A Woman of Independent Means Read Online Free PDF Page A

COME AT ONCE
    BESS STEED
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    August 7, 1913
Vienna
    Dear Heart,
    Please do not worry when you read this. We are fine now, but I wanted you to know of the change in our itinerary.
    Three days ago Drew became ill with the grippe, and by dawn the next day, after a sleepless night for all of us, Robin shared his symptoms. I wired Annie immediately and she arrived this afternoon. The first thing she did was put me to bed. I slept until dinner and am now feeling much better. Everyone else is asleep for the night. Just seeing Annie again is the best medicine the children could have.
    I have wired the hotels in Italy to change our reservations. Mother Steed suggested we skip Venice and proceed directly to Florence, but I am unequivocally opposed to omitting anything from our itinerary. I hope and pray this is not my last trip to Europe, but I have no assurance of anything beyond tomorrow, and, providing of course that the children are well enough to travel, tomorrow will find us in Venice.
    All my love,
Bess

    August 9, 1913
Venice
    Dear Heart,
    We arrived yesterday just as the sun was setting into the Grand Canal, the perfect hour to see Venice for the first time—if indeed we have actually seen Venice. It is more like a dream to me.
    The children seem to be completely recovered. However, except for a gondola ride this afternoon, they have stayed in the hotel with Annie all day.
    Annie said my telegram was just what she needed to force her to a decision. Her brother had already urged her to sail home with us from Naples. He is convinced war is on the way and he told her if she didn’t leave now, she might never see the United States or her husband again. A letter from Hans was waiting for Annie here. I have no idea what he said but fortunately Annie is now convinced he has remained faithful in her absence and anxiously awaits her return. As I trust you do mine.
    Ever your
Bess

    August 12, 1913
Florence
    Dear Lydia,
    Despite our truncated stay here, we have managed to see all the art masterpieces I had studied in school and quite a few I had not.
    Mother Steed was somewhat shocked when she saw Michelangelo’s David for the first time, and the size is indeed overwhelming. Though I myself am not shocked by anything I see in stone, I was not prepared for Italian men in the flesh. In every other country my very obvious condition has protected me from all the suggestions to which a woman traveling alone is prey. In Italy my condition, if noticed at all, appears only to enhance my attractiveness to the opposite sex. Even Mother Steed cannot walk down the street without comment. At home a forty-five-year-old widow is considered old; in Italy she is merely regarded as ripe. This is definitely the country to visit when your children are grown and you are beginning to feel your life is over—though, frankly, I cannot imagine ever feeling that way.
    If we spoke Italian perhaps we could carry on an intelligent conversation with the men who follow us everywhere, but as it is we have to try to ignore the remarks they address to us and speak only to each other. Since arriving in Italy, we have gotten in the habit of eating dinner in our hotel rooms with the children, and we have given up our evening strolls after dinner. I bought an Italian-English dictionary and study it faithfully each evening but so far have not been able to find any of the words spoken to me by the men on the street.
    I am delighted that Manning is joining Rob in business. When will you be moving to Dallas? I look forward to helping you find and furnish a house. Much is expected of the wife of a man going into business in a new city. I know Rob will give Manning the benefit of his experience and I will do no less for you.
    Affectionately,
Bess

    August 15, 1913
Rome
    Beloved,
    How I miss you! These warm Italian nights create such longings inside me. It is unbearable to be alone.
    We went for a long carriage ride tonight and saw the ruins by moonlight.