Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 17:53:09 GMT -5
Aug. 24th, 1894
Today I have finally made my arrival in Blackpool, England! I already miss my friends and family back home in Iowa, but I always swore that after my final year at the teacher's college, I would spread my wings and see more of this glorious world! I have arranged boarding with the headmistress under whom I shall apprentice in exchange for menial household chores. I'm not much of an asset in the kitchen! With any luck at my, my modicum of culinary proficiency shall suffice.
Sept. 5th, 1894
The diminutive community is not exactly teeming with activity, but I'm anxious to attend the annual Autumn dance this Friday evening!
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 17:54:39 GMT -5
Sept. 10th, 1894
The Autumn formal was absolutely what my homesick heart required. Any time is an occasion for dance, as my father is one to proclaim. I felt at home for the first time since my arrival in England. The evening's revelry also brought an encounter with a dashing young man by the name of Charles Dalimar. An exceptionally handsome fellow, this one. I do believe he requested my hand for the better half of the gala! When not dancing about like two of my young students, we were engrossed in conversations, both enthralling and mundane. I must have made quite the impression, for his eyes did not long take leave of mine.
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 17:55:28 GMT -5
Feb. 5th, 1895
For many months now, my days have been spent educating my students' young minds, while my evenings belong to my wonderful Charles. He often steals me from my chores, but the headmistress does not seem to mind.
March 14th, 1895
After a delightful carriage ride this evening, Charles amazed me by dropping to one knee and producing a most beautiful engagement ring! This is the moment for which every young woman waits: a wealthy, handsome man asking for her hand in marriage. As Charles knelt before me, his request hanging in the air, I felt my breath catch...
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 17:56:19 GMT -5
March 16th, 1895
I have avoided Charles these past few days while I give his proposal its due measure of contemplation. I've awaited this experience for as long as I can remember and I find myself wondering how different my life might become.
March 17th, 1895
After shedding many a tear, I made up my mind to decline Charles' proposal. It's so difficult to be certain I've made the correct decision, yet I feel my adult life is just now beginning to unfold!
March 18th, 1895
The delay of my reply, coupled with my melancholy demeanor, must surely have wounded Charles this day. I have denied that which he has so graciously offered.
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 17:56:48 GMT -5
May 14th, 1895
A dark cloud of mourning has befallen the town. A carpenter by the name of Frank Williams fell to his death this very morning. Dropped from the top-most scaffolding on Charles Dalimar's future home, to be quite specific.
May 16th, 1895
Today I accompanied Charles to the funeral of the poor man whose life was lost at the foot of his new home. Charles remained quiet and sullen during the proceedings. I was deeply saddened to learn that the deceased left behind a young wife and two children.
As the pallbearers lowered the coffin into the ground, Charles leaned near and whispered, "Perhaps I am a cursed man, meant to reside alone within my bedeviled manor."[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 18:03:46 GMT -5
May 23rd, 1895
I received an unfortunate letter from home. My father is ill. Mother did not write of the details, but she requested that I return to Iowa as quickly as reasonably possible. My sadness and apprehension threaten to overwhelm me, but I am doing my best to keep that darkness at bay for now. I will speak with the headmistress before I make arrangements for travel. I must also inform Charles that I must take leave of England for a spell, if not for good. It will sadden me a great deal to leave my new friends behind, but I'm quite frantic with concern for my father. It seems that unlucky events have been surrounding me as of late...
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 18:11:12 GMT -5
May 24th, 1895
The headmistress was quite compassionate regarding my situation. She offered to pack my belongings, but I could not let her. She has already done so much, gone far beyond what her duties dictate. Charles did not react in such a manner. I informed him that I must leave, that my father is ill and my family requires my presence. He is greatly upset. He nearly went into a tirade. He made an attempt to flatter me, I believe, with the explanation that his new home would be named in my honor. I must wonder if he is attempting to secure my return to England, to him, and his home. I must prepare my departure and cannot think of such things right now.
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 18:21:08 GMT -5
June 1st, 1895
I am feeling unwell and retired shortly after dinner this evening. I'm certain that my malaise is the product of sad goodbyes and the stress of leaving England so abruptly. It's probably apprehension regarding my father's condition.
June 2nd, 1895
The ship upon which I booked passage to New York has already departed without me. I've contracted a high fever and find it difficult to stand for even short periods of time without intense vertigo. Concern for my father's health has gained a friend in my fear for my own well being. Charles has graciously offered boarding and attendance within his newly completed manor until I am well enough to make the long journey home.
