17 August, 1860

Diary,

My enthusiasm upon making your acquaintance knows no bounds...allow me to introduce myself: I am Lucinda Jane but most of my friends simply call me Jane, as there is another girl with the name of Lucinda in my class, who is older than I.

I find it nearly impossible to believe that my dear brother Stephen could have bestowed such a wonderful gift upon me; I have always assumed him to be more or less indifferent to my existence, being so much older than I. Papa only scoffed at the enjoyment I showed for my gift; he thinks that the only writing a well bred lady should be partaking in is for letters to acquaintances, and possibly the weekly list of what needs to be procured at the market. He knows not how I long to be useful in some way, or truly enjoy an activity of my own. Mama despairs of ever finding a husband for me, and though it matters less to me, I do as well sometimes...Having an occupation will do me very well, I am inclined to believe.

I want nothing more than to be allowed to continue sharing my thoughts with you, but as fate would have it, Mama is taking me to the big city today, and I must prepare for the journey. She says we are to be visiting Aunt Rose for a few days, who will be taking us to her seamstress...my wardrobe is to be expanded to include all of the most recent fashionable attire, a tedious task if ever there was one. I am aware of the real purpose of course; I overheard her explaining the necessity of the trip to Papa. Aunt Rose is planning an event in which she is inviting the families of many marriageable young men for my cousin Lulabelle to consider as a possible husband; Mama fervently hopes that I may take, as I have failed to here, and catch one for myself as well. I know not how she was able to talk Aunt Rose into allowing me to come and provide any sort of competition for Lula, but to ease her burden and give her pleasure I will be a dutiful daughter and attend with no complaint. Perhaps if I am extremely lucky, I will catch the notice of one of my dear cousin's castoffs and my mama will stop parading me around like so much horseflesh, available to the highest bidder- it grows wearisome for the both of us.

Fear not, diary. I shall share the trivialities of my life often as I am able to. I suspect I will be kept busy in the forthcoming days, but I will relay the results of my mother's matchmaking efforts as soon as it is possible for me to do so...

Jane