Dearest Journal,

Ace has returned to work today. It is the first of many such days in our life together and I wish for it to be perfect for him. However I find that I feel sorely out of place without him by my side.

I had thought when I married I would be the sole mistress of the house. For so long I was mistress when mother was ill, but she was mistress in name. Here I find that I am not the mistress at all. I almost feel as if a guest here. Where at home I would not heistate to plan a supper for Ace’s return this evening, here I find myself wondering if Mrs. Lukeson will feel I am stepping on her toes?

I shall have to think of something to mark this occasion for him just the two of us.

Lucille