Our family is rather small compared to some of our counterparts in this latter part of the Victorian era. 
My dearest papa is in business and travels to London each day by steam train 
whilst dearest mama rules over our country domain with an abstemious authority. 
Perhaps I should begin my story at the beginning
I am Matilda or 'Tillie' (to use my brothers' favourite diminutive) and I was born in the year 1878.
I am told my elder brother, Andrew, was delighted to have a little sister.
I was never a demure little girl and was frequently admonished for my unladylike manner.
On the eve of my embarkation upon my adventures I have decided to keep a journal to record my travels.
I have kept a diary from an early age, it amuses me now to read back my girlish whims and fancies, perchance in my later years I will look on this journal in a similar fashion.
signed
Matilda Wantingmoore
Kent, England
1897
