Page 44 of The Heart of Bennet Hollow

Jayne Bennet of Bennet Hollow

New River, Virginia

Dear Jayne,

I received your letter this morning and was so pleased to open it. I sat there at breakfast and read each word. Twice, to be honest. I’m relieved to hear that you’re doing well and enjoying this milder weather. It’s still quite crisp in Vermont, but it will pass soon.

Just yesterday, the coachmen brought out my carriage for the first time in months. Not that I mind travelling by sleigh. The bells are festive and bring cheer to the colder days. Have you ever travelled by sleigh? I think it may be one of life’s joys. But here I am, blathering on.

Please tell me more about the spring garden you wrote of. How is it faring?

You inspired me to take a walk through my own gardens and while there’s not much to be had, the ideals you described have me looking forward to summer.

I hope you receive this letter safe and well—and that you are the same.

William Drake, as you recall, delivered your letter to me.

It has been the first I’ve received and from what I gather, you had not received the three letters I mailed you over the winter.

I apologize for such confusion. It seems something went awry with the post coming and going to my home and that’s my missight entirely.

The world is a little clearer now, and hearing your voice in it once more is the clearest sound of all.

If you would enjoy writing again, yours will be the first I read.

Warmly,

Callum Brydolf

Mr. C. Brydolf

C/O Mr. W. Drake

127 Ridgeview Lane

Shelburne, Vermont

Dear Callum,

I too enjoyed getting your letter. It was also the first I’ve seen and I’m grateful to have received it. It came as a surprise today while I was in town and I’m rather glad as I got to be the first to read it. A rarity in the Bennet home.

It’s been some time since I’ve travelled by sled.

I was a girl and Pa used to pull my sisters and I on a wooden sled not made to hold all of us five girls at once.

We’d bundle up in our mittens and coats, and it was how he got us out of the house in midwinter and out from under Ma’s feet.

Likely, those rides were a mite bumpier than your own, and one or two of us would usually fall off, but they are fond memories.

We would always return to cups of hot tea and a roaring fire that felt as comforting as Ma draping a blanket around us.

As your letter was posted a week ago, I’m curious if the weather has brightened further for you. In anticipation of sunnier days, I’ve included some seeds—rosemary and yarrow. I’ve added a few notes on starting them indoors until the ground is more welcoming.

Please do tell me if you have any luck with them. I’m not very good at saving seeds. This has been my first attempt. So, it’s an experiment for us both. I sewed up the paper packets myself so we will see if they arrive unspilled. I do hope so.

Thank you again for your letter. I’ve addressed this one to Mr. Drake’s estate once more.

Most sincerely,

Jayne

Jayne Bennet of Bennet Hollow

New River, Virginia

Dear Jayne,

First to herald in good news—the packets arrived in perfect condition.

You’ve a fine hand with a needle. I’ve planted the seeds you sent and started them indoors as you advised.

I’ve never had a knack for gardening so I’ll be honest that I asked my gardener for assistance.

We spent the afternoon in the potting shed where I used two small pots (per your recommendation) which were unfortunately cracked (per my clumsiness) and with just the right amount of soil, I got the seeds settled into place.

They’re on the sunniest side of the greenhouse where I do believe they’ll soon outshine even the heritage roses.

I keep a close eye on the sleeping seeds, visiting each day though I sense it isn’t making them grow any quicker.

Please send any further advice you have for this humble gardener.

The weather is indeed brightening. I can almost imagine how Vermont will be in the summer.

Some of my favorite delights are the blueberries that grow wild and the honey that comes from the back acreage of this estate.

I rather wish I could call it a farm, as you have known, but perhaps one day it will get there.

I’ll be thinking of a way to share its offerings with you when the time comes.

Perhaps a package in the mail or some other clever way to deliver blueberries and honey. And maybe a little more.

Be on the lookout.

And please do tell me how this next letter arrives to you. I’m rather curious about the excitement that the mail brings to the Bennet household and much enjoy the pictures your descriptions create in my mind. Already, I’ve smiled with memory of your sledding days without having ever been there.

Warmly,

Callum