Chapter 5: Auld Lang Syne

[al-shairan.livejournal.com]

Cadogan Square, one of London's most exclusive addresses, is where the Sherrards have their London house. This is where the family spend most of the Season, the April - early August period of parties and other important social events. The house is occasionally opened up for other events, though if Lord Carnarvon travels to London on business he'll normally just stay at his club, since the house only has a small skeleton staff. Accordingly, for this New Year's visit they have brought several of the main household from Excolo Abbey with them.

The afternoon of New Year's Eve

I'm quite looking forward to the servants' ball this evening - it will be a bit different, being away from home and our large ballroom, but I think everyone will enjoy the novelty of being in London. I'm less certain that I will enjoy Lord Kent's ball tonight, but it is a celebrated event and it would do Sophia and Harry good to be seen by Society, especially since it seems as if Harry's marriage to Miss O'Hara will not be taking place after all.

I spent this afternoon shopping for an anniversary present for Sylvia, as that occasion is coming up soon. I hope she likes the jewellery I've found her. The ladies are taking advantage of being in London to do some shopping and visiting, I think, and the servants are rushing about to get things ready for tonight. I, meanwhile, am taking advantage of some time to myself and am blissfully ensconced in the small library we have here.