‘I know that entertaining Master Augustus is not what some might see as your job, my dear,’ Mrs Cox says, ‘but I’d advise you to do it with good grace. The more you meet with the aristocracy, even their schoolboy sons, the easier you’ll be in their company. So tomorrow, when her ladyship gives me her orders for the day, I will tell her that I can excuse you your duties. It’s such a shame the other young gentlemen are so full of measles they can’t leave their rooms, and it’s as likely as not the unaffected guests will depart as soon as maybe. But this will be yet another opportunity for you to prove how useful you are.’
‘Wouldn’t a footman be better company for him?’ I venture.
‘His mama fears they would be too rough with him or lead him into bad ways. So tomorrow there will be no dusting, no sweeping: you will be out in the fresh air. And apart from enjoying yourself, you may earn a nice fat tip. Off you go now – but remember, you need to have learnt that sonnet by heart for tomorrow evening.’