Journal No 1

18 November
O Captain, My Captain~ It seems I am getting myself settled into the Manor and I am learning my way about town. I still find the woods rather tricky and often find myself turning about in circles trying to find my way out of the brush. I am afraid I am a bit lacking when it comes to a sense of direction. In any case the I find Goatswood to be teeming with all sorts of people. One could almost say it a charisma of its own, drawing us in.

In my wanderings I came upon a small group of Industrialists supping at The Wildman. One Mister Nathanial Darcy, and the sisters Ellie and Annie. It was a great surprise to discover that Anna happens to be a medical doctor and Ellie seems to be working on a novel of sorts. Seeing how much Miss Ellie enjoyed the brandy I ordered another round, unfortunately most of us were called away before we could enjoy the drinks. I left Ellie firm instructions to waste not, want not, as she was obliged to finished the remaining drinks. I came across the good doctor while strolling through the village and had a moment to stop and enjoy an impromptu picnic with her and a villager called Dusk. We shared a delightful cup of chocolate, but I fear I had to add several drops of laudanum to my serving. The light through the trees bothered my eyes.

This morning I found myself strolling through the village and came across the Lady Svevya. A charming young woman who was handing out baked goods. It seems I was too late to try any of the mushroom bread. I have heard rumors surrounding the local mushrooms and the side effects when consumed. I am most interested in trying such a thing for myself. She enjoys baking even though it vexed her family something awful for her to perform such a manual labors. I, of course, felt it my duty to help reinforce the idea that one does not always have to listen to their parents. It is good to stretch your wings and learn from experience.

Now as if to balance out my delightful morning I had a rather unpleasant experience with new help about the Manor. So many servants seem to come and go throughout the day with so many guests of the estate that they are bound to be a few bad apples. While I was speaking with the Lady Cromwell the insolent serving woman had the audacity to ask me if I knew where her serving platter was. Rest assured I quickly reminded her it was not my place to keep up with the servants tools. The thing was crude enough to stick out her tongue and go off about being some lordling's bastard get. I warned her if she continued with such rudeness I would be forced to pierce the offending tongue. I am quite sure the kitchen keeps trussing needles that would do the job nicely. Thankfully the Lady Cromwell suggested the Lord Cassius was quite adept at training the help. I did not expect to get so cross. I think I needed another dose or two to help with my nerves.

Attended Mass this afternoon. Service was presided by the Reverend Natty, as it seems he is called. I recall a pair of maids near the Butter Cross give a warning if the Rev was to escort one home. I can only assume they were speaking of the Reverend Natty. The Mass had a good sized turn out. I can not recall the the sermon as I found the echoes caused me enough discomfort that I was forced to take a very strong dose of laudanum during the service. I found it very curious that the air seemed to have a faint order of a woman's musk.

Achingly yours, Angeline~

Post Script: It has been a long time since I participated in church services. It appears to me that the Reverend may be false. More than likely some disturbed soul who felt the need to wear a smock and preach random ideas to the masses, as I think the church's meager presence here in Goatswood is for tax purposes