Page 49 of The Favourite

Jane frowned remembering something. “I did not realize that Wat’s name was Watkin. I thought it must be Walter,” she said, faintly accusingly.

“Did you?”

“I feel a little rude I have been using it so freely. What is his first name?”

Alisander cast his eyes up at the ceiling as though in contemplation. “I don’t think I have ever known,” he concluded finally.

Jane clicked her tongue; she could not help herself. He was exasperating! “When exactly do you envisage us setting out for Aphrany?”

“If I had my way, we would set out directly,” he answered, glancing out of the window behind them. “But it seems Wat still has much to arrange, and besides, you still have that little matter to deal with.”

“I?” She frowned at him. “What little matter?”

“Appointing Beth to take charge of the place in our absence.”

She gave a start. “You have dismissed the steward already?”

“Simpkin.” He nodded. “Yes, believe me, he was most dissatisfactory all round.”

Jane stood up. “Then I had better speak with her sooner rather than later.”

He did not argue, and after making an enquiry, Jane found that Mistress Beth had taken to the small bedchamber she shared with two other servants. The door was ajar, but Jane knocked first before entering. Inside, she found Beth packing her things. Her eyes were almost as red as Ayleth’s. “I’ll soon be gone,” she assured Jane. “I won’t stay somewhere I’m no longer welcome.”

Jane shut the door behind her. “But we do not want you to leave, Beth. Far from it. In fact, I was wondering if you would assume the housekeeper’s role here.”

Beth’s mouth fell open. “Housekeeper?” She sat down abruptly on the narrow bed.

“I am sure there must be nicer quarters than these attached to the role,” Jane commented, gazing about the poky room.

Beth stared. “Are you in earnest? I would have Master Simpkin’s quarters?”

“Yes, my husband has already dismissed him.”

“Why?” Beth asked, then when Jane opened her mouth, she clarified, “I mean, why, in the name of all that is holy, would you give me the position? When you have all but driven Sir Phillip from your doors.”

Jane pondered a moment how to answer, then went with brutal frankness. “I am afraid I do not like Sir Phillip, for all that he is my uncle,” she began. “Think carefully, if that will prevent you from taking the post, then please say so now from the outset.” When the woman continued speechless, Jane added, “I ask you purely on your own merit and capabilities, Beth. Not because of any other reason.”

Beth seemed to waver for a moment before averting her face. “The truth is,” she whispered, “that I do not like Sir Phillip much either.”

“Well, I cannot say as I blame you, and you always seemed a very sensible woman,” Jane answered with unaccustomed frankness. “Will you take the position, Beth?” Beth hesitated, then, as though words were beyond her, she nodded dumbly.

Jane felt instantly relieved. “I apologize for the disarray we will leave you in, but my husband is determined we leave for Aphrany without delay. He has instigated many changes without the smallest regard for how they will affect the running of the place. “She shook her head. “You will surely have disgruntled servants on your hands for weeks.”

Beth gave a tight smile. “Yes, so I’ve heard. Truth be told, I can see his reasoning. Your sister had rather grand ideas,” she added, “the servants’ hall was overfilled.”

“Well, if you should require more help, my husband wishes you to appoint from previous staff hired here, before my sister’s day. Will that be difficult?”

Beth shook her head. “Most of the old staff were from the village. I can easily make an enquiry.”

Jane nodded. “You must write to me by direction of the palace at Aphrany and keep me apprised of events. I will expect you to keep me posted.”

“Of course, milady.” Beth stood up and bobbed a determined curtsy.

Jane nodded in reply. “Good, I’m glad.”

“My lady,” Beth started awkwardly. “I just want to say that, well, you can count on me. And that—that you need not worry about my having conflicted loyalties.” She turned bright red.

“It is good of you to give me such assurances,” Jane said after a momentary pause. “And I appreciate it. I will, of course, be taking the—I mean, my child with me to the Winter Capital,” she faltered slightly. “Ayleth also.”