Wednesday 10th August 1811

Dear Diary, 
A cloudless azure sky greeted me this morning as I flung back the drapes. The day appeared fresh and clear and was a most welcome antidote to the shocking events of the previous night.
I was only allowed breakfast after being pressed by Willow into joining him for a little 'Hokey Pokey' as entertainment for little Pansy, which involved putting body parts in and out and shaking them all about. At home I have been known to take a quick ride on The Knob before breakfast but this kind of exertion at the start of a day was all a bit unnecessary.
I concede one positive outcome of our evening with Lord and Lady Game-Drive was an invitation to visit a private menagerie of an acquaintance of theirs down by the harbour.
We ventured forth in the late morning in the company of Lady Game-Drive, Quinella and little Pansy. The menagerie was a collection of native animals and at last I was able to set eyes upon a wombat and it was not as I had imagined. I marvelled at the size of the emu and would dearly like to see Miss Dixon stuff one of those. Of all the beasts we observed I believe the most endearing to be the koala.
It was a splendid day throughout and sadly our last day for the present with little Pansy. On the ride home she eagerly enquired which animal we had found to be "noice, defferunt, unyousual".
"The Potteroo!" offered Lady Game-Drive.
"Binturong!" I cried.
Lady Game-Drive observed me with some affront.
"Mr Austen," she snapped, "we were asked for our opinion. There was never intended to be a right answer!"
I was at a loss as to how I had offended her.
Tomorrow we are to venture further southward to Queanbeyan.