Journal Of A Young Lady Of Virginia, 1782 Part 3

October 13.

[Sidenote: _Pecatone._ Residence of Mrs. Turberville.]

I had almost forgot to tell you that to-morrow Mrs. Pinkard, Cousin Molly, and myself go below the ferry to _Pecatone_, and Mr.

Ballendine's. I am very busy getting ready for the trip. Adieu.

It is in the evening. There are two Beaux just come. Mrs. Pinkard tels me I must go out and let her introduce them to me. The first I am acquainted with: he is homely, but a mighty worthy 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 c.r.a.pe 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 ap.r.o.n 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 pa.s.sed 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 Harrington--a handsome man, I think--and an elderly Gentleman, Captain Grigg; the most laughable creature I ever saw. They tell me I shall be highly diverted at the minuet he dances; and we intend to make him dance one to-night.

October 19.

I don't think I ever laugh't so much in my life as I did last night at Captain Grigg's minuet. I wish you could see him. It is really the most ludicrous thing I ever saw; and what makes it more so is, he thinks he dances a most delightful one.

To-day we go to Mr. Ballendine's. Adieu, my Love.

I am delighted with this Family. They take delight in promoting each other's happiness, and they do it effectually; for I believe they are perfectly happy. Mrs. Ballendine is handsome--more so than either of her Daughters. Mr. Newton came this evening as we were at tea.

October 20.

To-day is disagreeable and rainy. The young Ladys have been showing us the wedding-cloaths and some dresses they had from London; very genteel and pretty. Mr. Newton is still here, and is, I think, a very disagreeable creature. I wonder how Nancy did to bear with him. The young Ladys have been singing for me: they are mighty obliging, and sing whenever they are ask't.

October 21.

We have just returned this morning from visiting Mrs. Esquire Lee.

I never saw her before. She received us very graciously, and is, I think, rather clever. We returned just as dinner was on the table. Miss Nancy's sweetheart came to-day. Mr. Murfey is a very good Man, I believe, but he is very homely. Adieu, my dearest.

October 22.

We return this morning to _Pecatone_. Adieu.

We are at _Pecatone_, and dressing. There are several Gentlemen to dine here. Mr. Thomson has invited this Family and ourselves to drink tea with him this evening. He has had a New Cargo of tea arrived. We intend going, and I shall not scribble again to-night.

October 23.

We went to Mr. Thomson's; returned, and danced at night. Mr. Turberville and Mr. Beal each made us all a present of a pound of Powder. I really have a great Affection for Mrs. Pinkard. She always chooses my head-dress, dresses my hair, and is the best Creature in lending you any thing. If you just say you want a thing, if she happens to have it, she will insist on your wearing it. Cousin Hannah has a quant.i.ty of Cloaths.

She has put on every day since I have been here a different dress of muslin, and all handsome. Adieu, my best beloved. I have but little time to scribble, and that is only when we retire to dress.