March 20, 1803
Dear Diary,
It is yet another dreary day. I had taken to the stable to ride this afternoon only to be welcomed by a loud clap of thunder and a torrent of rain. I would have written this evening, but I find I have no suitable occupation at present and rather than re-read one of my worn volumes of literature I have sat down at the desk to put pen to paper. I have often considered writing my own novel, but it is hardly seen as a suitable occupation for a woman. Better women than I have tried and few have succeeded at the momentous task of publication. I have not the constitution for it. So I will write solely for my own gratification and for amusement when the English countryside provides no other.
Unfortunately not even the weather can keep my mother's friends at bay. There is a more than constant stream of women in the town through our home. I suppose it is the curse of being one of the best families in the county. Mother is in the sitting room presently with Mrs. Stanley talking about all the recent town gossip with her daughter Jessica. I am artfully trying to avoid them all together in the library. I do not know how long my absence will go undetected, I hope indefinitely. For one I cannot stand Jessica Stanley. If I may be candid, she is one of the most pretentious persons I have ever met. Secondly you know how I abhor idle gossip though it is the water that my mother seems to thrive on. I would much prefer a good book.
It is much later diary. It is now dark and I have retired for the evening. I am sad to say that I was not able to avoid the Stanley's. I had run out of ink and could not locate another bottle in the library so I went in search of one in my father's study. It was then that I was caught by my mother. Mother was practically giddy with excitement when she found me. Apparently there is a new gentleman moved into the neighborhood. A Mr. Cullen, was the gentleman's name from what I understood. We heard from Mrs. Stanley, whose husband drew up the papers that Mr. Cullen would be moving into the house by the end of this coming week. He was to take up the old Fillmore estate. A grand house beautifully situated in its surroundings that had been uninhabited for far too long in my opinion. I had only seen the exterior of the house myself. The grounds were lovely, but in desperate need of attention, having gone without for nearly a year. Also in regards to the gentlemen, my mother was more than happy to report that he was not only a gentleman of stature but a single gentleman of stature.
I had heard from Jessica who had been spying in the hall during the meeting, that he was incredibly handsome had the most amazing shade of bronze hair and wore a very stylish blue coat. Not only that but he had with him two gentleman, both in her opinion less dashing but all together suitable, not that it mattered to me in the least, and that he would be living with his sister of whom Jessica knew nothing about. I had to admit I listened with interest to her. Not that I was exceedingly interested in her attempts and plans to capture the Gentlemen's attention, but it was slightly amusing to see how much attention the man was receiving, and he had not yet set foot into the county.
After the Stanley's had taken their leave my mother made certain to instruct me on how I was to act when I first met Mr. Cullen and I knew without a doubt that my mother was already planning a match in her head. Poor Mr. Cullen. He knows not what he is about to enter into. I hope he is prepared because Lady Swan is not a woman to displease in this county.
Isabella Marie Swan