Brougham Park

Chapter 3

A bright light shone through the window as the curtains were drawn back. Samantha slowly opened her dark brown eyes and there was Mary standing next to her bed. A pitcher filled with hot water was left in the middle of the room and was waiting for her. She sat on her bed for a moment before she got off the bed and walked towards the pitcher. As she splashed the water on her face, the heat of the water soothed her face. She felt its warmth and was very much ready to start her day.

As Mary assisted her mistress with arranging her soft brown hair, Samantha gazed into the mirror without comprehending anything. But the wooden framed mirror has much to tell us. This mirror has been of service to its mistress for the past two and twenty years. An honest and loyal 'companion' it has been. It has seen her in her joys and tears. It has heard every praise and complaint that Samantha had to pour out in solitude. Sam had the habit of talking to herself in front of her mirror. Every story unknown to her family is surely known by her mirror. But of course, her mirror will never be able to tell anyone about Samantha's thoughts. A great many secrets had been kept hidden thanks to her mirror. Only if it was a living being, then perhaps there might be the danger of Sam's secrets being exposed.

As soon as she was dressed, she went out to the garden. The weather was a little warmer than on the day William left. There was a little path that led to an extensive park which was more or less like a forest and it had a little river that ran through it. Mr. Dawson's father had done a great deal to improve the 25-acre park. He had constructed several bridges over the river, some benches here and there, and a handsome pergola. She walked down that path until she reached a glade. It had been her favourite spot since her father had put up a bench surrounded by some lovely flowers many years ago. There are not any flowers at this time of the year though. She sat down on the bench and closed her eyes. She could hear the robins sing a mesmerising tune. She stayed on the bench for about a quarter of an hour before she started on the path back to the house.

While walking past the window that looks onto the breakfast parlour, she could see several figures at the table. After entering the house and opening the door of the parlour, she saw that her whole family except her brother was present at breakfast. The gloom that had reigned in the house had since been replaced gradually by good cheer. The parents are in a better frame of mind ever since receiving frequent and steady correspondence from their eldest son. All their worries and anxiousness are put to ease by the arrival of those timely letters.

Young men who are often occupied by a great many engagements often do not find time to write letters. Even if they do acquire the time to write, it is rather short and nothing much could be derived from their letters. William, on the other hand, is pretty much different from other young men as we already know. He devotes time to write to his family. On occasion, he writes separate letters for each of his sisters, often including subjects that will interest the girls. The reader may be induced to think that William is rather idle and has no engagements to occupy him. Please be informed that instead of having no engagements, Williams has too many engagements. He makes time by waking up rather early in the dawn just to write his letters.

"It's only Thursday and we received two letters already this week?!" Kitty pined.

"You ought to be grateful that he corresponds with us very often. Such a sweet boy he is. Not letting us worry about him, keeping us informed of everything he does," Mamma reprimanded.

"I am quite proud of my boy. Though he has been in town for 3 weeks, never has he got into the wrong company or any bad habits. I was most sceptical that he might turn into a gamester. I wouldn't have to worry about him after all," Mr. Dawson said.

"What does he say in this letter, Pappa?" Sam inquired.

"He mentions his evening parties and a ball he attended at Almack's."