Olivia Bell

8th May, 1867

We have taken up residence in the town's local boardinghouse. I find our room to be small but comfortable with all amenities suitable to normal living; it is as good a place as any for us to pass the time before the materials for our two room cottage arrives.

Grandmother wanted to find someone to help us put it up as soon as we reached our destination but I took it upon myself to free her from the job as I fear that she will overtire herself. We still have a few more weeks before we must worry ourselves about it, plenty of time to hire some help.

I feel at ease having finally the time to rest without thought to travel the next day. I think I shall stay here a good while before even thinking about travel again.

There is still work to be done but grandmother is sleeping at the moment, in rest from our trip, and I feel that I should do the same.

Olivia Bell

1st May, 1867

It is now that I have decided to begin this diary for no other reason than I feel the need to record my thoughts. This I should have done sooner, I dare say, but have found myself much distracted previously. As such, I have not yet found the opportunity to put pen to paper, until now.

The stagecoach and the road it travels on forces my hand to write illegibly, this first entry is therefore being composed while at a stop along the road.

Grandmother is faring well on this trip, and I had feared for her health somewhat when she had caught an illness mere days before our departure. I believe she is quite enjoying herself now as she has been in very high spirits for the duration.

Our destination seems a distance and I am unused to this much travel. The home we left seems a distant past now, letters from friends being the only proof that it still exists, though we have not yet been gone a fortnight.

We will arrive in New Shelby in the next few days and I grow more and more anxious to finally see it. I do hope that someone will be in need of a seamstress for I do not know what I will do without work. Of course, a girl can never have too many dresses!

The candle light weakens and my eyes grow tired. I must rest before we continue our journey on the morrow.

Olivia