Horatio

Well, what a busy day I have had. Mr. Andrew and his colleague did not get here when they had said they would, and then we had to break for a large lunch and went to the Lane Ends Public House for it. What might have taken an hour, was stretched into two and a half, with their chat and basic lack of interest in what was going on. They wanted to do the job in such a way that it took all day, without doing much at all. I cannot stand that sort of mentality. I expect and I give my full attention to the job when I am working, and do not waste time unnecessarily. But at least now it is done.

They didn’t give me any indication of the amount of money they are going to ask for the properties - but only said that they would consider the situation, consult with Lord Howard, and advise me accordingly, and that I would be hearing from them within a fortnight or so. What a sham. They could have given me a rough estimate on the spot. But no, they need to waste more hours doing nothing much and then in two weeks eventually they will decide what I could have decided in two hours.

It was nice seeing Hannah again, but I could not give any indication that she was anyone special to me. She had a sort of hurt look about her - which made me more than ever determined to keep a businesslike profile while I was with her.

But just at the moment I have another worry. From the look of her, Blanche is increasing. And she was running off to be sick, I imagine, on several occasions last month. I know that Louisa is getting suspicious, and of course, if it is true, and she accuses me, I shall certainly deny it. I am sure she has had many lovers and probably has no idea as to which might be the father of the child.

But because of this, I have stayed away from making any more arrangements with Hannah. I’m hoping it will all blow over, and Blanche will announce that she is getting married or something.

I would dearly love to spend time with Hannah again to finish off properly that which we were not allowed to do last time.
I cannot think of where we might meet again - without it being awkward, especially with the weather having gone so inclement. But at least I will have an excuse to see her again when I call a meeting once I have the asking price from Mr. Andrew.