A Woman of Independent Means by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey Read Free Book Online

money, of course, but her home is filled with priceless antiques, which belonged to her parents and by rights should go to you when she dies. However, a court, unaware of your generous support, might designate her niece as legal heir.
    Rob and I are thoroughly enjoying all that New York City has to offer. If it were not for the children, I could stay indefinitely.
    The train trip was like a honeymoon for us—two days uninterrupted by business or family. I expect it will soon be feasible to cross the country by air, and, however happy a prospect that may be for some people, how sad it will be for women like me, married to men who will always choose the fastest means of transportation available.
    Rob reserved a luxurious suite for us here. Unlike many of his associates, he enjoys spending money as much as making it, an attitude I share completely.
    I have become completely stagestruck on this trip, seeing more plays in the past week than in my whole life until now. And what radiant performances! I will always treasure Ina Claire in Polly with a Past and Fay Bainter in The Willow Tree . I also love the way we live here—we go to the theater every night and dine afterward. There is nothing like champagne to ensure sweet dreams.
    Rob is so quick to act on my slightest whim. I am as spoiled as a woman as I was as a child. And not only enjoy it but have come to expect it. There are those who would shake their heads in disapproval. But in my experience the most loving and generous people are those who have been loved. Having been given everything I wanted as a child and now as a wife, I live only to do the same for my family and friends. I am convinced that if every child in the world were spoiled, there would soon be an end to war and crime.
    I hope you are enjoying your stay at our house and the children are not taxing your affection.
    Much love,
Bess

    May 12, 1917
The Waldorf
New York City
    My precious angels,
    Your father and I miss you very much and I hope the next time we come to New York City all of you will be with us. But we will be bringing quite a bit of the city home with us. Just wait till you see the treasures I have packed in my trunk. I spent all yesterday afternoon in the most wonderful toy store I have ever seen. I have heard people speak of the lack of manners in this part of the country, but I have been treated with the utmost courtesy everywhere I go. The clerk at the toy store in particular seemed to take a personal interest in all of you and gave me much good advice in making my selections.
    How is your tunnel coming, Robin and Drew? Mother Steed is afraid you will be buried alive. She says she holds her breath from the time you disappear behind the rose bushes until you emerge again at the birdbath. Perhaps it would be best if you delayed further excavations until our return.
    Eleanor, my dumpling, I am delighted to hear of your progress. I live for the day I hold open my arms and you come running into them.
    A kiss and a hug for each
of you,
Mummy

    May 15, 1917
The Waldorf
New York City
    Dear Lydia,
    Rob and I have just returned from a weekend in Connecticut with my college roommate and her husband. As long as Totsie and I were just exchanging letters, we remained the best of friends. But our visit, instead of bringing us closer, has increased the distance between us.
    Perhaps it was our husbands that made us seem like strangers. The two men come from such different worlds. Her husband was sent to boarding school at an early age and though deprived of his family’s presence, their name was always ahead of him, opening every door. It incensed me to see that he considered himself superior to Rob, without having done anything to earn that distinction. I am determined to give my children all the advantages of wealth and position, if only to prove how meaningless they are. Then none of them will ever be made to feel as uncomfortable as Rob did all weekend.
    We both miss Texas. We have decided to cut