Chapter 33

The other three looked at him blankly.

Chef Rupert was the first to speak. "But he does that to everyone."

"Mrs. Rutledge doesn't like it," Jake muttered.

Mrs. Pennywhistle leaned her chin on her hand and tapped her jaw thoughtfully. "I believe she would be a good influence on him, was she ever inclined to try."

"Nothing," Jake said decisively, "will ever change Harry Rutledge."

"Still," the housekeeper mused, "I think the two of them may need a bit of help."

"From whom?" Chef Rupert asked.

"From all of us," the housekeeper replied. "It's all to our benefit if the master is happy, isn't it?"

"No," Jake said firmly. "I've never known anyone more ill-equipped for happiness. He wouldn't know what to do with it."

"All the more reason he should try it," Mrs. Pennywhistle declared.

Jake gave her a warning glance. "We are not going to meddle in Mr. Rutledge's personal life. I forbid it."