We reached London at 4:00 the next day. His Lordship's so far unseen messenger had been at work again and the entire staff were gathered in the hall to welcome us home. 
This didn't intimidate me. If you looked into our family history you would find, a generation back, the Chatton family doing a flourishing trade in silk. The present generation, however, had been rigorously schooled to take a prominent place in society and I was well used to servants. The butler took a step toward me. 
 'Welcome, Your Ladyship. I'm Knott the Butler. This is Fenton, your steward.' 
 A nondescript looking man bowed to me. 
 'Allow me also to introduce your housekeeper, Mrs Patterson,' continued Knott. 
 A tall, straight lady with iron grey hair came forw...

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