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“You can see the problem.”

“I do not know what to say, or how to help.”

“Ask Mr. Jones to join us please.”

Five minutes later the three of them were alone in the study of Napier Hall, what had always been called the Master’s study and which everyone was slowly getting used to calling the Mistress’ study.

“I have been able to hold society at length for all these months. I needed the time to mourn, to recover from the death of Lord Napier, but I also needed time to overcome my own issues. That we are about to have this conversation is evidence that I am not yet over them. I wish you to hear the following direct from me. There will be no assumptions, and no unspoken words. The two of you have a role in my household for life. And the men that you trust Mr. Jones, also have that security. Regardless of what happens you are now Napier family retainers.”

Too many people were discarded in society, used and then left to fend for themselves. Using Hobbes’ quote their remaining lives would be ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short’. Jones himself had seen this when discharged from the Army.

Elizabeth Napier wanted to reassure her key employees. The domestic staff were important, the Agent and Stewards were even more important but they all did their jobs well with limited interference from her. And in the case of the agricultural overseers, they were watched closely by Lawrence. But the sense of safety of her person, the control over her own life, ensuring she maintained her freedom? She relied upon these two people. And so she wanted to give them that same comfort.

What she did not fully think through to its natural conclusion was the impact of her statement. Yes, it provided them with that sense of security, but it also engendered fierce loyalty. A loyalty that would be demonstrated in the months and years ahead.

“I do not wish what I am about to tell you to be shared. You know how much I value my privacy.”

With a deep breath Elizabeth shared the bare bones of her story. No names or locations but the essence of her tale; daughter of a minor gentleman, helping a sick sister, the night of the incident, the following weeks where everyone turned on her, the need to find a position thus why she was on Harley Street that morning. No mention of her aunt and uncle, or of being thrown out twice. Left unsaid was the future she faced.

She had provided them with the Rosetta Stone to decipher Lady Napier. There had been, there was, this huge air of mystery to her, and now the two of them could understand many of her traits, and the reasons for them.

“Why did you decide to trust us now?”

It was an astute question from Harriet.

“Because I have to trust someone and I doubt that I can survive many weeks of societal scrutiny unless you know the reason for the way I act. And the reasons for talking, and even more importantly not talking, about certain aspects of my life.

“It is another reason I spoke of your positions before we started. It is entirely possible I will be excluded from society. There is as little known of me as some émigré French aristocrat from 20 years ago. There will be lots of questions. If I have to retire back here to Napier Hall then so be it. That I am prepared to venture into society lets you see that I wish to have more varied contact with others. But I would survive in comfort, indeed in luxury, out here in the country. And you would be retained.

“I take huge comfort from my guards. I do not trust anyone. The two of you, and Mr. Lawrence my lawyer, are closest to gaining my full trust, but I am unsure I will ever trust anyone fully. Too many bad things happened to me in such a short time. My entire life was shattered for no other reason than it could be. It would not be ideal but I could easily cope with keeping the world at arm’s length.

“All of that being said, I cannot become the Hermit Lady. To Mayfair we must set off, and I will need your assistance while there.”

Jones spoke for the first time.

“How many men, my Lady?”

“I will turn that back to you. Assume that we will leave two men here to maintain overt security on the estate. There will be grooms and footmen as normal. But they are not my armed guards.”

“I will consider this my Lady, and will make a proposal this week.”

“Excellent.”

--

“Welcome Mr. Lawrence.”

It was the middle of January 1814 and Lady Napier had returned to Napier House at the end of the previous week. The knocker was still down but she knew she could not delay much longer.

“There is much to discuss my Lady.”

“List all the matters you wish to discuss and let us group them into matters that are easy to deal with and those that will require more time.”

“Your finances and further investment opportunities are in the first category my Lady. There is a lot of matters to discuss but they can be dealt with. It is a matter of just spending the time rather than of any particular complexity. You provide the direction and I deal with all the actual detail.”

She nodded.

“Excellent. Once we have summarised what is before us then we will start with them. What else?”