Chapter 2

We have retired to dress for dinner. Shall I tell you our dresses? I hear you say "Yes." Mrs. P. wears a brocade; Cousin M. her pink Great-Coat, and I my pink. Adieu. Mrs. P. is going to dress my hair.

Every moment I can spare from the Company I dedicate to you. Two Beaux dined here. Mr. James Thomson and Mr. Ford. In the evening two more came--Mr. Beal and Mr. Joe Thomson. We are all preparing to dance. Adieu: I hear the Fidle.

October 16.

We spent last night very agreeably. Danced till Eleven. My partner was Mr. Beal. This is a beautiful situation--the Garden extends from the House to the river [very much like _Retirement_]. I have been takeing a very agreeable walk there. An airing is proposed this morning. We all go in Mr. Turberville's Coach. Adieu: it is at the door.

I don't know when I've been happier than I am now. Every thing conspires to make me so. Cousin Turberville is so Affectionate. She does every thing in her power to make her Company happy. I had forgot to tell you Cousin Hannah's dress yesterday. It was a blue lutestring habit, taffety apron and handkerchief, with the most butiful little hat on the side of her head I ever saw.

We are dressing for dinner: this is a ceremony always practiced here. I wear my Great-Coat.

We are just done tea; and are to have the same Gentlemen to dance again to-night.

I begin to want very much to see my Polly. Ah! what would I not give to obtain that [happiness]. It appears a year since the morning I parted from you, and how long, very long will it be before I clasp you to my breast. I am deprived even the consolation of hearing from you. Adieu, my love. I must return to the Company.

October 17.

We danced last night, and every one appeared to be happy. I can answer for your Lucy: her partner was Mr. James Thomson--one of the best dancers I most ever saw. Early this morning came one of the Miss Ballendine's--truly Amiable, I believe, but not handsome. But how prefarable is good sense and affability to Beauty: more pleasing a thousand times!

Cousin Molly and Hannah T. have rode to Mr. Ballendine's to bring the other Sister. She is to be married soon to a Mr. Murfey.

The old man being sick that plays the Fidle, we have diverted ourselves playing _grind the bottle_ and _hide the thimble_. Our time passed away agreeably enough.

October 18.

Miss Nancy Ballendine would not come yesterday. Miss Eliza is still here; and a sweet Girl she is. I wish you could see her: I am sure my Polly would be pleased with her. We have been taking a walk together in the Garden, and talk't of my Polly. She told me Mr. Macrae intended paying his addresses to you on his way up. I long to hear if he has.

We have the addition of two more Gentlemen to-night. A Doctor Harrington--a handsome man, I think--and an elderly Gentleman, Captain Grigg; the most laughable creature I ever saw. They tell me I shall be highly diverted at the minuet he dances; and we intend to make him dance one to-night.

October 19.

I don't think I ever laugh't so much in my life as I did last night at Captain Grigg's minuet. I wish you could see him. It is really the most ludicrous thing I ever saw; and what makes it more so is, he thinks he dances a most delightful one.

To-day we go to Mr. Ballendine's. Adieu, my Love.

I am delighted with this Family. They take delight in promoting each other's happiness, and they do it effectually; for I believe they are perfectly happy. Mrs. Ballendine is handsome--more so than either of her Daughters. Mr. Newton came this evening as we were at tea.

October 20.

To-day is disagreeable and rainy. The young Ladys have been showing us the wedding-cloaths and some dresses they had from London; very genteel and pretty. Mr. Newton is still here, and is, I think, a very disagreeable creature. I wonder how Nancy did to bear with him. The young Ladys have been singing for me: they are mighty obliging, and sing whenever they are ask't.

October 21.

We have just returned this morning from visiting Mrs. Esquire Lee.

I never saw her before. She received us very graciously, and is, I think, rather clever. We returned just as dinner was on the table. Miss Nancy's sweetheart came to-day. Mr. Murfey is a very good Man, I believe, but he is very homely. Adieu, my dearest.

October 22.

We return this morning to _Pecatone_. Adieu.

We are at _Pecatone_, and dressing. There are several Gentlemen to dine here. Mr. Thomson has invited this Family and ourselves to drink tea with him this evening. He has had a New Cargo of tea arrived. We intend going, and I shall not scribble again to-night.

October 23.

