From the corner of his eye, he noticed Nat wiping his hands on his trousers. They were going to have to work on manners. Though Tobias did not care particularly about all the little demands of etiquette, he did believe that some basic manners were necessary to get on in society.

"You're welcome. Aye, a wife and a newborn bairn. My wife gave birth only a few days ago and is still lying in, and we're glad when our daughter sleeps, so you are to keep your voice down and be calm when ye're in the house. There's also Mrs. Carpenter, the wetnurse, Jenny, the maid, and Jimmy, who helps around the farm outside of school hours. Ye'll share the stables with him as his mother's cottage is crowded."