She sat still on the top of the desk just watching the way people moved when they spoke to each other. Many were having fun because there was a lot of laughter, but some, like the American man and the Venns, wore different expressions. She couldn’t think what they meant but they weren’t party ones like everyone else’s. Mummy would be disappointed if people weren’t having a good time.

She returned to her room to put all the photos together in the book. It didn’t take her long to assemble it. The only thing missing was a picture of her. That would require someone else. She frowned. It couldn’t be Daddy as that would spoil the surprise. Mummy would be too busy, as would Mrs Hoskine’s. Maybe Uncle Tom could. He had looked like he knew about the camera this afternoon. She searched but couldn’t see him. There was still time. She would find him later. Right now, she would report everything in her diary. But first she went to see what was happening. Her doll sat watching too. She twisted it open so the other dolls could enjoy the party.

Dear Diary

I’m looking out of my window and I can see Mummy chatting to her friend from finishing school. Mummy says I will go to university if I want to. She had wanted to but her father wouldn’t let her. This made Mummy sad. She didn’t say so but I could tell. Right now she looks so beautiful, more beautiful than anyone else. Daddy is talking to the Venns, Mr Venn is standing awfully close to Daddy and Mrs Venn has her hand on Daddy’s arm. He doesn’t look happy. He should be happy. It’s his birthday party. Most people are laughing so that is good.

Down below I saw Uncle Tom walk back onto the lawn and again he is talking with the American. This one is staying at Boskenna. Both he and Uncle Tom are watching Mummy. I’m not surprised. She glitters like the diamonds around her neck. I want to be just like her when I’m older and I want a husband as handsome as Daddy.

The dinner gong sounds and people start moving inside. Mrs Hoskine said she will come and find me when it is nearly time for the cake, but I might go downstairs in a bit and sit hidden under the small table by the door to the dining room. It’s my favourite hiding spot. Mrs Hoskine found me there earlier this week. She said I was growing so fast that by Christmas I’d be too big to fit there anymore.

She put the pencil down, put the diary away, and tiptoed downstairs.

54. Lottie

54

Lottie

4 August 2018, 6.45 p.m.