April 4. 1860. Wednesday

It seems I was wrong about Derek. There seems to be a complication with some of Williams bank accounts. It seems like we need a password for the biggest of them. Derek has asked me to look for it somewhere in the castle. I have put Francis on the job, for now.

 I better go see to the care of Miranda. It’s been quite some time since I last checked on her. Forgive me, William, old friend.

April 1. 1860. Sunday

For some reason, I do not think Derek really wants to come over next week, as we discussed earlier. I think he is blaming me for Mia’s disappearance. He has not said anything, but I still think he does. We had planned to go hunting rabbits, even if the turnout might not be the most satisfactory. When he wanted to cancel, he just wrote saying “I am sorry, Jarrod, but I am wanted at my father’s old lawyer. He said it was urgent. Maybe next week?” I am almost sure he hates me. His father, William never hated me. That man was kind and helpful to all. I shall praise his memory!

March 27. 1860. Thursday

I miss my wife. Why did she have to leave me like this, alone and with a whole castle to take care of? I cannot do this alone. Maybe she would want me back if I was sober? She probably would! Several of Williams bottles are empty now. What a shame. They tasted good. But I’m not going to give you any, diary! Diaries cannot drink alcohol! It would make the reader fall asleep much faster. Francis is here. He says I should go to bed but I don’t want to! I am the master of this castle and I want everyone to wear whatever they want! I want Mia… but I don’t want to wear her! I want her back with me. Francis says he wants me to sleep now, but I am simply reading my diary. Oops, I wrote reading. I meant righting. Sorry, diary, I know you don’t like it when I tell lies… good night, Francis! Dream Mia home. And good night diary! You are a true friend! ... Witch I understand is quite sad.

March 25. 1860. Tuesday

I actually forgot about this diary for almost a week. I am not going to tell Derek about this. The last few days have not been particularly interesting, other than the fact that I have been tasting a lot of the tea’s and liquors. Sometimes, even mixed together. It is fantastic, but I am starting to wonder if some of the tea’s are for medical use. I have been quite distant. Francis told me yesterday. He was also the one to note that my diary needed to be written. As always, that man saves me from even the most trivial things.

March 19. 1860. Monday

Fery was here yesterday. He wanted to know if there was any news concerning Mia. I told him what I have been telling everyone these last few days. That my wife ran away without leaving a trace or taking anything with her.  He seemed interested in just this, but who could blame him? Everyone wonders about this disappearance act of hers.

After a while, we had dinner together and he commented “Jarrod, my friend, you don’t look so good. Have you been eating properly?” as if this short, chubby man could tell me about how to maintain a healthy body. I told him, as politely as I could that it was nothing. That I was not in the best of health. That little man is starting to annoy me, but then again, it could just be my lack of energy lately.

After Fery left, I noticed he had forgotten his cain. I wanted to be nice to the man, so I took it and got my carriage ready. After a short trip, I arrived at his house and rang the doorbell. His wife answered the door. It seemed, he had not yet arrived home. It had now gone four hours since he left my castle, but still he had not gotten home? Even I had gotten there before he did. I waited for him and he arrived about an hour after me. I gave him the cain and he seemed a bit awkward about the situation. We both laughed it off and I went home.

Today, on the other hand, was not as jolly. I received a letter from Derek. It seems, he has started to like coming to the castle, now that it seems to be looking rather presentable. In the letter, he told me that a lot of his friends lives closer to castle Crowley than to his castle, and he is wondering if he could have some sort of party here with some of them. I have not yet responded to the letter, yet I already know I will say yes. I am not to found of big crowds of people I do not know, wondering around my home, without me looking. I am thinking of a few ground rules. One: no entrance to the library, armory or kitchen. Two:… I really only have the one for now, but I will think of more.

Jonahs food can no longer be avoided, it seems. The expense of having your own storage of food is to big, it seems. As you probably already realized, me and Fery ate his food when he visite… (again, Jarrod! The book is not a person!) Good night, dear diary…

March 17. 1860. Saturday

This tea is the best I have ever tasted! Nobody needs to know of this! It will be my secret. I tasted one of the teas that had most content. If that tasted this good, I can’t wait to taste the rest of it!