A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part Two

I remember sitting at breakfast that morning, asking mama how long we would be able to stay at Uncle and Aunts.

“My dear Emily,” she replied in her high pitched voice which always sounded like she was singing at me. “Your governess will be traveling with you, so I've arranged with your uncle Hugo and Aunt Bess, to let you stay for three weeks, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time.”

Mama held her hands together as if she was praying, smiled and sounded so happy as she declared, “but today Violet will escort you to the city for some new boots and a gift for your aunt to thank her for having you.”

Of course I was elated at this news of having new boots, and the chance to look around the shops which was so rare.

Mama clapped her hands before declaring; “ now, papa and I have arranged for the use of our horse and carriage to escort you on your journey. We both felt you would absorb more discovering the little villages you'll pass through, which is why we've appointed John and Fredrick to accompany you on holiday.”

John and Fredrick were mama's footmen. I did then wonder how mama would manage without them, but she assured me that she'd made other arrangements and we were not to worry.

Now I was overjoyed and just wanted to be on our way, even though I would miss mama, but not so much papa as he was nearly always at sea. My luggage was to be minimal, as my cousin had the same taste in clothes as myself, although mine were more classical, my cousin's were more reserved.

After breakfast myself and Miss Violet arrived in our city of Traydin and enjoyed watching ships drawing into port, it reminded me of papa, as I watched a man in navel uniform ordering men to unload cargo. They jumped from vessel to vessel and climbed rigging. The hugeness of these ships always made me feel quite small.

Some of the characters on board appeared quite unsavoury as they stared at us with shifty eyes, smoking pipes and smirking in a most unsatisfactory manner. Poor Miss Violet was not amused and scowled at their gaze, which seemed to have an effect as the men then turned their backs on us.

Yet here I was once again wondering at the poor and needy, as we meandered the busy streets that were lined with inns and many unwashed, unkempt men and women sitting outside the door supping ale, while children ran around in grimy rags begging and scrounging for money.

I felt quite panicky when six young scavengers surrounded us, before Miss Violet shooed them away. I recall thinking, if mama had been with us she'd have crossed their palms with a farthing each, but Miss Violet was not mama. The crafty little mites just stuck our their tongues and ran away.

Miss Violet advised me to be aware, that gangs of children that might look innocent were rife for picking pockets. It was then that I had to admit it did make me feel incredibly anxious, clutching my purse tight to my chest with both hands. I was glad when we finally stepped into our carriage and were driven up to the downs.

On the way with the gentle trot of the horses and the sound of busy people, I noticed the many awnings shading shops filled with wares, so many commodities too numerous to mention. I did however manage to buy some sturdy boots, for the countryside would require them. I also managed to buy my aunt a new shawl which I was sure she'd appreciate.

Thankfully the sky was clear and sunny. We spent a good deal of that afternoon strolling the downs, which I know mama would have loved, particularly the promenade with it's tree lined walk and her passion for painting and adoration of nature. But then Bishops Park was only around the corner, so mama could come here whenever she had some free time.

That afternoon I was glad of my parasol, as the sun's rays became so much stronger, leaving me feeling quite weary and hot as we ventured to a seat looking out over the city.

Soon our coachman told us it was getting late and we would need to be back home as a birthday evening meal treat would be ready and waiting. I had to admit arriving home I was thrilled to see what cook had prepared, as my two brothers Albert and William came running into the kitchen announcing they could eat a horse, which made us all laugh.

Lilly woke me early next morning after a good night's sleep from a perfect evening the night before, with birthday cake and presents. Miss Violet gave me a new hat, while the twins made me a birthday card each. Papa although not at home, had given me a new chess set, which I was most proud of owning.

I had a new parasol from mama, who was now eager for me and my brothers to be on our way, not because she was in any desperate hurry to get rid of us, but she was needed at a meeting for the local workhouse.

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To be continued...

A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part Three | ABCtales