Decades Challenge TS4: 1919

A new era

Since he was a young adult of almost twenty, Virgil was the legal heir to the farm and other assets that Vance McPherson had left in his will.

Vance had stipulated some income to be assigned to his daughters, and some other valuables for his sons, but his will always indicated that the farm would be for his eldest son.

As incredible as it was, because he was the fifth son in order of birth, Virgil was the heir.

With great inheritance came great responsibility.

 

First of all, it was imperative to keep the farm producing. Virgil had learned some things during his time in the front lines, and one of them was that having limited resources made people show the worst in them. The country would need to feed all the veterans and their families, so the farm was a very important asset.

Then, he needed to sort out the finances and other legalities. Van was still under age, and as such, he was still Verity's responsibility. As long as Verity was alive, she would live at the farm, and so would Van while under her care. He had spoken of this to his young wife, to make sure that she understood. Van himself was unsure how to feel. His twin had been his guiding light, and without Vivian, he was lost. Still, he knew that there was no other place he wanted to be, so no one needed to force him to stay.

The family solicitor, old Mr. Munch, had made sure that Valerie received her income as stated. They still did not know where Vanessa had gone, but Virgil had asked Mr. Munch to hire a private investigator to find out. In the meantime, the appropriate amount was set apart in a bank account for her, for when she was located.

On a sad issue, they did not get Vivian's remains. In fact, there was an inquiry to find out where he died. Maybe one day they would get an urn, but his mother had had to grieve without one so far. 

All in all, the family had a considerable fortune, and this gave Virgil some respite.

He could focus on important things, like making sure Elizabeth was happy. 

 

In fact, one other thing that was important to him was to bring the house into the 20th century. He believed that modernizing the property not only would help it maintain and increase its value,  but also would make his bride happy.

He was all for making changes that improved their quality of life. New furniture.

 

New technology. They had a telephone now. One of those that looked like candlesticks. His mother would be able to speak with her daughter in San Myshuno as soon as she learned how to request the connection to the operator. Elizabeth would be in touch with her father as well.

 

The most significant change so far was the top floor. Virgil had asked Elizabeth for her favorite colors and had ordered wall paper and paint following her choices. With Valerie moving out to San Myshuno and Vanessa gone, the top floor was the area for Virgil and Elizabeth to have more privacy. 

 

He had changed windows and doors, and had one room set up as a nursery. Since twins ran in the family, it was wise to foresee that there were enough cribs for a couple of babies.

 

There were also two single beds for the little ones. Elizabeth could choose the decoration, but the basic work was done.

 

Then, the other room was their own bedroom. Virgil wanted it to be comfortable enough for his young wife.

 

Of course, the new bed had to be broken in, which they happily did.

 

With plans and projects aplenty, and with reasonable resources at hand, Virgil McPherson had faith that the next few years would be better.