Next morning, at loose ends since he had not yet received specific orders from his employer, Martin wandered through the manor house and explored the closest part of the grounds. He was sitting in an area perhaps once a rose garden, when Ned found him.
“His Honor be ready to see ye,” the small fellow announced. “I will be takin’ ye.”
They hurried in through a door Martin had not even noticed and followed a route that led through a hall, which seemed to contain the servant’s quarters and ended in an alcove off the kitchen. From there, they twisted around and ended up at a room in which Martin had not yet been, not far from the library and the future schoolroom.
Ned tapped on the door.
“Enter.” The response sounded low, smooth, and commanding.
At Ned’s nod, Martin opened the door and st
