Spring

Afternoon. Arrived at Primrose.
Lovely rooms. Children nearby. Changed into evening wear. New dress – lovely silk, roses – very spring like!

Gathered at the well, all of the children also there. The water tasted like copper – very agreeable to Mr Allan, I'm sure.

Met darling Elinor and the rest of the Bluefields. The sweet girls, the rich nephew Mr Colin and Mr James, a good friend of our boys, you know. A lot of new faces, as well.

Met cousin Marjorie and son, also the rest of the Silvergates. Sir Silvergate went on about weeds and potatoes, Lady M about roses. Very droll, I'm sure! Although, must admit her garden always looks spectacular.

Lovely family dinner! Had a hard time hearing Mr Allan, but darling Christopher helped us clear matters out. Nicely placed near the Creamhills etc.

The children all looked very handsome at the ball later on! The handsomest, I will even dare to say. Did my best to keep an eye on Alexander, our sweet but troublesome boy.

And Marcus did not even dance – at all! Whatever shall become of that darling boy? Much too gloomy for a Plumton, I always say, although Mr Allan always says that one man of God in the family can be quite practical.

Lady Georgiana was quite feisty at the dance floor. One is never too old for dancing, I always say, and for once Mr Allan agreed! He danced TWO dances with me, can you believe it! Even La Russe like quite the young man again! Must have been the first water of the spring. Terribly tired after, he went straight to bed.

Played cards later in the tea room with lady Marjorie, Mrs Pinewright and others. We played Elephant and Miss Mary-Ann quite crushed us! Although she claimed that she'd never played the game before, that sly creature. Excellent fudge.

Went to check on the children. Allowed Bella to dance a third dance with Mr Gilbert Silvergate – they looked to lovely to refuse! Alexander danced with Miss Isabel Silvergate – sweet girl! - and Christopher with Miss Victoria – splendid in pink! Nicholas and Percy was up and about as well, reminded Marcus to dance as well. All young people must dance, I always say.

Made my rounds and bade all the darling children good night – the do depend upon their mother's love and care! Happy faces all around!


Breakfast. Most of the family together again!

Mr Allan was so droll while waiting stoically on his scrambled eggs. He said: "People argue about what came first, the hen or the egg. The answer, my dear, is – nothing!"

Waved and greeted familiar and newly acquainted faces.

To church after breakfast. Very lovely music! I asked Percy if it didn't make him want to dance, but he said it was only a march, silly thing.

Miss Victoria just rushed out of church, quite a chocking thing! Darling Christopher wanted to rush after and see that she was not ill, but I told him to be still in his seat. She soon returned. Very curious!