William
 
A young English lad
Taking care of his mum
A bloody awful poet
With love in his heart
The one he loves is Cecily
Writing compositions to her
Too shy to make his move
Heart was crushed to bits
When Cecily said those words
You're beneath me William
Went away into the night

1879
 
Entry One
 
Dear Diary
 
I can't believe that I'm actually here studying to become a doctor. It has been my dream ever since I was a small child. I renember how I used to treat every person in the house as my patients and I'd treat them as if they were sick. I never thought I'd make it especially with father dying. I was in such a vexed state but he made me promise so I'll keep my word. A man's only as good as his word was one of his favorite sayings. I am a bit uneasy abut being away from me mum. Since I don't really know anyone here I've decided to start a journal.
 
I always meant to but never got around to it. I think father dying has made me realize that I need to do the things I want to do because this could all be taken away from me in a moment. So I'm trying my hand at writing my thoughts down. This book is so elegant and it could be used as a keepsake to pass on to the future generations. Years from now a descendent of mine could possibly be reading this. I find it rather exciting that I can reach out to future generations and speak to them with my humble writings. There is going to be a tea for all the new students. I shall attend and meet my fellow classmates.
 
Entry Two
 
Dear Diary
 
Now that was a lovely time. I do so enjoy good tea and biscuits. I made the aquaintance of a few chaps and we got on jolly well. John is quite the storyteller. We had the grandest time. Mark is from the area so he'll be showing us around.
 
The three of us plan to go out over the weekend for a little harmless fun. We'll have a few drinks at the local pub and maybe catch sight of some lovely lasses. I can't wait since I'm sure it'll be jolly good fun. Now I won't be so lonely with these blokes as my new mates. I'm really fitting in here and the both of them room in the same building one just down the hall and the other one upstairs. I fell that a grand adventure awaits me.
 
Entry Three
 
Dear Diary
 
I went to the library and it's massive. It has books on shelves that nearly reach the ceiling. A person could get lost amongst all those books. It was wonderful since I've always had a great fondness for books. You open one up and step into another place which can be most welcome at times.
 
This university has the biggest library in all of England perhaps even the world. One day I'd love to have a library of my own with an arm chair so I could enjoy a good book on a cold winter's night. I can just picture it and I can't wait to make that a reality.
 
Entry Four
 
Dear Diary
 
We went out but I had the worst luck with the girl I met. My tongue felt like it was tied in knots and I couldn't speak so I drank for most of the evening. She thought I was deaf or something since she started shouting for a while but eventually she gave up. That has me in a vexed state. I suppose a part of me didn't want to besmirch the feelings I have for Cecily.
 
I've had a strong affection for her for years but she's been away in Paris I believe with her ailing aunt. This is so wonderful how she takes care of a family member like that. That just proves she's the one for me. I'm going to one day soon work up the courage to speak to her without making a fool of myself. I feel that doing well here will build up my confidence.
 
I don't want to ruin my chance of capturing her heart. Maybe she'll be home for the holidays but that seems so far away. Maybe I'll gain some inspiration from Shakespeare. Now that's a writer. He works magic with his pen and I can only hope to write something to touch my sweet Cecily's heart.
 
Entry Five
 
Dear Diary
 
I had a little better luck this time around. We went out for a drink to celebrate our A's on our first test. I was able to speak to this cute lass. I need the practice to improve my conversational skills with the fair sex.
 
 She was lovely but as ever my heart remains true to dear Cecily. I can't wait to see her again. I'll ask me mum the next time I write her. I just love this place. It's so wonderful with a tea every afternoon. I find tea so soothing for the throat. I guess I'm sounding like a doctor already.
 
I find it good when I have a sore throat though. I found this woman who uses herbs to heal. I figure it couldn't hurt to learn about herbs. I'm not going to announce that intention since I'm not sure how the others would react if I shared my intentions. I feel it is my duty to explore all my options. Herbs have been used while I was growing up since mum's been sickly for so long.
 
Father's death really hit her hard and she hasn't recovered and I fear she never will not completely. I'm just glad that she's being well taken care of. If I can't be there I can think of no person more qualified than Margaret. She is such a jewel.
 
Entry Six
 
Dear Diary
 
I got the most wonderful news today. I'm simply beside myself with joy. I've made the deans list. All my hard work is paying off and I pray that father is looking down from heaven beaming with joy for his son. I so miss father at times like this. He should be around to celebrate my glad tidings. The three of us plan to go to the pub for a few pints to celebrate.
 
I've really developed a taste for ale though it took a while. I guess whe you drink glass after glass you develop a taste and liking for it. I was positively mortified when I had my first sip. I choked on it as it went down and my face grew bright red. I was in such a state that evening for that was my first real taste of spirits. I suppose now that I can look back at it with amusement was what drew that attention of that lovely girl.
 
