VW: Second Life
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Country: US
A Virtual Letter From Hester Piozzi to Merry Chase
17 January 1785
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| Mrs. Piozzi commiserates with the captive birds in the rotunda of the Villa Vesuvia. |
Dear Miss Chase,
The appointed date has come and gone and it was with no remaining doubt whatsoever that I informed my husband, Mr. Piozzi, ofmy great news. Gabriel was present on Rocca Sorrentina for just a few daysand has now departed for work abroad. He will be in France for some weeks which will be followed by a brief trip to England. How I wish I could accompany him on his journey, but that seems to still be inadvisable as the symptoms of early pregnancy are still with me.
Which brings me to the point of this letter -- well one of the points. I was wondering if you might have any recommendation for swelling in my hands and feet which seems to go beyond the normal addition to her girth any expectant mother can, well, expect. This swelling sometimes combines with the usual indigestion to make it quite impossible for me to function as I would like on a daily basis. I fear I am becoming quite the recluse. It is my hope that you know of a remedy.
Secondly, I am wondering of I might meet with you once again in your other capacity. I could use some guidance with regard to a private matter concerning my daughter who remains in England.
I do hope all is well with you and yours.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hester Piozzi
Esteemed Mrs. Piozzi.
My delight at receiving your note is mingled with considerable concern. I must confess, having heard of Mr. Piozzi's departure for France, and not having seen you or heard from you since, I had hoped that, despite cautions against travel, you might have joined him, there to settle within reach of experienced midwives until your baby's birth. Giving birth may be more hazardous for any woman who is not so very young, and the symptoms you describe only increase my concern.
So again I caution you that while I have a little experience from assisting my mother many years ago in her trade of midwifery, that is limited experience and not recent. My skill in medicines really extends no further than the teas I suggested for your nausea earlier in pregnancy, and if this digestive discomfort has not abated, and further, has been joined by such debilitating swelling, my concern is deepened. If you will not have a surgeon, will you not seek out a truly competent midwife?
The dangers of travel in your delicate condition are, I believe, overbalanced at this point by these unusual symptoms. Surely you would be in less danger if you were to risk the travel, and with your husband's assistance, seek out a doctor or midwife who can see you safely through the perils of pregnancy and delivery?
I will of course be more than happy to come to you to do anything in my power to assist you. My small skills in nursing are at your disposal, I will happily run errands for you and assist you in your household tasks to decrease the strain upon you, and bring visitors to relieve the tedium of your sequestration, and of course my small gifts in divination with the tarot are ever at your disposal, but for your safety and that of your child I would most happily be helping you pack your trunk and plan your journey to join your husband in France. I will wait on you later today or if that is not convenient, then tomorrow at the latest.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Merry Chase
Xiamara Remedios bint Iskandar y Pacheco de Chase
I too have grave concern for Mrs. Piozzi and the unborn child she carries. Would that the dear lady were able to withstand the journey from the isle of Rocca Sorrentina to The Haven where our dear friend Fanny Burney is now visiting me for the season. Winter maintains its grip on the Haut-Medoc, but soon the skies will lighten, the sun will warm, and the vineyards will bring forth new life yet again. I pray that Mrs. Piozzi is enduring a momentary adjustment to her bodies the new condition and that she and the babe will flourish.