Pamela Collins

Friday, 08 June 1810

Upon returning to Astley, I met Pamela—a daughter of Augustus Collins, Gilbert’s coachman. She turned seventeen, yet served as a housemaid on Astley. She called him “Uncle Gilbert” instead of Mr Gilbert O'Vile or Mr O'Vile, which seems peculiar for a young maid to address her master.

She seems similar to Gilbert and his late wife. ‘Twas possible Gilbert hid a truth, possibly a natural daughter with Peggy after they eloped or possible illegitimate daughter before their marriage. 

I’ve seen her as a younger sister—Pamela seems fond of Gothic books, which her Gilbert forbids her to read. ‘Twas much known as heathen Roman Mythologies.

She seems jealous or aggressive to me sometimes. She seems that I was spoiled by Gilbert than her, which was unfortunate.

Pamela opened a box that was labelled “For Pamela”—‘twas kept in the library, possibly opened by Gilbert. In the box, ‘twas a diary dated from 1792 to 1793, from the year she met Gilbert 'till Pamela’s possible birth. There was a letter left from the box which was written for Pamela.  

For my dearest Pamela, 

As you turn sixteen, I must unveil secrets about you. ‘Tis better not to unveil to society which may cause a scandal for me and your father's master. I left this diary 'till you open it. I was nineteen when I first met your natural father, Gilbert O'Vile—he was a sincere gentleman as he kept me in Venice. 

The time I’ve birth you—Gilbert and I allow his valet, Augustus Collins, raise you as his daughter. 

Your Dear Mother,

Margaret "Peggy" Lennox

An Engraved Illustration of Petunia Collins, c. 1898

Gilbert Youth

Monday, 11 June 1810

I had another dream, but it felt like going through Gilbert’s youth. He was spoiled by Sir Howard and Lady O'Vile, thus making him their favourite child. He was sent to Eton for education, but he was cold, spoilt brat—he seems jealous of Father despite Gilbert is three years younger.

‘Twas shifted to Gilbert’s stay on Venice as he met Peggy—she seems reluctant to court Gilbert. Uncle Angus caught Gilbert and Peggy in that dream. I’th notice that Mother and her family hath connection with Peggy. After the incident, Gilbert commissioned his friend a portrait of her as Proserpine.

I woke up and asked Gilbert if his wife had any relations with Mother and her family which he seems reluctant to reply. I’th approached Pamela for the diary. She was busy with chores, yet she wouldthn’t till she’ll finish reading it.

Revisiting Ufton

Friday, 15 June 1810

I have received letters from Elinor after I left her. They seem concerned of me, yet I lied them.

Elinor was displeased upon my presence—she was mostly concerned ‘till Gilbert visited. Gilbert left as I told her Pamela Collins is her cousin. They ridiculed ‘till I gave her the letter Peggy left for her with young Pamela’s consent. I told them this shall be hidden from her father and Gilbert.

Young Oliver interrupted us again—he asked me to play hoops which I refused. I was old enough to play hoops. He sobbed ‘till Gilbert comforted him—I gave him a pout.

I argued with him. I was too grown for playing hoops with Oliver—he opposed my decision, “Oliver ne’er hath friends at his age. He must be accompanied by a maid.”

Unfortunately, ‘twas starting to rain which made Oliver stop playing hoops with a fellow maid.  I must return to Barkham with Gilbert and Oliver, yet we stayed till rain stops.

Leaving England

Monday, 18 June 1810

Days after the Gold Cup, I was planning to return to Venice with Gilbert, yet we shall be returning to England by September, after his natal day. Oliver and Elinor shall accompany us unlike our previous stay—Hamlet must be going with us too, if I were alone. 

Elinor shall be staying with her mother’s family— ‘twas a farewell for them for her dear family, friends and Daniel. Pamela won’t journey as she seems better without her master.

Elinor’s parents won’t venture thither, yet they met during young Sir Seamus’ stay in Venice. They stayed till Sir Seamus returned hither with his wife for his elderly father’s ill health.

Miscellaneous artwork:

Robert Perkins, 7th Baron Perkins, by Sir Lawrence Campbell, 1786-89

Sir Seamus O'Vile, 5th Baronet, by Sir Lawrence Campbell, 1808