Epilogue
Dear Melody,
The storms have finally passed here in St. Kitts, and our home has been repaired from the winds.
Such storms are the price we pay for living in paradise, I suppose.
Thankfully, we live on a hill and the flooding hasn’t affected us.
Graham and Eliza’s home on the other side of the mission was untouched; they didn't even have wind damage. Some people just have all the luck, don’t they?
Mary’s estate wasn’t so lucky, however, and the big house had to be repaired, so we’ve been keeping busy with that these days.
I haven’t been much help, considering I’m still nursing little Maisie.
But Isobel has been working as hard as a five-year-old can.
She goes with her papa and hands him tools. She loves it. And Arthur loves it too.
Isobel has also lost her first tooth and is beginning to read!
She obviously got her mind from her father, for I certainly was not reading by five.
As for Maisie, while we cannot know for certain at her age, I like to imagine she will be more into physical pursuits.
She certainly has become mobile quickly.
She will be walking before her first birthday, I predict.
Patrice likes to walk with her around the mission sometimes, taking her hands and walking backward.
She and Lottie are basically our nursemaids, and they help me immensely when I’m feeling overwhelmed by motherhood.
The mission is doing better than ever. It has grown so much, it is like a small town rather than a village.
Arthur sometimes goes along with Graham and Eliza—they have a new ship, the Torchlight, and sail the Caribbean for trade and for the cause—to rescue enslaved men and women who continue to be sold illegally.
Mrs. Bowers has finally become part of the St. Kitts Assembly and has been able to exact judgement on planters who break the law.
I feel we are on the right track. Soon these practices will be entirely abolished, and every enslaved man and woman will be freed. It is our dearest wish.
Besides the mission, our shipping business has slowed this year, but we are hoping to start expanding to South America soon.
Arthur has a few ideas about what products we should start trading, as well.
They’re all quite exotic. I’ve attached a list, so let me know your and Cameron’s thoughts on which ones to try.
We hope to come to Scotland within the year to trade and see you all.
Arthur says to tell Cameron that he is bringing a box of the newest cigars straight from Cuba.
They’re very strong and I tell him to keep the smoke outside.
He’s very obedient. He just smiles and obliges my every whim.
I suppose I will keep him around a while longer.
Truthfully, sometimes I wonder if he is overworked with the business, the mission, the farm, and our family.
He works tirelessly to keep us happy and provided for.
But each night when he returns home, we spend time talking and he seems to relax after a long day.
I like to think our home is peaceful and full of joy.
Usually. You know how temperamental I can be… I do my best, though, and so does he.
This life we lead is constantly one adventure after another, some pleasant and some challenging, but all are rewarding.
I miss you, Logan, Kenna, Colin, Ian, Alexander, and Father.
Oh, and Cameron, I suppose. I can’t believe you’ve had two more children since we last saw each other after Colin was born!
Time certainly does pass by too quickly.
It is all I can do to hold on to the beautiful moments and cherish each day.
Still, no matter how many days pass by, I remain your best friend and sister.
Always,
Elsie