The Marquess’ Daughter

Tuesday, 09 October 1810

Whilst staying in Woodside, Lady Dominique announced that she is no longer courting Benjamin—she frets that she doth not want to lose someone who she loved. The Marquess and Marchioness were looking for a possible suitor for Lady Dominique, possibly someone whose age is closer to her, but not as older as Gilbert nor my parents.

Her parents were asking if I was capable of being her suitor—`twas quite predictable since she adored a portrait of mine as Ganymedes, displayed for a year. I would not be a naysayer to court the French Marquess, lest unless I had permission to his daughter.

She was filled with internal jealousy 'cause her friends were like… courting me. 'Tis true that I was courting Elinor, but not Jane—I only asked Jane to dance during the Marquess' ball to avoid such suspicion.

Hon. Jane Campbell

Friday, 12 October 1810

What an honour I must meet Jane again, yet I have to accompany Petunia to the library, by seeing Jane and Dominique's fondness of Gothick literature. 

Medievalism was the one I was fond of, despite Gilbert ruining its meaning, mentioning that 'twas obsolete. I had to finish reading King Arthur again since my last visit hither in Woodside. Thankfully, I have no doubts about being shamed by Gilbert, or I still doubt that I have thoughts that he might come hither for a visit, possibly shaming me and Petunia again.

I was vexed if he might come hither, but I try not to fret. Weeks after I found out that man was my uncle, I had to distance myself from him—I burnt letters from him, yet he still sends me letters to this day, longing for his lover to come back. 

Jane comforted me, yet I still refused to tell her the truth, just to avoid a scandal.

Lady Dominique's Visit

Monday, 15 October 1810

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

"Is their daughter present hither?" I asked my footman 

"Yea Lord Mousehole, she has brought a grey puss" 

I dropped the book before greeting her—she was flustered upon introducing my mother when her cheeks became red as roses. She was quite nervous upon seeing her, yet she still adored my mother. 

She brought a chartreux named Sigmund—she called him Ziggy. Ziggy doth not seem to welcome me, as his first impression on me; he always clings to Lady Dominique since she had Ziggy when she turned eighteen. 

I overheard a conversation between the Marquess and Marchioness with my mother about arranging marriage between me and Lady Dominique. The Marchioness obliged us to marry her daughter which my mother agreed, yet she had to wait for my father's response with this arranged marriage. 

I only met Dominique months before when Gilbert commissioned The Marchioness the lovers' eyes. It happened before we left for Venice, for another commission which may cost more than his previous commissions for me. I was not impressed how Gilbert treated Lorenzo, but I may come back there if the war is over; if not, I might arrive there for a possible grand tour.

Cold Sigmund

Tuesday, 24 October 1810

'Nother day to visit Woodside, yet Sigmund looked cold upon me—he was not impressed towards me, like the other day. 

Michelle was clinging towards my ankle with welcoming affection—I picked her up; she looks older than Sigmund since Dominique had her during her childhood. 

Sigmund was two when Dominique had him when she turned eighteen—her uncle Maurice gave her a grey cat from France as a gift. 

My Father's Acceptance

Tuesday, 30 October 1810

Mother and I have received letters from my father regarding a possible marriage between me and Lady Dominique. I was certain that he might agree with the terms since my family has a connection with the de Guerre family. 

20 October 1810

My dearest Colin, 

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

When I was your age, my father arranged a marriage between me and your mother—the mortality rate was high, and so is today's. I don't want to risk losing an heir before their marriage. 

Your father,

The Earl of St Ives