July 1810

Posing as Ganymede

Tuesday, 02 July 1810

‘Twas days as we stayed hither, yet this young Oliver asked me to play with wooden toys. Elinor and I joined. Elinor recalled these wooden dolls of their mother when they received in their fifth birth-day. 

Gilbert interrupted by taking me to Lorenzo—according to Gilbert, a sculptor he commissioned a marble sculpture of as Ganymede and Jupiter as the Eagle. I ne’er understand why he seemed displeased and impatient of departing hither quite early

Lorenzo requested Gilbert he mustn’t doth any inappropriate touches whilst sculpting. His late mentor, Giovanni di Malvestio, was furious of Gilbert, affectionately touching his dear Peggy, as he sculpted her as Proserpine.

Bloody heathens, an eagle! I ne’er wanted an eagle scratching my poor skin.

Attitudes

Friday, 13 July 1810

The sculpture may take long to carve, possibly for details which may look real. Lorenzo started sketching before carving a block of marble. He was exhausted from yesterday’s argument with Gilbert. Gilbert wanted the sculpture to be romantic, but Lorenzo refused.

He started sketching an attitudes as few heathen gods of Rome: Apollo, Mercury, Mars, Bacchus, and Sol. I favoured more of his sketches of me as Apollo and Bacchus than the others. I ne’er had such gay tomfoolery till Gilbert wasn’t please upon this. 

He aggressively pinched my cheek and shoved me to the ground. My arm was bruised upon shoving. I wept and apologised, yet Gilbert was still ashamed of me. 

Sleepless Night

Saturday, 15 July 1810

‘Twas a sleepless night after a bloody punishment—he’th told me my arm dothn’t bruise too much; ‘twas ironic. It injured other limbs.

He pecked on my cheek ‘fore he left, told me not to fret much. Elinor came into the chamber, and sent me a letter from Mother:

12 July 1810

My dearest Colin, 

Regardless if ‘tis for your good or not, I can not rely on that bloody rake—a debauchee. My dear sister was missing when you were two, yet ne’er to be seen after courting that rake. 

Your mother, 

The Countess of St Ives

Mother mentioned Aunt Agnes’ disappearance after courting Gilbert—I should send letters to Pamela, yet I’m afraid. Elinor hid the letter before Gilbert’s return.

He called me a bedridden swine for staying in the bed. He came across the bed and called me "my dear love", pacified me by caressing my chin. ‘Twas uncomfortable that I faced back, sobbing. Elinor told him to leave, but ‘twas too late—he punished me with a cane. 

Elinor’s Nearly Demise

Tuesday, 24 July 1810

It seems unfortunate Elinor was stricken with such strange ill health. Alas, I’th told her the truth before! They were disappointed of their uncle whilst asking much of him.

It seems there were such strange bottles labelled “for Elinor”. Gilbert might hath poisoned them. Nay, I mustn’t accuse him! If I told Elinor about this, she mayn’t be pleased. I still feared Gilbert returning hither. I must keep it as secret for myself, for Elinor’s safety.

August 1810

Sickly Oliver, etc.

Monday, 06 August 1810

Gilbert and Elinor left me since Oliver was stricken with sickness yesterday. Thankfully, Gilbert hired another maid for him, yet I was left? 

Pamela sent me a letter as she finished the diary, but I was reluctant to wait ‘till I return thither. 

04 August 1810

Lord Mousehole, 

I hath finished reading my mother’s diary. I know ye must return hither on autumn if ye want to keep it.

Pamela Collins

Lorenzo approached—mentioned it won’t be finished by September; it seems understandable as I commissioned artists.

I’ve began reading Iliad in Venetian—‘twas translated by Casanova, a known rake. Upon reading, Gilbert arrived earlier—I was glad seeing him again.

di Guistinian family

Wednesday, 15 August 1810

I visited Elinor and her family. At least, they seem right. They kept asking me if we’re both engaged. Well, I’m not engaged with Elinor. She announced her engagement with Daniel. I’th told them I’m her friend, and they were pleased with this response.

They served us some savory delish supper, some Italian, Greek and Turkish dinner. They seem gossiping about Napoleon and the war. Other gossiped of signor Giuseppe; he was rumoured to be dead, yet others said he’s injured severely.

We returned. Gilbert kept spoiling me a kiss on my lips. Elinor replied such unpleasant remarks towards her uncle. 

Miscellaneous artwork/illustration:

Illustration of Gilbert O'Vile as The Fool