Saturday, August 18, 2012

August 18, 2012

Dearest Diary,

I realize it has been several days since my last post and it is quite probable that you will not hear again for several more. However, I did desire to write this evening as it has been a rather busy absence from your company. The fall lessons at the schoolhouse have commenced at a rapid pace and I find little luxurie for the repairing of Ashford as I had hoped, but there is sure to be time as one settles in.

I was fortunate this afternoon to at last be introduced to my nearest neighbor to the estate and was surprised to find we had already been introduced some years back. And would you believe, dear Diary, that I also today made the acquaintance of my nephew, a rather young Mr. Hunter. Would that I could send his portrait with this letter, yet I am bound by legal parameters which state that I cannot allow such an image to accompany this correspondence. Perhaps someday soon I shall have the good fortune to introduce you to him.

He is of course the happiest of children you will ever meet and his laughter contains an infectious and joyful roar. I am most grateful he has been trusted to the care of my brother and his bride. Our Mr. Hunter seems to be adjusting quite beautifully and I shall hope to see him again on the morrow!

Monday, August 13, 2012

August 13, 2012

Dearest Diary,

I envy the children I tutor. Perhaps I'll discover quite why I do on the morrow.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

August 12, 2012

Dearest Diary,

This Lord's Day has brought about great comfort and yet great anxiety. I do not fear the upcoming lessons in the morning but I must confess I am growing weary of change. Although it is very much a part of any fulfilling life, I rather desire the kind that introduces a partner with which to share the burdens of change. You must remember, dear Diary, that such matters are never far from the mind of a maiden like myself.

On the part of comfort, I am happy to announce that after a visit to Granada this afternoon, it was discovered that some of my jewelry remains intact, including that of my grandmother's. The thieves were merciful to not collect it all. (They did however make off with my personal diary). I do still mourn the loss of the few valuables they were able to confiscate. I pray their repentance comes swiftly. I am presently eager to forgive.

The time has come, dear Diary, to retire for the night. The schoolchildren will arrive much too early on the morrow.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

August 11, 2012

Dearest Diary,

Today was one of much needed rest after such an exciting week. I have found some time to improve the residence at Ashford as well as indulge Lady Pigeon in some play with a stuffed rabbit. She has come to appreciate the animal in a way she never did on more slippery flooring at Granada. It seems her youth has been returned to her in her old age. Would that it could happen to us all.

Fortunately, I do not feel the worse for my age. Rather I feel confident and blessed for the life I have led up to now. And as other occurrences temporarily subside, I begin again to anticipate starting a family of my own some day. It cannot be out of reach for one such as I, I don't believe. Nor for my friends and relation that are in like circumstance. I know of one who has since become engaged, and I shall enjoy hearing the tale on the morrow.

Friday, August 10, 2012

August 10, 2012

Dearest Diary,

I find I am often quite find of surprises and today's was no different. After arriving at the schoolhouse this morning we boarded the phaeton to begin a journey of which we found ourselves a bit uninformed. It proved to be rather exciting when we came to rest at the nearby lakes in the next province. The sea creatures that reside there are always of interest to me and I enjoyed watching their unusual sense of play.

After returning home, I dared to venture back to those very lakes and enjoy all three dinner courses on the premises. My eyes, I fear, are eager now for the morrow.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

August 9, 2012

Dearest Diary,

Today has been a bustle of activity. I do not recollect pausing even momentarily since breakfast. But it has been a more remarkable day than yesterday. More details have been tended to by the youngest Mr. Lindsay as regards the burglary. He has conferenced with an officer of the regiment and steps are being taken toward restitution on our behalf.

Meanwhile another lengthy afternoon was spent at the schoolhouse and I even was able to visit with some of the children who will be under my tutelage come Monday.

Again I find myself weak with exhaustion, yet finding entertainment in a particular mystery surrounding tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

August 8, 2012

Dearest Diary,

I am terribly weary this evening. It is not often that one feels the sort of melancholy I have achieved tonight. I have spoken to you for years almost exclusively of Granada and the home I had in that region of the province. But today it was discovered that the estate has been ransacked by thieves in my absence. Were it not for my overwhelming confidence in our Lord above I fear I could not be so calm as I feel at present. It is yet one more reminder, dear Diary, that things matter very little in comparison to the condition of our souls.

I am fortunate to be a member of a Parrish which far exceeds many others in its show of Christlike love and encouragement. I have been offered lodging and support in such a way that I am greatly humbled by their generosity.

