I have done it and I am free from this desperate path where every step could have been a foot placed so wrong I would tumble into the abyss.

Whatever wrath I may have to bear, I am girt with the safety of marriage vows and can at last have some respite from ceaseless vigilance.

What harbour and what sanctuary to be in an unassailable state after so many years of trials.

I hope all the world will now know me for a virtuous woman, whatever the barbarous Barbara may say.

Of everything I leave behind at Court, I regret most that I leave my dear Catherine Braganza with no steadfast friend to give her succor.

Who will support and distract her now in the face of Barbara Castlemaine 's degraded flauntings?

There is so much to get ready against our Christmas revells and our future favour at Court hangs in the balance at their success

I am looking for a new dancing master for my ladies. Some have said that Magnus Pembleton does well, even though he is a man of low parents.

A good night of revels, with the wassailers in good voice.

It was arranged that Charlie and I were queen & king for the evening which all agreed was right and proper, us being newly married this year

I shall never have to fear the sin of Vanity again. The beauty that God gave me, he has seen fit to take away.

My face is riven with the marks of pox. I am as altered by my illness as my dear Catherine Braganza. I shall never more show my face at Court.

I attract the ant when I would repel and cannot make honey where I would attract the 'B'

On Chrismas Day, for sport I did build a house of cards so big it used the whole pack before it fell

I hope we shall have skating on the Thames tomorrow if the frost holds good overnight.

I have had my ladies dress my hair all in the new fashion, with rolled locks and extra tresses to go to the play this afternoon.

I have been sitting for my portait for the medal. It is a great honour and I am sensible of it

but I grew cold to the bone from lack of motion and even my little dog would not stay but trotted away to lie in the wintry sun.