Part 6: Billy goes a'courting - Passing fancies
While Billy maintained an occasional correspondence with
Catherine over the next couple of years, they did not get together
again. Billy turned his attention to other pretty faces.
Bank Holiday Monday 2nd August 1897 (Horsham)
At work at stable till dinnertime. Had a wash and settled down to
read when Kate Arthur turned up so took her to Springfield to see
fag end of sports. They were very poor this year. In the evening to
Springfield again with Bern and Annie. Met Holly Botting and Kate
Stepney[1]. Have never seen the
latter till now. Spent a jolly evening together. Should have drove
them home to Shipley but two chaps turned up who had promised to
see them home. For all that I afterwards wished I had done so. The
carnival in itself was about as usual. Only novelty was the
animated photograph[2]. First time
I’ve seen that, certainly a wonderful affair. The evening was
marred by an accident, fortunately not so bad as it might have
been. Lucas’ carriage and pair were in the field to see the
fireworks which, as might be expected, startled the horses. The
gentry got out and almost immediately off dashed the whole show.
The field was crowded at the time but they did comparatively little
mischief. Some people got hurt but have not yet learnt the full
particulars.
Wednesday 4th August 1897
Nothing on today so had a look round to scheme a job for Shipley
for a certain purpose. Called on Lane who happened to have a lot
for Southwater and West Grinstead. Delivered first lot then called
on the Miss Stepneys. Found Holly there as well as Kate and Annie
Pearce, The two latter were coming back to Horsham tonight so they
got up and rode round and home with me. Put them down at Bern’s
place. Kate Stepney goes back to her place in Cornwall tomorrow so
I guess it will be some time before I see her again. Consider her a
very nice, sensible individual.
Monday 10th October 1898
Two girls from our job rode home with us so we, after cleaning up,
rode back with them. Enjoyed the ride as they were fairly
interesting company especially one Minnie Foster, a young lady from
Bedfont, great at music. The other was Maggie Cheeseman, nothing
very deep about her, still she would pass in a crowd.
- [1] These four were all
cousins.
- [2] Billy’s first night
at the movies.
Share this
page (third party services may set cookies)