Friday 14 December 1862

I must conclude that my recent attempts to woo Daisy were about as successful as my long-abandoned attempts at watercolours. When will short men with moustaches and military-style overcoats stem their arrogance and learn that they cannot re-write history? How many more hearts must perish before there is a final solution to my loneliness? I can only hope for a saner new year to come and a Yuletide spent in quiet reflection rather than self-pitying binges. Some hope, reader, some hope!