"It's about time you got 'ere." Mrs. Caddy was a short, round woman with frizzy gray curls held down by a white cap. She stood bent over a large mound of dough, kneading it with strong hands. When she glanced up, her expression looked haggard and cross, as though Cora's appearance came as an annoyance rather than a relief. "The maids 'ave been up for hours."
Cora tightened her hold on her bag and reminded herself that she answered to Mr. Ludlow and not to Mrs. Caddy. "Mr. Ludlow said that I should come in the morning. He did not specify a time, and I did not think you would like me to arrive during the frenzy of breakfast preparations, so I have come now instead."
"Of course you did. Why come earlier, when you could leave me ter arrange the trays meself?" Mrs. Caddy said with a huff.
She used the plural form of tray as though a regiment of soldiers resided here and not one man. Cora lifted a brow. "Is Mr. Ludlow entertaining guests at the moment, or did you mean to say I left you with his tray to arrange?" Cora attempted to soften her words with a smile.
Unfortunately, the smile did not serve its purpose. Cora was awarded a solid glare before Mrs. Caddy began pounding away at the ball of dough. Cora supposed she should be grateful the woman took to abusing the dough and not her.
"Could you direct me to my room, Mrs. Caddy?" Cora asked, not sure where to go. The maid who had answered the door had led her to the kitchen then left without a word.
"Up the stairs, first room on the right."
"Thank you."
"Be warned that mine's the second room, and I'm told me snore can wake the dead."
"Of course it can," Cora muttered under her breath as she lugged her bags towards the stairs. With all the new gowns Mrs. Shepherd had provided her, Cora had needed additional luggage. She felt the burden of it now.
A gangly footman with a mop of blond curls and freckles stopped her progress by reaching for her bag. "I'd be 'appy to 'elp if you like. My name's 'Arry. I take it you're ter be the new 'ousekeeper? Mrs. Notley, is it?"
"Yes, and I would be grateful—"
"You'll be doin' nothin' of the kind, 'Arry," called the cook. "You'd best finish polishin' that silver or Watts'll be polishin' your backside."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Lest you be forgettin', Mrs. Caddy, I take my orders from Watts and not you."
"Don't be gormless. That's what I said—that Watts'd be polishin' your backside, not me."
Harry chose to ignore the comment and winked at Cora. "Let me be the first ter give you a proper welcome ter Tanglewood, Mrs. Notley. In case you 'aven't noticed, people 'ere are a bit tangled too—Mrs. Caddy bein' the worst of the lot. 'Appen you're here ter sort us all out."
"Sort you out, more like," Mrs. Caddy said.
"Never mind 'er," said Harry loud enough for Mrs. Caddy to hear. "She's just a crotchety old 'ag who don't like no one or nothin'."
Based on her brief interaction with the woman, Cora could not disagree with Harry's assessment. She followed him up the stairs, grateful for at least one friendly face. Harry deposited her bag just inside the door before winking at her again. "You be needin' anythin' else, Mrs. Notley?"
"No, thank you, Harry. It seems I am in your debt."
His smile turned devilish, and his eyes perused her person. He leaned a shoulder against the wall. "'Ow grateful are you, exactly?"
Not appreciating his tone or insinuation, Cora frowned at him and folded her arms. "If you are expecting more from me than a thank you, Harry, you will be disappointed. I am a housekeeper, not a trollop."
Harry's face reddened, and his gaze dropped to the floor. "My apologies, Mrs. Notley. I was just 'avin' a little fun is all. Didn't mean nothin' by it, I swear."
Cora sighed, not wanting to make enemies with the one person who had been kind to her. "Fun is all well and good, Harry," she said. "But not at the expense of a person's reputation. I will gladly accept your apology if you will accept my offer of friendship and only friendship."
His smile returned, along with an approving glint in his eyes. He shoved away from the wall. "I think you're goin' ter get on fine 'ere, Mrs. Notley. Truth be told, I'd be glad ter call you friend. Good ones are 'ard ter come by round 'ere."
"Friends it is then," she replied, grateful he had not taken offense at her words. "Thank you again for your help with my bag."
"If'n you ever need anythin', just give me a holler, and I'll come runnin'." He brushed past her and trotted down the stairs, his slightly too-long arms dangling awkwardly at his sides. He looked to be a few years older than Cora but seemed younger somehow.
She released a deep breath and stepped into her new room. Compared to what she was used to, this space was small and plain, but it was also larger than she had expected, likely because it was the housekeeper's room. It contained a bed, a wardrobe, and even a comfortable looking chair. Above the bed, a small window looked out over the wilderness area at the side of the house and let in a fair amount of light. Cora smiled at the sight, knowing any free time she might have could be pleasantly spent right here.
