A Letter from Benjamin

Saturday, 03 November 1810

I received a letter from Benjamin, yet I have not opened the letter 'till today. 'Twas a month ago that he survived during a battle in Portugal, yet I still fret his death might affect us, and his dear grandfather The Marquess of Stratsberry. 

"18 September 1810

To Dear Colin, 

I must announce I’m no longer courting Lady Dominique de Guerre, yet I survived another battle. 

‘Tis better not to fret dear friend, but I may fear I no longer have interest to marry her for the sake of her life not to be risked by my death on a battlefield nor a sickness. I must say you may take my position for her as her suitor.

Your friend, 

Benjamin Hawkins"

He was still in Portugal, but he wanted to return to England. I understood Benjamin since Father longed for return.

The Marquess of Stratsberry

Wednesday, 07 November 1810

I've been longing to visit Alkrington. I was welcomed by the Marquess of Stratsberry and I was treated more than a guest in Alkrington. I've been visiting hither quite often in my childhood. ‘Twas before me and Benjamin went to Eton. 

His son, Viscount Hopkins, was a frequent drinker and a rake. I ne’er seen him sober since I saw him in last year’s Manchester Ball, yet he failed to court a lady in his sight. I was not impressed of Lord Hopkins’ presence by his manners. He called me a lady once which made his father leave some unpleasant remarks.

Drafts of Poems of Death

Thursday, 09 November 1810

Poems of Death and the Undead

Memento Mori (Dedicated to Lady Dominique de Guerre)

A French lady

Born in the English soil,

Whilst her family is exiled from France.

Ne’er met her grandparents

Yet she refuses to explain,

But remembers them in pendants

That signifies that death may upon us.

Sleepless Night

A Man Ye Shan't Trust With

Once I met a man that could sense the undead,

He was a widowed man who ignored his wife.

Ne’er listen to his deceased wife’s advice, he

On how he raised his daughter to be his maid

Thoughts of Revenge

Tuesday, 13 November 1810

I have thoughts of Gilbert—most were violent thoughts. I have thoughts of revenge on him, by duelling with him or him being exposed to a scandal. 

I would go back to Astley and ask him questions with anger and fear. I don't want to be involved with a scandal, nor to be executed for committing such heinous crimes. 

A duel would risk both of us since ‘twas dangerous with pistols. ‘Twas the cause of death of Alexander Hamilton by duelling with former vice president Aaron Burr from another side. 'Twas better with fencing than shooting each other off. Mother was impressed of my fencing, yet duelling with pistols is well-known but dangerous.

These thoughts were interrupted when I think of Pam. I have thought she never wanted to leave her father to meet his demise since she lost her mother. I would be haunted by him for eternity upon his demise.

Christopher Hopkins, 4th Marquess of Stratsberry

Saturday, 17 November 1810

I ne’er believed in reviving one's soul through another body, yet I was in shock. I might be connected to the fourth Marquess of Stratsberry, my ancestor. I ne'er saw his soul set in Alkrington, yet one of my dreams told me his cause of death. 

Alas, these events were familiar to me—especially the ring Gilbert gave to me. I question myself if I was the Marquess who was murdered by Sir Edward. I had these marks on the day I was born, the spot where Christopher was stabbed by Edward. I may return to Alkrington soon, yet I have duties as an heir of two titles. 

Courting the Marquess' Daughter

Wednesday, 21 November 1810

As days went by, Dominique and I grew closer than friends. We wrote letters each day. She wrote letters for me during my stay in Venice. She was worried of Benjamin after they stopped courting. We began exchanging gifts and locks of hair, how her parents did in Versailles. I was lucky how good things happened in autumn since Gilbert allowed me to return to Penworth. 

As I visited Woodside, I heard her gossiping with Elinor and Jane about courtship and betrothal. She bragged too much about me.

Dear Sister Agnes

Tuesday, 27 November 1810

I shall be visiting my sister Agnes and Lord Fergus today for their son's baptism. Mother, Pam, Alec and Uncle Charles came along. Alec was not impressed of being an uncle, so am I. 

As we arrived to the Knightley’ estate, The Earl Knightley was impressed by our presence, yet he was unfamiliar with Pamela. She introduced herself to The Earl Knightley, and Lord and Lady Fergus as Pamela Cornwallis-Perkins, instead of Pamela Collins. Agnes questioned her mother about Pamela as her sister, yet Mother wanted Agnes to accept her as her sister. 

The baptism began. I became the infant's godfather. He was baptised as Hon. Nicholas Charles Knightley, after me and Uncle Charles.