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”

Only a poirls in favour of those who’d worked in London’s best houses Then again, if Stokes and Mrs Gripes were examples of the servants one could expect to hire, Rose couldn’t bla elsewhere

“Co this out in the cold” Mrs Hibbet scanned Rose’s cloak and the linen bag she held in her hand “Is that all the luggage you’ve brought with you? My, I’m surprised your previous master didn’t confiscate your boot laces Do you have your references?”

References!

Rose sed “Sorry, no I have nothing into eat” How on earth was she to explain her predicaht the major had sent them on”

The lie fell from her lips with ease Why she kept up the charade was beyond her?

Mrs Hibbet’s expression brightened “Never et you inside We’ll say soe from the mail coach Once the master hears you speak, he’ll know he’s hired quality”

Rose opened her mouth to protest — to tell some semblance of the truth — but no words came out Since as far back as she could remember, she’d been a disappointment While the Darbys were renowned for their rich, ebony locks, Rose wore her golden tresses with shahter of the groom or the footman or any other poor soul hom her mother happened to converse

“Now, it will be an early start in the ,” Mrs Hibbet continued “We’re so short of staff you’ll be the parlour-maid, the chambermaid, and have jobs to do in the laundry”

The housekeeper hugged Rose’s aresture made her heart swell

Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to help the wo ti facade When her father reached Morton Manor, Mrs Gripes would inforhter had fled to London No one would think to search this house looking for a maid

But she had to warn Nicole

“The major always insisted we take a brisk walk before our daily duties,” Rose said

In the daylight, she’d find her way to theat The Talbot Inn, and race back before anyone stirred from their beds

“Good Lord” Mrs Hibbet shook her head “There’s no one awake at five except for the birds”