A Sense of Hope

Augustin arrived safely onto the Ferme Fleur de Lys and so began a long relationship with Edmond.  Together they wrote a letter to Renee for her birthday in March, which begins with Edmond wishing "that all the villages could be transported to one corner of the world so that we can easily send our thoughts from one corner to another".
He advices his mother not to come to the farm during the winter as it was not very funny going across the lake in the cold winter temperatures.  Summer would be much better because if the motor boat stopped working they could always swim across the lake to get her. 
Augustin writes that on the farm there is more than enough work and projects to do.  He believes that they have "eyes that are too big for their stomachs".  There is discussion of building another house and improving the stables, all before the end of the summer. 
Renee's parents, Edmond and Augustin all write that they hope very much that she will be on the farm for her next birthday.  Edmond hopes to make whipping cream from the milk from Olga for the birthday cake.  At this time Olga is due to calf in May, which he declares would make Renee a grandmother.

There is a light hearted feel to the letters and a new sense of optimism.  Edmond does not appear to be so homesick.  It seems that the arrival of the young Augustin has created a sense of hope in the family.

Caroline Fleur de Lys walking on the ice.