1 May

May Day at last! We arrived quite early in the village and stayed long after dark, until the official festivities were over. Naturally, I was required to open and close the ceremony, as well as lead the maypole dance. I have always like the maypole dance very much, but this year it seemed so childish. I had rather planned to steal a kiss from dear Dr. Barnaby, but I saw him there with his young wife and baby. The whole day went quite dark for me then. I cannot speak any more about it.

29 April

I went for a short walk to the doctor's this morning. Oh dear, I had forgotten how terribly *handsome* he is! His name is Dr. Barnaby, and his Christian name is Tristram. Oh, what a *noble* name is Tristram! He is very clean and neat, and his voice alone inspires absolute confidence. I wonder if he is unmarried. Being ill is beginning to look *very* much more attractive.

23 April

The doctor has advised that I stay in bed for three more days, but of course I *never* listen to doctors, even if they are more than usually handsome. So I have promised to stay in bed today and then go visit him a his home in a few days. Ernest apoplectic.

12 February

I have decided to allow Ernest to write to me. Oh, I do hate long-distance relationships—they are so very painful!

Weather charming.

11 February

Miss Prism very cross indeed all morning, chiefly, I believe, because Dr. Chasuble has been absent quite often recently. I am quite sure that my Miss Prism has a more than usual interest in praying, because she certainly appears to find dear Dr. Chasuble of great interest, and he has told me he will never marry. Could there be yet *another* scandal brewing in our little household? And speaking of scandals, I have determined to begin an affair with Uncle Jack's wicked brother Ernest *immediately*. It certainly wouldn't do to wait until someone else discovers him.

4 January

Stuck indoors again.
Dreary, dreary weather.
Thought about Peter all day.
I do hope some day we shall be married. I must think how to cause him to propose to me. How does one induce proposing in a man? Of course we will be obliged to run away together. Uncle Jack would never allow me to marry a man of the *Lower Classes*, much less a stable boy. It is hardly the thing. What a scandal we shall cause! I will name all our children Peter. Or Petra as the case may be.

3 January

Peter at last! Uncle Jack away for a few days and Miss Prism in bed with a slight ache or a bit of an ague, I can't remember which. We met at the barn and he warmed me in the hay. I have never been held by a real *man* before, I mean, someone who is not my grandfather (may he rest in peace) and dear Uncle Jack. My heart beat *****so***** fast (!) and I felt the oddest of sensations all through my body. At first I thought I might have been coming down with Miss Prism's ailment. I am beginning to understand why she has warned me against seeing him. I am afraid I have been very wicked indeed!

2 January

My first kiss of the New Year wasn't from Peter after all. It was from Uncle Jack! I think that is really rather hard. I am certainly not going to be in love with Uncle Jack! Does this mean the end of my love affair with Peter Flint? He is such a cypher always. I searched for him all day yesterday and only found him just at dusk, when he was carrying out his evening duties, but just then I heard the bell for dinner and was obliged to leave! Today, the weather was ghastly, and I was not let out. I miss him to *death*!