“Because she didn’t steal from the staff, like Mrs. Luke said she did. Now Stephen is threatening to leave.”
And this is why he didn’t involve himself in the running of his household. It was complex and had many moving parts.
“And why is Stephen upset that Jane has been dismissed?”
“Because he’s her brother.”
“I have a brother and sister working on my staff?” His manservant nodded solemnly.
“Why did Mrs. Luke say that Jane stole if she didn’t?”
Joseph’s lips drew into a line.
“We’ve come this far. Tell me the rest,” Toby said, bending to pull on his highly polished evening shoes.
“It’s a delicate matter, my lord, and I have no wish to cause more trouble.”
“What you tell me will stay between us,” Toby said, wishing he’d never asked. Being a self-obsessed individual had its benefits, he reminded himself.
“Mrs. Luke said that Barnaby was a hairy beast, and something should be done about him, and that Miss Florence is causing a great deal of work. Jane told her that wasn’t true, and it was wrong of Mrs. Luke to speak that way.”
Toby only just refrained from pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Do the staff have a problem with my ward and her dog?”
“Not all, we love them,” Joseph said, and Toby knew the words were genuine.
“Does the staff want Jane back?”
“Yes, my lord, she’s a lovely girl.”
“And what of Mrs. Luke?” Joseph looked down at his feet, which he never did. He always made eye contact. “Joseph?”
“She likes things her way. If you cross her, then life can be very difficult.”
“I understand that the dog and child have created more work. Do I need more staff?”
He shook his head slowly. “Mrs. Luke is not good with change.”
“If you were me, what would you do about this?” Toby asked.
“But I’m not you, my lord, if you’ll pardon me for being so forthright.”
“I understand that, but if you were, what would you do?” Toby said patiently.
“I’d reinstate Jane and talk to Mrs. Luke about her ways.”
“Ways?”
“Her manner. She’s too brisk and opinionated.”
“Shouldn’t my butler have something to say on this matter?”
Joseph looked pained.
“Let’s have it,” Toby said, waving his hand. “We’ve gone this far.”
“He’s too soft. It’s Mrs. Luke who really runs everything.”
