We decided that we had better purchase some cloth for a couple of new dresses first. Milly believes I should have at least one new dress ideal for housekeeping and one prettier one for the day. She said she wouldn’t want anyone at my new home to think I was unkempt. We also found the most beautiful deep brown material that accentuated my dark hair and eyes. Milly said it would be beautiful for an evening gown. Milly thinks it may be so becoming I will want to wear it for my wedding – I think she may be right! She matched it with some black lace and a pair of beautiful gloves. They are sending the whole bundle to Father’s house this afternoon.
We also stopped and purchased some beautiful oval soap molds and all the waxes, tallow, and just about everything else we could think of. William said the place had not been properly kept up since his Mother had become frail in her late years. It was a lot of fun! Milly and I constantly talked about my future and the kind of life I would have.
“Being a doctor’s wife is such an important role” she said, “You will have a lot of responsibility but a lot to be proud of.” She’s right. I am already so proud of William and, even though I am still nervous, excited for my new life.
Then we headed to the baker’s for some lunch. We had the most delicious little cakes and sat just outside the door watching other people pass by. Before I finished, Milly darted into a book shop just up the street and came back with something under her wrap.
“I have something for you,” she said. “I know you are feeling a little overwhelmed and I thought this might help.” What she gave me was probably the most thoughtful gift I have ever received – Mrs. Ellis’s Housekeeping Made Easy. Milly apologized for it being a bit old, having been printed in 1843, but I told her not to worry. It has everything I could need.
Mother’s calling me now. I will have to finish this later.
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The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A gothic mystery.
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