#winifred dailey

[kindred-sims]

“...it doesn’t need to be perfect, Aunt Winifred.”

“Nonsense, dear, its your wedding day, of course it has to be perfect!”

Agnes sighed as her aunt fidgeted about with the skirts of her wedding dress for what must have been the tenth time in barely five minutes, but made no other movements or noises of protests. There was no point to it when she’d only receive the same response as she had the last several times, and thus she stayed put.

Or at the very least, she stayed put the best she could. Because it was taking everything in her to not just collapse into a overwrought heap of nervousness.

It was normal for brides to feel anxious, she supposed. Great-Aunt Winifred had said so, but then, Agnes wasn’t sure how much her aunt knew about weddings or being a bride given her perpetual state of spinsterhood. Nevertheless, Agnes tried not to think about it too much. For if she did, she knew she’d only begin trembling again as she had when she’d woken up this morning, and she’d only just managed to make herself stop.

Though whether she trembled with worry or excitement, it was hard to tell. Her mind was all aflutter with every emotion imaginable, at least the ones expected of a young woman about to be married. Why shouldn’t it be, after all? Her life as she knew it was about to change in such a grand way, she’d have a new home, a new name.

A new husband.

Oh, how she detested the fact that she couldn’t see her dear Will at this moment. She didn’t think she’d seen him for two days now, and she was sure she might just explode before she even made it down the aisle. “Its bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, after all," Aunt Winifred had tutted, much to Agnes' annoyance.

Oh well, no matter. It wouldn’t be much longer, it couldn’t be.

Today, she would become Mrs. William Barclay, just as she’d always dreamed she would.

[kindred-sims]

"Papa, don't tremble so much. We haven't even made it down the aisle yet,"

"Oh, come now, Aggie. Its not every day an old man sees his only daughter be married off..."

Once in the dear dead days beyond recall, When on the world the mists began to fall, Out of the dreams that rose in happy throng Low to our hearts Love sang an old sweet song; And in the dusk where fell the firelight gleam, Softly it wove itself into our dream.

Just a song a twilight, when the lights are low, And the flick'ring shadows softly come and go, Tho' the heart be weary, sad the day and long, Still to us at twilight comes Love's old song, comes Love's old sweet song.

Even today we hear Love's song of yore, Deep in our hearts it dwells forevermore. Footsteps may falter, weary grow the way, Still we can hear it at the close of day. So till the end, when life's dim shadows fall, Love will be found the sweetest song of all.

Just a song a twilight, when the lights are low, And the flick'ring shadows softly come and go, Tho' the heart be weary, sad the day and long, Still to us at twilight comes Love's old song, comes Love's old sweet song

"I now pronounce you, husband and wife."

[kindred-sims]

A letter to Matthew Dailey from his daughter Agnes, 189x

Dearest Papa,

We are here!

We arrived in Chestnut Ridge late this morning after a near two days of travel, bursting with both relief and anticipation. Until now the idea of being here seemed a mere fantasy, but now that we have actually made it, I am now reminded of just how real and wonderful it all really is. We are both exhausted from our journey but nevertheless overjoyed to finally be here after so much dreaming and planning, it scarcely feels feel to either of us even now.

The farm, our farm...what can I say about it? Its ours, and that’s the most important thing. This one in particular was being sold off for quite cheap after its previous owners passed on, and although I do not wish to be rude, it isn’t difficult to see why the bank was so eager to hand it over to us. It is quite an old building and in need of several serious repairs, I fear that one strong gust of wind would be enough to knock it apart.

Will seems optimistic that we’ll be able to make it work, in spite of the obvious problems. He did have to take out a small loan to pay for it, but he’s confident that we’ll be able to pay it back after our first good harvest. If all goes well, that is, which I trust that it will. We’ve come too far for it not to.

Yours truly,

Mrs. Agnes Barclay

P.S. Do let Aunt Winifred know I miss her dearly, and I plan to write to her as well just as soon as I get the chance.

