May 9th, 1665
Tuesday. Today I start my new diary and have a new hiding place for it. It's behind a beam in the ceiling of my bedchamber in the attic. There was a small gap that I made bigger by my fingers. I'm sure no one will find it... I hope. My old diary rests deep in my clothes chest at the bottom of the bed. I am fortunate that we live in such a pleasant house! Some family's are crammed into one room. If I had to share a bedchamber I could have no privacy and no hidden secrets.
I start with the news that Papa promises to take us to the Dukes Theater to see a play called Mustapha. That is, myself, Papa and my dear Aunt Nell who is my mothers older sister. My mother, Letitia, died when I was born but I have her dark hair and the same soft grey eyes. When I was younger I wanted to call Aunt Nell "Mama". 'Twas merely a childish pretence but she would have none of it.
So... my first play. Thank you, Papa...
Tomorrow down to Woolwich by water and carrier to spend two days on Uncle John's farm. Aunt Nell has made a vast trey of gingerbread by way of a gift. I have brought my ivory ring that I brought especially for the newest child to cut his teeth on.
(note: whenachild "cutshisteeth'', itmeansteething)
Maggie's neighbour in St Giles (Maggie is our live-in maidservant) has the spotted fever and everyone thinks she will unfortunately die.. at least she will have God as her guideline for her afterlife.
YOU ARE READING
The Hidden Plague
Historical Fictionnot as boring as you first might think ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ July 3rd 1665 Aunt Nell came home from the market looking very pale. She overheard two men discussing the Weekly Bills of Mortality. It seems that in the past week 7...
