The Earl thought it was very honest of Brook to say so. When he had climbed out of bed he took a number of pound notes out of the drawer.
“I want you,” he said to Brook, “to go to the village and pay all my bills and of course to buy everything you and your wife require in the way of food and provisions.”
He paused for a moment before adding,
“I am visiting the farms this morning, but I am afraid they will have very little with which they can provide us until they are restocked.”
“I understand, my Lord, and I’ll make the best arrangement I can until we gets the wheels turning as they should.”
The Earl smiled.
“I am leaving the house entirely in your hands,” he said. “But of course ask her Ladyship if there is anything she requires.”
“Certainly, but I think your Lordship understands
