Chapter Five
How the kitchen staff managed it, Perry didn’t know, but within an hour of the Muir family arriving on the doorstep, the dining room table was laden with stout country fare, and both children and adults were able to feast on the bounty provided.
“Jolly good pie,” observed Jonathan, casting wistful glances at the last piece on the dish.
“Everything is superb,” sighed Mrs. Muir, touching her napkin to her lips.
“It is,” agreed Sir Peregrine. “I am becoming more and more inclined to seriously consider an offer on the property, as long as the Cook and Edward are included.”
Grace chuckled. “You could do worse.”
Mr. Muir looked around. “It has good bones, Sir Peregrine. Forgive my expression, but my father is an architect. I grew up amidst a variety of schematics, so although I’m not an expert, I can tell when a house is solid and can stand the test of time.”
Perry smiled and nodded his acknowledgement. “Then I will take your commendation into account, sir. And I thank you for the observation. Did you follow in your father’s footsteps?”
Mr. Muir shook his head. “No. The business of building houses wasn’t appealing to me, although I enjoyed watching my Papa work on his designs.”
“Papa has a bank,” said Mark with pride. “He has lots of money.”
Mrs. Muir laughed. “Well, I suppose that makes sense to a little one.” She turned to Grace. “What he means is that my husband manages several of our local banks from his office in Stoat’s End. He does not, unfortunately, have access to all the funds in the bank, just our own.”
“So how is business in the area?” Perry leaned back in his chair and watched the other man’s expressions.
“It’s as good as can be expected right now,” answered Muir. “I cannot say thriving, since this year has been one disaster after another.” He sighed. “We’ve seen so many loan applicants; farmers, dairies, anyone and everyone whose lives have been affected by the weather. It’s been difficult to make sure we help where we can, without reducing our assets beyond what is secure for the bank itself.”
Perry nodded. “I do understand. There have been many discussions in London about how best to keep the country afloat, yet none have had a practical impact so far. It’s a national problem, sir, not just a local one. And I applaud your efforts to help.”
Elizabeth yawned, a jaw-cracking gape that attracted her mother’s attention. Since Nurse Godfrey had joined them for the meal, Mrs. Muir nodded across the table at her. “I think we might need to settle our little ones for a nap, Goddie,” she said.
Perry blinked as the implications of that comment sank into his brain. “Um…I should mention that Mrs. Chaney and I haven’t had chance to go upstairs yet.”
Grace widened her eyes. “Oh dear, that’s true. We must remedy that situation immediately.” Pushing away from the table, she stood and shot Perry a quick look. “If this storm doesn’t let up, we’ll have some rooms prepared to welcome our guests overnight, and that means sleeping accommodations for everyone. I think we’re overdue for an upstairs inspection?”
“Indeed,” Perry rose as well. “But no guarantees on what we may discover…”
“I understand,” said Mr. Muir. “No matter what, you have our gratitude, Sir Peregrine. I’m sure we’ll make do until the storm has passed.”
Perry could only hope that would be true, since the thought of a family of seven sleeping on the floors or whatever couches they could find, did not fill him with enthusiasm.
The children, ready for the next adventure, were eager to explore, so—under the watchful eye of their Goddie—the entire troop ascended the curved staircase and reached the upper floor.
Perry found himself pleasantly surprised.
Signs of wear and tear were present here as well, in the faded carpet, and the walls bearing the evidence of years of handprints. But the wood wainscoting glowed, and the windows, though a bit dirty, held the cold at bay.
The master suite still retained its beds, and Grace declared it would suit the Muirs. There were two adjoining rooms with a small sitting room in between, which allowed parents and children to be within earshot of each other. A pleasant addition was a maid’s room off one bedroom—obviously meant for the lady of the house and her attendant.
“Oh this will work so well,” Grace smiled at Mrs. Muir. “The bedding might be a bit dusty…”
“We can’t…this should be for Sir Peregrine, surely…” The woman looked distraught.
“Of course you can.” Perry walked over to them. “It’s ideal. And I’m sure there are other rooms we can make do with for a night if it comes to that. As soon as the weather clears we’ll be heading back to town, so please…let’s all be warm and safe for the moment?”
“Mama, I’m tired.” Elizabeth whispered to her mother.
Mrs. Muir cradled her child’s face with gentle hands. “I’m not surprised, darling. It’s been a busy day, hasn’t it?”
“Why don’t we let you settle in,” said Grace. “Sir Peregrine and I will continue our surveillance of the house, and perhaps you’d like Edward to bring up a bag or two for you?”
