Dear Pippa

The Scottish winter rains have ceased for the time being and today I can actually see sunshine! It is a novel experience and one I took great advantage of this morning. We have the day off from the delightful Miss Ramstickle, so I have met with several of the other girls in town this morning.

We were a large party of seven girls. Though, one of our numbers will not be returning to Miss Ramstickle’s on the morrow. Lynn has acquired a post as governess to some family in Ayrshire. I am naturally delighted for her, for she really is a sweet, soft spoken girl of excellent breeding. Today we celebrated her escape into freedom. Isn’t odd to imagine that escape comes in the form of work for another family?

That is the fourth girl to leave now. I am not sure where the first two went. I just know that sometime last week I was idly counting our numbers and realized with a shock that there were only 18. I am not even sure the names of those two; neither can I picture what they looked like. The other to leave, Gladys, was a loud, boorish lass of no breeding. I was not sorry to see her go. The rumours are quite certain it was no honourable employment that she has sought.

We are now down to 16 and I imagine that it will not be much longer before several others leave. However, I shall not be one to give up so easily. I know this sound positively foolish after my last letter. But you see I had a lengthy and dull note from Julia. Whose only saving grace was the fact that she forced Margaret to write a couple of lines. My sweat baby sister let slip that the family has bet that I shan’t be able to last more than a month. Naturally I am roused to prove them wrong.

In the mean time I must tell you of our dancing lesson. Miss Ramstickle actually invited a dancing master to Trongate Place two days past. He was an energetic little man with bright ginger hair. He also had the most delightful Irish accent! With some of the most amusing phrases imaginable. Mr McCory is generally a silent man, saying very few words even when teaching. However, being ever so passionate about his trade, he can become quite vocal when things are not going properly. You know, my dear, that grace and elegance have never been two of my virtues. I must confess that I was particularly awkward that day to such an entertaining end. I managed to step on his toes no few than seven times at which point he would let out lengthy and colourful tirades to the entire room. It was very hilarious!

By the by, whatever did happen to Sarah Paxton? I haven’t thought of her for an age.

My dear I must go and tidy my room now, so that I may appear promptly for a change at Mrs Murphy’s table. I am quite determined not to be late for I don’t want to ruin my delightful day off with another scolding.

Yours in affection

Elizabette

Dearest Elizabette

You are being quite lazy I see! Never did I think to hear you lament the loss of so grim an individual as Nancy Taft. But really, it is quite ridiculous to imagine her coming was a possibility since I doubt your mother could cope without her. And I must say, that your describing dried out Taft as a ‘sweet goose of a girl’ put me in whoops. That lemon of a woman must be 50 if a day. What a quiz you are.

We are not allowed our own abigails at Lennox, and must make due sharing the College girls. This is supposed to effect a superior level of understanding as we will not devote ourselves to the intricacies of our toilette. However, I feel that entirely the opposite is achieved since we must each now spend extra time specifying our preferences. How they must hate us in the Lodge! I am fortunate, for I have Ellen (not the same girl who moved my things - she had been moved to Harkness), who also does for Eustacia, and is a dear. We get deal together famously (Ellen and I, Stacy and I do not get on) and she has promised to show me how to climb into the grounds of All Souls to see the Boy Bishop elected on December 6th.

I can sympathise with your desire for a familiar face. I have met only a few girls here and know none well. Eustacia I encounter the most frequently and I cannot like her. We met at High Table and now I cannot be rid of her.

Table is at half seven in the Lauder's Hall. There are three long tables and the Head. During the week we are allowed to sit as we please, which is an excellent arrangement. However, on Saturday and Sunday we have Set Sups, which means that we must sit where we are told. Sets are posted on Friday afternoons in the entrance hall. I was down for High Table on Sunday as was Eustacia in what I now perceive to be a misguided but well intended attempt on the part of the Masters to help the new girl settle in by introducing her to her colleagues. Only, sadly for me, they chose Eustacia.

There is nothing particularly objectionable about Stacy. She neither pretty nor ill-favoured. She is slightly taller than I, and has quite a sweet, pert little nose. Unfortunately, it is only pert thing about her. She is kind, though inclined to hang-on. But the worst of her is that she enjoys a peculiar combination of toadeating and moralising. One is never sure if one is going to be gently reprimanded on one’s lack of appropriate decorum, or congratulated on possession of an admirable daring. Most unnerving.