I have come a long way since and can drink my spirits without coughing. I'm most fond of Whiskey but it's dreadfully expensive so we'll probably get ale instead. It shall be an early evening for we all have a most important lab. We are going to do human dissection. I just know that it will be most fascinating. I admit that I'm a little nervous but that is only natural. It's a necessary part of the learning process.
 
Entry Seven
 
Dear Diary
 
Well that didn't go quite as I planned. I kept my drinks to a minimum to have clarity but I ended up vomited the second the cloth came off to show the body. I wasn't the only one or I should have been hard pressed to go back for another go at it. It turns out that it's quite common for this to happen which makes me feel better. I shan't share this news with mum for fear that she'll lose confidence in me.
 
It is my fondest wish to find a way to cure her but I fear that shan't come to pass. The doctors up to now haven't had any luck and I'm still learning. Oh that vexes me so. I really must prepare for my second chance at dissection and avoid eating so I'll have nothing to vomit. I hope I get through this well if I feel queasy I'll sit and put my head between my legs until it passes.
 
Entry Eight
 
Dear Diary
 
I did it although it was a shaky start. I was feeling a little ill but I sat down for a little while and told myself that I could do this. Once I got over that unnerving feeling being around a dead body and the smell I was able to work and it went beautifully. I ceased to think of it as just some dead body but as a map or sorts to help me save people. Sure it's always sad when a person dies but that knowledge that I gain will help me save lives.
 
Seeing each of the organs in that body was fascinating. I was able to take them out and touch them knowing that I had the same parts in me. Time just seemed to fly by and I found that all the other students had left. I've been given permission to practice my suturing. This just is all so thrilling.
 
I know that I'm on the right path. This is what I was born to do. The guys wanted to go out but I elected to stay in tonight for a little reading. I promised that I'd go out over the weekend. I really must stop going out every night and limit my outings if I want to keep doing so well.
 
Entry Nine
 
Dear Diary
 
I got a letter from mum and I'm worried. I wonder if I should leave early this term. I'm sure I can make arrangements. I'd had plans to come home for the holidays but I wonder if I shouldn't go now. I'll find out if I can leave early without any repurcussions.
 
I'll wait to hear from mum because I know she'd be upset if I dropped everything to come home especially since I promised father that I would continue with my schooling. I've been doing extra work so it's quite posisble I wouldn't besmirch my academic record. I'll talk to the dean about it and find the guys since I'm sorely in need of a drink. I can't do much until I hear from mum. Oh I wish I chose a school nearer to home but this school is the best.
 
Entry Ten
 
Dear Diary
 
I'm trying to keep focused on my school work but I've found myself slipping. I've been going out nightly which hasn't helped matters any. Everyone has been so wonderful and understanding but I must put a stop to this melancholy state that I find myself in. I am here to learn and that is precisely what I'm going to do. So no more nights out where I drink to excess. I need to get back to where I was.
 
It's just that I've always been so protective of mum and wanting to take care of her and the thought of her being worse grieves me so. Sometimes I think I'm too sensitive about things. That's not a proper way for a doctor to be. It is right that one be compassionate but one must be detached when it comes to me mum but I can do this for her so she'll be proud of me. I'd hate to ever disappoint her which is exactly what would happen if I were to flunk out. Failure isn't an option. I'm good at this and I can find it in me to do my school work and be positive about the state of affairs at home.
 
Entry Eleven
 
Dear Diary
 
Me mates have been an absolute godsend in these trying times. It's all for one and one for all. It is simply marvelous to have friends to help me through the rough patches. Mark ran into a bit of trouble so I was only too happy to help him out since he's done the same for me. I'm doing well in my studies so I'm no longer in danger of being dropped from the Honor Roll. I worked so hard to make it and by golly I'm going to remain on it.
 
I finally heard from mum who told me not to come home early. That is such a relief to find out that she's doing ok. Of course she mentioned the promise to me and I aim to keep it. I however plan to make arrangements if by some chance I'm uable to return. Mum seems to be doing better or she wouldn't have told me to stay since she knows what a state I'd be in if I caught her in a lie.
 
I am getting a lot of use out of my medical bag these days. I've been assisting the docor when he calls on his patients. It is such a learning experience and I'm pleased to note that I haven't passed out or vomited as of late. I've been quite calm actually which is so very wonderful. I must admit that I'm nervous at the thought of tending to a pregnant woman. I'll probably have a drink to steady my nerves but everyone keeps assuring me that I'll do just fine. I certainly hope so for I don't want to make a fool of myself.
 
Entry Twelve
 
Dear Diary
 
That was absolutely amazing and I must confess a bit gross. I had been told that it was going to be just a check up but the woman's water broke and she went into labor. That I hadn't counted on but it was bound to happen at some point. I think I handled it pretty well but I needed a few drinks afterwards since that was one hell of a night.
 
