VW: Second Life
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Country: US
Hester Sends For Help
Please deliver to Xiamara
Rocca Sorrentina
13 December, 1784
Dear Xiamara,
I have returned early from my trip away from this island. I traveled only as far as Genoa before succumbing to fatigue and nausea. I was unable to see Gabriel at all as he had commitments in Milan and Rome. As soon as I was well enough to travel, I used what little energy I could muster to return to Rocca Sorrentina, where I now find myself in need of assistance.
I remember in our last conversation you mentioned having had some experience as a healer of women. Of course, you said you had not much training and very little experience in midwifery, but when I mentioned to the professor that I was seeking medical help, he suggested I contact you. So it seems you have his endorsement and that is quite enough recommendation for me.
I have not yet seen my husband and it is still early, so some discretion is called for. I hope you will come to see me at the villa where I am held captive in my rooms by utter exhaustion and biliousness.I experienced this to a more minor degree during previous pregnancies and wonder if there might be something you can give to ease my discomfort. Of course, I am older now, so it is possible that discomfort is normal at this stage.
Please come at your earliest availability.
Mrs. Hester Piozzi
Hester's virtual diary and letters are FICTIONAL. They are also my sole property. Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi's Virtual Diary and Letters are copyright (c) Stephanie Mesler 2014. You may not republish these virtual diary entries and letters in any form.
14 December 1784
Rocca Sorrentina
Esteemed Signora Piozzi,
Our friend the good professore has far too high an estimation of my abilities in healing, but I will be happy to provide what assistance I can --- if nothing else, then measures to relieve your current discomfort. Enclosed please find oil of peppermint, a package of ginger root, and a bag of fennel seeds, with instructions for making soothing teas. Also do remember to try to eat a small amount of plain bread or biscuit before rising, in the mornings. Small but nourishing meals throughout the day will best support you without causing discomfort, and do avoid rich and spicy foods.
As we discussed when I visited you, we should know for certain within two to four weeks, whether anything more will be required. You may wish after that time to consult someone more knowledgeable than myself. We do have qualified physicians visit our little island frequently and I am sure Signore Piozzi will feel more confident if you are in their capable hands. I understand that you have some reservations regarding this, but we can discuss all that further, should there even be a necessity.
You are wise to refrain from travel but do go walking in the late morning or early afternoon, when you will be safe from damps and miasmas. This is not something my mother imparted to me but something the English physicians told my daughters, and after the terrible illness which swept the island not long ago, I am sure they are right.
Please let me know how you fare after a few days of treatment with the teas.
Your servant,
Merry
16 December 1784
Rocca Sorrentina
My dear Merry,
Thank you so much for your attention and for the herbs which do seem to be helping, especially the ginger root. I am also taking your advice about biscuits before rising. This seems to at least start the morning well.
I shall certainly heed your advice in other matters as well. Signor Piozzi will return soon from his travels. He may wish to meet you himself and will, as you point out, have his own opinions about how best to proceed. This is a most unexpected event, neither of us having believed it possible at this late stage in my life, so he will not have considered the options previously. It may take him some time to think clearly. I have had the advantage of several weeks knowing of my symptoms and this has given me time to come to terms with a very unexpected turn of fate.
It was, as always, a pleasure to see you in the village Saturday. I hope to see you at the Feast of the Fishes this coming Saturday. That promises to be a delightful event.
Best Wishes,
Mrs. Piozzi