Cora hurried to unpack her few things, including the three extra gowns Mrs. Shepherd insisted on giving her. They were lovely creations of pink, peach, and blue muslin that complemented Cora's darker complexion, adding some cheerful color to her plain and pitiful wardrobe. On top of the chest she found four light gray dresses, white aprons, and a few caps. She touched them gingerly, trying not to compare their drabness to the gowns she had recently unpacked.
Once settled, she changed into her new uniform, tied the apron around her waist, and placed the cap on her head. The small looking glass above the bed afforded her only a glimpse of her head. She turned her face from one side to the other, examining her new look. Not too terrible, she thought, even if it did make her look a mite pale.
Knowing Mrs. Caddy was likely working herself into an even greater state of petulance, Cora gave the room one last glance before returning downstairs to where Mrs. Caddy was now rolling out the beaten dough on the table. Cora approached with caution.
"Do you know where I might find Mr. Ludlow?" she asked.
"He's assessin' the estate with the land steward," came the cook's reply. She continued to roll the dough, not bothering to say anything more.
"Oh." Cora glanced around the kitchen, at a loss as to what to do or where to go. Mr. Ludlow knew that she would arrive this morning. Surely he hadn't thought she could assume her duties with what little information they'd discussed during their initial meeting. Cora needed at least some direction, and from the coolness of Mrs. Caddy's reception, it would not come from her.
Sally chose that moment to enter the kitchen. She took one look at Cora, and her eyes narrowed. "I suppose I'm ter report ter you now."
"Yes," Cora answered, struggling to feign a confidence she did not feel. The woman was at least five years her senior and taller to boot. It was obvious she despised the idea of reporting to someone younger and less experienced. If Cora did not tread carefully, things between them could get sticky. She needed to find a way to "manage" Sally in a way that would not make her feel managed.
"It's Sally, is it not?"
"Aye, Mrs. Notley." Sally sounded more demeaning than respectful.
Cora pushed aside her irritation and mustered a cheery tone. "Considering it is my first day and I am unfamiliar with Tanglewood, I was hoping you would be willing to show me around."
Sally immediately bristled and appeared ready to give Cora a set down, but she seemed to rethink her reaction, and her scorn was replaced with a calculating look. The smile she offered Cora was anything but genuine.
"I'd be 'appy to show you 'round, Mrs. Notley."
Cora suddenly wished she could withdraw the request, but now that it had been extended and accepted, all she could do was say, "Thank you, Sally."
"'Ow about we start off in the still room?" Sally gestured to a doorway on the other side of the kitchen and started towards it, not waiting for Cora's answer.
Cora followed at a slower pace, half expecting to be assaulted the moment she stepped in the room, but the maid stayed several paces away. Cora did not know what to think of the woman. Perhaps this was her way of attempting to be nice? As the housekeeper, Cora did have the power to dismiss her, after all.
Cora glanced around the room, seeing that it did, indeed, look still. And cramped. A massive wooden table stood in the middle, holding all sorts of interesting gadgets and instruments. She had never seen most of them before and could only imagine what they were used for. Drying herbs hung from a string across one wall, and two other walls were lined with shelves filled with bottles, jars, and pots of all different sizes and shapes. The last wall contained a stove that heated a large pot of something. The steam rising from the top made the room stuffy and hot. Already, Cora was beginning to perspire. She looked around, trying not to be dismayed at the prospect of needing to frequent this room. If not for the small window in the back corner and the light it allowed into the room, she might have considered dismissing herself and making a dash back to Knotting Tree.
Sally began rattling off everything that took place in the still room—what each gadget was used for, where the recipes were kept, what herbs were currently hanging on the line. Then she went on to explain the extensive variety of foodstuffs that were made in the room. She used words Cora had never heard before and spoke so quickly that it sounded like a different language. It didn't take long for Cora's mind to whirl, wonder, and worry. Was that cloth used to roll sugars or was it a cleaning rag? What was distillation, exactly? Had Sally said "cask"? If so, what was it used for and how? Would Cora really be required to know how to restore flat wines and make pastries? Surely that responsibility fell to the cook, did it not? She couldn't remember Mr. Ludlow mentioning anything about pastries.
The more Sally prattled, the more smug and arrogant she became, as though she took great satisfaction from overwhelming the new housekeeper. It wasn't long before Cora began to wonder if the wooden mallet could also be used to strike the housemaid.
When Sally finally finished her speech, she had the audacity to approach Cora with a swing in her hips and a challenge in her eyes. "You know nothin' about 'ousekeepin', do you? 'Appen the only reason you got the position over me is because you's younger and prettier. Watch and see. As soon as Mr. Ludlow 'as 'is fun with you, you'll be out on your backside quicker than Katy Thompson."
