Finally
arrived. That was an exceedingly long journey. Tattvick is
in the process of unpacking and airing out all the too many
dresses. If I didn't need to keep an eye on Miss Wilamina, I
might be temped to plead illness. In any case, I'm sure I won't
be able to eat or drink anything during the events. I mean, I'm
terrified of damaging any of these gowns. They were oh so
expensive!
It turns out that I'll be doing more watching of Miss Wilamina.
Mrs. Frazer and Mrs. Samaline and Mr. Atlas just left a bit ago.
Miss Metzger and her son were attacked and her son was kidnapped.
The household was very distressed to find this out.
Monday, 6 September
Our trip to town to try and visit the toymaker took an unfortunate
detour. We were enjoying the sun with the top down on our
carriage when I suddenly heard a rocket launch. Moments later a
rocket flew through our carriage just missing Mrs. Pinker and
Wilamina. The 2nd rocket hit the driver in our coach and knocked
him off. Sir Spencer and Lady C got their guns and tried to
fire up at the hill. Mr. Samaline jumped out and ran up the hill
to where the rockets came from. When we looked after him, we saw
flames. Shortly after was an explosion. This frightened the
horses beyond what they could bear and they took off running.
Wilamina lost her hat but didn't fall out of the carriage. She
did take off her shoes and climb to the front of the carriage to try
and stop the horses. George jumped over the carriage to the
driver's seat and then leaped to the back of the lead horse. One
of the cavalry officers that had been drilling in the next field came
racing up and grabbed one of the other lead horses and helped George
stop the carriage. He then came back to the carriage and handed
Miss Wilamina her hat. (he'd picked it up mid-gallop on his way
to us.)
My but, he fills out his uniform nicely. And he has such an
infectious smile!
After a moment that I'm sure lasted too long, Mrs. Pinker got our
attention and made introductions. The handsome gentleman is a
Prince! And I failed my chaperone role! I failed my role
many times. I would be watching Wilamina converse with one of the
cavalry about something and suddenly hear Mrs. Pinker's ahem at which
point, the Prince would make introductions.
We eventually got the carriage back to the other carriage (the one with
the children) and then drove up to the hill where the rockets were
launched. That's when I finally figured it out and got in my own
ahem when Wilamina started talking to someone else. I asked Mrs.
Pinker if it wouldn't be easier to just do a mass introduction so we
wouldn't have to keep doing the ahem thing. Unfortunately, we
have to do it in order... sigh...
Later the Inspector as well as the local police came to inspect.
They decided that people were trying to assassinate the members of the
royal family. They wanted to keep us from going anywhere but
compromised by escorting us instead.
We eventually did make it to the toy store. The owner was telling
a story to a bunch of children about a giant wolf that ate
everything. It ended up with the wolf chained to the bottom of a
lake but still very hungry. I think I'll avoid the lakes in this
country. We all enjoyed exploring the toy manufactury. I
found a neat toy that is a cup on a stick with a string and a
ball. You try to catch the ball in the cup. It took me a
couple of trys to get a feel for things and then got a lot more
accurate. I can see it as a good tool to improve hand-eye
coordination. And then you can bap someone with the ball.
And the ball even comes back!
We tried to visit the master clock maker, but his assistant was very
adamant that the master was not available. Annoyingly
adamant. Yes. Highly annoying.
After that, we went back home and got ready for the Queen's
reception. I wore the burgandy dress I thought I had gotten them
to take off more of the ruffles... At least the lace on it is
very tasteful. Too much, though. I'm sure it costs a
fortune! I also had a hard time getting used to being introduced
as Lady Henry Wooster. And I'm still not any more of a receiving
line fan... Too many people to keep straight and too much social
chit chat to try and make...
It was, however, lovely to dance with Himself. He is quite
a good dancer, and I do enjoy the waltz!
Tuesday, 7 September
The University ball was a different affair from the Queen's
reception. Much less formal. Also more engineering talk to
listen to fromWilamina.
Proceed to A lovely time
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