“About two years later, she realized that she could not support all of us, and arranged for me to go and work for Dr. Bartram, who was a famous lecturer in biology. Even after I left my cousin’s home and took on this work, I would still make lace in my spare time and take it to her on my visits so she could fill more orders.

“When I met Kindred and we decided to be married, she called me in and wanted to add her own gift to the things I had made for my wedding chest. It was a box of the most beautiful lace, except for one strip, which I recognized as the first piece I ever tatted. I was surprised that she had kept it, and told her that I would wear some of her lace every Sunday. She replied that lace was not just for special occasions and she hoped I would remember her every day, so I promised to wear a piece of lace whenever I put on my bonnet. It’s the only thing I have to remind me of those earliest days, of my own family. I still tat every now and then, and I’ve become used to wearing the fancy-looking bonnets. They last just as long as the plain ones, and Kindred doesn’t seem to mind.”

“Tell me a little more about Kindred.”

“Dr. Bartram gave lectures in his large house, charging each of his students a small fee. One of the most eager learners was Kindred, who would absorb everything taught to the group and search for anything extra that was available concerning the flora and fauna of the colonies. He saw that I assisted Dr. Bartram by sketching some of his specimens and arranging the materials for his lectures, and began asking me questions. When I learned that he was thinking about finding some land for a farm somewhere in the west, I saw it as an opportunity to have a new life and maybe a family. I really took the initiative, but it just seemed that both of us decided at the same moment to be married and move off together.”

She added, as though it was necessary, “I’m not sure about having a family, but we have a great time together. We love our biology work, and stay in touch when possible with the Bartrams. We’ve just learned for sure that William, the son, will be coming to Wrightsborough, and we are helping to make preparations for his visit. The farm is a real challenge for us, but we enjoy the hard work. Kindred is determined to do as well as Ethan, although both of us know this won’t be possible. No one could match Ethan.”

“Y’all do well enough. Kindred has taught as much as he’s learned.”

A long silence followed, and their next topic was about household duties.