Bonding Over Our Dead Dads

[Ellory Pendergast]

August 4 1884

Dearest Minnie,

I imagine that Mother already wrote your parents to inform them of Father’s horrible passing. I was confident that the Laughing Plague would not claim his life but alas, I was wrong and we lost him yesterday.

Father and I hardly had a close relationship, but I am still so upset about his passing! Was it so terrible for you too, when Uncle Reuben died? I tried to keep myself from crying, but I was not entirely successful.

You are so very lucky to be outside Hogsmeade right now. Even through the fire is gone, people are still dying frequently and I cannot help but worry that I might catch the sickness in the last moment and die, just like my father did.

Love,

Ellory

[Minnie Pendergast]

5th August, 1884

Dear Ellory,

Oh my dear Cousin Ellory, I’m quite sure that the terrible loss of both our father’s doesn’t mean that we are imminently to die. We’re both young and strong and as mama has taken pains to point out to me in the softest tones possible, papa was hardly in the best of health to begin with. Still, it is impossible not to miss him and I must confess I wasn’t able to control my tears for the first few weeks. It is still painful of course, but somehow the initial sting has dulled.

I cannot imagine being in Hogsmeade is helpful at the moment! It must have been terrible to actually see the fire – apparently our house is half-burnt to the ground and mama fears we may have to rely upon Auntie Helena and Uncle John’s hospitality for longer yet.

I hope to see you soon though! All things being well I shall be enrolled in Aunt Olivia’s new school soon and I’m sure I shall receive news of your from Cousin Rosalind, but it would be lovely to hear from you personally!

With love,
Minnie.

  

[Ellory Pendergast]

August 8 1884

Dearest Minnie,

I’ve seen and heard about too many seemingly healthy and young people succumbing to this sickness not to be afraid for my own life. I try to be optimistic about it. If I haven’t got it yet then I will likely not do so now, when everyone at home is either dead or recovered.

I suppose I have it better than a lot others. Our house did receive some light damage, but that is the keyword there: light. We will hardly have to camp out in the park for the next weeks like others and I am still in good health even if my spirits are down.

I cannot wait to see you too! I am glad to hear that you are going to my mother’s school. It is only a pity that we will not get to attend together, but I am sure I will not be lonely when the time comes for me to go as well.

Love,

Ellory

[Minnie Pendergast]

12th August

Dear Ellory,

I don’t think you should despair for your health just yet! Even if you do contract the illness there is every chance that you will recover – I’ve seen it myself with my mama’s maid, she was quite ill although she wouldn’t admit it and now she’s quite as strong as she ever was. And my friend Ivy was sick too and we were all terribly worried but now she is merrily planning her wedding to Mr Scrivenshaft! So all is not lost even if our dear papa’s were not so lucky!

It seems so sad that you will not be there now. I scarcely know cousin Rosalind despite us being at school at the same time – isn’t that odd, that I should know you and the Macmillans better than a cousin close to my own age! I write to William sometimes, but never to Rosalind, but then I can’t imagine you writing to Emma somehow!

Best wishes,
Minnie.