Dear Diary,
    Today, Abigail seemed agitated.  She tried to hide it, said it was nothing, and tried to take an interest in some of the patterns for baby things I had brought with me from Philadelphia.  As she looked through them, her comments were dull.  “This is nice.”  “Pretty.”  “Too complicated.”  Why would she say that?  A complicated pattern only requires time and attention, two things I have in abundance.  

    I pressed her and she finally admitted that she was distressed about something that was going to happen in Boston.  Parliament had passed some new law that would affect the whole city.  

     It seems that the colonialists are becoming more rambunctious in their reactions to the taxes our King feels he must impose on them.  

    I do not understand why they should have such negative feelings about the King.  He has given them almost endless lands and freedom to pursue their vocations in this place called the New World.  He has given them opportunities that they might not have if born and living in England.  They should rejoice, not act like petulant children.

    I know that Nathaniel and I are beholden to our King.  With the business opportunities that Nathaniel had developed Galloway Imports House would not be such a thriving business.  He is proud to be Agents for British goods, including tea and household wares,fine textiles, and of course, the finest rum.  As a result, Nathaniel had given me a fine home with many fashionable furnishings from London and Paris.  We enjoy an active social life with only the most respected leaders of society.

    I hate seeing my sister upset.  She mumbled something about an illustration about an able doctor.  I couldn’t understand what was wrong about an able doctor.  Isn’t that what we want?  I’m still in a quandary about this because she would not explain it to me.

   Perhaps her husband Edmund should not allow my sister to read the newspapers about events.  It seems to distress her so.  I’m glad my husband restricts my reading of the newspapers and magazines to the latest styles and fashions as well as the latest social news.  It is helpful to know who is visiting the city and who would welcome an afternoon call.  I admit I do like to read the social news, which some call gossip, not that I believe or indulge in the activity.  I find it only entertaining that people can concoct such stories.

    I tried to soothe Abigail’s concerns about what might be happening across the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, in Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, even faraway Boston.  To give her relief and reassurance, I shared some of Nathaniel’s observations as he has gleaned them from high-ranking British officers and men of industry.  My husband is in a position to see what is happening at the center of this upset.  It is his opinion that what is happening is not a serious threat to life in the Colonies and cannot last.  

    He is a great observer.  I clearly heard him state his opinion on more than one occasion.  “Look closely at what is happening.  The women are working while the men drink, carouse and spout off!  The men love going to the tavern more than they want to go to carry a gun on a battlefield.”  It made me uneasy when one night he said, “Men were too busy being men to fight the King.”  Then he said, “No war was ever won by women.” 

    Abigail’s reaction was curious.  I expected her to be hopeful that all would be well.  Instead, she rose from her chair, put a stern look on her face, and said, “That is what I am afraid of.”  And with that puzzling declaration, she swept from the room.

    I do not understand and part of me doesn’t want to.  I don’t want anyone fighting the King.  

    I just want to go home and enjoy our life the way it was.