22 January 1886

The minister came today. He asked after George. I didn’t say that I hadn’t seen him. He wanted to know if I was reading my Bible. After he left, I looked inside the cover. 18th January 1837, Dorothea Anderson. It cost me four shillings from Hugh Spencer who drowned, I think. I bought it because I wanted to know what Jack knew. That was the year our daughter was born.

Was Matthew there when you died? I hope he held your hand. Jack is close to me now. I can smell him. It is like the rich scent of a seal. I know I will see you soon. And that you have forgiven me.