Reminiscences of a Victorian Lady: Volume One
Living My Life to the Full: Growing Up as a Young Lady in Victorian England
My childhood was filled with grandeur, with a mixture of sorrow and joy that seemed to be an ordinary part of life during the 1871 spring. Born into a well-off family, I spent my days in a glorious manor house filled with laughter, gatherings, and visits to the zoo and local estates.
Long before me, my elder brothers Albert and William had dominated the household, their lives cut tragically short by consumption in their twenties. The air of desolation that settled upon Mama and Papa remained thick, especially for Mama, who bore the brunt of their loss.
Papa, a renowned ship's captain, served on the Intrepid, a stalwart vessel known for its unyielding nature. Although absent for much of my childhood, he rarely spoke of his seafaring life, preferring to keep his experiences hidden beneath the veil of "what happens at sea, stays at sea." With age, I can understand his need for secrecy; his life was a testament to hardship, disease, and the relentless struggle to survive in an unforgiving world.
Mama, Lady Margaret Thorn, was a powerhouse of resilience and possessor of a keen sense of purpose. She graced our manor with elaborate banquets to support various charitable causes, particularly those focusing on the underprivileged and the poor who labored amidst the squalor of workhouses. On visits to these institutions, Mama specially asked us to wear masks, fearing the contagion of diseases such as smallpox. The conditions there were, to put it mildly, abysmal.
The summer of 1871 marked a pivotal moment in my life. As I turned 15, I emerged from the brattish adolescent I'd been to embrace the responsibilities and privileges that accompanied my newfound femininity.
I arose on the morning of my birthday, invigorated by the melodious songs of birds and filled with excitement for the day ahead. In my long white cotton nightdress, I pirouetted across the floor, floating like a cloud. I'd always been enamored with ballet, and though I never mastered the art, I savored the fleeting moment of grace.
In place of my loyal servant Lilly, who traditionally awakened me, I found myself in the care of my governess, Miss Violet, who had been appointed to teach me proper manners and etiquette. That summer, I was to spend with my aunt Bess and uncle Hugo in Craymore-on-sea, supervised by Miss Violet.
Although a gentleman landowner, Uncle Hugo's generous spirit extended beyond his countryside holdings. In time, I hoped that Papa would choose a different path and join his brother in a life far removed from the tempestuous sea.
To be continued...As I embark upon the journey of womanhood during the turbulent Victorian era, I look forward to the trials and triumphs that await me, fascinating glimpses of a time when the paths of rich and poor intertwined, a time that would forever change the course of my life.
Intrigued by the world beyond ballet, I began to explore new avenues of interest, delving into the realms of fashion-and-beauty, as I admired the elaborate gowns and intricate hairstyles at social events.
As I grew older, I became increasingly interested in education-and-self-development, eager to expand my knowledge and better myself, just as Mama strived to uplift the less fortunate through her charitable endeavors.
My relationship with Miss Violet evolved from that of a student and teacher into something closer to friends, and the wisdom she shared with me about home-and-garden, family-dynamics, and personal-growth greatly enriched my understanding of life.
My time spent with Aunt Bess and Uncle Hugo was not only a respite from the manor, but also an opportunity for me to learn about their interest in business, particularly Uncle Hugo's endeavors in the games industry.
As I navigate the complexities of young ladyhood, I find solace in the simple pleasures of relationships and the endless possibilities that the future holds, fortified by the lessons I've learned and the love I've received.
