I am Charlotte Caldwell, the widow of Harrison Caldwell and the mother of Harry, Temperance, Mercy, Rufus, and Hazel. My husband Harrison was the town of Williamsburg’s shoemaker. He passed away two years ago, the day after my daughter Hazel was born, from an unknown illness. His shop was left to me after he died. Thankfully he had previously taught me the basics of his trade so after he passed, I could keep the business open.

On this particular day, I rise to an early morning sun shining through my window. I stretch before I pull myself out of bed and tread toward the kitchen down the hall. The stone floors are cold as my feet brush over them. I reach the large wooden door to the kitchen and gently push it open, being careful of the cook working inside. I look toward her rolling dough on the island in the middle of the room.

“Good morning Mrs. Caldwell,” Eliza says with a large smile on her face. She is wearing a linen dress and smock that is covered in flour. She picks up a tea cup, giving it to me. “Your morning tea.” I nod and say “Thank you.” I turn to leave but then remember, “When the children wake, be sure they dress before breakfast. Last time they came down in their nightwear and were late to school.” I then walk back to my room with tea in hand and get dressed for my day as the shoemaker.

Before I leave the house, I make sure the children are still asleep and leave them a note telling them that I am off to work. The dirt is wet from a heavy rain last night and my shoes are getting soaked. No matter, I have no work today, I will make myself a new pair of shoes. First I must stop by the tanner and purchase some more leather.

* * *

A cool breeze comes in through the open door of the shop. I pull my hair back into a bun before cutting into the black leather. I paid a hefty price for this dark leather and intend to make a new pair of riding boots for myself.