Abilene nodded quickly. She certainly understood his wishes for her not to spread gossip, for she sometimes feared the same. "Of course, ser," she replied, "I'm not a gossip and I don't think it's my business to concern myself with the private business of yer family." The pay was satisfactory, but Abilene was more relieved about the food and board. She'd been cooking for herself (and others) for a long while, so that was nothing new, but the chance to leave her shabby cottage in Whitby, live outside of the town for a good time while she reevaluated what she wanted out of her life, was good to her. And she didn't mind staying out of sight, if that's what the Appletons wanted. She'd spent many of the last few years trying to get out of the spotlight, and here was her chance, to live quietly and simply, and she was excited for that.