She was flushed and smiling. ‘She says yes – but we must talk to Mrs Pearson first. And we can take what we like from the attic. And most of the food at the supper has to be made from eggs,’ she added, and both girls started to laugh. Hens were their standby. Dozens of them wandered around the beech woods and their eggs were plentiful even in wintertime. Mrs Pearson was eventually tracked down by Rose to Great-Aunt Lizzie’s bedroom. As they climbed the stairs, they could hear her scolding the maids. ‘Nora, haven’t you finished Lady Violet’s room yet? Dorothy has cleaned three bedrooms while you were lingering here. And Maud, hurry up, child, for goodness sake. There are ten more fireplaces for you to do.’ Mrs Pearson could never get used to having only three maids under her. ‘Don’t be cross, Mrs Pearson; we’ve come to you for some advice.’ Daisy knew that Mrs Pearson had a soft spot for good gossip and she led the housekeeper into Violet’s bedroom. ‘Poppy and I were thinking about having a birthday party for Violet next week; Great-Aunt says that we may, but we’re not sure what to do about it.
