How to find the words to say when this week has had a traumatic effect on my perspective of the world? I have heard vile opinions and had my own beliefs questioned, I have heard tales of the brutality of mankind on his lover, his sister, his mother... I have always enjoyed rattling the cage of convention, because how does our world progress without seeking new ideas, but this week has horrified and destroyed what little hope I had left. 

Because I have very little time left in Bohemia I wanted to revel in a week of quiet contemplation; reading up on the world's news and hearing scandalous tales from the shores of my home country. I am no saint, and nor have I nor will I, ever claim to be, but I believe in the good of humanity, the compassion we should show our fellow man and I understand that it isn't always easy to be so selfless. 

The colour of your skin should not effect your future. Your religion should not spark a war. Who you fall in love with should never be made illegal. Where you want to live and make the best of the life you have been given should not be dictated to you by someone who has never met you. And being a woman should not mean that you are a second-class citizen.

I do not want to write down the horrors that world has been subjected to this past week because I do not want to give it a platform and have the evil spread any more than it already has. I want to talk about love and compassion and the good of humankind when I see little children helping a dog in the street. The wonder of seeing a child understand a new lesson for the first time. The brilliance of a sunrise illuminating those who have already gone to work for the day. The world is a place full wonder and awe, how can we divide it up and close our doors to those who only want what's best for their families?

Travelling is the best way to understand that there is more to life than receiving your next month's wage. How is that a way to live when there are beaches to walk upon, mountains to climb, and fields to fall asleep in? I have never been interested in politics, finding it antiquated and rather egotistical - who are you to tell me how to run my life? But for the first time I want my voice to be heard, because I am terrified of what will happen should the ill-educated mob shout a little louder...



D. S.

How long ago it feels since I last wrote, yet it has only been a week! Surely not?! I would never have presumed so much could occur in the space of seven days, but that has been the case for me.

I visited the wonderful Capital of my home and as always London had much to offer, not least the gorgeous sunshine the Duke of Albany and I were subjected over the whole weekend. Though my travelling across the Continent was less than pleasant, (I'd rather ignore it and not mention it again - let's just say the words 'infant' and 'projectile' - and yes, I'm still recovering!) I was delighted to be in the arms of my lover for a few nights.

It was a truly delightful weekend; the Duke and I soiréed with the crème de la crème of international society as we laughed and joked and made plans for the summer. Of course having the sun shine over head does make all the difference - I have heard from Jeeves that Bohemia was unfortunately under a grey cloud that spewed a spattering of rain throughout the weekend. But London was its ever joyous and rambunctious self, though I was rather restrained for a change. I would like to say that's because I have turned over a new leaf ever since I turned the ripe old age of twenty four, and though that may be the case, I know it was because I couldn't stand to be away from the Duke for longer than necessary.

It gives me the greatest pleasure to know that he loves me with a fervour I had never even imagined. We wandered the gardens of St James and basked in the glory of the splendid Buckingham Palace. For the first time my heart sank at the thought of having to return to Bohemia, especially without my Duke. I'm glad I have finally found it possible to say goodbye to Bohemia with good grace, rather than leaving apprehensively.

I'm still all of a titter after spending time with the Duke and I'm very sure that nothing I've written makes much sense. I blame being in love. It's the best and worst feeling in the world, but I wouldn't exchange it for the world!! However I have been given certain tasks I have to complete before I take over my Royal Charge when the Duke and I move up North... When I am going to find the time I shall never know, but I suppose I can sleep when I'm dead... How morbid! No, indeed I shall make the most of the four weeks I have left and begin now.



D. S. 

My first week of being a whole year older was quite the success, and I only hope it means to continue that way! Despite my actual birthdays sedate air, once Jeeves and I began travelling to Polska with our red-headed, enigmatic Irish lady, things took a turn for the more wonderful and spectacular. 

Our first night on the town began in the city of a hundred spires, and we danced and we drank until the wee hours of the morn. Something I fear I do not do as often as I used to! Already the hangover was a force to be reckoned with, though travelling with such a headache is not ideal, the three of us soon opened our eyes to the sights and sounds of our new home for the weekend.

