The Marquess’ Daughter

Tuesday, 09 October 1810

As I visited Woodside, Lady Dominique announced she stopped courting Benjamin. She frets of losing a friend, and Benjamin wasn’t a good match for the lass. The Marquess and Marchioness looked for possible suitors for Lady Dominique. Someone whose age might be closer to her—nought old as Gilbert nor my parents. Her potential suitor must be a wealthy peer who must bear such temper and wit for her. The Marquess and Marchioness asked if they would bestow me as her suitor. ‘Twas obvious as she adored a portrait of Ganymedes.

She seemed jealous of me. She must have mistaken me for courting her friends. Apart from dancing in balls, I ne’er court Elinor nor Jane. Elinor was a dear friend. I only asked Jane for a dance to avoid suspicion from Elinor and her rakish uncle.

Hon. Jane Campbell

Friday, 12 October 1810

‘Twas such a delight to see Miss Jane Campbell again. It seems Ms Jane and her friend enjoyed reading Gothic works.

I adore works from the Dark Ages. I was fond of reading King Arthur again since my last visit to Woodside. I ne’er have doubts being shamed by Gilbert, but I still have bouts of Gilbert coming hither for shaming me and Pamela again. I was vexed if he might come hither, but I tried not to fret. ‘Twas weeks after I knew him as my uncle. I must stay away from him. I burnt letters from him, yet he still sends me letters, longing for his lover to return. Jane comforted me, yet I refused to tell her—just to avoid scandals.

Lady Dominique's Visit

Monday, 15 October 1810

“The Marquess and Marchioness de Guerre have arrived, Lord Mousehole.” A footman arrived in my presence. I had been reading The Castle of Otranto whilst stroking Hamlet with such affection. Hamlet has already aged well for a kitten.

“Is their daughter present?” I asked him. 

“Yea Lord Mousehole, it seems she brought a grey puss.”

I dropped the book before greeting her. She was flustered upon introducing Mother. Her cheeks were red as roses. She was quite nervous upon seeing her, yet she still adored Mother. She brought Sigmund. She called him Ziggy. Ziggy never seems to welcome me. He clings much to her. She mentioned she had Ziggy as a gift when she turned eighteen.

I overheard a conversation from the Marquess and Marchioness with Mother. It seems they arranged marriage for me and their daughter. The Marchioness obliged us to marry her daughter. Mother agreed, yet she must wait for Father's response with the arranged marriage.

Tuesday, 16 October 1810

I only met Dominique months before when I commissioned her mother two eyes for me and Gilbert. It happened before we left for Venice, for another commission which costs more than his previous commissions for me. I was not impressed how Gilbert treated Lorenzo, but I may return if the war is over. If not, I might return thither for a possible grand tour.

Cold Sigmund

Tuesday, 24 October 1810

‘Twas another day to Woodside. Sigmund wasn’t impressed of me since her visit to Penworth. Michelle was clinging towards my ankle with such welcoming affection as I picked her up. She was older than Sigmund since Dominique had her in her childhood.

Sigmund was two when Dominique had him when she turned eighteen. Her uncle Maurice gave Sigmund as a gift.

Father's Acceptance

Tuesday, 30 October 1810

Mother and I have received letters from Father regarding a planned marriage. I was certain if he would agree since my family has a connection with hers. It seems he agreed.

20 October 1810

My dear Colin, 

I may allow you to marry Marquess de Guerre's daughter at this age, but marriage must happen 'till either you or Lady Dominique may be deceased. 

When I was your age, Father arranged a marriage between me and your mother—the mortality is a risk. I don't want to risk losing an heir before their marriage.

Your father,

The Earl of St Ives