Father refuses to let us marry before William departs. He said he will not allow me to become a widow at such a young age. If something happened to William while he was serving the Union my future would be deeply shadowed by his death. It doesn’t seem fair to me but if William consented then I must do the same.
“It isn’t a pleasant thought but it must be considered,” William reminded me several times today.
Father did agree to one of William’s conditions though. It seems that William’s Mother was invited to live with relatives. So, in her absence, I will be living in William’s home. It will be my responsibility to keep the place up and tend to all the necessities of running his household. Father believes it will better prepare me for my role as a wife.
The idea is a little frightening. If they had asked me what I wanted I doubt I would have agreed to do it. There is so much to consider. I have never been away from home. I have never been fully responsible for anything! I known what is expected of me but there is so much to do.
Mother is deeply agitated but has tried to keep herself under control. Milly accepted Father’s decision almost immediate and started writing a list of things I will need to take with me, to buy, and to remember. Mrs. Clayton is expected to help me pack and Mr. Clayton will me driving me to my new home as soon as William’s Mother is safely on her way.
William wants us to have a portrait taken. He said he will not depart without one and has already made an appointment for our sitting tomorrow.
Everything is moving so quickly and no one has asked me what I want – even if they did I doubt I could give them an answer – I feel so disorganized.
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on Sunday, November 08, 2009
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The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A gothic mystery.
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