I'm told it could have been much worse since days of labor do occur at times which absolutely horrified me. I must admit that some doubts creeped up at the thought of dealing with women in labor. He must have seen the doubts on my face for the doctor told me about his first encounter with a woman and labor and how badly it went. He passed out and knocked his head so he was unconscious. The poor bloke had a rough time of it and that made me feel better about my situation. It is just a matter of getting used to it.
 
Entry Thirteen
 
Dear Diary
 
I am so pleased that I go an A on my anatomy exam. I'll have to cut down on going out to prepare for my exams. I have made all the arrangements if I need to change schools. My teachers have been so wonderful to me and so understanding of my predicament. They'll have assignments that I can do at home and mail off of possibly send to one of my teacher's that lives nearby. He offered to take my assignments back with him after the holidays.
 
So I'm prepared for any eventuality that could come to pass. I was thrilled to hear that Mark would be traveling home with me for he has relatives he plans to spend the holidays with. I'll be glad for the company on the trip back home. I must think of what I shall get everyone for Christmas which is coming up very soon. I've been putting away a little money each week from the part time job I got. I help clean up the lab and set up for class each day.
 
Entry Fourteen
 
Dear Diary
 
I've placed an order to have a complete outfit for my mum complete with gloves, hat, and a handbag. She'll look so lovely in it and maybe I'll be able to get her to go out for a little bit. She doesn't get out much but she does enjoy sitting in the garden. Perhaps I'll see about getting some seeds so I can plant some more flowers. Jasmine is her favorite.
 
I ran into Martha again when I went down to the pub. She has become a good friend during my time here. I can actually speak to her but I suppose that's because there are no romantic feelings for either one of us. It's good to have a girl to talk to about certain things that I shan't share with the guys. In fact Martha is always talking about some guy she's engaged to but I haven't met yet but I believe his name is Peter or maybe Phillip.
 
She has bestowed upon me such a wonderful honor to walk her down the aisle since her father has passed and she has no brothers. The timing is perfect for it's the day before I leave which is great since I really want to share her special day for she has become like a sister to me.
 
Entry Fifteen
 
Dear Diary
 
I need to get fitted for my tux for the wedding. I'll finally be meeting Peter at the tailor. I do know that Martha is head over heels in love with this guy so he must be a really great guy. I'm sure that I'll find inspiration to write something for Cecily to capture her heart for I feel that we are destined to be together. Some people are just fated to be together because they complete the other and they inevitably find their way to each other.
 
 I shall be bringing back a lot of presents home so I might have to buy a steam truck to fill up with gifts. It's a good thing I thought to make arrangements to hire my own compartment on the rail. It'll be thrilling to go flying down the tracks at such speeds. It beats hiring a carriage for I want to be home as quickly as possible. This is going to be a busy couple of weeks with tests and the wedding. I'm confident that I'll do well since I've been hitting the books big time. So the guys have been trying to get me to go out and I've finally agreed since I deserve a break.
 
Entry Sixteen
 
Dear Diary
 
So far so good I've been doing well on my tests. I will celebrate and limit myself to just one drink. I should make it though my remaining tests equally well. I'm not sure what to get for Martha as a wedding present. If I was more confident about my writing I'd write something. I just want my gift to mean something since I have such a great affection for her.
 
She has been such a great help to me in times of my distress. That's a true sign of friendship for those who truly care will be there when you are at your lowest and that was where I was at for a bit. I'm feeling much better revitalized in fact. Maybe I could buy a painting for them both to enjoy. Something romantic like a beautiful sunset. I suppose I could always get place settings or something. I'll ask around to get some opinions.
 
Entry Seventeen
 
Dear Diary
 
One more test and I'm done. I think I have come up with a present for the wedding. It turns out that they are both fans of Shakespeare so I'll buy a few volumes. The guys decided to make the happy couple a bookcase so our presents match. I hope that one day I'll marry my true love.
 
What a perfect place for a honeymoon Paris a city of romance. I'd love to travel one day and have a lovely bride by my side. I'm torn with leaving this place that has become my home and with going back home since I've grown to really love this place. I feel a little guilty for saying that but I shouldn't because this has been a good experience for me. I've decided to stay in for the night to do some last minute studying. I am having a little anxiety over this last test but I always get a little nervous before a test.
 
Entry Eighteen
 
Dear Diary
 
I am so going to celebrate tonight for I finished my last test and got A's all around so I think that some drinks are in order. Tomorrow will the the wedding and the day after I'll be leaving so I have to finish packing before I go out with the guys. So the stress level has dissipated greatly for I made it through this term.
 
