“Have you heard from Aunt Hester recently?” he asked.
Judith looked up at him with a mouthful of strawberries and with some surprise. “My sister and I do not regularly correspond,” she said trying to shut down the inquiry.
But George, not to be deterred, pushed ahead. “I was thinking to pop up to London for a few days and thought I might stay with her.”
Now Judith was becoming suspicious. “Why would you want to go to London right when the sheep are being sheared?”
“After the shearing.”
“Hmm.”
“I have a little business in town and, as Lucy has never been to London, I thought it would be nice to take her along for a little sight-seeing.”
Judith sharply turned her head to look up at Lucy, who had just finished pouring her tea.
“And you wish to do this?” she asked.
Lucy hesitated, but answered, “Yes, your Grace. I have never been to London and should very much like to see our capital with all its fine buildings and institutions of government.”
“Hmm. But…” Judith seemed to be greatly conflicted. “How long are you talking about and where would you stay?”
George spoke up. “We would stay with Aunt Hester for a few days, but not longer than a week.”
Judith turned her attention back to George. “And why doyouwant to go to London?”
“My gallery wants to see my latest paintings.”
“And you would take the carriage?”
“Of course. I have a number of works to show the gallery and would need the carriage to carry them with me.”
“What does your father say about this?”
“He will agree if you do.”
The Duchess seemed to relish the power she had for the moment. It was rare when she had a say in anything, and now she would have the deciding vote.
“Let me think about it for a few days,” she said, as she finished off the delicious strawberries, scraping the bowl for the last drop of cream.
George was exasperated. “Mother, please… I need to go right after the shearing. There is a lot of work coming up on the estate, and the sooner I go, the sooner I can return.”
That appeared to sway her, but she turned to Lucy and said, “But Lucy, I cannot do without you. Flossy is practically useless at times, and it is only you I can depend upon with any consistency.”
“Mother, Lucy has been your companion for years without any breaks. Might she not be allowed one week?”
Judith pinched her mouth, indicated she was thinking. “It does not seem prudent that you should go, Lucy. I do not think I can do without you.”
George stood. He was angry. “Mother, might I remind you that Lucy works for this household constantly. She is on call to you day or night, seven days a week and yet she receives not a single penny in remuneration. How is that fair? She should, by all right, leave this house immediately and seek employment where she would be appreciated—and paid.”
Judith was shocked and looked up at Lucy. “You would do that to us after we took you in and cared for you all these years at our own expense?”
“She has more than earned her keep. If you were to calculate what she has done for this family versus what she has actually cost, the debt would be greatly in her favor.” He turned to Lucy and winked. “I feel certain I could find you an excellent position with a good family that would pay very well and offers you a great deal more freedom. Is that something you would like me to do for you?”
Lucy played along. “That sounds like a very attractive proposition. How soon might you be able to arrange such a placement?”
“Certainly within a few days, but no more than a week.” He stopped and let the statement hang in the air.
“Very well,” Mother said, “you both may go. But no more than a week.” Then she fidgeted. “I do not know what is to be done with Flossy. How can I ever manage?” she asked plaintively.
