The Odd Gift

I was deeply moved yesterday morning to discover a small envelope waiting for me on the Servant's Hall table. It contained a pair of pince-nez and a kind note from my erstwhile employer. Obviously deciding that contact lenses (which, of course, I have never worn, or for that matter, owned) were a curse upon me, and that if this terrible affliction continued something really bad might happen, such as tea being delayed, Sir Geoffrey sent me what he saw as a more than adequate substitute. That was an enormously kind gesture. It is just a shame that I don't really need them. I DID try to tell him the truth but, perhaps thinking that I was about to be emotional in my thanks, he waved me away. I shall store them somewhere safe.

The Wendy situation seems to be an ongoing one, which is of great concern to me. I have a lot of sympathy for her. Affairs of the heart are not totally alien to me. I must, however, hope that this dark cloud passes soon. Copeland pointed out that he saw her gazing out of the window for quite a considerable time yesterday morning neglecting her work completely. It is a good job that Lady Blanche is not coming tomorrow. I feel that the House would not look as sparkling as it did last week. Perhaps I should have a chat with her. Something avuncular in tone might prove beneficial.

The Tradesman's Entrance door needed a new lock. Mr Collins came in to fix it. Mrs Berry will be relieved. She was getting tired of deliveries turning up at her door. It was also rather irritating for her to have servants traipsing through the Housekeeper's Room to depart the House. As she pointed out (repeatedly): "If it were winter, I would be freezing with that door open all the time!" Of course it is not winter and I can only imagine that the light breeze was refreshing, but her point is nevertheless a valid one. Mrs Berry has a mortal fear of draughts. Perhaps a great-great-aunt of hers was felled by one in Victorian times. Victorians always seemed to die from 'chills.' Could a family tragedy be behind it all? Quite possibly.

Have decided to play host to Llywelyn in my butler's flat. It is only fair considering we met at the Lodge Gates last time. The summit meeting shall take place tomorrow night. I shall avoid the topic of ghosts.