In which a Lady Experiments and Speaks to a Very Dear Old Friend

8th of June

 A glorious and unexpectedly productive day! Having made it to town yestereve, I did have the chance to read up on the Benefits and Creation of rosewater. A mild astringent, rosewater can be used as a facial cleanse on its own, or be added to other tinctures. It is also a most fragrant addition to many puddings and recipes (one such being the favorite drink of the brilliant Leonardo Da Vinci), and should one manage to make it, rose oil is a lovely perfume. Having a few rose bushes with Excellent Fragrance, I went out this morning and collected a large colander full of petals (after the morning dew had dried under the sun). One must begin the cooking process as soon as the petals are gathered and rinsed, which I did in a large yellow canning pot. The directions call for the most ingenious use of a “cold finger”- in this case, the lid of the pot is placed upside-down and filled with ice once the water inside is boiling.  Inside the pot, a shallow bowl is placed in the middle, on any sort of lift (a glass carafe, a small canning jar filled with water for weight, etc.) and when the steam hits the cold lid, it rolls neatly down and drips into the bowl. It is thusly that one creates Rose Water. Of course the process is simply and quickly explained, but is much longer in reality, and takes much tending with the ice.

I was enormously pleased with the first sampling of the water, but I fear I may have left the second batch on for more that I ought, for it had an almost green scent (though still quite rosy). Of course, having had Some Success, I now have high ambitions for other Waters and Oils that I might create – and market? Perhaps I dream too far ahead.

After my industrious morning, Mother decided that we might go to town and frequent The Coffee House. A pleasant place owned by Madame Makebrew, we often settle down at one of the tables and take care of correspondence, other work over Wire, and absorb town and world news that does not reach the country-bound Morewit Manor. It was here that I received a Wire from a Dear Old Friend that I have not seen for many years- one Mr. Rowan Noblesse. We met as School Children (though of course we did not see ourselves as such at the time) nearly 8 years hence, and were much drawn to each other’s company for we had similar interests and natures. I will confess that I found him Most Diverting at the time for he seemed to me Superior to the other gentlemen of my age. Though parted for such a length of time, we kept in correspondence, and have retained a fine friendship and much affection for each other. It was lovely to speak (as it were) to Mr. Noblesse and reacquaint each other on our respective lives and thoughts, and lovelier still to find that he has secured a summer mentoring post that will bring him closer to my home! I am not yet sure if or how or when I might have occasion to visit him there, but it is something that I dearly wish do, for such an Opportunity might not arise again for some time. 

Despite the pleasantness of the day, I find that speaking to one old friend has reminded me of how many other Dear Friends I have been neglecting of late! I fear the number is too high, and I am truly and properly embarrassed at my lack of social graces. I shall have to find some way to make recompense to them all… perhaps a fine evening tea? But as that only serves my nearest companions I suppose Many Apologies must be penned.

~A Lady Abashed