Blindingham Hall, December 24th 1860

I have always had others at the front of my heart and mind and I pride myself on my awareness of the plight of many, especially at this time of year. I have become aware of a collective need, which requires my consideration.

At the choral evensong last Sunday, Reverend Dibleigh spoke to the congregation about looking forward. He is an interesting man to listen to, with his gentle voice and those artistic gestures. He spoke of the Christian church and of God – of course – but he was careful to make his words more closely relevant to the matters of the village. The welsh woman at the Post Office was moved to tears, it seemed, when he talked about the importance of communication, and how we Blindingham folk must come together at times of misfortune as well as celebration. How we must ‘combine resources’, ‘give generously towards joint ventures’ and look to create a ‘cathedral to the community’.

His sermon had great appeal.

Afterwards, with a mince pie and a warming tincture, he showed me, again, drawings of a beautiful little church, with a sweet little room to one side. And a larger, adjoining dwelling. These, he said, would be the new premises for the people of the village to share in our celebration of the Lord and each other, at Harvest time, for weddings and other gatherings. His commitment to supporting us at such events would, he assured me, require him to live close by in enough comfort to enable him to concentrate his thoughts on our needs, as his own would be taken care of by the house – and a couple of people employed to help him in its day to day running.

He has asked to speak to me after we have celebrated the start of the New Year (how can it be 1861 already?) to discuss the plans in greater detail. He was not at all forthcoming about the finance he has secured. I can only assume this was from respect for the Greater story we must celebrate tomorrow. Joseph and Mary were not wealthy, yet were given shelter at their time of need. Perhaps this is Reverend Dibleigh’s Christmas message – to ask for help is to be confident that one’s wishes will be granted.

I must go down to the kitchens now – I am told that the goose that was delivered might be rancid. If that is the case, this may be the Blindingham Butcher’s last order from me. I have no idea how he nurtures and slaughters his stock, but the preservation of it has always been questionable.