Francis flinched a little, either at the swearing or just at the tone, and his expression tautened for a split second as he closed and latched the door against the wind.

"I've only been here a few days," he said, his tone apologetic. "Once the weather clears a little, I mean to start on some of the repairs. But for now... It does keep the worst of the wind out." For now, there's just a bucket under the leak, already half-full. The rest of the cottage is surprisingly neat, books and maps stacked on the shelves and covered conscientiously with oilcloth to protect them from any more leaks. The hearth is swept and stacked with firewood to keep the blazing fire banked.

Francis gestures his guest towards the wooden chair by the fire, and snatches up a blanket from one of the two cots at the edge of the room, holding it out. "Here. My clothes may be a little small for you, but I'll see whether there's anything dry you can change into while you warm up."