“Good.” He straightened slightly in his chair. “The job is 6 days a week. Sundays are yours. There is a small room at the back of the house. It is clean and private. You are welcome to stay here, or continue living where you are currently and come in each morning. That choice is yours.”
Rebecca thought for just a second. “I will come in each morning, sir, if that is all right. I’m used to my own space.”
He nodded as if he understood that perfectly, as if he understood more than most people the need for a space that was entirely your own.
“Very well,” he said.
He stood, which meant the conversation was over, and extended his hand. Rebecca stood and shook it. His handshake was firm and brief.
“Grace will show you around the house today,” he said. “She will explain the routine. You can begin properly next Monday. That gives you a few days to arrange your things.”
“Thank you, sir,” Rebecca said.
He gave a small nod and turned to walk back toward his study. Then he stopped, just for a moment, without turning around.
“Rebecca,” he said.
“Sir?”
A pause, short but noticeable, as if he had started a sentence and then changed his mind about how to finish it.
“Welcome,” he said simply.