Dear Diary, I cannot deny that she is not the easiest of people to get on with. Infact, I’ve tried to speak to her for sometime now but she keeps her distance. Also, she is excellent at hiding. I know she hasn’t left the Manor house as she would surely freeze to death in the inclement weather outside and yet there are days on end in which I cannot find head nor hair of her in the house. Where she puts herself I do not know. Anyway, I digress. I have made up my mind dear diary that I am going to ask her to marry me. I’ve already made arrangements with Scratchett and Sniff in the High Street – my will has been altered – she’ll get the lot (not that it’s worth much, the place is going to wrack and ruin thanks to that ruddy plant – honestly, people complain about Japanese knot weed but Matilda is more rampant than hot headed sailor pulling into Southampton). Anyway, I know she is independently wealthy so she’ll never marry for money but if she’ll have me I will give her everything. Even the little you know what I retrieved from the drain in New York. I’m as giddy as a kipper. The new year will bring a new start I’m sure.