Today's papers carried the report that Sir Richard Mannering of the Foreign Office was killed in a hunting accident yesterday. I find this suspicious, coming as it does on the heels of Mr Scrooge's investigations.

Sir Richard is the elder brother of Mr Thomas Mannering, with whom we were so briefly acquainted at Hornsea. Could Sir Richard have been involved with the plot? We thought we had uncovered the motivating persons, but we could have been mistaken. Sir Richard might have been removed to keep him from telling what he knew. Or he might have done away with himself to save the shame to himself and the further disgrace of his family.

I am apparently not the only one to wonder. I received a note from Mr Frazer indicating that he would be home late today, as he and Inspector MacGreggor have been sent to Kent.

Might the League be asked to look into it? A little jaunt to Kent might be interesting. We shall see what Mr Frazer says upon his return.

(Later that night)
Can't Comment?? Do I look like a journalist? While my husband was willing to admit that there were some ‘points of interest' in the Mannering case, he couldn't tell me about them. He insists that the Chief Constable in Kent is working on it. How do we know he won't just foul up all the evidence?

Mr Frazer has made a strategic retreat and taken Turgenov for a run. "Yes, you do need to go outside, you did nothing but sleep on the train today" was his response to Turgenov's objection. They can't run around the neighbourhood all night, though, he'll have to come back and face me sometime.

Saturday, 6 May 1871

I have decided that I must forgive Benton for refusing to tell me about the case. I knew when I married him that he can be a stickler for correct procedure, and that he is as stubborn in his annoyingly polite way as I am. It's not his fault that he can go gallivanting about the country solving cases, while I am waddling around London like a seasick dodo bird. I gain nothing by my anger.

Besides, I did manage to winkle enough out of him to feel assured that the case is proceeding in the best way it can, given the rather tragic circumstances.

The Newsboy Union is certainly making headway. As of today, all the major papers have signed agreements, with the exception of the Echo and the Illustrated Weekly.

I must say, the Union has been clever about this--as soon as a publisher has signed, their papers are on the street immediately--the reward for submission is near instantaneous.

The Echo, on the other hand, is a very vigorous holdout. I almost suspect Edward of choosing our least-favorite paper and antagonizing them, and only them, to use as an example. It wouldn't be difficult, as Oliver Lomax, the owner of the paper, is naturally disagreeable, greedy, and short-sighted.

Mr Graham's play has met with great success, and will be moving to the Orpheum Theatre. He is naturally very pleased. I wonder if it will all go to his head, if he will leave his position as Sir Cosmo's assistant, and whether he will write any further successful plays.

Sunday, 7 May, 1871

Today after services, I was again subjected to much discussion of my Condition. Most of today's conversation involved speculation as to the gender of the baby. Several matrons had very decided opinions, based on how sick I was at various times, how many sisters I have, or how I am "carrying." Mrs Fieldley was so bold as to put her hands on my abdomen. I excused myself quickly then, and would not part from Mr Frazer's side thereafter-- most of these ladies would not discuss such a matter of female interest in front of a man.

The papers are full of stories about terrible disasters in North America--both the United States and Canada. Several towns on the Pacific coast have been devastated by volcanic eruptions and the attendant geological turmoil. This seems a reasonable explanation for the strange stories from these regions.

Many towns lost contact with the outside for several months due to destruction of railways and telegraph lines. I suspect that all the stories I have read come from one or two sources. The reports would be difficult to corroborate. At least the crisis there seems concluded, and will not require me to cross half the world to sort it out. Even the League can do little against a volcano.

Monday, 8 May 1871

Morning lessons with Edward went very smoothly. We finished our Latin in plenty of time for Wilhelmina to leave for her afternoon at Lady Ottoline's, and for me to make my way to the Shipyards for my afternoon of teaching there.

The boys were reasonably attentive, and several of them even remembered what we had done last week. Before I left the Shipyards, I asked two of the older boys to show me more about the work they are doing, so I can formulate relevant arithmetic questions for next week. I managed to clamber about the shipyards quite handily,. The workmen there have either become accustomed to my presence, or someone has warned them not to stare at me or be over -solicitious.

When Mr Frazer returned home this evening he reported that Mr Oliver Lomax had summoned the constables several times today, as Newsboys have set up a picket line in front of his offices. The Newsboys were not removed, however, as they had been very carefully instructed in how to behave without breaking the law. The Constables dispatched in answer to Mr Lomax's summons were, by chance, sympathetic to the Union's cause, and were further won over by the scrupulously well-mannered behaviour of the picketing boys.

