‘Like what?’ Jane batted her lashes, feigning innocence. ‘I’m sure I don’t know what you mean. I’m just glad it washelpful.’
‘It’s not like that. His Lordship and I have come to an understanding, that’s all. Our marriage may have begun under difficult circumstances, but we’ve resolved to make the best of it. We’re getting to know each other.’
‘Mmm.’ Jane sounded sceptical. ‘Well, if you want to carry onhelpingHis Lordship, I think that nightgown ought to do it. You look veryhelpful.’
‘Stop it!’ Florence couldn’t help but laugh, although, looking at her reflection in the mirror, she could see what her maid meant. The nightgown had been a gift from Cassie and was so thin as to be almost transparent, not to mention cut quite shockingly low. Whatever else she’d achieved in London, it seemed that her marriage had her new sister-in-law’s approval.
‘Anyway, I hope you got the answers you were looking for in London.’ Jane winked, reaching for a hairbrush.
‘Some of them.’ Florence twisted around on the stool, remembering one answer she still hadn’t found. ‘Can I ask you a question? It might sound a little odd, but when I first came here, were you aware of me receiving any correspondence?’
‘I don’t think so.’ Jane tapped the brush against her hand. ‘But I could check with Mr Rimmer, if you like?’
‘No!’ She shook her head quickly. ‘That’s all right. I just wondered.’
She swivelled back round to her mirror, hardly knowing whether to feel relieved or frustrated. Surely Jane would have remembered her receiving so many love letters? The fact that she didn’t made them even more mysterious. Now it wasn’t justa question ofwho’dsent them. It was also a question ofhowthey’d been delivered.
‘Now that you mention it, though, a letter did arrive while you were away,’ Jane said, starting to draw the brush through her hair. ‘All the way from Cumberland, the man said.’
‘It must be from my parents.’ Florence sat up eagerly.
‘I’ll go and fetch it once I’ve finished your hair.’ Jane smiled. ‘And I can’t tell you how glad we all are that His Lordship’s finally put that old harridan Mrs Fitch in her place. Mr Rimmer told us what he said. Everyone in the servants’ hall was thrilled.’
‘Really?’ Florence blinked in surprise. ‘What did he say?’
‘Just that you were in charge now and she was to start showing you some proper respect. I would have cheered if I’d been there.’ Jane grinned and then bit her lip. ‘Only please don’t tell His Lordship that any of us know. Mr Rimmer was supposed to have left, but he couldn’t resist eavesdropping.’
‘Isn’t Mrs Fitch popular downstairs?’
‘Urgh, no.’ Jane rolled her eyes. ‘She’s a tyrant. She dismissed Jemima, one of the scullery maids, last month just fortalkingabout her beau, saying it reflected poor moral character, and she talks to everyone except Mr Sewell like she thinks she’s the marchioness. She even demands to know what we’re doing on our days off so she can tell us whether or not it reflects well on the family.’
‘Gracious.’ Florence made a face. ‘How does she thinkIreflect on the family?’
‘Oh…um…’ Jane’s attention seemed very focused on one particular hair knot suddenly. ‘I can’t say as I know for certain.’
‘Yes, you do. It’s all right, she hasn’t exactly hidden her opinion. You can say it.’
‘I’d rather not.’
‘That I’m an upstart farmer’s daughter?’
‘Something like that.’ Jane sounded embarrassed. ‘But on the plus side, it got me this job. I would never have been promoted to Lady’s Maid otherwise.’
‘In other words, she didn’t think me enough of aladyto warrant an experienced lady’s maid?’
‘Oh, dear.’ Jane looked crestfallen. ‘It sounds bad when you put it like that.’
‘Well, the joke’s on her, because I think it’s all worked out perfectly.’ Florence smiled. ‘You’re an excellent lady’s maid, no matter what Mrs Fitch thinks, and now that I’m managing the household there are going to be some changes around here.’ She straightened her shoulders, reevaluating her nightdress. Yes, it was a little shocking at first, but it was also quite pretty, with dainty sleeves and buttons all the way down to her waist. She couldn’t help wondering what Leo would think of it.
‘That sounds like fighting talk.’ Jane grinned. ‘I knew there was a reason I liked you.’
‘I like you too.’ She laughed. ‘And my first change is that everyone may treat their private time as their own. No one will be dismissed simply for talking about their beau. What else?’
‘Well…’ Jane twisted her mouth to one side. ‘There’s the summer fair.’
‘Oh, yes. That’s in two days, isn’t it? What should I expect?’
‘Plenty. It’s a big event. There are stalls, of course, as well as contests for the children, sack races and such like. Then there are competitions too, like embroidery, baking, wood carving, flower arranging, all that kind of thing. Then everyone sits down to a picnic on the lawn.’
