SATURDAY, MARCH, 1778.
Notes from my Grandmother's Pocket Diary.
Two o'clock.—Arrived this moment in town. We have been three days coming from S—— in our own coach. Just put off my riding-dress, and huddled on my green gown, to get to the milliner's, mercer's, &c. Overjoyed to be in town; so have no appetite for my dinner.
Four.—Going out with Miss Tendrill. She tells me coque de perle necklace and ear-rings are much in vogue. Mem. To teaze my mother until she gets them for me. Arrive at Truefit's. N. B. Truefit the first modeste in the world. Ordered a cane hat, lined with cerulean blue Persian, trimmed with blonde lace and ribbons, for walking in the Park, and making morning calls. Mem. Must bespeak two pairs of white leather shoes, with red heels, and bindings to correspond. Advised to have a Saint Teresa of sarsnet and blonde lace, as 'tis the latest mode. Ordered it at once. Mem. Blonde lace ruffles, with a large slope, vastly genteel. Uneasy till I get them.
Eight.—Go home, fearing I may miss Mr. Cleveland. He advises, as my shoulders are rather round, that my stays be made high behind. He says 'tis quite the thing to have them so. I have desired they should be cut low before, as it shows the chest off to advantage.
Sunday. Eleven o'clock.—Had no rest last night, anticipating the pleasure of the week to come. Too late for church. I shall dress time enough for a ride in the Park.
One.—Miss Wyndham has called for me. Go to Mrs. Emerson, to engage her to matronize us to an assembly to-morrow night. Mr. —— walked up to speak to us. An acquaintance of Miss Wyndham. A fine well-made man; improves on better acquaintance. He took great notice of me, and told Miss W. I was a prodigious fine girl. Miss W. jealous, and anxious to return home; he offered to escort us. Miss W. complained of headache, and would not speak. I improved the opportunity, by chatting away merrily to Mr. —— all the way home. Mem. To get a green Persian calash, same as Miss Wyndham's. Mr. —— praised it, so I won't be outdone.
Seven.—Mr. —— invited to dinner by my mother. I engrossed all his attention. He is very rich.
Eleven.—Desired Mary to waken me at two in the morning, to have my hair dressed. It will be done in about four hours.