Mr Frazer also reported that several of the Newstands he passes during the course of his day are bearing placards of membership in the Union of Independent Newspaper Sellers.

Edward did not mention seeking to include these vendors in the Union, but apparently several around Town have asked to join. This speaks highly of the Union's benefits. Mr Frazer spoke to a few of the vendors (he knows them all by name, after all), and the ones who have joined are all very pleased with the new arrangement. One said that he felt better respected by the newspapers' employees when he went to collect his freshly-printed papers.

The Echo is still holding out, and is nearly impossible to purchase. I can't help but feel that the average intelligence of the city of London is rising as a result of less drivel on the streets.

Tuesday, 9 May, 1871

Today Edward and I worked together to develop arithmetic questions that the rivet boys would find interesting. I asked Edward to explain some of the slang terminology the boys used. In one case, he would not tell me and asked insistently which boy had said it. I in turn would not tell. I will sort out these matters myself, and bad words won't hurt me.

We also worked on some advanced Mathematics. Wilhelmina has been complaining that the Mathematics offered at Lady Ottoline's is far too simple. Perhaps I should mention it on Wednesday.

We also did some Arabic translations, which Mr Frazer checked for us when he returned home this evening.

At dinner we had the most heavenly dish of creamed spinach with potatoes. I couldn't face the ham in the meat course, but I asked for another portion of the spinach, and our cook Mr Humphreys also sent out some chicken for me in lieu of the ham. He is so very understanding.

Wednesday, 10 May, 1871

It took a great effort to extract myself from my bed this morning. I felt a persistent, aching malaise all through Exercises and breakfast.

I did feel better once I made my way to Lady Ottoline's and relaxed in the plunge bath. If only I could float in this fashion until I am delivered of the Fishes!
Still, I felt improved, as I continued on to my practice at the target range, then met Mr Frazer at his offices and for luncheon.

I sent a note to Mr Reed this morning, suggesting a few books for the reading classes--the usual primers and storybooks for beginning readers are simply not suitable for these boys. He sent a return note by way of Edward, graciously thanking me for my efforts and promising to look for the suggested books.

I spent the evening in the laboratory, at the microscope, working on some illustrations for Sir Cosmo's paper. Lady Cowperthwaite helped with making up the slides. It was very companionable, She is now so much occupied with her new social duties as Sir Cosmo's lady, she doesn't get as much time in the laboratory as she might like.

Thursday, 11 May, 1871

This afternoon, I endured a visit from Mrs Goodier, the midwife that Mrs Cuthbert recommended. She seems to know her business, was very clean and tidy, and only slightly overbearing. I can't say I felt at ease being rather minutely examined and questioned by a perfect stranger, but at least she didn't prescribe any vile concoctions and she didn't tell me to give up my exercises.

Mrs Cuthbert told her immediately that I was carrying twins, and Mrs Goodier accepted this and didn't ask how she knew. I gathered after some conversation that Mrs Goodier is aware of Mrs Cuthbert's particular abilities and respects their utility. This is very satisfactory, as I intend that Mrs Cuthbert should be by me when the Time comes, and I will not be in the mood to explain why at that time.

Friday, 12 May 1871

Mr and Mrs Salmalin left for a few days in West Darlston. That seems a nice idea...just the two of them, with no fussing. Of course, I understand that Mrs Salmalin now has a cousin and his family living out that way, and who knows what they will think of her husband. They are expected back next Tuesday.

Mrs Salmalin has asked me to continue rehearsing with Lady Cowperthwaite for Presentation while Mrs Salmalin is away. It's been three years since I last assisted a Presentation, and then it was a much more ordinary girl. But train handling and curtseys are always about the same.

Sunday, 14 May, 1871

I stayed in from Services today. I have made a bargain with myself that I need only go every other week, at least until the Little Fishes have arrived.

Unfortunately, when Mr Frazer relayed my excuse of minor indisposition, this only inspired Mrs Fieldley and Mrs Horton, the Vicar's wife, to come call on me.
They brought me a jar of beef tea, some very nice fresh bread, and a packet of a tisane which Mrs Fieldley thinks will cure all ills. The tisane rates very highly among the most ghastly-smelling stuff I have ever been expected to ingest.

Monday, 15 May 1871

Wilhelmina returned from her afternoon at Lady Ottoline's with a much improved view of things. She has been moved to the Advanced Mathematics course, where she has met an instructor and fellow pupils who are interested in some of her engineering problems.

