2 February, 1895
From the Journal of Laszlo Camden, Lord Wivenhoe:
Due to the tedium of translating the Old Saxon text, taxing our minds and mettle for the previous two days, the rest of us was asked to assist with documenting the findings and filing the lot in dossiers Dr Trevelyn had prepared for the Watchers. We managed to finish piecing the Old Saxon portion of the grimoire by 6 o'clock, exhausted from effort.
That evening, we enjoyed a well deserved supper Mrs Pennyworth prepared for us: veal and a lovely mousse for pudding after. When we retired to the smoking room, it was then I noticed Miss Hawthorne overly attentive to me, which she hadn't been before. It must've been the rather debonaire mustache I had sported the last couple of days, for I know she detests my steady drinking. When Miss Hawthorne retired from our company, it was then I noticed young Kat missing, for lack of any blithe opinions she might slip in or enjoy my obnoxious tutelage. I learned she had stolen to Karl's abode. I noticed when she first saw him how smitten she appeared. Doubtless, they scheduled some objectionable assignation together. Of this, I do admit to being a hypocrite.
About 10:40, a storm lashed the house, unnatural in intensity, the staff was picking up broken shingles off the grounds around the house. Through the west wing, Artur spotted a ship that possibly had run aground or was moored on the rocks, battered and tossed upon the rising waves. Mr Trowley heard a thud- one or a steady rhythm, he did not way which- and went to investigate with Dr Trevelyn. At that moment, through the seemingly gale-force winds and rain, Kat rushed in thoroughly soiled and saturated from running to the manor from Karl's cottage beyond the tree-line. The strength that girl possesses is almost inhuman!
Another loud thud snapped Trowley out of his reverie, and the ledge outside was swarmed by huge Cossacks. Kat and Trowley went to confront them while the rest of us regrouped with firearms to defend the interior. We overwhelmed the besiegers with firepower and dispatched all but one for interrogation. I believe two might've escaped.
From the Journal of Mr. Thomas Trowley:
Good news; Dr. T and I have found a suitable companion for Miss Fairfax. Dr. Hawthorne's sister, a woman of breeding, refinement, and strong will seems to have taken an interest in Miss F. and has tried to instruct her in her proper role. Should she join our party I am certain of improvement in the young miss' character.
(LATER) I so dislike violence, but seem to wander into it far too often. The Master and Dr. Hawthorne have acquired a large and ancient book that apparently many ne'er do wells worldwide wish to obtain. I would say let them have it and good riddance to bad rubbish. It always amazes me that people will kill to obtain something old, whereas were it new they would use it appropriately as ignition spills for the evening fire. I have mentioned this to Drs. H and T and they disdain my advice. Were I not so concerned with the proper role of a gentleman's manservant (including protecting their property) I would fire the terrible tome myself.
A gang of hooligans and brigands descended on the residence this evening; they seem to be some appalling form of foreigners from Transylvania or Ruritania or Pennsylvania or such barbarous place. Why we ever let foreigners into this fine country is beyond me; this "scepter'd isle" should be reserved for proper Englishmen, not cow-boys. We sent them off in fine fashion.
Miss Fairfax was so (justifiably) affrighted that while running full tilt from one pack she collided full speed with another and knocked several brigands (and, I must confess, myself) down by accident. As both Dr. Trevelyan and I were on the scene the nine or ten footpads, unwilling to face two wrathful Britons, decamped, save for some minor casualties. One has been detained and will (I hope) be turned over to the appropriate authorities, although the local constabulary is hardly Scotland Yard.
I do (privately) regret that the intruders did NOT get the book; had they done so I am sure we could spend some time here in quiet seclusion. I am certain that they shall return with heavier artillery.
How DID young Miss Fairfax grow so soaked after two or three seconds in a moderate rainfall? I am resolutely NOT considering certain dreadful possibilities.