‘He’s busy as well, you know. You are not the only one who’s rushed off their feet. He’s been told to collect people all over the dale, for this ball at the weekend, and he’s busy with Christmas jobs just like the rest of us.’ Mazy was holding her own with the angry cook.

‘Busy poaching pheasants off the Maudsley estate, I suspect. I don’t suppose he’s got a spare brace, has he? I could do with one, if he’s some spare. Only if he has the time, of course,’ blustered Ruby.

‘Here, I’ll make your life easier and take Dorothy her dinner. She won’t be able to sit in here with this smell, you know what she’s like. Yes, I’ll tell Jethro you need a brace of pheasants – he’s got some hanging already, if you need them with a bit of taste. They should just be right for Christmas Day.’

Mazy reached for a tray and placed a cruet set, spoon, bowl of soup and plate with buttered bread on it. ‘That should do Her Ladyship Dorothy. Not that she’ll show her face anyway, because she knows you are busy in here and she’s in the morning room, mending clothes as usual. I’ll give Eve a shout – she’s busy in the hall seeing to the decorations – before I’m on my way to serve madam.’ Mazy lifted up the tray and left Ruby and Nancy shaking their heads in disbelief at how one of their group could get away with doing nowt.

‘Is your Ethan coming to the ball? He should, you know, if he’s courting young Rosie.’ Ruby sat down next to Mazy, on her return, and sipped her soup, waiting for her to reply.

‘Oh no. It’s not his place to be with the family. Mistress Isabelle won’t want him there. After all, he’ll be bringing the Atkinson family along in their carriage, and it wouldn’t be right.’ Mazy shook her head. She was proud that Ethan was courting Rosie, but knew his father did not agree with his son’s love for her and thought Ethan should know his place.

‘I don’t see why he shouldn’t. Miss Jane will have asked plenty of her friends. It’s not like it is a formal occasion, it’s only Christmas celebrations, and everyone should be welcome,’ said Eve as she enjoyed her soup, oblivious to the smell, which had dissipated into the cold air.