Flora's Photo

Flora Margaretta Augusta Zogg stood rigid, her feet wobbling beneath her, boots digging into the cushion of the chair. Her light brown curls had been perfectly arranged for the occasion, and layers of white ruffles rustled around her as she tried to stand still for the photo. It was hard to do, though, without holding on. Luckily the wood-carved chair back was almost as tall as she was, providing the stability she needed.

Stability was a luxury indeed for four-year-old Flora. She was still missing her mother, although the two had been separated for more than a year now. Uncertainty was her constant companion, only slightly alleviated by the comforting presence of her grandparents, cousins… and of course her imposing father. 

Mathias furrowed his dark brow as he looked on, ensuring that Flora was appropriately composed, embodying the powerful names he had given her. She had outgrown the bracelet his parents had gifted her as an infant, carefully chosen with the word “Darling” engraved on the band. Her pearl ring was likewise too small. So, his mother’s locket took the place of more appropriately-sized adornments on this day.

He had high expectations for his firstborn child, even though her mother had proven a disappointment to him. Within a span of six years he had arrived in Missouri, met Anna, married, had a child, and divorced—an unheard-of turn of events in 1886. He was determined not to let the incident mar his reputation. He stroked the curve of his mustache as he considered the best course of action. It was an impossible task for him to be expected to care for a child. He had aspirations to buy land—dig a profitable mine, own a farm. He wasn’t cut out for all of the household duties that fell to him now that Anna was gone. Not that she really attended to his household adequately even when she was around. He’d often had to lower himself to preparing his own meals. Unacceptable.

It was probably best for Flora to be raised by her grandparents, even if that meant he wouldn’t see her—Texas was just too far away.