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 18:27:44 GMT -5
June 10th, 1895
While my malady goes undiagnosed, I am left to search medical encyclopedias for comparable symptoms. Although many have passed from Yellow Fever, I am thankfully not experiencing evidence to his presence. Charles takes good care of me, but lately has become rather withdrawn. I often hear peculiar sounds from his workshop and he appears to be keeping odd hours. My accommodations are pleasant and I spend the greater part of my day resting in hopes of regaining my strength. When possible, I enjoy exploring this wonderful, stately manor. Charles has built a most beautiful, albeit cluttered, home. He appears to take great pride in procuring an absolute horde of varied non essentials!
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 18:36:51 GMT -5
June 14th, 1895
I grow weaker with each day's passing, and last night took a turn for the worse. I am now experiencing blackouts and find it difficult to keep my mind focused. My body seems almost incapable of regulating temperature.
June 15th, 1895
The local physician arrived again this morning and ran his routine array of probing and reviewing my failing condition. I am exhausted with the endless parade of horse pills and repulsive elixirs I must ingest in hopes of restraining my symptoms. Charles, too, has become exceedingly fatigued with the burden of my care and has suggested we take hire of a live in nurse maid with provide assistance. I am fortunate to have such a kindly friend.
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 18:43:57 GMT -5
June 21st, 1895
Charles' absence has become increasingly commonplace. Although he benevolently tends to me, he is often away from the house for extended periods and returns with the most unusual oddities. One such example is the ever expanding library on the floor above my quarters. He has taken up an affinity for compiling an extensive assortment of books and manuals whose subject matter would chill your very heart. Great tomes on topics including dark magic, voodoo, and witchcraft have exceeded shelf space and must be piled waist high. I was aware of Charles' perchance for the written word, yet his theme of choice is most unsettling.
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 19:01:56 GMT -5
July 13th, 1895
I cannot sleep. Each time I do, something wakes me and I feel chilled. This night it was a terrible dream, a nightmare that was seeming quite real, which made my blood pump so that I could not rest... I was here in this room, sitting in my wheelchair. I looked down to see myself wearing a gown of white, beautifully made of lace and satin. It took a moment to recognize that it was a wedding dress. I felt a paralysis throughout my body as I sat, frozen in this gown. My soaring temperature is causing many such frightening nightmares. Also, I am quite concerned that I have yet to receive further communication from home. My father's health weighs greatly on my mind.
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 19:27:05 GMT -5
July 14th, 1895
Today brought the arrival of a nurse named Rose Somerset. Charles insists on using the old term "matron", but I prefer to think that she is more of a maid who will be checking my health in addition to keeping up the house. Regardless of titular formalities, I am very pleased and excited for Rose's company! Charles is still very distracted, although I have no idea as to what he does with his time these days. But, now I can spend time with this kind woman. She might just bring a bit of light into my life, which has been lacking as my health has dwindled. My affliction has made it difficult to move about, so I am now confined to do so with the help of a wheelchair.
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 19:33:16 GMT -5
Aug. 2nd, 1895
Rose has been an amazing blessing, and for all the care she has given me, I am most thankful for the much needed companionship. She, too, has noticed the odd behavior that Charles has been exhibiting. This afternoon, Rose posed a rather unexpected question by asking if Charles had ever previously wed. I explained he has not, and made clear his intentions towards me. Curiously, I questioned why she should ask and she recounted coming across a wedding gown while cleaning the wardrobe upstairs. She brought me the gown and I felt my heart arrest when I laid eyes upon it. She displayed the very same dress from my nightmare days ago!
[/size]
|
|
Emma Ravenhearst
Love can hold one captive in more ways than one...
The bride of Ravenhearst
Posts: 269
|
Post by Emma Ravenhearst on Jun 9, 2012 19:49:49 GMT -5
Aug. 3rd, 1895
Fever weakens me such that I have difficulty focusing my vision. My hands have begun to convulse and I have great difficulty holding, let alone updating, this very journal. Rose often records my thoughts as I dictate. After discovering the dress, and Rose's increasing anxiety towards Charles, we have agreed to hide my diary. I fear this anxiety may be quite well founded, however, with our newest finding. Charles has secretly adorned an upstairs bedroom with all the trappings of a nursery, including a crib! Upon inspection, the crib contained unopened correspondence from my family in the United States! I am scared for my very life.
[/size]
|
|