1 September, 1895 Lakes District England To My Most Darling Agnes! You cannot imagine the rapture I felt to learn that you safely delivered a baby girl! And to name her Alicia! I feel very humbled! Being so far away from you all, I do tend to worry! But I will never regret my decision to stay on! Imagine how different my life would have been had I returned to the States with you. Bertram is well, and HB sends her love … Presently, I am very busy with all that is involved in keeping house for an English family – but I am so enjoying it (despite the fact that SOME here find me highly curious … “That American Girl!”) We are greatly looking forward to our visit at Christmas, and I am all-aquiver with the anticipation of meeting my niece for the first time! Your loving sister, Alice PS Have you heard from Martin lately? Our older brother seems to have forgotten about me!

April 1, 1896 Sleepyside NY To my dearest Alice! I really am the silliest of creatures! You have been gone less than 2 weeks, and I already miss you sorely! I hope this finds you well, when you arrive home. It was wonderful seeing Bertram again, and I must repeat my thanks to HBP for the small book of drawings she sent for Alicia – when she is old enough, I am sure they will be a treasured possession! Benjamin is as busy as ever, and is spending a lot of time with Harold Belden and James Frayne. They are hoping to make the farming venture profitable by the ending of this summer! As a consequence, I am spending a great deal of time with Martina and young Harold. Nell Frayne has been a godsend to me; it is a cruel fate that makes her childless … when she is so obviously born a mother! Presently, Alicia is wanting her dinner (she is still a lusty eater, and growing by the minute!). All of my love to You and Bertram … and greetings to HB! Agnes

23 September, 1900 Lakes District England My darling Agnes! HBP was highly amused with your stories of the young scamp Peter Belden! With a twinkle in her eyes, she called him a “Naughty Little Rabbit”. I am glad to read that the farming venture with the Fraynes and the Beldens is doing so well! Bertram was particularly interested in the details of the methods, and send’s a “thankyou” to Benjamin as well as his standard greetings. Alicia seems like she is growing into a proper little lady, you must be so proud of her! We are contemplating another visit next July! Greetings to everyone in Sleepyside! Alice

December 14, 1911 Sleepyside NY My dearest Alice! I am in absolute raptures over my darling new nephew, Benjamin! MY Benjamin is suitably honored as well! To think that you didn’t say a word while you were here! You sneaky little thing! I am so happy for you both! James and Nell Frayne have a new nephew, by the name of Winthrop. He is quite the sweetest little thing you have ever seen – with a shock of carrot hair, and the prettiest green eyes. I do believe he will be quite the heart breaker when he grows! Harold and Martina Belden have yet another son, Andrew. I think they can rest assured that the Belden name will be carried on. As for Benjamin and Myself, we so incredibly proud of little Alicia! She is showing quite the talent for needle work, and all in all is a lovely little girl! On a very exciting note, Benjamin has decided that it is high time we paid YOU a visit … so expect us before the next year is out! With much love Agnes

September 7, 1912 Sleepyside NY Darling Alice! Exciting news! On the boat home, I discovered that I am expecting another child – early next year! I must admit that we had despaired of ever having another, after so many years, it must have been the magic of HB’s cottage on the lake! Alicia has been stepping out with young Thomas Delanoy, and I must say that I whole-heartedly approve! He’s a wonderful young man. Life here is going swimmingly, and I wish the same for you and your little family! Send my congratulations along to HB! Ever affectionate Agnes

January 23, 1913 Sleepyside NY Dearest Alice I am happy to read that things are still going well for you all! I am greatly concerned with the current situation in Europe, and I pray for you daily! Benjamin sounds to be a lovely young man, and we are greatly looking forward to having him with us for the summer! Unfortunately, the farm has had a lean year – but we hold high hopes for next summer, God willing. Send my love to everyone in the District, and thank HB again for the little books she sent us! Deepest Affection Agnes

3 August, 1913 Lakes District England My Sweet Agnes! I am so happy to have another niece! HB laughed aloud when she learned you have named her Helen, and the reason for it. Bertram sends his greetings to everyone in Sleepyside, as do I. Benjamin is growing up to be a bit of a rascal, but he is very sweet, and so contrite when he realises he has done wrong. Is the farm still doing well? Love to you all Alice

13 May, 1916 Lakes District England My sweet Agnes I am so sorry to read about Thomas Delanoy’s demise! At such a young age, it really is unfathomable. How is Alicia holding up? Young Benjamin was particularly shocked at the news, as they had struck up quite a friendship during his visit. Everyone here is well, although the hell in Europe still rages on. I for one, cannot wait for it to end! With great sadness in my heart Alice

April 2, 1921 Sleepyside NY Darling Alice Alicia still concerns me a little, which is only heightened by the fact she has moved to Boston and thrown herself into her work. I am most unhappy about the fact that she is so far away, but I can understand her feelings. The only thing that prevents me from total concern is the fact that Martin checks in on her from time to time, and it seems that she is developing a close relationship with our older brother. For a time, she was very close to Thomas Delanoy’s brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Regina … but after their first son was born (they named him Tom) she felt it too painful. Martina Belden is equally concerned for their oldest, Harold. He shows no inclination toward farming whatsoever, and last year married a very young Norwegian girl, I believe she is only 17 … while he is 27. They now live in Idaho! Andrew is the only one left in the Belden home now. Helen is a great comfort to me, but rather harem-scarum! She does show quite a talent in pictures. She discovered the little book of pictures HB sent years ago, and copied them out quite beautifully! The Frayne’s are doing well, and send their best wishes to you! I miss you and your family. Agnes

