Bound By Ink - Eliza's Story [a Historical Novel)

Untitled Part 1

"See you soon, Father." Those were the final words I uttered to my dear father as my mother and I set sail towards the distant shores of New Zealand. I am Elizabeth, and it is within these pages that I now embark upon my journey of reflection and discovery. My mother, ever the pragmatic soul, suggested I keep a journal as a means to occupy myself during the long and arduous voyage. It seems that amusement and entertainment are in short supply in that remote colony, New Zealand. Thus, this modest volume shall be my companion and confidant, capturing the essence of our travels and experiences.

Our departure was for Dunedin, the place we hope will become our new home. I have included within these pages a portrait of the town, which I shall carefully affix here to provide a clearer picture of the destination that awaits us.

Dunedin, despite its initial rugged charm, holds a certain allure that is quite unlike anything we have known in our refined England. Mother and I undertook this journey amidst the clamor of the recent gold rush, driven by the hope of augmenting our fortunes by several thousand dollars. Alas, Father had to remain behind in the United Kingdom, entangled in a complex political dispute with a certain lady from the American colonies, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. His esteemed position prevented him from accompanying us, as surrendering to what he perceived as defeat was something he could not countenance.

But enough of these musings; we have now arrived in Dunedin, and Mother was indeed correct: time seems to pass swiftly when one is engrossed in chronicling one's thoughts and observations. The promise of new beginnings and the mysteries that lie ahead invigorate me.

Best of Women,

Eliza