Falling Angels ~ a teaser

Today's teaser is from page 85 of  Falling Angels ~ by Tracy Chevalier, 2001.

Once or twice I've convinced the missus that I should go instead of her.  Rest of the time I've to sneak out of an afternoon.  He ain't there evenings.  Gardeners work shorter hours than maids, I like to remind him.

"Yep, an' we get paid twice as much," he said.  "It's a dog's life, innit?"