Journal Account of a Victorian Lady: Fourth Installment
Nelly, perpetually wiping hands in her apron, was a constant presence, patience personified in the face of constant interruptions. Her efficiency was unmatched whether cooking, cleaning, or supervising.
Leading to the grand entrance hall, Nelly showed off the numerous family portraits hanging and the wide staircase, now apparent with even more faces looking down. Curiously asking about the butler Edmund, the author reminisced about their chess games and singing sessions.
"They're all out this afternoon, even Dorothy the housemaid's busy!" Nelly declared. Introducing Mary, the charlady, the author attempted to make small talk to break the icy atmosphere. However, Mary, new to the job, was as silent as a mouse.
Accompanied by John and Fredrick, the author climbed the stairs with her trunks. Enamored by the countless portraits, her journey upward continued until she reached her room, finally getting some much-needed rest.
In her dreams, she found herself on soft, warm sand, a cooling breeze on her face. However, the peace was short-lived as she was rudely awakened by Julia, who seemed excited to see her old friend. Julia apologized for the abrupt awakening but claimed she had a surprise for her.
With joy in her eyes, she presented a quilted pen. Julia, an aspiring poet, admired it, and the two reminisced about the old days. As the conversation shifted, Julia revealed her worries about her future, her father wanting her to follow a career as a teacher or find a rich suitor to marry.
The idea of teaching seemed unpalatable to her, as she yearned to stay in Craymore. Intrigued, the author suggested the possibility of becoming a traveling governess, exploring foreign lands. Julia, however, was rooted in Craymore, yearning to raise a family there.
As the conversation continued, Julia expressed her desire to work alongside her father and become the first lady landowner of their area. However, her uncle objected, believing it wasn't a suitable career or that she wasn't smart enough. To which Julia passionately declared, "I want to make a name for myself, Em's, not settle for someone forcing me into a marriage I don't want!"
Nelly, with her efficiency unmatched in the kitchen, also demonstrated a knack for giving tours, proudly showcasing the grand hall adorned with family portraits and the family's history. During one of these tours, she spoke of Edmund, the butler, and their shared hobbies of chess and singing.
In her room, after a day of restless exploration, the author found solace in dreams of warm sand beaches and cool ocean breezes, a stark contrast to the bustling life at Craymore. Upon waking, she was greeted by Julia, who presented a quilted pen, a symbol of Julia's aspiring fashion-and-beauty career as a poet.
During their heart-to-heart, Julia also expressed her desire to venture into business, hoping to make a name for herself in the home-and-garden industry, following in her father's footsteps. However, her ambition was met with opposition, fueling her determination to prove her worth and independence.
Despite these obstacles, Julia's passion for her future career never wavered. She even voiced her discontentment with the traditional lifestyle of marrying for wealth or entering a teaching career, aspiring instead to carve her own path in the fashion world.
Amidst their conversations about their dreams, the author and Julia also shared their love for books and entertainment, finding comfort and inspiration in tales of strong-willed women who defied expectations and forged their own paths.