I still have a ways to go but I have gotten off to a great start and the dean has told me that I'm one of the most gifted students ever to go here. That was such a wonderful thing to hear and unexpected too. I suppose it is furthur proof that I'm meant to be a doctor. I should do some packing before I leave.
 
Entry Nineteen
 
Dear Diary
 
What a lovely ceremony that was. It always gladdens my heart to see people who are truly in love. It was so beautiful outside in the sunlight the bride positively glowed with happiness. It makes me long for the time when I'll have that which I certainly hope to one day.
 
I have been writing poems for my dear Cecily. I just have to work up the courage to actually speak to her. In order to woo the girl I must speak to her for she barely knows I exist. Maybe I'm fooling myself about this girl but my heart just leaps with joy when I see or think of her. I mean every person wants to meet that special person to share their life with.
 
Entry Twenty
 
Dear Diary
 
I'm on my way home now and the excitement is building. I long to sit in my father's chair in the library and have myself a nice glass of brandy. I feel close to him when I sit in that room among the books. I admit that I was reluctant to leave but now that I'm on my way I can't wait to get there. I do hope all is well with mum. I do hope she's doing all right. I am excited about the thought of seeing Cecily again. I will probably get all tongue tied when I first see her.
 
I feel that I've gotten better when speaking to the fairer sex but all that confidence will fly away when I see her. In fact I had a dream with her in it. I guess the wedding made me think of the days when I'll be married and possibly have a child. She has to be someone special for I'll always take care of me mum.
 
Margaret is wonderful but I'm sure she'll be getting ready to marry herself one day. She's been a wonderful addition to the household and takes such good care of mum. She's a lovely lass and is sure to be a belle of the ball for her coming out. I'll make sure that she's properly attired when she makes her entrance into society.
 
Entry Twenty-one
 
Dear Diary
 
It is so troublesome to have come home to find mum doing so poorly and she looks like she lost some weight. She had an accident when she went outside and slipped and fell on the ice and she caught a chill. I've decided to transfer to a closer school so I can be here for her. It happened just a few days before I was due home.
 
 I couldn't hold Margaret responsible for she isn't to blame. She's been sick with a fever but the doctor said she'll make a full recovery within a fortnight. I fear the poor dear will blame herself so it's my place to disabuse her of that silly notion. Unfortunately accidents happen and if anyone is to blame it would be me for not being here but I made that promise so I musn't dwell on what I can't change and hope that father will understand.
 
Entry Twenty-two
 
Dear Diary
 
Christmas will soon be upon us and I for one want to make it special. I decided to put off telling mum about changing schools until after the holidays. I've been keeping up with my studies since I don't want to fall behind. It will be a little overwhelming to have to start all over again. I'm so glad that Mark came home with me to visit relatives.
 
As luck would have it he has a cousin going to the schol I'll be attending that he's bringing over for dinner. That puts me a little at ease for it will be nice to have a friend when I start school. This just occured to me that Mark and Margaret would make such a great match. It's such a shame she won't be able to join us for dinner but I'm hoping for them to meet before he leaves.
 
Maybe if things work out he'll move down here which would be jolly good. If love is in the air maybe I'll get my chance too. Cupid's arrows could strike their hearts and join them as one. I look forward to seeing Cecily again to see if distance has dimmed the beauty of that fair maiden.
 
Entry Twenty-three
 
Dear Diary
 
What a beautiful Christmas morning with the air so fresh and brisk. I went for a walk and saw Cecily who was a most ravishing sight. I had to come home straight away to write something for my sweet Cecily. I look forward to seeing her on New Years Eve. It's so good to see mum with a smile on her face and some color in her cheeks.
 
I hope that she keeps improving especially now with my decision to transfer so I can stay at home and attend to mum. I got some lovely volumes of poetry and some clothing in fact I think I shall wear my new suit to the ball on New Years Eve so I don't have much time to write Cecily something really special. I've been reciting my verses to mum. She so enjoys when I read to her. Later on I'll read to her a little bit after her afternoon nap. I think I'll talk to Margaret to see what wisdom she can bestow on me about capturing Cecily's heart.
 
Entry Twenty-four
 
Dear Diary
 
Well today is the day of the ball and my stomach is all a flutter. I'm not sure if I'll be able to speak to dear Cecily tonight. I'll just observe and soak in the beauty that is her. I'll have Mark for company so I shan't be lonely. I'm so pleased that Margaret was feeling up to attending the ball if only for a short time. I feel Mark will be dancing the night away with her and she'll forget about feeling under the weather with his arms around her whirling her across the dance floor.
 
It would be so wonderful to help two people discover one another and fall in love. So I may end up alone at the party so maybe I could use the opportunity to mingle and perhaps speak to Cecily. I probably won't but I mean to for how else am I going to win the girl's heart. Talking to her will have to happen eventually I just have to work up the nerve.