She did not start writing at once, but took time to consider how best the book should be laid out. The blank pages held a promise of pleasure to come.But she did not delay writing to Jem, though she found it difficult because she had never composed a letter before, only brief notes of remedies or descriptions of plants. She copied his style of address, beginning simply: Jeremiah, I thank you for your gift. Nothing could have pleased me more. She assured him she was safe at Weston Hall, but did not mention the family’s troubles and left him to imagine how distraught they were at the progress of the war. She wrote:Elen has been baptized. I think you will not approve of infant baptism, but Lady Weston was pressing in the matter, and I confess I was happy to see Elen brought before God. Jane Edginton, the baker’s wife, is wet nurse, and has Elen to live with her in the village. I visit often and see that the child is thriving. I love her as my daughter now, yet almost fear to do so in case Bryn should be found and come to claim her.Mistress Christian and I worked hard in the garden through the summer.
