10 pm, Dec. 15, Journal Entry

Dear Journal, after a lovely dinner with the family, Clarke came through with a telegram, for me. I was instantly on edge to receive a post at the late hour. I tried to appear nonplussed and place my coffee cup carefully on the side table. Cousin Rosemary stopped her elegant recital of piano overtures in surprise.   Mr. and Mrs. Willoby stopped short as well and placed their playing cards on the table waiting for my response. I opened the post, read it carefully and attempted to disguise my surprise. I suspect my efforts were rather meager because I could read the concern of their expressions. I gathered my wits quickly and stifled a false laugh to exclaim some nonsense about Mr. Sullivan finding a possible buyer for Number Ten Maple Lane.  I rambled on about my reasons for selling and how pleased I am with Mr. Sullivan’s interventions on my behalf. Cousin Rosemary remarked that it was peculiar for Mr. Sullivan to send the telegram on at such a late hour. She felt that information could have waited for morning. I instantly recovered and remarked that tomorrow was a Sunday, and he would have known we would be at Church. She seemed to accept that explanation. I would not want to concern any of the Willoby’s with incomplete information, they have been so kind to me. I will proceed as Brother Phillip suggests. The Vicar is expecting us, it was not a total falsehood. Oh my.

Dec 15, telegram from Mr. Phillip Sawyer

Have hired a private detective (stop) Name is Mr. Clifdahl Fisk (stop) He will investigate Mr. Hawkins (stop) I have discovered a connection with Charles Peacock, Mr. Willoby’s estate manager (stop) Do not discuss this matter (stop) Will advise (stop)

Your Brother, Phillip Sawyer

 

Letter to Dear Sister Eliza, Dec. 15

Dearest Sister Eliza,

I hope this note finds you healthy and well on to your Holiday preparations. We have been very busy here at Herald House applying the greens to the mantles and banisters. My chamber is beautifully but sparingly decorated. Just enough to lighten the spirit. A braided garland of white pine boughs laced with the Pyracantha berries and white velvet bows provides a joyous sight when one enters the room. It is my intention to sketch some of the sights here at the Herald House and Grounds before returning to Number One Maple Lane. I mentioned my passion for drawing to Dear Mr. Waldon and he included a divine blue leather-bound sketch book with my stationary order as a Christmas Gift. I was so overcome with his kindness, I will write a thank you note shortly.

One of my favorite places in my rooms is the Louis XV writing desk that is angled into a deep window well facing south. From this vantage point I am privileged to see the full length of the drive through the park and all approaching guests. It is a grand sight fitting for such a grand house. I am writing to you on my new stationary prepared by the talented Mr. Waldon of the Village Wren. It is a fine papyrus with the monogram perfectly centered in my favorite color of Platinum Gray. Have you noticed the fine raised script? I extremely pleased.

Our Dear Cousin Rosemary is becoming more alert by the day. She is attending meals and her appetite has greatly improved. She has returned to spending periods of time in the schoolroom with Kenny and Ross in the early morning and again in the afternoon. It seems that Dominique, the governess, was a bit perplexed by this new attention, however, she has grudgingly accepted the new routine. She also has reluctantly accepted our nightly intrusions after tea as well to read to the boys before their bedtime. As a result, both of the lads seem much fulfilled and happy. It is a blessing indeed.

I will close now to dress for dinner. My new dresses are so lovely. The village seamstress has done a fine stitching on the dark green velvet dress. The bodice is trimmed with cross-hatch stitching in golden threads, each cross mark is dotted with a lovely pearl bead. She has applied a new hem treatment, very popular in Paris right now. It is randomly tucked to pull the hem up in soft gathers. I am very pleased.

My Best Wishes to all my loved ones,

Your Loving Sister, Lucy

Dec. 15, Journal Entry

Oh Dear Journal, I am so relieved. I donned my lovely new Tweed Walking Suit and traveled the front lane down to the cottage of Mrs. Waters and her son Peter. I was so pleased to see her up and about preparing a rabbit stew for their supper. While she stated that she was a bit chilled yesterday after collecting her eggs, some hot chicken soup and a warm fire settled the chill. She confirms that Peter worries frequently of her health. He is of a delicate nature and finds himself with many anxieties. He enjoys working with Mr. Hawkins now. He prefers to take directions from one person rather than to attempt scheduling his own activities. She also mentioned that Michael Willoby was returning to Meadow Grove for the Christmas holidays. Peter is not particularly fond of Mr. Michael, this concerns her. She is concerned that he will visit and set Peter on to more fearful behavior.

I was able to gather some lovely Pyracantha berries along the way. I will use them to drape the mantle in my chamber. Do not fear, the berries are on the very high mantle unreachable by little hands.

I have neglected to share appointments there. How shall I begin? On the second floor, in the west chamber above the large library, I believe, this room is selected for the most important guests. It is the third door, on the right as you travel the connecting hall. It is decorated entirely in a fine French Blue satin. The walls are dressed with a subtle brocade silk. While the furniture is the finest mahogany the contrast with the pale blue trappings and bedding is stunning. On the bed is a tufted velvet duvet and light and fluffy goose down pillows. The linens are fine threaded pale blue to match with the Willoby monogram on the hemming. I feel like a princess here. But sometimes the princess is lonely and longing to live her own life. As I glance out large windows that face the boxwood garden facing west, I am reminded of the great wealth of this family and how vulnerable Dear Cousin Rosemary might be.

Dec. 15, Note to Cousin Rosemary, delivered by her ladies maid, Marie

Dearest Cousin Rosemary, it is quite early but I want to make a brief visit to Mrs. Waters to inquire of her health. I have had my tea and some lovely coddled eggs brought to my chamber by Mrs. Hillary herself. She has such a kind heart. I will return later this morning. We have a Christmas tree to decorate! As I walk the lane I wish to search for some colorful berries to add to our mantle trimmings. Until later.