We went to Mr. Thomson's; returned, and danced at night. Mr. Turberville and Mr. Beal each made us all a present of a pound of Powder. I really have a great Affection for Mrs. Pinkard. She always chooses my head-dress, dresses my hair, and is the best Creature in lending you any thing. If you just say you want a thing, if she happens to have it, she will insist on your wearing it. Cousin Hannah has a quantity of Cloaths. She has put on every day since I have been here a different dress of muslin, and all handsome. Adieu, my best beloved. I have but little time to scribble, and that is only when we retire to dress.

October 24.

We were entertained last night in the usual way--dancing. We have just returned from taking a delightful walk. We went to the peach orchard and eat a great many fine peaches. They are seldom met with this time of the year.

October 25.

[Sidenote: _Lee Hall._ Residence of Richard Lee.]

To-day we dine at _Lee Hall_--that is, at the Squire's. To-morrow we dine at _Bushfield_, with the _Pecatone_ Family. Adieu; I will write when I get there.

I am at _Lee Hall_. Mrs. Lee is very polite. We found a Mrs. Ball here. She has the remains of a very pretty Woman, and appears to have a fixt melancholy on her countenance. I expect to see Nancy to-morrow at Bushfield--pray send I may. Mr. Beal and Mr. Pinkard are come. Adieu: I am called to supper.

October 26.

I have but one moment to tell you we are just going to set out for _Bushfield_. Mr. Turberville's Coach is waiting for us at the road.

October 27.

When we got here we found the House pretty full. Nancy was here. I had to dress in a great hurry for dinner. We spent the evening very agreeably in chatting. Milly Washington is a thousand times prettyer than I thought her at first, and very agreeable. About sunset, Nancy, Milly, and myself took a walk in the Garden [it is a most butifull place]. We were mighty busy cutting thistles to try our sweethearts, when Mr. Washington caught us; and you can't conceive how he plagued us--chased us all over the Garden, and was quite impertinent.

I must tell you of our frolic after we went in our room. We took it into our heads, to want to eat; well, we had a large dish of bacon and beaf; after that, a bowl of Sago cream; and after that, an apple pye. While we were eating the apple pye in bed--God bless you! making a great noise--in came Mr. Washington, dressed in Hannah's short gown and peticoat, and seazed me and kissed me twenty times, in spite of all the resistance I could make; and then Cousin Molly. Hannah soon followed, dress'd in his Coat. They joined us in eating the apple pye, and then went out. After this we took it in our heads to want to eat oysters. We got up, put on our rappers, and went down in the Seller to get them: do you think Mr. Washington did not follow us and scear us just to death. We went up tho, and eat our oysters. We slept in the old Lady's room too, and she sat laughing fit to kill herself at us. She is a charming old lady--you would be delighted with her. I forgot to tell, Mr. Beal attended us here. I have been makeing Milly play on the forti-pianer for me; she plays very well. I am more and more delighted with her. She has just returned from the Fredericksburg races, and has given me a full account of them.

I have been filling out tea, and after that we took a walk to the river by Moonlight. The garden extends to the river. Nancy observed walking by moonlight, she thought, reminded us of our absent Friends. I joined her in thinking so, and my thoughts were at that instant with my Polly. We returned in the house, and I prevailed on Milly to entertain us an hour or two on the forti-pianer. We wanted very much to sleep in a room by ourselves to-night and try the _dum cake_, but could not persuade Nancy--she was afraid to sleep in the room with us.

October 28.

[Sidenote B: _Nomini._]

To-day, which is Sunday, we dine at Doctor Thomson's,[B] and in the evening go to _Chantilly_. Nancy stays, and goes to-Morrow with Corbin and Hannah in the Pheyton. Adieu, my ever dear Polly.

October 29.

[Sidenote C: Beal's--a family distinguished in the Revolution. This one is probably the same who was an officer in the war. Died a bachelor.]

_Chantilly._ We got here late last night. In the evening, at Doctor Thomson's, we heard, just by, there were six people to be dipt. We had Curiosity to see them, and accordingly went. I assure you it is a very Solemn Sight. We brought two Beaux home with us--Mr. Beal[C] and Mr. Stark.

October 30.

To-day is rainy and disagreeable, which will prevent their comeing from _Bushfield_. I have entertained myself all day reading _Telemachus_. It is really delightful, and very improveing. Just as I have seated myself they are come to tell me tea is ready. Farewell.

