Sure Footed Love

CW: References to homophobic language and sexual content.

May 7th, 1918

My Dearest Alice ~

I’m at a loss with what to do about Clarence. He’s been such a special, sensitive boy to me. I know mothers aren’t to have favorites, but I’ll just say it: Clarence will always be my favorite.

He’s so happy when he’s at a piano and we promised we’d buy him one after he had a good six months of lessons under his belt. I had hoped this would give Clarence time away from that George. I know they’ve been two peas in a pod, but every now and then I worry.

Do you think Clarence could come live with you for a spell? I just have a feeling that he needs a break from his father, whose cruel side has slipped out more frequently of late. Maybe Clarence could help around the house? Or could JT find some work for him at the sheriff's office?

Anything, really. I am feeling slightly desperate.

Your adoring sister,

Matilda

May 10th, 1918

Matilda –

First off, there’s no need for you to grovel and close your letter with “adoring sister.” Though guess I’m not surprised as you have always been more prone to drama than I have been.

I am not sure how JT would feel about taking in yet another stray. Carrie was supposed to stay for a month or two and that was nine years ago. Oh, how it still galls me that JT would just plop her at my feet as though I needed a new hobby! At least Carrie is earning me some money, as I’ve got her rented out as a house cleaner most days.

Are you truly certain that George is trouble to Clarence? I’d always thought George was a kind, albeit dull, older brother figure for Clarence.

May 21st

Dear Alice ~

Wicked turn of events here.

Clarence and George stayed after church to help set up cots in the parish hall for the overflow Spanish flu patients. Charles went to church a few hours later, intent on giving the boys a ride home.

(Also to show off his new Studebaker. He’s been parading it about town, like a mother showing off a newborn babe.)

He couldn’t find them at first, so Gladys told Charles she’d heard Clarence and George back in the choir room goofing around, with Clarence playing some of that dreadful jazz nonsense. Charles did find them at the piano … in flagrante. Clarence was partially disrobed and George had his one hand on Clarence’s neck, pulling him in. They were kissing.

(I’ll let you imagine where George’s other hand was.)

Charles was utterly knocked for a loop, appalled to think his son was perverted.

(Between us two, I’m not so surprised. Had hoped it was something he would grow out of.)

Charles lit into Clarence something fierce. I took the Studebaker and drove him over to stay with George’s family til we sort things out. Course the Smoot father is some sort of bohemian writer and doesn’t seem to mind – or be surprised by – this behavior between the two boys. Charles has said his “pansy” son is no longer welcome in our home, not while he’s still hanging out with George.

(Can I just say? I hate that Charles would call his son that word because we don’t know for sure if Charles really feels that way or if George pressured him. And partially because I just adore having a planter of pansies on our porch in the fall and they are such a pretty and cheery posy and it isn’t fair to them that they are used to describe something sinful.)

We are just too close to D.C. and all those clubs that encourage this sort of behavior. I’m worried if Clarence moves in full time with the Smoot family, well, I fear we’d never see him again. At least Charlottesville is a goodly 100 miles away from D.C.

The sermon this week included Galatians, which made me think of you.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

I am confident you can help me with this burden and find a way to help your nephew.

May 29th

Matilda ~

I am, of course, saddened to hear that Clarence has been forced to live with another family, especially since it appears they are either unaware of the nature of their “friendship” or, if they are aware, they do not seem overly concerned about the implications. Didn’t George turn 18? Maybe George will be drafted and shipped to Germany. It’s possible soldiering would knock the queerness out of him.

JT and I agree that we wouldn’t even know where to begin with this sort of thing and don’t have the money to feed an extra mouth these days.

I’ve never been a fan of Galatians, that Paul strikes me as too big for his britches. Remind my oldest nephew to re-read Leviticus, especially 20:13.

If a man also lie with man as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination.

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM

437 PM 30 May 1918

To: Mrs. John Dobbs c/o Charlottesville VA Sheriff’s Office

Events have worsened, cannot wait for your reply. Clarence and I arrive tomorrow by train. We will lodge at Dinsmore Hotel. So grateful for you.

Matilda

2 October 1918

Dearest C ~

This war thing is quite brutal. I’m really not cut out for it, not like some of the men in my regiment who come from long lines of military men in their family. Nope, not us Smoots. My dad teaches literature, his father was a farmer-turned-poet, and his father was a simple huckster. No fighting blood anywhere on our family tree.

We have done a good job sending the Huns running with their tails tucked between their legs. People keep saying the war might be in its final chapter. I’ll believe it when I see it. And, oh, what I would do for a glass of fresh water and a clean pair of socks.

Hope your darling Aunty Alice has started treating you better, though she did set the bar pretty low. I’m well aware that our mothers were hoping that war would toughen me up and make me “a man,” force me to forget about what we’ve shared.

Let me say this loud and clear: this ocean between us has only strengthened my devotion to you. I agree with your last letter, let’s head to New York City when I return. I think we will find kindred souls there. Added bonus: it’s at least 300 miles away from Aunty Alice.

George

18 November

Dearest, generous Alice ~

I am sorry to be a bother, but Mrs. Smoot came over yesterday, quite beside herself. Even though they say the war ended, she hasn’t heard from George in over one month.

Do you know if Clarence has gotten any letters from him recently? Don’t play innocent – I know you are the queen of snooping. Just please. My heart has been so heavy since I left Clarence at your doorstep, I cannot fathom how George’s mother gets out of bed every day, living with such uncertainty.

I’ve enclosed a check to help with expenses. Please please use some of that money to send us a telegram the second you hear from Clarence about George. Don’t fret – telegrams truly aren’t that expensive. They usually cost around thirty or forty cents. So please, send word when Clarence hears from George. It would mean the world to us.

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM

642 AM 21 November 1918

To: Mrs. Matilda Gardner Alexandria VA

Inform Mr. & Mrs. Smoot that Clarence heard from George yesterday. He is alive. Regrettably, an injury required his right leg to be amputated below knee. Army transporting him to Red Cross Crippled Institute in NYC for rehab/ job training. Should arrive next week.

December 1st

George ~

You cannot be serious. Wild dogs wouldn’t keep me away. I have already packed my bags. You said in your October letter that the ocean between us only strengthened your devotion. I'm guessing your devotion has not changed -- neither has mine.

I do not care less about you because you have five toes instead of ten.

It was your heart and your soul that captured my heart, not your right foot.

Train arrives December 8th.