Ahh, the Northern counties. A drop in the temperature, new faces, new fashions, a harsher dialect. A variable concoction that I'd never dreamed would become an integral part of my life.

A good ten days have past since I returned to the North and it feels as if the summer was nought but a dream. A lifetime ago, or even a tale that occurred to someone other than myself! I have to admit that I am ever so enchanted to be back, contrary to what I orginially thought. It is surprising how easily everything falls back into place what with the return of my ladies, albeit lacking some of my darlings to furhter afield. I do wonder what the New World holds for them?

The ephasis in the North has somehow transfixed itself on the idea of 'work' both political and educational. I suppose it is for the best that we learn about the world but I'd much rather experience it (though my lifestyle is still managing to cause a stir).

There are far too many unrecognizable faces that I have to acquaint myself with. I do not know where all these people come from, there must be something about the North that entices people from all over the world. Dare I make the assumption that it is myself?

I was surprised to hear from the Scottish Earl already, it seems he may come this way on his way back up to Scotland and pay me a visit. It would be an honour to receive him, and also useful as it seems that he does have my ring and I would like nothing more than to have it back! We'll just have to see about what happens there, though I do not expect much. Not after the turbulence of the Head Architect. (Who, incidentally has a commission down in Brighton after the success of our South Wing, which of course I begrudge him).

There is not too much more to report. We are all just getting back into our old routines and I am enjoying spending time with my lovely ladies and hearing all about their Grand Tour of the Continent.

D. S.

How I am sick to death of all this packing! I cannot find anything to wear for my final night in the Shire and it seems I have misplaced my birthday ring from my ladies! I dread to think where I have left it... Though there is one place that springs to mind but I am terribly embarrassed to contact him after all we have been through.


No, this isn't that Architect I am referring to, but rather a Scottish Earl - the brother of one of my ladies - who I'm sure would be aghast to find out the licentious activities he and I partook the other night, just before the excursion to the capital.


The South Wing is to be unveiled tonight and our final goodbyes uttered. At least until Christmas. Here is a drawing of a piece of our gorgeous new furniture, the Hepplewhite that I mentioned previously.

Isn't it just like me to leave as another scandal is about to rupture through the end of a perfect summer. I accept that there have been a few blemishes along the way. I can only blame myself in respect to the Head Architect, I fell too hard and expected too much when I should have just considered him to be another lover, nothing more.


At least I know where I stand with my Scottish Earl... And neither of us are around for too long, we might not even have the pleasure of each others company during the winter months. I do hope he will be around, it is always refreshing to have someone keep you warm during the long nights, and I know I'd appreciate the length of those nights with him!


I have various items to return that I somehow acquired during the last few months. At least I can find other people's belongings, Heaven knows where all of mine have been stashed!


I will write shortly once I have completed the journey back up North. No doubt this year will be completely different, but no less delightful than the last and I am looking forward to going back but I haven't been pining for those amusements as much as I usually am towards the end of my stay. I wonder what my attitude will reflect of my thoughts, and my scandals...

D. S.

Where to begin? Autumn has started to encroach and that means the packing has just commenced, whispers of the North abound and once again we have to say our farewells.

I'm glad that I am able to keep busy, distracted, I do not want to think about saying goodbye or starting over again.

We will be having our final celebrations in the next week, coinciding with the grand opening of the South Wing. What should be a delightful occasion but is marred by the Architect.

The Baroness and Marquessa are going well out of their way to keep up my spirits as we are going to venture out to the Capital tomorrow. We will return in time for the final ball but not beforehand. I don't think I could cope helping to organise such an event, one that praises him.

No doubt you can tell by my tone that emotions between the Architect and myself have soured. It had nothing to do with our little escapade of staying out all night, but rather as the South Wing was drawing to a close, so it seemed was our relationship. I know that I didn't expect an engagement, but the end seems to have come too soon and I am unhappy with how easily he seems to have recovered from it.

This is why I try not get attached. I've had enough suffering with the Duke, Officer and Architect this year and I want to start afresh.

These last stressful few days have included the news from my Lady Lina that one of our close acquaintances is not returning from the New World. It saddens me to think that there will be fewer of us refined young women in the North and I am disappointed that we do not have another year to share together. But apparently the delights of the New World are too great an opportunity to pass by, so of course I wish her well. It's just a selfish thought knowing that I will miss her!

I will let you know how the visit to the Capital goes, hopefully nothing too dramatic, unless of course we watch something unfold on a stage!

D. S.