October 31.

Mr. Beal is still here. I assure you I think him very clever. Nancy is not yet come. I am quite lost without her. I have seated myself at Nancy's desk to scribble a little--interrupted already. It is Cousin Molly. She is come to propose dressing Mr. Pinkard in Woman's cloaths. I assent, so away goes the pen.

Just as we had got Mr. Pinkard dress't, came Corbin, Hannah, and Nancy.

Nov. 1.

Nancy and myself have just returned from a delightful walk. What do you think of her? She sais she could almost sware Mr. Beal is my slave! I laugh, and tell her there is nothing in it; nor do I believe he is.

Mr. Pinkard came in just now, and like to have taken this from me, tho I luckily got it in my pocket before he could get it.

Nov. 2.

To-day, Corbin and Hannah go to _Blenheim_, the seat of Mr. W. Washington. Hariot is going with them.

How much do I want to see my Polly! I hope, by this time, you are almost through your Book.

Nov. 3.

To-day the Beaux took their leave. Last night Nancy had a fire made up in one of the up-stairs rooms, and was busily engaged in conversation, when Mr. Pinkard bolted in upon us and overheard part of our conversation--which hily delighted him.

To-morrow, Mrs. Pinkard, Nancy, and myself go to _Blenheim_. All the _Bushfield_ Family are there. How often do we wish for our dear Polly! but she is denied us.

Nov. 4.

We are now at _Blenheim_. The Hurry of dress prevented my writeing before I sat off. I am delighted with this Family, and still more delighted with Milly Washington. She is indeed a sweet Girl.

There came this evening a Major More Fauntleroy. We have had a heartty laugh at him; he is a Monstrous Simpleton; and likewise came this evening the hopefull Youth--A. Spotswood. He has lately commenced Milly's lover. Nancy and myself have been teasin to get [something] out of her, but she is inflexible.

I have been very much entertained hearing Cousin Washington perform on the Spinnet. Adieu, my Friend. I can write no more.

Nov. 5.

This is Sunday. We have just breakfasted. There came this morning one of the cleverest young Beaux I have seen for some time--a Mr. Turner.

Cousin Hannah and Hariet take our places this morning in the Chariot. Nancy and myself stay till the evening, and go with Mr. Washington in his Pheyton.

Nancy, Milly, and myself have shut ourselves in a room up stairs, and intend not to go down till summoned to dinner. The Topic of our Conversation is, regretting the manner in which we have spent our past life. It will tend to some good, you will say, if it will make us mend in future.

I have, for the first time in my life, just read Pope's _Eloiza_. Just now I saw it laying in the Window. I had heard my Polly extol it frequently, and curiosity lead me to read it. I will give you my opinion of it: the poetry I think beautiful, but do not like some of the sentiments. Some of Eloiza's is too Ammorous for a female, I think.

We set off this evening for _Chantilly_--but the Pheyton wheel broke, and we were obliged to turn back. Old Mrs. Washington has promised her Carriage to us to go in the morning.

Nov. 6.

_Chantilly._ We sat off early in the morning, and we reached here this morning before breakfast. I found Mama's Jem here. How delighted I am to hear of the Health of all my Friends above. He could not give me any information about you, except that he believes you are very well, which I am very much pleased to hear.

Aunt Lee has been very sick for several days with a violent toothache.

Nov. 7.

[Sidenote: _Berry Hill._ A country-seat of Thomas L. Lee.]

This is a delightful evening, my dear. Nancy and myself have just returned from a delightfull walk to the river. On our return we two loll'd on the Sopha. I shall go up to _Berry Hill_ directly the Pheyton is mended. Mr. Washington is to carry me.

Nov. 8.

To-day Old Mrs. Washington and Milly came. Nancy and myself have been dressing for dinner. N. looks handsomer to-day than I have seen her since I came. Adieu. I have not another moment to scribble.

Milly and myself took a walk to-night by moonlight. She knows you, she says, and thinks you beautifull.

We are going to join Nancy and Mr. Washington in the dineing-room. Adieu, my beloved.

Nov. 9.

Mrs. Thomson, Mrs. Leland, and a Miss Leland are all just come, and unexpectedly too. I never saw the two last before. The first is a very clever old Lady, the latter very homely indeed. We are all going to dress. Adieu.

