yet to face. You and Toryn are special and I believe that you are both bound for something great. I have found most children to be sweet and curious, eager to learn. I know that your experience has not been as pleasant so far, but I truly believe your bad luck is due for a change soon. You will find a family that will be pleased to have you as the governess for their children, and when you do I am certain you will be wonderful at the job.

It is unfortunate that Toryn could not stay at the shipyard, but it is good to hear he found a new job at the railway. Does he enjoy working on the trains? I have never known someone who worked on trains and I am quite curious about it.

Your affectionate Friend,

Grace Collins

Monday, 27 May 1895

Sister Mary Maxwell has finally given up on trying to convince me to go to Stonehaven. Lizzie is going instead. I’m happy to be rid of her, but I feel bad for Mr. Baird’s daughters. Sister Mary Aston is helping Lizzie get ready to leave now. I can’t imagine why anyone would want her as a governess. Maybe that is why Sister Mary Maxwell is so angry about me not going.

I don’t really care though. I couldn’t leave Ryn. It would be too sad not to see him every day. I cry enough about missing Mum and Dad. Besides, my brother needs me to look after him and make sure he doesn’t get into too much trouble.

Not that I do a very good job at keeping him out of trouble.