She purposefully bumped into Cora's shoulder on her way out of the room, and Cora let her leave without comment. No good would come from sparring with Sally now, not when the woman was in such a foul mood. Cora's father and his quick temper had taught her that much. But it irked her that she had to stand by and keep her mouth shut when she had a great deal she wanted to say to the maid.
What sort of household was this? And what had Sally meant about Katy Thompson? Was Mr. Ludlow the reason Katy had left? Had he trifled with her then tossed her out once he'd tired of her? Was that why he'd been through so many servants and why the Shepherds seemed so concerned? Cora couldn't think of another explanation.
She frowned and clenched her jaw as anger took a self-righteous hold on her spirit. Apparently Harry wasn't the only person who needed clarification on boundaries.
"Has Mrs. Notley arrived yet, Mrs. Caddy?" a deep, reverberating voice echoed from the kitchen, sounding like a soft rumble of thunder.
"Only just," snipped Mrs. Caddy.
Before the cook could say anything more, Cora strode purposefully from the still room. She nearly ran into a small, timid-looking girl, who ducked past her. The still room maid? Cora wondered briefly before pushing the thought aside and focusing on the man in front of her. Tall and large, with the broadest shoulders she'd ever seen, the man's upper body resembled the shape of a box. Cora couldn't help but wonder how his long, lean legs managed the weight. He appeared so out of balance. Even his aged face was more square than oval, with deep grooves surrounding his mouth and eyes.
This must be Watts, she thought.
"Hello," said Cora. "I am Mrs. Notley."
"So you have come at last," he said.
Cora refrained from informing him that she had arrived an hour earlier. "I apologize if I have kept anyone waiting."
"Your timing is most convenient," he said in a formal manner, not sounding upset at all. "I have been instructed to broaden your understanding of Tanglewood and your duties, and have only now been able to make myself free enough to do so. If you had arrived earlier, you would have been made to wait. I am Watts, the butler here at Tanglewood."
Sorely tempted to arch an eyebrow at Mrs. Caddy with a look that said, Hear that? My timing is convenient, Cora instead focused her attention on the butler. "It is good to meet you, Watts. I will appreciate whatever help you can give me."
"Shall we begin upstairs?" he asked. "As the housekeeper, you will need to understand the exacting standards the maids are expected to maintain. If a job is not properly done, both you and the maid will be held responsible as you are her direct supervisor."
"Of course." Cora prayed the list of expectations for the upstairs rooms would be shorter and less foreign to her than that of the still room.
Watts walked from the kitchen with long and fast strides, and Cora had to be quick on her feet to maintain pace with him. They arrived in the great hall just as the front door opened. Mr. Ludlow strode inside, looking as impeccably dressed and handsome as he had in their first meeting. He nodded to Watts and Cora before stripping off his riding gloves and handing them to an accompanying valet or a footman—Cora couldn't be sure which. The servant merely accepted the gloves and disappeared down a hall.
"Good day, Mr. Ludlow." Watts's voice boomed through the vast space, filling it with a richness that Cora found oddly comforting.
"Good day, Watts." Mr. Ludlow's gaze slipped to Cora. "And you as well, Mrs. Notley. I hope you have been made to feel welcome and have not been too overwhelmed on your first day here. Your dress seems to fit all right."
"Yes," said Cora stiffly. Was that appreciation she spied in his gaze? The thought further rankled her, and she determined to speak with him as soon as possible. "Sir, there is a small matter I wish to discuss with you when you have a moment."
Mr. Ludlow looked a bit surprised, and Watt's immediately came to his rescue. "Is it something I might be able to help you with, Mrs. Notley? Mr. Ludlow is a busy man."
"I understand," said Cora. "But I'm afraid this is a matter only Mr. Ludlow can clarify for me—not an urgent one, by any means. Any spare moment will suffice."
After a brief hesitation, Mr. Ludlow gestured to a lovely room located at the side of the great hall. "I have a few moments now, Mrs. Notley. Would you care to join me in the parlor?"
"Oh, I did not mean…" Cora cast a concerned look at the butler. She had not expected an immediate interview with her employer. "Watts was about to show me—"
"If now is convenient for Mr. Ludlow, it is convenient for me," said Watts. "You will find me in the kitchen once you have finished your conversation."
Cora nodded and followed Mr. Ludlow into the parlor. He closed the doors and stood in front of them with his arms folded, looking far more intimidating than he had during their last meeting. He said nothing, merely lifted an inquiring eyebrow and waited.
