Chapter 10As Joshua adjusted to the routine of the unfamiliar household, his unfavourable first impressions were reinforced. Despite being lodged a floor above and many corridors away from Frank’s master bedroom, at least his room was adequately sized and clean. He surmised that he had Frank’s orders and John’s management to thank for his comfort.
At least John had made him feel accepted, Joshua thought, having accompanied him to the nearby village inn from the first evening when Frank had retired early to bed after an elaborate but unappetising meal unsuitable for a convalescent. John was warmly greeted by the villagers and related to several of them. Joshua, armed with paper and charcoal, made lightning-quick sketches of a few of the patrons and found the initial muted welcome towards h
