Several years had passed since the family had moved to their farm. Beth had grown a lot and was now nearly nine years old. She was a plump little girl, with a mop of curly, dark auburn hair, hazel eyes and freckles. Her brothers had grown too, the older one was tall and had fair hair and brown eyes. He wasn’t very interested in Beth and she always seemed to be a nuisance to him. She decided that he was a “funny” fellow, and did some very queer things at times, like pushing her cat off the post, or holding it up by the tail, especially if she was watching. When she tried to protect her pet, he would just laugh and walk off. Not nice at all.
Her other brother was a bit better, and she quite liked him. He was dark haired, with brown eyes and his face was covered in black freckles, not pale brown like Beth’s. He would let her tag along and help catch eels with him and his friends, and go on picnics sometimes. She had forgiven him for being one of the older boys who used to shake the old swing bridge and terrify her, when they were still living on their old farm. It was rather a trial being so much younger than them, and it was hard work trying to play their games.
Mother and Dad were lovely though.
Mother was not very tall and was slim, and had soft fair hair that curled round her face, a nice soft skin, with a few pale freckles and bluey-grey eyes. Mother was always busy, washing or cooking or cleaning, and Beth thought it must be very boring doing that sort of work all the time. She helped with the dishes and vegetables and made her own bed, but it was much more fun to be outside, helping Dad with the animals. Mother played the piano beautifully and Beth loved the times when they all gathered around the piano and sang. Mother would often play the piano during the evening, and Beth would curl up in one of the big soft armchairs and listen to her play and sing softly. Mother used to read her a story every night but Beth was able to read them herself now, so it was a very special treat to have one read her occasionally. There was, however, always a big “Goodnight” kiss and hug, and a “Goodmorning” kiss as well from Mother. Oh Yes, Beth knew she had a very lovely Mother.
Dad was, to Beth, somehow very special. She thought he even looked special. He was tall and thin, with a kind, brown face, a brown moustache and hazel eyes. Where Mother looked sweet and kind and gentle, Dad looked capable, and safe and important. Dad always had time for Beth, her questions, her chatter, and her always being his shadow. He was always patient and understanding, and tried to teach Beth to be patient and kind and never to let anyone down. He passed on to her his great knowledge, love and understanding of animals. Mother could growl at Beth for some naughtiness, and she would be very sorry, but to displease Dad was to feel that her world had collapsed. She was sure no one else had a Dad as wonderful as hers.
The only other member of the family, and she didn’t live with them all the time, was Gran, Mother’s Mother. She was a tall, elegant, white haired lady, who was always knitting or writing letters. She was very fussy and objected to most of Beth’s pets, especially the cat who always wanted to sleep on Beth’s bed. When Gran visited the farm, she had to share Beth’s bedroom, and Beth hated it. Gran used to shut the window, tightly, and shut the door as well. Beth always felt choked up, and wondered how long Gran was going to stay, but was taught that it was very rude to ask a visitor that question. Dad used to say, he was sure she stuffed up the keyhole as well, but Beth didn’t think it was at all funny. Beth loved Gran, but she did wish she would leave the door or the window open, just a little bit.
