'Would you mind if I called down here? Mrs Harper tells me that one of the chambermaids is ill and I have some comforts for her.'

 'Of course! Which chambermaid would that be, dear?'

 'Sally. Mrs Harper sent her to stay temporarily at her parents cottage.'

 'Poor thing. You should certainly visit. Perhaps you would like to take Louisa. I am a little fatigued and will wait outside.' 

 'No, you are not. You are being tactful again,' I accused. 

 'Well, it's much better that I don't go with you, you must admit. The servants must become accustomed to thinking of you as their mistress. And they will never do so if you are always with me!'

 'She's right, Lydia. Why don't you go home in t...

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