May have some interest to some historian

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

[After a couple of blank pages in the final volume of the memoirs so far discovered, there is this entry, written in a somewhat shaky hand that nonetheless resembles that of the foregoing.]

Hannah came to me t’other day to say that Beatrice had been turning out the attics, and had come across two stout chests, firmly lockt, right at the back. Did I know anything about 'em, or had they been left mayhap by the U-s, those excellent people.

La, says I, had almost forgot those chests, that I askt the dear good U-s to store for me in the attics, a deal of years ago.

For now 'tis brought to mind, I collect that was a time that tho’ 'twould have been prudent, I could not bring myself to destroy these memoirs utterly, and yet 'twas an immense concern to me that might fall into the wrong hands, and contain’d a deal of secrets that were not my own. And tho’ I had endeavour’d conceal the identity of my friends and acquaintances, yet upon reflection I fear’d I was most unsubtle in the matter and anyone with some knowledge of Society and the demimonde could have readyly seen thro’ my devices. (O that I had had the dear Contessa’s ability with cyphers, that she could quite dash off as I might scribble a note.)

So I had another chest made of the same dimensions as the one I had already provid’d myself with, and laid at the bottom of each some several volumes of these memoirs, and then plac’d on top of 'em the books in which I had made the first essays at my novels and plays and tales, in hopes that did any come across 'em, would look into one or two and see ‘twas Gothick matters of ghosts and curses and witchcraft, and while I had rather not have had authorship prov’d upon me, 'twas a revelation I could bear did it come.

And then I wrote to the U-s saying that I would be most immense gratefull might I send some matters out of my Town house to be stor’d at the place in Surrey, would they not be in their way. They wrote back to say I was entire welcome to do so, and so I sent the chests and some other matters into Surrey, and made myself renounce the habit of writing up these journals.

But, o, how agreeable it has been to look thro’ 'em, even if has also made me extreme tearfull when I read of the happy times I had with my dearest loves, and the fine conversations I had with dear Sandy, for tho’ I have friends and acquaintance enough, there are few indeed of my own generation left and sure I become some historickal relick, that young people come and view as a piece of antiquity in a cabinet of curiosities.

Indeed, the young people are not so young, and my belov’d tiny perfect baby Flora is a fine woman of middle years that has a little grey come to her hair.

I was a little mind’d to say these volumes must be burnt, but then I mind upon what Flora and Hannah will discourse of, that too much of history is the tale of men writ by men from such records as men have left behind, and that, mayhap, the writings of a silly creature about herself and her circle may have some interest to some historian in future time. Have I not heard young fellows talk of our set as tho’ there were no women among 'em, when Susannah and Viola were its bright shining lights, and their opinions consider'd of great weight? Do I but show posterity to the contrary, 'tis somewhat.

So I will put 'em back in the trunk, and have 'em sprinkl’d with Phoebe's fine powder against insects, and put in a good dry part of the attic, where they may be safe. I daresay is much in 'em would shock the present time, but may come around again some day when manners are freer once more, like unto the Restoration after the Commonwealth.

Comments

[rmc28]

Awwww. Somehow I imagine Sandy giving a Calvinistic glare at "historickal relic". (Though how lovely to see Flora and Hannah still close!)

[questioncurl]

I feel a suspicious dampness about the eyes as this volume draws to a close, tho' I am like to go right back to the beginning and read 'em through!

[threeringedmoon]

Thank you.

[kate_nepveu]

Flora and Hannah, no longer infant bluestockings! And so correct that "too much of history is the tale of men writ by men from such records as men have left behind."

Thank you so much!

[lilliburlero]

Very glad of Flora and Hannah's influence in preserving the memoir! And, of course, Phoebe's fine powder.

So sorry to be saying farewell (if it is indeed?) to Lady B-, but my heartfelt gratitude to the amanuensis for the many months of pleasure!

[contrary_cal]

Aw. Sniffling. Thank you!

[sharpiefan]

I am very much going to miss the news of Lady B- and her circle - thank you for the months of pleasure which these memoirs have afforded! I shall now have to go read 'em over from the very beginning, I think.

[tree_and_leaf]

I shall miss Lady B and her circle very much. Thank you.

[nenya_kanadka]

What is this curious prickling of the eyes, this lump in the chest, this small smile upon my lips?

There's so much love in this project as a whole, both among the characters and in the way we are drawn into the lives of people from two centuries past (or their fictional counterparts). It's important, what Hannah and Flora said. ❤

(In more selfish news, I'm so pleased that my own name appears in these tales as one with a fine apprehension of matters. Makes me smile.)

An excellent place to leave this volume...despite my many many questions about what happened in the intervening 30, 40 years!

...dammit, there I go choking up again.

[white_hart]

*sniffle* I am really going to miss Lady B's updates.

[sally_maria]

Another reader who's going to miss your wonderful creations, but thank you very much for the care and affection you've put into building this world.

[syderia]

Thank you for sharing their lives with us.

[eeyorerin]

Thank you.

[commodorified]

Indeed I find myself a little tearful. Clorinda and co have helped me through some very difficult days, and I shall always be grateful to them and their revered amaneusis.

[loligo]

This project brought me so much happiness on a regular basis -- I will always be grateful for this wonderful adventure with Lady B- and friends.

[kathmandu]

Awwwwwwww.

Thank you for tying it off with a bow.

[rymenhild]

Clorinda and her friends were such delightful company over the last years. Thank you for bringing us to Clorinda's world.

[snippy]

Can't express all my gratitude, but hope that the knowledge that many days I looked forward all day to reading your posts that evening as the one bright spot in a difficult time of my life makes a start. This enterprise has been entirely wonderful.

[castiron]

A lovely coda. **applause**

[em_h]

Like others, I have to express my gratitude to Madame C/Lady B for sustaining me through some difficult times. Reading her journals while drinking my coffee has become my morning ritual, and my days will start a bit more sadly without her. Thank you so much for all this time with her.

[tamarillow]

Thank you for all of these glorious journals.

I will miss the more or less daily installment, but thank you for keeping it up for so long.

[ankaret]

Thank you. I would say more but I cannot words at present.

[azara]

Thank you so much - reading these volumes has always lifted my spirits and I will miss them.

[annotated_em]

I shall miss these updates, since they always made for a delightful start to the day. Thank you for sharing them with us.

[adeliej]

Thank you for all your writing, and thank you for ending it in such a lovely fashion!

[fred_mouse]

Reading these entries has been a wonderful experience. Thank you for everything!

[el_staplador]

Thank you for all of it.

[violsva]

Thank you for everything.

These works have been a bulwark in times of stress. I was saving these last few, and to the last they have provided brilliant distraction and comfort.

Also, I am enormously impressed by the amount of work you have put into them, and their consistent excellence.

[brigdh]

Awww. What a perfect ending, if ending it is. Thank you again for these memories; they have cheered my days so much.

[azurelunatic]

Thank you.