Page 131 of The Fortunes of Ashmore Castle

‘Nothing’s been said to me,’ said Mrs Webster.

‘But I did hear his lordship say that they might call in on their way south,’ Afton said. ‘I believe Lady Leake wants to spend a few days in London before they go back to Venice.’

‘Quite the vagabond life they are leading,’ Moss remarked. ‘But then, Lord Leake always was one for travelling. I remember her ladyship – her dowager ladyship, I mean – her highness as she now is – saying that she hoped he would settle down once he was married and stay in one place.’ Mrs Webster had refreshed his tea, and he sipped again. ‘I must say it is good to have news of the family. I often wonder how you are all doing up here. Any news below stairs?’ He looked at them keenly.

‘Only that Cyril is leaving to better himself,’ said Mrs Webster. ‘He’s got a position as first footman at Loughton Manor.’

‘Oh, the Massingberds,’ Moss said. ‘You will be left short-handed.’

‘Wilfrid will be promoted to third footman,’ Afton said. ‘He’s ready. But we really need a fourth, in a house this size, and with all the extra work of entertaining.’

‘It must be especially difficult for you, Mr Afton,’ Moss said, ‘given that you have valeting duties as well.’

Mrs Webster exchanged another glance with Afton. She’d suspected Moss knew why he was here.

Afton abandoned pretence. ‘You’ve obviously heard that I am giving up the role of butler, as soon as we’ve found a replacement.’

‘Rose told me,’ Moss admitted. ‘She calls in when she’s in the village. And I did wonder,’ he coughed discreetly, ‘when I received your kind invitation to tea this afternoon . . .’

‘We don’t want a stranger,’ Mrs Webster said bluntly. ‘You never know what you’re going to get. And the disruption of teaching a newcomer how we do things, and possibly having him make changes, is more than I can contemplate. So Mr Afton and I have been wondering whether you might consider coming back. If you’re well enough for the extra work.’

Moss beamed. ‘I would like it beyond anything. It’s what I have dreamed of, ever since I went to Weldon House, though of course I didn’t know in the beginning if I would ever . . .’ He stopped, overcome, and took out a handkerchief. ‘His lordship knows you’re asking me, of course?’ he said, when he emerged from it. ‘And her ladyship?’

‘I wouldn’t have put it to you without their approval,’ said Afton. ‘His lordship would much prefer it, if you really are able for it, rather than find a new man. In fact, the idea of having you back is the only thing that softens his disappointment in me.’

‘I would have to put it to Miss Eddowes very carefully,’ Moss said. ‘I wouldn’t want her to think I was ungrateful. I don’t know what would have happened to me if she hadn’t given me a place.’

‘I’m sure the details can be managed to everyone’s satisfaction,’ Mrs Webster said. ‘This would be a pleasant solution all around. Ashmore Castle and Mr Moss, united again!’

‘And Mr Afton once more a valet only,’ said Afton.

‘I don’t wish to cause offence, Mr Afton,’ Moss said, already regaining some of his magnificence, ‘but I never thought you to be cut out for a butler.’

Afton grinned. ‘Now why should I take offence at that? But would it trouble you to tell me why? I don’t think I did too badly, all in all.’

‘Of course you didn’t,’ said Mrs Webster, sharply. ‘Why did you not think him cut out for it, Mr Moss?’

‘I’m afraid he’s not tall enough,’ said Moss.

‘Moss back at the Castle,’ said Aunt Caroline, looking up from her letter. ‘How splendid! There’s something properly grand about the old fellow. Sets the right tone.’

‘But is his heart strong enough?’ Alice asked.

‘It seems so. Kitty says Giles talked to Dr Arbogast and had him run the rule over him, and apparently he’s in good shape. He’s quite a bit trimmer, which helps – I suppose working in a smaller household he had more tasks to perform.’

‘And less port to finish up,’ said Alice. ‘Poor Miss Eddowes, though. Isn’t it hard on her to have her butler stolen away?’

‘Oh, Kitty says she didn’t mind at all. She didn’t really need a butler in the first place and there wasn’t enough for him to do. She only took him on out of charity.’

‘That is very kind,’ said Alice, struck.

‘Yes, one doesn’t often come across genuine philanthropy,’ said Aunt Caroline. She went back to the letter, and turned the sheet over. ‘Oh, they’re having a visit from Sebastian and his wife. Just a Saturday-to-Monday, with other guests, for the shooting.’ She put the letter down. ‘All very well for Sebastian, because he’ll be out with the guns all day, but what about that poor woman? I must say, I shouldn’t like to be in her shoes.’

Alice thought about it. ‘But probably the other guests won’t know she was once a servant there.’

‘Yes, that’s true. And Kitty will be kind and try to make her feel at home. Very different from your mother’s day.’

‘Goodness, yes,’ Alice said. ‘I don’t suppose Uncle Sebastian would ever go back if Mama was in charge.’