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

anxieties openly with you.
    I understand now your delay in responding to my inquiry about the beds. Of course you will have no need for the matching twin beds now. I think your decision to occupy separate bedrooms is very wise and one which I frankly would have urged on you some time ago in view of Papa’s advancing years had I not been afraid of intruding into the more private realms of marriage.
    I can imagine the devoted care you have been giving Papa and I envy the nurse’s training you received as part of your college education; however, I would feel so much better about both of you if there were a professional nurse in residence also. Heart patients require constant vigilance, and it is a physical impossibility for one person to be on guard around the clock. You must protect your own health—for Papa’s sake as well as your own.
    I don’t think I have ever expressed to you how much your presence has meant to him—and to all of us who love him. He had very little desire to go on with his own life once Mama died and, unlike many parents, he was much too proud and independent to share mine. You have done for my father what no dutiful daughter is able to do, and I am so grateful for all that you have given him. I hope and pray there are still many years ahead for you both, and in that hope I urge you to conserve your energies by sharing your duties with a nurse.
    I know my father’s reluctance to spend money for anything he considers an extravagance, so I am writing to tell him the nurse is a gift from me. She will only be doing what I would be doing if I were there—but with a great deal more efficiency and skill. I will leave it to you to make the arrangements but I urge you to do so immediately. I am sure you are exhausted, and we cannot afford to have two patients.
    Devotedly,
Bess
    October 10, 1918
St. Louis
    Dearest Papa and Mavis,
    I was very distressed to learn there were no trained nurses in your area available for private employment. But I certainly do not consider the matter closed.
    I am writing Lydia to make inquiries in Dallas. And Mother Steed remembers with great affection the nurse who took care of Father Steed during his last illness. She has since retired and now lives with her sister in Wichita Falls but she would undoubtedly welcome the chance to renew her friendships in Honey Grove and Papa might enjoy the company of someone his own age for a change. I will contact her immediately and let you know when I hear from her.
    Devotedly,
Bess

    November 5, 1918
St. Louis
    Dear Papa and Mavis,
    Peace at last! There is much joy in the streets here. Total strangers smile at one another and clasp hands.
    I was in the garden working when I heard the news—from a delivery boy shouting at the top of his lungs as he drove his truck down the street. Our gardener was beside me on his knees, taking in bulbs for the winter. He sprang to his feet, threw his arms around me, and kissed me. I cried for joy and kissed him back and it was minutes later before either of us even seemed surprised at what we had done. Then tears began to roll down his cheeks and he said his son’s life had been spared. He was too young for the last draft, but the next one would have taken him. I shared his joy. I have been terrified wondering how much longer Rob would be spared active service. I do not think I could be one of those wives who bravely send their husbands off to die. I am a good citizen but I am a better wife. My gardener now says that his son will never know what war is like. I pray he is right.
    Miss Sarah Powell, the nurse who took care of Father Steed, will be arriving to help you next week. I have sent her first month’s salary in advance. We had no difficulty agreeing on the amount but it is based on the assumption that she will do everything you ask of her. If you feel she is remiss in this regard, please let me know before I send next month’s salary.
    We think of you hourly, and