~an excerpt from Violet Sewell’s private journal~
Summer 1908
Summer is winding down here, I’ve been seeing a few red and gold leaves peaking out from the trees. Autumn is just around the corner and Freddy will be leaving shortly for Britechester to attend school.
We’re all very excited for him and proud of his accomplishments, but it will be strange not having him around the house. He usually prefers the company of books to us, but he’s been spending more time with us lately, particularly his siblings.
He and Willy have been down at the inlet fishing almost every evening, they haven’t caught much, but I haven’t seen them spend this much time together in years. He’s been teaching Elsie all about the clouds and what the different shapes mean, he has all the latin terms memorized. It seems interesting, but I do question their choice to conduct their observations by laying down in the cow pasture.
He’s even been spending more time with Charlie, trying to teach him things as well. I’m not sure how much is sticking as the little man is only a year old, but there seems no harm in trying.
Even though he’s never been very interested in the farm, he’s been helping Hamish without complaint with the herd. Even though cows have never really been his thing, it is the easiest way to spend time with Hamish. I think we’re all just trying to enjoy the time we have left.
I’ve been cooking all his favorite meals in preparation. I know he’ll be well fed there, but making him flapjacks and beef wellington is an easy way to show him how much he means to me. My father came over from the island for a farewell dinner, and spent the rest of the evening teaching the boys all manner of card games and tricks in the parlor.
I’m so glad we’re able to send him away to school, I know it would have been devastating for him if he had to stop after the eighth grade like Willy. He has such a thirst for knowledge; I’m sure he’ll do great things with an education.
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