Hero of Mysore be damned! The coward has fled in the early hours! Apparently he received a message—I know not how as my footman swears it was not delivered with the post—and departed abruptly for London, claiming a family emergency. I believe there was no message, rather, confused by his feelings for me, he ran like a frightened rabbit. I cannot credit his perfidy.
Staying on is now intolerable. Will be returning to London. Granted Lord D_ a fumbling encounter and he is now my slave, although I have had girls fresh from the convent who knew more what to do when presented with such a plaything. One would think he had not one of his own such was his ineptitude. I had to lend myself a hand else we should have been in that greenhouse for hours. I begin to wonder if Lady D_ found her pleasures elsewhere.
SH
9 in the morning, 19th April, 17**