The blossoming feeling of dread in her bosom dissipated, as though it had never been there, at the question. References would be forgotten. A tour of the house. Imogen knew she could scarcely have hoped for more.

"I should like one very much, Ma'am," she answered gratefully, "but I shouldn't wish to be a bother."

Then again, Imogen realized, it was likely the existing staff were busy working. She should not give the impression that she was more important than their daily tasks—tasks that she would soon be joining them in, with only a pinch more luck.

"If you're certain it would be no trouble, though," Imogen concluded.