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essentials for me on Saturday, but today he made another trip with his wagon piled high—more food, outgrown clothes Mama sent for the young guests, and the rest of my clothes, books, and sewing things in two big boxes. After unpacking all that, I feel I have moved into Miss Aurelia’s fine house. My clothes have never hung in such a beautiful walnut wardrobe.
    Best of all, Tom brought me letters. I have read them three times each and will fold them into my journal to keep. And after reading them once more, I’ll have to find a safe place to hide my journal, for Papa’s words remind me of the caution I must always exercise. I have been lax. Dangerously so.
    14
January
    Dear Lucinda
,
    Your brothers have told us more of Widow Mercer’s illness. Sadly, it is a spreading sickness that keeps you from your home for the coming days. You are a brave girl to fight against it until this terrible disease is cured. I thank God daily that my family is strong and in good health. I am proud of each one of you and the parts you play
.
    I would take your place and care for Widow Mercer myself if I could, but that wouldn’t be seemly. I pray you will use extreme caution and not be caught by some stray contagion. Keep vigilant. Do not take the slightest chance. You carry life in your hands. Do not lose yourself in daydreaming, else you slip. I pray God will watch over you and your charge. You are in our hearts
.
    Love
,
Papa
    14
January
    Darling Lucy
,
    Your father and I are so proud of you. We miss you, of course. But we’ll have you back soon, and full of tales, if I’m not mistaken. You will miss some of the Reverend Cummings’s inspiring sermons, which I’m sure weighs down your heart. Don’t worry. He’ll let you read them if you but ask
.
    Dear girl, take care of yourself and your charge. Be useful to Aurelia Mercer. She is a good woman, if a bit unusual. Your papa has written his cautions, so I won’t overburden youwith mine. Just know that we both send our love and our prayers your way.
    With a hug and kiss
,
Mama
    I read my parents’ letters yet again and I hold my arms close to my chest and hug myself. My eyes fill. Already I miss Mama’s hugs, her humor, her spirit. I’ve never been away from home before. How will I get along for a week without her?
    And Papa. I’ve never heard him so serious, so fearsome. The fact that he writes in code sobers me. And he warns about being caught by some stray contagion. That word again.
Caught
. I can’t help but recall that stranger in church. Oh, how I wish I were home.
    As I write this a tear dampens my cheek. I brush it away, ashamed. Here I sit only a few miles from my home and I feel lost. How much harder it must be for the families we shelter. They left everyone and everything behind. And one was captured. My family is whole and safe and nearby.
    I’ll read Miranda’s words again. Surely they’ll cheer me.
    Dear Lucy
,
    Mama says she’ll write what I say. I want to come, too. I want to help with the measles
.
    Mama says the measles are itchy and hot, but I don’t care
.
    I miss you and miss you
.
    I have a new friend. Reddie is a redbird and his wing ishurt. We keep him in a box in the loft so Brutus won’t eat him for supper. Shame on Brutus. Bad cat
.
    Reddie misses you, too. But he likes eating your corn bread
.
    Mama says I must help Reddie get well while you help Widow Mercer get well. That’s what I will do
.
    Come home soon, soon, soon
.
    Love
,
Miranda
    Miranda and her precious animals. She has a soft heart and a gentle hand. It won’t be long before she’ll help rescue people as well as wild animals. In another five years, perhaps …
    But no. I don’t want to think so far ahead. Perhaps in five years there will no longer be a need for us to do this work. In five years I might be permanently gone from my home. I might be married and have children of my own. With that thought, I unfold the letter from Jonathan Clark. Drat it all, I am so