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Authors: Robert Warr
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pretended to sleep and not another word could I get out of that obdurate Spaniel before my uncle arrived.
The Thompsons of Arlesford
Extracts from the journal of Miss Isobel Fraser, written for her sister Lucy in Boston.
Monday
Aunt Emily informed me this morning that we are travelling down to Hampshire on Friday to visit with her sister for the weekend. The place we are going to is called Arlesford House and belongs to a family called Thompson. Having questioned Aunt Emily on the proposed trip I am of the opinion that I will be trading one old barn for another while enduring ‘a jolly company’. At least it is only for the weekend and I can, if necessary, feign some small illness and remain in my room.
A positive note today was a visit by Aunt Emily’s couturière to measure me for some ‘appropriately fashionable gowns’ as if we Americans have no idea of fashion or style. On my saying something of this kind, the couturière told me that the cut of clothes was subtly different this season and my aunt did not want me to be ‘disadvantaged in society’ . In truth, I think that she does not want to be embarrassed by my wearing something unfashionable.
My ire at what I took to be a patronising attitude soon melted when the couturière showed me sketches of the proposed dresses. They are truly beautiful and I will endeavour to draw them in this journal. I was told that one of them, in a pale blue silk, would be ready by Thursday so that I can wear it this weekend.
Friday
We travelled down to Hampshire on a special train hired by Uncle Graham for our party. This train consisted of the engine and its tender, what we would call a saloon car for the family, an ordinary coach for the servants and our luggage and a horse car. I had expected us to go on a normal train but apparently, Uncle Graham always hires a special when he travels.
At lunchtime, some of the servants laid out a magnificent cold meal that had been packed in several hampers. There were only three of us eating this feast but there was easily enough food for three times our number. According to Aunt Emily, the extra food would be shared by the servants ‘as a special treat’.
Lucy, we have always lived in privileged circumstances but we do not live in this style. It was probably worth insulting Pa to experience this way of life. I do wonder though whether part of our relatives ’ easy spending is a result of their having no surviving children.
We arrived at Arlesford in the late afternoon to be met by a carriage from the house and were soon driving out through some really beautiful country. I was admiring some swans on a river that ran by the road when Uncle Gr aham asked the coachman to stop, then called out to a tall, distinguished looking man and inquired whether he wanted a lift to the house. The man declined the offer stating that he wanted to exercise ‘Snuffles’, who I presume is a dog, after his journey.
As soon as we were politely out of earshot, I asked Uncle Graham about the man. I was told that he is Richard Thompson and is one of my relations, through Aunt Emily’s side of the family. He is apparently a famous Scotland Yard detective.
We turned off the road through a set of very impressive iron gates and onto a driveway through parkland. There, in front of us, was Arlesford House. The building is at least twice the size of Heron Court and is of the Palladian style. It is without doubt the most beautiful house I have ever seen and I will sketch it for you. According to Aunt Emily, the grounds contain several follies in the form of small classical buildings and there is a large maze. If the company proves to be tedious, I shall enjoy myself sketching this wonderful place.
Saturday
My dear Lucy, much to my surprise I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and have found the party to be excellent company. Aunt Emily has shown herself to be a
The Thompsons of Arlesford
Extracts from the journal of Miss Isobel Fraser, written for her sister Lucy in Boston.
Monday
Aunt Emily informed me this morning that we are travelling down to Hampshire on Friday to visit with her sister for the weekend. The place we are going to is called Arlesford House and belongs to a family called Thompson. Having questioned Aunt Emily on the proposed trip I am of the opinion that I will be trading one old barn for another while enduring ‘a jolly company’. At least it is only for the weekend and I can, if necessary, feign some small illness and remain in my room.
A positive note today was a visit by Aunt Emily’s couturière to measure me for some ‘appropriately fashionable gowns’ as if we Americans have no idea of fashion or style. On my saying something of this kind, the couturière told me that the cut of clothes was subtly different this season and my aunt did not want me to be ‘disadvantaged in society’ . In truth, I think that she does not want to be embarrassed by my wearing something unfashionable.
My ire at what I took to be a patronising attitude soon melted when the couturière showed me sketches of the proposed dresses. They are truly beautiful and I will endeavour to draw them in this journal. I was told that one of them, in a pale blue silk, would be ready by Thursday so that I can wear it this weekend.
Friday
We travelled down to Hampshire on a special train hired by Uncle Graham for our party. This train consisted of the engine and its tender, what we would call a saloon car for the family, an ordinary coach for the servants and our luggage and a horse car. I had expected us to go on a normal train but apparently, Uncle Graham always hires a special when he travels.
At lunchtime, some of the servants laid out a magnificent cold meal that had been packed in several hampers. There were only three of us eating this feast but there was easily enough food for three times our number. According to Aunt Emily, the extra food would be shared by the servants ‘as a special treat’.
Lucy, we have always lived in privileged circumstances but we do not live in this style. It was probably worth insulting Pa to experience this way of life. I do wonder though whether part of our relatives ’ easy spending is a result of their having no surviving children.
We arrived at Arlesford in the late afternoon to be met by a carriage from the house and were soon driving out through some really beautiful country. I was admiring some swans on a river that ran by the road when Uncle Gr aham asked the coachman to stop, then called out to a tall, distinguished looking man and inquired whether he wanted a lift to the house. The man declined the offer stating that he wanted to exercise ‘Snuffles’, who I presume is a dog, after his journey.
As soon as we were politely out of earshot, I asked Uncle Graham about the man. I was told that he is Richard Thompson and is one of my relations, through Aunt Emily’s side of the family. He is apparently a famous Scotland Yard detective.
We turned off the road through a set of very impressive iron gates and onto a driveway through parkland. There, in front of us, was Arlesford House. The building is at least twice the size of Heron Court and is of the Palladian style. It is without doubt the most beautiful house I have ever seen and I will sketch it for you. According to Aunt Emily, the grounds contain several follies in the form of small classical buildings and there is a large maze. If the company proves to be tedious, I shall enjoy myself sketching this wonderful place.
Saturday
My dear Lucy, much to my surprise I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and have found the party to be excellent company. Aunt Emily has shown herself to be a
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