“You will be able to go out into the garden from here, but because it latches from the inside, you might often need to access it from the library. It can be left unlocked during the day so that you can go back and forth through the garden.”
“It is magnificent,” Tiffany said. “Oh, thank you, thank you, Percival!” Then she threw both hands over her mouth. “Oh, My Lord! I did not mean any disrespect!”
“Then I will not take offense,” he said. “In fact, since you have given me leave to call you Tiffany, then I insist that you return the favor by using my given name when we are alone. It does grow tiresome to be “My Lorded” at every turn of conversation.”
Tiffany sighed.
“Is something the matter?” Percival asked.
“I’m not sure I would truly like being called “My Lady” but I think I might like to try it some time. But perhaps I should settle for being called “Cook.” It has a much nicer ring than many names I’ve had slung at me.”
“I think you would find it tiresome after a time,” Percival commented. “Now, as for what you may read, let me show you a few things.” He led the way back out into the library. “Some of these books are quite old and valuable, but most of those are on the upper level. This section,” he indicated a wide pair of shelves beside the door to her newly designated little office, “contains schoolbooks. You may read anything you like from here. On the other side, are new books and broadsides that are currently popular.”
“This will make my half-days much more pleasant,” Tiffany said. “In fact, I think I should like coming here for my half-days rather than walking with the others. This is a treasure beyond belief, My Lord.”
“Percival,” he corrected, “remember? Now, what would you like to read first?”
“I’m not quite sure.” Tiffany began looking through the titles on the shelf. She selected a well-thumbed children’s storybook, a copy ofThe Frugal Housewife,and a sketch book diary that detailed travels throughout England.
“An eclectic collection,” Percival commented. “Let me add one or two.” He selected a book on accounting and a reasonably new copy of a popular novel written by A. Lady. “That should keep you from boredom,” he said.
“I should think so!” Tiffany replied.
“Now, there are some conditions. McClellan will remind you when it is time for your studies, but should he forget, you are to spend the time from clearing up after the noon meal until time to do the final preparations for the evening meal, in here, learning. You will not remove any of the books from the library any farther than this office. They are not to go up to your room or out into the garden.”
“No, of course not, M…Percival. I shall be very careful with them.”
“Good. Your treatment of this privilege and your application to learning will be a further test of your integrity. I am pleased with the work you have done, and with your compliance with the conditions required of you. You will have different teachers throughout the week, including Mrs. Twitchel and McClellan. I, myself, might come in for one or two.”
Tiffany simply stared at him.
“Is there a problem?”
“Oh, no, M— uh, Percival. I am amazed, beyond words, that you would go to so much trouble for me.”
“It will amuse me,” Percival said. “You have no idea how much.”
“Then I will be glad to do it,” Tiffany said.
How I am going to spend afternoons in here and still put a creditable meal on the table is beyond me. I do hope the new assistant will be reliable.
Chapter 21
As Percival entered the small drawing room, Retired Constable Norman Brooks turned to face him. “Ah, there you are, My Lord. I was beginning to fear that you were out.”
“You have news for me?”
“Indeed, I do, Lord Northbury. I’ll begin it with sayin’ that your young cook is honest in the tale that she has told you.”
“Well, that is good to know. It seems, however, that I shall hear this statement followed by the small word “but.” Is that not so?”
“It is, My Lord. The girl has told you the truth as far as she knows it. But she might, herself, not be aware of all things surrounding her birth.”
“Well, well.” Percival sat on the love seat at one end of the room.
Brooks sat on a wide ottoman facing it. “I found Mrs. Bentley. She is housed in the very same poorhouse where Old Elizabet cleans on Fridays. In fact, Elizabet was most forthcoming about the woman’s location.”
“Did you go talk to her?”
