January 9th, 1783

Well, here it is another year, and I am fighting against the urge to declare that it is another year gone without having Thierry with me. My friend Elizabeth, Countess of Rochechouart, arranged a lovely birthday party for me, which was quite the surprise. I had intended to stay at home quietly, but she could not allow that, and I am grateful for her kindness.

Clementine visited me yesterday and chattered away happily for over an hour about all of the plans for her wedding to the Marquis de Menars. He himself has been absent on business, she maintains, and I wonder if it is on my account. I should hope that it is, as there has been little progress on that front of late.

I do enjoy a new year, though. It is a time of new beginnings, of new chances, and we may always hope that it will be better than the last, and bring with it the realization of all of our desires. Of course, nothing aids in the fulfillment of our wishes as careful planning, and in that regard I flatter myself that I am an expert. I have a few ideas which I hope to shortly put into effect.

Olympe, Comtesse