VW: Second Life
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Country: US
Hester's Virtual Diary and Letters: A Letter To Merry Chase On Mrs. Piozzi's Abrupt Departure From The Island
19 February 1785
Dear Miss Chase
I write this note in some haste as I prepare to leave Rocca Sorrentina with Gabriel. He has persuaded me that, given the irregular presence of the good doctor on the island that it would be safer for me to continue this pregnancy on the mainland, closer to a qualified doctor. Your help has been a great comfort to me, but even you worried that my health and that of my unborn child might depend upon the availability of a physician. I hope you will accept the small token of my gratitude and esteem enclosed in this parcel.
Gabriel is to perform next Month in Vienna. I will not travel that far with him. He will leave me in Rome. From there, I will travel a short distance to the home of my dear friend, Lady Agnes Whitby, in Tivoli. Lady Agnes has a physician in her fulltime employ. There, I will enjoy the remainder ofthe carefree months before my laying in. You will be pleased, I think, to hear that that Gabriel has cleared his schedule to be with me for the whole of June, and as much of July as seems necessary. My daughter will be joining me in late April and has no plan to leave my side before September. I will be well cared for.
I have spoken with with the kind professor and with Lady Sere. They have agreed to make space for my happy family when we are ready to return to the serenity of island life. I look forward to seeing you then.
Wishing you all the best,
Mrs. Hester Piozzi
For anyone who wonders -- Yes, this is about Hester's departure from Rocca Sorrentina and contains some hints as to what her future will be. Please note, however, the date of this epistle, and remember that no one can see into the future. (Well, almost no one, eh?) Hester's planned return to that fair island may be affected by unforeseen events.
More to come...
I fear for Hester....
Dear Mrs Piozzi,
It is with great relief that I hear of your plan to receive the care of a qualified doctor, and attended by your devoted husband and daughter, in your delicate condition. I consider an experienced midwife to be a superior attendant for most births, and even one such as myself, with only minimal experience and training, can attend an uncomplicated birth in an emergency, but for your particular circumstances, the measures you are taking are most wise.
My prayers for a safe and speedy delivery go with you, safe journeys, and a happy return to our dear Rocca. We will all be so eager to welcome our newest little islander.
With sincerest best wishes,
Merry