YEAR 2: MONTHS 1-3
"And this is where your Mama and Papa used to play," I inform William, setting his basket down in the sand of the familiar beach that Will and I so oft played at as children. "One of many places, actually. I shall show you the forest tomorrow, little one." William coos, holding out his chubby arms and I gather him up against me. "I dare say you shan't remember any of this when you're older, little one, but I shall give you tours and tell tales of your father till you will feel as if he is only gone away for a little while instead of separated from us for years." I touch the simple ring on my finger. "One year gone, nine more to endure." I sense a dark mood descending but – since William's birth – I am much better at putting them from my mind instead of wallowing in loneliness. I shake this one away as well. "Over there is where your Papa and I trounced each other with wooden swords," I say, bouncing William on my lap and pointing to a spot near the jetty. "I believe he let me win though he's too much of a gentleman to admit so. We used to play 'King of the Castle' on those rocks. Again, he allowed me to win. How very dull it must have been to lose at all our games on purpose. Your papa never complained, though. Not once." I smooth William's downy hair – so like Will's it brings tears to my eyes. "Your papa is a good man, William. The best I know."
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My dearest Will,
How the time passes! I wish I could say 'quickly' but nights are terribly long and lonely without you, dearest. My days are occupied with caring for William. He is such a sweet tempered babe. I was worried he would develop the colic and never give me a moment's rest but Providence took pity on me. He (and my new-mother nerves) are well. I am including the latest sketch from Amelie. It is a family portrait for your growing collection. That child is a wonder with sketching. I have offered to pay for private drawing lessons and, though Celeste and Mistress Dameger were grateful, they did not want to accept my "charity." It will be a great challenge to change their minds but I always did enjoy a challenge. I pray you are well, Will, and don't miss us too terribly. I am surviving. It is all I can do.
Yours always, -Elizabeth
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Dearest Will,
How our William resembles you. Even his expressions are similar. Some days this brings me comfort, some days tears, but I know I am blessed to be given charge of this little soul. I tell him tales of you daily and – though he shan't remember them from one minute to the next – I shall continue to tell him for speaking of you allows me never to forget. Not that I was in any danger of ever forgetting an instant in your company, dear one, but it helps to tell tales out loud. Perhaps others may say I am living in the past, but I say I am living in the future – in the time we shall be reunited and our little family complete. How I long for that day, Will. Time cannot pass soon enough.
Yours always – Elizabeth
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Dearest Will,
I have succeeded in gaining permission to hire a drawing tutor for Amelie! Now the task at hand is to pick a suitable candidate. Perhaps I shall advertise in the gazette and see what comes of it. I want to hire on someone who is exceptionally good since Amelie deserves to learn from the best. How marvelous it is to have a little project to attend to.
Our William is well (as always). He smiled – a real smile – when I spoke of you today. Celeste claims his other smiles were merely caused by a "bilious belly" but I do not see how she would know considering she's never had a baby. I suppose having a younger sister makes her feel superior. I, for one, have always felt privileged to be an only child though you and others may say it only caused Papa to spoil me more. I shall try not to spoil William though it is very hard to keep firm to that notion when gazing at his angelic face. When he is through with his rest, I shall take him down to the beach and we to deliver this letter bottle to the waiting sea (and you). I shall count the days till the bottle is returned to me filled with your replies.
Know you are loved, my Will, above all else by
Your ever faithful wife -Elizabeth