That sounded pretty much 'by herself' to Tobias. And he doubted how responsible she was. Once again the girl spoke without being spoken to, and without any humility too. But although he disapproved of her boldness, he couldn't help finding it slightly amusing as well.

"Well, in that case ye can work alongside yer brother." He turned to Edmund. "If the weather permits we'll do a round of haymakin' just after t' Regatta. Ye can come on t' nineteenth. It's t' first potatoes after that. Should get ye over a week's worth of work at least. If ye show ye know what ye're doin' and ye can work hard, I'll put in a good word for ye with t' local farmers, see if someone will hire ye permanently. There will be other workers comin' in for the potato pickin' as well. We work from eight to five, and ye'll get yer meals. I'll pay ye a shillin' and three pence a day and yer sister six pence."