I am happy that you do not have to suffer the same struggles that I have gone through this day. My tutor is harrassing me at every step! After a week away from school visiting friends and neighbours, I must step back into the humdrum routine that is George's schoolwork. I must say, it is not entirely pleasing.

Who would have that that arithmetick could become so dreadfully confusing? Or that History could be so utterly dull!? It is only when faced with an entire week's worth of backlogged schoolwork that I finally realize how repulsive education can be.

Of course, I am not one to shun a good education. but! I do know addition and subtraction; I know how to get from Fredericksburg to W'burg to Jamestown. I know how to cross my p's and dot my k's (or something along those lines). What more could one need? Dash it all with this division nonsense; that is for tradesmen to deal with, and that is definitely not what I wish to be when I reach my later years. Oh, that my tutor would suddenly fall into a coma for three months! That would be a blessing indeed...

In other news, friend, I have not succeeded in convincing father to buy the property in the Capital. Apparently he is convinced that his resources would be better spent buying an acre or two in Fredericksburg. I am highly opposed to this, but if this supposed investment is to be purchased next to Julian's, or Weedon's Tavern, I dare say I shall be able to bear the loss of Williamsburg's balls a sight better!

The dashingly handsome Miss Digges is to be away for a month visiting relatives in the Capital; my heart is utterly broken! I hear Master Boucher is in that part of the colony as well; let us pray that nothing goes on between them. My only comfort on this subject is in letting loose my feelings by writing to you, journal. I can find great solace in the fact that none other than you and I will ever read these words.

I must adieu, the tutor is calling me for a fourth round of arithmetick; Blast it all!

GF

Arose at half past 10, no breakfast due to tardiness in becoming conscious. Weather is unseasonably warm today, which has been a great blessing to my weak body, which has been wracked with chills, sweats, much coughing, headache, sore throat, bloody noses and loss of much energy these Past five days. The rest of the family has not caught it, thank the Lord. I would not wish this horrible sickness on anyone, much less my beloved family.

Sister Sarah is doing well, and has been quite happy this week, for she has received a letter from her beloved Theo in London. She has read it to us a great Many times, which, as you could well understand, Journal, has Not helped my recovery At All. I have finally managed to pay off my debt to her in hard pence, not lace, for I cannot stand her constant pesterings about it and the next Fair Day is over a month away! I feared that my life would become in danger if I were subjected to such pesterings much longer, so I parted with my precious shillings in order to retain my sanity. At least there is hope in sight! Master Grymes will come over any week now to visit, and when he does we shall have a grand time playing whist, piquet, and cricket. I may win enough money to buy something at the Fair! Joy!

I must depart, friend. I shall speak to thee in the morning.
Until we meet again,
I remain,
Yr. Humble Servant,
GF

After extricating myself from a possibly disastrous business deal with Mr. -----, I am resolved to never get into debt again. Or, well, at least never get into debt again after this Fair Day, for I hear there is a most excellent vendor at the fair who sells peculiar kinds of dice for gaming; and I do love gaming! Unfortunately my pocketbook is empty, as always, so I must borrow a sum from my dear sister again.

Oh, I don't know how she puts up with me! My constant gambling must certainly be an embarrassment to her, and a trouble to her possibilities for gaining a good match; and yet, gaming is so very exciting! I'm sure she would like it just as much as I, if she were to play it a bit more often. I shall invite her to Master Bentley's house for Faro, what do you think?

Saw Miss D---- again today, I can now stand the meetings tolerably but Oh! how I wish I might speak with her far more often than I do now! Of course, if she doesn't like ale I would put a stop to my affections entirely; you know I could never love a lady who didn't care for ale. But still, I should dearly wish to see her again.

Article in the gazette stated property for sale near the Capital, I shall entreat Father to buy it so I may have an excuse to go to Wburg more often. They do have the most lovely balls there! I am beginning to like dances more and more; I do believe they are growing on me.

I must away to bed;

GF