Thank you so much for your replies, I have no excuse now. I will get writing (Easter holidays just coming up, perfect) and get it back to you really soon. Melanie, just read this chapter and see if you want to try and stop her getting revenge, might not be quite as expected. Thanks again to all, you're angels, ~*Skaye

Feb 5th

Dear Diary, I am outraged, I got into work today and Dr Langsdale, my employer and trusted friend, the man who gave me work as a chemist when no- one else would take in a woman called me to his office for 'a quick chat'. He told me he was concerned for me and the condition I have been in lately and also that he has suspicions about Dorian and I. Apparently many of his older colleagues who are friends with Dorian think they know things (some truth but ridiculously embellished) and are laughing at Langsdale for employing me. They seem to be of the opinion that women are a distraction and having one in his place of work (especially one with my recently acquired reputation) is a bad idea. Before he could fire me I lost my temper at him and yelled that none of it was true and I was ashamed at him for believing any of it. I had really thought him more intelligent and therefore above believing such ridiculous rumours. I was aware of my eyes beginning to turn red and bit back my temper. He apologised and offered me a bonus to get by on. I refused and walked off still furious. Soon Dorian will be home, I can get my revenge and look for a new job. I will never do as well as that, I know. Chemistry is one of the few things I enjoy and now I'm going to end up as a teacher or worse, a governess. I attacked a newspaper boy on the way home to try and cheer myself up, it didn't work. To make maters worse, when I eventually got home, there was a delivery boy on my doorstep with a message from Langsdale. He sent me a large book on chemistry, some money and a note saying:
Sorry it had to be this way Wilhemina, I did it for the good of the
company. It was a pleasure working with you and I wish you the best of
luck. Perhaps you can even look on this incident as a valuable lesson
about work ethics. See it as a beneficial tragedy, sweet sorrow, Mina.
All the best, Dr Douglas Langsdale.

I tore his note to shreds and gave the money to the delivery boy. Valuable lesson, indeed. Perhaps I could kill him instead, send his severed head to his wife along with a note saying, 'Dear Madam, sincerest apologies for the condition of your husband but it was felt by all that this would prove a valuable lesson for him. Beneficial tragedy, you know. All the best, Ms Wilhemina Harker.'

Ha, yes, that would show him. That was a thought worthy of Dracula. Why did I take such pleasure in planning the murder of a man who was my close friend for so long? Rational thinking back into play, I think it's about time to go Dorian hunting.