Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 6

Man. The second I never saw before--he is tolerably clever. Nancy and myself are going to pore out tea.
October 14.
I have but one moment to tell you that Nancy and myself are in a great hurry dressing. We are afraid we shall not be ready for breakfast, and we set off directly afterwards. This is Sunday. Cousin Washington and Nancy go as far as the Church, and return to Chantilly. Adieu, my dear Polly.
October 15.
[Sidenote A: Nomini. Built by "Counsellor Carter," son of "King Carter."]
[Sidenote: Bushfield. Residence of Mr. Washington.]
Well, my dear, we arrived late last night at Pecatone. When I wrote last we weare sitting off. We all dined at Doctor Thomson's[A] together. Mrs. Washington and Milly called there in the evening on their way to Bushfield. I never saw Milly before. I think I am a little disappointed in her beauty. She is not so pretty as I expected to find. I was distressed at parting with Nancy, but could not persuade her to come.
I don't think you ever saw Cousin Turberville or Hannah. The first is homely, but very polite and hospitable in her house. The latter has not a handsome face, but is a genteel person. They gave us a very polite reception. Hannah was dressed in a lead-courlered habbit, open, with a lylack lutestring scirt. She had a butifull crape cushon on, ornamented with gauze and flowers.
I must bid you Adieu, for the Ladies are just dressed, and I shall not be ready for Breakfast.
I am just returned from riding out. While we were at Breakfast Cousin Molly proposed a ride to the store. It is kept by a Mr. Thomson--Brother to the Man it is said Miss H. Turberville is to Marry. Accordingly, we three went in the Chariot, and left the two Married Ladys by themselves.
We have retired to dress for dinner. Shall I tell you our dresses? I hear you say "Yes." Mrs. P. wears a brocade; Cousin M. her pink Great-Coat, and I my pink. Adieu. Mrs. P. is going to dress my hair.
Every moment I can spare from the Company I dedicate to you. Two Beaux dined here. Mr. James Thomson and Mr. Ford. In the evening two more came--Mr. Beal and Mr. Joe Thomson. We are all preparing to dance. Adieu: I hear the Fidle.
October 16.
We spent last night very agreeably. Danced till Eleven. My partner was Mr. Beal. This is a beautiful situation--the Garden extends from the House to the river [very much like Retirement]. I have been takeing a very agreeable walk there. An airing is proposed this morning. We all go in Mr. Turberville's Coach. Adieu: it is at the door.
I don't know when I've been happier than I am now. Every thing conspires to make me so. Cousin Turberville is so Affectionate. She does every thing in her power to make her Company happy. I had forgot to tell you Cousin Hannah's dress yesterday. It was a blue lutestring habit, taffety apron and handkerchief, with the most butiful little hat on the side of her head I ever saw.
We are dressing for dinner: this is a ceremony always practiced here. I wear my Great-Coat.
We are just done tea; and are to have the same Gentlemen to dance again to-night.
I begin to want very much to see my Polly. Ah! what would I not give to obtain that [happiness]. It appears a year since the morning I parted from you, and how long, very long will it be before I clasp you to my breast. I am deprived even the consolation of hearing from you. Adieu, my love. I must return to the Company.
October 17.
We danced last night, and every one appeared to be happy. I can answer for your Lucy: her partner was Mr. James Thomson--one of the best dancers I most ever saw. Early this morning came one of the Miss Ballendine's--truly Amiable, I believe, but not handsome. But how prefarable is good sense and affability to Beauty: more pleasing a thousand times!
Cousin Molly and Hannah T. have rode to Mr. Ballendine's to bring the other Sister. She is to be married soon to a Mr. Murfey.
The old man being sick that plays the Fidle, we have diverted ourselves playing grind the bottle and hide the thimble. Our time passed away agreeably enough.
October 18.
Miss Nancy Ballendine would not come yesterday. Miss Eliza is still here; and a sweet Girl she is. I wish you could see her: I am sure my Polly would be pleased with her. We have been taking a walk together in the Garden, and talk't of my Polly. She told me Mr. Macrae intended paying his addresses to you on his way up. I long to hear if he has.
We have the addition of two more Gentlemen to-night. A Doctor