November 25, 2010

Dearest Diary,

I wrote to you yesterday of a fantastical feast to take place this afternoon, and I cannot think of a more appropriate term for the celebration. I am most grateful for the many friends I have garnered over the years and for a family like no other. I am oft convinced there is none their equal in many respects. I had the good fortune of sharing the celebration with such family and friends this afternoon and it was a splendid way to begin the advent season. Mother gifted us each with a painting of the home of our youth as it was seen in the winter months and it is a beautiful scene with which to decorate. I have grown certain now that there is not a bit of waking energy in my countenance nor any room for a late-night cup of tea. I shall instead away quickly to bed that the holiday might continue on the morrow...

November 24, 2010

Dearest Diary,

Today has been quite a full one for certain. It began with Lady Pigeon remaining quite indignant upon waking the in the early morning hours and therefore we proceeded with a walk about the grounds. Then began the preparation in the kitchen for the most fantastical feast to take place on the morrow. There were noodles to roll out and cakes to prepare, and amid such clamour, the Lady and I were interrupted by a snake who made himself a home neath the benches on the lawn. A gentleman passer-by heeded our cries for help and coaxed the wretched serpent away, though admittedly not without some fear and hesitation on his own part. Nevertheless, I am deeply grateful for our rescuer.

Upon his departure, quite another stranger happened our way and this one happened to be much more handsome and much more the sort I should like to be surprised by more frequently. He stayed mainly near the lakes and paused only momentarily to glance our direction and wave. However untoward that might seem, as we've ne'er been introduced, I enjoyed the generosity of his smile and the friendliness of the gesture. (And perhaps even more so, the firmness of figure he possessed, but that is between you and me, dear Diary).

Mother and Sister joined me for tea shortly thereafter and it was then that the eldest Miss Lindsay and I paid a visit to the Disney estate with a somewhat smaller traveler from the north of the country. He seemed to enjoy the luxury of the gardens as it was his first visit to such an extravagant estate. He did well to mark the occasion that he might return from whence he came with some very great memories.

The evening called for a reading of a well-known fairy tale and it was quite a pleasant one. And now it is time to retire, for there is much to anticipate on the morrow...

November 23, 2010

Dearest Diary,

One could not ask for a finer day than the one coming at last to a close. I greatly enjoy the company of the schoolchildrend and that of their mothers and fathers as well, on occasions such as today's. Little can be said of any disappointment today for it was filled with overall Happiness.

Following the lessons this afternoon, I journeyed south in my phaeton to the home of the young musician who takes a music lesson from time to time. As dinner approached I returned to the Tower View estate for some conversation over pie. And at last, there was time for a brisk walk around the lakes at the Disney estate with Sister. I am more than contented at her presence this week.

We shall be heading to town to visit the markets on the morrow...

November 22, 2010

Dearest Diary,

I am most elated to inform you that the eldest Miss Lindsay has returned safely to the south of the country and is lodging at the Tower View estate this evening. Would that I could provide for her comfort here, but it is unfortunate that I shall be at the schoolhouse for the duration of the tomorrow. Perhaps in the days to come she might elect to spend an evening or two at the Granada estate.

Today was a particularly pleasant afternoon prior to her arrival as well, for the schoolchildren amused me as always and one can never underestimate the company of a good friend. With a recital on the pianoforte and an hour or two in the kitchen I must remit that I could not boast of any more Happiness.

There seems to be much more to celebrate on the morrow for there is to be a feast of outrageous proportions. I do not hesitate to solicit your presence for such an affair, for you are all invited. Shall I see you on the morrow?...

November 21, 2010

Dearest Diary,

This Lord's Day found me feeling quite rested and prepared to accomplish those deeds that pressed upon me. A small dinner party was in order and Lady Pigeon and I disposed of the meal quite successfully. Prior to such dining we spent the chief of the afternoon at the Granada Estate, tending to the sorts of chores that are left undone during the oft-busy week. I resumed my daily recreation about the grounds and visited a bit with Mr. Crosby, and it is now the hour at which I ought to retire.

