Blindingham Hall, April 1862

Word has reached me that Josiah’s political aspirations have taken a turn for the better. Better for him, of course, not for the poor souls whose interests and wellbeing he purports to represent.

In truth I have not spoken, thought, nor even dreamt of Josiah for many months. I knew he had taken up with weasel schemers to gain high office but I had no notion his activity might affect me or anyone I care about. I was simply in conversation with the Welshwoman yesterday, standing at a fruit cart choosing peaches, when the subject of him arose.

‘Lady Hatherwick I must say that your husband is making a name for himself up in town. He’s becoming quite the man to follow. His ideas for increasing wealth amongst the businessmen in the capital are inspirational’

‘I beg your pardon?’

‘I was in London to be given instruction on how to apply the new postal rates for Canada, not that I think anyone in the village needs to write to anyone there. I heard your husband’s name spoken of more than once in the corridors of finance there. He intends to work for Mr Gladstone, I believe. He is very highly regarded.’

Corridors of finance, my Aunt Margaret.

She looked so proud to have been in London for a more serious reason than to acquire a roll or two of the latest dress fabric. I felt the devil take hold of me.

‘My husband?’ I said, feigning alarm, ‘I have no husband! Who is making such a claim ? Do they intend a charge on my estate perhaps? Does this man wish to take over the Hall? I must speak with my lawyer at once. I am , and have been for years, happily husband-free. If there is a man pretending to the current role of Master of Blindingham, he must be stopped! ‘

‘Well…no…I meant…I’m sorry…I was simply….I only meant…..’

‘You meant to share news of Josiah, I am sure. News which I do not want to hear. News which is only news in the mouth of the person telling the tale. Please do not say any more to me of his actions or whereabouts.’

‘I hope I have not offended you with my careless misremembrance, Lady Hatherwick. I have no wish to cause you alarm’ She simpered at me, but seemed pleased to have caught my attention for longer than she can normally manage. Perhaps I would care more for her musings if she were not Welsh, but as it is she bores me.

‘I am as alarmed as I am interested, which is not at all.’ I said, as I selected three peaches to present to the barrow boy for payment. ‘Josiah could change the face of commerce and I would not profit; he could find a cure for the palsy and I would not allow myself to be treated; he could be crowned King of all the Realm and I would repudiate his reign.’

She moved to one side as I handed my coins to the boy. A cart of lemons had caught my attention, so I had reason to get away and she did not attempt to follow.

Such talk of Josiah and his successes has quite put me about.

Now, I am sitting at my desk with three peaches in a wooden bowl. I may eat one this afternoon and have the others for breakfast. Then again, I may let them rot.