Of Women and Wine

[Deleted]

Dear Armand,
I would like to bequeath you this book, entitled "Of Women and Wine". It would probably be of much use to you now that you are in England. It certainly had done much for me!

All the good luck in the world!
Your old buddy.

[Deleted]

Entry number 1
This is probably the most peculiar gift I have ever seen. After the odd dedication on the flyleaf, all the pages are blank! I do not even know of the so-called "old friend" who has kindly given me this notebook (as it is empty). I reckon that I shall make the most of it by continuing my journal over here since my previous one had been stolen (by who, it could be inferred... But I do not care for it that much. Fly away, secrets, fly!). I do enjoy the fact that the binding is like that of a book, but the title choice "Of Women and Wine" is truly awful! It sounds like one of those bawdy books that one could easily find in the streets. I do not know what to make of it, but at least it would deter other's attentions???

Now that I think of it, what if the person who gave me this book was actually the one who stole my old journal from me?... That person must be feeling rather guilty, but does not want to admit and hence gave me this new one. But what shall I do if he steals it from me again? Maybe I should tear up this page and return it to where I found it... No, I trust that that person must have become more decent and that NO ONE, not a single soul would read from this and I shall keep my secrets as secrets. I do not know what would happen if what I wrote would be let out (and I shall probably die or kill myself). I hope that the person who stole my old journal burned it and I will have no more problems! I shall keep this place safe, and using reverse psychology this time, put it somewhere accessible where everyone could see it and not care! Hah!

Now that I think of it, I think I may have to sail back to France as soon as possible and that maybe I could gather some things for the children there. I met a child last time & she was poor & starved. May God bless her soul! I am considering maybe adopting a child, but I know my life is a perilous one and I do not want to put the child in danger! I could also bring one back here to England, but that would be abuse of my sister and brother-in-law's kindness... Now there is to consider my age as well: my friends have mostly married, are dead, lost, or lovers of men. This is very peculiar but I know that I am not young and it is commonplace for people to just settle down. But still, I have two problems hindering me from precisely that. Namely:
1). Women do not want me.
2). The revolution is not over.

I do not know when, if ever, women will start liking me or when will the revolution end. It seems more likely that peace would reign in France again rather than I finding a spouse. Somehow, I get the feeling that maidens would prefer the charismatic active young men in the front lines. I do not know whether or not I am exactly in front... I think I may be working at the side-lines, but I am working! I have to strive harder at the charismatic part though... I try to be romantic, honestly, I do! But why do women prefer grand speeches of revolution over poems of beauty? I do not understand. I would prefer the latter. But then, I am not a woman, nor do I hope to ever be one!

[Deleted]

Entry number 2
Just reading the previous entry makes me so sick of myself! Okay, what right does a guilty man have to go and desire things beyond his reach? Now who was the one much like Cain and Judas, who betrayed and nearly caused the death of his comrade? Of course, I am not to believe what my friends and family try to convince me-- that is, I have done nothing bad at all. Of course I did! I shall repent for my sins and have God watch over this poor sinner so that I may do enough repentance and help my poor country achieve freedom, equality, peace and happiness!

Now, how is happiness achieved with bloodshed? It shall never exist in wars!

Other than that.... I have decided to leave for France again soon. There is, I think, a new band of youths who seek revolution. I do not know who exactly is now facing the guillotine, but they would most likely speak about it... I shall produce a list and pass it through another man of the League... and so forth, shall it go. Meanwhile,I will also try to enter back into society... Certainly, more shall speak in the salons than in the bars and cafes-- they are the ones who run France now, after all. Now to plan only how to avoid those...

There is always something to do. I do believe that everyone should try to do their best for the sake of France, England, and the rest of the world!

Oh, and before I forget it... I found the old journal (under my bed). I must have left it there... Still, it is so peculiar that I should receive this notebook. I have also decided to move this one... A female guest eyed my book quite peculiarly. She did not touch it, but I do believe that she was vaguely disgusted... Okay... I should stop displaying this. I'll be keeping this wedged in the bookshelf, third (writing this down if I forget it) left of "A Study of the Most Fashionable Clothes" (why do I even have that???)

[Deleted]

Entry number 3

So horribly tedious these days are! Sir Percy and Margot are not home at the moment (OOC:This is written prior to There and Back Again). I just went to ride awhile ago, and all the horses were silent. I picked one of the gray horses, and she was very nice and tame. I like her very much and will ask Sir Percy when he comes back for her name and if he'd be willing to part with her. I have never met a horse so agreeable!

Since there was naught to do, I decided to walk around in town. I chose to purchase some books and knickknacks from this specialty shop and met some dashing young women. I tried to strike up a conversation with them, but the youngest paid no heed to my words, the eldest blushed away, and the middle said that she would not speak with any French man! I am distraught! Why would they act as such?

Curious after that event, I made the decision to buy two new books and went back home. I researched on how French men were perceived by English women, so I asked the maids, consulted books, and here I end with:
"French men are highly romantic and creative individuals. They have a tendency to lead women's hearts astray and would keep many women at their heels." - from The Social Society, page 299
and
"French men are known for their French kisses." - from a maid.

Okay... That was peculiar. I have no idea how to react to that. I shall think more about that tomorrow!

[Deleted]

Entry number 4

Morning! There is nothing as wonderful as a morning where you wake up to excellent weather, a fresh mind, and the cheerful sounds of household productivity. Speaking of productivity, I think I should get back to my research about: females here in England disliking French men. I simply do not get it. Will update this entry if I make any progress within the day!

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There has been no progress at all, and I have decided to put the thought to a hiatus. Since there is naught to do, I am going to check the books I have accumulated (the ones that are personally mine, I mean). It seems that I have bought too much that I have not even read a third of them. There are also a number which friends have given me. Hopefully, I would not encounter any more like this "Of Women and Wine". But then again, thinking about it, I do not think that it will be that bad.

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If gifts are the best representations of your friends, I do not figure what mine would be actually like. They are much too queer.
A list:

Benevolent Pastries: A Study of Holy Pastries and Their Importance in Religious Discourse (A comprehensive chapter about cakes. Too peculiar, but still interesting.)

The Nightly Day Book for Ladies (Is this even for me?? I'm not a lady...Maybe Margot may have some use for this?)

The Ill and Vagabond Lovers (About a poverty-stricken pair who are made to importune each other)

Basic Gardening: From Trees to Mushrooms (Dull...)

How to Love a Man (A heavily-underlined chapter dedicated to romance between men! Great heavens! Does this mean that a man is interested in me??? The identity of the sender of this book is also anonymous... I am afraid.)

Culinary Passions: A Tale of the Kitchen (Recipes in every chapter! Nifty. I will see the cook and show this.)

The French Lady's Handbook of Sense and Style (Maybe this is not mine???)

I am also surprised to see some peculiar books among the stacks of the ones I purchased! I do not remember picking them out... Hmm...
But here they are:

Eligible Bachelors of Today's Society: A Woman's Guide

Delicacy and Diplomacy (I actually enjoy this...)

The Best Parties, Dinners, and Other Celebrations

Amorous Nights (A bawdy picture book I have decided to discard. I am a gentleman, after all..)

How to Dance like Lord Dewhurst ()

This is the problem of having way too much books... Am too tired now! Next time!