I must confess, however, that I feel little of fatigue at present and wish to carry on in the manner I have been accustomed these last few hours. Nevertheless, it is this side of tomorrow, that I shall be reuniting with a most beloved sister after some months in her absence. I have promised to be well-rested for the occasion. Shall I return to you on the morrow?...

November 20, 2010

Dearest Diary,

I fear I cannot stay long this evening for there is not much life remaining in mine eyelids. They are on their descent in moments. However it is not possible to retire before giving an account of the day, for it was more splendid than I've had in recent weeks. None can surpass the joy of attending the theatre in the company of a good friend, except the addition of the weekly services at the evening's conclusion. But to then partake of dinner and the arrival of yet another olde friend upon my return home, I am fortunate beyond what mere words can express. Happiness cannot e'en begin to describe such a day. I shall attempt a more descriptive account when my consciousness returns. Perhaps on the morrow?...

November 19, 2010

Dearest Diary,

I must admit that waking did not come very easily for me today as I spent most of the day feeling in a bit of a fog. I was however invited to dine with a Mr. Potter this evening and hear tales of his adventures in wizardry. I must admit that having little knowledge of such a practice, I felt quite confused in his retelling of the story. Nevertheless, I enjoyed his company and that of his companions as well. I am positively thrilled that today marks the commencement of the weekend and I cannot contain my enthusiasm over the fact that the eldest Miss Lindsay will return home in but three days. I wish it were instead on the morrow...

November 18, 2010

Dearest Diary,

It was this very day, many years ago that a dear friend was born from the imagination of a most magnificent gentleman. I have admired this character from a distance throughout my childhood, but as I settled in the south of the country, I became his confidante and we were inseparable for a good many years. This evening as I write to you, I am reminded of his cheerful laughter and charming wit. I cannot deny that he has captured my heart more than any other gentleman I've come to know. Regrettably our companionship has waned in recent months but he is never far from my thoughts.

If I may, in his honour, I should like to share a particular memory of our afternoons together. Perhaps even our first introduction apart from what I knew of him as a child, for it was at a ball -- a most elegant gathering for such an introduction. I was welcomed as a guest of some propriety and the host was most eager to introduce me to many that had attended that evening. I knew most of their names prior to our introduction for each had a reputation which preceeded him. But I shall never forget the moment I set eyes upon the friend of my youth. His gloved hand took hold of mine and led me in a dance reel that felt very much like a fairy tale. It was a dance I continued to enjoy for the next six years.

I have not forgotten him nor shall my heart ever take leave of him. For he is the proper sort of suitor that any young maiden should wish for. In honour of his special day, I shall hurry to his side on the morrow...

November 17, 2010

Dearest Diary,

There is something quite pleasant about our weekly hymnsings and this morning's was no different. But indeed it was improved upon with the addition of the families of the schoolchildren who were to be honoured at the occasion. Many were in attendance and I anticipate a similar congregation in only a matter of weeks at the celebration of the advent season.

I must be forthright with you, and while I do not feign Happiness, I must declare that it comes and goes as it pleases leaving me oft with a much darker emotion. Would you suppose it is simply the onset of the winter months or perhaps the want of a husband or something entirely different? I cannot fathom a reason for such changes in temper. Or have I fathomed a great number of reasons?

Nevertheless, one might be for lack of rest as I have found myself writing to you at a most inconvenient hour these past few evenings. Perchance I should to bed a bit earlier this evening. We shall meet again on the morrow...

November 16, 2010

Dearest Diary,

I cannot help but be thankful for the outpouring of support I have received today. I have had a most magnificent afternoon, and it is due in part to the astute nature of those surrounding me. Whether solicited or not, I have been treated most warmly and with an abundance of embraces to carry me through the advent season. One must never underestimate a hug. I am elated that a dear friend has returned home to our modest village and in less than a week, I shall once again set eyes on a most beloved sister who is to return from the lake regions for a short respite from her lectures. I have missed her ever so much.

