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“Who?” she asked.

“Jim and Hester Simkins.”

His mother’s brow furrowed. “They’re tenants of Farwell Hall.”

“They are. Jim is an exceptionally hard worker, as was Hester until she was required to be at home with her baby.”

“The baby has come already?” His mother set a hand to her cheek. “Oh my. I have so much catching up to do. Your father was right. We should have returned to Farwell Hall sooner.”

“Be that as it may,” Benedict said, “you are here now, and the Simkinses will undoubtedly benefit because of it.”

A look of determination settled upon his mother’s face, and she pointed to the kitchen table. “Sit. Both of you. I wish to hear everything.”

After Benedict had told his mother about Jim’s recent fall, he had Caroline tell her about the empty state of the kitchen cupboards, Hester’s exhaustion, and their newborn child’s obvious hunger. When Caroline had finished speaking, deep concern shone in his mother’s eyes.

“Oh, poor, sweet Hester! She must be beside herself.”

“She’s badly lacking in sleep and food,” Caroline said. “But once those things improve, I believe she will manage.”

“She may need some extra help until Jim is back on his feet again,” Benedict added.

“Most certainly.” His mother studied the stove thoughtfully. Two pots were on the boil, and if the smell coming from the oven was any indication, the pots’ contents would be accompanying roast duck. “Mrs. Newson?”

Cook was at the counter, rolling out pastry. She stopped, wiped her floured hands on her apron, and approached the table. “Yes, m’lady.”

“Have you prepared enough for our evening meal to fill two extra plates?”

Cook glanced at the half-prepared pie on the counter. “If I supplement the apple pie with some steamed apples, I can manage that, m’lady.”

“Wonderful.” His mother offered Cook a pleased smile. “We have a duty to fulfill, Mrs. Newson, and I rather think we are both going to enjoy the exercise.”

“Very good, my lady. What can I do t’ help?”

“We shall begin with two plates of food, and then we shall move on to filling a food basket,” his mother said.

Cook appeared remarkably unperturbed, and Benedict received the strong impression that this was not the first time these two ladies had had a conversation such as this.

“You will be assisting an injured father, a nursing mother, and a hungry baby, Mrs. Newson,” Caroline said.

Cook’s expression softened. “Lady Farwell and me, we’ll know just what t’ do, Miss Caroline. Don’t you fret.”

Caroline’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, and Benedict marveled at the perception exhibited by each of the women at the table. How they recognized needs and emotions so readily, he could not fathom, but he was immensely thankful for it.

“What would you have me do to help, Mother?”

“Nothing.” She waved her hand as though shooing him away. “You have done your part already by bringing this to my attention. Cook and I will make sure the Simkinses are well cared for.” She paused. “It has been far too long since I have visited our tenants. I shall make it a priority to stop at every house over the next fortnight.”

“Thank you, Mother. And if you learn that any are wanting for flour or bread, would you tell them that I shall be ordering flour from Gloucester to be delivered to the local shop?”

“Whyever would you need to do that?”

Benedict shook his head. “The entire story will need to wait until I have uncovered the whole of it. Suffice it to say, there is a need in the community for more flour, and as I feel a rather significant measure of responsibility for the shortage, I intend to do something to put it right.”

“Very well.” His mother’s perplexed expression suggested that she would have preferred to know more, but Benedict was grateful that she did not push. Until he spoke with Rowe, there was little he could offer her.

“If there is truly nothing further that Caroline or I can do, we shall leave you to your planning,” he said.

“Yes.” His mother rose. He and Caroline came to their feet, and his mother circled the table to stand before Caroline. She took her hands. “Thank you for your help today. I know full well that when you gave your report on Hester’s condition, you glossed over the assistance you offered her. We are all most grateful you are back in Leyfield.”