Tuesday 23rd September 1808

Dear Diary,
I barely slept. I had been unable to catch Ned alone to tell him of Annie's impending departure until this morning but came down and found him dusting Mrs Norris's bust in the hallway.
I approached him and whispered;
"Ned, I have urgent news!"
At that moment Mrs Norris emerged from the Sitting Room.
"Be careful with that Ted, it is a work of art." She disappeared into the parlour.
"Fart? Who's Fart?" Asked Ned.
Before I could pummel his uneducated head, Mrs Norris re-emerged from the parlour.
"Come here Jed. My nick-nacks have need of your duster," and he dutifully followed.
I had wanted to discuss the matter with Ned before Titty was informed but when I came across her rocking Annie in her arms in the garden, I blurted it out...and then wished I hadn't.
She let out such a cry that a peacock close by echoed her. She was very distraught and begged for my help. I said that I would and assured her all would be well but I had no idea how I was to proceed.
I was on my way up the stairs to find Willow and ask for his help when the knock came upon the door. Fanny Tickler, the housekeeper opened the door and there stood the Reverend Peacock and a dour looking woman in a tatty bonnet. Miss Tickler showed them in and at that moment Mrs Norris emerged from the sitting room clutching her Winky. Mother appeared next to me on the landing followed by Willow carrying a tray of breakfast things. As he began to descend the stairs, Ned emerged from the parlour and Titty entered from outside, behind the Reverend.
Everyone's attention turned upon her and she let out a pityful wail of "Oh no!" and clutched Annie tightly. Ned looked up at me bemused and Willow came to a halt halfway down the stairs.
"Don't be silly dear, hand the child over," said Mrs Norris, "Tis for the best."
Titty stepped back and tightened her grip upon her daughter and then she looked up at me with such fear in her eyes. The dour woman stepped forward and held out her arms.
"Wait!" I called. "The child has.... head lice."
The dour woman paused and looked at me. She smiled and her grin was more gap than teeth. "No matter Sir," she laughed, "They will be company for the others at the Poor House." She stepped forward again.
"Wait!" I called again, "The child has...ricketts!"
Everyone's attention turned back to me. Ned's bemusement was obviously infectious.
The dour woman paused again briefly but then, with an irritated sigh, reached out and took hold of the baby. Titty screamed. The baby wailed. Winky yapped. Mother gasped and Mrs Norris ordered Titty to release the child. The noise rose to a cacophony.
"Enough!" I cried above the din. "The child is mine!"
There was sudden silence and then the breakfast things clattered down the stairs as Willow dropped the tray. Mrs Norris dropped Winky with a gasp and staggered backwards to grasp the plinth upon which her bust rested. It wobbled momentarily and then fell to the floor with a crash and shattered.
Again a stunned silence fell upon the gathering and then...
"Oh dear!" Said Ned, "Fart's not going to be pleased."