July 1895

Thursday, 4 July 1895

I wonder what New Orleans is like. Or even Dundee or Edinburgh or Aberdeen or Glasgow or anywhere. Maybe Ryn and I can travel someday like Mum and Dad did when we were babies. We’ve only ever really been in Fettercairn and Montrose. We haven’t even left Montrose since we got here. I envy Sister Grace’s freedom. I feel so trapped here and I just want to go somewhere. I’m not sure I want to ever go back to Fettercairn though. I miss Mum and Dad so much. I’d have been happy staying in Fettercairn with them forever, but without them, it would just be too sad.

I remember Sister Grace telling me a little about Mississippi when she was still here, and about her trip along the way to Montrose. She told me about the fancy riverboats they have, and about all the different foods she ate everywhere. I’d love to try corn, and turkey, and catfish, and everything else. I want to ride a train and a boat.

Maybe Sister Grace could take Ryn and me.

Probably not.

But maybe.

It wouldn’t hurt to ask, would it?

June 14th, 1895

New Orleans, Louisiana

My dear friend,

You surprise me, Friend. I would not have expected you to work as a butcher. You are right that I would encourage you to go to Stonehaven. I trust you have made the right choice. Do not mistake my preference for disappointment if you did choose to continue working for Mr. Fenris. I met Mr. Fenris on several occasions when I was in Montrose. He was a little terse, which caused many to mistake him for ill-tempered, but I always thought him quite kind. I do not doubt that you will do well apprenticing under him if that is your decision. I also do not doubt that you will do well as a governess in Stonehaven if that is the path you chose.

I brought Young Thomas over to the Cotterill farm on Monday morning. I worry about him but he seemed quite excited to be spending so much time with his friend James.

I rode into Natchez and took a steamboat out to New Orleans yesterday. Thankfully, I received your letter just before I left. I arrived in New Orleans too late to search for any books but I did learn the location of two bookstores. I am going to search both after I deliver this letter to the post office, and will seek out more stores and libraries to search while I am here if I have no luck at those stores.

I have a room in the city for two weeks before I return to Washington. This is the first time I have stayed for so long in a big city. I spent only a few hours in New Orleans before, when I passed through on my way to and from Scotland. I am both excited and a little frightened. I think I will have fun while I am here but will be happy to be back in the quiet of Washington in July.

Your affectionate Friend,

Grace Collins

Saturday, 13 July 1895

Ryn, you devil! You really should not be stealing! What would Sister Grace say if she knew of your sinful acts? But I love you anyway and you are wonderful for getting me a gift! We may be stuck here, but at least now I can send my mind on a Journey to the Center of the Earth!

I must remember next year so I can return the favor and give you a gift as well if you are going to keep doing this. It is your half-birthday as well after all.

Tuesday, 23 July 1895

My sleep was interrupted by nightmares of his sea monster. It was most frightening, but I am still excited to read more of Jules Verne's adventure. He writes so vividly and about such strange journeys. The nightmares his books bring me are frightening, yet somehow enjoyable as well. Isn't that bizarre? I would never think to describe my normal nightmares as enjoyable.

I wish we could go on an adventure. Ryn says he would go with me anywhere, but I know he thinks it foolish. If we had money, then it wouldn't be so foolish. We could hire guides, and pay for food and lodging. Some day, after we’re trained, we’ll both be earning enough money for a grand adventure of our own. I hope it can be at least half as exciting as Professor Lidenbrock’s journey, though perhaps with the foresight to be better prepared. It would do us no good to find ourselves in a strange and new place without the proper resources to survive.