Brother Austin,
Upon going through the odds and ends for our dear departed sister, I found the most fascinating thing! Father told me to go through and destroy all of her letters. Don’t tell him, but before doing so I read a few. It looks like sister had more male acquaintances than we thought! Her most recent letters were full of loving notes and written to someone by the name of Master. Do you have any idea who that could be?
While her correspondence was fascinating, that was not the only treasure I found. Stashed in her drawers and boxes underneath her bed, Emily had over twenty hand-bound books. No wonder she spend so much of her time alone in her room! I assumed they were her diaries so naturally I took a peak, but what I found was even better. Remember when she had that one poem published anonymously in that magazine years ago? That was not her only attempt at poetry as she told us. All twenty bound books were full of verse after verse after verse. And although I am no literary critic, in my opinion she is a wonderful poetess! I will include one of my favorites so far along with this letter.
I cannot wait for you to arrive back home. I know it is a sad day, and a less than joyful trip to return for the sake of Emily’s funeral. We are all saddened here. Emily was stubborn up until her final moments, not allowing the doctor to come near enough to her to do the necessary tests. She always was distant, but one would think she would allow a doctor near her! Anyway, although the circumstances are less than desirable, I am excited to see you. Maybe we can examine her letters and poetry together, for I believe we will learn something new about our quiet and prim sister from her writings! For someone who spent the bulk of her time gardening or writing locked away in her room, her poems are sure full of emotion!
Oh, also one last logistical thing. Emily asked to be buried in her favorite white dress. I know it has the stain from when she wore it baking her scrumptious coconut cake, but I would like to fulfill her wishes. It would be nice to see her in a different color, for maybe she wouldn’t appear so ghost like! The neighbors are always asking about her attire by the way. Anyhow, I cannot locate the dress here and believe it is at your house. Could you bring it with you?
Fondly,
Vinnie
My favorite of Emily’s poems thus far:
Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne’er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need..
Not one of all the purple Host
Who took the Flag today
Can tell the definition
So clear of victory
As he defeated - dying -
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!
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