A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part One

Becoming governess and traveling with a wealthy family, didn't seem like a problem. I was living my life to the full, but I should have perceived the signs when mama wrote that she was going to live with Aunt Felicity, shutting the doors on our magnificent home for good, in her lifetime anyway. This was the place where I grew up with my brothers Albert and William who died of consumption in their twenties, which added to my parents inconsolable despair, especially for mama.

Looking back now at the glorious spring of 1871, it was a time of gatherings, picnics on the lawn, visits to our local zoo which were always fun days out shared by the whole family; including papa...of course when he was home on leave. Also we enjoyed visiting other family members and friends. We'd attend lavish balls and ladies would wear fine gowns with trimmings of most exquisite lace.

Papa was a ship's captain, he served on the Intrepid; so named because it was a stalwart vessel that never let its crew down. Papa was hardly around in those early years of me growing up, due to his time on the ocean waves. He also never spoke of his journeys, his motto being; what happens at sea, stays at sea.

Now I'm older and wiser I understand his unease at discussing such matters. His life was filled with many horrors of disease and struggles in the harsh realities. I just thank the lord that he didn't succumb to the same diseases as many of his men.

My mama Lady Margaret Thorn captivated us with her strength of purpose, including holding many stylish banquets to acknowledge the charities she raised money for...especially for those that were the poorest of the poor and were forced to labour in the drudgery of workhouses where there was much poverty, any warmth would come from maybe one open fire in winter, where people slept and worked in squalor.

When accompanying mama on visits to these institutions, she would insist we wear masks for fear of diseases; such as small pox. It amazed me how humanity ever survived these savage conditions.

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The Summer of June 27th 1871, I recall was a most important period in my life. I'd gone from being a child to becoming a young lady. It was such a turning point that I didn't even recognize myself. The usual disagreeable me wanting to be treated like an adult, able to wear fancy clothes and stay up late, had well and truly arrived.

The morning of my fifteenth birthday I awoke much earlier than usual to hear bird song, so enchanting the chorus, it filled my heart with joy. I was also excited and wanted to make the most of my many blessings.

Rising, I yawned, stretched pulling back the covers and stepped softly out of bed. Coming to standing I felt as light as a feather, happily pirouetting across the floor in my long white cotton nightie, my waist long dark brown hair in a plait swayed as I twirled, ballet was always a love of mine, yet sadly I never achieved the art and so just enjoyed the moment. With a beaming smile pulling back the drapes, I gazed out on such a fine sunny start to the day.

Normally Lilly my faithful lady in waiting would awaken me in her usual attire, of black uniform dress with fitted bodice and white cotton lace cap. Lilly would draw back the drapes long before I'd awoken, she would then call out;

“Miss Emily, it's time to rise.” Then if I still didn't stir, she'd tut, tut, approach my bed giving me a gentle nudge, whereupon she'd place my washing bowl and soap on my stand with some facial moisturizer and lightly, fragrance lavender scented hankies...my favourite.

Lilly was only in her fifties, but seemed quite old to me at the time, though she was quite agile and had been with us long before I was even born helping to care for mama, so I'd grown to adore her.

Mama said Lilly was indispensable and an important part of our household, so should be treated likewise. I enjoyed her company as she would help me into my corset and many undergarments. When her work was done of an evening we would laugh and joke about various funny happenings during the day. Taking pleasure in games of chess which Lilly was far more accomplished at than myself.

My richly furnished bedroom was graced with luxurious ornamentation that any young lady would adore. Its high ceiling was etched with cornice designs of roses that were enchanting. Then there was the gold and pink floral patterned walls, while ornate furniture of a mahogany dressing table with round mirror, and mahogany chair to match was comfortable to sit on. My chest of drawers also flourished with carved inlays of daisies. But my most treasured possession was a four poster oak bed. It had a bedstead embellished with acorns and oak leaves. A feather filled mattress left me feeling much comfort along with my plumped up pillows while sleeping.

As a special birthday treat Mama had arranged for me to to spend the summer in Craymore-on-sea in South Wezley, staying with my aunt Bess and uncle Hugo who lived with their two sons and elder daughter Julia, who was the same age as myself.

Uncle Hugo, my papa's brother was a gentleman land owner, he had many acres and cottages which made him especially wealthy. One day I hoped papa would go into business with him, thinking it would be fun to live in the countryside with all the fresh air, but papa's heart was always set on the ocean waves. I do recall the thrill of beaches and exploring with my cousin, where papa would set us to work searching for nature in rock pools.

On this occasion, I was to be chaperoned by my governess who I always referred to as Miss Violet. She had her own room in our house and spent a great deal of time teaching me good manners and etiquette, along with my daily lessons. Mama and Papa wanted to continue our home schooling, even though it was to be a holiday, she said there would be plenty of time for fun and adventure.

To be continued...A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part Two | ABCtales