Oh the Summer Ball.

It was everything I had expected and so much more. Whomever spent the time and effort gallivanting around to create an unforgettable event should be ever so proud of their endeavours; fun was had by all, even those who lack fun in their nature.

I grin as I think of the night and what has transpired since the celebration. But first I shall talk about what decisions have been made before I let slip the secrets that the Ball unravelled.

As per every Summer that is worth remembering, I shall once again atone for my sins at the Convent. However, I have decided not to return to the Convent in the Shire for there are too many unpleasant memories of the unforgiving priest and instead journey to the coast for some sea air in Brighthelmstone. Belle shall accompany me as her relationship with the Gameskeeper seems to have dwindled ~ I shan't pry, for not everyone can be as blunt as I.

I have casually dropped into the conversation with my oh-so-wearied parents the notion that I may once again want to go on a Grande Tour of my own, after the Convent. To appease my somewhat intrepid spirit my parents have suggested that I spend some time on the golden beaches of Iberia, and I cannot fault their commitment to my happiness, only their imagination. However, I shall not be a belligerent and ungrateful child, so will heed their advice, all the while trying to convince them that travelling is a state of mind and a way of life that I cannot escape.

Fortunately I have met one who feels most passionately about travelling as I do. Our eyes met for the second time at the Summer Ball, though I was thinking less sordid thoughts as to undressing myself in public, I did have to blush at the memory.

The tall, dark haired stranger made more than an appearance at the ball. In fact he made quite the impression, and not just with me. I managed to find out a little more about him; he is a Prussian knight, a 'rycerz', here on his travels ~ no purpose as of yet, but he said his last quest were the beaches of a far away paradise, so who knows where next may tickle his fancy.

We shared no fewer than two dances and talked of the countries we had visited. I, of course, was intrigued, but I'd have hoped that the gossip mongers would have abated their cruel taunts until we'd parted ways, but the dark haired Prussian knight was ever the gentleman, and he defended my scarcely intact honour. 

It is too soon to say that fate had a hand in our second meeting, but we shall see if there shall be a third. I shall make no plans to invest in more than a mere acquaintance for now, but I can definitely state that my curiosity has been piqued.

D. S.

A Summer Ball awaits.

A farewell evening has been organised with the intention of dancing and debauchery as a celebration of the Summer Solstice. How apt that it is just as I leave for the South, for the Convent, I have the pleasure of bidding my heartfelt goodbyes to those who have become close to me over the last few months.

My Northern blonde beauty has changed her role and is enjoying much more freedom, and I look forward greatly to the preparation we shall put into tomorrow night's misadventures. Indeed I have heard a rumour that a certain tall, dark haired gentleman from the South will make an appearance. Who he is I have yet to find out, but he left quite the impression the other week.

Life is not quite what I expected, and I never thought I'd originally expected anything from life. I long to travel, to go on a Grande Tour of my own and see worlds never seen before. The Antipodes only whet my appetite for going further afield, and see everything in between, though how I can abandon the Shire indefinitely I do not know.

Without the blonde Esquire in my life now, I have no ties to stay in one place. The Shire shall always be my home, I have that luxury, but indeed I cannot deny that there is more to this world. I do not know how to broach the subject with my family. How can I ask them to fund my travels around the world with no purpose? How can I expect them to understand my passion for all things unknown? Never would they dare let their unruly daughter travel on her own! Who would I choose to escort me?

So many things I have to think about with regards to my future.

For now I shall choose the softest fabrics of cream, decorated with summer flowers for the Ball tomorrow. I do hope this tall, dark haired gentleman appears; or at least I get to find out who he is. Because if I do spend the summer on the coast and happen to have another chance encounter with this gentleman, I cannot deny the curious and unstoppable flirtation that may arise.

D. S.

To say that I have been somewhat distracted of late is more of an understatement than I care to let leave my lips. I shall not apologise nor make false promises of never leaving you again - the inevitable end shall only be postponed - but it is not this day.

Where to begin?

My dearest Misha had previously questioned my wavering fidelity to the blonde Esquire what with his determined patriotism to Queen and country. I cannot utter the words I'm sure many of you are longing to hear - I cannot tell you that we are still sickeningly content, rolling around in the bed sheets, moaning with an intoxicating pleasure, for it is no longer true.

The blonde Esquire and I have parted ways. His time was never actually his to call his own, and though I made a promise to try - and try I did - I cannot tolerate coming second to an entire regiment. Nor the King. Nor the country. If someone loves me, they have to put me first, and that was an argument I was never going to win.

I have accepted the termination of my relationship with the blonde Esquire - at least his Mother can no longer plague my life - after all, it was originally based on a lie.

What next?

The summer is nigh and I have had correspondence from Belle that she plans to attend a Convent again this summer, but this time she wants to venture away from the Shire and travel towards the Capital. I have yet to give her my answer, though I know that my season is coming to an end. The Duke's sister has gone on her own Grande Tour of the Continent and I know the brunette is exploring her more Sapphic tendencies in the Eastern world.

I too need a change of scenery.

The seaside beckons. I ventured to the pebbled beaches on the Southern Coast a few weeks back and fell head over heels in love with the sights, smells and sounds of the sea. It hasn't the grandeur of the Antipodes, but there is nothing so quaint as the English seaside.

While gallivanting at the breaking waves I had the utmost desire to strip off all my clothes and delve into the Channel. It would have caused such a ruckus, and no doubt I'd have startled the many bystanders, but I have a craving to do something wild now that I'm free and have regained my independence.

There was one other reason than societal convention that I kept my dress on that day; I would have been witnessed by a tall, dark haired spectator. One who seemed able to read my indecent thoughts, and gave me a daring stare. I was quite caught off guard and knew not how to respond. Thankfully I saw sense to keep my clothes on! I would not want a repeat of Iberia two years ago!

But for now I shall enjoy the time I have on my own - sometimes there is nothing more that I want than to be alone - and make my 'grown up' decisions when I believe the time to be necessary.



D. S.