Lady Ophelia feels the earth move :D

Face no. 4 for 29 Faces for May

Megan :D

Week 18 in Darcy's Postcard Challenge, takes us to NEW ZEALAND.

Though there is some small dispute, the KOWHAI(sophors microphylla) is generally considered the floral emblem for New Zealand. other candidates are the Crimson Puhtukawa of the Northern island and the Silver Fern :D

" Dearest lillian,

What an amazing place this land of New Zealand is. The native people are so beautiful. We are visiting with His Excellency, Governor Boyle. Being a retired Naval Commander, he and Richard are having a fabulous time discussing passed battles. He showed me a lovely painting of his mother Mary, and pretended not to notice when I giggled as I read her name...Elphinstone - Dalrymple...sounds like a character from one of those Norwegian fables. We were also introduced to the Native King Tawaiho. A most imposing figure, he looked like a true work of art, and a very wise man.

Richard decided I should learn to ride a bicycle. Well, you can imagine Miss Francesca's reaction to this, but I thought I might as well give it a try, as the scenery here is so awe inspiring. Richard laughed because I wobbled so much, and refused to believe me when I said it was because I could feel the ground moving under the wheels.

So glad you are not working for the family any more. It is so lovely to be able to speak to each other as equals.

Affectionately yours

Lady Ophelia Pendleton xxx

p.s. ignore the "Lady Pendleton" part, just practicing to see what it looks like" 

" My darling LADY Ophelia,

Good for you, learning to ride a bicycle. It is a skill I have never managed myself. Maybe you would take the time to teach me when you return home? And it is quite possible that the ground WAS moving, as New Zealand is well known for it's earth tremors.

The native people are known as "Maori", and I agree, they have a most beautiful and gentle countenance

I can not believe it is May already. It does not seem 5 minutes since you were sitting in the library at your studies.

Do you know when your baby is due dear? And at what point you will be returning home?

I do so miss your cheery smile.

Your devoted friend

Lillian xxx

p.s. I had to try it out too, "Lady Pendleton" does look and sound rather fine."

images on my page are;

Governor Boyle,

 2 Maori girls circa 1895,

 Cyclists in Auckland 1895,

a harnessed horse race,

King Tawaiho,

and a lady called Minnie Dean, who was the only woman ever to be executed in New Zealand. she was convicted and sentenced to death in 1895 for child murder, though people are to this day fighting to clear her name. She reportedly went through the whole process with great humility, and went calmly to the gallows, her only words being "I am innocent". 

enjoy :D XXX