Dearest Mandy,
I know it has been more than a month since I last wrote to you. Training keeps me busy. I finally was able to steal some time away from my duties to write since you and the rest are no doubt worried.
Please tell our mother a thousand thanks for her generous gift on my birthday. I am enjoying my roll now as 3rd Lieutenant of the Dragoon calvary. I have made several friends here. Young Master Robert Bordon and Henry Witherspoon are in my unit and about my age. Witherspoon is two years older and is 2nd Lieutenant. Robbie is working towards a commission. His father is promising him.
So tell me how are you my dear sister? Have any great events happened since you wrote last. You mentioned you went to Paris. How was it?
I often wish you were here to talk, but even though officers are gentlemen this is no place for a young lady.
Robbie is very religious. It must be because he is Irish. I have learned to find the value in God and let him guide my way.
As for now I must return…regrettably so.
I remain as always your brother,
William Gregory George Tavington
3rd Lt. B.D.C.
Amanda smiled as Anne-Marie finished reading it. It had come during her French lesson and Anne thought it was a worthwhile distraction. She immediately started to start the letter back.
Her letter was very short, but Anne took it and made ready to write a longer one from herself. William always enjoyed getting his sister's letters even it they were full of horrible grammar.
Anne had finally paid off George's debts. She now did much of the housework herself and worked side by side with the other two. She had to be taught by them. Her once soft noble hands become hard and callused. She was a fast learner and tried hard to keep her house in order.
Several men had come calling on her to try to woo her, but it never seemed to work out. Anne was a changed harder woman. She was not the innocent loving girl she was.
Amanda worked with them sometimes, but most of the time they had her stay indoors out of the thick Liverpool air.
Anne found strength in her daughter and son. Amanda had only one playmate, Sarah, who did not come calling often. Amanda seemed content to play alone. Her son was making a name for himself. She was proud of both.
