Part 3 (1/2)

October 13.

[Sidenote: _Pecatone._ Residence of Mrs. Turberville.]

I had almost forgot to tell you that to-morrow Mrs. Pinkard, Cousin Molly, and myself go below the ferry to _Pecatone_, and Mr.

Ballendine's. I am very busy getting ready for the trip. Adieu.

It is in the evening. There are two Beaux just come. Mrs. Pinkard tels me I must go out and let her introduce them to me. The first I am acquainted with: he is homely, but a mighty worthy Man. The second I never saw before--he is tolerably clever. Nancy and myself are going to pore out tea.

October 14.

I have but one moment to tell you that Nancy and myself are in a great hurry dressing. We are afraid we shall not be ready for breakfast, and we set off directly afterwards. This is Sunday. Cousin Was.h.i.+ngton and Nancy go as far as the Church, and return to _Chantilly_. Adieu, my dear Polly.

October 15.

[Sidenote A: _Nomini._ Built by ”Counsellor Carter,” son of ”King Carter.”]

[Sidenote: _Bushfield._ Residence of Mr. Was.h.i.+ngton.]

Well, my dear, we arrived late last night at _Pecatone_. When I wrote last we weare sitting off. We all dined at Doctor Thomson's[A] together.

Mrs. Was.h.i.+ngton and Milly called there in the evening on their way to _Bushfield_. I never saw Milly before. I think I am a little disappointed in her beauty. She is not so pretty as I expected to find.

I was distressed at parting with Nancy, but could not persuade her to come.

I don't think you ever saw Cousin Turberville or Hannah. The first is homely, but very polite and hospitable in her house. The latter has not a handsome face, but is a genteel person. They gave us a very polite reception. Hannah was dressed in a lead-courlered habbit, open, with a lylack lutestring scirt. She had a butifull c.r.a.pe cushon on, ornamented with gauze and flowers.

I must bid you Adieu, for the Ladies are just dressed, and I shall not be ready for Breakfast.

I am just returned from riding out. While we were at Breakfast Cousin Molly proposed a ride to the store. It is kept by a Mr. Thomson--Brother to the Man it is said Miss H. Turberville is to Marry. Accordingly, we three went in the Chariot, and left the two Married Ladys by themselves.

We have retired to dress for dinner. Shall I tell you our dresses? I hear you say ”Yes.” Mrs. P. wears a brocade; Cousin M. her pink Great-Coat, and I my pink. Adieu. Mrs. P. is going to dress my hair.

Every moment I can spare from the Company I dedicate to you. Two Beaux dined here. Mr. James Thomson and Mr. Ford. In the evening two more came--Mr. Beal and Mr. Joe Thomson. We are all preparing to dance.

Adieu: I hear the Fidle.

October 16.

We spent last night very agreeably. Danced till Eleven. My partner was Mr. Beal. This is a beautiful situation--the Garden extends from the House to the river [very much like _Retirement_]. I have been takeing a very agreeable walk there. An airing is proposed this morning. We all go in Mr. Turberville's Coach. Adieu: it is at the door.

I don't know when I've been happier than I am now. Every thing conspires to make me so. Cousin Turberville is so Affectionate. She does every thing in her power to make her Company happy. I had forgot to tell you Cousin Hannah's dress yesterday. It was a blue lutestring habit, taffety ap.r.o.n and handkerchief, with the most butiful little hat on the side of her head I ever saw.

We are dressing for dinner: this is a ceremony always practiced here. I wear my Great-Coat.

We are just done tea; and are to have the same Gentlemen to dance again to-night.