The moment the cook entered with red-rimmed eyes, Audrey knew the news wasn’t good. It had been a day filled with bad news, and she braced herself for more. “Mrs. Culbert, are you well?”
“No, miss. I’m afraid my dear Mr. Culbert has gone on to his heavenly reward.”
Audrey walked to the cook and pulled her into a comforting hug. She doubted very seriously that grumpy Mr. Culbert would go to heaven, but she kept that thought to herself, not wanting to cause the cook any more distress. “I’m so sorry to hear that. What might I do to help?”
“Nothing, miss. You have enough worries of your own to tend to. The burial will be tomorrow, so I’ll make extra food for you and your sisters today to tide you over until I return.”
Audrey released her and stepped back. “Mrs. Culbert, you’re too kind. I was wondering…”
“Yes, miss?”
“I don’t know what your plans are after the funeral, but I would like to offer you lodging here if you’d like.”
“Permanently?”
“Yes.”
“You would do that for me?”
“Of course. You’re like family to us. We would love to have you here, knowing that you’ll be safe and not living alone in Cheapside.”
Mrs. Culbert pulled a handkerchief out of her sleeve and wiped her tear-stained face. “You’re too good for this world, Miss Parker. Thank you for your generosity.”
“Of course. But there is one thing you must know before you accept my offer.”
“What’s that?”
“The solicitor has informed me that the quarterly allowance will be quite diminished due to a bad harvest at the country estate. There will be money for food and coal, but little left over for wages for you and Beckwith.”
“I see. Well, that will not be a problem for me. I can be quite creative in the kitchen with basic items,” Mrs. Culbert said. “Besides, without having to worry about paying rent or buying that expensive medicine for Mr. Culbert, I shall be perfectly content here.”
Audrey let go of a pent-up breath. She hadn’t been sure if the cook would agree to stay on, knowing how tight funds were going to be. She wouldn’t have blamed her if she’d wanted to seek another position that would actually pay her for her work.
“I’m so glad. Thank you for your loyalty. As soon as I earn some money, I’ll make sure you’re paid.”
“Miss Parker, don’t worry about that. I’m grateful to have a roof over my head and a warm bed to sleep in.”
Audrey nodded. “Beckwith will help you move your things after the burial.”
“That will be much appreciated,” Mrs. Culbert said. “There won’t be much to move. I’ve had to sell almost everything to pay for Mr. Culbert’s medicine.”
“I see. Well, whatever you have, please bring it here. There’s plenty of space for your things.”
“Thank you, miss,” Mrs. Culbert said. She left the parlor as Grace and Mia were coming in.
“Audrey, why is Mrs. Culbert crying?” Grace asked. “Is she leaving us for another position?”
Audrey shook her head. “No. Mr. Culbert passed last night.”
“Oh, that’s awful. Poor Mrs. Culbert,” Mia said.
“There is a bit of good news, though,” Audrey continued. “She has agreed to move in with us.”
“Where will she stay?” Grace asked.
“As there’s not a suitable room off the kitchen for her, I’ll move my things into Papa’s bedchamber, and Mrs. Culbert can have my room. It’s small but should suit her well.”
“I’m glad she’ll be living with us now,” Mia said. “She makes the best treats.”
