Tuesday 18th December 1807

Dear Diary,
How festive the house is looking and Mrs Crutchlow is busy most of the day creating all manner of sumptuous seasonal delights. I make the most of every opportunity and create false justifications for venturing into the scullery to sample her wares and nibble when she is inattentive. Ned brought in a fine brace of Woodcock whilst I was there this very afternoon. There is nothing finer than the taste of Woodcock to my mind. Father has begun to train his delightfully playful Willie to follow simple commands, though I must disclose little success thus far and I fear there is still a certain amount of random leakage about the house. The little mite will insist on teasing Fanny's Tuppence. Miss Noring and Miss Lott called this evening to thank Fanny for her help in preparing for their soiree yesterday. Their guests had remarked on their fine baps, and they were all in the parlour engaged in serious social intercourse when Father appeared and boomed "Leave Fanny's pussy alone!" Miss Lott screamed and Miss Noring and Fanny leapt to their feet in surprise and both were extremely flushed and red faced with shock, but laughed with relief when they realised Father was referring to his bothersome Willie which was needling Fanny's cat.