Today my lawyer came again, to ensure that Quiney shall not sneak a penny that is mine, and to make arrangement for my stubborn and deluded daughter.
Judith will receive a hundred pounds to discharge her marriage portion, and fifty more if the Chapel Lane cottage is given up; and, if she or her children be alive three years from my death, the rest of a hundred pounds, but not the principal. I further stated that if my son-in-law should have use of any of that sum, it be on condition that he make a gift of land or property worth the same sum to my daughter.
It is the best bargain I can weave. Judith will be given my broad silver belt, to show my affection for her; but for the rest, she must rely on the wisdom of her sister and good Dr Hall.
My estate shall go entirely to Susanna, including this house in which I write, then to her male heirs; or, if she has none, to Elizabeth, and her male heirs; and only if there be none in either family, to Judith’s male heirs. Anne will have her wife’s rights, to live within this house and be supported by my estate. This way Quiney will not have a farthing from me, and my daughter’s share will be safe no matter what the conduct of her husband. For if I leave aught to my wife direct, she may give it to her daughter the first time she weeps of ‘love’ and ‘poor, poor Thomas’. But with Dr Hall my fortune shall be safe.
Quiney may have my daughter. My ducats he shall not touch.
Dinner: carp, stewed, with leek sauce; worts, fried; peas, cooked in the pod; rice pudding with honey and spices; a shellfish pie; baked apples.
Bowels: once again uneasy.