The lesson here: Two can keep a secret if one is dead.

Form: a backless bench.

Ha. No, but it was very heavy and had a cover with a rim so it could be placed on the coals, with coals on the lid.

"Give it quite over". A nice expression. Personally I prefer "FUGETT IT".

Scullery maid up for promotion to chamber maid at Liz's behest.

Hoping the waist was not a waste.

That's "Mistress Gosnell". "Mrs" Does not imply she is married.

I hope! It's been almost finished for ages.

They sure knew their Latin and Greek, though.

Huh! And I thought it was the Jewish house of worship. Guess not.

I've always wondered if titles like Lord this and Sir that convey any actual authority. Or were they simply rewards for past services or perhaps distinguished ancestry? In this case the two Sir Williams seem to be subordinate to Samuel.

Time to borrow some mortgage money and buy a house of your own. That would be my suggestion.