I, in contrast, spent the afternoon reviewing addition and subtraction. Once the boys grasped the idea that the numbers and signs just represent the types of questions that they answer everyday, they were very excited.

Wednesday, 17 May, 1871

That Lomax man has quite raised my ire!

He has remained adamant that he would not sign on to the Newsboy Union agreement, and today went so far as to send hired toughs to harrass the picketing boys!
Fortunately, word had gotten round that he was hiring in this fashion, so our Mr O'Flaherty just "happened" to be there, "bringing some sustaining victuals to the lads." Edward and George also "happened" to be nearby (rather than coming directly home from the Shipyards). When Sergeant Relf of the Constabulary arrived, there was naught left for him to do but take statements and arrest the would-be strikebreakers (and take them to an infirmary).

Saturday 20 May 1871

Edward delivered his latest project today--the clockwork dogcart he has been building for Mrs Salmalin.

I excused him from our French conversation so he could go out with her and show her how to use it. It looks quite the most hazardous contraption I have seen since the Marquis' steam gig, but Mrs Salmalin seems quite pleased.

Sunday, 21 May 1871

Well, I have done all I can. I have sent letters to my Father and both my brothers, and even to my Uncle Radcliffe, urging them to write to their MP about the Infant Protection Act and the repeal of the Bastardy Law.

I am fairly sure of their sympathies with the cause, but it is so easy for a gentleman to forget the Urgency this issue can have for the unenfranchised women and infants whom it most affects.

Naturally, Mr Frazer has long since written to his MP. Even so, I have urged him to renew the case, now that a bill is actually before Parliament and has become bogged in debate.

Thursday, 25 May 1871

I took Edward to the Reading Room at the Museum today. I looked in on Mr Ramsay, whom I haven't seen in ages. He congratulated me on the Moth paper and the Condition. I told him about the illustrations I've been doing, including the "Survey of Insect Life of the London Area." He in turn told me about a book recently received to the collection, in which I had no interest whatsoever.

I also asked if there had been any word from the Continent about my late cousin Peter. He said he had heard nothing, and assured me that if he did, I would be among the first to know.

Friday, 26 May, 1871

I feel distinctly as though the little fishes have decided to grow into leviathans, just in the last few days. Today my back is very tired, and stretching exercises don't seem to be helping. I can't seem to concentrate on anything. I am perpetually hungry, but I can hardly eat anything at all before my stomach feels full to bursting.

And I have more than two months yet!

Monday, 29 May, 1871

The ignorance of that man at the Echo positively astounds me. They have printed a story attributing their labour problems to the incitement of an Anarchist called Radical Edward. I ask you, why, when heads of state all over Europe are trembling at the vicious, deadly attacks of their Anarchists, would Anarchists in England spend their time on a third-rate newspaper? And if they did, would they not just throw a bomb at it?

The sources quoted by the reporter are a pair of Librarians. What would they know about practical anarchy? Well, these two obviously know something of our Edward, and no doubt he has quite vexed them with his all-too-clever pranks. But as wild as Edward is, he reveres Her Majesty as much as anyone does.
Still, I had really hoped that Edward had kept his involvement with this Movement a bit more discreet. This sort of story could lead to scrutiny which could make trouble for Sir Cosmo and our important projects. I shall no doubt have to speak to him. Or perhaps I should speak to Sir Cosmo.

Wednesday, 31 May, 1871

This afternoon my midwife Mrs Goodier attended me. After her usual thorough examination, she informed me that the fishes and I appear to be healthy and proceeding well. Mrs Cuthbert has also assured me of this almost daily, but I am still relieved to hear it.

Mrs Cuthbert also mentioned, after Mrs Goodier left, that she is fairly sure that I am carrying one son and one daughter. I had asked her to tell me when she knew, simply because I don't wish to be the last to know. Sgt Frazer seems to find these things out, and doesn't always keep them to himself. I would rather not have every ghost in the county speculating on who I will name the babies for, while I am entirely in the dark. I think I will keep it to myself still, as I don't care to have the living making the same sort of speculations.

Friday, 2 June, 1871

Today I had an interview with a Miss Palmthorpe, a candidate for the Nurserymaid position. She was slightly older than myself, and certainly seemed capable, but I don't think she will quite fit the bill. I had thought that an experienced Nurserymaid would be the best, but I see now that so much experience can generate very decided opinions. Such a Nurserymaid as this would be better suited for a mother who does not want to be bothered with her children and wishes them to be well brought up without any effort on her part. I suspect that Mrs Palmthorpe will be certain of the correctness of her own method of childrearing, and not interested in the interference of a mere parent.
While I don't doubt that such a woman could defend the babies against danger, she would certainly sniff contemptuously at any household so badly run that criminals, explosions, or evil faeries would be allowed to disrupt teatime.

