Napier Street, Fitzroy. 17 April 1865
Napier Street, Fitzroy. 17 April 1865David has left for work. The pains of childbirth have started. Lizzie is grizzling and won’t settle. I think she is getting teeth. I call out to my youngest sister, Frances. Mama suggested she stay with us as the end of my confinement grew near. I’m glad I listened to her.
‘My pains have started, Frances. Please get Mama. And hurry back, Lizzie will need your attention.’
My youngest sister is an intelligent, easy-going young woman. She’s seventeen in a few days and doesn’t seem to have any interest in finding a husband. She says she will start her own school, right here in Melbourne.
Even though winter is still weeks away, it’s cloudy and grey outside. I remind Frances to put on her coat before she leaves the ho
