Free A Woman of Independent Means by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey Page A

chords can be heard coming from the room.
    I would love to have the house filled with music all day and once the children have acquired some small ability, we will move the piano downstairs into the central living area. But for now it is a blessing (for their parents, that is) to have their early efforts inaudible to all ears but those of their teacher. The proximity of the sounds of practice will no doubt inspire her to even greater efforts in furthering their musical education. No doubt there are often times when she would gladly exchange the noisy companionship to which her role as grandmother entitles her for the solitude you find so oppressive.
    There must be many interesting lives gathered under the same roof with you. Sharing someone else’s life—even for a few minutes a day—is not always easy but I feel sure you would find it worth the effort. I find it is that constant ebb and flow from solitude to society (in its broadest usage) that allows one to experience life in all its variety. Too much of either is unendurable—at least to me. Please write again soon. Though my own life is filled with activity, letters encourage momentary escape into other lives, and I come back to my own with greater contentment.
    Affectionately,
Bess

    July 10, 1918
St. Louis
    Dear Papa and Mavis,
    How I wish you could be with us this summer. The garden is in full bloom, as are the children. It has been almost two years since Eleanor’s accident but my heart still turns over with joy every time I catch an unexpected glimpse of her running and playing with her brothers. As hard as they try to elude her, she is never far behind—and when she finally does catch up, she always greets them with a radiant smile, never guessing that they might not be as glad to see her as she is to see them. I know now good health is a gift and I will never again take it for granted.
    I am so sorry, Papa, that your heart condition prevents you from planning a trip to St. Louis. I would like for you to see how well Cousin Josie’s furniture fits into our new home. Since she insisted on taking the four-poster bed with her, I have furnished our master bedroom with the two twin beds from the guest room. However, it has occurred to me that the two of you might enjoy the comfort of twin beds, especially in view of Papa’s present difficulty in breathing. Many married couples, as they grow older, change their furnishings to conform to their changing circumstances. Why don’t I ship the beds on to you—and you can send me the double bed my mother brought with her as a bride to Honey Grove. I know she always intended for me to have it some day, and it would mean a great deal to me if that day could be now.
    Lovingly,
Bess

    August 10, 1918
St. Louis
    Dear Papa and Mavis,
    Not having had a reply to my last letter, I was astonished when the bed arrived yesterday without an accompanying word.
    I hope my suggestion did not offend you, but please be assured your comfort was my prime consideration. I assume you do not want the twin beds I mentioned. They are in very good condition, and if you place them side by side, the effect is entirely one of shared repose. However, I will wait to hear from you before I send them in case I have misunderstood your intentions.
    Rob knew nothing of my letter to you so was completely taken by surprise when he arrived home this weekend and found the double bed waiting in our room. We have been separated so much by recent events that when we are together we cherish our closeness. I could not bear the thought of buying a bed when I knew my mother had always intended for me to have hers, but thank you for allowing me an early inheritance.
    My love,
Bess

    September 16, 1918
St. Louis
    Dear Mavis,
    I was shocked to learn from your last letter how much Papa’s health has failed in recent months. I am writing him separately so please do not share this letter with him as I want to be able to express my