• February 27th, 1782

    Dear Diary,

    I saw the boy again today. I was sitting in father's garden, admiring the roses, when I saw a glimpse of something rush by me. I shivered and turned, to see him. I stared at him in surprise, then knew why he was there. He was the new gardener. I blushed as I looked up at him, and ruffled my skirts. I greeted him kindly, and in return, he bowed to me. I tried to hide my face, for my blush was unhiden. He saw it, and he himself blushed. For the first time, I noticed his pale skin. It was dead white, like the snow when it froze over on father's lake. I shivered, then bit my lip, as I curtsied to him. I could feel my face getting hot, as I started up conversation with him. At times, I laughed giddily, and my eyes watered. The boy smiled up at me at times, and I felt a longing to embrace him. From being so close to him, he got more attractive within every glance. He guided me around the garden, showing me the roses, when he suddenly pricked himself on a thorn. He hid his hand behind his back, then tried to continue on. I raised my eyebrows, then told him to give me his hand. He tried to avoid the subject, and instead began to talk of the history of the rose, when I suddenly shrewed up, and demanded to see it. He stared at me, his eyes cold and bare, as he handed it over. I looked, completely focused, but could see no blood or mark. I let the hand drop, sharply, as I looked up into his eyes, mine full of confusion. I then heard Governess Tilda calling for me for my lessons, so I turned around. I suddenly felt I gust of wind go through my hair, as I then turned around, to confront the gardener. He was gone...