Breslau, Wroclaw, Vratislava. To me the city had more names than I could pronounce, but that only added to the mystery. We three were anonymous in the city, not wanting to spread my reputation further across the Continent than I already have, and we lodged with the kindest of Innkeepers. 

Music could be heard all through the city and we were fortunate enough to literally  stumble upon one of the city's most renowned musical concerts. We were astounded by the talent that Polska had to offer and it was most liberating to walk through the cobbled streets anonymously. 

The sights of the city are vast and impressive; brass gnomes litter the walkways, though they sometimes have more allusive hiding places. The buildings were sublime and the islands were untouched by any extensive architecture. The cathedrals too were not overpowering and it was quite the sight to view the entire city from one of the towers. 

Though we too frequented a beer festival, which had its own ups and downs, the highlight of the entire journey would have to be the incredible fountain display we witnessed, which is near the city's menagerie. The music, such as Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev gave way to dancing fountains as the sprays and water jets pirouetted against a jet black sky. To say it is mesmerising is not enough, the technological prowess of the engineers that are able to create the performance should be knighted. It's a place I would highly recommend. 

But once again I am back in the lazy hills of Bohemia and once again I am packing for another journey. This time a quick jaunt across the English Channel to rendez vous with my darling Duke. Apparently he has something he wishes to tell me, and he wants to do it face to face, rather than via letter. I have to admit, my heart is in my mouth, though I cannot for the life of me imagine what it is he wants to say!

For now, I must rest. My weekend in Polska was more than entertaining, but it too has taken its toll on my exhausted body (and crushed finger, which is a long and uninteresting story). Sleep beckons for I have not yet recovered. 



D. S.

This shall only be a short post of thanks for all my wonderfully kind birthday wishes. I shared the rather sedate day with none other than Jeeves ~ the price of choosing to live so far away from all friends and family, but I look forward to rectifying that post haste.

I am in the midst of all my packing for my jaunt across the border to Polska but I do hope the rains will have ceased by then. I cannot abide trying to enjoy myself at a festival if the heavens insist to deluge tons of water over us. 

Not only do I have this trip to look forward to, but I get to hold the Duke of Albany in my arms the following week after my quick trip across the Continent. I do hope he has some good news regarding the purchase of a property in the Northern counties... It would be nice to have some structure and have some decisions ticked off the list before our time in the Convent begins. 

I must bid you all adieu as I decide on my various outfits for this journey and once again a multitude of gratitude and appreciation for the birthday well wishes. 



D. S.

I wish I could say I've had either a productive or scandalous weekend, but it seems I'm becoming somewhat responsible in my old age! Relaxed evenings revelling in the springtime sunsets and musing over my writings have become somewhat the norm, and though I do miss my more rebellious stage, there is something I truly enjoy in the peace.

Tomorrow I turn the grand old age of twenty-four, and though it is no milestone, I cannot help remembering some of the years past. The blonde esquire and I were entranced with each other's company though we both were akin to the farce of our relationship, and further back I was loved on the Antipodean shores by a young Captain. Though I'm sure he is no longer so young.

I'm sure April wilted under the stare of a stern summer sun as the days lengthen and my homecoming is all the nearer. I cannot wait to see the Duke again, we have plans to rendez vous in two weeks after my trip across the Polish border, and my heart quickens at the thought. Six weeks is all I have left until the cloisters of the Convent at Brighthelmstone make themselves my home for the Summer.

Out of the blue I did receive a wonderful letter from the brunette who has returned to the Antipodean shores and I would not be surprised if I heard the chiming of wedding bells as she seems so caught up in her romance. I'd be so happy for her, should the occasion arise, but I do hope I am able to find the time to attend a wedding twelve thousand miles away. But then, I shouldn't fret, as the proposition has yet to be made.

Jeeves has kept me company all through these lonely nights and it is interesting to talk to him of things all supernatural. We are a suspicious pair, and it doesn't take much for us to scare each other in the middle of the night with stories of ghouls and ghosts. I have taken to writing a fair few stories of my own, though it's more difficult than I first anticipated.

I shall leave for now. The sun is shining and there are barely visible whisps of clouds in the sky, so I want to make the most of the fine weather. When next I write I shall be a whole year older, if none the wiser. 



D. S.