My Dearest Darling

[Cecily Carmichael]

Dear Darling,

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your mama, Please do let me know if you need anything, or if I can help in any way,  

The people in India believe that our loved ones return to life as new people.  I hope this offers you some comfort at this time.

Yours in love
Cecily

@'darling whitledge'

  

[Darling Whitledge (Hymn)]

Dear Cecily,

Thank you for your condolences. It feels this summer has been one of nothing but chaos. Mother’s death, if you’ll forgive the expression, was nothing but the cherry on top of the cake. My family is in ruins, Cecily, and I feel like there’s nothing I can do to help anyone. I can’t even help myself.

After Handsome notified us of our mother’s death, I took to hiding in the governess’s old room. I thought I was better to be out of the way of everyone. But I realized that my hiding hasn’t helped anyone; it’s only ruined my family more. We’re all shambles, Cecily, and I can hardly take it. I want to run away as much as I want to stay with my brothers and sisters. I used to think that we were so strong together, but we’re so easily torn apart, it seems.

I don’t think Mother would know us if she were ever reborn. She hardly knew us when she was our mother. Please don’t mistake me – I loved my mother dearly, but her death has left me feeling… angry. Not even her ghost remained, Cecily. Not even her ghost! She had no fear of leaving us behind. She just left.

Sincerely,
Darling

  

[Cecily Carmichael]

Dear Darling,

I'm so sorry to hear that! I can only imagine how horribly sad it must be for all of you.

My papa has not been able to come over from India because everyone is sick, so we have plenty of room if you would like to spend some time with me here, Ramdas is here as is my Áyá, so there are people to keep an eye on us.

Otherwise I would love to have you for tea, because it has been all summer and I havnt seen you. I want to give you a proper hug my lovely friend.


Yours in love
Cecily

@'darling whitledge'

  

[Darling Whitledge (Hymn)]

28 July 1887

Dear Cecily,

Thank you for the offer. I wish that I could come and spend some time with you (away from here)! I don't think that my brother or grandmother—did I tell you she's living with us now?—would allow it though. It's only nearly been three weeks since my mother passed and there are “certain customs to be upheld”. I can't leave the house to visit anyone just yet, or be called on (unless by our uncles, aunts, and cousins).

It doesn't seem that I'll really be able to go anywhere until we move—yes, we're moving again, back to Hogsmeade. I don't mind returning there, but I'm not happy that we shall be living with our grandmother. Her presence is stifling, but no one seems to share my opinion, except maybe Cupcake. She's been more out of sorts since Grandmother has come.

I am sorry to be complaining so much in my letters. I just haven't really had anyone to talk to about any of this. I hope you know how much I appreciate your willingness to read and respond to my letters.

I shall talk to my brother to see if I might be allowed to slip away for a short visit to you after we're settled in Hogsmeade, for I truly would love to see you!

Most gratefully,
Darling