Epilog

Groton, Connecticut

February 1817

Dear Mama,

The first new ship of the Foster Fleet went down the ways in Groton before the turn of the year. The rigging was set with great efficiency and she is a thing of beauty. Amos is conning the shakedown cruise, which will eventually take him to Ashfield and the circulating library, once he makes the London Docks. (I sent this letter a month before he is due to sail. You should be getting this letter a little before he reaches England.)

I do hope your bags are packed. You promised they would be, in your last letter. No fears, please. You will like our riverfront property on this Thames River! You will also like my husband’s stepmother. Indeed, I have come to love Catherine Foster. This is a big house and there is room for all of us.

Having said that, Amos had real trouble prying himself away from us. Yes, us. You are now grandmama to a boy. We decided upon David Ince Foster. He is the most handsome little one I ever laid eyes on. I am not even slightly biased, am I?

Oh, and this: My dear husband christened this first ship the Maddie Mine . I cried over that, but then, before David was born, I cried at nearly everything. The midwife assured me that’s what ladies-in-waiting do. Heavens.

But here we are, and eager to see you soon. America might seem raw and a bit primitive, but the people are stalwart and kind. You’ll feel at home here very soon. I did.

Love,

Madeline Foster (a.k.a. Maddie Mine )

P.S. We are both delighted that you have given Number Fourteen to Ruth Cuthbert. She will take good care of it. A suggestion: Do you think Livingston, the butler at Tifton Manor, would like to do some light work for her, in exchange for lodging in our old rooms over the library? I’ve heard rumors that Mrs. Tifton is ready to turn him off, and you know that will come with no compensation, even after all his years at the manor. (My husband is going to arrange a stipend with Mr. Clare, so Livingston can leave Tifton Manor with dignity.) Just a thought.

M