Chapter 95
From the Journal of Maisie McGinty Jan. 10, 1939
If there has been any silver lining to the past two months, it's all the time I've spent with my dad. It's been swell staying at the pawnshop with him this last week. He sold enough items over Christmas that he was able to clear my room out and set up my old bed, table, and lamp.
Newton slept by me and woke me up with his wet nose. I even helped Dad patch up some damaged merchandise and handled the counter last Saturday morning so he could go to the hardware store for new screws for the lower hinge on the back door. Except for Newton, it was like old times with Grandpop. Mrs. Bailey and Grace have been good to me, but sometimes I miss those days.
Dad is happy to be friends with Lionel Marshall again now that he knows that he isn't a Nazi collaborator. He even believes that he may have a path to mate in five moves in their new chess game. He looks forward to trying his strategy on his friend in person but wishes that the reason for his trip to New Bedford wasn't to bury his brother. Jim Flett came into the pawnshop while I was at the counter. It's a good thing I'm not the fainting type or what he asked for would have made my knees buckle in shock.
May Bailey to Jessie Buchanan Jan. 11, 1939
I hope this reaches you in Nova Scotia and that you have given up your foolish plan to travel halfway across Canada in your state of health. Grace is appreciative of your wish to offer her whatever comfort you can at Van's funeral but has no desire to have to attend yours. You will, no doubt, be delighted to hear that Grace doesn't want me to attend the funeral either. She thinks that it is too soon after the pneumonia for me to be outside in freezing weather. She only wants me to attend the memorial service which will be indoors. Of course, she worries too much. I feel better than I did, even if I am still a little drained of energy.
Bob and Diana will be accompanying us to New Bedford for Van's funeral. They have showered Grace with kindness since we arrived in Toronto. Diana insisted on giving her some of her maternity clothes. Toppy could easily take them in to fit Grace's slimmer figure. Doris and Jerry paid a visit. Jerry has some last-minute business to attend to at Belham Shipping, but they will leave a day later and arrive the evening before the funeral.
Bob confided that there is no sign of Doris presenting him with a grandchild anytime soon. She and her husband seem more interested in cocktail parties and nightclubbing when Jerry isn't working which is a shame. Bob agrees that the responsibilities of parenthood might be a much-needed steadying influence on them.
All of us were surprised when Laura Bridgeman showed up to offer Grace her sympathies for her loss in person as she had already sent a very kind note. She brought with her as a gift a vivid, beautifully drawn sketch for a still life which was to be called Still Life with Laurel. The two most prominent items in the sketch were a sheathed gladius [Roman short sword-Ed.] and several bays of the eponymous laurel scattered over it. It seemed a little martial for a still life until Laura explained that it was an allegorical tribute to Van.
Grace was touched by the gesture and highly complementary of her skill and artistry. She looked forward to seeing the finished painting when it was done. Her parents should be very proud of her progress as an artist. Laura confirmed that they were but wished that her father was less anxious to see her married. She is enjoying her time as a debutante and has met some very nice boys, but she doesn't want to marry yet. "God gave me a wonderful gift. I have a responsibility to nurture it."
From New Bedford Chronicle, Jan. 14, 1939
"Spanish War Soldier Comes Home to Rest"
This Thursday last, the mortal remains of Vanaver Mainwaring, businessman and soldier of the International Brigades, arrived in New Bedford by train. They were accompanied by his widow, Mrs. Vanaver Mainwaring-the former Grace Bailey. Also, by his mother-in-law, Mrs. May Bailey; his brother, Lionel Marshall of New York City; and Mrs. Mainwaring's brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bailey. In the fall of 1936, Vanaver Mainwaring was one of the first to volunteer for the International Brigades. He was an original member of the Abraham Lincoln Battalion and later transferred to the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion. … A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. today in the New Bedford High School auditorium. Rev. Peter Hall of 1st Presbyterian Church will speak as a friend of the family. … Interment in the New Bedford Cemetery will follow.
Next Week: "Last Post"