The library! I am to dust the library! His lordship’s special domain, where no one is permitted to disturb him. I am to light the fire, and even as it catches, I am to start dusting, from the top of each high shelf to the bottom. Some of the books are behind grilles: I must not touch these unless the grilles are unlocked. If there are books on his desk, I must not touch them, but must whisk the feather duster around them. I must be finished by nine o’clock sharp. If his lordship appears early, I must curtsy and back out, even if I have not finished. Even if he speaks to me, even if he talks very kindly, I must curtsy and back out.
And, adds Mrs Baird, with such a straight face I think that inside she is laughing at me, I am not even to think of borrowing any of the books. Not a single one. Ever. And then I do not think she is laughing any more.