From Fitzroy's Private Diary (112)

I am about to join a gentleman’s club that swims in natural waters found in the Capital. There is a shortage of places where one can swim in fresh water that is easily accessed from my London flat. This new club would be a most excellent idea if it weren’t for the fact that I will not be the sole member. I shall have to discover the least popular times for members. I find swimming a meditative activity, and I do not want to be disturbed by the uncontrolled splashing of poor swimmers or, worse still, a selection of random and unnecessary greetings.

My sudden desire to swim comes after much research and thought. I endeavour to keep myself fit – necessary for my line of work. I run, I box, I do a variety of muscle building exercises, and I ride when I get the opportunity. I also practice with several kinds of melee weapons. However, all these exercises are necessarily taxing. While I may be in my prime, I am aware that most gentlemen are not shot, stabbed, or otherwise injured with the same frequency as myself.

More than one close female friend has remarked on the number of scars I have about my person. I have finally come to realise that Alice may be right when she chides me for pushing myself too hard. Hence the swimming. It is a excellent way of exercising, defining muscles and improving breathing, without placing myself in any danger of injury. It’s also suitable for when I have been injured on a mission as I can swim slower without drawing attention to myself or my injury. I can, I believe, begin my active recuperation more swiftly with such an exercise. After being stabbed, while in the healing stage, it would be foolish to step into a boxing ring. However, not even Alice can object to me going for a nice swim.

I must add, research has clearly indicated how swimming changes a body for the better. I’m no medic, but it leads me to suspect that swimmers’ bodies tend to be sleek, defined, and much appreciated by females.

I am aware that at some point I may have to slow down. Hopefully not for many decades. I think it’s possible that swimming may be exercise I carry on into older age. After all, I need to keep myself as fit as possible. I may eventually have to give up boxing, but while I draw breath, I have no intention of giving up women.