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Dear Emma,

Great news! I’ve found Fanny—she died here, on Nevis, in the summer of 1814. I don’t know how, or why, because she's supposed to be at the bottom of the lake outside your window, but here she is.

Not only that, but she was James Rawlins’ SISTER, which means that the painting we found in the attic may have been her brother too.  It is all beginning to make more sense, although why Fanny isn’t in the genealogy we have, and how exactly the two Stoney Groves relate is still puzzling.   It never really made sense to me that she was still so grief-stricken two decades after her husband's death that she drowned herself.   Especially given the  rumors of her killing him, which doesn't  fit with the grieving widow picture either. But if she did kill him, why fake her death so many years later? Questions, questions.

I’ve enclosed copies of the newspaper announcements. Can you go back to Essex and hunt around some more in the Rawlins family papers and see what turns up? Maybe you can try following James to see if there’s any record of him coming here…Sorry, I don’t need to tell you your job!

How are things going otherwise? You haven’t mentioned him, but I hope that you and Frank are on the mend. You seemed really happy with him. Don’t know why you split up, it’s none of my business (and who am I to give advice on love?), but Frank is a really sweet guy.  You should give him another chance. Maybe you already have!

I’m beginning to feel settled here. I just moved into a new house that I’ve signed a six month lease on-- I figured I’d give myself some time to see what’s next. Nothing happens quickly here, and I really like that. My "landlord" Doug is an ex-pat from New Jersey who’s been living on Nevis for ten years. He’s a lot of fun, and has already started to teach me to sail. Maybe I’ll buy a boat! I’ve been over to visit Amy and James lately as well, and they are both fine, and anxiously awaiting the baby.

Send my best to Shirley and Martin, and if you see Chester or Nigel Banks, tell them I’m working on letters for them. Hope all is well. Oh, can you tell Simon I have email access through Doug now so I’ll send him a message about the bills? I appreciate it.

Let me know what you find in Essex. Thanks!

Ann