Part 3

We are returned, and was much delighted with our walk. We went to Colonel Ball's, and sat some time in the Porch; they are from home. Dinner is almost ready, and I have to dress. The children have surrounded me the whole evening, as it is to be the last we stay.

Sept. 24.

We are just going to take our leave of these worthy People: I should like to stay some time longer, if it was convenient. Adieu: the Chariot is ready.

Well, my dearest Lavinia, I am arrived at Belleview, a good deal fatigued, where we found Mr. Bushrod Washington and his lady, on their way down. She is fonder of me than ever; prest me to go with her to Maryland this Winter. Mr. Phil Fitzhugh is likewise here. He said, at supper, he was engaged to dance with one of the Miss Brents at a Ball in Dumfries, but that it was only conditionally. Mammy has just sent me word she has a letter for me--it is from Nancy, I am sure. Adieu.

It was, and one for you enclosed in it. Nancy writes me her Sister Pinkard is at Chantilly. It must be a great acquisition to her happiness to have so amiable a companion as I have heard she was.

Sept. 25.

The Company is all gone, and I have seated myself to converse with my Polly. Mrs. A. Washington has lent me a new Novel, called Victoria. I can't say I admire the Tale, though I think it prettyly told. There is a verse in it I wish you much to read. I believe, if I a'n't too Lazy, I will copy it off for you: the verse is not very butifull, but the sense is, I assure you.

Sept. 26.

To-day I have spent in putting my cloaths to rights--a dreadful task, you will say. I am going to take a little airing this evening. Adieu: the horses are at the door.

Sept. 27.

I was sitting busy at work, when some one told me Mr. Charles Lee was here. He was from Chantilly; and I flew out in expectation of a letter. What do you think I felt, when, instead of a letter, he told me my Nancy was very ill? My Polly, I am sure, will sympathize with me. What would I not give to see her! but that is denied me. I hope to God she is better! Mr. Lee says they did not apprehend any great danger.

Sept. 28.

This morning Mr. Lee left us. Every time I see him I like him more and more. He has proved himself a truly good Brother. I am very uneasy with regard to Nancy--I wish to Heaven I could hear from her.

Sept. 29.

Mrs. Graem, Letty Ball, and Harry G---- called here to-day. Mrs. Graem, poor creature, appears much distressed at the death of her Children. When we come to consider, I think it much better for them: but how seldom can a Mother reason in this manner! Cousin Nancy is better, she told me: pray Heaven it may be so.

When Mrs. Graem came to-day, some one came running in and said the Richland chariot was coming. You may be assured I flew to the door. Oh, how disappointed I was!

Sept. 30.

To-day is Sunday, and I am going to church. Brother Aylett is going in the Chariot with me. I am this moment going to crape and dress. I shall wear my Great-Coat and dress Hat. Adieu, till my return.

I am returned. Mrs. Brook, Mrs. Selden, and Nancy were all at church in deep mourning. They were very civil to me, and prest me to dine at Selvington. Mr. James Gordon is come to dinner from Chatham. Mrs. Fitzhugh has sent me a very pressing invitation to go there this evening, and to-morrow to the races; but I have not the smallest inclination, and shall not go. This Mr. Gordon is a mighty clever man--I wish you could see him. I saw a beauty at church, a Miss Thaskkel. She has hazel eyes, fine complexion, and Beautiful Auburn hair, which hung in ringlets upon her neck.

We were sitting drinking tea this evening, when what should we see coming but Mr. Washington's Carriage. I was delighted, you may be assured. They were all mighty well. I inquired for you. Cousin Molly told me you were in perfect health, and that your sister Brent and Nancy Ambler were with you--then I suppose my Polly is happy. I have a thousand Questions to ask about them, but I hope you will write me an exact detail of every thing that happened while there. You have been at a tea-drinking lately, in Dumfries: Mrs. A. Washington gave me the whole History of it--told me your dresses, and every thing. But where am I running to? I had forgot there was Company in the House, so happy am I always conversing with my Polly. Adieu.

You will smile, I am sure, when I tell you what I am about to do. Will you believe when I tell you I am this moment going to pack up my cloaths to go to Chantilly? Adieu. Some one has just come to tell me your Brother Richard is come. I must go and inquire for my Polly.

You are very well, he sais. I shall give him your letter from Nancy. The Gentlemen are all in high spirits, thinking, I suppose, of the pleasure of to-morrow. I shall be far from this [place] by that time. I must quit, as the Boys are come for me to get Sweetmeats for supper.

October 1.

I must really take my pen to scribble a little before I set off. The Gentlemen are just set off to the races, and I am preparing to set off for Chantilly. Adieu, my Polly.

October 2.

I have arrived at Chantilly. Nancy was much better than I expected to find her. Weakness is her only complaint. She was delighted to see me, and inquired eagerly for her dear Polly, and was much pleased with your letter.

Mrs. Pinkard is here--and a sweet Woman she is. Adieu. Nancy says I shall not write more.

October 3.