Susannah Elmhirst to Lady Margaret

The Rectory, Lambeth, 15 December 1868

Dear Margaret,

A very large parcel arrived this morning all the way from New York, causing great excitement here. I have so far resisted opening the one marked with my name, though I am not sure that I will be able to do so for another ten days! As for the rest, your thoughtfulness and generosity touched all of our hearts. After consulting with my Lambeth Ladies, as you call them, we decided that we would hold a party for the children in the church on Christmas Eve when the sweetmeats—or candy, as you adopted Americans say—will be distributed. Aside from the peppermint sticks, we have never seen anything like the selection you have given us, and I am sure the boxes of Santa Claus sugar plums in particular will be treasured. I shall include a full account in this letter of the party, and will defer posting it until after the big event.

Your letter to me, which came with the parcel, I have now read several times. Your accounts of New York are so vivid, the life you are leading there so filled with excitement, I almost feel that I am there. Please do continue to send me the Demorest’s Magazine if it is not too much trouble. I read your monthly column out to the Ladies, who take such pride in being acquainted with the author—yes, even Sally, I promise you.

The door-bell is being rung most impatiently, and our housekeeper is out for the afternoon. I shall abandon this letter for now, and continue it as promised after the party.

22 December

It is with enormous sorrow and a very heavy heart that I resume this letter to impart the most dreadful news imaginable. It turns out that the door-bell was being rung by two policemen. Dear Margaret, I hardly know how to say this. Even now, a week later, I cannot believe he

I shall try to be succinct. They came to inform me that Sebastian had been murdered fatally wounded. It appears that he was stabbed when attempting to prevent a moneylender from beating a defaulting customer. The debtor fled when Sebastian stepped in, and the moneylender, fearful of being detained, wielded a knife. The only witness to this dreadful event refused to make an official statement for fear of reprisals.

I am told by the police to expect no further action. The altercation took place in a neighbouring parish. Had it been closer to home, I fervently believe someone would have gone to Sebastian’s assistance, or at least born witness. As it is, my brother’s murderer will never be brought to justice. The Bible preaches forgiveness. I confess that I am finding it almost impossible to comply. I pray that in time I will find it in my heart to do so but at this point I am too consumed with anger and grief

We laid my dear brother to rest yesterday. As you can imagine, the church was packed to the rafters, with many having to stand outside in the rain. It is some comfort to know just how valued and highly thought of Sebastian was. The funeral service was delivered by his curate, Mr. Glass, who will now take responsibility for the parish. The archbishop wished to lead the mourning, but I felt certain Sebastian would demur. I fear I have offended the archbishop, but I refuse to feel guilty about upholding Sebastian’s values to the end.

As to my own future, though Mr. Glass has assured me there is no urgent need for me to quit the rectory, my staying here without Sebastian is quite improper. My parents would welcome my return, for they are both extremely infirm, but I am loathe to leave Lambeth, and will make use of Sebastian’s modest bequest to find alternative accommodation. The one consolation for my loss is knowing that by continuing with my work here, I am honouring my brother’s memory. Sebastian would wish me to stay here. If I can do so, then I am determined that I will. I owe it to him to protect his legacy.

Margaret, I am deeply sorry to have to impart such dreadful news, and at a time of year which should be filled with joy. Your letters will continue to reach me through the good offices of Mr. Glass, wherever I may be. You are in my thoughts and prayers as ever.

God bless,

Susannah