Free The Painter's Apprentice by Charlotte Betts Page B

asked to be
     discreet about our guest. She is an important lady who needs a short while to escape from the pressures of the world. In the
     past year she has suffered a stillbirth and the death of two children from the smallpox. In addition there are other … pressures
     and her state of mind is fragile.’
    ‘Poor soul!’ said Beth. ‘Shall I write the labels for the lavender oil?’
    Susannah took a pen and ink from a drawer and placed it on the counter. ‘I believe you met our visitor who arrived last night?’
    ‘I did. He admired my paintings and then we went to walk in the garden.’
    ‘He came to Merryfields to see if it was a suitable place for this lady.’
    Carefully, Beth wrote
Oil of Lavender
in her neatest writing and couldn’t resist adding a tiny drawing of a bunch of lavender.
    ‘He was most interested in what we do here. He also thought that you would be an admirable companion for her during her stay.
     A young lady of compassion and good sense is how he described you. As our expected guest is only a few months older than you,
     it should not be too onerous a duty.’
    ‘Who is she?’
    ‘A titled lady who wishes to remain anonymous. She will be known as Mistress Anne Morley while she is with us. The visitor
     who came last night is the Bishop of London. She used to be the Bishop’s pupil and he has remained her confidant and adviser.’
    ‘Noah’s bishop? But he didn’t seem like a bishop at all! I thought he must be a farmer.’
    ‘How should a bishop be?’
    ‘Not someone whose eyes sparkle in such a merry way or who likes dirtying his hands in the garden or who rides on a horse
     rather than in a carriage.’
    Susannah laughed. ‘He used to be in the army so he’s of a practical nature but all those things don’t prevent him from being
     a clergyman.’
    ‘No, I suppose not. I know that Noah likes him.’
    ‘It was Noah who told the Bishop about Merryfields. We must thank him for that since the fee for accommodating Mistress Morley
     will make a significant improvement in our circumstances.’
    ‘I see.’ Beth wiped the pen clean and stoppered the ink. In that, at least, Noah had brought them good fortune.

Chapter 8
    December 1687
    Beth and Susannah were in the great hall making a final inspection of the tables, carefully laid for dinner. Sara had polished
     the pewter with lemon juice and horsetail until it gleamed and Poor Joan had shown a surprising aptitude for folding the starched
     napkins into intricate crowns. Beth had arranged garlands of holly, yew and ivy running down the length of the tables.
    ‘It all looks very fine,’ said Susannah with a satisfied sigh. ‘I was worried it wouldn’t be what our new guest is used to
     but I don’t think she can find fault here. I’d better poke my nose into the kitchen and then all we have to do is wait.’
    The kitchen table was laden with fine white manchet bread, fragrant apple and quince pies all sparkling with sugar, the coffin
     of mixed meats decorated with pastry birds with real pheasant’s feathers for their tails and two monstrous pike on a dish,
     while the venison, the lamb and a spiced beef stew kept warm by the fire.
    Jennet was almost lost behind the stack of pots and pans she wasscrubbing, Peg was mashing a dish of carrots and Sara was chopping herbs, while Phoebe arranged half a dozen golden-roasted
     chickens on a platter, watched closely by the tabby cat.
    ‘It is only one new guest arriving, isn’t it,’ asked Beth, her mouth watering. ‘We could feed the five thousand with all of
     this.’
    ‘I tell you, my feet are as swollen as two pigs’ bladders,’ said Peg. ‘We’ve been at it since before dawn and there’s still
     supper to make ready for later.’
    ‘What a feast!’ said Susannah. ‘Get down, Tabitha!’ She gently pushed the cat off the table as she jumped up to investigate,
     ‘Well done, all of you. You’ve done Merryfields proud.’
    The garden door flew open and Joseph burst