“Excellent.” She took up a pencil to mark a column in the ledger. “I am grateful for your efficiency, Mrs Thornberry. I only wish my experience matched my ambition.”
The housekeeper studied her with a kindness that did not condescend.
“My lady, you have taken to your position more naturally than many I have seen. You know when to ask questions, and you listen. That counts for a great deal.”
Catherine glanced down, warmed by the words.
“It is his lordship’s colleagues who concern me most,” she said. “Scholars are not always lenient observers. They will look to me as an extension of his household and character.”
The housekeeper shrugged, looking utterly unfazed.
“Then you have nothing to fear,” she said. “You understand his work and take interest in it. That is more than can be said for many wives in such positions. These gentlemen come as much for his mind as for the civility of his household. In both regards, they will find no fault with you.”
Catherine drew a slow breath.
“I only hope to uphold his reputation, not to diminish it,” she said.
Mrs Thornberry gave her a kind smile.
“You have already begun to elevate it, my lady,” she said. “His lordship has been more at ease since your arrival than I have seen in years.”
The remark caught Catherine unprepared. She felt a curious blend of satisfaction and apprehension.
“That is very kind of you,” she said quietly.
Mrs Thornberry smiled once more.
“A kind mistress deserves no less,” she replied.
Catherine glanced at the ledger before her, tracing a careful finger along the column of figures.
“The accounts for household provisions appear steady, but the costs for kitchen supplies have risen since the last quarter,” she said. “Is this owing to preparations for the gathering?”
Mrs Thornberry gave a small nod.
“We have ordered additional staples to accommodate the guests,” she said. “I also arranged for fresh deliveries from the market to ensure quality. If you prefer, I can have Cook keep a closer record of each expense.”
Catherine nodded prudently.
“That would be wise,” she said. “With so many guests expected, we must anticipate fluctuations in costs. If the kitchen staff require adjustments to their schedules, I should like to know before the gathering begins.”
The housekeeper nodded sagely.
“I shall speak with Cook this evening and report back tomorrow morning,” she promised.
Catherine turned to the list of arriving scholars.
“Regarding accommodations—Mr Edmund Price also prefers a room with minimal noise, does he not?”
“He does,” the housekeeper confirmed. “I have assigned him one of the south-facing rooms. The smaller parlour nearby will allow him to work privately if needed.”
“Good,” Catherine said, making a note. “And Mr Harold Fitzwilliam?”
Mrs Thornberry consulted one of her lists with a slight furrow of concentration.
“The north wing,” she said. “Near the library, at his lordship’s recommendation. He often reads late, so the distance from the guest quarters will serve him well.”
Catherine made another notation.