There are three girls on this corridor – Eustacia has the set of rooms nearest the main stairs and can always hear me coming try as I might to be quiet. If they were intent on choosing a companion for me, I do wish they had chosen the other girl on the hall, Mariah Goffen. I do not know her well – she is v. studious girl and does not go out often, but she seems pleasant. And I know she is clever for I have heard her talking with her particular friends. More importantly, she is not Eustacia! I look forward to enlarging my circle of acquaintance.

Bitsy you are funny today! As though Aunt Celia would ever allow you to attend endless parties and balls! She will cite the Punch Bowl Incident as the reason for keeping you in, until you are dead (or married). It is quite tragic really since it meant that I was forced to endure the Hon. Sarah Paxton without you. I must entreat you not to make a habit of breaking the dinnerware of unsuspecting hosts. They cannot be expected to know that you cannot perform a Gavotte without a degree of attrition.

Your day does indeed sound quite exhausting. I don’t know how you can endure it for it sounds ever so demeaning. I must imagine that you are Building Character for it does not seem to have much otherwise to recommend it. Do you amaze and astound your instructors with your remarkable knowledge of science? How dreadful that your mind is made to think of embroidery, and how archaic! I do not think that Miss Ramstickles can properly comprehend that you have already had a ladies education. Well, almost a ladies education since I know you did not do Music, and I dare say Science is rather out of the ordinary. Perhaps you could run away to your Great Aunt?

I see that I have rattled on quite enough for today. I do hope that your situation improves, dearest.

Believe me at all times with sincerity, your faithful and affectionate cousin,
Pippa

My dear Philippa

What a state of things! For all that I complained about Nancy and insisted that having a maid around at all times was most tiresome I do humbly apologize. I now miss that sweet goose of a girl most sincerely. Not only would it be nice to have a familiar face around the gloom of my small room. But the room itself is beginning to look like a small disaster. I know I am well capable of tidying things, but it is such tedious work and ever so time consuming and constant that I simply can’t be bothered.

Further the schedule I am to keep, leaves me quite fagged to death. Endless parties and balls are nothing to Miss Ramstickles constant criticisms and orders.

I suppose to have this make perfect sense I really must begin with my first day at Trongate Place.

The large Georgian terrace home is in the fashionable area to the west of my own small abode. It is some forty minute rapid walk, or over an hour at a more decorous pace. Either I arrive hot and dishevelled or late it seems. A disastrous beginning for the first task every morning is an inspection of one’s appearance. All twenty girls are to arrive by 7:30 every morning, and wait neatly lined up in the front hall. It is a rather lowering experience and one feels just like a naughty school child about to be punished. Miss Ramstickles exacting standards are never met, so the first twenty minutes or so is spent being scolded. Dress are never clean enough, straight enough, there is a wrinkle here or too many ribbons, ‘the garment must be demure and of great propriety’. We are not to appear better than our employers and above all we are Not to draw attention to our own physical appearance. We should endeavour to blend into the back ground. We are walls and panelling, pieces of furniture to be passed by without a second glance.

After this charming start to our morning, we begin the drilling of chore-work. Every well turned out Governess it seems must also be able to handle all the tasks of every other servant in the household. Apparently Governess’s are supposed to be miracle workers taking care of everything and anything. To aid us in understanding all the different tasks in a fashionable establishment, we are put to work throughout the house.

Lunch serves as another opportunity to criticise us. Split into two groups, the first are responsible for serving and naturally they can do nothing right. The second are to eat the luncheon. However, as no one seems able to carry out this task elegantly, stinging commands are sent flying around the table to those sitting stick straight in their seats. I confess it is actually better to serve the meal than to eat under Miss Ramstickles eye. Those that serve are required to eat in the kitchen and there we have twenty glorious minutes of peace.

Well needed time too, for the afternoon is filled with a lengthy number of tasks. These revolve around the various things we are to teach our charges. Again Miss Ramstickle feels that it is necessary to instruct us first, so that we are all accomplished in the various arts a proper Governess ought to know. Drawing, painting, embroidery, sewing, the piano and harp, singing, French and German and Italian, dancing and I am certain I have forgotten something. Although in all fairness, she does not expect any of to become truly accomplished in any of the above arts, for these of course are accomplishments of Ladies. Still we must try to have some understanding of such things. With ready criticisms and sarcastic comments at hand, there is no fear that any young lady present will ever meet Miss Ramstickles exacting standards. I have giving up trying to do anything better than pathetic.

