Until this morning, I hadn't quite grasped how much women have changed since my time. Largely for the better in my opinion. I have always admired women who were strong and forthright in their opinions and personalities, Miss Swann being a remarkable example, but unfortunately such women were few and far between in my time. A product of our society, I know. One that largely valued women more for their ability to be a pretty ornament than for their wit and intelligence. I could never quite understand that opinion. Why would any man want a wife who is nothing more than a silly little flibbertigibbet interested in only clothes and gossip instead of one who can match him and stand beside him as a true partner, especially a sailor who must rely upon his wife to run the household and any business they may own while he is at sea?
But I am digressing. This morning, while I was travelling to work, I was approached by a young woman whom I had seen many times on the train. We had spoken briefly a few times before but today she struck up a conversation and then asked me out to dinner. I was a touch taken aback but not unpleasantly so. I found her manner quite charming and a refreshing change to what I am used to and so I accepted. I trust that this is not untoward behaviour on either of our parts? That this sort of thing is acceptable in these times?