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Daryl's Irish Destiny

Three More Letters

They read and transcribed the rest of the letters, there were 3 more all from Menzies to Margaret and dated 1851, 1854 and 1879.They did indeed mention the items that were found in the same box with the letters.The letter dated 1851 mentioned the opal pendant, a gift to his new bride upon the completion of their home, Wulver’s Folly, he mentions his joy that she was pregnant with their first child.

The second letter, dated 1854 celebrates the birth of their son Conor.They discover that Menzies and Margaret lost two other babies, the first was a stillbirth and the second a miscarriage a few months along.Menzies mourns the loss of these babies while celebrating the birth of their first living child.He gifts Margaret the emerald and gold necklace and proclaims his undying love for her.Niamh has tears in her eyes as she typed out the transcription for the letter.Daryl rubbed her back to comfort her.“It’s so sad and so happy in equal measure.” She sniffed.Daryl nodded.To hear a man express his words of grief and happiness so eloquently and so passionately from a time when emotions were largely suppressed was inspirational to him.

The final letter was written shortly before Menzies died in 1879.In it, he states that he knows he is dying and hasn't got much longer.He writes to thank her for being the best wife to him, loving, caring and kind. He feels blessed to have been allowed to love her, to raise her children and their own together as one big family.His words about her first husband are still filled with love and grateful memories.

Halfway through the letter, they found the mention of the uncut diamonds.

This pouch of uncut stones has been both a blessing and a curse to me, mó chroí.I saved a year of my wages to purchase them and found after I had them in my hands that the sum of blood and pure suffering that was extracted from the poor souls to unearth them made them forever tainted.The pain and torture the natives endure to mine these lumps of rock is horrific, revolting and un-Christian.My biggest regret is that they were the foundation for our beautiful home, they paid for the land and the house.But as I felt so strongly that I needed to marry you and make a home for us all, I allowed them to finance these endeavours.Such is the siren call of temptation of any description.

My profound regret was such that I could not bear to frivolously spend the money they brought into my hands.It was through discussions with Father O’Brien all those years ago that I realised how well they could be used to help others.The pain and sacrifice of those who brought them to the Lord’s good light would not be wasted if they could be used to ease the pain and suffering of other poor souls, even half a world away.

As it happened, I did not need to use all or even half of the diamonds I brought back with me.My only honest endeavours made my acts of charity just as possible and all the more clean and wholesome.I hope that you use the remaining stones for the same purpose, to make the miserable life of someone suffering better in some small or great way.

We have done great good, dearest, helping our fellow man, being of service in kindness and usefulness.Corinthians says “And now abideth Faith, Hope, Charity these three; but the greatest of these is Charity” and Dickens wrote that “Charity begins at home and justice begins next door.”We’ve lived by these words, mó chroí and I am so happy to have had your hand and your help these many years.I hope we have done enough to raise our children to carry on this good work in service of our fellow man.

I will love you forever.

Your Menzies

Daryl and Niamh looked at each other, both overwhelmed with what they had read.Niamh explained that all the letters went a long way to providing provenance, an explanation of how the items came to be in their possession.The letters could be authenticated easily enough if anyone questioned them.Daryl nodded, never doubting her.He was most struck by the tone and content of the letters, especially the last.It was clear how much Menzies loved, cared about and respected his wife, that his life’s work to help others was actually their lives’ work together.It was part of their bond and their trust in each other.It was humbling.

Niamh looked at Daryl, could see he had something he wanted to say so she reached out for his hand and squeezed it, looking at him with an expectant watchfulness.He cleared his throat and looked back at the letter.“Wish we hadn’t disappointed him.Don’ know ‘bout the rest a the Robinsons, but the Dixon branch din’t measure up.”Niamh leaned over and kissed his cheek softly.“You’re not dead yet, Daryl.You have many years left in you and now the means to do some real good in the world.Just as he wanted.”

Daryl smiled slowly, realising the truth in her words.“An’ Merle too.He wants ta open a garage tha’ puts ex-cons in work, learning useful skills an’ uses kids outta juvenile hall ta train up as ‘pprentices in auto repair.”She grinned at him.“See? The Robinson desire to help others is still there, innate and part of your DNA.”

Notes

Comments

Sweet Jesus carol is amazing!

Loul461 Loul461
12/6/16

So happy when I saw the update at work I just had to read it! And four chapters...bless your heart!! I've been thinking about you of late and when we might hear from you again. Wonderful update as usual, just love Merle, Daryl and Niamh together. And Carol! What an unexpected surprise. Just love her! Can't wait to read more. ;-)

Grimesgirl63 Grimesgirl63
12/6/16

@Tripper
What can I say? I love badass Carol.

Darylfan1969 Darylfan1969
12/6/16

I love the interaction between Merle. Daryl and Niamh, such a good thing got Merle to see what family does for one another.

And wow, this is a new Carol. I look forward to watching her tame the wild beast that is Merle!

Thanks for the awesome update!

Tripper Tripper
12/5/16

4 chapters added.

Darylfan1969 Darylfan1969
12/5/16