From the Journal of Violet Moorfields....the Willow Manor Ball 1811

Taken from the found journal of Violet Louise Moorfields dated October 12, 1811......

Gentle Diary,  


Though the constraints of propriety disallow such, I feel I must come forth with the truth of the matter.  I fear I have lost all reason and my very nerves are in tatters.  Sweet Diary, it is, without a doubt, certain Bedlam here..........

I confess, I have not been myself, of late and my customary merriment has quite deserted me........

As you know Dear Diary,  I am, most generally,  a respectable young lady and my delightful new friends most heartily agree......

They did say to me just last e'en, "Violet.  You should make forth to the Willow Manor Ball to which you have been graciously invited!"   Mother, of course, had her doubts........

Nevertheless, being the free Spirit you know me to be, Dear Diary, I shall endeavor to procure suitable attire, a carriage, as well as the key to several locked gates leading to the out of doors.  I shall be prepared for every contingency.   My dear friend, Biddie Bridewell, did agree to assist me in my deception through the front gates if I made promise to return bearing several faerie cakes with frosting and a pouch of black powder which she promises to use discreetly.  Biddie does look harmless but one must remind ones self about fingers too near about her at the supper table........

I have decided to attend the Ball unescorted.  I know, I know, Dearest Diary, but you must admit that after our last attempt at finding a proper suitor we are better off left to our own devices.........

And so, off in search of a lovely frock!  I was fortunate to find these beauties in a trunk locked in the cellar........

But sadly, the Aunts, on their weekly visit, did not approve.......

BeBe Foxmorton, Bless her, rose to the occasion and  lent comb to my tresses.  Though one does hate to complain I do believe I shall have to do a bit of fancy work on the carriage ride over.  Bebe is a delicate sort that does not do well with criticism.   And also prone to hiding sharp objects......

I admit, the style does have a rather uncommon union of symmetry,  but styles of this nature seem always to attract an undesirable sort.......

Rather than the more......shall we delicately say, sought after.........

And what good fortune!  I have procured a carriage for transport!  The Triplets were most accommodating and made very few demands.  Though I do hope Biddie will not notice the lightening of  her secret store of cutlery.......

A quick trip down the main hall way with only a hurried backward glance......

And I am on my way to the Willow Manor Ball to partake of many fripperies and excesses!

I shall gorge myself on pickled salmon and brandy and dance my cares away! 

I tuck you here, my Dearest Diary and Truest Friend, nestled safe within the stones of this abandoned farm, the better I should be able to retrieve you on my return journey...........

I forsee naught but a magical evening!

Until we meet again Dearest Diary........with all my love,

Violet Louise Moorfields

12th October 1811

Addendum:  October 12, 2011

Violet Louise Moorfields disappeared from Bedlam October 12, 1811, never to be seen again.
Last reports have her shackled wrist to ankle in her cell wearing only a besmirched blanket gown.  The matter was dismissed and no other reports were made.

Her journal, discovered by Willow Manor party goers the night of October 12, 2011 on their way to the Ball was the subject of great discussion between dances and revelry.

It remains to be seen if the Willow Manor archives produce mention of Miss Moorfields at the 1811 Ball.

Submitted 10/12/2011 by Mimi Foxmorton

File photo:  Bedlam

Found in the Triplets doll carriage 13, October 1811

For more Willow Manor Ball FUN, please visit the page of origin

http://willowmanor.blogspot.com/2011/10/willow-manor-ball-2011.html

and the lovely, lovely people who reside there!

The party is in full swing!

I guarantee you won't want to miss it!