Year of the Boar, Eleventh Month, Day 1.

 Atsuko has assigned another maid to me; I have no idea what her name is... she is younger than Chiyo or so she appears... how can someone who is little more than a child look after my needs...? I do so wish Namami would return... I wish I had gone to her village as I had planned to convince her to come back but I did not and now... now it is too late... Atsuko wanted the new maid to come and learn how to dress me and do my hair this afternoon but I have insisted that she learns on someone else before she is ever allowed to touch me. I have not forgotten how Nanami's replacement got kohl in my eyes when Atsuko was trying to teach her how I like to wear my make up... 

Seira has decided to take a holiday; I cannot say I blame her... I should like to take a holiday but of course I cannot... and I can hardly confine her to her chambers and stop her from leaving so I shall have to do without her until she returns... but I am afraid... I am so afraid... now Rani has gone, the coast is clear for Shigeru to do as he pleases and without Seira here to advise me, how will I stop him...? Perhaps I should reconsider removing my immediate household to the summer house... it will be extremely cold there but I could manage... I am sure I could manange for a few weeks...