[kindred-sims]

A letter to Matthew Dailey from his daughter Agnes, 189x

Dearest Papa,

I write to you with the most joyous news – your grandson has made his arrival!

As of the time I write this letter, it will have been two weeks ago that he was born. He’s a fine boy, red curls, rosy cheeks and all. Dr. Collins said he’s on track to be quite the happy, fat baby, and that couldn’t make me more delighted. Aunt Winifred has always said that happy, fat babies are good. It means that they’ll grow up strong, that they’ll be healthy. Will says that its fitting, our boy is the son of a farmer after all. The day will soon come where he'll go out to the fields to help his father.

Only, I hope that day doesn’t come too soon, for I can barely let my darling boy out of my arms for a single moment without wanting him back in them. Oh, I think I may in love again, Papa. Only it is a new kind of love that I feel, I can only imagine that it is the same love you and Mama felt when I was born. It is such a wonderful feeling and I enjoy every chance I get to bask in it. Becoming a mother has instilled me with such strength, such drive, it is as if I have been made anew. My world is much bigger now than it once was and I feel as if I have a much grander purpose than I ever would’ve imagined before.

Will sends you and auntie his love. Do come and visit us when you get the chance, you’ll both be quite welcome here and goodness knows I could use the extra help with the baby.

Your loving daughter,

Mrs. Agnes Barclay

P.S. Forgive me, I forgot to mention – your grandson’s name is Charles Matthew Barclay. Charles after Will’s grandfather and of course, I couldn’t go without ensuring that you had a namesake. Although for now we’ve decided we’d like to call him Charlie, as Will and I both agreed that Charles is a bit too formal for a baby.

A letter to Margaret Barclay from her son William, 189x

Dear Mother,

I’m writing to inform you that Aggie and I’s first child has been born.

We’ve named him Charles Matthew, for Grandfather and Aggie’s own father. He’s a strong, healthy boy, and we are both very proud to call him ours. You’re welcome to come and see him any time that you wish, that is, if Papa will allow it. I know you hate to go against his word, but please, consider your grandson. I’d like for you two to meet him before he grows too much.

Regards,

Mr. William Barclay

[kindred-sims]

A letter to Matthew Dailey from his daughter Agnes, 189x

Dearest Papa,

How cruel must the hands of time be to move this fast? My little boy is now two years old, and has become even more of a handful than ever lately. He has grown so fast in these last few years, and so much! He toddles everywhere nowadays, so much so that all I have to do is look away for one minute and he’s gone, usually running for the door or messing about in the kitchen cabinets with any pot or pan that can find.

He still remains a very darling and good-natured child, however, and Will and I adore him so. I must admit, it does sadden me that Charlie is growing to be as independent as he is, he doesn’t cling to my skirts nearly as much as he used to and seems far more interested in everything that surrounds him. I suppose I cannot fault him, the world seems a very curious place when you’re that small. Lately, he seems most fascinated by the chickens, and often accompanies me whenever I go out to feed them in the mornings. They may end up becoming his best friends, what an amusing thought! I must make it more of a point to ensure that he spends time with children his own age.

Other than that, I have nothing new to report. We are all doing well here in spite of a lesser payout from our harvests, but Will insists that all first harvests are of similar monetary reward. Next time, he says that we’ll plant double what we did before, but I cannot help but worry he might be in over his head. Far be it from me to try and convince him of this, though, he is just as stubborn as his father, even if he refuses to admit it.

All my love,

Mrs. Agnes Barclay

P.S. Do let Aunt Winifred know I’m grateful for the playclothes she sent for little Charlie, he was already beginning to outgrow his former things and I can only let out the seam so much before it becomes obvious. Martha has also been a tremendous help in seeing that he has proper attire, but rest assured I will gladly take any assistance that auntie may be able to offer from Brindleton!