Monday, 5 June, 1871

Another incident at the Echo picket lines! I am sorely tempted to go give that Lomax man a piece of my mind.
This time his toughs were carrying clubs and chains and who-knows-what else. But again, Mr Lomax did not reckon of the neighbourhood sympathy with the boys, and the Union was tipped off.

Mr Chigwidgeon was conveniently nearby and assisted Sgt Strawberry to break up the attack and apprehend the "ruffians." There were some bruises and bloody noses, but it could have been worse.

At least I'm fairly sure that Edward wasn't there this time, as Wilhelmina had classes at Lady Ottoline's today, and I haven't heard that she was truant.

I just hope that that idiot Lomax will catch on that he's losing before someone really gets hurt.

Thursday, 8 June 1871

In response to my recent request, Lady Ottoline has suggested a candidate for the Nurserymaid position. She is only about 15, but is reported to be surprisingly capable. She has been a student at Lady Ottoline's School for the past 4 years, attending at Lady Ottoline's expense, as she has no family.
Lady Ottoline related some of her story, and it explained the recommendation. Lady Ottoline met this girl, Violet Puddifoote, in the course of her work with orphan children. Lady Ottoline was searching the slums for some very young children who had vanished from the places she usually found them. She found the orphans in the care of an only slightly older girl, who had made a kind of home in an abandoned tenement, and who was looking after the younger children and protecting them in a most mothering way.

This waif was known in the neighbourhood for taking on all comers to protect her brood. Lady Ottoline took her into the school, to look after her as well as her charges.

This person sounds promising, and I have written to request an interview for the coming Wednesday.

Friday, 9 June, 1871

Edward finished lessons very quickly today, and I excused him so he could deliver the fireworks he was commissioned to make for Her Majesty's birthday celebration. I will be glad to have that project out of the house, I am inexpressibly weary of the smell of powder.

Saturday, 10 June, 1871

Today I was delighted to receive a manuscript copy of Mr Shorrock's treatise on the Puddle Carp. It was accompanied by a letter asking if I would kindly review the paper and offer my comments.

Several members of the household attended the parade and fireworks today. I stayed home with Turgenov, and we covered our ears together.

Wednesday, 14 June, 1871

After my swimming practice today, I spoke with Miss Violet Puddifoote. She seems soft-spoken and demure in conversation, and at first I was worried that she would not have sufficient strength of character to cope with two babies, much less our chaotic establishment. But as our conversation progressed, I was reassured, for while her voice is gentle, her eye is alert, and she did not hesitate to politely contradict me when I said something she knew to be in error.

I asked Emily for her opinion as to whether the girl could learn to fight. Emily indicated that when she had been in Emily's fencing class, she had not received top marks because her formal technique with the foil never equaled her technique in brawling, and she could not be broken of the habit of "cheating" to gain any fighting advantage. Emily said this with approbation, however. As one does not often keep an epée handy in the nursery, I would much prefer a Nurserymaid who can fight off an attacker with a pull toy and a soiled nappy.

I was invited to observe the Defence class, where I saw Violet's unconventional style for myself. Quite satisfactory, I think.

Thursday, 15 June, 1871

Lady Cowperthwaite survived her brush with greatness yesterday. She even managed to remain calm after she overturned a statue outside the receiving room. Lady Ffolkes, of course, made the Presentation. Mrs Salmalin is very relieved--she has been so anxious about the Presentation, I think she believes that her imagined disgrace (in divorcing her blackguard of a first husband, then remarrying so below her birth) will rub off on Lady Cowperthwaite. Her Ladyship seems to have survived her own far worse state of scandal, so I don't see what Mrs Salmalin has to fuss about.

Lord Greyminster hosted a little dinner party to celebrate. It was lovely to see him and Miss Pinker again. I enjoyed the conversation, and found enough I could eat among the dishes.

I did grow weary earlier than many of the others, though, and Mr Frazer was so kind as to bring me home. I think his father was nagging him, but he would certainly have looked after me without the paternal pestering.

Today I was able to spend a good deal of time in Sir Cosmo's laboratory working on some illustrations at the microscope. Edward spent today at the shipyard (he was busy with his coachman duties yesterday, due to the Presentation).

Friday 16 June, 1871

I don't know what Edward is working on, but it smells terrible.

