Sydney Walk
July 6th 1853

I have spent the morning remonstrating with Josiah. He is still amused by Villiers’ obvious heartbreak and has refused flatly to apologise to him – I did not think my husband could be so cruel towards anyone in such pain, even when that person is a servant.

As if that were not vexing enough, Josiah is treating my concern about Villiers’ departure as a trifle. He seems almost excited at the prospect of employing a new servant and says it is time for us to have a housekeeper instead of a butler! No-one in London runs a household without a butler, I will become a laughing stock.

I must do what I can to stop Villiers leaving – I shall pack a small case and travel to Blindingham myself if necessary.