From Fitzroy's Private Diary (Extract 78)
Griffin has, this very moment, enquired if I am ‘at home to callers’, as if I am some aged dowager. I sent him off with a flea in his ear. If I am being called upon then I have been in town too long. For heaven’s sake, my address is meant to be unknown to most. Euphemia is an exception, naturally, but for the rest of humanity, this is meant to be my secret haven. How has it come to pass that so many know where I live? I shall have to move.
I maintain a few flats within the metropolis, as well as property in the country. Where else should a man put his money but in property? I suppose there is also the bank, but even using the recommended one (by the service), I dislike the thought of my money working for other people. I’d rather it was working for me. I don’t believe I’m a greedy man, but I choose to be careful with what I have.
Oh, damn and drat it. This is my favourite place. I should have realised that once Celeste figured out where I lived - though I am still unsure how she ferreted the information out. Not from me, that’s for certain. But once she knew, it would inevitably be spread around. Despite being married to a diplomat or two, she is not as discreet as I would wish. She most likely exchanged my address for a favour. I know better than to think she would give it to a foreign agent or diplomat, but she would not be above giving it to one of my many female admirers. Indeed, she would find rather amusing to have me hunted down in my lair. Wretch that she is!
Still, I like this place. This is where I first brought Jack home. And Euphemia for that matter. Damn it all! I shall keep it, but I’ll call my solicitor in the morning and say I am on the lookout for something better. At least, if I do that, I can find somewhere that puts Griffin’s accommodation even further away from mine. Hey ho, silver linings and all that.
It’s either this or I must leave the country for a while. Not that I couldn’t do with a sojourn abroad, but that’s a tad tricky at the moment, not to mention dangerous. Still, dealing with a few bad chaps has to be easier than fending off hordes of female admirers turning up at my door.