January 4, 1884
Dear Lillian,
I write to you again with good news. I have borne another little son, who has lived. He's a wonderful child named Elliot Thomas. Elliot for our uncle, and Thomas for our brother, may God bless him. I like how we tend to use old names for our children; it keeps our loved ones' memories alive.
Jack is not so keen on having a baby brother. Can you believe he's almost two? Belinda is already twelve! She got a new scarf- I spent ages knitting it. I'm worried that due to Gerald's union, we might be cast out into the streets. But why should I let that burden me now? I just bore Elliot.
Elliot is a sweet child. He has red hair like Thomas, even his freckles. Oh Lillian. He looks so much like our brother that I might cry. I do hope that he outlives Thomas by a long time.
Why do I constantly talk of death in the midst of birth? It's getting harder to write to you, since postage costs money. I hate this constant scraping. Maybe I should go west.
How are you and Hank? I heard the soil is rich in Kansas. Have you built new house? I do envy you, being able to build houses out of shanties, having lots of space. New York is too crowded, I do agree with you.
Jack can speak now. He says, "Mama, Papa, you, why." Especially his favorite word: "no." He's very much like Betty. Did you know that Betty ran away on Jack's first birthday? I don't remember why we were fighting, but she just ran out the door. I felt sick and nervous, but Margaret found her outside. That very same day, I got fired by Pulitzer's horrid staff. Jack then spit up on the boss's baby. I doubt we'll ever come into contact with them again.
Gerald has started a union. He's the treasurer. I am nervous. We can't afford for him to lose his job. I wish he would be less rash, but then again, I married him because of his uncompromising sense of justice. If only I could be as brave as he.
Belinda is uninterested in boys; thank God. Anne is the same. But Margaret's been staring at this classmate of hers, Eugene Steinbeck. He's a handsome child, I'll give him that. Nut brown hair, black eyes, dimples. He makes her laugh. Unfortunately he's also a handful. Once he sassed the teacher, then hid her ruler so she couldn't discipline him. Bad influence.
Please tell your girls that their Aunt Matilda loves them. I long to see them; I bet they've gotten so tall. Vera is the same age as Belinda, I believe. And Ruby, whom I've not seen since you moved thirteen years ago! I would love to see your face, to hear your laughter, to play cards.
Your loving sister,
Matilda Kelly