Dearest Journal,

Today is the first social call I shall make since my marriage - and mother’s death. I know that I should not be participating in anything social because of my mourning period, but I doubt that seeing family is considered impolite by society. I can not see how mother would resent me calling on my sister in law almost a month after she was gone. She always knew how much I loved to see people and I do not think this will have passed as she watches me from Heaven.

Odd to think that Mrs. Avril Nott is now my sister. The former Miss Lukeson, as I always think of her, was a few years below me at school and in a different house. Beyond knowing of her and knowing her to be in my social sphere I did not interact with her much. Now she has extended in invitation to take tea with her. I suppose I should not be surprised by this as I did attend her wedding, although to be perfectly fair - most of upper society did, but she is also my new sister.

I had always hoped when I married to have a sister, but now that I find myself with this fair feminine delight I find myself worried if she will accept me as such. She already has three sisters of blood and two others by marriage. What am I other than just another woman in her life? She will already have such a close bond with Ace’s sisters, that I doubt I can penetrate into that sacred circle and call myself a sister as well. Instead I believe I shall always remain simply a relation by marriage.

Perhaps this is the reason I find myself nervous for such a meeting. Although I do not think the fact that we have hardly ever exchanged more than a few pleasantries in conversation is helping the matter. I dare not admit such worries to Ace for he shall tell me they are unfounded - and I shall seem the most ungrateful to someone who is lifting me from the doldrums of the Lukeson House.

I shall report the events of this afternoon to you faithfully, dearest journal, tomorrow when I have had some time to reflect. For Ace shall be home upon my return to the townhouse and I do so wish to spend the evening with my dear husband.

Lucille