March 24th
The weather was grey
today, as it has been all week. I know it is good practice to write
daily in one’s diary but I find I prefer to write lengthier entries
every several days. The days grow longer and for that I am thankful;
it does cheer one’s soul to have more hours of daylight for walking
in the garden and sewing by natural light.
Our musical evening
was a splendid affair with many in attendance. The music room was
filled with fresh flowers and candlelight, the scent and soft glow of
light adding the right ambiance. Miss Arden, the harpist, chose a
selection of music most agreeable. Wearing a robe of deep pink with
an over skirt of sheer white, she had little glass stones pinned in
her hair that twinkled in the candlelight as she played. Her hands
were light as a feather on the strings of her harp, calling forth the
most sublime sounds. I noticed the men were not whispering amongst
themselves as they are wont to do, but all attention to the front of
the room where Miss Arden was seated.
We had a short
intermission before the soloist was introduced and the comments from
the guests were kind and full of appreciation. The conversation was
lighthearted and everyone was in a cheery mood as we sat at table. Mrs.
Pym surpassed all my expectations creating the most sumptuous repast
for my guests. The dishes were as beautiful as they were delicious
and I had several compliments which I have passed on to Mrs. Pym
producing a rare smile from her. I must remember to send word of
thanks to Eva Broome for all her kind help with the cakes and fancies
she supplied, she is a gem.
Our soloist, Miss
Lettice Callan wore an ethereal gown of pale blue linen with
embroidered rosebuds along the hem of her skirt. Her hair was
exquisitely arranged with a gold circlet, her face framed by soft
curls. I must ask Jenny Wren to learn how to achieve this look as it
is most becoming. So graceful, she was one with the music,
commanding everyone’s attention. My guests were simply entranced
by her voice, just as I was when I first heard her sing in London.
The evening
culminated in Miss Callan singing a duet with her dear mama from LaClemnza di Tito: Ah Perdona al primo affetto. Charles had arranged
this little treat for me knowing it was among my favourite pieces of
music. The two voices together created a harmonious blending of tone
that brought tears to more than one in the room.
Madame Callan and
her son travelled with Miss Callan to Amberleigh and are quite
charming guests. I have asked them to remain for a time. Caroline
has graciously asked us to dine with them on Friday afternoon with
Joseph giving a tour of the estate beforehand. Having guests to stay
is always cheering when the children are away at school. I shall
delight in showing Madame Callan, a keen gardener, my rose garden.
Tuesday next we have been invited to call upon Admiral and Harriet
Endicott In Constance. I do hope the weather will be fine so the
travel will not be arduous. I should like to call in on my friend
Anne Maxwell while we are there as it has been quite some time since
I saw her last.
Jane Meryvale’s
letter was filled with the wonders of her trip through Derbyshire,
something I would dearly love to do with Charles and the children.
Kedleston Hall so far has been a favourite destination. She and her
mother are now with her Aunt Catherine in Musford and will continue
their tour next week. She mentioned her unpleasant encounter with
Clarissa Howells at Mr. Wycliffe's shop. I am sure that woman has
the power to vex even the vicar with her veiled insults. She likes
nothing better than to discredit anyone with her faint praise causing
a sudden lull in any conversation which only draws more attention to
her wickedness.
I go now to my
garden to cut flowers for the sitting room, the spring blooms are
looking particularly lovely just now.
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