some thought that she had several indentured servants , some thought only one or two-no one present had actually set foot in rose hall , but of course people said ... a few minutes later , the gossip had turned to fresh meat , and the incredible behavior of the new curate , mr. jones , with the widowed mrs. mina alcott , but then , what could be expected of a woman with her reputation , and surely it was not entirely the young man 's fault , and she so much older , though of course , one in holy orders might be expected to be held to a higher standard ... i made an excuse and slipped away to the ladies ' retiring room , my ears ringing .