Mabena’s hum vibrated with irritation, but Libby didn’t look back at her to see if she was glowering. She simply took the key ring. “Yes. Thank you.”

“She’ll take any laundry you have for us at the same time. Mind, that’s extra. You pay by the article, as you would at any fancy hotel in London.”

She’d never stayed in a fancy hotel in London—they had a townhouse, after all—but she saw no reason to point that out. Mama had sent her ample funds to see her through the summer. “That sounds reasonable.” She tried to peek past Mrs. Pepper into the house. It was the size of their gardener’s cottage at Telford Hall. It wouldn’t take long to explore, but she’d like to get about it so she could get everything where she wanted and escape back to the out of doors.

Apparently, Mrs. Pepper was no more eager to dawdle. “The lease is on the table, miss. Read and sign it at your leisure, and Kayna or I will fetch it back tomorrow when we bring your meals. There are supplies enough in there now for this evening and breakfast. And a few little guidebooks, if you’ve a curiosity about the place. If you need anything more, your girl can find us at the corner of Garrison Lane and Well Lane. Mr. Pepper or I will see you have anything you need.”

Because her bank’s wire had gone through without a hitch, no doubt. The woman certainly didn’t seem to welcome her with anything like warmth. But that was all right. Libby didn’t need her for a friend. Clutching her valise in her hands, she smiled again. “Thank you, Mrs. Pepper. I’m certain we’ll find everything perfectly satisfactory.”

“Good.” With that, the woman finally cleared the doorway and strode away.

Mabena let out a huff. “The Peppers. Never much got along with them.”

Having no commentary on the family as a whole, Libby merely grinned and charged into her new home, while Mabena announced that their trunks were arriving and she’d oversee their being brought in.

The living area was small indeed. But prettily decorated, and the windows looked out over the bay and the wall of the garrison. Adjoining it was a tiny little kitchen with a table right there among the shelves and the stove. It would be like sneaking down for a midnight biscuit, only for every meal—eating right there in the kitchen. She hurried to look at the other rooms, finding the necessary and bathtub and two bedrooms of nearly equal size. She chose the one with the harbor view, affording her a lovely sight of the other islands.