Dec. 14, Progressive Journal Notations

8:00 am: awakened after a sound and restful sleep. Della has delivered a steam pot of tea and set the fire to rights. When the draperies were opened I viewed a magical landscape of heavy frost. It looks like a winter wonderland!

9:45 am: breakfast was a joyous affair. The hired hands are bringing in the greenery for our decorations.  Clarke has assembled several boxes in the great hall. Dominique and the boys are literally laughing out loud. Rosemary is demure in her behavior but I can see that she is strongly pleased.

1:00 pm: What a divine morning. Mr. Clarke directed the hired hands as to the placement of the garlands. Let me explain. The Grand Hall, the entrance, is a large, two story chamber. As you step up the two granite steps to the large 10 foot door, you are greeted directly in front by an enormous fireplace. It is large enough to walk into, without a stoop. Through the leaded glass on either side of the door one can see the fire ablaze, welcoming all who enter. A large heavy garland has been draped over the white marble mantle and a matching wreath hangs high above the mantle. Large red velvet bows decorate the center of the wreath and the center of the garland above the fireplace. It is a stunning sight. On either side of the open gallery, above the hall, is draped with thinner garlands their entire length. Tied with white velvet ribbons, they cascade at each pillar.   At every fireplace there are greens with pine cones, ribbons and glass blown ornaments. Large candles grace the mantles as well. The great conversation at dinner will be where to place the one tree. In prior years many trees were presented. This year there will be just one, it must be very special.

4:00 pm: I  joined Kenny and Ross for their tea. Their excitement is palpable. They are particularly fond of some surprises they have been working on with Domonique. I think they are making special gifts for Christmas. There was much giggling.

10:00 pm: Another busy day dear journal. I did not have time for my morning constitutional. Once the decorating began, we were all employed! Dinner was quiet in the small dining room with Mr. and Mrs. Willoby and Rosemary in attendance. Mr. Willoby was very tired and retired early. Mrs. Willoby and Rosemary discussed the possible best placement of the tree. Our final decision is to be in the large library where we all spend much time. Tomorrow I must walk to see Mrs. Waters to inquire of her health. Mr. Clarke told Rosemary that he overheard Peter mention to Mr. Hawkins that she was feeling a bit off. I hope the chill has not gotten to her.

 

 

 

 

Letter from Mr. Sullivan, solicitor, to Miss Lucy Augustine, Dec. 13

Dear Miss Augustine,

As per your request,  I have made inquires about the intention of Mr. Craig of Number 10 Maple Lane as it relates to purchase of the property. While he did not dismiss the notion, he relayed that he had not seriously considered the purchase. I explained, in detail, of your plan to sell the estate. I informed him that I have another prospect and would like to proceed with negotiations after January 10th. He agreed to make his decision by that time and notify me of his decision.

I hope your time at Herald House has been comforting to your Dear Cousin Rosemary Willoby. I am well acquainted with Mr. Willoby senior. We are members of the same club.  A fine gentleman. I understand that the second son, Michael, will return from the continent for the Christmas Holidays. I am certain his dear parents will be overjoyed to share his company. He has been gone since the untimely death of his brother Roland, to grieve privately I am told.

I presume the fund transfer was adequate.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr. Wilbur Sullivan, solicitor

Dec. 13, Late night Journal Entry

Dear Journal, just a note to record that it has been a lovely day. I am blessed to share these days with my dear Cousin Rosemary. She seems stronger by the day with my company. The boys are happy and healthy and even the governess, Dominique, has been pleasant these last few days. Tomorrow, a morning walk and inspection of the greens for Christmas trims.

Dec. 13, Note to Mrs. Ellla Hillary, cook at Herald House, hand delivered by Mr. Clarke, the butler.

My Dear Mrs. Hillary, I wanted to personally thank you for all your attention to my dietary discretions. I am most grateful. As well, the woodland quail you prepared this evening was particularly fine. I believe it is most likely the best I have ever been privileged to share.

Dec. 13, Letter to Miss Isobel Williams

Dearest Isobel, I wanted to write this evening to let you know that all is well here in Wren Village. Dear Cousin Rosemary and I traveled to the village to gather my new garments. The Tweed Walking Suit is stunning. The single breasted jacket is finely fitted to my slim stature and is lined in a warm flannel. The walking skirt has a deep pleat front and back for ease in ambulation and surprise…deep pockets! This is the first skirt I have had with such fine tailoring. The collar is the Chesterfield style on the jacket with the lovely chocolate velvet there and on the trims and buttons.They are very fine. The dresses are divine.  I will share their descriptions in another post.

We purchased some fine Petit Fours at the local bakery for our tea. I have also commissioned the stationer, a Mr. Walden, to prepare brass plates for my private stationary while I am here. I am so pleased that he keeps those plates for all future purchases. I am having some lovely Christmas imprints personalized as well. Be sure to check your post in the next week.

I will miss our Holiday friendship this year, but when I return to Maple Lane we will have much more time to spend together. I have been invited to Meadow Grove by the charming Mr. and Mrs. Willoby after the winter chill. Their Spring gardens are famous in the country. They have intimated that I am more than welcome to bring an acquaintance.  We can request your company if Mr. Williams senior approves.

I will close now, I must dress for dinner. I heard that cook has prepared some quail  garnered by Mr. Hawkins early this morning. I will don my favorite black velveteen chemise. I fortunately remembered to bring my long gloves and wrap. No matter how well the fires are laid, there is a terrible draft in the halls of this large old house.

Until next time, your dearest friend , Miss Lucy Augustine.