January 1896

Sunday, 12 January 1896

It is quite late, but we just returned from Fettercairn and I wanted to write before I slept. I wanted to write on the trip back, but the carriage was not very stable so writing would have been difficult. Beth gave me a present before we left, saying it was an early birthday present. She didn’t want to wait because it was a traveling bag, and she wanted me to have it for our travels. I brought along my diary and sketchbook in my new bag, thinking I would write and draw a lot… but I barely touched them. We were quite busy when not traveling or sleeping.

Beth’s relatives were all very kind. Quite unlike her parents. I was expecting our time with them to be boring, but we had many interesting conversations. I learned that Mrs. Harper is not Beth’s real mother. She and Alexa were Mr. Harper’s first wife’s children, and Cayden is their step brother. Uncle Walter told me that Mr. Harper used to be nicer before his first wife died.

Visiting Mum and Dad was sad, but I think I am happy that we went. I know they weren’t, but it felt like they were with us.

Wednesday, 15 January 1896

Sister Mary Maxwell is behaving oddly tonight. She gave me Sister Grace’s letter, and I immediately wrote my reply. When I returned with the letter ready to be sent, the Sister appeared quite happy. She returned my letter, and told me she would collect it in a few days to include with her own letter to Sister Grace. I guess she had received a letter from Grace as well. I know well how that can make one happy, but I never see Sister Mary Maxwell smiling.

December 20th, 1895

Washington, Mississippi

My delightful Friend,

May you always be in good health and not dead. I received your letter earlier this week, but I wanted to wait until today to respond. Young Thomas and I just returned from getting photographed for the first time. I was introduced to a kind photographer last Sunday. He invited me to his studio, where he took several pictures of young Thomas and me. It surprised me how affordable the process was. Until recently, I had assumed photographs were very expensive, but now I may just need to return every year to get new photographs so I can collect images of Thomas as he grows.

I have included one of our photographs in this letter for you. It would bring me great pleasure for you to send a photograph of you and your brother to me. I will write to Sister Mary Maxwell as well. If she knows the photograph is for me, she may be convinced to pay for the picture. It is quite a strange experience, sitting still and knowing your image will be captured forever.

I am sorry to hear about Beth’s illness and Toryn’s foot, however, it is fortunate that both recovered quickly. It would have been nice if Toryn was able to recover before he was fired, but at least he found another job soon after. Mr. Campbell may find he regrets his decision when he learns that Toryn is well again. I hope Toryn finds Mr. Rithe a fair employer and does well at the warehouse.

My stomach is rumbling and my paper runs short, so I will end my letter and prepare dinner. May the seas carry this letter swiftly to your hands so that I might sooner receive your reply.

Your affectionate Friend,

Grace Collins

Tuesday, 21 January 1896

Sister Mary Maxwell brought us to see Mr. McAllister today. He is a photographer. He was quite grumpy, and it was a very odd experience, but I am happy to have photographs to send to Sister Grace.