I often speak primarily of the desire for the specific husband that has been set apart for me in our evening conversations, Diary. But pray, let me stray from such concern tonight for a more appropriate emotion. One of humility and thanksgiving. I am ever grateful that our Lord has sustained me and has protected and comforted me in such anxious circumstances. I expect to feel no less on the morrow!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

August 7, 2012

Dearest Diary,

Thrice I have begun to write to you and words have not been made to light on this parchment. I am finding myself wanting in confidence and calm, with no reasonable recommendation for improving the situation. I cannot deny the worth of my cousins' company this afternoon as for a time they did indeed put my troubles to rest. But as morning approaches and sleep itself seems scarce, I begin again to worry over insignificant details that I am apt to forget in a week's time. Would that I could forget them sooner. I am not too downhearted as of yet, and I suspect that perhaps an unscheduled hymnsing may improve my disposition on the morrow.

Monday, August 6, 2012

August 6, 2012

Dearest Diary,

I certainly did return for the fall lessons at the schoolhouse this morning while completing the summer lectures at the university this evening. It has been quite the busy afternoon, but not so much so that I was unable to enjoy it. My cousins from the mountainous regions of the country are to arrive on the morrow.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

August 5, 2012

Dearest Diary,

Tomorrow I return to the schoolhouse to begin preparations for the upcoming music lessons. Although I am eager, I am saddened by the passing of the holiday. I am also anxious, dear Diary, for with the new year comes new challenges. I am ever grateful that our faithful God provides us with the strength we seek in all of life's challenges. Alongside the challenges, many blessings have also been bestowed. Truly He is a loving God. I shall do well to remember Him often as I approach tomorrow.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

August 4, 2012

Dearest Diary,

After such a wonderful announcement yesterday I find little of importance to report this evening. Nevertheless I find myself content as we are oft impressed upon to be, no matter the circumstance. I however am fortunate enough to be found in a manner which easily lends itself to contentment. I would that I could always be of such cheer.

I spent the greater part of the morning tending to the sort of support required of an aunt. Upon returning to Ashford I had acquired a new settee for the parlour and then proceeded to bring another collection of furnishings from Granada. I am to soon host a ball, that my dearest friends and relatives might appreciate the progress we have made on the estate. Fortunately it will not be as early as tomorrow.

Friday, August 3, 2012

August 3, 2012

Dearest Diary,

I may not have yet become the wife of a handsome suitor, but I may have earned another title this afternoon. I am soon to be an Aunt! My congratulations go out to the eldest Mr. Lindsay and his bride of sixteen years! But I do not suspect my nephew should arrive on the morrow.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

August 2, 2012

Dearest Diary,

I made a visit to the schoolhouse this afternoon for a small bit of music instruction. Our summer holiday is coming to a close and we shall all return in under a fortnight. I cannot deny my amounting enthusiasm.

After assisting mother with the wash and father as he replaced the lanterns in the dining hall, sister and I met with the youngest Mr. Lindsay at the Disney estate. It is one of our very favourite pastimes indeed! What Mr. Disney can do with a small fire is quite remarkable! Tonight we toured the home he built for a family from Switzerland in the higher regions of his estate. The view from their parlour is lovely! Although we have toured the home in the past, it had been some time since our last visit and we elected to rectify such oversight. My apologies to Mr. Robinson.

I am informed that there are to be some suspensions of certain taxes this weekend and I have decided to take advantage of such a rare opportunity. I shall do so on the morrow.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

August 1, 2012

Dearest Diary,

The dreary weather got the best of me this morning. I remained at Ashford for far too long and was not able to accomplish the tasks I had hoped, though a few remained successful. And while I felt little hope yesterday, Mr. Woodston returned for a visit today. We exchanged pleasantries for a short while before he would away once more. I do not feel the sort of assurance in his impeccable character but he is a nice diversion on which to focus for the present.

In the morning I shall return briefly to the schoolhouse for a short music lesson before calling on the Mr. Disneys for some exercise. Perhaps you should like to join me on the morrow?

July 31, 2012

Dearest Diary,

Many a maiden has dreamed of that particular suitor who is worthy of knighthood, but a wise gentleman warned of the danger such a notion. A one Mr. Wallace seemed to resist the title himself, feeling unequal to its reputation, I suspect. I had never heeded Mr. Wallace's advice on the matter, taking it for granted that surely there must be a knight for every damsel. Including those of us who have been accused of setting a standard of great heights. I am not without fault, but I fear there are fewer and fewer suitors who can equal the sort of standard I wish to hold them to. Are my notions really very unreasonable to believe that knighthood is not only attainable, but sustainable by gentlemen today? I do very much wish to believe it and despite opposition, I pledge to go on believing it. I shall again attempt to seek him out on the morrow.