Gertrude Lorimer's Commonplace Book

Gertrude’s commentary: Here is a picture I captured of Lord Taylor and his late daughter Lily. This picture is one of my favorites for numerous reasons. For one, Lord Taylor reminds me of my father. The way he talked about Lily with such grande eyes is the same way my father would talk about one of his own  — oh how I miss him dearly. Aside from that, I think this is one of my best photographs yet and how could I forget Lord Taylor was the dearest of customers so to speak. We discussed a plethora of topics during our session. In fact, he expressed how the town needed a change of pace…

Gertrude’s commentary: Who would have thought a woman like myself would end up with the love of her life? By myself, I mean someone who cherishes their independence and views marriage as the act of surrendering your respect. I certainly would be the last to expect it. You would think that it would be so easy for me to write something like this, especially coming from someone who loves to write — but no. I spent months on end, back to back, thinking of what to say on that very special day. I even sought out Fanny for advice, knowing she had already written hers. I will never tell Edward…

Gertrude’s commentary: 

 Here is a violet I picked in remembrance of Phyllis. It has been almost a week and it has yet to dry out. I wonder how long it shall last. She had a great fascination with flowers and violets was her favorite — that was until she developed that relationship of hers with Sidney Darrell. She would always ask me to help pin it to her bodices. She also would always question why I would not join her in wearing them, for I always proceeded to tell her flowers on the bodice were not my cup of tea. Oh, how much I miss my companion, my sister, my dear…