Dear Diary

I'm sorry, it's been 6 months since I last wrote but so much has happened. As I hoped Jack wrote to me and the letters were waiting at Norfolk House in London. As I suspected, getting leave to follow me is nigh on impossible but I won't hold it against him – I once told him he was more use to me in position as an Inspector than a civilian and I still believe that as I have every intention of returning to Melbourne and continuing as a Private Detective. I love Jack, I love who he is, what he does and the way he does it and if I have to wait I will. There has been no man in my bed since I left, just dances and flirting but no sex.

So, I am now the Maharani of Alwar, sounds good but I think the Queen has more freedom. Jai (my husband) has agreed that I may honour a quest I have been given, to find the daughter of the Sheikh Khalil of Jerusalem. Shirin has disappeared; she is a vocal supporter of women's rights within the community and argues against the British rule.

Jack would be grinding his teeth, but I wish he were by my side, chastising, chasing, teasing – oh god I miss that.

I am not afraid, but I do wish he had my back.

I don't know if he has heard about my marriage, if he has I hope he knows I did it with the best of motives, but ... how long does it take for news to get to Australia from India?

On the family side, father and mother seemed settled, the estate is sorted out and father's subterfuge is revealed. They have the estate in Somerset back, all is as it should be.

I have been staying with old friends, the Lofthouse family, not wishing to spend much more time with father who I still hold responsible for mother's bouts of nervousness that she has never been bothered with before – let's face it, Diary, marrying my father she must have nerves of steel!

Jack has written, he is busy as always, Hugh and Dot are expecting their first child in the next two months and Hugh has already asked him to be godfather. If it is a girl they have decided to call her Phryne! Poor child, I have written back and suggested Psyche – the name I was supposed to be given. They are staying at Wardlow, with Mr B and I am grateful that the family that came together with me will stay together there. If anything should happen to me, I have asked my solicitor to deed the property to them – it's the least I can do for 2 of the best people I have met. These diaries will go to Jack – Jack, you are the best man I have ever known. I love you, I will always love you, be safe, find love – do not mourn me but never forget the Collingwood Pirate Girl.

I have found where Shirin is being held, now to free her.