Martin, or Creepy Martin, as he was commonly known, was still enjoying his dubious successes with the Austenland patrons. Kittens, foals and an unexpectedly frisky litter of imported salt-water crocodiles had the ladies fainting at his feet. Still miffed that he was yet to be promoted to the big house, he actively jostled for promotion at every opportunity, prompting Mrs Wattlesbrook to run in the opposite direction whenever she saw him coming. The retirement of the resident taxidermist brought some tasks his way that weren't exactly to his taste but he was more intimately acquainted than ever with the fake birds he had charge of placing at the start of each day.