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...
I actually had a lovely time tonight. While we were watching
after Willamina (who never seemed to lack for a partner), Lady C
brought up a new group of people. One of them was a charming
young man who is, apparently, an heir to one of the local barons.
The best part is that he knows about my defeat of that horrible count
Rugen and can hold a sensible conversation about the grip of a
sword. And pretty much any of the weapons I use. When Henry
wandered up a bit later, Herr Airandung even knew about his stopping
the Prussian army.
Unfortunately, I had to break up the conversation because there was a
loud sound of something falling over and Wilamina headed off to
investigate. As much as I would have liked to ignore her and
continuie the conversation, I followed.
We found the library where Lady C had somehow managed to knock over a
bunch of book cases over. I found out later it was on top of
Count Rugen. I approve, even if it was on accident.
Then I heard a sword being drawn and Herr Airandung asking why someone
was walking around with guns. I looked about to see if there was
anyone I could take out to the hall on a reasonable excuse when I heard
uncle Percy's voice as well. I walked out and greeted him.
Herr Airandung had a sword drawn on a couple of workmen, one of whom
had an older gun out. I suggested that it might be a good idea
for the workmen to put down the guns and join us in the library.
At which point the one with the gun started to yell and aim his
gun. I threw a hairstick and drew my sword. My
hairstick hit him, he turned around, Herr Airdung's sword went through
his back, and Uncle Percy's bottle of brandy hit him in the head.
Then the other workman took off running. I threw my other
hairstick and started chaising. Stupid skirts and shoes. In
any case, Herr Airdung had just passed me in the hall when Henry came
out of the library and yelled 'duck' I went to the side of the
hall and Herr Airdung went to the other side. At which point
Henry shot the fleeing man. Herr Airdung jumped up, leaped over
the fallen man, and called out to surrender. The odd thing,
though, was that I thought I heard a growl like we heard from some of
the big cats over in India. I didn't see any cats around,
though. I'll have to ask Salmaline to watch out for ghost cats.
Then the hall filled up with guards and fuss.
Oh, and I remembered to tell Mr. Samaline about the growl.
Next day.
It is the day for the the groom's hunt. I was
hoping we'd get to hunt the groom, but it's not to be. But we can
bring our own weapons, so I'll be bringing my long bow, my regular bow,
and a cross bow. I may not take the crossbow with, but being
prepared is good. More later...
It was an interesting hunt. We suddenly found a small pack of
wolves running to us. Willamina and Lady C fired shots at
them. Unfortunately, someone shouted not to shoot (something
about the baron's son) after they fired. The leader wolf suddenly
stopped, looked at Wilamina, and started running directly at her.
It somehow got bigger as it came toward us. Willamina changed out
guns, but Sir Cosmo and George fired etheric pulse cannons and stunned
the wolf. It went back to normal (but still large) wolf size and
was stunned. More fuss happened and then the king was
there. He ordered the wolf to get taken back to the town and put
in a cell and the baroness told that she needed to bail out her son
again.
Then the hunt resumed. I found out that birds were also in season
and much more reasonable to bow hunt than deer. Also more readily
useful. The feathers are pretty. I'm saving the best ones
for a hat. Or maybe decorations on a dress. I'll have
enough because I got 14 of the birds. Should be some good
eating! An all in all productive hunt.
I might have to see if Henry has any of these birds on our land.
How odd to say that. I still think it was extravagant of Him to
go buying such a huge piece of land. Way more than we could ever
need, less'n He wants me to start figuring to be a farm girl. I
suppose I could learn it if I needed to. Course, if He wanted me
to be a farm girl, He wouldn't have also gotten a big piece of land
with the huger house on it. I can't even take care of the house
all by myself. Instead have to spend the coin to hire on some
help. Even worse, the help has to be hired on all year whether or
not we are there, with extra help hired on when we are there. He
says we have enough to pay for it, but I still wonder.
In any case, I was wondering if we had birds like the ones I shot
today. It would be nice to have a steady supply of feathers what
have already been paid for. Plus relaxing to hunt them.
Luckily, no ghost cats so far today.
Hmm. I forgot to ask how Herr Airdung did on the hunt
today. He seems a sharp fellow. I bet he did well.
Anyway. Nattie, my maid (and who would have ever though I'd have
a servant of my own much less a personal maid), tells me it's time to
get ready for tonight's ball. It's the one I get to wear my
uniform to. I even get a sword in plain sight. Henry
surprised me and got one of those really nice sabers I'd been looking
over. He even got a pommel nut that matches other decorations on
my uniform perfectly. He can have some amazing sense
sometimes. Of course, I'll also have all my other weapons
handy. Never know when more of those anarchy people might show up
again. Or wolves. Or bridegrooms of dubious quality.
I feel rathersorry for the poor girl he's marrying.
Proceed to How DARE he!
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