[kindred-sims]

A letter to Matthew Dailey from his daughter Agnes, 189x

Dearest Papa,

I miss you, don’t ever doubt for a moment that I do. I can hardly believe its been this long since Will and I left, I do hope that you might be able to come and visit us soon. You’d find that things are humming along very nicely here, we have a full field of crops – a cash crop, Will says. I didn’t understand it at first, but he insisted that its what all the farmers are doing these days and will prove to be a much better payout versus a regular assortment of differing crops.

I suppose it makes enough sense when you really think about it, but I’m not sure how comfortable I am at the thought of sinking all our money into just one crop. What if a storm were to blow through and destroy everything?

Oh well, I suppose I needn’t dwell on it too much.

At the very least, we were finally able to purchase our cow after months of saving, and we have a fine bunch of chickens as well. Will has also built me a couple of planter boxes as well so that I may plant my own little garden, full of food I can feed our family with. We’re not quite where we want to be yet, but Will is confident that we’ll receive a bountiful harvest by the end of the summer. I only pray that he is right.

I’m sure Aunt Winifred has told you by now, as I know it is quite literally impossible for her to keep anything to herself, but you are to become a grandfather in just a few short months! Yes, it seems our crops are not the only things that are steadily growing around here, as I have discovered myself to be expecting. Other than the occasional fit of morning sickness I have been coping well enough, and Will has been an absolute dear. Oh how he fusses over me so, I can barely take a step forward without him rushing over to see if I'm alright. I think it will be both a relief and joy for both of us once the baby finally arrives, and I’m sure this will give you even more reason to come and visit us, I know that you will be very eager to meet your first grandchild.

Give my love to auntie for me.

Your loving daughter,

Mrs. Agnes Barclay

[kindred-sims]

A photo portrait of Miss Agnes Dailey on her nineteenth birthday, commissioned by her aunt Winifred Dailey, 189x. The young Miss Dailey protested being put in such a spotlight but her aunt insisted, saying that she'd "want something to remember this moment by" before she became too old and could no longer rely on her memory.

[kindred-sims]

A letter to Winifred Dailey from her grandniece Agnes, 189x

Dearest Aunt,

You’ll be pleased to know that I am not completely isolated here in my new town. I know you worried so, especially with Will moving us out to the middle of seemingly nowhere, but I can assure you that Chestnut Ridge is far from uncivilized. It is a much smaller town than Brindleton, granted, but we are certainly not hurting for pleasant company. Recently, I had the delight of meeting our neighbor – one Mrs. Martha Reed, who lives just a short ways from Will and I.

She’d stopped by one morning while I was occupied with my knitting but do not worry so, I am not without my manners, you raised me far better than that after all! I was happy to invite her in for some tea while we had a nice little chat, where I learned that it is just her and husband, Clarence, on their farm. They have two daughters who are grown and married and live far away from them, so she was quite pleased when she’d discovered Will and I had moved nearby. I am pleased as well, Aunt, she is a very kind woman and I feel fortunate knowing she’s only a mile away should I ever feel the need for company while Will is out working.

You will also be relieved to know that there is indeed a church here in town, and Will and I are faithful attendees every Sunday morning. The reverend is a good and honest man, not quite as loud as Reverend Powers I daresay, but he can still preach something fierce. Will doesn't care too much for his sermons but then, he's never been much of a church man. I myself find them to be quite riveting though, I'm not sure I've ever heard such eloquently spoken words of truth before in my whole life.

The congregation, thankfully, has been quite welcoming thus far, Will and I have even met another couple around our age who we’ve taken to conversing with following the conclusion of services. Walter and Minnie Lester, I believe that was their names. They also have a very darling baby girl named Florence, and are expecting their second child any time now.

All in all, I think we’re going to have a good life here, Aunt. The people are nice and the land is aplenty, I feel no worry when I think of our future here.

Yours Truly,

Mrs. Agnes Barclay

[kindred-sims]

WCIF Agnes's little hat / ribbon in this post? (745392245002403840/a-letter-to-winifred-dailey-from-her-grandniece) I've never seen it before and it's so cute!

Its this lovely little hat by none other than @vintagesimstress!