Saturday, 17 June, 1871

Mr Scuddamore came to tea today. He gave me a manuscript of his most recent paper, "Taxonomy of English Weevils," and asked for my review. He was almost apologetic, and said he wouldn't even dream of imposing if I hadn't specifically said that I wished for such employment. I was delighted to see his paper, and I read it through right after he departed. Over the next few days I will read it again and write up my suggestions and corrections.

For all he seems somewhat socially befuddled, Mr Scuddamore writes very clearly. He makes a few spelling errors, and is slightly prone to over-long paragraphs, but then, aren't we all? His citations appear to be in order, but I will check them for accuracy as well.

Monday, 19 June, 1871

Wilhelmina disappeared almost immediately after returning from Lady Ottoline's this afternoon. Edward was at his most outrageous. I suspect this signifies a certain amount of disgust with being a girl. I shall have to inquire of Lady Ottoline as to the source of this annoyance. Backsliding at this point could be very troublesome.


Wednesday 21 June, 1871

Most everyone went off to the Derby Stakes today. I did not attend myself, as being surrounded by a mob of fashionable persons is not at all appealing to me, and I could probably not see the horses even if I wanted to. So, I went about my usual business of stretches, swimming, and shooting practice. I joined Mr Frazer for luncheon, as he was also too busy with his work to attend the Derby.

Mr Frazer's colleagues no longer find it startling when I appear at the offices to meet him. They always greet me kindly, but without the excessive solicitousness which annoys. Most of them affect not to notice the Condition, except that they always settle me quickly in the most comfortable chair if I must wait at all.

After our luncheon, I visited a few shops. I picked up some calico and some wadding, and some flannel.

Friday, 23 June, 1871

Mrs Salmalin's brother, James Whitnell, has come to London for a visit. He has taken honours at University, and bids fair to become and outstanding scientist in Chemistry. His manner seems trivial, but it masks a keen intelligence.

Monday, 26 June, 1871

Wilhelmina seemed subdued, or at any rate lost in thought, on return from Lady Ottoline's today.

I myself was also subdued, but only because I was extremely tired. The boys at the shipyard demanded a great deal of energy today. Some of the pupils are very eager and curious, and ask many questions. Other students become restless if I pursue a line of questions past the point of the understanding of the group as a whole. This restlessness manifests primarily in small projectiles flying about the room. I did manage to quiet this behaviour for a time today. I caught a thrown pebble and threw it back at the boy who had tossed it--it struck him (not hard) directly in the center of his forehead. I did not even pause in my discourse. Now they are not sure what I might do if provoked.

I will have to find a way to divide the class to keep all of them attentive and working at their particular levels. Perhaps I will observe some of the teachers at Lady Ottoline's and learn some methods for coping with such large classes.

Wednesday, 28 June, 1871

Today during my visit to Lady Ottoline's, I spoke with her about Wilhelmina's studies. Lady Ottoline reports that Wilhelmina seems to be applying herself to all her subjects with good will. She has made a few friends, though on the whole with less enthusiasm than she shows for her classes. She does seem to be making the effort to do well.

She mentioned that Wilhelmina had recently met a young girl who had previously met Edward, and who recognized the relationship. The circumstances are complex, but Lady Ottoline does not seem concerned about this as a threat to Wilhelmina's Secret. Wilhelmina has not mentioned this to me, either, and we know how anxious she generally is on this topic. Very interesting.

Thursday, 29 June, 1871

That wretched Parliament has no sense! The Infant Protection Act has become mired in debate. All those men do is posture and argue over trivialities. I suppose it's just as well that I could not attend, for I should surely have started berating them from the Ladies' gallery, and been ejected ignominiously.

Sunday, 2 July, 1871

The unfortunate circumstances regarding the Mannering family have been somewhat revealed. Mr Scrooge's audit results have been published. This includes the unhappy revelation of Thomas Mannering's diversion of Foreign Office funds and his collusion in plots against the Crown. He has been confined to Hospital, still entirely insensible since we captured him.

When his brother's misdeeds were uncovered, Sir Richard Mannering resigned his position, made monetary restitution from his own fortune, and went to his country home, where he suffered his "hunting accident." Such a waste, that an honorable man would choose to die over the actions of a wretched little sneak, even if it is his brother. What a cowardly thing to do, and so cruel to his wife. I couldn't say which brother is guilty of the worst stupidity.

Monday, 3 July, 1871

Nothing thrown in class today. Much interested discussion of fractions.

