How tired I am! I feel we have been journeying constantly for three days, and if it were not for the railway we should surely still be under way. I do not know what to think about such a thing as the railway, all smoke, noise and speed. (I fear I find it more exciting than is proper!) It is certain that it has allowed such an adventure as this to come within the reach of the Major and his family.
I am grateful that Mrs H and young Jack and Susannah and I have been sent on ahead – for although we had tonight to endure that long, bouncing journey by carriage from the city out to our destination, it does mean that we are at least here and shall be all recovered and prepared for the family's arrival tomorrow. Jack is an impudent young man, but his presence did much to reassure us three women, not least as the night outside was as dark as sin.
Jack fancies we have a connection, he and I, because we started in this household about the same time and are both in our seventeenth year. Although he does always make me smile with his quick wit, I have tried to discourage him from pursuing any friendship. I can never reveal the true reason for my uninterest, but he would be better paying attention to Susannah. They did spend some time in silly, giggling conversation tonight in the coach.
The lodge that is our home for the next few weeks seems comfortable, even in our servants' quarters, though it is well we are not all here. We shall all feel on top of ourselves, I fear, and I hope we may maintain our humour with each other.
I must to bed. Mrs H. will wonder at the candlelight in my room. Yes, my own room!
YOU ARE READING
The Heather and the Pine
Historical Fiction*Being Some Entries in the Diary of a Victorian Kitchen Maid.* Copyright, August 2014.