October 27, 1929 Sleepyside NY Sweet Alice Things are not looking good at the moment … thankfully, everyone needs to eat – and we are almost self-sufficient. The Spencer Family have been forced to sell the Manor House. On an interesting note, Helen has taken up with Peter Belden. While I am a little unsure about it, (he is considerably older than she) I really cannot find any reason to fault it. Peter is a very stable young man … and very indulgent toward her whims (perhaps a little too indulgent?). I shall be interested to see where this goes. Secretly, I would have been less surprised if it had been Andrew – they were always such great friends, and he shares her free spirit. I miss you greatly at the moment. Agnes

January 21, 1930 Sleepyside Dear Aunty Alice It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that Mother has died. It seems that her heart failed her and she passed peacefully in her sleep. I know that it is a great deal to ask of you, however, is there any way possible that you could visit Sleepyside for a time? Alicia is no-where to be seen, and I am greatly concerned for Father. I am certain there is more I should tell you, however, I just cannot bare it. Helen

20 March, 1930 Lakes District England My sweet Helen I am so sorry to find that your mother has gone from this world, but I am relieved to know that Alice is with you at this terrible time. Please remember, no matter how far apart we may be in distance, I am always thinking of you! With Love and Tears in my Heart! Aunty H

17 Feb, 1931 Lakes District England Dearest Helen I hope this finds you well, and settling into your home in the city. Peter is a wonderful man, and I know that he would move the heavens for you if it were in his power. I am grateful that I was there to witness the event, and I wish you every bit of luck in the future. Your ever-loving Aunty Alice

January 1, 1934 New York City Dear Aunty H I cannot thank you enough for the package you sent! Peter plans to read to Brian every single night, and I cannot think of a more fitting little story than “The Tales Of Peter Rabbit”. I appreciate that one in particular, as Alicia still has the other copy. The drawings are exquisite, as usual! If I ever have half of the talent that you do, I shall be a very clever woman indeed. Unfortunately, we have had to shelve any plans of me returning to College. Peter was insistent that I return, but I couldn’t possibly be away from little Brian for any longer than necessary. I received word from Aunty Alice that Uncle Bert is ailing … I hope he improves soon! Thanking you again, all of our Love Helen

2 December, 1934 Lakes District England Darling Helen It is with heavy heart that I give my condolences to you for the loss of your Father, but as you said, it was a blessed release. I am quite certain that He and Agnes are smiling down on us from Heaven. Your loving Aunty Alice PS I have written to Alicia. I hope you will not be cross at me for interfering.

August 24, 1934 Sleepyside NY Dear Aunty Alice Well, a lot has certainly happened this year. With the unfortunate death of Peter’s father, we find ourselves living at the farm once again. Baby Mart is hale and hearty, I think he will enjoy the county life. Brian is finding a lot to occupy his busy little mind, which is a great relief to me, as I was concerned that he may be a little bored. To be perfectly honest, Mother Belden is a lovely lady … but she is altogether rather difficult to cook for! I cannot complain too much, as she is as helpful as she can be with the children … but as she is also rather frail herself … However, I didn’t say that – and you didn’t read it! Always Helen

August 25, 1934 Sleepyside NY Dear Aunty H You really do spoil my children dreadfully! I cannot thank you enough! Brian adores the pictures, and Mart loves the books! Eternally grateful Helen

July 21, 1935 Sleepyside New York Dearest Aunty Alice I have more sad news, I’m afraid. Nell Frayne has died. I know that you and Mother were both great friends of hers. It was really very tragic, and my heart it breaking for poor James. She was bitten by a copperhead, in their own Summerhouse. They didn’t get to the hospital in time, and she died on the way. I don’t have to tell you what kind of death that would be … As you can imagine, Peter went through all of Crabapple Farm with a fine toothed comb … I can’t bare to think if something should happen to my boys. It seems very unreal … only 6 weeks ago, Nell was helping me with the boys. Yours with Love, but a heavy heart Helen

23 July, 1935 Lake District England My Dear Helen I must say, I am completely shocked and deeply honoured that you would think to name your new baby girl for me! I cannot help wondering though, if she will appreciate it as much as I do when she gets a little older! However, I don’t wish to seem as though I don’t appreciate the gesture! I really do. Presently you have made me very happy! All the best to you and your boys (including your big boy, Peter!), and my best wishes and greatest love to young Trixie! Aunty H!

Note: HBP is Helen Beatrix Potter. Later to be known and LOVED as Beatrix Potter. HBP is what she first published herself under … and her friends used to call her HB. Bertam was her younger brother. The rest of it is my own imagination … but it just seemed a little to coincidental to me that Trixie was always reading The Tales Of Peter Rabbit to Bobby, that Trixie was even called Trixie, Helen was Trixie’s Moms and Peter was Trixie’s Dad. Just for the background info … Fictionally speaking, Agnes and Alice visited the Lake District area with their parents. Agnes was already stepping out with Benjamin, and went home to marry him. Alice was around 6 years younger than Agnes, met Bertram Potter, fell in love and stayed in England to marry him. Martin is their older brother; he lives in Boston and only gets a brief mention. Unfortunately, for it all to fit together, Peter had to be considerably older than Helen is … but you get that! Finally, HUGEMUNGOUS THANKS to Anna and Susi for the edit (and ego boosting!).