“Does charring pay so well?” Percival asked.
“Not so well as some, but better’n naught. Don’ take much in smarts, an’ not near so risky as liftin’ purses nor cat burglary. I tried to tell young Tiff that. Right glad I am to see her landed in a good position that pays well.”
“You knew Tiffany?”
“Oh, aye. When Mr. Bentley, the baker, were alive, he used to hand out his day-old bread to the street children. Mine were right there with the rest because who turns down free food? None as is in their right mind, I’d say, wouldn’t you, My Lord?”
“None that were hungry, to be sure. And that is what I wanted to talk to you about. Tiffany says that you live in an old manor house on the edge of this district.”
“An’ so if I do? Twarn’t none other usin’ it. Owners cleared out long ago, and tuck anythin’ o’ value. The roof leaks some, but my lads keeps the chimneys clear, an’ the owners, whoever they might be, ain’t come to claim no rent. “
Percival made a mental note to look into the ownership of the old manor. It would not do to put a lot of money and effort into repairs only to have it snatched away from them because the owner had returned.
“About how many people are you housing currently?” he asked.
“Eh? M’Lord, this old woman don’t know how to count. Not for surely. But more’n I has fingers an’ toes, that’s for sure.”
“Could there be as many as your fingers and toes twice over?”
“Nay, not so many as that. I don’ put the word about. But when one such’s Miss Bentley asks for help for her own, I gives it, an’ freely, too. She’s done me more’n one good turn.”
“It is Miss Bentley you can thank for the offer I am about to make you. Would it be possible to hire two of your chars-in-training, as it were? The wage would not be as much as yours, but it would be paid directly to them. Meanwhile, I would pay you a small sum as a finder’s fee.”
“Coo! You knows how to make an’ old woman an offer she cannot turn down! Aye, M’Lord, those would be acceptable terms, an’ I know the younglings who would just fit the bill.”
Percival turned to Tiffany, who was, as usual, elbow deep in a bowl of dough. “Do these terms seem fair to you, Cook Bentley?”
Tiffany laughed at the funny honorific. “Aye, more than fair. You greatly relieve my mind as well, since it will be some weeks before we are paid and I could do aught on my own.” Then she addressed Old Elizabet directly, “How is Lisa?”
“Better now. I bought some flannels and peppermint oil, along with mustard to make mustard plasters. She’s got her voice back, an’ her lungs don’t rattle as much.”
“Will she be able to sing?”
“As to that, I don’t know.” The old woman sighed. “We’ve a bit of a go ahead of us before she can even try to sing. The doctor the Marquess sent in says that she is not to even speak more’n she must.”
“Have no fear for her,” Percival put in. “Since you are both in my employ, it is my duty to assist you in seeing to your own. Dr. Hardesty has a crusty bedside manner, but he is one of the best.”
“Thank you,” Tiffany said with some feeling. “Of all the things that have happened in the last fortnight, worry for my adopted family has been the greatest burden. You are making my work light today, My Lord.”
“I am glad to hear it. Now, what good things are you making for us?”
Tiffany flushed with pleasure, as if the question had been highest praise. “You might not remember, but two weeks ago, you sent Lucas out to the winery and the brewery to purchase some of their yeasts. The winery had but recently made a large batch of cherry cordial, and Lucas had them send a few bottles of that, as well as a sample of the Mother from the brewing.”
“I do remember that,” Percival said. “It was highly perspicacious of him to pick up the bottles of cordial. It will have to age, of course. But I sent back for a few of their bottles that are ready to drink. It was quite delicious, especially with those delightful tarts you make. Where did you find cherries so early in the season?”
“I know a fellow who dries a good portion of them, My Lord. If it would be pleasing to you, I’d like to send a bottle of the ready to drink cordial home with Old Elizabet. It is said to be a sovereign remedy for a great many things, including the aches and pains that go with years of charring.”
“You may. And thank you for asking. That goes a bit beyond sending leftovers from the servants’ supper. I’ll instruct McClellan to get one bottle out of the wine cabinet for you.”
McClellan was none too pleased when Percival made the request. “Expensive cherry cordial for a charwoman! No good will come of coddling your staff, My Lord. You are going to create jealousy among the staff who are not given these extra favors. What with the unseasonable cold the last two years, food has been very dear. I daresay, that there is none among the staff who do not have those at home who are going hungry.”
“McClellan! Surely that is not so. I pay a good wage.”
“Yes, My Lord, that you do. An exceptionally good wage, especially for maids and men who are housed, fed, and clothed from your largesse. But mark me well,” McClellan said, handing over the bottle of cherry cordial, “There will be those who will be asking additional favors within the year, if not within this very month.”
“Are times so bad as all that outside the estates?” Percival asked.
“I fear so, My Lord, especially in places where the ships at sea put in. There’s always sickness in some foreign part or other, just waiting to be spread. For the sake of your own health, My Lord, I counsel you not to associate too closely with those you are hoping to aid.”
