The Shire has been my home for a week and though I miss Bohemia with a dull ache in my heart, to have the Duke by my side at all times has become more than a novelty. It feels like coming home. 

I dislike clichés and I'd rather not give over my entire life to a man, even though he may be worthy of at least a part of me, I have to admit I am happiest in his presence.

We still argue, that hasn't changed. We are both far too stubborn for our own good and we value our independence more than most people I've met, but it makes for a very passionate relationship. As much as I adore the Duke of Albany, and am looking forward to the summer in Brighthelmstone with him, Belle, the governess and the Irish lady of Corcaigh, all who have had the pleasure of our company at New Year's Eve, I do not imagine that the loud discussions will have ceased. It will be interesting to see what everyone else makes of our relationship, because although it is none of their business, no one can keep their opinions to themselves. And I value my friends judgements.

The sun is shining and I have a smile on my face after a wonderful evening with the Duke... We intend to spend the day outside, frolicking under the sun's rays so I should probably get dressed...



D. S.

I've been home for a few days already and have barely had the time to sit down and catch my breath. I've travelled countries and cities and hugged and laughed my friends who I missed more than I realised while I made Bohemia my home. We celebrated my return and the next ventures in all of our lives with a zest that had us crawling home no earlier than four in the morning (if I recall, the birds were already singing!)

But since that memorable night I have undertaken a new endeavour, continuing my training as I work with children, and I am enjoying every single experience, though I still have so much too learn. 

Of course there is another reason I haven't found the time to write... No doubt you've guessed it! The Duke of Albany and I have been reunited and are now inseparable. It was a delight to fall asleep and wake up in his arms knowing there was no where else in the world either of us had to be. No news as of yet, as to the property he has chosen in the Northern counties, but as I complete my training and we journey to Brighthelmstone at the end of next week, I have few apprehensions about the glory of the summer. Though I pray I am not tempting fate!

Tonight I plan to focus on my writing, fiction, more than anything because once my Royal charge is completely my responsibility I will have very little time to dedicate to myself. Travel and writing will have to take a backseat, though it will never stop altogether. I wouldn't feel whole if I couldn't write. 

Of course I miss Bohemia. The weather, the architecture, the food, the foreign nature of the country were all an adventure compared to the sedate nature of the Shire. But as always, it is good to be home (if only for a few days). 

D. S. 

The end of an era is nigh. I have one week precisely left in Bohemia and I certainly plan to make the most of it. I travel to the City of A Hundred Spires later today in order to enjoy much merriment with my Irish ladies, and even a Scottish gentleman. It's the last time we'll all be together since we met back in September. How time flies. 

Three days later...

The weekend was truly a success, with much merriment to be had! As you can see I neither had the time (nor mental capacity) to finish my last post, but after a full night's rest and no headache in sight, I feel I can finally take up my pen and write about the weekend.

Friday was a rather long day for me, especially as I had to travel to meet my friends, but I made the most of the journey and collected some beautiful items from some gypsies along the way. We feasted in celebration of another birthday once in the city and from then on there wasn't a moment where at least one of us were dancing and singing to our hearts content.

It took us nigh on two days to recover from the frivolity of Friday night; the Scottish gentleman can always be blamed for sneekily refilling your glass without anyone noticing. But the weather has been absolutely gorgeous and I have a new found love for Prague. It is the first time I have actually felt forlorn at the thought of returning to my Shire. I always knew this would be a short stint in Bohemia, but I do have an affiliation with this country, and I'm not quite ready to cut the umbilical cord.

I know I have my wonderful and loving Duke of Albany waiting for me across the English Channel, and he is probably the only reason that I am willing to leave Prague in the midst of summer. Sometimes I don't know why I travel ~ I always get overly attached to the countries that I make my home and I leave a piece of my heart behind, every time. Nevertheless, I wouldn't swap my experiences for anything in the world.

I shall just have to get used to saying goodbye... Again.



D. S.