April 3, 1895
Dear Diary,
Today was the day! I declare I scarcely kept my composure all day.
As soon as I woke up, I put on a gown that was pale pink with white lace and asked Cynthia to dress my hair in ringlets with pink ribbons. Cynthia is quite the most divine hairdresser and I did so want to make an impression on everyone.
Maud and Uncle Edward came to call on us during morning calling hours, and I was upstairs when they arrived. Miss Bolton came to fetch me saying that my cousin had arrived and I jumped up immediately and flew down the stairs to join my parents in the parlour, where my mother of course scolded me for acting so unladylike and hastily told me to smooth my dress and curls and sit down. I do wonder at mother sometimes how she can expect me to act so calmly in a moment of such great excitement. However I suppose I should forgive her because she could not possibly understand the depth of my secrets and how that contributed to my excitement
When the butler announced to my father, who was also in the room “Edward and Maud Grenover here to see you sir” and in walked Maud and Uncle Edward. Maud and I caught each other’s eyes for a brief moment, twinkling with knowing mischief but then my mother rushed forward gushing, “Oh Edward! How nice it is to see you again after all this time! And this must be your daughter, Maud! How lovely to meet you!” and father shook both their hands and kissed Maud’s hand saying, “Nice to meet you, my dear.” When my mother finally turned to me and introduced me saying, “Irene my dear come and kiss your cousin, this is Maud.” I rushed forward and exclaimed, “Why my dear Maud! It is so nice to meet you!” then I am ashamed to say I turned to my mother and said, “Mother, she does not look at all like a heathen like you said!” my mother blushed deeply and said, laughing nervously glancing at her brother, “Why Irene, I really don’t know what you are referring to, I wouldn’t dream of saying such a thing!” and father looked like he would have liked to box my ears but thought better of it. Maud looked at me and caught the twinkle in my eyes but looked rather annoyed, so I felt ashamed of myself but quickly winked at her, hoping all was not lost, although I am still waiting for father to come and find me and give me a good talking to about my insufferable manners.
At tea, I feel we hit it off splendidly and I did try so hard to make her feel comfortable again, although mother did insist on scolding me whenever the chance came to her. But finally, after a fit of giggles, we were excused and I took Maud up to my room and we spent the rest of the afternoon in that cozy fashion, and I did find a moment to assure her that while mother could be quite beastly sometimes she shouldn’t mind her in the least and that I wished I could be a heathen which made her laugh.
Well my dear diary, I am awaiting the day when Maud comes to stay with us officially and will bid you adieu for all this excitement has made me excessively tired!
