…Dame Akehurst, a-washing for me all day, dined with me on a loin of mutton boiled and turnips. In the afternoon rode over to Chiddingly to pay my charmer, or intended wife or sweetheart or whatever other name may be more proper, a visit at her father’s, where I drank tea in company with their family and Miss Ann Thatcher. In the evening we played at loo in company with their own family and Nanny and Thomas Thatcher; I won 1d. I also supped there on some rashers of bacon.
It being an excessive wet and windy night I had the opportunity sure I should say the pleasure, or perhaps some might say the unspeakable happiness — to sit up with Molly Hicks, or my charmer, all night. I came home about 5:40 in the morning, I must not say fatigued — No! No! that could not be. It could be only a little sleepy for want of rest. Well to be sure she is a most clever girl, but however to be serious in the affair I certainly esteem the girl and I think she appears worthy of my esteem.
Paid Dame Akehurst 18d for her 2 days’ work.