Chapter 11By the time autumn was underway at Applegate Manor, Charlotte laughed at her previous expectation that she would be under-occupied and her newly-married life would consist of long, empty days.
The morning after her arrival, Mrs. Atkins, the housekeeper, had drawn her to one side for an urgent discussion. In such a well-run household, it had not occurred to Lottie that she would be required to take the reins until Mrs. Atkins poured out her anxieties.
“I’m not complaining, Madam,” the housekeeper explained with a furrowed brow. “Mr. Anthony is very precise about supplies and household expenditure, but as he says himself, he won’t be troubled with what he calls frippery nonsense.” She continued, “It wouldn’t occur to Mr. Anthony to give myself or Cook precise directions. He doesn
