Hugh needed a housekeeper. She would discuss that with him tomorrow, after having a good night’s sleep.
As if Penelope’s thoughts had beckoned her, Rose knocked on the door and peeked inside.
“What did you say to him? Did you tell him? Ye Gods, Pen, this place is a pigsty.” Rose was wearing one of Penelope’s day dresses and had done her dark hair into a neat chignon.
“I didn’t tell him, Rose. He’s in an awful predicament with this estate, though. That horrible Mr. Periwinkle has been robbing him blind and letting this beautiful manor fall to pieces. Are there any manservants about that we could send into the village to announce available positions?” Without waiting for an answer, Penelope walked over to the desk and started writing out a list. “We’ll need a butler and a new housekeeper. I don’t care if there is one in residence already; if there is, she’ll need to compete for the job with any new applicants. And once we’ve located people to fill those two positions, we will be looking for maids, footmen, a cook, scullery staff, houseboys, and stable lads.”
Rose took the list as Penelope handed it over and scrunched up her nose. “There is an old man in the kitchen and a dirty little urchin making it look as though he’s cutting wood out back.”
Penelope held her finger to her chin. “Send the urchin. The old man will see his position as threatened and most likely toss my advertisement into the trash. Tell the urchin to spread the word that applicants are to appear on the morrow promptly at one in the afternoon.” Slipping her hand into the large pocket hidden in her skirts, she pulled out a shilling. “Give this to the boy and tell him he will receive another tomorrow if any of the applicants are suitable.”
But Rose didn’t rush off right away. “And what of the other, Pen? The real reason we’ve traveled all the way up here to the middle of nowhere?”
There were times when Penelope wished she had a normal lady’s maid, one who didn’t question her at every turn. Rose was most definitely not a normal maid.
“I must tell him at the right time. It’s going to change his entire life. I cannot simply blurt it out. Besides, he’s already dealing with the quagmire of this estate. I plan to ease his burden a bit before hitting him with the other.”
Rose’s eyebrows rose doubtfully. “Very well, Pen, but don’t wait too long.” She glanced meaningfully at Penelope’s midsection, “You’re already looking bloated. I imagine Danbury will be happier with the idea of marrying you if you don’t look like a whale.”
“Go,” Penelope said through clenched teeth. She did not enjoy the criticism of her waistline.
After Rose disappeared, Penelope gathered up the knitting basket and went upstairs in search of the chamber Rose would have laid siege to for the two of them. She found it easily, as the doorway was open, and a cool breeze drifted into the corridor. Her trunks were piled at the end of the bed.
Stepping inside, Penelope understood immediately why the room was being aired out. It smelled as though it hadn’t been cleaned or used in over a century. Most likely, she would not find any acceptable linens about, what with the current slovenly state of the rest of the house. Luckily, Penelope was something of a fussy sleeper and never traveled without her own bedding.
She placed the knitting basket beside the bed and went in search of the outriders she always traveled with, Mokey and Peter. If she was going to sleep in here, it would take more than herself to make the room inhabitable.
Well into the evening, Penelope assisted Mokey and Peter as they beat the rugs and heavy drapes outside, scrubbed the floors, and polished every surface inside of her chamber. By the time the sun had set, Rose had finally returned to make up the bed and unpack her clothing.
Peter lit a fire in the grate, and Mokey located a tub for her bath. The old man in the kitchen had grudgingly sent up stale bread and cheese, along with some ale, for an informal dinner. By the time she was done eating, it took every ounce of Penelope’s energy to bathe and then climb onto the large canopied bed.
Ah, but the cleaning had been worth it.
As she inhaled the scent of her own pillow, Penelope let out a deep sigh of relief. She hadn’t seen Hugh since he’d hightailed it out of the library. A twinge of concern pierced her drowsiness, but she was too tired to give it consideration.
She would speak with him tomorrow. They would set Augusta Heights to rights and then she’d sit him down and tell him her situation. As that daunting thought flitted through her mind, she drifted into a troubled sleep.
* * *
“Penny! Penny! You have to wake up!”
Penelope moaned and turned away from Rose’s voice.
“You have to wake up, Penelope! The viscount is gone!”
“What viscount?” Penelope mumbled as she attempted to snuggle deeper into the soft bedding.
“Danbury! Penelope, Danbury has left Augusta Heights!” Rose’s voice was annoyingly shrill this morning.
And then the meaning of what was being said penetrated. Penelope rolled over and opened her eyes. “What do you mean he’s left?”
Rose held an opened missive in her hands, “He left you a note.” And then she read it aloud. “‘Miss Crone,’ he says. ‘Upon consideration of the strict standards set by polite society, and in order to preserve your pristine reputation, I must vacate the premises immediately and allow you to enjoy your holiday here at Augusta Heights for as long as you please. As a gentleman, I felt this was the best course of action. I could not turn you away when you so obviously are in need of a retreat, but I do not wish to bring a rain of judgment down upon you if it were ever discovered that you and I were in residence, alone, without proper chaperonage. Please make yourself at home. Stay as long as you wish. I shall be in London for the season and will perhaps run into you there. Felicitations, Hugh Chesterton, Viscount Danbury.’”
Rose threw the missive on the bed and began pacing. “I told you so, Penelope. Didn’t I tell you? You should have given him the news right away!” And then she dropped into a nearby chair and slumped dejectedly. “This journey has all been for naught! We’ll be on the road again for another week now!”
But Penelope had rolled onto her side and propped her head up on one hand. “No, we won’t be leaving right away.” She was a lady. She had Hugh’s permission to make herself at home. She would go about righting the estate on her own and then she and Rose would travel to London to see Hugh. On a rueful note, she figured that at least she would make her parents happy. It seemed as though she would participate in yet another season after all, well, part of one anyhow. And her parents would be even happier when she finally got herself married.
“You plan on staying in this rundown estate longer than absolutely necessary?” Rose asked. But upon seeing the gleam of challenge in her mistress’ eyes, she moaned. “Not more cleaning!”
