Hetty Feather's Diary: Choices

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My name's Hetty Feather - and this is my diary.

I’d never want to hurt Jack, but this is such a hard choice to make. Every day since Harriet’s letter arrived, when I tidy the study, I look at The Daily Herald newspaper that’s delivered and read about New York – about how people make their fortunes there from all over the world!

I don’t dream about being rich, but I do dream about being a writer. And it seems like you can be anything that you want to be in a city like New York. I could write stories for the pupils at the school and teach them how to write stories too.

But then, when I’m dusting the library, I also sneak a look at the maps – and I look across at the Atlantic Ocean and see how far away America is. Even on the page it looks so far away from home! As soon as I think that, I put the map away quickly. Not because I’m scared of getting caught (I am!) but mostly because it makes me so sad that there are almost tears in my eyes. I just don’t know what to do! I’ve dreamt of doing exciting things but how do you leave people behind?

I know I have to do what makes me happy but what if that means making someone else sad? Jack means so much to me, it doesn’t seem fair to leave him behind – but this is my dream, not his.

I've finished my duties at Calendar Hall for now, so I've written some responses to your messages. Thank you so much for writing to me!

A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: EmpireFighter09: Jack proposed to you! Take him with you! Hetty Feather: Dear EmpireFighter09, Thanks for your letter. Jack\u2019s very sweet to me but getting married at my age doesn\u2019t really suit me! I like adventures and there\u2019s so much of the world to see. But that doesn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t be together \u2013 if that\u2019s what we want! Yours, Hetty Feather.
A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: U17686315: I think you should tell. It may make him feel bad but it's great to be honest. Although all together I think you should stay at Calendar Hall. Lady Grenford\u2019s up to something. Hetty Feather: Dear U17686315, Thanks for your letter. I\u2019m not sure my future is at Calendar Hall \u2013 or it isn\u2019t! Lady Grenford being here certainly doesn\u2019t help. If she\u2019s up to something, that almost makes me want to get away \u2013 but would Jack ever come with me? Yours, Hetty Feather.
A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: pineapple_pizza: If Jack really means that much to you, but so does New York, take him with you. If you truly cared for him, you would. Hetty Feather: Dear pineapple_pizza, Thanks for your letter. Jack means so much to me \u2013 of course he does! But you\u2019re right \u2013 so does the chance of going to live in New York. That\u2019s what is so difficult \u2013 just because it\u2019s my future doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s Jack\u2019s too! Yours, Hetty Feather.
A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: Milliebear: You need to tell Jack before he plans a big trip and gets very excited then he will be even more sad. Hetty Feather: Dear Milliebear, Thanks for your letter. It would take so much bravery for me to tell Jack, I don\u2019t know if I can do it! As for planning a big trip, that takes courage too. New York is so far away I\u2019d need to be very brave - whether I go alone or with Jack! Yours, Hetty Feather.
A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: U17698369: I think you should let Jack come with you, both of you are the perfect match! Hetty Feather: Dear U17698369, Thanks for your letter. You\u2019re right \u2013 Jack and I get along really well but are we really the perfect match?! I like to write and he works in the garden. I\u2019m not sure how many gardens there in New York \u2013 what if he can\u2019t get a job?! Yours, Hetty Feather.
A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: lilacchocolatekitten: I think you should be honest and tell Jack because, even if he takes it badly, at least he won't be angry at you having lied. You could even write it in a letter or a note if you don't want to tell him face to face. Hetty Feather: Dear lilacchocolatekitten, Thanks for your letter. I don\u2019t like the idea of any of my friends being angry with me! A letter sounds like a good idea too. But I see Jack all the time and we always talk over supper, so I ought to tell him in person \u2013 if I can! Yours, Hetty Feather.
A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: U17693681: Just tell Jack the truth, because he deserves it. If your relationship is that strong, then Jack wouldn't let one thing break it. He loves you, Hetty, so just do what you think is best for both of you and don't stop yourself from taking a once in a lifetime opportunity! Hetty Feather: Dear U17693681, Thanks for your letter. I believe we should always tell the truth \u2013 it\u2019s the right thing to do! But I don\u2019t want to hurt him either. You\u2019re right that going to live in New York is a once in a lifetime chance \u2013 though it could be for Jack too! Yours, Hetty Feather.
A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: Galaxy Actress: I don't think you should tell Jack, it would break his heart but if you desire to go on your own, you have to tell him. It is your decision but I don't think you should tell him. Hetty Feather: Dear Galaxy Actress, Thanks for your letter. If only I knew what to do \u2013 it would make my decision so much easier! I go to bed at night and can\u2019t sleep because I can\u2019t make up my mind. I don\u2019t like the idea of breaking his heart \u2013 that\u2019s the problem! Yours, Hetty Feather.
A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: Grace: I think you should tell Jack because he might say I want to stay and then you can tell him you were planning to go alone. Gideon will be sad if you don't take him so take both of them? Hetty Feather: Dear Grace, Thanks for your letter. Sometimes I think telling Jack is the right thing to do \u2013 then I change my mind! If only I could go with Gideon and all of my friends \u2013it would be fun. I know I\u2019d miss everyone, so perhaps they could come too?! Yours, Hetty Feather.
A letter exchange between Hetty Feather and her fans. Two pieces of parchment, with a photo of Hetty in a locket. The text reads: U17692001: You should tell Jack but be careful not to hurt his feelings. The brochure might say America is amazing but in reality, it could be horrible. You're already having adventures with your friends and they would hate if you moved away. Hetty Feather: Dear U17692001, Thanks for your letter. Harriet\u2019s letter and the pamphlets certainly sound amazing \u2013 but how do I know for sure?! Unless I go and see it for myself of course\u2026 If only America was closer - that would be easy, but far less exciting! Yours, Hetty Feather.

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