by Jillian Lorbetskie
Many argue a home is in fact a feeling, not just a place. But for many of us, the house we grew up in remains sacred in our hearts. – Ryan Hooper
June 28th, 1815
The whole household was buzzing with excitement. I could feel it down to my foundation, through my bustling stairwells, and freshly cleaned windows. There were sounds of maids running up and down my stairs to fetch Madam a new brush, her shoes, and a cup of hot tea. This was the most exciting day since I was built. A wedding would occur today between my new Master, Captain John Harris, and his fiancée, Amelia Ryerse.
John was outside in the gardens, talking to his family, anticipating the arrival of his soon-to-be bride. He thought about taking care of this very home. Seeing generations span time, even when he wasn’t here anymore. He knew that he had lived a life of dignity, purpose, and value as a captain in the navy, serving in the War of 1812, and leading his naval, Prince Regent. Looking over these accomplishments, he was proud. He knew that this was the beginning of a new chapter, and it would be just as amazing.
I knew that Amelia hoped this day would be the start of a new life. She was prepared to run a household, serve her husband, and bear as many children as he wished – twelve of them to be exact. She knew that he would take care of her and that their lives would be full of elaborate parties, celebrations, travel, and love. John had spent many days of their courtship telling her of his goals, dreams, and promises of a better future. She believed him. I believed him.
Amelia looked ravishing. Her floor-length gown glistened with lace droplets that evolved into a morning dove at the bottom. A proper lady, her neckline was high, covering her arms and hands. Her hair was traditionally tucked into a low bun at the base of her neck. Looking at herself in the mirror, she was stunned as the veil was secured on her head. The jewels glistening upon her tiara shone so brightly.
“You look so beautiful, Miss.” The maid smiled at her. I thought so too.
John stood at the end of the full-bloomed gardens. With the fresh scents of flowers, the breeze on a warm summer day, and the bees happily buzzing around him, he couldn’t wait to see his Amelia. Peonies lined the aisle surrounded by friends and family. The ladies wore their best formal wear and umbrellas to hide from the sweltering sun, and the men gathered in their best suits and ties. Men from his navy days. Men he served who dressed for the occasion in uniform, as John word. The music started to play.
December 27th, 1882
Amelia lay in her bed. Her once honey, chestnut hair was had whitened. Her soft skin was now wrinkled with smile lines, a true beauty of a life lived. I knew that watching her life with John would bring lots of happy memories and unfortunate ones, like John’s death in 1850, and her daughter, Charlotte’s, in 1854. Amelia was crushed, but she persevered, for her children. It wasn’t the first time she had lost one of her children. I remembered that well. As Amelia stirred awake, her green eyes still shone as brightly as they had on her wedding day. I knew she remembered the way John looked at her as she walked towards him on that summer day. I never expected that I would have to say goodbye to the woman who made me her home. Her life. Her party. It was too soon.
May 15th, 1881
The family was bustling about the house as they prepared for their six-week journey to Europe. It was going to be the longest I was locked up and alone without them. I wasn’t sure what I could do with them gone; I couldn’t watch the kids grow older this time, or see them improve with their studies and interests. I watched as the youngest girl, Charlotte, packed her teddy bear into her bag. She never went anywhere without it. My family hurried out the door, trying to make the ferry on time.
John grabbed Charlotte’s bag, and holding her hand, he whispered just so that I could hear, “Take care, Eldon House, we will see you soon.”
December 27th, 1882
I felt Amelia hum in her sleep as she thought about her family’s European excursions. Her memories of her life had always brought her comfort. I watched as the maid brought in her tea, stoked the fire so that she stayed warm, and checked Amelia’s head. Her fever hadn’t dissipated in over three days. I first noticed that she wasn’t herself when the entire extended family was over for Christmas; she normally stayed awake, telling all the grandchildren stories about Santa Claus, reindeer, and the importance of the nativity story. Instead, she excused herself after dinner and drew herself a bath. Tying her long white hair back, she sat in the warmth. She closed her eyes, still hearing the music and the family talking. She couldn’t help but smile.
July 22nd, 1842
The music from the quartet filled the room with such joy. I was so happy that the parties became a regular thing over these years. Guests graced my elegant ballroom in fashionable gowns and garments. The sounds of laughter, gossip, and dance steps made the family so happy. One of my favourite moments from this night was John pulling a chatty Amelia onto the floor, spinning her around the room and showing her off just like he did on their wedding day. Their many children and friends watched in admiration as John and Amelia displayed their love for one another, time and time again. She loved that moment. I loved that moment. That was one of my favourite things about my family, that they celebrated life. And didn’t take it for granted. Amelia’s blue gown sparkled in the candlelight. Looking down, she had never felt so lucky as she did this summer evening in 1842.
December 27th, 1882
It was getting darker and colder as Amelia slept. Her breath had started to slow, and she had barely moved. She smiled that intoxicating smile as she dreamt about her blue dress spinning around, her husband staring into her eyes, proud of all of the things that they had achieved. I knew that this day would come eventually, when Amelia had given all she had, reminiscing over her most cherished memories, when she had finally got to see her husband after so many years without him. Thinking of John, her heart slowed, and her breathing had become barely audible. In candlelight, she passed away surrounded by her children and grandchildren. They all kissed her goodbye, thankful for the life that Amelia gave them. It was with great strength and a heavy heart that I remained strong and purposeful. I had the rest of the family to watch over. I owed that much to Amelia. I made this promise to her as they laid her to rest beneath the peonies in the garden by the river, I’ll remain for you, forever, keeping your family and soul alive, my Amelia.
Sincerely,
Eldon.
