Gotta Play at this Catch Up Game

[Jane Prewett]

Sepember 15, 1882

Dear Thom,

Brother, I find it very insulting that we haven't spoken much at all since Iris was born. I miss you! We cannot allow this horrible distance between us to continue any longer. How is Chastity doing? She should be having your first babe soon, right? Has the pregnancy been treating her alright?

Affectionately,

Jane

  

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[Thom Pettigrew]

Sister,

I realize it's been a while, but I'm sure you'll find it somewhere in that overly large heart of yours to forgive me. I've been rather busy; Quidditch season in full swing at the moment, and of course things have been moving along with Chastity. Always something to do or someone to see, everything from exports analysists to prospective nannys.

From all appearances Chastity is quite well. I am certain her stomach has gotten big enough to hold at least a small litter, but don't tell her I said anything. I think she cares far more about her stomach size than I do, honestly. Officially due in October, though the midwife said it could happen a bit sooner. We'll see.

Speaking of family, I assume the rest of ours is still alive and well? It's been months since I've written mother or father, or the twins.

As Always,

Thom Pettigrew

  

[Jane Prewett]

Sepember 16, 1882

Dear Thom,

Quidditch. You always had such a liking for that game, though I could never understand why. You best not be putting your team ahead of Chastity, she needs you right now. Believe me, I've been in that position before: she needs you.

Even though you did not ask how I myself am, I'm going to tell you anyway because that is a natural transition to make. I'm well. The twins (my twins, not our brothers) are getting bigger by the day, though Jessa has been acting out more than usual. Iris is now sitting up on her own, my oh my, they grow so fast. And I haven't seen Faustus since mid-last week. It's lonesome without him around.

I haven't heard from the twins or our parents either. I've been far too busy to try and keep in touch with them...if you hear anything please keep me informed?

Affectionately,

Jane

  

Reply

[Thom Pettigrew]

Jane,

You obviously were alive, else I wouldn't have gotten the letter. What else could I need to know about your welfare?

I am, of course, joking. Don't take that seriously. I do, however, enjoy how you say you'll be telling me of yourself, and then promptly launch into a discussion of Faustus and the children. A mother's mind, I suppose?

Quidditch is not just a game for me, Jane, it is my occupation, and it happens to earn me quite a bit of money, despite the family's dismissal of it. Even so, I can guarantee you that Chastity need never fight for my attention. She will be touched to know of your concern, however. Shall I pass along some fond regards or something of the sort, as well?

Your husband does tend to disappear quite frequently, doesn't he? Nature of the work, I suppose. If you need company, why not leave the children with the governness for a night and come dine with Chastity and I? You could talk about... mother things.

As Always,

Thom Pettigrew

  

[Jane Prewett]

Sepember 17, 1882

Dear Thom,

I said I was well, did I not? I have no time to focus on myself anymore. All my time is either focused on my girls or on my garden; my well being matters not really.

Yes, unfortunately Faustus leaves me home more than I like. Especially now that he is head auror. Oh how I detest Alexander Page for dying, if that man was still alive Faustus would not have so much responsibility. He'd be home more frequently. It even irks me more that the man never sees fit to write me a letter telling me he is alive. I once went a month wondering if I'd ever see my husband again. The ignorant man, doesn't he see how he worries me so?

Forgive me, Thom, I am ranting. And I couldn't possibly impose on Chastity this late in her pregnancy, and to be quite fair I'm not wholly comfortable leaving my children right now for any length of time.

Affectionately,

Jane

  

Reply

[Thom Pettigrew]

Jane,

I'm going to ignore the comment about how your well-being doesn't matter, because it's foolish. As for Faustus and Mr. Page, and I quite sure that they would both share your dismay over Mr. Page's untimely death, but unfortunately these are not the sorts of things one can undo, once done. Death does seem to be irritatingly final in most cases, I find. Perhaps more folk should think twice about dying in the first place. I am sure that if Mr. Page had fully thought through the consequences of his actions, namely, that it would cause you, dear Sister, any unrest, he would never have been so foolish.

Why are you uncomfortable leaving your children now, in particular? Are they sick? You went on and on in your last letter about how fit and healthy they were, I simply don't understand what could happen in the course of half a night...

As Always,

Thom Pettigrew

  

[Jane Prewett]

Sepember 18, 1882

Dear Thom,

Of course death is final. What fantasy land are you living in?

I'm never comfortable leaving them, but I don't wish them to think I'm going away like their father has. Every night Jessamine asks me when her father is coming home, I don't want her to ask if I'm ever going to come home. (Yes, I'm aware that it'd only be for dinner) Plus, what if they should need me and I'm not there? What if they get sick and I'm not there?

I know I sound paranoid. I get very worried about everything when Faustus isn't around.

Affectionately,

Jane

  

Reply

[Thom Pettigrew]

Jane,

Of the two of us, I wouldn't claim I'm the one living in a fantasy. You are absolutely right, of course; nearly anything could happen during that hour or two you are separated from your children, and heaven forfend they ever develop to the point where they can be without the company of a parent for more than thirty minutes. That is, of course, what nurse-maids and nannys are for, but I believe you have the right of it. Do let us know when you feel it safe to leave the house again; in the meantime, I shall inform our family that you are still alive, on the condition that you agree to tell me should you at any time find that you are otherwise.

As Always,

Thom Pettigrew

  

[Jane Prewett]

Sepember 19, 1882

Dear Thom,

Do not mock me for my fears. It is cruel and unfair of you. I apologize that I am fearful of what may happen. Perhaps you could come over here for dinner one night instead? I'd see to it that the children are in the nursery with their nanny.

Affectionately,

Jane

  

Reply

[Thom Pettigrew]

Jane,

Perhaps I was a bit too blunt; my apologies.

I'll have to decline your offer. I am in fact actually quite busy; that was not just idle chatter to excuse the lack of letters recently. I am sure that we will have time to visit sometime in the future, probably after Chastity has her baby. Until then, do stay well, sister.

As Always,

Thom Pettigrew

  

[Thom Pettigrew]

Jane,

Once again I find myself feeling I need to apologize for the lack of letters. You heard, of course, about Odessa. I am quite surprised you have not been to visit, since you seem so dreadfully fond of infants.

If you're able to abandon the children for a night, you and your absentee husband are invited to my Christmas gala on the 23rd.

As Always,

Thom Pettigrew

  

[Jane Prewett]

December 10, 1882

Dear Thom,

Please excuse my lack of visitation to see your new daughter, things have been busy here though that is no excuse. I shall be by to visit whenever I'm given the word to, without the children of course.

I do not know if Faustus will be able to attend, but I'll definitely attend your gala. He's currently out of Hogsmeade and I haven't heard from him in a few days.

Affectionately,

Jane

  

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