Deborah Willet (1650–1678) was a young maid employed by Samuel Pepys (1633–1703), an English naval administrator and Member of Parliament.
When Pepys's diary first was published in the late 19th century, the more explicit parts describing the author's affair with Willet were not printed.
I was at a wonderful loss upon it and the girl also...." Following this event, he was characteristically filled with remorse, writing of being "absolutely resolved ... never to give [Elisabeth] occasion while I live of more trouble of this or any other kind ... and to be true to my poor wife".
The situation was calmed down with the help of an old family friend, William Hewer, but Pepys was forced to renounce Willet in writing.
"[9] In 2006, Kate Loveman reported that Willet remained in London after leaving the Pepys household, marrying a theology graduate named Jeremiah Wells in 1670.