I would bet all my spare knicker elastic, she and him, they’ll be kissing soon.’ I reckon she is sweet on Jack, but gives out that she isn’t. A proper scold she’s becoming these days. God, ye should hear her giving out if something gets behind. Amy has no issue with a good natter, mind, she just likes to know the work is done first. She would be in here after us, dragging me out by my ear. ‘Does Amy know we are up here?’ Ruby asked. As Jane now dragged up a chair and Ruby poured the coffee from the silver pot she had used to serve Lady Isobel, she was thankful Jane was in a good mood today. The pleasant Jane turned up rarely but when she did, the entire staff breathed a sigh of relief.
It was anyone’s guess whether a sour and miserable Jane would turn up for her oats and milk or a bright and cheerful one. Ruby always knew by breakfast time what mood Jane was going to be in for the day. ‘Amy is in a good mood today and sure, that can’t have anything to do with Jack being sat at the kitchen table, can it?’ ‘I got us two hot bracks while I was in the kitchen,’ she whispered. Nevertheless, at the allotted time, Ruby made her way to the linen cupboard, pushing the trolley in front of her and Jane came in through the door, struggling with a large plate. I only want to see him, I’m just curious, she told herself over and over, knowing that she would reveal her thoughts to no one, not even Betsy or Lottie. She reasoned with herself and fought with her own thoughts and emotions. Each time she heard footsteps on the landing, she crept to the door and peeped outside, without really knowing why. But despite her best intentions, Ruby found herself looking for him at any opportunity. She had no business being in the study, that room was the responsibility of Mr McKinnon and Betsy, who kept the fire burning. Ruby had not seen Lord Charles since yesterday. Within minutes, she had become curious, if not fascinated by the man who was, in effect, her employer and the husband of the woman she had come to care for. He mouth had dried, her pulse had raced and she felt her scalp tighten.
She had been alarmed at her own reaction. She could even smell him as she bent and served his tea. Ruby had never met or seen a man who looked or dressed as he did, other than in the magazines that arrived for Lady Isobel from London. Betsy had been right to describe him as gorgeous. Ruby had wondered what Jane wanted to discuss, but her thoughts soon turned to Lord Charles. ‘Meet me in the linen room after the lady has been served her morning trolley and save me some bloody coffee.’ Ruby and Jane had arranged to meet just after breakfast. Some had even been in this state of limbo waiting to be sent to England since before the war. A collection of damaged chairs from the castle were scattered around the room, awaiting attention and repair. In the linen room, a damaged linen basket had been overturned and the castors removed to provide a makeshift table. Scottish, buttoned up, proper, she was astounded by the capacity of Irish women to talk and secretly envied them this rich source of entertainment.
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