I was delighted to be again in the company of the chamber ensembles this afternoon as I believe them to be excelling quite rapidly this year. We resume our weekly hymnsing at light of dawn and from that hour the close of the week seems much more iminent than Monday can typically behold. For that I am most thankful. And after all it is the very sort of season for giving thanks. I shall do so again on the morrow...

November 15, 2010

Dearest Diary,

Although the greater part of the afternoon was one of sheer Happiness, I cannot say the same of this very moment, for it was not but moments ago I was conversing cheerfully with Mother when my carrier pigeon expired most dramatically before my very eyes. He has not, as yet been revived and my conversation with Mother has been on haiatus ever since. And for clarity's sake, Lady Pigeon is quite well and resting peacefully at my bedside. But rather my carrier pigeon was exhibiting the most peculiar behaviour this evening and now at its presumed demise, I cannot help but grow increasingly hopeless of his ever returning to my servitude.

I am obliged at times to swallow the words that spill forth from my mouth, for not thirty seconds ago, the miraculous revival of the bird occurred and I am to resume said conversation in only a few short moments. Before I do, however, may I remit how impressively joyful I find myself in the company of the schoolchildren these past weeks. This is not a common occurrence for I am not afraid to admit that they often tire me exceedingly. Nevertheless, in the previous fortnight or so, I have enjoyed them greatly, and such joy could only be improved with the revelation of a potential suitor. Perhaps tomorrow?...

November 14, 2010

Dearest Diary,

Much has transpired since last we spoke, and yet it is not the sort of news for which we have waited these twenty months. In short, I remain that eligible maiden I have been for some time. In the time since I wrote to you last, I have found myself quite busy. I spent some time in the town of York and visited with the dearest of friends and her lovely daughters. I entertained guests in my own home as well in celebration of the fall harvest and visited a second time with a one Mr. Hicks. I have attended Synagogue and Mass, and have returned favourably to my own parrish as well. I bade farewell to friends who have traveled an unseemly distance, and I have developed envy toward their many favourable circumstances. I dined this evening in the company of family who entertained me with their knowledge of the day's literature and I sought clarity in the morning's sermon from the wisdom of my father. And while I have had a generally Happy disposition surrounding all such matters, I find I am not as such this evening. I hoped perhaps our meeting might make haste to change such a dreary countenance. We shall see, if not this evening, then perhaps on the morrow...

October 26, 2010

Dearest Diary,

We have oft been called the weaker sex, and for good reason, I suppose. I cannot continue to garner the strength to hold up the others of my sex who share the same woes of maidenhood that I do. I am, to be quite frank, exhausted and feeling as though I might live up to the description of not the gentler, but the weaker of the sexes.

I am certain I am not alone. I have many friends who are not allied to a gentleman, or legally bound to him. And I hear of their anguish quite regularly. I empathize with them as I listen to their tales. Being in the nature of a good friend, I am apt to try to lift their spirits, or to hear them out and become the ground on which they find the strength to stand in such pain. I have strived to be a foundation, even when I, myself need the same from my friends. But I am weakening by the moment, and I fear I have not felt the same boost from them. I do not fault them for it, for I doubts as my own attempts have been met with much success.

There is a reason we were given to man -- we, as the weaker sex, cannot handle the weight on our own. Although I have tried valiantly to be a shoulder to cry upon, I am none compared to the more broad-shouldered variety found among gentleman. I ache for such shoulders this evening. I am burdened beyond words, and yet the ones I have mind to speak, I cannot to even my closest of friends. For they have not the strength to carry me, either. It is a weight only tenable on the shoulders of man. I have held back tears, and the anguish I feel in order that I might not increase the load among friends. But I am in need of their help, for I have not the wealth of matrimony. Would that things were different. At present, I abhor tomorrow...