midday
This was very pleasant for Patsey , as it united the privacy of a separate abode with the cheerfulness of the family home . She had her own servant , whose excellent cooking and , above all , whose scrupulous cleanliness and tidiness , astonished her after the rough meals and haphazard arrangements at Netherstock . Whenever she felt dull during Jean 's absences , she could run across the garden for a talk with his mother and sister ; at meals and in the evening she had Leigh , who spent most of his time at the cellars or in the counting house of Monsieur Martin ; learning for the first time habits of business , and applying himself eagerly to acquiring the language . The squire was put up at Monsieur Martin 's , and Polly slept in the one spare room at her sister 's , all the party from the pavilion going over to the house , to the midday meal and supper . The squire and Polly were much pleased with their visit . It was evident that Patsey had become a prime favourite with her husband 's family . Jean 's sister Louise was assiduous in teaching her French , and she had already begun to make some progress .