Spring is
upon us, and not an instant too soon. This winter has summoned an unprecedented
level of grumbles and grievances to which I have been needlessly exposed. It seems that certain elements of society are
not only challenged by bodily ailments incurred during a spate of frost, and
heating bills doubtless due to inefficient budgeting, they insist on vocalising
their petty complaints. Even an amble
into the village this week was spoilt by a quite unnecessarily public bemoaning.
In all likelihood I shall not venture to
the Library again for witnessing such negative attitudes at close quarters ruined
my day. My book recommendations will henceforth
be entrusted with the Royal Mail.
On a more positive note, the change
of season also instigates our annual spring clean. And not before time. When I last embarked upon an impromptu
inspection, albeit more exhaustive than usual, of Farthing Hall, I was dismayed
to discover that dust mites have infiltrated my crevices to an alarming degree
bringing to my formal quarters an unacceptable level of what I am forced to
concede is filth.
However, the staff have now been
summoned and assigned their duties and, with a concerted effort by everyone,
The Hall should be in tip top condition within the week. I believe I can rely upon their sense of duty,
despite their lack of verbal acquiescence.
Of course, some furnishings - I am
referring specifically to those silk drapes which bedeck the White Drawing Room - remain
in pristine condition but then I have lavished much personal attention upon
them. Given the self imposed task last
year of arranging importation of the fabric from those industrious little fellows
in the Far East I felt it necessary to maintain and monitor their allure myself.
There is nothing more beneficial than
regular hand treatment, as The Master frequently testifies.
Yet it is not my duty to oversee every
cleansing and polishing task that encompasses the Gosworthy-Pringle pile. An abundance of my time is already allotted to
charity commitments on top of which my numerous social obligations make
daily supervision of domestic duties simply impracticable.
No, it is beholden upon my employees
to respect the standards I prescribe. And for which they are adequately
rewarded, I might add. I trust they will
put my instructions into practise though I will, however, note all neglected areas
and include details of any lapses in the relevant staff appraisals.
