Page 14 of The Ones Left Behind
Fortunately, Mrs. Henderson spoke first. “We all thought you would return when poor Peter died.”
“I did briefly,” Kitty confessed. It was going to be difficult not to besmirch Sir Nigel’s name, but he was in part responsible for her present circumstances.
“Oh,” was all Mrs. Henderson said as she sipped her tea.
“I have been in London trying to make my way,” Kitty explained cautiously. “But now I have returned to take over as housekeeper for his lordship. Mrs. Harlow wishes to retire and live with her sister.”
Mrs. Henderson frowned, but did not speak condemning words. “And how is his lordship?”
Kitty knew whatever words she uttered next would be repeated to the entire village. “He has recovered from a fever, but it appears his leg is broken. That is partially why I have come. Is old Mr. Bailey still crafting items from wood? I was hoping to have a crutch made for his lordship. I saw some of the amputees with such things and it enabled them to be mobile.”
When Kitty was a child, Mr. Bailey would carve the most intricate nativity sets. She had always been fascinated by them.
Mrs. Henderson shook her head. “He passed away over a year ago, but his son might be able to help… though you might have to send to London for something.”
Kitty had been afraid of that.
Mrs. Henderson finished her tea and sought for the saucer with her fingers, placing the cup back carefully. “Does Sir Nigel know you’re to be a servant at the Close?”
“It is not my concern if he does or not,” Kitty answered frankly.
“There will be talk,” she warned. “I am surprised his lordship is allowing it.”
Kitty hesitated. “Mrs. Harlow has not yet left.”
“Ah,” the lady said with understanding.
“I am a widow and must make my own way now. I hope I may rely on you to reassure anyone who may show concern that this is my idea not his lordship’s. Nevertheless, he will be in need of a housekeeper soon and I am in need of a position.”
Kitty rose to leave, having come to the end of her half-hour. In the general way of things, housekeepers did not make calls on ladies, but sometimes allowances could be made in small villages. Kitty knew it was a strange situation for everyone.
Mrs. Henderson stood up and looked at Kitty with pity, whether or not she realized she was doing it. “I think it is a shame if Sir Nigel did not ensure that you were taken care of, but I will do my best to see there is no talk. I believe people will understand because they know you.”
It was the best Kitty could hope for. She dipped a curtsy, hoping Mrs. Henderson could see it, and took her leave, heading for the young Mr. Bailey and hoping he could help with what she needed.
CHAPTER5
Matthias was not going to allow something as trivial as a broken leg keep him from walking again. Now if he could only convince said limb to cooperate. It had helped having the leg splinted, but he still broke out in a cold sweat any time he became vertical—even when holding on to the arms of a chair.
It seemed likely that something besides his bone had been damaged, but he would not dwell on that now. He could not. He stood again, and counted to ten as the shock to his body lessened with harsh breaths. If he did this enough times, surely his body would grow accustomed? He knew part of the problem was weakness from being ill for so long. Nine…ten. He collapsed back into the chair and tried to recover. A knock on the door then interrupted his sorry imitation of exercise.
“Enter.”
The door opened and Hornsby brought in a tray. He eyed Matthias suspiciously.
“What have you been doing, my lord?”
“That is none of your concern,” he snapped.
The batman grumbled under his breath as he brought in the tray of food and arranged it before Matthias on a small table.
Kidney pie, bacon, eggs and toast. If he did not start moving soon, he would be fatter than the pigs in the sties.
“Is there anything else, my lord?”
“Yes. I would like to go outside this afternoon.”
The batman frowned, but did not argue. “Very well, sir. I will come back to take you out after you have partaken of your meal.”
