“I want my daughter to be happy, Miss Knight, and to do that I need to ensure that those who are caring for her alongside me are too.”
“Of course.”
The emotion he’d seen when he told her what her salary would be was gone now. Closed away behind an impassive expression.
“Well then, I think that is all for now.” Forrest rose. Miss Knight followed. “We shall see you tomorrow.”
She dropped into a curtsey. “You will not regret this decision, Mr. Howarth. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
“Fairfax,” he called to the household butler who walked past the doorway.
“Mr. Howarth.” He reappeared, and then bowed.
“This is Miss Knight. She is starting work tomorrow as my daughter’s tutor. Her hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you could show her out, please.”
“Wonderful. Welcome, Miss Knight. Please follow me.”
He watched her hurry to the door behind the butler. Forrest wondered why he felt like something momentous had happened. Shaking his head, he left the room with Walter on his heels. Tea and cakes were calling, and he no longer had to interview tutors for his daughter. He could eat his fill on a calm stomach.
CHAPTERFOUR
“The staff are a good group, Miss Knight. You will be happy here. Miss Ella is a lovely young lady.”
She followed the butler, Fairfax’s, straight back. He wore a black jacket and trousers. She let her eyes study the paintings and cabinets as she walked. It was a lovely house, filled with amazing treasures. Her father’s had been as grand, but it had been a horrid, oppressive place to live.
She wanted to pinch herself to ensure she was not dreaming. Their money was running out, but now, with this position, they could once again breathe easier. Adam would be so happy.
They took the stairs down and soon were in an area where there was a large table. Some of the staff were seated around it, peering down at a piece of paper.
“I can’t bleeding understand it, now can I!”
Fairfax cleared his throat, and all eyes rose to study her.
“This is Miss Knight. She is Miss Ella’s new tutor.”
A young man rose and smiled at her.
“Mrs. Liall is the housekeeper, and Mrs. Wood the cook. And this is one of our footmen, Hogan,” Fairfax said.
“I don’t suppose you can read Old French, can you, Miss Knight?” Hogan asked her.
“I can. Would you like me to look at something?” Her two friends, the Amble sisters, had said it was important in houses like this to make friends with the staff.
“You can read Old French?” The housekeeper did not look convinced, and Ruby could tell right off the woman did not have a happy demeanor.
“I can, yes.”
“This is an old recipe. It was given to me by a friend from the house she works in. She’s made it and doubts my skill of being able to create it. Which I would be happy to do if I could read it!” The cook slapped a hand down on the table.
“We can’t have the Duke of Raven’s staff lording it over us,” Mrs. Liall said. She was a pinch-faced woman Ruby would ensure she kept away from.
Ruby moved to the table and looked at the worn sheet of paper. There were stains and marks all over it. Leaning closer, she read the heading. “It is for crème brûlée. I can translate it for you if you like?”
“Really?” Mrs. Liall clasped her hands together not looking so threatening now. “We would be most grateful.”
“I could take it home with me and bring it back in the morning. My brother is also very good at languages. He can help me.”
“I can’t thank you enough,” Mrs. Wood said. “I shall wrap you a large wedge of cake, to take home for tea.”
