"How strange does it seem, my dearest Louisa, to address you at this distance! What is it that has supported me through this long journey, and given me strength to combat with all the softer feelings; to quit a respectable parent and a beloved sister; to leave such dear and tender relations, and accompany a man to whom four months since I was wholly a stranger! I am a wretched reasoner at best.—I am therefore at a loss to unravel this mystery. It is true, it became my duty to follow my husband; but that a duty so newly entered into should supersede all others is certainly strange."
-Julia to her sister, Letter 3, The Sylph by Georgiana
Although I am not following a husband, I am on quite an adventure and can understand Julia's apprehensions. I'm journeying afar this weekend to situate myself in a more eighteenth-century setting, so please excuse my absence and feel free to entertain me via twitter when I am stuck at the airport Friday night!
I pray a safe journey for you.
ReplyDeleteI followed a husband to Ithaca, NY from my home of New Jersey, one year ago. It was scary for a while, but I think I've settled in quite nicely. You'll do awesomely (especially in amongst 18thc buildings--something I miss here).
ReplyDeleteSafe Travels! :D
...note to self: Google New Jersey 18th century buildings....
ReplyDelete@Retro blog--there are many! Especially along the water (mostly the Delaware). Cape May is home to many 18th century homes. In fact, Gloucester & Salem counties have the highest concentration of "patterned" brick houses. My old residence of West Deptford had a manor house from 1688 called Ladd's Castle and nearby Gibbstown is home to the oldest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere--a Finnish style cabin built around 1640.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite 18th century house was across the river in Ft. Washington, PA--Hope Lodge. Absolutely beautiful and quite modern for it's day (well and spring box in the cellar)!
I already miss you Heather. Have fun. Learn a lot.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ladies!
ReplyDeleteI am having extreme bloggers guilt, but have been so incredibly busy this week. My only downtime has been when I have been walking across the city (which seems to take up so much time), and even then I am wish I could strap a webcam onto my hat to show all the fantastic 18th century things in the city.
I'm going on day four of smartphone withdrawal, hopefully soon I can get some interesting pictures on Twitter but until then I put some up here: http://bit.ly/nhBWMj
Miss you all!
When you say "hat" I imagine you in G's picture hat swanning about Lunnon. Have a lovely time -- wish we were there. ;-). Katherine Louise
ReplyDeletePerhaps somewhat random, but I thought I'd post here anyways (btw I love your blog, I'm a longtime lurker). Here's a link to an article I read on Sarah Siddons which I thought might be interesting to some, considering she was the Helen Mirren of her day (though alas without the looks, it seems).
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thestage.co.uk/features/feature.php/33464/greatest-stage-actors-sarah-siddons
Hope you get settled in and find lots of lovely 18thc things to keep you amused :)
I love this post and the photo was fantastic. Take care and God bless.
ReplyDeleteCharles A