Saturday, 8 July, 1871

Several persons of the Household are attending the Theater this evening, going again to see Nigel Graham's play, now that it has reopened at the Orpheum. I am glad to stay home and rest.

Tuesday, 11 July, 1871

Lord Greyminster has apparently given up his ruse of being in failing health. He has accepted a cabinet post as First Lord of the Admiralty under a new government assembled by Lord Bellinger. I have a strong hope that this government will be able to get the Infant Protection Act underway at last. Lord Shaftesbury is also in the cabinet. We shall surely see some interesting action for a time.

Saturday, 15 July 1871

Violet Puddifoote has joined the household, and moved into her room adjoining the nursery. She will be ready to hand whenever the Fishes decide to make their debut into the air.

Her duties will be light for the time being, but she will not be idle. She will be beginning Defence practice with the rest of us as of tomorrow.
I will be continuing her education as well. She is far from equal to Edward's level of study, of course, but I can still give her reading assignments, and perhaps some French, arithmetic, and some other knowledge necessary to keep up with the household.

She will also need to improve her sewing skills in order to keep up with the constant mending that I am told children's clothing requires.

17 July 1871

At last I have received my invitation to the Reception at Burlington House. What a feather in my cap, to have my illustrations as a part of the Exhibition.

I am still somewhat perplexed as to what to wear. No one expects a lady in such a late stage of my Condition to appear in public. Despite the elegance of the occasion, I cannot possibly wear an evening dress, even if I had one that would fit me. The crinoline would be ridiculous! Petticoats will have to be sufficient. The dark brown sateen dress can be made to serve, if I can contrive an elegant wrapper which will conceal my figure decently.

I am in a bit of a quandary. Naturally, I want my dear Mr Frazer with me for this moment of triumph. However, I am very uneasy about the prospect of going anywhere at all without Mrs Cuthbert close by--just in case. My invitation specifies one guest. I could bring two anyway...I doubt anyone would be so rude as to obstruct me.

Tuesday, 18 July, 1871

Today brings great relief in that most of our households have garnered invitations to the Reception at Burlington House. I won't have to worry about selecting a companion, everyone will be there.

Wednesday, 19 July, 1871

I had a lovely swim today, but my arm felt very unsteady during pistol practice. I had to use both hands, which I have not had to do for some time. My elbows feel like jellied eels.

This evening, the Cowperthwaites hosted a small dinner party, with Lord Greyminster and Miss Pinker attending. They had attempted something similar last week, but Lord Greyminster was understandably detained with his new cabinet duties. This week was more convenient.

One thing I particularly like about Lord Greyminster is that he will listen to a woman's political conversation just as readily as to a man's. It is a rare gentleman who doesn't assume that women's minds are too feeble for politics. I suppose he has been in Parliament long enough to see that plenty of men have minds too feeble for politics, but it doesn't stop them from trying to run the Empire.

Saturday, 22 July 1871

Today a large group of us went into the city to visit a bookshop. Apparently the noted Orientalist Sir Matthew Whemple has just published "The Legacy of Egypt." This book is full of nonsense about Atlantis and a surviving hidden remnant of ancient Egyptian culture. Unfortunately, the nonsense is a little too similar to the truth about Kor. Since Her Majesty's treaty with She Who Must Be Obeyed stipulates maintaining the secrecy of Kor, Sir Cosmo has been asked to assess the book to determine if it could be a threat to the secret.

The carriages were much heavier on the way home, with quantities of books purchased by everyone.

Monday, 24 July, 1871

Lt Wooster has been placed in command of a ship. He has held the post of First Lt on the Rhinoceros for the past year or so, while it has been mainly in port here, in work attached the Ordnance Office.

Tuesday, 25 July, 1871

The Misses Shorrock called today, as they arrived in Town yesterday morning. They are staying with a cousin, a Mrs Captain Sheridan Rose. We all had tea at No.18. It was delightful to catch up with Helen. She tells me Mr Shorrock is much improved, but very put-out at not being yet strong enough to travel all the way to London for the Burlington House exhibition. She confided in me later though, that he really just didn't want to leave the carp, and he doesn't much care for Mrs Captain Rose.

Monday, July 31, 1871

Today I bid adieu to my class at the shipyards. I have given copious notes to young Mr Parker, who will be leading the class in my stead for the next few months.

The boys were very kind and said they would miss me. I told them not to throw anything at Mr Parker.

Proceed to

Return to Miss Sinclair's Diary Index

Return to Main Menu

Contents this page copyright 2004 by Ieva Ohaks. All Rights Reserved.