Chapter 13
Evaline Quinn
The Old Well Inn
Barnard Castle
12th August, 1881
Dearest Randall Family,
I trust that you are all in good health and hope you have not missed me as much as I have missed you.
I am writing to you with good news. We arrived at the quaint market town of Barnard Castle this afternoon. We have made a camp next to the town in a lovely meadow of wildflowers with a view of the surrounding forests and snaking rivers. Elias claims the nearby forest is a prime spot for hunting the peppered moth. We will be staying here for several days, so if you wish to write a letter, you can mail it to the address in the upper right corner.
Phoebe, do not fret about my well-being. I am caring for myself well enough (with the help of the trio of men). They are all very welcoming, kind and humorous. I have not stopped laughing since the day I left. They have even given me a spare tent to call my own. Arthur is exceptionally intelligent; dare I say he is more of a botanist than a naturalist. He has taught me how to forage fennel, which we have been making use of when cooking our freshly caught fish. And did you know borage can be harvested and boiled into herbal tea for a hangover cure? Duncan asked me to inform Abe of the fact. Abe when you read this, ignore his advice. You do not need to drink alcohol to have fun.
As for Duncan, he’s only useful for one thing. Banter. Well, okay, maybe he’s also a decent singer and cook. Not like you, Phoebe. No one can compare to your soulful voice or make sausage gravy and biscuits quite as well as you. Elias is, well, Elias. He is my friend, and I suppose he is a guardian of sorts. So, you must not fear for my safety. All is well when you have two Scots and an Englishman looking after you.
In a few days, I will try to catch my first moth.
Ceci and Lewis, please pray for my good fortune in the task. I do not believe I can catch one without your help, and thus, I am counting on you both.
Furthermore, I have added a drawing of Rosie the doll. She is sitting on a log next to my tent admiring the view of the valley. She tells me she enjoys travelling. She especially likes the horses and sleeping beneath the stars. But she misses Ceci terribly and hopes to see her soon. I’ve informed Rosie that if all goes well, she will be reunited with Ceci in several weeks.
Love,
Eva