19

The Book of Summer

Patience Grimsbury

June 10, 1941

Cliff House

Mrs. Young asked me to write in this Book of Summer, which seems peculiar given my station, but she swears it’s made for all.

The summer commenced in its usual way, the women fussing about, and I have to go in and fix naturally they’re getting everything precisely right! I just fill in where I can! Mrs. Young and Mrs. Young, Jr., and Miss Young-now-Packard, they all have such a knack for making this grand house hum. I’m fortunate they let me be a part of it!

I’m waiting—any day now—for one of the younger set to announce her pregnancy. They are all trying, this I know. I hope this “Grey Ladies” enterprise doesn’t hamper things in the womanly department. There’s only one way to become a mother—focus on the endeavor wholeheartedly. Not that I know a thing about it, in the end.

Whether a baby or two will soon be on its way, I can’t predict. But I do know one thing. This will be a summer for the ages. A summer to remember. I only pray that I can keep the whole thing ticking.

Dutifully,

Patience Grimsbury