Friday 10th October 1808

Dear Diary,
I am of one mind... and of one heart and therefore I must follow it wherever it leads.
I must venture to New York.
I had found a ship leaving for the Colonies on the morrow but sadly there were no free berths. I tried all manner of persuasion but all to no avail. I was standing upon the quay devising a plan to creep on board the ship unseen and secrete myself in its bowels, amongst the futtocks, when I felt a hand upon my shoulder and turned to behold a familiar and welcome face.
"Mr Austen! It is you!" It was Miss Dixon. "What brings you here?" She said.
I told her of my fervent desire to get to New York, but did not inform her of the true reason. She listened with increasing joy but before I could inform her of my failure to gain passage she glanced anxiously around and told me that she too had decided to travel to the Colonies on a whim and had secured a berth the previous day.
"Oh, how wonderful that we shall be travelling together." She clapped her hands and beamed.
I shook my head sadly. "There are no more berths available. It seems I shall not be able to travel with you." I sighed
Her smile faded and she became thoughtful. After a few moments she took my hand.
"Meet me here tomorrow at eight in the morning and bring your baggage. I may have some pleasing news for you."