A Woman of Independent Means Read Free Page B

familiar not to hope for a conclusion of a different gender.
    I dread the long summer ahead—no dinner parties, no dances at the country club, no evenings at the theater. How shall I pass the time until my due date of September 10? I so wish I could spend the summer in a place where pregnancy is a source of pride rather than embarrassment.
    Please give Mother Steed our love. We miss her but understand your need comes first for now. Kiss the baby for me and tell her a new cousin will join her as soon as her impatient aunt can arrange it. Her uncle Rob adds his kiss to mine.
    Love,
Bess

    April 21, 1913
Dallas
    Dear Mother Steed,
    Ever since Annie described to me the freedom accorded expectant mothers in Europe, I have been hinting to Rob that I would be happier spending the summer abroad. Today he surprised me with steamship reservations for a transatlantic crossing, departing New York City May 30, arriving Southampton June 8. One of the reservations is for you, if you are willing.
    When I spoke of traveling abroad, I of course hoped—and indeed assumed—Rob would be at my side, but unfortunately his business will keep him at home. He seems to have complete faith in my ability to manage without him. Why else would he encourage me to make this trip? I suppose I should be flattered. I’ve done everything in my power since the early months of our marriage to persuade him to treat me as a full and equal partner instead of a helpless wife who has to be protected by her husband from the outside world. But sometimes I wonder if I have not succeeded too well. I just hope he will miss me as much as I shall miss him.
    However, I am thrilled at the thought of seeing Europe—with or without Rob. And we will not lack for male companionship since Robin and Drew will be with us—and of course our devoted Annie to look after them. Annie has not been home to Germany in ten years, so she is very excited about the trip. Hans will be staying here with Rob. Apparently he has no desire to see his homeland again.
    I have traveled extensively in my mind since the year tuberculosis confined me to my room, but no mental journey can compare to the excitement of actually leaving home. I hope you will share my enthusiasm—and the trip.
    Devotedly,
Bess

    April 25, 1913
Dallas
    Dear Lydia,
    I know you were sorry to see Mother Steed depart, but now that the baby is six weeks old, you should be able to manage alone. We have so much to do here getting ready for the trip.
    My friends are horrified at the thought of a woman in my condition undertaking such a voyage without her husband and with two small children, but none could suggest a more interesting way to spend the final months of pregnancy.
    My only regret is that Rob will not be with me. We have shared every new adventure from the day we met in the fourth grade. It does not seem right for me to be seeing Europe for the first time without him. But the commitment that keeps him at home—his business—is the very one which enables all of us to go, so I must not complain.
    Affectionately,
Bess

    April 29, 1913
Dallas
    Dear Papa and Mavis,
    Thank you for your letters, both of which arrived this morning, but your fears are groundless, I assure you. No one could be more concerned about my condition than Rob—or more solicitous of my health and well-being. More than anything he wants me to be happy, and he knows how oppressed I would have felt at home this summer hiding behind shuttered windows. It is ironic that the Old World is more permissive concerning the conduct of pregnant women than the New World. We may have won our freedom as a country in 1776 but in the area of feminine rights the battle is still raging.
    We will be traveling in complete comfort and style. Rob is making sure we have the best possible accommodations everywhere. We will return to Dallas in ample time for me to prepare for the birth of the baby in September and the start of the fall social season