4.2 Dad reached over and turned the knob on the kerosene lamp, further illuminating the area around the table.

Payne Township, Sedgwick County, Kansas

After Dad left for town, ARJ followed his mother around, trying to help. He stayed busy by helping her feed the chickens and gather eggs, all while making sure Buddy learned his place around the farm.

“You’re finally home!” Mum said as Dad came through the door late that afternoon. “We thought we might have to start tea without you!”

Dad pulled his hat off and hung it on a hook. He joined the boys already waiting at the table. ARJ smiled at his dad, but he noticed that Dad’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes when he responded.

“What’s wrong, Dad?” John William asked as he twisted in his chair.

Dad reached over and rubbed JW’s hair with his
hand. “Everything’s fine, son. I just have much to ponder.”

Mum poured their tea, retrieved a fussing Eva Anna from the crate, and sat down. Dad reached in his pocket and pulled out a letter.

“When I stopped to post the letter to Albert and William, Mr. Kellogg had something for you in return.” He handed a white envelope to Mum, whose eyes brightened as she saw the handwriting.

Lantern from Forest Dibbens' (ARJ's son)

farm 1930

“She must have finally gotten my letter! It takes an incredibly long time for a letter to travel across the ocean!” She smiled at Dad. Dad nodded and sipped his tea. Mum turned the envelope over in her hands and then ran her thumb under the flap. Dad reached over and turned the knob on the kerosene lamp, further illuminating the area around the table. Mum began to protest the waste of fuel but changed her mind and smiled at Dad. She then looked back at the letter in her hand.

ARJ wondered if they would ever get to see inside the envelope.

“Go ahead boys, finish your tea.” She reminded them as she pulled sheets of folded stationery from inside and flattened the creases with her fingers. “Her eyes scanned the script on the crisp paper. The others watched as her eyes strode back and forth across the page.

“Mum, is it from Grandma Jarman?” ARJ asked, “What does she write?” Mum pulled the back page away from the other two, glanced at it, and placed it on the table. It was covered with small, penciled dots marching along in even rows, forming an intricate pattern. ARJ recognized it immediately.

“At least Grandma can still share lace patterns with you.” Mum looked from the letter to her son and smiled.

“Yes, she can do that.” She looked back at the letter, still smiling, and started to read aloud.

My Dear Anna,
I was so pleased to get your letter this week, dated 21 October. It appears you and Arthur have decided on a location now, so it will be easier to write to you. Everything is fine here. We had a winter storm come off the sea and hit our little island with much fury last week. It left beautiful, lacy patterns on the trees, but I am even now ready for the snowdrops to bloom.”

Mum’s eyes stayed on the words for a moment, and then she turned the page over, continuing her reading.

Emily and Lucy send their love. (Your sisters miss you more than you can imagine.) Chatham House is bustling as usual. Mr. and Mrs. Webber keep the three of us, along with two other servant girls, remarkably busy during the holiday season. The manor is adorned in the most beautiful winter foliage, tied up with bows, and ready for the dinners and dances scheduled for later in December. Such a merry time of the year!” 

Mum paused a little longer this time, as she slipped the last sheet to the top.

I pray everything is well with you. I happened upon Arthur’s parents in Ryde last week.”

They seem to be missing Arthur, his brothers William and Albert, and all their grandchildren dreadfully this Christmastide. I have to say, I understand their sentiment. Please greet Arthur for us and squeeze ARJ, John William, and little Eva Anna for their grandma. 

Affectionately, Mum

Mum turned the paper over and found a postscript on the back.

I’ve enclosed a lace pattern I designed in my spare time. I hope you enjoy it.

Mum put the letter down and picked up the dotted paper. For a minute, she was quiet, her eyes glistening in the low light of the cabin.