* Have finally almost got all the Group business settled. Replaced a lot of Alastair’s conservative old codgers with newer people, with newer ideas. Not all of them, though; the voice of experience is invaluable. It’s just not the only thing that matters. There’s not a man or woman on the investment prospect team now with a record of losing money, and that’s not something I could have said before. Alastair will simply have to live with it.
* Need to talk to Trouble again about that play. I think it could be pretty grand. It was foolish of me to let my feelings get hurt. I’m just so fond of her, and the way she brings laughter wherever she goes… to be seen as someone so petty and vain as that… I’m sure it was just a teasing comment. It’s hardly her fault I took it so seriously.
* Still haven’t managed to arrange a tour. Frustrating. Especially since I got myself all filthily disguised for nothing once already. Bah.
* Hear we’re getting a new Poet Laudate. Where -is- she? I’ve got about a million things to discuss with her. I say ‘her’; I suppose it could be a man, a dashing handsome man to distract all the apprentices. I’m not going to be that lucky, though.
* Need to write up those reports. Where are all of the hours in the day?
* Also need more handkerchiefs. Too many people bleeding/crying/getting dirty. Singlehandedly working for better hygiene in Lithmore! Dubious accomplishment.
* Maman’s due to arrive soon. I’m far more excited than any man should probably be about his mother coming to live with him. But finally I can give her everything she deserves in the world. Going to spoil her rotten.
* Oh lord. That reminds me of the heir thing. Do I really have to make a decision on that? I’m young yet, right? But… I’m the last one. There’s not even anybody left with the last name Orban, and that’s one of the stipulations. Damnation.
* Need more whiskey. Clear solution to life’s problems – the ones it doesn’t create, anyway.
