They carried their luggage into the two bedrooms and Mrs. Smithson took Adela to see the housekeeper’s room.
This was where both she and Michael would eat as was correct in a large house.
Adela was shown the sewing room which was empty as both the seamstresses had left.
“You seem to have had quite a lot of staff leaving,”
commented Michael as he walked towards the staircase.
“I’m not surprised,” answered Mrs. Smithson. “I’d leave meself if I had somewhere to go.”
Michael looked at her in consternation.
“Surely you don’t mean that. The late Duke must have relied on you when he was alive and the new Duke, who I hear will be coming soon, could not, I am sure, manage without you.”
“Well he’ll have to if he doesn’t arrive soon. I’ve had enough and that’s exactly what Mr. Bowles said whe
