Summary

In a journal entry dated May 1820, Aurore explains that her grandmother's health declined after withdrawing her from the convent school and returning to Nohant. Deschartres became Grandmama's primary caregiver and even moved into the house to be closer if suddenly needed. A newfound respect between Aurore and Deschartres developed as they saw how much the other cared for the elderly woman. While there, Aurore read a lot of poetry and philosophy and she began to drift away from the religious convictions she found at the convent. She also rode her horse every morning very early. She dressed in men's clothing for her rides and many rumors were started about her. There were wacky rumors, such as she was a ghost or that she rode into church, right up to the altar, before riding out. She took interest in making the medical rounds with...