It is well into the evening when we are finally sent on our way. My stomach is most cantankerous by this point. Unfortunately, I inevitably arrive after Mrs Murphy has served dinner. Thus I am faced with another lecture on timeliness, courtesy and the trials of landladies. Still, at least Mrs Murphy allows me to eat in peace after she has finished her tirade.

For this reason, I have barely seen the other borders at all. As for the other girls with whom I am being trained, I will describe them later. I fear I am by far too exhausted to more than strip off today’s clothing and sleep.

Yours in exhaustion

Elizabette

Dearest Elizabette,

Patience! I will have nothing to say if I write too often. I am not in the least repentant for I have been shockingly busy.

My room is very pleasant. I have a lovely posted bed which I admire greatly: it is ever so gothic. I also have a hideous wardrobe of dubious provenance, and a matching armchair. I can only imagine they were the height of fashion sometime, but now they seem terribly Baroque. I strongly suspect that Grandmama has something quite like them in the Rose Room, so now you can imagine. I also have a sweet little writing desk, a dressing table and a blue china washstand. I particularly like blue china. There is a window seat built into the bow, and I have already made use of this convenient nook to hide when Eustacia comes to call on me - more about her later. My window looks out over the quad toward the gate, which means that I have an excellent view of those reprobates who climb the gate to get in after curfew when the porter has gone for a short, ah, tipple. I think this an excellent orientation, and I foresee it shall be quite useful.

I have tutorial on Wednesday morning with a most alarming individual, Dr. Montrose. He is very tall, very thin, and very loud. He has very long arms, very long legs and a very untidy office! The effect of these things is to make one feel that all the space in the little room is taken up by his voice or his limbs, leaving very little room indeed for a mere undergraduate. I feel I shall have to grow a larger personality to combat this effect. He is accounted to be extremely clever and I am told I am fortunate to have him as my tutor. I found him abrupt but not unkind and have hopes that we shall deal well together. He set me reading on the Heraldic Practices of the 17th century Lion Royal Lord Herald of Albany, with an essay for next week. So you see, I am learning about Scotland! And, since I know nothing about Scottish history, I have been quite taken up with work.

I have not yet made many acquaintances, but I hope to do so soon. I have not yet been here a week and already have much to do. I dare say this (uncharacteristic) devotion to my studies shall soon wear away, and I will be able to devote more time to rather more entertaining activities. And provide more entertaining correspondence.

Yours ever,
Philippa

Philippa Charlotte!

Have you been so very busy that you have forgotten your poor dear cousin sent into exile? I must say it is extremely vexing of you.

As strict economy would say that it is foolish to send an entire letter consisting of only a couple of lines I will be more forthcoming with my goings on. With Aunt Florence’s departure, I made haste to explore the city in which I now find myself. The cramped quarters of my room also encouraged exploration out of doors. How freeing it felt to be able to wander about without a chaperon at my side! It was such a novelty to walk in and out of whatever shop caught my interest. Though, in truth the novelty wore off before too long when I didn’t have anyone to share my discoveries with. I confess that I no longer remember much of what I saw walking through the streets.

I did find a charming ribbon shop. I think you would have liked it immensely! They had ever so many kinds. I hope you like the blue velvet ribbon I have enclosed. I was tempted by a truly hideous tartan, but it seemed a shame to waste the money on such a trifle. Though I would love to have your expert opinion on the combination of yellow, red, blue black and green all mixed together! Perhaps I will get a sample to send you after all.

My dear I have met several of the borders with whom I am share this abode. Professor Campbell is an odd sort of man. He is bent with age and is generally soft spoken, though I am not usually able to follow what he says for he speaks with the most horrendous accent. But then nearly everyone here does. It is most tiresome not being able to understand what people are saying. However, Professor Campbell, he is somehow associated with the University, can become very passionate about certain issues; namely woman’s right to vote.

Mr Frank Matherson and his sister Juliana are two other borders. I have only seen them at dinner along with an elderly woman of a very stern countenance. Apparently, a Mr McDonald and Mr Fergus are also borders who are away for a couple of days. I will have to find out more about these people if we are to be living together for some time.

