This is a follow on story from Mrs Jennings Diary. You don't need to read that story. You only need to know that Ben hired Mrs Jennings to look after Hoss and Joe as he was having problems coping after Marie died. I hope you enjoy this instalment.

10th August 1848

I haven't written in ages, I've been so busy. I've been living with the Cartwright's nigh on three months now. I was afraid when Adam came back after that fallin out with his Pa that I'd be sent packing but no, I'm still here. It's been a good three months. Hoss is fast growing out of everything he owns. Mr Cartwright was wondering should we be cutting back on his food but I don't think so. Hoss ain't fat, he's big, he's gonna be a big man. Anyhow I don't think it's Godly to have a child worrying about his appearance. Vanity is a sin in the Lords eyes.

Speaking of sin, Mr Cartwright is gonna have troubles with that oldest boy, not for me ta say nothin but he gets himself all dickied up and he's out most Saturday nights with the hands. He's a good lookin boy. If he were mine, I'd lock him in the attic till such a time I was sure he had an ounce of sense in his head. It will all end in tears but it's not for me ta say. No course I wouldn't really lock the boy in the attic but Ben should have a talk with him, you can plain see Adam has no sense when it comes to the ladies. It'll all end in tears you mark my words.

Now I haven't time to write anything more, I have to get Hoss ready and Lord help me, I have to get little Joe into a bath tub. There ain't enough money in the world can compensate for such a task. That child will wail like a demon possessed. But it has to be done. Ben is bringing his new lady friend to dinner. I'm so happy for him, it's the first since his poor wife passed on.

Later

I love when they have guests like her to dinner. I get dismissed early and can go to my room. I was trying to knit but my old hands aren't what they used to be, I keep dropping stitches and have to unravel. Anyway never mind old woman that's not what you wanna talk about.

I had my two little ones dickied up in their best suits and frowning as if we had scalded them with hot irons. Adam scrubbed Hoss till his ears were bright pink and I fought the battle of the bath tub with Joe and finally won. He looked lovely in his suit but Mr Cartwright frowned as he looked upon him as his hair stuck straight up in a fluffy mass no matter how much I combed it down. Adam took him to his room and tried to put some discipline to it with a damp comb but his locks just hung to one side in a big fluffy peak. Adam giggled at what he'd created making Joe pound on him with tiny fists. The two had to be separated as Adams laughing was turning Joes face a deep red. Mr Cartwright took Joe in hand and cut his hair with a fine scissors, he'll take him to town in the next day or two for a proper cut.

Mrs Eliza Cuthbert, what a splendid lady. I never saw such elegance. Her gown was of a heavy satin brocade and the little intricate pattern of beads took some seamstress with good eyes days to sew in. Her gown was of a mild peach colour with tiny fresh water pearls sewn into the fabric. She had a tiny circlet of beads about her neck and the most ornate pearl drop earrings. Mr Cartwright could not take his eyes off her. Her manners are, what you'd expect. She addresses most of her comments to Ben, she smiled at Joe calling him a little puppet and she doesn't see myself or Hops Sing. It suits me and I think it suits Hop Sing, it's so hard to make conversation with people of that standing. I prefer to retire early in such company.

Her husband died last year, it's nice that she can share with Mr Cartwright, perhaps they will be good for each other. She has a son a year younger than Adam.

Speaking of Adam, Mr Cartwright mentioned that he will be off to collage next month to study engineering.

"Oh," she exclaimed "aren't you a clever little fellow."

Mr Cartwright had to move the conversation on very quickly. His oldest child is not known for impertinence but he will speak if he feels he has been trodden on in such a manner. I'd say I'm not the only one who will be retiring early. I do not think oldest child has taken to the lady. I see all manner of fireworks ahead.