That had him frown a little. A cottage hardly seemed like proper accommodation for a young lady from a good family. He knew of the single or two room tenement dwellings that were called 'cottages' in certain parts of town. But she said she lived just outside of town. That might be a little better.

"That sounds like an austere way of life, miss. I hope your home is secure at least? Do you have a guard or a male servant at least?"

It reminded her of that wayward Carrington girl. She had gone off to live on her own among the paupers. What was it with young ladies these days? If he would not keep a close eye on Alexandra's doings, he feared his eldest daughter might end up living in the same way. Such crazy notions had already infected her poor pliable young mind, and it was probably only Arthur's firm hand that kept her from doing so.