I do hope, my dear that you are getting along well with your new accommodations. I will write again when I have more news. Perhaps when I start learning the arts of being a governess (oh, how I detest writing that).

Yours from afar

Elizabette

My Dear Pippa

It has all been such an ordeal. It took ever so long to get here, what with muddy roads and stuck wheels. Further, any sense of adventure was promptly squashed by Aunt Florence’s pinched face. Indeed, I was forced to travel all this way with Aunt Florence, whose prune face was pulled tight with displeasure the entire time. I do wonder why she agreed to accompany me at all. Any conversation was restricted to mundane comments on the weather and lectures on how I was to behave. My dear Aunt is of the conviction that levity is one of the seven deadly sins, in fact the worst of them all!

Mother dear believes that all her daughters must be able to ‘respectably take care of themselves’. So, with rather short notice I wish to point out, I have been sent away. I am to be trained in the noble art of goverenessing. Does such a word exist, I wonder? Yes, a governess! What a horrid fate to befall me. I do not fancy the prospect in the least. If only it had been a paramour, then perhaps I may have run off to avoid my present fate. Really, can you imagine? What a joke that would have been. The worst of course is that the others have not been sent to such dreary futures. Well, Kitty is going to become a teacher, but at a ladies school in Bath. Besides, she likes children!

As for my current situation, I have been settled in a Boarding House of some respectability, as I was informed upon my arrival. I suppose it must be very respectable, for my room is quite the barren space. I have a narrow bed tucked in one corner, a small desk and chair in another corner and a diminutive wardrobe placed in the third corner. The door is located in the forth corner. There is no fireplace, not that one would fit in here, and my window faces north, with a deary prospect over the grimy looking city. I suppose it is just as well that Mother had my trunk packed. She didn’t wish me to travel with too much baggage, which is just as well for I have very little space.

I have yet to meet the other borders and have only seen Mrs Murphy, the landlady, twice and briefly at that. She appears to be a active sort of woman, always busiling around with one task or another. Not the type you warm too.

Have you met any Ladies of Quality? Oh, how I wish I could be with you now!

There is Aunt Florence calling up to me. I must go! Happily she will be passing on to Edinburgh tomorrow. Then I shall have time to explore.

Your affectionately, etc.

Bitsy

Dearest Elizabette,

I do think you might have written to say when you arrived! As it was, I tried to get the information from Aunt Celia who was extremely obtuse, as usual, and would not give me your direction. Good thing for you that I am a clever schemer and managed to get it out of Julia. Honestly! Your sister is insufferably good. I had to listen to her ramble on about how I am a Bad Influence and display an Indecorous Levity for a full quarter of an hour before I managed to convince her (by pulling her ears, I admit) to give me the address. So. I hope you are feeling penitent.

Oh dear, this letter isn't following the correct form at all is it? I shall begin again:
How are you? I am well. I hope this letter finds you in good health. I always run out of polite things to say after that. And in any case the important question is: why have you been sent to Scotland dearest? It cannot really be Aunt's ridiculous notions about levity can it? Do you have an unsuitable paramour? I shall burst laughing if that is it you know.

I have not written before today as Mother was taking up all my time with last minute instructions on ladylike behaviour and Trunks. Horrible Trunks. But, today I arrived without mishap at the University. My things are at this very moment being installed in rather pleasant rooms in Lennox College by a rather unpleasant Matron. Which is to say, sour-looking Matron is supervising the work of a pert maid who would keeping winking at me in a thoroughly good natured fashion. I suspect a comrade-in-arms may be found in her and I shall have to find out her name. When the Matron has left.

My first impression of the University is that it a veritable breeding ground for Hijinks. Mother would be appalled and Father would smile knowingly. I am awfully glad Father prevailed upon Mother to abandon Penhurst's Academy; this will be much better. The other girls here seem nice, though I have not spoken to any. I can tell they belong to this College because they all have the Lennox College blue-hart on the hem of the grey gowns. And I think I saw little Madga Hallam crossing the quad. I wondered what had happened to her.

Well, I shall sign off as there is a large group of girls entering the writing room now, and I don't feel up to facing them today. I really do hope this finds you in good health and that you are not bored to tears in the North.

Much Love and Curiosity,
Philippa Charlotte

An Experimental Foray into Linguistic Sharing

yes.

This is a Test

This is a Test. A test of patience. A test of strength of will. The will not to completely destroy the computer on which I am writing.