When Williams came in, Dominic waved him to a chair. “You hired the housemaid?”
“I thought it wise, milord.”
Dominic nodded. “Miss Jenner is to be our housekeeper. Hopefully, she will begin soon. Perhaps as early as tomorrow.”
“Good news. You still intend to visit the tenants and the home farm after luncheon?”
“Yes. Are you able to join me?”
“Certainly.”
Dominic thought of the dull evening ahead. The local tavern didn’t appeal. When the house was ready, he would invite the squire and a few of the gentlemen he’d met at Lady Lowry’s garden party to play faro. He indicated the pile of papers on his desk. “I must engage a secretary.”
“Do you have anyone in mind?”
“One or two possibilities. My father was pleased with Collin Quin. Studied at Cambridge, quite an erudite fellow, but close to retirement age. I shall contact him and one or two others.
“Have you plans to visit London? That mended coach wheel needs replacing.”
Dominic shook his head. “I’ve instructed my butler to take the knocker off the door in Mayfair.” The city would be unbearable in the summer heat. And with little good company to be found, as thetonwould have deserted it for the country. Nor would Lady Anne be in London. She stayed at her country house for the summer months.
When parliament reconvened, there would be much to organize; taking his place in the House of Lords, reopening his townhouse, the shoot in autumn here, and beyond that, the Christmas Season. His sister expected him to go to them. He would have to travel before some roads became impassable due to ice and snow. In the meantime, he’d work to make the estate lands more profitable and set Redcliffe Hall to rights.
Dominic glanced over at his uncle’s portrait. He had a mystery to solve. And then, there was Miss Jenner. But she would soon whip the house into shape. He was already confident in her ability to cope with the enormous task before her.
“Probably won’t see London for months,” he said to Williams. “There is enough here to keep me busy. And more staff, Williams, dredge them up from somewhere.”
“A few from the village are coming forward to apply for jobs.”
“Then the rumor of a ghost has been put to rest?
“Not quite, but perhaps as time goes on.”
Dominic shrugged with impatience. He must do something himself to change people’s opinion of what went on at Redcliffe Hall. Until then it was unlikely they’d have a full contingent of staff.
*
Harold, Lady Lowry’sfootman, opened the door to Olivia and Emily. He grimaced. “I’ve been told not to admit you, Emily. But her ladyship wishes to see you, Miss Jenner. She’s in the parlor.”
“I’ve come for me wages,” Emily murmured tearfully.
Harold shook his head. “More than my job’s worth to disobey my orders.”
“Wait here, Emily,” Olivia said. “I’ll return in a moment.”
She hastened to the parlor.
Lady Lowry raised her head from her embroidery. “There you are. I am surprised you have the temerity to return so late. You shall have to work into the night to complete those tasks I asked of you.”
The tasks were menial and not meant for a housekeeper, but Olivia held her tongue.
“Was it a wasted trip to find that impossible girl a position?”
“No. Emily is to work at Redcliffe Hall.”
Her ladyship narrowed her eyes. “I’ve heard they’re having little success finding staff. It’s rumored the house is haunted, so I expect they had no option but to take her, although they’ll soon wish they hadn’t.”
“Emily hasn’t been given her wages.”
