The Illegitimate Montague. Sarah Mallory

quickly. ‘I will look out some spare bedlinen too. Daisy will come over and clean the rooms for you. Perhaps Cook will allow Becca to help her. The place will be inches thick in dust.’

      ‘That is very good of you, Mrs Stratton,’ said Mr Everett. He turned to Adam. ‘I am going that way now if you would care to come and look?’

      ‘I will,’ said Adam. He drained his tankard and set it back on the table.

      ‘P’raps Mr Everett can find you some work on the estate.’ Coyle grinned. ‘By the looks of you, a few extra pennies wouldn’t go amiss.’

      Adam smiled. If only they knew!

      ‘Don’t worry,’ he said mildly, ‘I’ll manage.’

      Hannah’s chair scraped back. She said brusquely, ‘It

      is time we were all back at work. Daisy, clear away, will you?’

      Thus dismissed, the servants quickly went about their business.

      Hannah put her hand on her son’s arm.

      ‘Will you come back later, for dinner?’

      ‘Of course. First I am going to see my temporary quarters.’ He grinned. ‘And then I think I will ride into Castonbury and find myself a new coat!’