Dinner is just over. Harry, the Fiddler, is sent for, and we are going to dance. I had forgot to tell, Mr. Spotswood came to-day. You can't conceive how angry Milly was. I soon got from her that he had promised never to trouble her again on the Subject, and she was displeased at his following her. Adieu--Harriet insists on my going out. She says the fiddle is come. Farewell, my love; may Heaven shower blessings on your head, prays your Lucinda. I always forget to make use of our other name.

Nov. 10.

[Sidenote: _Menokin._ Residence of Francis L. Lee.]

To-day Old Mrs. W. goes to _Bushfield_, and leaves Milly behind. I have promised to go with Milly when she goes, if I don't go up before that time. Hannah and Corbin go with the Old Lady to-day. Cousin Molly and Mr. Pinkard go to _Menoken_ to-day.

Mr. Spotswood took his leave this evening; which Milly rejoiced at.

Nancy sleeps up stairs to-night with her Sister Pinkard. Milly, Miss Leland, and myself have the nurcery to ourselves. We want Nancy very much, but she is obliged to sleep up stairs.

I had forgot to tell you, the second night at _Blenheim_, Milly, Nancy, and myself had a room to ourselves, and tried the _salt and egg_; but neither of us dreamt.

I have undrest myself, and Sibby is going to comb my hair. Milly and Miss Leland are gone in the Garden. I propose to Sibby to go and frighten them: she agrees, and we are going to put it in execution.

We scared them a good deal. Milly screamed pretty lustily.

Nov. 11.

We have just breakfasted. Mrs. Thomson and the Lelands have just departed. We are going hard to work. Milly is making herself a very pretty cap.

Cousin Molly came to-night; quite wet, as she was caught in a hard rain. We shall sit up very late to-night--I trimming my dress, and the rest makeing caps. I expect to go on Monday to _Bushfield_, with Milly. Nancy and Molly will go about that time to Miss A. Ballendine's wedding.

Nov. 12.

What a surprise, my Polly, have we all had this morning, and a delightful one too. Before we were out of bed a servant from Mr. Macarty's came to let us know Aunt Fendall is arrived, and at Mr. Macarty's. We are all invited to dine there to-day. I am delighted at the thought of seeing Flora before I go up. The Pheyton is mended, and I shall set off in a day or two.

[Sidenote: McCartys, married into the Lee family, lived at "Marmion."]

I am not going to Mr. Macarty's to-day. I stay with Milly W. and Mrs. Pinkard. Aunt Lee, Molly, and Nancy go. It was my own choice to stay, for Nancy insisted on my going and her staying. They are gone. I drest Nancy's hair--she really look't beautiful to-day.

We are going to seat ourselves and hear Mr. Pinkard read a Novel.

Hannah and Corbin are just come from _Bushfield_. Mr. Washington sais he shall set off to-morrow.

Milly will set off directly after dinner. She has promised to correspond with me.

Milly has taken her leave, and I assure you I was a good deal affected at parting with her. She is a sweet Girl; and told me at parting that she was preposes'd with the notion we should never meet again. God forbid! I can write no more, my Marcia, for I have got to pack up my cloaths.

I believe I shall scrible a little more to-night, if they should bring Flora home with them, if it is only to give you my opinion of her.

Well, my dear, they are come, and, as I expected, brought Flora with them. She is very genteal, and wears monstrous Bustles. Her face is just as it always was. You, my dearest, that posses a great deal of Sencibility, would have supposed she would have been delighted to see me--far from it, I assure you. She saluted me just as if I had been a common acquaintance, and was not, I thought, at all glad to see me; but I suppose it is fashionable to affect indifference. I hope, my dearest, we shall always stear clear of such unnatural Fashions. She received Nancy in the same manner; that dear Friend and myself have just returned from a walk in the Garden--the last we shall take for some time, I am afraid.

Dear Mrs. Pinkard sets off this morning, and Cousin Molly goes as far as _Peccatone_ with her.

The arrival of Flora has prevented Nancy from going.

I have just taken a last farewell of my dear Mrs. Pinkard--did I say a last farewell? I hope not. I should be unhappy did I think it a last farewell.

Mr. W. and myself have defer'd setting off till the evening, and then we go as far as _Blenheim_ to-night....