Horatio

I sent off the note to Hannah about the meeting, and have had a reply saying she will expect to see me at the Norfolk Arms Inn at 12.30. It is all going as I had hoped. I will go the night before, and stay at the inn, telling them that my wife will be joining me on the second day.

It is fortuitous that my meeting with Mr. Abraham is scheduled as it is. He says he wants to discuss the details of the plan, and how the whole project will be taken forward. I now have the financial commitment from sufficient of my friends and neighbours, so that we can go ahead on the 11 properties. Mr. Salt has decided to work independently, on the advice of his estate agent, who is no doubt taking a cut of the action.

I have told Louisa that I shall be away two nights. I know it might not come to that in the end, but it is better to be prepared. She is not in the least suspicious of my intentions -and doesn’t find it odd that I should need to be away from home for that period.

I have told them at work that I am seeing about buying some oil paintings from a private collection - and as manager I don’t have to answer to anyone, and it might end up with me getting a good deal for the firm. I will pay a call at the auctioneers in Glossop, and if there are paintings that I can acquire, so much the better.

I have hired a brougham for the two days, and can stable it at the Lane Ends on the second night, if I come back early, as they provide the service for their guests, and are always pleased to have a bit extra cash when they are not full - which they seldom are this time of the year.

I think I have thought of everything. I have the cash for the deposits. I have the signatures of those involved. And I have high hopes of it being a very successful time from both my professional and personal points of view.