#myrtle scott

[twentiethcenturysims]

What a fantastic Christmas dinner we’ve just had - Penny taught me how to dress the ham and check when it was ready to eat. She insists I know how to make a proper supper for my husband once I’m married - I tried to explain that I am certain I’ll marry Malcom and that the Landgraab’s likely never cook a thing for themselves, but she wouldn’t listen. I suppose it might be good to know. 

All the branches of the Scott family have sent letters wishing us a Merry Christmas and a good New Year, and told us all the news from their homes. Most of it was boring, but here’s the good stuff - Cousin Floyd and his wife Alice have two little boys now (Lester and Russell!), Cousin Robbie got a Scottish Terrier pup in his stocking, and Auntie Edna is still a spinster with absolutely no interesting news to tell. Oh, and Cousin Frank joined us for dinner, as he doesn’t have any parents or a wife to spend it with. 

[twentiethcenturysims]

Calvin,

Just a quick note to tell you that I arrived home to Brindleton safely with my bride, Alice. I'm not sure if you heard - my mother and father passed away a few months ago. I wish I could have seen them again, but I'm glad they were together in the end. Myrtle and Albert were here to care for them.

Your cousin,

Floyd Scott

[twentiethcenturysims]

My brothers - Travis, Rob, and Glenn - have all answered the call of patriotism and gone to join the fight. Robinette was wed to his sweetheart Venessa before departing.

Not for the first time, I feel like the odd one out in the family. Even my Uncle Elmer is going to fight, though he is nearly too old to be accepted. I feel like a coward for staying home while other stronger men go to fight.

[twentiethcenturysims]

I married Emilia. What else was I supposed to do? Poor thing, she’s miserable and there’s no way that Howard could care for her and the child, as he already has his family. 

The wedding was entirely paid for by Howard - which, considering the circumstances, seems the least he could do. Emilia complained that her fashionable gown was ruined by her changing figure, and that she felt ill all day long. I hope she isn’t so fussy once the child is born.

[twentiethcenturysims]

Travis Jr has married Edna’s best friend, Sophia. It was quite a sudden thing - I’ve never know Travis to show interest in anything but his art. It seems as if there’s been a change in him - he asked Miss Jordan to marry him, and seemed eager to be wed. Edna is just as happy, and insisted on helping with every bit of the planning. I expect she’s excited for her own upcoming wedding. Though Travis and Sophia won’t be able to attend that ceremony - my son is taking his art supplies and his bride to live across the ocean in Britechester, where he will hone his craft and start his family.

[twentiethcenturysims]

Dear Jacques,

Cassandra and I had no luck in producing a child of our own, try as we might. Though we have many other wonderful things in our lives - the home, our careers (she a composer, me an author), each other - the house was made to be filled with children and without them it felt empty. 

Some higher power must have known what we were missing. As I was leaving Howard’s place in the city after a visit, I came across a little cluster of children in ragged clothing. The eldest, Floyd, told me that he would busk for money to provide for his friends. I knew instantly I couldn’t leave them on the street - it’s nearly winter! So I brought them home to Cassie. Though she was shocked at first, I know she’ll warm up to the idea.

All that to say - I’m a father now! Do you have any unused clothing or toys to offer to my new brood? Maybe some dresses that Eddie has grown out of?

Love, from Elmer

[twentiethcenturysims]

Dear diary,

Oh, when Elmer arrived on the doorstep with three ragged and hungry little orphans, I swear I’ve never felt such a purpose! I knew that these were my children - to feed, teach, and care for.

The eldest boy, Floyd, is very gifted with his fiddle and can hardly be separated from it, even to sleep. Little Myrtle is blind, but she’s a clever and very friendly girl who already calls me ‘Ma’! Albert was born without a full left leg - still, he has enough energy for two boys. Elmer is already working to make a crutch for him. 

I may not have so much time to write these days, as the children keep me very busy. What a wonderful thing to write! I’m truly a mother now.

Cassandra

[twentiethcenturysims]

I’ve never really enjoyed the holiday season, though I try to smile for Olive’s sake. Correspondence with my extended family suggests its a bleak Christmas for many, with their husbands and fathers off at war.