John had seen Eleanor and her sisters riding away from the Park. He’d known he would be too late. Yet it hadn’t been until he was dressed that he remembered she’d told him they went as soon as it was light enough to see. St. Albans hadn’t shown up at all. John shouldn’t be surprised. The man had probably gone back to his old habits. Fortunately, he had none to break. At least not in that respect.

He exercised Aramus and returned to the house. After he broke his fast, he went into his study. Eleanor wanted a list of his needs and he must have it completed by the time he joined her for tea. Looking at the letters on his desk, he really wished he’d hired a secretary. A younger man who had some experience would suit. Perhaps one of Eleanor’s brothers knew someone.

The top letter on the stack was from his steward.

My lord,

As you might have supposed, planting has been proceeding more slowly than usual. Although I am happy to report that some of the farmers in the area have offered to assist us. Anything you can do to bring in new tenants would be greatly appreciated. We have also had a bit of a problem with strangers—men—coming into the market town. One of our new arrivals saw them and warned the others to remain out of their sight. Our old dependents gave the men a cold welcome and they soon left.

Yr. Servant,
Pearsall

Damn. Strangers looking to cause problems was a difficulty John did not need when he was stuck in Town. He hoped he wouldn’t have to go home and then return. He raked his fingers through his hair.

The list.

He took out a cut sheet of foolscap, dipped his pen into the inkpot, and wrote the first position he had open.

Farmers

Other needs quickly followed.

Blacksmith
Tailor

He wondered how the woman who had experience in baking was coming along. Perhaps she needed help.

Baker

A childhood rhyme floated around in his head.

The butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker.

He didn’t need a butcher or a candlestick maker, but the butcher could use a wife. His had died.

Shopkeepers

At present, the whole area was reliant on traveling merchants. That reminded him of another position.

Innkeeper