Caught unprepared, Cora stared at him, trying to organize her thoughts into words. After a few moments of awkward silence, he lost patience. "What is it you wished to speak with me about, Mrs. Notley? Or are we to stand here staring at each other all afternoon?"
Not knowing how else to begin, Cora blurted, "Why have you hired me, sir?"
He blinked a few times before frowning. "I believe I have made that perfectly clear. You are to be the housekeeper, are you not?"
This was going to be more difficult than she had imagined. "Yes, of course, but there has been some talk about, or rather concerns expressed…" How did one put this delicately?
"About…?" he prodded, obviously not thrilled that his morning regime had been waylaid.
"About the reasons I have been offered the position," she quickly said, hoping that would be enough to make him understand her meaning.
Unfortunately, his brows drew together in confusion. "What are you saying, Mrs. Notley? I have hired you to do certain duties that will hopefully make my household run more smoothly. What other reason could I possibly have for offering you the position?"
"You have hired me to do a job I am untrained to do," she said. "While I am grateful for the opportunity, I also find it necessary to clarify that I have come here to be a housekeeper and only a housekeeper. Even though I am young and…" Her voice drifted off. Had she almost referred to herself as pretty? Goodness, this was proving to be very awkward indeed.
"Beautiful?" he finally guessed, not looking at all pleased with the direction the conversation was taking.
"I was going to say not repulsive," she fibbed.
"Very well," he said. "Even though you are young and not repulsive…" He moved his hand in a circular gesture, urging her to finish her thought.
Cora straightened her shoulders and forced herself to continue. "I am not the sort of girl who would ever… fraternize with her employer." Her face infused with heat, but she forced her gaze to remain steady.
"I see." He walked slowly towards her, rubbing his chin with his hand. A few steps away, he stopped and eyed her quizzically. "Have I made any improper advances towards you?"
"No, sir."
"Have I spoken to you in an unprofessional manner?"
"No."
"Have I looked at you in a way that has made you feel uncomfortable?"
"No." Cora thought of how he'd noticed her dress fit well, but it would be ridiculous to mention something so inconsequential. She suddenly wished she had not felt the need to clarify anything. He made her feel as though she had put the cart before the horse when what she had been trying to do was see that the cart and horse simply stayed in their proper places. Was that so wrong?
"Might I ask who, exactly, has led you to believe that I am the sort of man capable of, how did you put it? Fraternizing with my help?"
"I, er, would rather not say, sir." Though Cora felt no loyalty towards Sally, she refused to bring Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd's names into the conversation. "I did not mean to besmirch your name or cause any offense, Mr. Ludlow. I merely wanted to make my feelings on the matter clear."
"And you have."
"Good." Cora dropped into a quick curtsy, anxious to get away. "I shall go and find Watts now."
She was almost to the door when his voice stopped her. "Once again, you are attempting to scuttle away before we have completed our conversation."
Slowly, she turned around and lifted her eyes to his. "I never scuttle, sir."
"What would you call that rapid walk of yours?"
"A rapid walk," she said quickly, making him chuckle. "And I apologize. I had thought our conversation finished."
"No," he said. "You merely wished for it to be finished."
"And you do not?" How could he not wish to put this awkward business behind them?
"I think it only fair that I be given the opportunity to explain my thoughts on the matter."
Cora clasped her fingers together and did her best not to fidget.
Mr. Ludlow's gaze dropped to the carpet, and he began a slow and steady walk around her person as though deep in thought. Once he had circled all the way around, he stopped in front of her and looked directly into her eyes. "Mrs. Notley, I would like you to know that your youth, inexperience, and… non-repulsiveness"—His lips twitched a little at that—"did not weigh at all in your favor. In fact, they weighed against you. What impressed me most was your integrity. That is not a trait a person can learn, the way one might learn to carve a ham or arrange a platter. Rather, it is a quality that comes from within and one I happen to value far greater than experience, age, or… beauty." He smiled, revealing that charming dimple.
Cora suddenly felt as though her heart would dash right out of her chest. It pounded and thudded, echoing loudly in her ears. No one had ever looked at her with such warmth or complimented her with such plain speaking. She couldn't help but feel drawn to him in a way that was not appropriate at all to her new station. She immediately broke eye contact.
"Thank you for explaining that to me, Mr. Ludlow. It relieves my mind greatly. I shall strive to not disappoint the trust you have bestowed upon me."
"I'm sure you shall."
She refused to look at him, worried he'd see her attraction written plainly across her face. If only she could find him a little repulsive. "Am I excused now, sir?"
"You may go."
"Thank you." She dipped into a quick curtsy and did her absolute best not to scuttle from the room.