Thursday night with the English gentleman was wonderful. We danced the night away, a smile on each of our lips as we gazed into each others eyes. I met some of his friends, not more English gents, but rather natives of the Antipodes, which certainly has broadened my horizons somewhat.


The brunette was around that night but neither of us were willing to leave our beaux for long enough to have much of a conversation. It's rather silly how men can change us from strong, independent women, to simpering fools who wait longingly for the caress of our lovers.


I don't mean to sound so sardonic. I am happy with the English gentleman and I hope it progresses to something more. At least Mother would be pleased that I hadn't come home with a native! I know that is a horror of hers.


Though a week has passed I cannot for the life of me think what has happened. There have been delightful excursions and I met some interesting people. An explorer from the New World has mostly stayed in my hazy memory. We talked of many things, fools and kings, but it was his insight that truly had an impact on me.

His stories are most interesting and I look forward to seeing him again, for his anecdotes don't make me long for home, unlike when the English gentleman and I converse.


Oh yes, I too had an incident with the olive-skinned brunette's friend. Once again I was a little too friendly and apparently this was an indication for him to make physical advances! I put him in his place, again, and refused, but I miss the boisterous behaviour of my Shire gents back home who don't expect or want anything more than friendship. And my Northern men who respect my every decision. Men here in the Antipodes are less likely to listen to when you say no and I do find it a little disconcerting.


There is talk of a journey further South for a few weeks. I think it may be a good idea to get out of the city and see some more of the countryside. And it may also make me realise that I have a good thing with the English gentleman and put him to the test...





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.