1774 - Life for the Society women of Philadelphia is proceeding elegantly, but unrest is beginning to shake the windowpanes of their fine homes.
February 18, 1774
Dear Diary,
I woke up this morning fully refreshed though I did not have a full night’s sleep. I must still be flying on the excitement of the ball last night. My maid left my beautiful gown hanging in my dressing room. I smiled at the memory of Mrs. Alden’s comment about its fashionable sleeves. It was truly the most magical of nights! I wanted to put it on again and twirl around the house. But I dared not.
I must moderate my behavior, so Nathaniel does not get the false impression that I am not taking care of my body and the baby growing within. Surely, a baby must thrive when the mother is happy. I must be careful, so he does not forbid me to attend Mrs. Ellsworth’s tea this afternoon. I received an invitation which I treasure because it opens the door to a fine group of society ladies and all the latest gossip of the City including last night’s ball.
I know I have Rebecca Ashford to thank for the invitation. Becky, as I call her in private, has become a great friend. Like sisters, we share everything and today, I shall tell her about my delicate condition. I am thrilled and a little frightened about my pregnancy, my second. I still mourn the babe I lost, but it is important not to dwell on it. Nathaniel believes I should wait to share the news with anyone. Secretly, I fear he is thinking I will fail in my duty and not present him with a child, preferably an heir. Isn’t the mother’s happy state of mind a key to a successful birth? I know I will need support, female support, and Becky shall be perfect as she was delivered of a son last year.
I feel so much better after sharing my disquiet with this page, Diary. Now, I must rest.
Mrs. Ellsworth’s tea was everything I had hoped it would be. Everyone was dressed in their finest afternoon tea gowns. Not as ornate as last night’s ball gowns but quite fine. I opted to wear my sapphire blue silk trimmed with delicate ecru lace. The silver candlesticks and table settings gleamed in the bright light of day. Our hostess proudly displayed her new Wedgwood tea service. The delicate blue pattern on the cups and saucers was quite agreeable.
Nathaniel told me he had recently acquired the fine set for her through one of his English contacts. I did not mention it so he would not be thought of as a simple shopkeeper. Nathaniel is a respected and successful merchant and English importer. Our invitations last night and this afternoon show that together we are taking our place in Philadelphia society.
At the tea, Becky and I were careful to greet other ladies and engage in random conversations about the decorations and food, who danced with whom, and who was seen engaged in intimate conversation, before we could slip to a corner and put our heads together.
Poor Becky, she had to stifle a squeal of delight when she heard my news. She is such a dear friend, much valued in a city where I know almost no one. We were talking in whispers when the raised voices of ladies in the room drew our attention.
One lady said she applauded Mrs. Ellsworth for serving real British tea. Another piped up that people were upset about the tax on tea. Mrs. Ellsworth herself joined the conversation saying that the tax was of no concern of ours, openly suggesting that the pittance should not threaten our financial stability. Her unspoken comment was obvious: If the pittance or one’s loyalty to the King was of concern to anyone in attendance, that woman did not belong at this tea party.
Another woman, recently from London, declared, They will never give up their Tea. Everyone laughed lightly in agreement.
On the way home, I shut out the noise of this bustling city, to savor the details of my social visit. Then a boy’s strident voice outside my carriage intruded on my thoughts. He was calling out, “Boycott Tea! Read about it in…”
I placed my hand lightly upon the child growing within me and wondered, What kind of world am I bringing a child into? Then I smiled, thinking of Nathaniel’s love and protection surrounding me. My child will live in My World.
