7 January 1813
My dearest grandmother gave me this journal to record my experiences, so I will make an attempt. She is wise to have recommended this practice to me, and took great care that my aunt should bring this gift to me at Christmas. I feel I ought to do it to please her.
It is a new year, and while I anticipate much change in the coming months, I find it likely that many things shall stay the same. We enjoyed visitors and much laughter during the festive season, ending with Twelfth Night. We feasted, played games, and were quite merry. My aunt, uncle, and cousins have now departed, leaving only my cousin Edmund with us. He is my father’s heir and I believe they will be quite occupied, attending to estate matters.
The house is quiet, and my mother is renewing her efforts to prepare me for my upcoming Season in London. She has told me we will continue to practice etiquette and conversation and dancing until she is satisfied that I shall comport myself to the utmost. My sister, Cecily, is also partaking in these lessons, though she is too young to be presented and therefore my mother seems to feel more anxiety about my preparedness.
Alas, I must set this aside. Mama needs help with a household matter and it would not do to keep her waiting.